Home

by | Dec 29, 2022

The Good Shepherd’s Garden Party :: Week One

Apr 16, 2012 | | 6 Comments


When Israel fled from Egypt’s hand,  the seas split wide to form dry land, 
the mountains leapt like ewes and rams,  the hillsides skipped like playful lambs.  
What makes you leap, O hill and sea? Why, Jordan, do you turn and flee?
O, tremble, earth, your Lord is come to lead all people safely home. 

Like Charlotte’s children, mine also love and look forward to celebrating the 50 days of Easter with the Garden of the Good Shepherd!  They wouldn’t even hear of possibly skipping a year and promised to do whatever they could to help with the daily readings and parties.  🙂

The first week is based on “The Good Shepherd’s Pasture.”  We had our first Good Shepherd’s Garden Party yesterday afternoon, after returning home from Mass, as our Sunday lunch/dinner.  Our little Bud has been extra fussy these past few days (and nights) and I think his ears might be bothering him.  I’m going to be calling his pediatrician this morning and maybe take him in for a check-up.   The poor little guy has been miserable!  Thankfully my big kids were all so much help, as usual, setting the table and creating the recipes from the menu for our party.


~ The Good Shepherd :: Mini Shepherd Pies ~ 

Our children (except for Snuggles) love these mini shepherd pies.   I made a double batch, making a few in ramekins for hubby and I without the crusts.  These were Captain’s favorite part of the meal.   He passes on the desserts in order to have another a 4th!  I am always amazed at how much food our growing boys can eat…

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own and my own know me, as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep.” John 10:14-15


~ The Shepherd’s Crook :: Shepherd’s Crook Breadsticks ~ 

I wasn’t able to find breadstick dough, but pizza dough worked great cut into strips.

“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want; he makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul. 
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; 
 for thou art with me;
 thy rod and thy staff,
 they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me
 in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil; 
 my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
 all the days of my life,
 and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
 for ever.” Psalm 23:1-6


~ The Sheepfold :: God’s Sheep and Sheepfold Salad~ 

Popcorn is white and fluffy, like sheep, and when air-popped, sometimes a piece of popcorn comes flying out of the popper and flies across the room, like a lost sheep. Remind the children that, like sheep, we wander astray sometimes. The fence protects the Shepherd’s sheep from straying from him. The bowl is like the fence for the popcorn.


Rascal made the popcorn with the help of Snuggles and Rose a couple little “wolves” ready and waiting to catch any little “sheep” that went astray!


He also made a quick salad, topped with some feta (sheep’s milk) cheese.

“Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheepfold by the door but climbs in by another way, that man is a thief and a robber; but he who enters by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the gatekeeper opens; the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. A stranger they will not follow, but they will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers. This figure Jesus used with them, but they did not understand what he was saying to them.” John 10:1-6 


~ The Gate of the Sheepfold :: Graham Cracker Gates ~ 

While I was busy preparing the Shepherd’s Pies, Twinkle Toes assembled the Graham Cracker Gates.
 
“So Jesus again said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not heed them. I am the door; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” John 10:7-10 


~ The Ewe & Ram :: Ewe and Ram Cupcakes Chocolates ~

Since we had a special dessert we wanted to make for Divine Mercy Sunday, we decided to skip the cupcakes this year.   Instead we attached some paper horns to one of our lindt lamb chocolates to create our “ram.”   We actually didn’t end up eating the chocolates, but they made a cute decoration. 

“When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” A second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Tend my sheep.” He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” And he said to him, “Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep.” John 21:15-17


~ The Lamb :: Lamb’s Wool ~ 

I bought all the ingredients to make our Lamb’s Wool punch, but ran out of time.  Instead I just filled a pitcher with some of the leftover punch ingredients (juice and 7-up) from Easter and Captain decorated the table with some little lambs. 

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples; and he looked at Jesus as he walked, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” John 1:35-36


~ The Wolf :: Wolf Paw Cookies ~ 

Like always, Captain assembled the Wolf Paw Cookies.  He did a great job!

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep. He who is a hireling and not a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees; and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.” John 10:11-12


~ Divine Mercy Sunday :: Strawberry-Coconut Trifle ~ 

I had bought the ingredients to make this recipe for Easter Sunday, but ran out of time. Since it is red and white I thought it would make an appropriate addition to our menu to celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday.   Now I just need to figure out what to do with all the leftovers of this dairy filled dessert.  It is just way too tempting sitting in the fridge!


Twinkle Toes set our table with our red tablecloth and white plates, also in honor of Divine Mercy Sunday.   Everything looked so pretty!


Snuggles kept cracking us up with his Shepherd’s Crook breadstick, hanging it on his arm and saying, with his best British accent, “I’m Thomson and Thompson! We must go investigate.  Precisely! Oh, Thompson, he forgot his cane… Oh I forgot my cane!” 


My brother Brian and his family came over Friday for dinner and a game night.   He had us all laughing so hard with some of the stories from our childhood.   Anyhow, it was decided that he needed to pass on his nickname of “Bread Boy” to this picky little nephew.  😉



We are all looking forward to next week’s Garden Party:  Welcome to the Lord’s Table

Don’t forget to head over to Catholic Cuisine to share pictures from your party!

First Holy Communion Gift Ideas

Apr 13, 2012 | , | 28 Comments

This past January our oldest two daughters received their First Holy Communion at the Mass that took place just before their baby brother’s baptism.  It was a beautiful day filled with blessings for our family!

Since then I have been getting quite a few emails asking for ideas for First Holy Communion gifts.   I’ve tried emailing some of you back, but, as always, I am quite behind with answering emails and figured it’s about time I just finished up this post, which has been sitting in my drafts folder since January!

Below you will find some of the gifts we purchased for our daughters, a couple of the many gifts they received, and some additional ideas as well.

.: First Holy Communion Handkerchiefs :.

I ordered these beautiful handkerchiefs from Catholic Embroidery.  I asked Mary to choose the design for me and they turned out lovely!  (Underneath the embroidered design she embroidered the girls’ names as well, but I removed them from the picture, since I use nicknames for my children online. )  Catholic Embroidery also has other products that would be perfect First Holy Communion Gifts including Mass Bags and Rosary Cases!

.: Prayer Books :.

We choose two little prayer books for each of the girls.  Actually I have been saving these for years!  The Jesus Make Me Worthy prayer book was originally published in 1960 and I was so happy to find some original new copies.  I purchased a couple when the girls were babies to save for “someday” when they made their First Holy Communion!  It has since been reprinted and you can find a copy here or here.  Our boys received the re-printed black copy of Jesus Make Me Worthy for their First Holy Communions.

The second book, Divine Light, is also a pre-vatican II prayer book for children and is printed in Italy.  This book includes morning and evening prayers; prayers to Our Lady and the angels; acts of faith, hope, and charity; fifteen mysteries of the Rosary; examination of conscience; simple Mass prayers for children; the Stations of the Cross; and more.  You can find this sweet little book here.

.: First Communion Bracelets :.

The beautiful little First Communion bracelets that my girls wore on their special day, were a gift from a visitor here at Shower of Roses.  They are just lovely!!  Marianne, if you decide to open up an Etsy shop to sell these precious bracelets, let me know and I will be sure to share the link.  🙂

Ruth, at Loreto Rosaries, sells a beautiful First Holy Communion Rosary Bracelet (or perhaps the First Holy Communion Tenner for boys) that would also make a lovely gift and keepsake.  I also really like this Freshwater Pearl Bracelet.

.: First Communion Rosary :.

There are so many options to be found online for First Communion Rosaries.   I kept searching, trying to pick out the perfect ones for my girls, and then ran out of time to place an order!   I was so excited when I had an email from Barbara (Mary Devotions) asking if she could make a couple to send as a gift.   She made a pink one for Twinkle Toes and a purple one for Chiquita.    The girls just LOVE their new rosaries!

.: First Communion Dolls :.

Aren’t these First Communion Felt Softies just the cutest!?! Erin at Saintly Silver was so helpful and was able to make and ship the dolls immediately, so that they would arrive in time.  I loved being able to customize the dolls to look like our girls!  So fun!!

I also ordered two of the beautiful Blessed Imelda dolls from the Family Cloister Learning Center.  However, due to the short notice we had, they were not able to arrive on time and I ended up saving them for my girls’ Easter Baskets, along with the St. Therese doll for our little Rose.  The St. Therese doll would make another great option for a First Communion gift paired with a print our of St. Therese’s First Communion Reflection.

St. Clare, St. Sylvia, St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Therese by St. Luke’s Brush

Additional options would be the lovely painted wooden saint dolls from St. Luke’s Brush, Catholic Folk Toys, and St. Anne’s Pixies.  Or you could always paint some of your own!  St. Luke’s Brush also carries a beautiful painted Holy Eucharist Rosary Box that I would love to get for one of my boys.

St. John, St. Michael, St. James, St. Patrick, and St. Gabriel by Catholic Folk Toys

.: First Communion Record :.

There are so many different Sacramental Records available!  My favorite sources are Trademark Catholic Stationary and Saints Galore Catholic Publishing.

.: First Communion Wall Plaques :.

I happened to find this pretty little “My First Communion” Wall Plaque (here’s the same plaque for boys) made by Joseph’s Studios at our local bookstore.  It is now hanging on the wall in the girls’ bedroom.

I’m in love with all the beautiful products made by Joseph’s Studios and had fun looking at some of the other First Communion Options online including the following:

.: First Communion Books & CDs :.

Take It To the Queen (First Confession) and The Weight of a Mass: A Tale of Faith (First Communion) would both make lovely gifts!  Our children were also given this lovely new book from their grandparents this past Christmas:  Friendship with Jesus: Pope Benedict XVI Talks to Children on Their First Holy Communion.

You can find other First Communion themed book suggestions in this post in addition to:

My children also really enjoy comic style books and these three are all great:  The Life of Christ, The Life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and Know Your Mass.

We have given Know Your Mass as a First Communion gift in the past.  It was originally published in 1954 and is based on the Traditional Latin Mass.  All parts of the Mass are covered, from the preparation for Mass, the altar, sacred vessels and vestments, liturgical actions, the sanctuary, and some liturgical history as well.  My children just love these books and I have learned quite a bit from them as well!

CD’s also make great gifts!  A few of our favorites are King of the Golden City, Volume 1: Blessed Imelda Lambertini & Saint Juan Diego and Altar Gang: Man to Mangia.

.: First Communion Bible :.

With some of the money that my girls were given we are considering ordering them each a First Holy Communion Bible.  Our favorite is the white hardcover, gold-embossed Douay-Rheims First Communion Bible.  This bible also contains pages of colorful images, child friendly stories on the lives of young saints, and prayers.  It also comes in a gift box, making a perfect gift for First Holy Communicants.

(Another thing that Chiquita would like to order is a First Communion dress for her doll.  Twinkle Toes received one from her godparents and she LOVES it!) 

.: First Communion Novena :.

My oldest son prayed the beautiful novena shared by Margaret on the 9 days leading up to their First Holy Communion.   UPDATE:  Margaret has compiled all of the prayers into a printable!  You can download it here:  A Garden Fit for a King: A First Communion Novena.

For the girls I ordered this lovely little booklet from the FSSP bookstore.  (They carry a boy version as well!)  It is a small book, just 28 pages long, but is filled with beautiful traditional art, in addition to a daily prayer, for 12 days, asking Jesus to to help prepare the child’s heart for their First Holy Communion.  It also contains a page for preparation for First Confession, as well as an examination of conscience.   At the bottom of each page is a space for the child to write something they would like to offer to Jesus each day.

I hope this post will be helpful to some of you, as your children prepare to receive the sacrament of First Holy Communion!   You can also find more suggestions in my Preparing for First Holy Communion post.  My girls loved the “Will you Pray for Me?” :: A First Holy Communion Spiritual Bouquet Keepsake Book and their “My First Holy Communion” Party Favors.   I posted our First Communion Cake here and you can find many more over at the Catholic Cuisine First Holy Communion Cake Link-up.  
You can scroll through all of my First Holy Communion posts here and various food ideas for First Holy Communion receptions over at Catholic Cuisine. 

On Easter Morning {Our 2012 Easter Baskets!}

Apr 12, 2012 | , | 8 Comments

Following Mass on Easter Morning, we returned home and the children were all so excited to see what was inside their Easter Baskets!  I just wasn’t able to make all our handmade candy this year, but we still included a Chocolate Cross and a hollow chick filled Easter Egg in each basket.  They each received a couple new books and some bubbles as well.  Last Christmas I had misplaced a box of stocking stuffers which really made filling the baskets extra easy this year!  
This year’s Family Easter Symbols Basket was also a hit, though I never did have a chance to order some bells.   Instead I included a beautiful CD from the bookstore at my brother-in-law’s new monastery.  We haven’t started the puzzle yet, but hope to this weekend.
It was our little Bud’s First Easter!  Last Easter Sunday we had just found out that he was on the way, and shared the news with our very excited children.  
Bud really enjoyed all of his goodies.  His Easter Basket contained his patron Saint from Saintly Silver, Easter Babies, The Tale of Sir Prance-A-Lot, and Mortimer the Moose.  (We usually include a toy or two in ach basket.)  His basket also contained a sweet cloth book made by his Godmother and another patron saint doll sent as a baby gift from St. Luke’s Brush!  (Thank you Charlotte, Amy & Garry!)
Bud has been extra cranky these past few days, which makes me think he might be teething already.  He sure loves chewing on those antlers! 
Rose’s basket contained her new books, The Story of Saint Perpetua, some new sunglasses, shoes, and hair ribbons, and a lovely St. Therese Doll. 
Snuggles was especially excited about the awesome little Log Carrier that he received, in addition to Simon and the Easter Miracle, Easter in the Garden, a St. Gabriel (for our little one in heaven) painted doll, a little chick finger puppet, and his very first little lego set. 

I never seem to have any trouble (over) filling my girls’ baskets!   In addition to their books, Beautiful Butterflies Stained Glass Coloring Book and Fancy Nancy’s Elegant Easter for Chiquita, and Kat Finds a Friend a St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Story and Zita the Spacegirl for Twinkle Toes, Chiquita also received her own bonnet (she is currently studying the Early 19th Century and hoping for a “Prairie/Kirsten” themed birthday in a couple weeks), and both the girls received a couple beautiful new coloring books from their Grandma (Choirs of Angels and Mary Most Holy), new sunglasses and hair ribbons, nesting doll tape and pencil holder, new journals, and a couple American Girl Craft Kits that I found on clearance at the craft store.   Instead of a patron saint item, I included the gorgeous Blessed Imelda dolls that I had originally ordered as First Communion gifts, but didn’t arrive in time.  These dolls are just precious!

Twinkle Toes especially loved the Zita the Spacegirl book!  Within hours she had read the whole book, and has re-read it a couple times since.  I’ve already pre-ordered the sequel to save for her birthday or Christmas.  She thought it was really neat that I went to college with the author/illustrator, Ben Hatke.  
Yes, even Rascal enjoyed her book on Easter, though he tried covering up the title right after I snapped this picture when he realized I has my camera.  😉 
It took a little more work, but the older boys’ baskets were filled with goodies too: new books, beautiful Patron Saint Dolls from Catholic Folk Toys (that I’d been saving), Wood Colored Pencils, NHL Trading Cards, Gum, Little Blank Books, Mini-Figures, little games, and a couple little lego sets.  For some reason my boys are loving all the fire themed lego sets! 😉 
I think this post wraps up all the pictures I had hoped to share from our Easter celebration.  Click here to see pictures from this year’s Family Picture, Easter Egg Hunt, Decorating our Easter Cakes, Easter Sunday Dinner, and a few more pictures!  

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

Apr 12, 2012 | , , | 8 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~

{pretty}


Don’t you just love this little creation that Rascal made with his modeling beeswax?  I was really impressed, and it made such a nice addition to our Easter Decorations.


Captain also helped with the decorating, using a little bookshelf that I had temporarily moved last week.   (I’m still trying to decide what color to paint it and where it can go…)  He pulled out all the Easter books for me, displaying them on the shelves, along with our Resurrection Set, Holy Week and Easter Ornaments, and a beautiful lily that was given to us by some of our Easter guests. 
{happy}

Happy and excited to discover the baskets of Easter Eggs for our Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday.

{funny}


No one could bring themselves to cut a piece from the head, as our cute little lamb watched with that pleading “please don’t eat me” look.   😉


Cross with Roses?  No… St. Therese needs to try on my pretty new sunglasses! 


{real}

How many attempts does it take your family to get a decent family picture?  My little brother took 10 of us to finally get one with almost everyone looking and smiling!   

And Easter clothes?  I had no problem coming up with outfits for the kids, but for myself? I ended up just wearing the same thing as last year… almost! It’s a good thing I have that pink sweater in two different sizes and that my rose skirt has such a stretchy waist!  😉 
Visit Like Mother, Like Daughter for more pictures of contentment

Our Easter Dinner ~ Easter Sunday, 2012

Apr 10, 2012 | | 4 Comments

This year, following Easter Mass, we hosted another Easter Sunday dinner at our home!  I just love that we now have the space to do this, after our remodel/addition the year before last!!  Three of my brothers, David, Scott, and Brian, along with Brian’s family, joined us, as well as our friends Bill & Kathleen, Marc, and Janet with her two children. (I was blessed to have my husband home for Easter, but Janet’s was out of town on training for his job.)  All together there were 20 of us, including the children!  
My sweet and generous friend Jacinta came over on Holy Thursday and stocked us up with all sorts of  groceries for Easter, which really made the planning and shopping so much easier this year, after an extra challenging Lent with my husband out of town.  (Thank you Jacinta!!)   My sister-in-law brought a yummy fruit salad, and Janet also brought some great side dishes.  It was a lot of work to prepare the food, and I wasn’t home most of Holy Saturday, but it all came together and we had such an enjoyable Easter with our family and friends.
~ Our Easter Sunday Menu ~ 

Apricot Glazed Ham • Scalloped Potatoes and Onions • Cheesy Buttery Scalloped Potatoes


Green Salad • Potato Salad • Fruit Salad • Chips and Salsa
 Lamb Butter Mold • Dinner Rolls • Honey Glazed Carrots • Roasted Asparagus


Rice Salad • Artichoke Dip • Shrimp Torta • Carrot Salad  (all made by Janet)

Soft Drinks • Golden Easter Punch
Wine • Coffee • Tea
 

Lamb Cake with Strawberries and Whipped Cream
(made with our Lamb Cake Mold)


Easter Egg Cakes decorated by my girls

Bird’s Nest Cookies • Cross Cake
(Applesauce Cake, made with Gluten free Spice Cake mix, baked in a Cross Shaped pan and sprinkled with Powdered Sugar)


Jelly Beans and Peeps


My girls helped set the table, decorating it with this year’s Pascal Candle and our new Alleluia and Good Shepherd Eggs.   Everything looked beautiful! 

If you’d like to see pictures from other Easter Celebrations, or share pictures of your own, head on over to Catholic Cuisine! 


Happy Easter! 

Our 4th Annual Lenten Dinner on Good Friday

Apr 10, 2012 | , , , | 5 Comments


This year, even up until the afternoon on Good Friday, I wasn’t sure if we’d have our Second Lenten Tea inspired by Cottage Blessings for our one main meal.  (You can find the pictures from our 2009, 2010, and 2011 Good Friday Teas in the archives for Good Friday.)  My children just love this tradition, so with a few modifications to simplify the meal even further and using just what we had in the house.  I had hoped we would be able to attend the Good Friday Service before heading to the airport, but it just wasn’t meant to be…  Anyhow, here are the pictures from this year:

~ The Water Bowl ~

Alice suggests having a punch bowl of water to drink, but each year my children have prefer washing their hands instead.  They look forward to this every year!

“Pilate took water and washed his hands before the crowd saying, “I am innocent of this righteous man’s blood.” Matthew 27: 24
~ The King’s Crown ~

This year we used “Scoops” made by Tostitos, to go along with a Crown Shaped Bean Dip.
“And Pilate asked Him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ And He answered him, ‘You have said so.'” Mark 15: 2

~ Out of Envy ~

The Avocado I purchased didn’t last, and so I needed to come up with something else that was “green” to represent envy.  Roasted Asparagus worked perfectly. 
“[H]e perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered Him up.” Mark 15: 10

~ The Purple Cloak ~

I didn’t have any grape fruit leather, and I also wanted to eliminate anything that is considered a “treat” in our home, being a fast day, so for this item we covered our table in a Purple tablecloth Cloak.
“And they clothed Him in a purple cloak . . . .” Mark 15: 17
~ The Crown of Thorns ~

These Crown of  Thorns were made by my older children – with Ritz Crackers, Peanut Butter, and Pretzels.
“. . . and, plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him.” Mark 15: 17
~ Golgotha Eggs ~

I wasn’t feeling up to boiling and “decorating” eggs, and wanted to come up with something I could make a little quicker… Skull Sushi?  It really was quick and easy using dome leftover rice, 2 asparagus stalks and a carrot.   What do you think?  Do those look like skulls to you?
“And they brought Him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of the skull)” Mark 15: 22

~ The Seamless Garment ~

Using kitchen scissors, I quickly cut the tortillas to look like a seamless garment and some added some blocks of cheese for the dice used to cast lots. 
“But the tunic was without seam, woven from top to bottom; so they said to one another, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be.'” John 19: 23-24

~ The Two Robbers ~


I didn’t have any basil this year, so I decided to pull out our Basil Olive Oil again, to flavor our popcorn.  Alice suggests using Basil for this menu item since “According to The Herb Society of America, legend has it that the Basil plant grew around the site of Christ’s crucifixion. The Victorian Language of Flowers lists Basil as symbolic of both hatred and best wishes. The taunting thief and the good thief come to mind.”
And with Him they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left.” Mark 15: 27


~ Vinegar to Drink ~
{see above photo}

“And one ran and, filling a sponge full of vinegar, put it on a reed and gave it to him to drink, saying ‘Wait, let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.'” Mark 15: 36

~ The Temple Curtain ~



My children, especially Snuggles, always love tearing the curtain in two…  He didn’t have any problem using his injured arm for this activity! 
“And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.” Mark 15: 38


 ~ The Roman Centurion ~


This year, instead of tomatoes, I served some popcorn to represent the 100 Roman Centurion.

“And when the centurion, who stood facing Him, saw that He thus breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God.'” Mark 15: 39



~ Laid in the Tomb ~
In the past I’ve always made Cinnamon Muffins.  They really are a little too tasty for a day of fasting, so this year we used bread rolls, with a scoop of jam in the middle.
“And he brought a linen shroud, and taking Him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud, and laid Him in a tomb which had been hewn out of the rock; and he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.”

The Bible readings, recipes and shopping list can be found at Cottage Blessings.  I reused the small card stock signs I created last year and my document can be found at Scribd, if anyone would like a copy.

I hope you all had a very blessed Good Friday! 

Christus Resurrexit!

Apr 9, 2012 | , | 29 Comments

Happy Easter from our family to yours!

The past few days have been a whirlwind of craziness and fun.  On Good Friday, following our simple Lenten dinner, I found out that when Snuggles fell on his way out of the van, last Tuesday night, he really hurt his arm.   I called the doctors office and they asked me to bring him in at 6:10 pm.   After examining his arm they sent us (me and my seven children) to the hospital for x-rays.   Apparently he landed on a spot that is surrounded by growth plates and a fracture would require a splint and physical therapy with an orthopedic…  There wasn’t anyone available to read the x-rays and so we had to wait until Saturday for the results.

By the time we were finished at the hospital it was already 8:00 pm, and since Hubby’s flight was suppose to arrive at 10:35, we decided to just stay in town and run a few last minute errands for Easter.  (Friday afternoon, when thinking everything had finally calmed down, I invited a bunch of friends over for Easter dinner.)  Hubby’s flight ended up being late, of course, and we all arrived home just before midnight.  (It’s so nice to have him home again!!!)

Saturday morning we finally had some good news… Snuggles arm isn’t broken, fractured, or dislocated – it will just take about a month to heal.  We then headed to my brother’s home for my niece’s 2nd Birthday party.  We all had a great time and I’m sure I’ll post pictures eventually.  At the party I ended up inviting some of my siblings (Brian and his family, and my other brothers that are currently in town) over for Easter as well.  By the time we got home Saturday night at 6:00 pm, I was just a little bit nervous that I wasn’t going to have enough time to decorate for Easter, fill all the Easter baskets, bake three cakes, make it to Easter Sunday Mass at 9:00 am, and then pull off an Easter dinner for 20 people!   It all came together, with Hubby’s help, and we had such a fun filled Easter with family and friends.

I have tons of pictures to share, but it is going to have to wait.  I’m just a little wiped out from the last 3 weeks and hoping for a peaceful and healthy Easter season, starting with a nice long nap this afternoon since Hubby has today off and our fridge is filled with leftovers.  I’ll be back soon eventually!

Our 4th Annual Lenten Tea on Holy Thursday

Apr 6, 2012 | , , , | 12 Comments

I really wasn’t sure if we would be able to have our Lenten Teas (originally inspired by Alice at Cottage Blessings) this year, but my children insisted. These have become very much loved traditions in our home over the past 4 years and they said they would do whatever they could to help with the tea.   My three oldest set the table, helped prepare the food, began setting up their own Holy Week decorations, and even dyed some toothpicks to place in our crown of thorns “at least for the Triduum,” since I never did have a chance to do so during Lent.

I know I put together a long post filled with pictures every year, and the idea doesn’t change, but I do love to be able to look back and notice the little variations from year to year, as well as see pictures of our ever growing family!  So, here are some pictures from this year’s Lenten Tea on Holy Thursday:

~ Palm on the Road ~

My kids really aren’t very picky, but for some reason only one of them likes Hearts of Palm.   Instead of opening a new jar just for him and I, I decided to skip this item this year and read our new Palm Sunday picture book at the beginning of our tea, after we prayed.   I ended up deciding on Little Colt’s Palm Sunday.   This large hardcover book was a steal at just $5.98 and is as sweet as can be with it’s rhyming text. Very sweet.  Twinkle Toes has already re-read it to Rose a few times.  

“And many spread their garments on the road, and others spread leafy branches which they had cut from the fields.” Mk. 11:8
~ Costly Oil ~

Last year I pulled out my favorite Basil Flavored Olive Oil from Annie’s Naturals.  This year I’ve been loving the Roasted Garlic (drizzled over popcorn!) flavor.  Both are outstanding! These paired nicely with the unleavened bread.

“And truly, I say to you, wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, what she has done will be told in memory of her.” Mk. 14:9
~ Thirty Pieces of Silver ~

I served 30 rice crackers once again, without the cheese this year.

“Then one of the twelve, who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver.” Mt. 25: 14-15
~ Unleavened Bread ~

In the past we usually use Pita Bread cut into wedges, but this year we made Lisa’s Unleavened Bread Recipe! I somehow managed to overcook it and burn the edges, but the kids loved this bread!  I didn’t try any myself, since I am still avoiding all dairy.

“And on the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the passover lamb, his disciples said to Him, ‘Where will you have us go and prepare for you to eat the passover?'” Mk. 14:12
~ The Mount of Olives ~

I didn’t have any black olives in the cupboard, but I did find a jar of Green Olives double stuffed with Garlic and Jalapenos!  Almost all of my children like these (though not quite as much as black olives) and the garlic cloves were a perfect addition, as they continue to recover from being sick.

“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Mk. 14:26
~ The Cock Crows Twice ~

Alice suggests two mini chicken sandwiches for this menu item.  In the past I have also made Chicken Wraps, and even Roasted Chicken Soup.   My kids asked if we could have the Marie Calendar Chicken Pot Pies that were in the freezer and I thought that was a great idea.   Captain baked one for each person, and commented on the fact that “they even came in green bowls!”   (We always try to incorporate the color green when possible since Holy Thursday is also known as Green Thursday.) 
“And Jesus said to him, ‘Truly, I say to you, this very night, before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.'” Mk. 14:30

~ Gethsemane Figs ~

Just one little Fig Newton each, representing Gethsemane Figs. 

“And they went to a place which was called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I pray.'” Mk. 14:32

~ Sleepy Apostles ~ 

When Jennifer left a comment this morning on last year’s post, mentioning that she had just had this tea with her children for lunch and that the only thing she added was “Sleepytime Tea for the sleepy apostles” I knew we had to add it to our tea as well!  It’s a perfect addition! Thank you Jennifer!

“And he came and found them sleeping, and he said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep?  Could you not watch one hour?” Mk. 14:37

~ Judas’ Kiss ~

Since my children all gave up candy this Lent, we went back to using Strawberries (instead of Hershey Kisses) to represent Judas’ Kiss. 

“And when he came, he went up to him at once, and said, ‘Master!’ And he kissed him.” Mk. 14:45

~ The Clouds of Heaven ~

A little cloud of whip cream for with the Strawberries.


“And Jesus said, ‘I am; and you will see the Son of man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.'” Mk. 14:62

~ Peter’s Tears ~

In the past we have used  either Tic-Tacs and Altoids, but since these are considered candy in our home we used some dry roasted and salted pepitos, shaped like little salty tear drops – inspired by Blair’s recent Lenten Tea. 

“And immediately the cock crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, ‘Before the cock crows twice, you will deny me three times.’ And he broke down and wept.” Mk. 14:72

This meal really is pretty simple to prepare and my children were such a huge help!   We sat down to lunch, prayed, and read the bible versus while passing around the food.   The kids were really wishing that their Daddy could be home to join us, but happy that we have our little Bud this year.  The older boys recalled how it was last Easter Sunday when they found out that they would have another baby brother or sister, and this year they just can’t imagine life without our cute little guy! 

Just as I finished reading two dear friends rang the doorbell.   One was delivering groceries for our Easter dinner (along with a few new recipes to try out as well!) and the other came along and also brought her children’s old beginning piano books to pass on to our children now that they are taking piano lessons.    Neither of them had been to our home in years and they were able to stay a couple hours.  It was so nice to visit! 
*We’ve been using the same small card stock signs for the past few years.   You can still download my document over at Scribd. 

I hope you all had a very blessed Holy Thursday!

Our Family

Sean & Jessica, Captain-24, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-21, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-17, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-7 and Joy-5 (blog nicknames)

A Little About Me

Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

Enter our current giveaways:

Wooden Advent Wreath (Ends 11/19/2024)

Lord, Have Mercy (Ends 11/25/2024)

St. Nicholas Giveaway (Ends 11/26/2024)

Christmas Gift Guide Giveaway (Ends 12/5/2024)

Advent Book Basket (coming soon)

O Antiphons (coming soon)

My Other Blog: Catholic Cuisine

Please Visit My Sponsors…

This Week's Popular Posts

Shower of Roses Affiliate Links

All About Spelling
All About Reading
All About Reading Pre-reading
All About Reading Giveaways
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Advent & Christmas Books

Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guides

Looking for Something?

looking-back

  • ▼2024 (31)
  • ►2023 (30)
  • ►2022 (48)
  • ►2021 (48)
  • ►2020 (57)
  • ►2019 (61)
  • ►2018 (90)
  • ►2017 (128)
  • ►2016 (148)
  • ►2015 (172)
  • ►2014 (227)
  • ►2013 (238)
  • ►2012 (308)
  • ►2011 (297)
  • ►2010 (313)
  • ►2009 (486)
  • ►2008 (564)
  • ►2007 (148)

Posts About:

Shower of Roses Alphabet of Saints

A Papal Unit Study & Lap Book

Shower of Roses Easter Gift Guides



All Saints Party Printables

All original photographs and written material are ©2007-2025 Shower of Roses. I'd love for you to link back to me, but please do not copy or take content from this blog without permission. Click here for my Copyright Terms & Conditions. Thank you for visiting!

0 Comments

Prayer of Mothers

Father in heaven, grant me the grace to appreciate the dignity which you have conferred on me. Let me realize that not even the Angels have been blessed with such a privilege—to share in your creative miracle and bring new Saints to heaven. Make me a good mother to all my children after the example of Mary, the Mother of your Son. Through the intercession of Jesus and Mary I ask your continued blessings on my family. Let us all be dedicated to your service on earth and attain the eternal happiness of your kingdom in heaven. Amen.


Our Family

Sean & Jessica, Captain-24, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-21, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-17, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-7 and Joy-5 (blog nicknames)

A Little About Me

Hi! I'm Jessica, a Roman Catholic wife and home educating mother to our nine children. I was home educated myself, along with my eleven younger siblings. I have a special devotion to St. Therese, through whom I have been given much help and many blessings--the beautiful "Shower of Roses" that she has sent my way! Here I will record a few of the blessings I treasure. Please remember that what you see here is just a little glimpse at our lives, so please say a prayer for us, as we continue to strive for holiness.

Enter our current giveaways:

Wooden Advent Wreath (Ends 11/19/2024)

Lord, Have Mercy (Ends 11/25/2024)

St. Nicholas Giveaway (Ends 11/26/2024)

Christmas Gift Guide Giveaway (Ends 12/5/2024)

Advent Book Basket (coming soon)

O Antiphons (coming soon)

My Other Blog: Catholic Cuisine

Please Visit My Sponsors…

This Week's Popular Posts

Shower of Roses Affiliate Links

All About Spelling
All About Reading
All About Reading Pre-reading
All About Reading Giveaways
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Advent & Christmas Books

Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guides

Looking for Something?

looking-back

  • ▼2024 (31)
  • ►2023 (30)
  • ►2022 (48)
  • ►2021 (48)
  • ►2020 (57)
  • ►2019 (61)
  • ►2018 (90)
  • ►2017 (128)
  • ►2016 (148)
  • ►2015 (172)
  • ►2014 (227)
  • ►2013 (238)
  • ►2012 (308)
  • ►2011 (297)
  • ►2010 (313)
  • ►2009 (486)
  • ►2008 (564)
  • ►2007 (148)

Posts About:

Shower of Roses Alphabet of Saints

A Papal Unit Study & Lap Book

Shower of Roses Easter Gift Guides



All Saints Party Printables

All original photographs and written material are ©2007-2025 Shower of Roses. I'd love for you to link back to me, but please do not copy or take content from this blog without permission. Click here for my Copyright Terms & Conditions. Thank you for visiting!