Home

by | Dec 29, 2022

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!

Creating our Paschal Candle :: Easter 2012

Apr 5, 2012 | , , | 6 Comments

We’ve been creating our own Easter Paschal Candles for years now.   Our family lights it on Easter Sunday, and then again each night, at dinnertime and for our Good Shepherd Garden Parties, throughout the 50 days of Easter.  The first few years I used liquid wax candle decorating pens, one year we used a printable and wrapped it around a tall glass candle, and last year I used a gorgeous Paschal Candle Kit.   (You can see some of our past candles, both pretty and not so pretty, in this post.)

As much as I would have loved to order another kit from Illuminated Ink, I decided to use supplies I already had around our home, since I apparently have plenty already splurged on some new Easter gifts and decorations.

Supplies:

Tall Pillar Candle (purchased last year at Michaels with a 40% off coupon)
1-2 Sheets of Stockmar Gold Decorating Beeswax
Silver and Red Decorating Wax from a Decorative Wax Set by Hobby Time
(or colors of your choice, you only need a little – Stockmar also has silver and colored sets)
5 Clear Acrylic Gems/Rhinestones
Red and Blue Acrylic Gems
Gold Metallic Cord

Printable used as a template for cutting out the wax embellishments
Pinking Sheers, Scissors, and Xacto Knife

Of all the Paschal Candles we have made, this one was the quickest and easiest.   Once I had the printable created, and all the supplies gathered, it really didn’t take me longer than 20 minutes… and that included stopping to take pictures as we (Rascal and I) were working on the candle.

We began by cutting out all of the wax embellishments we would need.   For the rings around the top and bottom of the candle I used a combination of pinking sheers and regular scissors to cut the wax.   The wax sheets weren’t quite long enough to wrap around our whole candle, but it was easily enough to add another inch from an additional sheet of wax. 

The cross is always the central symbol, clearly identifying it as a Paschal Candle.

“Christ yesterday and today (vertical bar of the cross)

the beginning and the end (horizontal bar of the cross)

The Greek letters Alpha and Omega signify that God is the beginning and the end. 

Alpha (A, above the cross)

and Omega; (Ω, below the cross)

The current year represents God’s presence here and now. 

all time belongs to him (2, upper left quadrant)

and all the ages: (0, upper right quadrant)

to him be glory and power (1, lower left quadrant)

through every age for ever. Amen.” (2, lower right quadrant)

The final step was to add the 5 rhinestones – these represent the 5 grains of incense that a priest will insert into the candle at Mass representing the 5 wounds of Our Lord: one in each hand, one in each foot, and the spear thrust into his side.

“By his holy and glorious wounds may Christ our Lord guard us and keep us.” 

Didn’t it turn out pretty?!   It is so nice to have our Paschal Candle all ready for Easter.

If you haven’t made one already, or don’t have the extra time or supplies to craft your own, you can also find a free printable for this year over at Family in Feast and Feria.   Jenn also included a link to another blogger who was sharing a link to the pdf file of the beautiful candle wrap we’ve used in the past.  I wasn’t able to get the link to work, and I couldn’t find the actual document on the artist’s website to link to it directly, but I do have a copy (thank you PJ!) and can forward it on to anyone that might need it, just send me your email address.

“May the light of Christ, rising in glory, dispel the darkness of our hearts and minds.” 

Small Successes :: Getting Ready for Easter!

Apr 5, 2012 | , | 8 Comments

“It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.”


~ 1 ~

On Tuesday afternoon we were finally all well enough to leave the house, other than for a visit to the doctors office!  After nearly two weeks of just being home, and going crazy, I loaded up the van and we headed to town.  Our first stop was Mucho Gusto for dinner (bonus success of ordering for 7 of us and keeping the total to only $21.99!) and then we headed to the mall to look for some Easter clothes.

Our oldest two girls are going to wear their First Holy Communion Dresses along with a couple darling little rosette shrugs on clearance from Children’s Place to add a bit of color, and I found the perfect dress for Rose at Gymboree!  It even has Roses along the waistline, just like her older sisters dresses!    Even on sale it was a little expensive (the price has also increased since Tuesday), but thankfully I had an extra 30% coupon as well. 

For the boys I picked out a few new sweater vests – it’s still pretty cold where we live, in fact it started snowing this afternoon for a few minutes – and will have Rascal wear one of Captain’s past Easter vests.   (I love how you can usually mix and match past year’s lines and they still coordinate nicely.) 
~ 2 ~

The main reason we went to the mall was to try and find slacks for the older boys.  When I was sorting through their clothing last week I realized that they had even begun to put holes in the knees of their church pants!  I had been looking online, but by the time I got around to placing the order I was worried they wouldn’t arrive in time for Easter.   I was so excited when I walked into Gap and found our favorite flat front khakis 60% off with an additional 10% off “since it’s Tuesday.”  At just $10.68 a pair, I stocked up!   (Our boys both wear size 10 pants right now, slim and regular, but I’m sure one of them will need size 12 soon.)  I’m wishing that I would have checked the little boys section as well since apparently Snuggles is in need of a new pair too…

~ 3 ~ 

Earlier this evening I spent a little while creating our Easter Paschal Candle for this year, without spending any money and using only supplies that I had around our home.  I think it turned out really pretty and can’t wait to share it with you all!   It was getting dark as I finished so I want to wait until morning to take a couple more pictures, when the lighting is a little better.

Click here to read more of this week’s Small Successes, or to share your own. 

State-by-State Baking :: Virginia’s George Washington Cherry Turnovers

Apr 5, 2012 | , | 6 Comments

It’s been a few weeks since the girls made this recipe, back before their Daddy left for training and they came down with that awful virus and then pneumonia.  At that point our State-to-State Baking came to a stop for the time being.   Hopefully we will be able to get back to spending some extra time in the kitchen after Easter. 
The girls really enjoyed studying Virginia and were wishing they could visit.   Especially since that is where half of their cousins live!  The girls read O is for Old Dominion: A Virginia Alphabet and then completed their Notebook Pages. 

Virginia Notebooking Pages
by Twinkle Toes (L) and Chiquita (R)


“G is for George Washington,
a leader very smart.
He was one of those who told King George,
“It’s time for us to part.”

The girls decided to make George Washington’s Cherry Turnovers, since apparently they were a favorite of his.  These were incredibly easy to make (at least in 2012!), and delicious, or so I was told.

George Washington’s Cherry Turnovers

Ingredients:

1 Package of Frozen Puff Pastry (2 sheets)
1 Can of Cherry Pie Filling
1 Egg

Directions:

Unfold the thawed puff pastry sheets and cut into 4 squares each.

Fill each square with about 2 Tbsp of the cherry pie filling.

Fold over the pastry dough and seal with fingers.

Beat egg and add a tsp of water to make egg wash, then brush top of pastry with the egg wash.

Bake at 375 until golden brown and allow pastries to cool.  Enjoy!

Following Virginia… only 40 more states to go!  :/  

Resources we used for this State Study:

O is for Old Dominion Teacher’s Guide (pdf)

Other Posts of Interest: 

State-by-State Scrapbook
State-by-State Scrapbook :: Virginia

State-by-State Scrapbook :: Virginia

Apr 4, 2012 | , | 1 Comment

“O is for “The Old Dominion,”
a name given us by Royalty
for during England’s civil war,
Virginia showed her loyalty.”

~ O is for Old Dominion: A Virginia Alphabet

Well, the boys have been feeling a little bit left out since I stopped posting their State Scrapbook Pages last year.    They spend quite a bit of time on each state, creating their own little illustrations inspired by the Discover America State by State Alphabet Series.  They have been asking me for a long time to post some more to share with you all!  Now that the girls have caught up to where I left off posting with the boys, I will start adding them as well, beginning with Virginia.

These pictures were taken last March…

Captain is the only one of our children that has been on an airplane.   (Technically Bud has too, since I was pregnant with him when I went to TX last fall.)  Back in 2000, when Captain was just a few months old, we traveled to VA for my sister-in-law’s wedding!  Captain decided to include copies of a few of the pictures that were taken during our visit to Arlington Cemetery on his scrapbook pages. 
“A is for Arlington
where the brave and the best
in old plantation grounds
forever lie at rest.”

It doesn’t look like I took a picture of Rascal with his pages, but here they are completed:
You can find links to the printables we used for these pages here: State-by-State Scrapbook.   I’ll be back soon with a post on the girls’ study and baking for Virginia!  

My Daybook :: April 2, 2012 {Holy Week}

Apr 3, 2012 | | 14 Comments

Outside my window…
after rain, rain, rain, we finally had a beautiful sunny day today.   The kids were even feeling well enough to go outside and enjoy the sunshine for a little while this afternoon.   It was nice while it lasted…  According to our forecast, it’s back to rain (and possibly even snow) for the rest of the week.

I am thankful… 
that it is almost Easter and that Hubby will be home again soon!  It has sure been a long, hard three weeks lent for our family, beginning and ending with my husband out of town and sick children.  The girls have been doing much better now that they are on antibiotics for their pneumonia, and every one else is improving as well.   I have been taking a ton of different supplements and have thankfully been blessed with a very mild version of this cold.   I am also so very thankful for all of your prayers!  Thank you!!

I am thinking… 
about celebrating Easter!   It is really almost here!!  A sweet friend has insisted on stocking us up with groceries for our Easter dinner, and will be bringing it all over on Thursday.  (Isn’t that just so thoughtful and generous!?! I have been really been blessed with great friends!)

Learning all the time… 
now that my children are feeling a little better, they are all wishing we could start our Spring Break (which happened to be last week) over again.  As much as I would love the same, we got back to our official schoolwork early this morning, despite our extra late night playing Settlers of Catan with Cities and Knights.  Boy that game takes a long time to play!  It’s Captains favorite though, and he convinced me taped a note to my bedroom door addressed to “Sir Knight Mom of Seven Children and Oldest of Twelve” challenging me to a game.  How could I say no?!

Living the Liturgical Year at Home… 
I did set out our Stations of the Cross and Crown of Thorns (minus the thorns), but that was all I was able to manage this Lent.  For the first time in many, many years, we didn’t make/do our traditional Lenten Calendar or count down the days of Lent with our Jesus Tree.  Perhaps God allowed us to get sick since my children have started “enjoying” our observance of Lent a little too much.  😉 NOT doing these things, which they look forward to each year, was definitely a sacrifice! Still, if all goes well, we might just be able to still have our Holy Thursday and Good Friday Teas.  Maybe?

From the kitchen… 
lots of vitamin c, garlic, fruits, and veggies, and all sorts of medicines and supplements.

I am creating… 
this year’s Paschal Candle for Easter.   I didn’t order another kit in time (plus I spent too much on other things for Easter anyways) so I am back to making our own.  Hopefully it will turn out okay!

I am working on… 
cleaning out my closet and the school room.  Still.   I had hoped to have these two areas completed by Easter, but it’s not looking very promising.

I am going… 
to let Hubby finish painting the boys’ room with his extension ladder.  It’s almost finished but I have one little three foot wide area –  along the trim, way above the door (It’s a vaulted ceiling) –  that I just couldn’t reach from the top of the triple bunk.    The rest of the room is looking great though!

I am hoping… 
to mail out at least some Easter cards, since I never was able to send cards out at Christmas.

I am reading… 
My favorite new book:  Style, Sex, & Substance: 10 Catholic Women Consider the Things that Really Matter.   I’m sure you have all heard about it by now, but if not head on over to Amazon and order a copy.   I love this book!  I’ve been reading a chapter here and there, as I am able to find the time between coughing and crying children.   Last night I read the chapter by Hallie Lord titled Style: Balance, Beauty, and You (including tips on Finding Balance and Taking Care of You) and the chapter by Karen Edmiston titled God and Godiva on prayer – both areas I’ve been struggling with lately.   It has been very inspiring!

I’m also still working on The 10 Habits of Happy Mothers: Reclaiming Our Passion, Purpose, and Sanity, which I’ve been checking out from the library but plan to add to my own collection.  And I just finished a couple christian historical romances by Robin Lee Hatcher:  Belonging and When Love Blooms.  I can’t decide which I liked best… I really enjoyed both stories, but then I always love time-period fiction!

I am praying… 
for my friend Trina (Twinkle Toes’ Godmother), who will be having her little boy (baby #9!) any day now, if she hasn’t already.   For Olivia, my sister’s sister-in-law, who just miscarried her baby yesterday.   For Paula, who will be having surgery on the 4th.  Also for a grandfather of a friend, whose health is rapidly declining, that he will return to the faith before his death.   Would you please offer a little prayer for these intentions?

Pondering these words…
from Thomas a Kempis:

“Nothing, how little so ever it be, if it is suffered for God’s sake, can pass without merit in the sight of God.”

I am listening…  
to the sound of the humidifier running and frogs croaking.   The frogs just recently returned, and I am sure they will drive Hubby crazy when he gets home.   That dripping shower head that I just had fixed was nothing in comparison to the noise they are making!

Around the house… 
lots of Legos!  Over our Spring Break, since he was the only one that wasn’t sick, Rascal decided to reassemble every. single. one. of his Lego sets.    I took this picture towards the end of the week, before his piles were too depleted, though he had already completed quite a few.  Captain also loved putting together a new 4×4 Fire Truck,  complete with a burning tree and “daddy” mini-figure!

One of my favorite things…  
iChat!!! Why did we wait over 2 weeks to finally figure out how to have a video conversation on the computer?!  It is so neat!  Yesterday afternoon the kids were all entertained for about an hour, as their Daddy took them around the hotel showing them the view from his window (including the World’s Fair Park, which they had just studied as they learn about Tennessee in Geography!), the lobby, the bar oops…, Starbucks, the gym, the elevator, and more.  The kids loved their tour and their momma LOVED the little break!   Oh, and earlier this evening our little Bud had a blast smiling, cooing, giggling, and trying to reach for his Daddy inside the computer screen.  So much fun!

A few plans for the rest of the week…

  • Get over our colds/coughs/pneumonia…
  • Finish sorting through clothing and take the bags to donate to St. Vincent’s.
  • Try and check a few more items off of the list for Shaking off the Bonds of Stuff – we’ve made some progress, but are quite behind with being sick. 
  • Tutor and Piano Lessons once again on Wednesday, if everyone is well.  
  • Holy Thursday
  • Good Friday and Daddy arrives home late, late, late Friday night.
  • 2nd Birthday Party for our sweet little niece/cousin on Saturday.
  • Easter Sunday!!!! 

A little peek at my day…

I tried putting Rose in her bed for a nap, but this stubborn little girl will only sleep where she chooses!

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

Mar 29, 2012 | | 33 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~

{pretty}

They may not be the “Café-Mocha-Vodka-Valium Latte To Go” that I requested on Facebook earlier this week, after surviving two almost completely sleepless nights, but these two pretty little boxes of dairy-free yumminess have kept me going.  

 In addition to caring for sick children and multiple trips to the doctors office, I’ve somehow (God’s grace!) managed to assemble a couple pretty new bookcases, keep up with the laundry, sort through the boys clothes, and meet with a few contractors for some projects we are having done this spring.  I’m also almost done painting the boys’ bedroom.  If I owe you an email or response in the comment box, now you know why I’ve been so quiet online.  🙂
{happy}
So SO happy that our sweet little guy is feeling better.   He gave me a little scare with his low grade fever late Saturday night and extra crankiness.   It didn’t help that the nurse suggested over the phone that I take him to the ER, since I told her he had a hard time breathing while nursing due to his congestion.   With my husband out of town, a 45 minute drive to the ER, and our six other sick children sleeping in their beds, I wasn’t sure what to do…  I hooked up the humidifier and held him all night, loading up the car Sunday morning to visit our doctors office arriving as soon as they opened, at noon.  Next time I will make sure to call and make an appointment first since they told me they didn’t have an opening for 2 hours…  I was so exhausted and overwhelmed I started to cry.   When I told them that we live 45 minutes away they suggested I run some errands… “With 7 kids, most of whom are feeling sick??!!   I’ll wait in the car, thank you.  Please call me if you can get us in sooner.”   My cell phone rang 10 minutes later… They could squeeze us in.   Thank you God!!

My next prayer was answered when, after leaving the doctors office with the suggestion of watching for new fevers/signs of infection, I headed to the grocery store to purchase some vitamins/medicines.   It was raining and  just as I said a quick little prayer as I parked the car in the packed parking lot that “I could just see someone I know and have them watch the kids for a few minutes”… friends parked right across from me and stayed with my car/kids so I could run in and out real quick.  Whew!!

{funny}

Last night I decided that it was time to take the older girls back to see the doctor since, despite all of my efforts, they had gotten worse and their fevers had returned.   When we arrived at the office they handed Twinkle Toes’ and Chiquita’ face masks to wear while we were in the waiting room.   Of course, our little Rose (who is all about the accesories!) had to have one as well.  She is still running around wearing her face mask !   
{real}

My poor girls are both really sick.   Wheezing… Pneumonia… and most likely RSV….  

Twinkle Toes’ oxygen levels were the lowest and they gave her a breathing treatment right away.   I was sent to the pharmacy for antibiotics and medicines for both Twinkle Toes and Chiquita.  Shortly after I arrived home a nebulizer was delivered as well, so I can keep giving the girls breathing treatments as needed. 

It is spring break this week and our pediatrician is out of town, but I am so thankful for the other doctors in his office, and that the girls are already feeling a little better today.  I am also thankful that Hubby will be home a week from tomorrow.  It is turning out to be a really long and hard three weeks! 

Thank you all for your prayers! 
Visit Like Mother, Like Daughter for more pictures of contentment

Our Family

Sean & Jessica, Captain-25, Ranger-23, Twinkle Toes-22, Chiquita-20, Snuggles-18, Rose-15, Bud-13, Grace-8 and Joy-6 (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.

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 Giveaways
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Advent & Christmas Books

Shower of Roses Gift Guides

Looking for Something?

looking-back

  • ▼2026 (3)
  • ►2025 (31)
  • ►2024 (41)
  • ►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-25, Ranger-23, Twinkle Toes-22, Chiquita-20, Snuggles-18, Rose-15, Bud-13, Grace-8 and Joy-6 (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.

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 Giveaways
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Advent & Christmas Books

Shower of Roses Gift Guides

Looking for Something?

looking-back

  • ▼2026 (3)
  • ►2025 (31)
  • ►2024 (41)
  • ►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!