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by | Dec 29, 2022

High School Graduation Party {Class of 2021}

Oct 25, 2021 | , , , | 6 Comments


At the end of August, just before our three oldest headed off to college, we hosted a graduation and 18th birthday party for our daughter.  She’s our third to graduate Magna Cum Laude from Kolbe Academy. Three down…  “Only” six more to go! We ended up having right around 150 family and friends show up to join us to celebrate with a back yard barbecue and games.  Even my parents, sister and newest little niece were able to make the drive up from Oregon! It was such a fun evening!




.: Graduation Cap Cupcakes :. 


I made a more girly version of the Graduation Cap Cupcakes we made for her brothers! 




.: Graduation Candy Buffet :. 


I also reused the signs Graduation Candy Buffet Signs from the boys’ party, but included more pink here too to coordinate with the party colors. I shared them as a free printable a couple years ago if anyone would like to use them as well. 



.: Graduation & Birthday Cakes :. 




.: More Decorations :. 



For decorations I printed out her annual End of Year Interviews from over the years and pinned them to some string lights. It was so cute to see all the little girls giggling over them!





.: More Pictures from the Party :. 

 

  


 
 







We pulled out some of the same games from our previous party including Kan Jam, Spikeball, Cornhole and Ping Pong. I meant to bring out BattleChip but completely forgot!







May God bless and protect our newest college student! 

Pray for the Carmelites

Oct 2, 2021 | , , | 2 Comments

Please read these recent news articles and keep the Carmelites in your prayers: 
 

“I urge my brother Bishops, priests, and above all the faithful laity to raise their voices against the destruction of Convents of contemplative life and traditional religious Communities. It is necessary to give not only spiritual and moral support, but also material and media support to the victims of an attack that has been getting worse in recent weeks after the promulgation of the Motu Proprio Traditionis Custodes, so that the persecuted religious sisters may be defended and those who are responsible for this persecution that is hateful in the eyes of God and the entire ecclesial community may be exposed.”
+ Carlo Maria Viganò, Archbishop
Former Apostolic Nuncio to the United States
October 1, 2021
God bless and protect Archbishop Viganò! 
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, ora pro nobis! 🌹

End-of-School Interviews 2020-2021

Sep 22, 2021 | | 10 Comments

I started this post when our school year ended back in May, but it’s taken me until now to finish it up.  At the end of May, “Rose” and I flew back to Virginia to make the long road trip home from Christendom College with the older boys. The rest of the summer was a whirlwind of activities, birthdays, summer jobs, summer camps, hosting a family reunion and then a graduation party, not to mention all the college transitions and preparations! It was such a wonderful summer and I sure treasure those months we have each year with everyone home. 

I’ve been reminiscing a lot lately, thinking back to when I started this blog nearly fifteen years ago as an overwhelmed young home educating mother still in my twenties. Our oldest was six at the time and I was pregnant with number five. Now those first five children of ours are all in high school and college! I can’t keep the tears from falling every time we put them on a plane or drop them off at school, but it is also so exciting to see them growing up and following God’s plan for their lives. As a dear friend of mine recently said, “It’s like reading a good book and you can’t wait to turn the page and see what happens next!” 
December 12, 2020 – On their way to a Youth Group Christmas Party!

 

I didn’t spend time blogging over the summer, maybe I’ll get the opportunity this fall to go back and share a few things, but first I wanted to finish up this post with their annual End of School Interviews!  
Here are this past year’s interviews (revised with blog nicknames):
Photo taken at Mount Rushmore on their road trip to college last fall:
When your son sends you a bathroom selfie in the guys’ dorm on his way to class 
… with a broken front tooth and the toilet seat up… 
it’s hard to resist using it for his end-of-year photo! 
My favorite part is that he doesn’t even mind. I love his confidence! 

His tooth was a soccer injury, re-broken from when he was younger. 
It’s currently glued back together again and looks better than it did before. We’ll see if it holds…
No more soccer games without a mouth guard! 
Oh, I sure miss our sweet girl! She flew home for the weekend and it was so hard to take her back to the airport early Monday morning. It was such a fun weekend! 
She got to go on a second “Nun Run” this year and took some great pictures! 
I need to see if I can get her to share about her trip on the blog. 
It’s been really hard on her with her sister/best friend off to college… 
Hoping we can make that visit to UMary happen soon!
Now that he’s in high school, and not a brand new baby, I really need to change his blog nickname from “Snuggles”…. It’s just so confusing to change it with the old nickname all over the archives! 
He’s not a fan of “Scout” (too boy scout sounding he said) and “Sergeant outranks Captain”… so we are considering “Sniper”… He liked that one.  How is it even possible that he is in high school already?! 

We’ll go back to calling her “Grace”… but for today her name is “Lola Dutch!” 

Favorite Book: Lola Dutch
Favorite Book: You Are My Little Cupcake 
Favorite Toy: Bunny
I’m realizing now that I messed up on a few of the favorite book titles in the images. I don’t have time to go back and fix them all right now, but the links should all be correct. 🙂 

The Fourteen Holy Helpers

Sep 9, 2021 | , , , | 61 Comments

Have you seen the lovely new book by Allison Lunsford and Illustrated by Joan Bennett? 

As we kick off our new school year, I have three copies to of The Fourteen Holy Helpers to give away, one copy here on the blog and two more over at Instagram!

“The fourteen saints presented in this book were classified as the “Holy Helpers” during the scourge of the Black Plague in the 1300s. Today, it seems there has never been a better time to re-introduce the Holy Helpers to the Catholic world and to society as a whole.”

This beautifully illustrated book, filled with captivating accounts of the Fourteen Holy Helpers, paints the images of the saints so well both in art and words. Readers of all ages will be inspired by these incredible saints!

.: Giveaway :. 

Enter for a chance to win an autographed copy of The Fourteen Holy Helpers in the Rafflecopter box below. Click over to Instagram for an additional chance to win a copy and one for a friend too!

Back to School :: 2021-2022

Sep 8, 2021 | , | 11 Comments

Blessed Mother, as you so humbly and graciously accepted God’s will to bear and raise His only son, and to guide him in wisdom and virtue, help me in the instruction and education of my children. Pray to your Heavenly Son to grant me the grace and strength to assist in their learning, overcoming tiredness and discouragement. Assist me in the management of my home, so that I may be able to keep order and peace, despite the challenges of schooling within it. Intercede for me, imploring Our Heavenly Father to bestow upon me wisdom, not for my own sake, but so that I may form my children’s minds and hearts, so that they may grow into strong adults, helping to shape the world for His glory, and ultimately inheriting the kingdom of heaven. Call upon your heavenly angels to stand by my side, with their great intelligence, to help me understand that which I am instructing, and assist my children in learning of same. We humbly ask this through you beloved Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

We are off to Mass to celebrate our Blessed Mother’s birthday and the beginning of our new school year!

I shared the following over on Instagram but wanted to record it here too:

After a whirlwind road trip on Friday, move-in day Saturday, and New Student Mass and Brunch today (Sunday), I’m heading back home and leaving a big chunk of my heart in North Dakota. How is it even possible that we have three young adults in college already?!?  Please remember them, and all students, in your prayers! Love you so much @captain_faramir @celtickittens @rangerrascal and I will be praying and fasting for a blessed and fruitful semester for you all at @universityofmary!

I keep having the sweetest pictures pop up in my memories this week… Click here for a flash back to ten years ago! So much has changed and yet so much is still the same. I’m so grateful for all the blessings we have been given and excited to start this new school year with our youngest six still at home! 

God is good!

Small Things with Great Love

Sep 7, 2021 | , , | 3 Comments

“Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” – Mother Teresa

Chai Cupcakes baked and decorated on Sunday by our 16 year old! She even found the printable cupcakes wrappers and toppers I made years ago to download, print and use for her cupcakes. 


I hadn’t remembered that it was the feast of Mother Teresa until I walked in the door late Sunday night, following my flights home, and saw a plate of leftover cupcakes sitting on the table. She went above and beyond, as usual, while I was out of town dropping our oldest three off at college.  

Saint Goals Tee from Annunciation Designs • Mother Teresa Mug from The Little Rose Shop

“Do something beautiful for God.

Do it with your life. Do it every day. 

Do it in your own way. But do it!”

‘Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry’

Jul 25, 2021 | , , , | 6 Comments

Read Cardinal Burke’s Statement on the Moto Proprio.

Photo Credits: Marc Salvatore, Southern Oregon Latin Mass Society

(We had a one month old when our older boys served for Cardinal Burke at the Sacred Liturgy Conference back in 2017. Such a special privilege and blessing. God bless Cardinal Burke!)
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. 
God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
– St. Padre Pio

Ignatius Critical Editions {Review & Giveaway}

Jul 19, 2021 | , , , | 102 Comments

We have been utilizing the Ignatius Critical Editions in our home school curriculum for years now. They are always my top pick when searching for classic literature selections for our high-schoolers to read. Each edition contains a captivating introduction, the full text of the work, and then ends with an excellent selection of critical essays. 

This year our 9th grader will be reading Merchant of Venice, Hamlet, and King Lear, while simultaneously completing the corresponding recorded classes offered by Joseph Pearce, who is one of their favorite literature instructors over at Homeschool Connections.  As the editor of the Ignatius Critical Editions series, he does such an amazing job of making the literature come to life for the students, deepening their appreciation for these great classics. 

From the about page: “The Ignatius Critical Editions will ensure that traditional moral readings of the works are given prominence, instead of the feminist or deconstructionist readings that often proliferate in other series of ‘critical editions’. As such, they represent a genuine extension of consumer choice, enabling educators, students, and lovers of good literature to buy editions of classic literary works without having to ‘buy into’ the ideologies of secular fundamentalism.” 

P.S.  Jane Eyre might not be a favorite assignment for 10th grade boys. 😉 

There are so many wonderful books to choose from in the series!  I asked our first four to share their favorites… Our eldest son loved reading Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Hamlet in high school.  Our next son really enjoyed The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Confessions, Frankenstein and Hamlet.  Our eldest daughter loves all things Austen and she loved Jane Eyre! Our next daughter really enjoyed Julius Caesar and Mansfield Park. 

.: Giveaway :. 

This week I get to give away a “starter set” of this great series.

The winner will receive 5 BOOKS of their choice directly from Ignatius Press!  
Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below: 


I also have a coupon code to share with all of you! 
Save 25% on all books in the series with coupon code: ROSES25
(Coupon code expires July 28, 2021) 

Celebrating the 4th of July

Jul 6, 2021 | , | 12 Comments

Sunday Mass, American Heroes parade, brunch at a favorite restaurant overlooking the river, family time at home, homemade Red, White & Blueberry Triple Chocolate Brownies, then back downtown to watch the fireworks over the lake… Such a great day celebrating our beautiful country! 

  

 

Prayer for the Church and for the Civil Authorities
Composed by Archbishop Carroll, 1791
We pray, Thee O Almighty and Eternal God! Who through Jesus Christ hast revealed Thy glory to all nations, to preserve the works of Thy mercy, that Thy Church, being spread through the whole world, may continue with unchanging faith in the confession of Thy Name.
We pray Thee, who alone art good and holy, to endow with heavenly knowledge, sincere zeal, and sanctity of life, our chief bishop, Pope Francis, the Vicar of Our Lord Jesus Christ, in the government of his Church; our own bishop, N., all other bishops, prelates, and pastors of the Church; and especially those who are appointed to exercise amongst us the functions of the holy ministry, and conduct Thy people into the ways of salvation.

We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.

We pray for his Excellency, the governor of this State, for the members of the Assembly, for all judges, magistrates, and other officers who are appointed to guard our political welfare, that they may be enabled, by Thy powerful protection, to discharge the duties of their respective stations with honesty and ability.

We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal.

Finally, we pray to Thee, O Lord of mercy, to remember the souls of Thy servants departed who are gone before us with the sign of faith and repose in the sleep of peace; the souls of our parents, relatives, and friends; of those who, when living, were members of this congregation, and particularly of such as are lately deceased; of all benefactors who, by their donations or legacies to this Church, witnessed their zeal for the decency of divine worship and proved their claim to our grateful and charitable remembrance. To these, O Lord, and to all that rest in Christ, grant, we beseech Thee, a place of refreshment, light, and everlasting peace, through the same Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.

May God bless the United States of America! 

 

A Back Yard War Film

Jul 3, 2021 | , , , , , | 6 Comments

 
A couple summers ago, while our three oldest were working their summer jobs and I was just trying to survive the third trimester of my last pregnancy by napping with the toddler nearly every day, I woke up one afternoon to see our remaining four children lying on the grass in the back yard editing a dramatic war film they had just created.
I was impressed. So were their older siblings when they got home from work!
I’ve been meaning to share it with you all ever since and finally uploaded it to YouTube. Enjoy!
June of 2019 
Starring Snuggles (11), Rose (9), Bud (7)
Photography by Chiquita (14) 
In remembrance of those who gave the ultimate price for our freedom!

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

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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

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  • ►2017 (128)
  • ►2016 (148)
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  • ►2014 (227)
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Posts About:

Shower of Roses Alphabet of Saints

A Papal Unit Study & Lap Book

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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!