More Treasures for Lent and Easter {and a Giveaway!}
“The Stations of the Cross Set includes: 14 – 1-1/2″ x 2″ station ornaments, 1 – 4″ Resurrection cross, 1-16” Wooden Dowel Tree, cotton strings and a booklet with 15 devotions. The ornaments come nicely boxed, ready for gift giving. “
Isn’t this set just gorgeous?! I love the simplicity and beauty of each painting. It didn’t take me long to assemble the tree and attach the strings to each ornament. We already have a beautiful set of Stations of the Cross that we will display once again during Lent, but these will be such a nice addition, especially for my younger children. My hope is that we will be able to attend Stations of the Cross each Friday morning after Mass, but since my husband will be out of town for half of Lent, I think we might be praying them at home quite a bit as well. This new set, along with our The Way of the Cross for Children DVD, will be such a nice help!
I especially love this set of Holy Week and Easter Ornaments. The images, created from original folkpainted artwork, make such pretty ornaments. Love them!
This last new product would make another great addition to Easter Baskets! Last year I had an Easter Basket that was filled with gifts based on Easter Symbols for the whole family. I am planning on adding this “Parable Pouch” to that basket this Easter.
Thank you to Jesse Tree Treasures for the sets that were given to us, in exchange for sharing this review. We look forward to adding them to our family traditions for Lent and Easter!
Before you go, I have a little giveaway I’ve been meaning to post. Last year I somehow managed to order a second copy of A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ & St. Therese of Lisieux. I’d love to send it to one of you to read this Lent! If you’d like to be placed in the drawing just leave a comment on this post by Wednesday night, sharing which of the above three Jesse Tree Treasures sets is your favorite, or your favorite book to read during Lent. I’ll draw a name on Thursday, and announce it here in this post. Please make sure you leave me an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!
{this moment}
{pretty, happy, funny, real}
The older boys are at Hockey practice (it’s really late on Thursdays) and the little ones are all in bed. I’m off to brew a cup of tea and watch the latest episode of Downton Abbey online while I nurse the baby.
Goodnight and God bless!
1774 – Felicity :: An American Girl Lap Book and Unit Study
- Who is Felicity?
- United States Map
- In Felicity’s Day
- Felicity’s Favorites
- Living in 1774
- Conflict
- Posie
- Felicity’s Horses
- Felicity’s World
- Recipe Pocket (homemade)
Weave a Potholder
Embroider a Sampler from Felicity’s Craft Book
A World War II Military Birthday Party
This year Rascal choose a “World War II Military” theme for his birthday. I didn’t have the time or energy to pull together a party like last year’s Lego Party and had to keep it somewhat simple, but that didn’t stop the kids from having a blast!
Mess Hall Mac n’ Cheese
Soldier’s Salad
Meaty Cannonballs
Military Munchies
Pretzel Bombs
Green Grenade Cake Pops
Point du Hoc Cake
Just before dinner my youngest brother (who just got his driver’s license! Congratulations David!) arrived, followed by Aunt Julianna. The birthday boy was very excited for the extra company!
I haven’t been getting out much this year, so I’ve been so thankful for Amazon Prime! I did have a couple LEGO sets that I picked up on Black Friday and also ordered him Secrets of Siena and his very first watch! His Daddy also picked him up another pack of NHL Trading Cards. He was very excited!
Grenade Cake Pops
As I mentioned last night, we have a birthday to celebrate today, and the birthday boy ended up asking for a World War II themed party. Originally he though he wanted a “Deca Sports” theme (10 sports for his 10th birthday) and I started a Board for Sports Themed Party Ideas. When he changed his mind I never did get back around to looking for and pinning new ideas, I just knew that I wanted to come up with something a little different (and easier) than Captain’s Military Themed Party.
This morning I decided to try and find a cake pop recipe, to use up the extra cake and frosting from his Point du Hoc Birthday Cake, and ended up pinning some Grenade Cake Balls created by The Peppered Pantry.
I had almost everything that I needed to make them, except for the white fondant. Instead I was able to cut some marshmallows into various shapes to use for the caps and levers.
I only made six, one for each of the kids. They turned out okay, just rather messy looking and I probably should have used shorter lollipop sticks. Still, they will be a fun addition for today’s party!
A Point du Hoc Birthday Cake
Rascal asked for a World War II / D-Day / Military themed birthday cake this year. Since he wanted the final cake to be a surprise, I did some searching through various cakes online and ended up using this Army Camo Cake (link broken) for inspiration. I baked the cakes this morning and then assembled and decorated it this evening while the boys were at Hockey practice, saving the finishing touches for Captain to add, depicting the D-Day invasion at Point du Hoc.
My Daybook :: February 6, 2012
Outside my window… It has been sunny lately, but still very cold. I am so ready for spring summer!
I am thankful… that we finally found out the date that the boys’ Hockey season ends, and it is the day before Hubby leaves for a three week training session in Tennessee. I had really been nervous about how I was going to make those 3 extra trips to town with all the kids and a baby that doesn’t like his carseat. Whew!
I am thinking… that, even without Hockey, three weeks is a long time! Hopefully by the middle of next month I will be a little more adjusted to being a mom to seven, or at least have a chance to restock the pantry and freezer.
Learning all the time… Usually we are all feeling a little burned out by this time of year, but after preparing for a baby in the fall, Christmas, and adjusting to life with a newborn, we are all more than ready to get back to our plans for the year, with just a few changes. We are not as far along with my original plans as I would like, but American History remains the favorite subject this year and the kids have all moved on to Unit 3. I am hoping to have a chance to post pictures of their lap books and a couple projects from Unit 2 – Colonial Life sometime soon.
Living the Liturgical Year at Home… It seems like Advent just began, and now Lent is just around the corner! We are hoping to make some Valentine cards this week, and hopefully a couple more St. Valentine’s Day Mailboxes. I also picked up a box of Cocoa Pebbles so that the children can make another Grotto for Our Lady on Saturday. You can find other ideas for celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes in the archives.
From the kitchen… lots of meats, fruits, veggies, and nuts. I’ve been off of Dairy, Gluten (actually all beans and grains) and Sugar for 6 days now. At first I noticed a big change in the baby’s fussiness, but then he caught his first cold from his very loving older siblings. I, however, am starting to feel much healthier, if not rested. 😉
I am wearing… Mamajamas. I found them on clearance last fall at a local boutique. So comfy!
I am creating… a military-themed cake for Rascal’s 10th birthday. I figured if I got started on it this morning, I might have a chance to finish it by tomorrow!
I am working on… our tax-return, with the help of TurboTax.
I am wondering… if we should wait until fall to start soccer. Interestingly enough, the spring season begins the week after Hubby gets back from that three week training. Our children have always been interested in playing, and the sign-ups end tomorrow, but I am soooo ready for a break from sports…
I am going… to try and begin writing thank you notes. We are so blessed with such loving and generous friends, both locally and online! After they are finished I might get back to all the emails sitting in my inbox. I hope I haven’t offended anyone by my lack of response, but responding to emails and all the questions from readers is usually at the bottom of my “to-do” lists… I still hope that someday I will be a little more organized and able to keep up with it all! 🙂
I am hoping… to have a chance to post a review of a couple great items for Lent and Easter sometime this week.
I am reading… Why I’m No Homeschool Superstar. If you haven’t read it yet, you must!
I am praying… for Sarah, and her baby girl!
Dear God, You are the Creator of the Universe, yet You have shared with woman the ability to conceive and bear a child, and bring into the world a new life for Your Kingdom. Bless this mother about to give birth. Give her your strength and courage, that she may deliver her child surrounded by Your protection and provision. Embrace her with Your love and grace, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen. (Mothers’ Manual)
Pondering these words… from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton:
I am listening… to various lectures given by Andrew Pudewa. We have been so happy with The Phonetic Zoo this year for the boys’ spelling program and I am really excited to start incorporating his Writing Program into our curriculum as well.
Around the house… new curtains in the dining and living room! They were my birthday gift this year and we finished hanging them up over the weekend. At first I thought I wanted white curtains, but I ended up choosing chocolate brown and they look so nice and cozy against the tan walls with white trim. I love them!
One of my favorite things… aden + anais Swaddle Wraps. I was so excited to see them on Baby Steals this morning!
A few plans for the rest of the week…
Same as usual for the children: Hockey Practices and Game, Piano Lessons, and hopefully the boys can serve Mass on Friday. As for me, I will pretty much be at home nursing my adorable little baby boy and trying to come up with some more foods that I can eat!
A little peek at my day…
{pretty, happy, funny, real} ~ Celebrating Candlemas
Links for February :: Month Dedicated to the Holy Family
February 1st ~ Feast of St. Brigid of Ireland
- In Honor of St. Brigid of Ireland (2010)
- On the Feast of St. Brigid of Ireland (2011)
- St. Brigid’s Day Arts and Crafts (2011)
- Celebrating the Saints :: St. Brigid of Ireland (2015)
February 2nd ~ Feast of Candlemas
- Preparing for Candlemas (2008)
- An Afternoon Tea on Candlemas Day (2010)
- Celebrating Candlemas (2011)
- {pretty, happy, funny, real} ~ Celebrating Candlemas (2012)
- Celebrating Candlemas (2013 – Candlemas Cookies with Drip Plates)
February 3rd ~ Feast of St. Blaise
- On the Feast of St. Blaise, Bishop and Martyr (2011 – Cookie Recipe here)
- February Daybook on the Feast of St. Blaise (2014)
February 11th ~ Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
- Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes ~ plans and ideas (2008)
- Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (2008)
- Ideas for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (2009)
- A Grotto for Our Lady (2009)
- In Honor of Our Lady of Lourdes (2009)
- Celebrating. . . (2011)
- Celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes (2013)
February 14th ~ Feast of St. Valentine
- Valentine Fun! (2008)
- LOVE-ly Valentine Memories (2008)
- Celebrating St. Valentine (2009)
- Valentine’s Day Treats (2009)
- St. Valentine’s Day Mailboxes (2011)
- St. Valentine’s Day Printables (2011)
- Celebrating St. Valentine’s Day (2011)
- St. Valentine’s Day Cocoa with Sprinkles (2012)
- Homemade St. Valentine’s Day Cards (2012)
- Celebrating St. Valentine’s Day 2013
- Bible Candy Valentines {Tutorial & Free Printable} (2014)
- Conversation Hearts Bible Verse Valentines (2014)
- Madonna & Child Valentine Cards (2014)
- St. Valentine’s Day Cards & Party (2014)
- Celebrating St. Valentine’s Day (2015)
- {pretty, happy, funny, real} :: Instagram Recap – St. Valentine’s Day and More (2015)
- Strawberry Hearts {a Simple & Sweet Treat} (2015)
February 22nd ~ Feast of the Chair of St. Peter
- 7 Quick Takes on the Feast of the Chair of St. Peter (2013)
- The Primacy of Peter :: A Papal Unit Study and Lap Book (2013)
Catholic Cuisine:
Links for Lent and Easter Preparation:
- The Lenten Season In Our Catholic Home
- Preparing for Lent :: Our Lenten Journey
- Easter- Pentecost :: From the Archives
- Our Lent & Easter Book Baskets
O Jesus, only-begotten Son of the Eternal Father, well-beloved Son of the Blessed Virgin and foster Child of St. Joseph, we most fervently implore Thee, through Mary Thine ever-blessed Mother and St. Joseph Thy foster father, take our children under Thy special charge and enclose them in the love of Thy Sacred Heart. They are the children of Thy Father in Heaven, created after His own image; they are Thy possession, for Thou hast purchased them with Thy Precious Blood; they are temples of the Holy Ghost, who sanctified them in Baptism and implanted in their hearts the virtues of faith, hope and charity.
O most loving Jesus, rule and guide them, that they may live according to the holy Catholic Faith, that they may not waver in their confidence in Thee and that they may ever remain faithful to Thy love.
O Mary, Blessed Mother of Jesus, grant to our children a place in thy pure maternal heart! Spread over them thy protecting mantle when danger threatens their innocence;
keep them firm when they are about to stray from the path of virtue; and should they have the misfortune of falling into mortal sin, oh, then raise them up again, reconcile them with thy Divine Son and restore them to Sanctifying Grace.
And thou, O holy foster father St. Joseph, do not abandon our children! Protect them from the assaults of the wicked enemy and deliver them from all dangers of soul and body.
O dear parents of the holy Child Jesus! Intercede for us parents also, that we may bring up our children in the love and fear of God and one day attain with them the Beatific Vision. Amen.
Prayers Source: This prayer is taken from Prayer Book for Religious by Fr. F. X. Lasance, S.J. (Benziger Brothers, 1904)
































































































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