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My Girls

Apr 9, 2010 | , | 5 Comments


The girls and I went to town this afternoon.  We stopped by the hospital so they could peek through the NICU window at their new little cousin (I got to go in and see her!!) and then we ran some errands.  I had so much fun responding “Oh no, I have 3 boys as well!” every time someone commented on the fact that I had ALL GIRLS!  😉    

It was so great to finally meet my new niece.  She is such a tiny little one, yet so PERFECT!  She has had to be on oxygen and will probably be in the NICU for about a month.  Please continue to keep her in your prayers!  


Before I go, here is a picture of Rose with my brother.  I can’t wait to see him holding his little girl!   



Reusing The Garden of the Good Shepherd

Apr 7, 2010 | | 11 Comments

Even though The Garden of the Good Shepherd: A Sticker Calendar to Count the Fifty Days of Easter claims to be reusable, I have not found that to be the case…

A couple years ago, when we first used this calendar, I didn’t remove the stickers and when I went to reuse it again last year, they wouldn’t peel off the background without tearing.  Then, last year, I did take the stickers off, and yet they still curled up and lost some of their stickiness.

I wasn’t too upset since I purchased a number of the calendars from LTP when they were on clearance.  However, had I paid full price I would have definitely counted on the stickers being “reusable.”

This year, Charlotte and I were talking about ways to make sure the stickers could be reused in the future, and agreed that Self-Sealing Laminating Sheets would probably be the easiest.

I purchased a package of the Laminating Pouches and am very pleased with how our stickers turned out.  I finally have a set of stickers that we should be able to reuse year after year!

Originally I thought I would apply the stickers to card stock and then cut them out before laminating, but decided that would take way too much time just laminating them would make them sturdy enough. 
It’s hard to see in the pictures, but I laid the stickers face down on the front sheet of laminate.  Even though the sticky side was up, I didn’t have any problems peeling the protective paper off the back sheet and pressing the two sheets together.
It only took a few minutes to laminate all 50 stickers, using 3 sheets of the laminate. 

They shouldn’t take too long to cut out, but so far I’ve only completed the first week.  (I’m not really a procrastinator… just really busy!  At least that’s what I tell myself!)

We are just using a little double sided tape to place the symbols onto our Garden poster, but if I had some Blu-Tak I would use that instead of the tape.
If any of you have any other suggestions or advice for reusing the stickers, please feel free to share in the comment box. 
Also, while typing up this post, I noticed that Amazon currently has copies of The Garden of the Good Shepherd in stock (they keep selling out), if any of you would still like to purchase a copy.  
Anyhow, we have been enjoying placing our “stickers” on the calendar each day, after reading the Bible verse, and my children are looking forward to our first Good Shepherd’s Garden Party later this week! 
Happy Easter Wednesday!!

Chocolate Nests for Easter

Apr 7, 2010 | , | 4 Comments

On Holy Saturday, while the boys were at the Rink for their Hockey lessons, the girls and I started making our Easter Treats.  We started with making some Chocolate Nests.  They were so easy, turned out cute, and were loved by everyone on Easter Sunday!

Ingredients:  
1 bag Chow Mein Noodles
1 Bag Light Cocoa Candy Melts
1 bag of Egg shaped Candy 
(We used Speckled Jordan Almonds)
1 package of Peeps (optional)

Directions:
Melt Candy in Microwave or Double Boiler.
I’m including this picture just so I can point out my new apron, which I recently found at Pier 1 Imports… Isn’t it CUTE!?!  
Mix the melted chocolate into the chow mein noodles.
Shape into nests and top with candy eggs and peeps.
Try to decide which one you are going to have on Easter! 😉 

A Lenten Tea on Good Friday ~ 2010

Apr 7, 2010 | , , , | 5 Comments

*I know it is all very similar to what we have done in the past, however this blog is mainly a scrapbook (of sorts) for my children,  and a place for me to record what we have been up to, so I apologize if I seem repetitive.  🙂  

Our oldest three children, who were all sick on Holy Thursday, were very pleased that we were having another Lenten Tea for our meal on Good Friday.  It was originally inspired by Alice and very similar to the one we had last year.

Hubby read from the Bible (Mark chapter 15) while I served each item:

~ The Water Bowl ~

My children wanted to use the bowl to wash their hands, instead of using the water to drink.

“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 ~

I used Tostitos”Scoops” once again…

… in addition to a bean dip “Crown”
“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 ~

Guacamole goes perfectly with the above two items!
“[H]e perceived that it was out of envy that the chief priests had delivered Him up.” Mark 15: 10

~ The Purple Cloak ~

This year I remembered to purchase purple fruit leather.
“And they clothed Him in a purple cloak . . . .” Mark 15: 17
~ The Crown of Thorns ~

I KNOW I purchased Ritz crackers and pretzels, but I can NOT find them! Thankfully I still had some Rice Crackers left over from Holy Thursday and used Rice Krispies for the thorns. 

“. . . and, plaiting a crown of thorns they put it on him.” Mark 15: 17
~ Golgotha Eggs ~

In addition to using the Rice Krispies above, I was inspired to dye our Golgotha Eggs this year by Eileen, who has been doing this Tea for their Good Friday meal for years now.  It took a little bit more time, but my children really enjoyed drawing the sculls and dying the eggs.
“And they brought Him to the place called Golgotha (which means the place of the skull)” Mark 15: 22

~ The Seamless Garment ~

Once again, flour tortillas and cheese cubes were quick and easy.  My children ended up making themselves each a burrito with the bean dip, guacamole, and tomatoes. 
“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 luck finding fresh Basil, and I didn’t even have any Spinach this year, so I just served each child 2 Baby Carrots to represent the two Robbers.  Maybe one of these years I will actually be able to use Basil.. If not perhaps Pesto Bruschetta would work well!
And with Him they crucified two robbers, one on His right and one on His left.” Mark 15: 27

~ Vinegar to Drink ~

“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 Roman Centurion ~


Like last year, I cut 50 tomatoes in half, to represent the 100 Roman Centurion.  We still had leftovers.


“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

~ The Temple Curtain ~

This was a new (to us) addition this year, and when Hubby read the verse bible verse, each of the children tore their napkin in half.

“And God.'” Mark 15: 39

~ Laid in the Tomb ~

Like last year, I made muffins and filled the middle with a little jam.

“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.”

You can visit Cottage Blessings for the Bible readings, recipes and shopping list.

And when I was making the cards for our Holy Thursday Tea, I also created small card stock signs for each of the dishes in our Good Friday Tea as well, including the short Bible quotes Alice provided. I uploaded the document I made, in case anyone would like a copy.

A Few Pictures from Good Friday

Apr 7, 2010 | , | 10 Comments

~ Hot Cross Buns ~

I served Hot Cross Buns for breakfast and posted the recipe at Catholic Cuisine. 
~ Picture Books ~

It was a rainy/snowy day and we spent the morning reading a few picture books including Benjamin’s Eggs (Please read the comments regarding this book).   Snuggles didn’t remember the Resurrection Eggs from last year and LOVED them.  He sat on the couch opening and closing each one for at least an hour after we had finished reading the book.  
~ Stations of the Cross ~ 

We were unable to attend Stations and the Veneration of the Cross at church, since my children were still recovering from the flu, so we prayed them (using The Way of the Cross for Children (DVD)) at home.  My children asked if Captain could hold the crucifix (like he does when he serves) and the rest could please hold candles while we prayed, so we did.  We finished just at 3pm, and the candles were extinguished.   
Snuggles was very upset that he wasn’t given a candle, and handed me a votive to light.   I told him I was sorry, but that it didn’t have a holder and so we couldn’t light it for him.   The smart little guy ran back to the kids bathroom, climbed up on the toilet, and brought me back one of the ones from a candle sconce I have hanging on the wall.  I was impressed, I would have never thought to get one from there.  With lots of help and supervision, I let him hold a candle too.   He smiled at me and then gave his siblings a very proud and triumphant look!   He then proeeded to be very prayerful as we began to pray the Stations and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.

 ~ A Lenten Tea on Good Friday ~ 

For our one main meal, we had another Lenten Tea for dinner.

Good Shepherd’s Garden Party :: Week Three

Apr 6, 2010 | | 0 Comments

Week 3

“The Heaven’s Tell God’s Glory”

This Week’s Good Shepherd’s Garden Party Menu

Sun Cupcakes
Whipped Creamy Clouds
Talking Rain Sparkling Ice
Thunder and Lightning
Windy Cakes
Rainbow Kabobs
Crushed Ice

Decorating Ideas

Lightning Bolt Straws
Pinwheels

By Jessica at Shower of Roses and Charlotte at Waltzing Matilda
*Please feel free to modify and be creative with these plans to suit your family!

Recipes and Suggestions

15. The Sun

Sun Cupcakes

Ingredients:
1 box cake mix + ingredients listed on box
White or Lemon frosting (tinted yellow with food coloring)
Yellow Sugar Sprinkles (optional)
Candy Corn & 2 Chocolate Chips per cupcake
Red Licorice or Red Writing Icing (or a few more chocolate chips)

Directions:
Bake cupcakes according to directions on package, cool and then frost.
Tint icing yellow and frost cupcake. Sprinkle with yellow sugar.
Arrange candy corn, pointy end out, around edge of cupcake.
Place 2 chocolate chips for eyes and add a licorice smile.

Photo Credit: Shower of Roses

“The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours forth speech, and night to night declares knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words; their voice is not heard; yet their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes forth like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and like a strong man runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them; and there is nothing hid from its heat.” Psalm 19: 1-6

16. The Cloud

You can either use the recipe below, or just serve each child a big dollop of Whipped Cream.

Whipped Creamy Clouds

1 container Non-dairy Whipped Topping

Provide each child with a piece of waxed paper and a spoon. To make a treat, a child scoops a large spoonful of nondairy whipped topping onto their waxed paper. Then the child uses their spoon to create a cloud shape. Freeze each child’s cloud; then serve.

“And all the men of Israel assembled to King Solomon at the feast in the month Eth’anim, which is the seventh month. And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. And they brought up the ark of the LORD, the tent of meeting, and all the holy vessels that were in the tent; the priests and the Levites brought them up. And King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel, who had assembled before him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing so many sheep and oxen that they could not be counted or numbered. Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place, in the inner sanctuary of the house, in the most holy place, underneath the wings of the cherubim. For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, so that the cherubim made a covering above the ark and its poles. And the poles were so long that the ends of the poles were seen from the holy place before the inner sanctuary; but they could not be seen from outside; and they are there to this day. There was nothing in the ark except the two tables of stone which Moses put there at Horeb, where the LORD made a covenant with the people of Israel, when they came out of the land of Egypt. And when the priests came out of the holy place, a cloud filled the house of the LORD, so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud; for the glory of the LORD filled the house of the LORD.” 1 Kings 8: 2-11

17. The Rain

If you do not have drinks made by Talking Rain available (I buy ours at Costco), any sparkling flavored water would work just as well.

Talking Rain’s Sparkling Ice

1 Bottle of Talking Rain’s Sparkling Ice per person
Photo Credit: Shower of Roses

“You have heard that it was said, `You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” Matthew 5: 43-48

18. The Lightning

Charlotte has created lightning bolts, which you can print, cut out and attach to straws for the “Rain” drinks.  It can be downloaded here.

Photo Credit: Waltzing Matilda

Here is a recipe for Thunder and Lightning Pasta as well, in case you’d like to include a main dish:

Thunder and Lightning

Ingredients:

  • 1-16 oz can Chick Peas, drained
  • 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
  • 2 Garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Basil
  • 1 tbsp Parsley
  • Olive Oil for drizzling

Directions:

1. Cook the macaroni in a large pan of boiling water, lightly salted for 10 minutes, or until just resistant to the bite. Drain.

2. Sauté the garlic in a large skillet in olive oil for a few minutes. Add drained chick peas & macaroni. Mix in the basil & parsley. Cook over a very low heat, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are absorbed & the mixture is heated through. Season with salt & pepper & serve hot.

Photo Credit: Shower of Roses

“Whence then comes wisdom? And where is the place of understanding? It is hid from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the birds of the air. Abaddon and Death say, `We have heard a rumor of it with our ears.’ “God understands the way to it, and he knows its place. For he looks to the ends of the earth, and sees everything under the heavens. When he gave to the wind its weight, and meted out the waters by measure; when he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder.” Job 28:20-26

19. The Hail

Crushed Ice

Provide a bowl of crushed ice to be served with the drinks.

“Has the rain a father, or who has begotten the drops of dew? From whose womb did the ice come forth, and who has given birth to the hoarfrost of heaven? The waters become hard like stone, and the face of the deep is frozen.” Job 38: 28-30

20. The Wind

You can either purchase a box of Hostess Cupcakes, or decorate half of the cupcakes you made for the sun with “wind”.

Windy Cupcakes

1 box of Hostess Cup Cakes

Photo Credit: Hostess

“So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to its bone. And as I looked, there were sinews on them, and flesh had come upon them, and skin had covered them; but there was no breath in them. Then he said to me, “Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, Thus says the Lord GOD: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe upon these slain, that they may live.” So I prophesied as he commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great host.” Ezekiel 37: 7-10

21. The Rainbow

Rainbow Fruit Kabobs

Various Fruit in the Colors Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue and Purple

We used: Strawberries, Raspberries, Oranges, Pineapple, Green Grapes, Blueberries and Purple Grapes

Photo Credit: Shower of Roses

“And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth. When I bring clouds over the earth and the bow is seen in the clouds, I will remember my covenant which is between me and you and every living creature of all flesh; and the waters shall never again become a flood to destroy all flesh.” Genesis 9: 12-15

Shopping List

Fresh Produce:
Garlic (2 cloves)
Various Fruits in the Colors of the Rainbow (ie: Strawberries, Raspberries, Oranges, Pineapple, Green Grapes, Blueberries, and Purple Grapes)

Freezer:
Non-Dairy Whipped Topping

Canned & Dry Goods:
1 lb Elbow Macaroni
1-16 oz can Chick Peas

Spices:
Basil
Parsley

Condiments:
Olive Oil

Baking Supplies:
1 box of cake mix + ingredients listed
1 can white or lemon frosting
Yellow Food Coloring
Yellow Sugar Sprinkles (optional)
Candy Corn
Chocolate Chips (a handful or so)
Red Licorice or Red Writing Icing

Snacks:
Hostess Cup Cakes

Beverages:
Talking Rain Sparkling Ice
(Or Flavored Water of Your Choice)

Other:
Straws
Pinwheels

You can download this post in a printable form here.

A Mr. Linky will be posted at Catholic Cuisine on Monday April 26th, for anyone who would like to share the pictures from your own Good Shepherd’s Garden Party!

She’s Here!

Apr 6, 2010 | , , | 10 Comments

Thank you all for your prayers!!  My new little niece was born at 2:43 this morning, weighing 3 pounds 6 ounces.   This precious picture of her tiny little hand holding my brother’s finger brings tears to my eyes, isn’t is absolutely precious!?!   I can’t wait to meet her!

Please keep her in your prayers, that she’ll grow quickly and that her daddy and momma will be able to take her home soon!

The Easter Story with Playmobil

Apr 6, 2010 | , , , | 7 Comments

Just like last year, the boys reenacted the Way of the Cross with some of their Playmobil toys.

~ On Good Friday ~ 

~ On Holy Saturday ~

I woke up to find that Jesus was now in the “tomb”  (aka: The Stone Table from their Narnia toys) and guarded by Roman Soldiers
~ Easter Morning ~ 

After the children went to bed, and I was setting up all the Easter decorations, I moved the Playmobil toys to the top of the piano keyboard (not knowing that the boys had their own plans) so I could set up the Easter Books, Alleluia letters and Resurrection set.  That did not discourage the boys from setting up their own Resurrection scene on Easter morning! 

In spite of the fact that they are made from plastic, I just love Playmobil!

Please Pray!

Apr 6, 2010 | | 13 Comments

I had a phone call from my brother Brian today, and wanted to ask you all for prayers for his wife and sweet baby girl. My little niece is not due to arrive until May 9th, but she has stopped growing and the doctor has decided to induce my sister-in-law tonight. Could you all please say a prayer for a safe delivery and healthy baby? Thank you!!


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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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!