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A Lenten Tea on Holy Thursday ~ 2010

Apr 2, 2010 | , , , | 5 Comments


We had another Lenten Tea (inspired by Cottage Blessings) this afternoon, just like we did last year on Holy Thursday.  I had to make a few modifications, in addition to serving chicken broth and crackers to our oldest three who were very sick today,  but it was still nice.  I was disapointed that we weren’t able to go to Mass, but I’m just hoping that everyone is healthy again by Sunday!

(Note:  I omitted the “Palm on the Road” this year since I could NOT find Hearts of Palm anywhere.  I’ve been looking for weeks. . .  I should have just ordered some from Amazon, but then I really didn’t need 12 cans!)  

Here is what was included in the menu this year:

~ Costly Oil ~

“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 rice crackers once again, this time opting for “Toasted Sesame.”
“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 ~

For this we used Multigrain Pita Bread, cut into wedges.
“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 ~

Once again this was a HUGE hit!!
“And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” Mk. 14: 26


~ The Cock Crows Twice ~

This year, instead of sandwiches, I made mini Chicken Wraps with Chicken Breast, Cream Cheese, Lettuce and Tomatoes, wrapped in a green Spinach Wrap.  (I tried 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 ~

This year we had Fig Newmans instead of Newtons…
“And they went to a place which was called Gethsemane; and he said to his disciples, ‘Sit here, while I pray.'” Mk. 14: 32


~ Judas’ Kiss ~

This year I served the children one little Hershey Kiss each, wrapped in green. 
“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 on top of the Fig Cookies.
“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 ~

I didn’t have any luck getting my children to try the Tic-Tacs last year, so I opted for Altoids. 

Chiquita couldn’t wait to try one…  However, she wasn’t interested when I offered her a second! 😉
“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 year I was able to create small card stock signs for each of the dishes, including the short Bible quotes Alice provided. I thought they made a nice addition.  I uploaded the document I made, in case anyone would like a copy.



I hope you all had a very blessed Holy Thursday!

A Birthday Celebration

Mar 31, 2010 | | 6 Comments

Hubby’s birthday was last week. We gave him his gifts and handmade cards on his birthday, and we dropped the children off at a friend’s home so we could go out to dinner!! But since he gave up desserts for Lent, we waited until Sunday to have cake.

Hubby LOVES Oreos, so the girls picked out a Chocolate-Covered Oreo Cookie Cake and helped me make it for him.

We ended up being seven candles short, but I don’t think Hubby minded being thirty again.  😉

Twinkle Toes has been so helpful lately and asked if she could serve the cake.

The cake was delicious, but so we wouldn’t be tempted during Holy Week, we took the remaining half out to my parents and siblings.

Rose had been up most of the previous two nights and ended up sleeping through the whole celebration.  (She had been spitting up a ton and had been very fussy, but I didn’t suspect a virus until Snuggles started throwing up yesterday morning at 5am and continued all day until really late last night.  He seems to be getting better, but hasn’t eaten anything yet, so we’ll see.   I am praying that they are the only two to get sick and that we are still able to attend at least some of the Triduum services at our Church and do some of our planned activities at home, which look very similar to what we’ve done in the past. . .)

Happy Birthday Hubby!  We love you! 

The Good Shepherd’s Garden Party :: Week Two

Mar 30, 2010 | | 4 Comments

Week 2

“Welcome to the Lord’s Table”

This Week’s Good Shepherd’s Garden Party Menu

Lamb of God Rolls
Sparkling White Grape Juice
Ice Cream Sundae Bar with Easter Candy Toppings
Honey Butter
Fruit Salad

Decorating Ideas

Set the Table
Decorate the Chairs with Streamers

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

8. The Table

Decorating Suggestion: Set the Table!

“When Joseph came home, they brought into the house to him the present which they had with them, and bowed down to him to the ground. And he inquired about their welfare, and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” They said, “Your servant our father is well, he is still alive.” And they bowed their heads and made obeisance. And he lifted up his eyes, and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your youngest brother, of whom you spoke to me? God be gracious to you, my son!” Then Joseph made haste, for his heart yearned for his brother, and he sought a place to weep. And he entered his chamber and wept there. Then he washed his face and came out; and controlling himself he said, “Let food be served.” They served him by himself, and them by themselves, and the Egyptians who ate with him by themselves, because the Egyptians might not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. And they sat before him, the first-born according to his birthright and the youngest according to his youth; and the men looked at one another in amazement. Portions were taken to them from Joseph’s table, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. So they drank and were merry with him.” Genesis 43: 26-34

9. The Chairs

Decorating Suggestion: Decorate the Chairs with Streamers!

“And the LORD appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat at the door of his tent in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men stood in front of him. When he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the earth, and said, “My lord, if I have found favor in your sight, do not pass by your servant. Let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree, while I fetch a morsel of bread, that you may refresh yourselves, and after that you may pass on — since you have come to your servant.” So they said, “Do as you have said.” And Abraham hastened into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” And Abraham ran to the herd, and took a calf, tender and good, and gave it to the servant, who hastened to prepare it. Then he took curds, and milk, and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree while they ate.” Genesis 18: 1-8

10. The Bread

Any type of Bread or Rolls would work well for this symbol. We’ve decided to make the Lamb of God Rolls from Catholic Cuisine. Guest author Lara says, “This Lamb of God can be made with any suitable (read: yeast) dough. If you’d rather not make your own dough, frozen bread dough will work just fine.

Lamb of God Rolls

Ingredients:

  • Bread Dough
  • 1 raisin
  • Egg White Glaze
  • (1 egg white whisked with about 1 T. cold water)
  • 2 T. sesame seeds
  • Ribbon & Bell (optional)

Directions:

1. Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Cover three portions and set aside.

2. On a lightly greased surface, roll remaining dough into a 9×6″ oval about 1/4″ thick. Cut body of lamb. Transfer to a greased baking sheet (I add a generous drop of lecithin to my oil and rub onto a cookie sheet) Cover and set trimmings aside.

3. Roll one portion of dough into a 9×1″ rope. Cut off a 5″ section for the head. Cut a scant 1/2″ section for tail. Cut remaining rope into two equal portions for legs. Shape head into oval. Attach to body, overlapping slightly and pinching to seal. Shape and smooth nose area. Flatten top of head slightly. Shape tail and attach to body, pinching to seal. Roll each leg section into a 2 1/2″ length. Insert under body, pinching to seal.

4. Using most of the remaining dough, make 26 1″ balls. Arrange over main part of body to within 1/4″ of outer edge. Make a 1/2″ ball and shape into an ear; attach to head. Make several 1/4″ to 1/2″ balls from all remaining dough. Arrange smaller balls atop head and between the larger balls on the body. Cover and let rise 15-20 minutes. (Dough will continue to rise during baking).

5. Cut a lengthwise line in each leg. Insert raisin for eye. Brush lamb generously with glaze. Sprinkle half the sesame seeds over ‘fleece.’

6. Bake in a preheated 375 F oven for 10 minutes. Quickly brush with glaze; re-cut legs if needed. Sprinkle body with remaining sesame seeds. Bake 15-20 minutes longer or until lightly browned and bread sounds hollow when tapped in the thickest portion (I actually think this makes bread that is too dry and overdone; I prefer to use a meat thermometer. Bread is done when the center of the thickest part registers 190 F). About halfway through baking, cover browned areas with foil if necessary. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

7. Tie ribbon with bell around neck.

“Then Bo’az said to Ruth, “Now, listen, my daughter, do not go to glean in another field or leave this one, but keep close to my maidens. Let your eyes be upon the field which they are reaping, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men not to molest you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink what the young men have drawn.” Then she fell on her face, bowing to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found favor in your eyes, that you should take notice of me, when I am a foreigner?” But Bo’az answered her, “All that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband has been fully told me, and how you left your father and mother and your native land and came to a people that you did not know before. The LORD recompense you for what you have done, and a full reward be given you by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge!” Then she said, “You are most gracious to me, my lord, for you have comforted me and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not one of your maidservants.” And at mealtime Bo’az said to her, “Come here, and eat some bread, and dip your morsel in the wine.” So she sat beside the reapers, and he passed to her parched grain; and she ate until she was satisfied, and she had some left over.” Ruth 2: 8-14

11. The Wine

The bubbles from the lemon-lime soda cling to the grape “ice cubes”, giving this refreshing beverage lots of sparkle.

Sparkling White Grape Juice

Ingredients:

  • 2-1/3 cups white grape juice, chilled
  • 4-2/3 cups chilled lemon-lime soda
  • Green Grapes

Directions:

In a pitcher, combine grape juice and soda. Pour into chilled glasses. Thread grapes on skewers; add to each glass. Yield: 7 servings.

Photo Credit: Taste of Home

“Ho, every one who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Hearken diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in fatness.” Isaiah 55: 1-2

12. The Milk

We thought this would be a good way to help finish off all of that lingering Easter candy!

Ice Cream Sundae Bar with Easter Candy Toppings

Ingredients:

  • Assorted Ice Creams
  • Assorted Easter Candies
  • Assorted Fresh Fruits (Chopped Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and/or bananas)
  • Chocolate, Caramel and/or Strawberry Syrup
  • Whipped Cream

Directions:

1. Assemble sundae bar starting with sundae glasses or bowls, followed by ice cream, fruit, assorted Easter candies, syrups and whipped cream. Decorate sundae bar with decorations if desired.

2. Allow children to create their own sundaes using their own imagination.

Photo Credit: Nesquik

“And the LORD brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm, with great terror, with signs and wonders; and he brought us into this place and gave us this land, a land flowing with milk and honey. And behold, now I bring the first of the fruit of the ground, which thou, O LORD, hast given me.’ And you shall set it down before the LORD your God, and worship before the LORD your God.” Deuteronomy 26: 8-10

13. The Pot of Honey

We thought that some Honey Butter would represent the “Pot of Honey” very well and go perfectly with the Lamb of God rolls. To simplify this even further, you could purchase some pre-made Honey Butter or Creamed Honey.

Honey Butter
Recipe Source: Alton Brown

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound butter
  • 1/4 cups honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Cut the butter into chunks using the dough scraper.

2. Place butter into a bowl and beat on low speed, using a whisk attachment to loosen the butter. Increase the speed to medium and add the honey, cinnamon, and vanilla extract and beat until well combined, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove butter from bowl and spoon onto parchment paper or plastic wrap. Roll into a log and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Photo Credit: Cooking Light

“John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey.” Mark 1: 4-6

14. The Fruit

Any type of fruit or your favorite families favorite fruit salad would be perfect for this menu item. Here is a recipe from Catholic Cuisine for a Twelve Fruit Salad in honor of the twelve fruits of the Holy Ghost.

Twelve Fruit Salad

This one includes:
Strawberries, Blueberries, Red Grapes, Green Grapes, Kiwi, Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Peaches, and Apples

Photo Credit: Shower of Roses

“Awake, O north wind, and come, O south wind! Blow upon my garden; let its fragrance be wafted abroad. Let my beloved come to his garden, and eat its choicest fruits.” Song of Solomon 4:16

Shopping List

Fresh Produce:
Green Grapes
Fruit for Ice Cream Toppings –
Strawberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Blackberries and/or bananas
Fruit for Fruit Salad – Strawberries, Blueberries, Red Grapes, Green Grapes, Kiwi, Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Honeydew, Peaches, Apples, etc.

Dairy & Refrigerated Items:
Butter (1 pound)
1 Egg
Whipped Cream

Spices:
Ground Cinnamon
Vanilla Extract
Sesame Seeds

Baking Supplies:
1 raisin
Honey (1/4 cup)

Frozen Items:
Frozen Bread Dough (or ingredients to make your own)
Assorted Ice Creams

Sweets:
Assorted leftover Easter Candies
Chocolate, Caramel and/or Strawberry Syrup (Ice Cream Topping)

Beverages:
7-up or other lemon-lime soda
White Grape Juice

Other:
Streamers
Ribbon & Bell (optional)

You can download this post in a printable form here.

A Mr. Linky will be posted at Catholic Cuisine on Monday April 19th, for anyone who would like to share the pictures from your own Good Shepherd’s Garden Party!

An Update on Rose

Mar 30, 2010 | , | 27 Comments

Today we were finally able to see the pediatric cardiologist for Rose’s follow-up echocardiogram. (A couple days after she was born she had her first echocardiogram which detected a couple of small holes  (Ventricular Septal Defects, aka: VSD’s) in her little heart in addition to a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA). However, we haven’t heard the murmurs since her first doctor’s visit, when she was one week old.)

Rose did wonderfully!  She smiled for the nurses and didn’t cry at all during the actual echocardiogram, which took quite some time.

We were really hoping to hear that her little heart was all better, and that the holes had closed.

The good news is that the holes DID close!  The bad news is she still has a Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA).  Sigh. . .    Usually, if a PDA hasn’t closed at birth, it will most likely close within the first 4 days of life.  Since she was only two days old when she had her first echocardiogram, the doctors had been pretty confident that it would close in the next couple days. . .   It didn’t close.

At this point, since it doesn’t seem to be causing any enlargement/strain to her heart, and since there is still a chance that it might close, we are going to wait a year and then do another echocardiogram.  If it still present at that time the cardiologist will want to go in and close it to prevent the risk of infection.

Anyhow, it has been an emotional day, and I am trying very, very hard not to worry. . .  Thank you again for all your prayers. If you could continue to pray for our precious little Rose, it would be greatly appreciated!

“Enjoy in peace the joy God is giving you, without worrying about the future. He is reserving for you, I am sure, new graces and many consolations.” ~ St. Therese, The Little Flower

A Simple Craft for Holy Week and Easter

Mar 28, 2010 | , , , , | 5 Comments

A couple years ago we did an easy little activity that I found in The Fifty Days of Easter for the Christian Family.  We are doing it again this year!



A Caterpillar/Cocoon/Butterfly Project


Palm Sunday: Create a Caterpillar. There are many easy ways to do so: Egg Carton Caterpillar (like ours pictured in this post, from 2008), Construction Paper Caterpillar, Pom Pom Caterpillar, out of pipe cleaner, craft foam and Hershey Kisses, like we did for “K” Week, etc.  Display the caterpillar in a place that the children will see it throughout Holy Week.

Good Friday: Have the children place the caterpillar in a paper bag cocoon.

Holy Saturday: After the children go to bed, depose of the caterpillar and replace it with a beautifully decorated butterfly.

Easter Morning: The children will open the cocoon to find the butterfly, which is a symbol of the Resurrection! This can then lead to a discussion about Jesus who rose from the dead, and in the future butterflies will remind them of our Resurrected Lord!

“The beautiful butterfly, with the power of flight, emerging from the apparently lifeless cocoon: what could be a more perfect symbol of the Resurrection?” ~ Fisheaters

Palm Sunday 2010

Mar 28, 2010 | , | 10 Comments

Happy Palm Sunday!

Wow! Looking back at my Palm Sunday post from 2008, today is looking very similar:

So far today we:

  • Attended an early (7am) Palm Sunday Mass (It was SO nice! We really should make the extra effort to attend this particular Mass on a weekly basis!)
  • Went out to Breakfast at Marie Calendars (I can’t remember the last time we ate out as a family… It’s been awhile! I loved all the stares we got as we walked through the restaurant with six little ones in tow. 😉 Oh and guess what! Our whole family was able to eat for $23!! Every breakfast on the menu was on special for only $4.99, so we ordered 4 meals, and 2 coffees, and still couldn’t finish everything!)
  • Lit Candle in Prayer Corner
  • Made Palm Crosses
  • Burned Last years Palms
  • Read story colored pictures for Jesus Tree (We haven’t been doing many of the coloring pages this year.)
  • Placed Symbol on our Jesus Tree
  • Did our Lenten Calendar activities
  • Enjoyed the beautiful weather outside (Well, at least it’s not raining! We stopped by the river to see the ducks on the way home.)

Still to do:

  • Palm Procession while singing “All Glory Laud & Honor”
  • Place Palms in place of honor
  • Finish the last of the Jesus Tree Symbols to post tonight (I LOVE that these are all made and can be reused every year!)
  • Make a Spring Cleaning list of things that need to be done the next 3 days (We did some Spring Cleaning last week, but there is still more to do…)
  • Finalize plans for Holy Week
  • Watch movie with with hubby (It’s SUNDAY!)
  • Get lots of rest so I can be ready to start that cleaning tomorrow! get up early for Rose’s echocardiogram tomorrow morning.

We also are going to:

  • Make another Palm of Palms, like we did last year.
  • Bake a cake and sing Happy Birthday to Hubby (He had a birthday this past week, and wanted to save his cake for Sunday, since he gave it up for Lent.)
  • Have cake, served with Fig Bibles and Palm Sundaes for dessert

Hope your all having a wonderful day too!
I’d love to hear what you did with your family!

P.S.  You may notice that my blog looks a little different… Apparently it is not a good idea to mess around with html code at 2 in the morning while nursing a fussy baby.  While doing so I accidentally deleted my whole template.  {{{sigh}}}  I fixed it as best as I could with the time I had, but I will probably be making more modifications over the next couple weeks. 

The Good Shepherd’s Garden Party :: Week One

Mar 25, 2010 | | 13 Comments

Week 1

“The Good Shepherd’s Pasture”

This Week’s Good Shepherd’s Garden Party Menu

Mini Shepherd Pies
Shepherd’s Crooks
God’s Sheep
Graham Cracker Gates
Ewe and Ram Cupcakes
Lamb’s Wool
Wolf Paw Cookies

Decorating Ideas

Lindt Chocolate Lamb Shaped Candies
or any type of Lamb Decoration

Recipes and Suggestions

1. The Good Shepherd

These Mini Shepherd Pies will make a cute main dish for our Garden Party! They can easily be made using a muffin pan and then the children can add little pieces of vegetables to make faces.

Mini Shepherd Pies

Ingredients:

1 pound Ground Beef
1/2 cup Ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
1-1/2 cups Frozen Peas and Carrots Mixture
2 cups of Mashed Potatoes
1 tube Refrigerated Buttermilk Biscuits
Misc. Pieces of Vegetables for making a Shepherd’s Face (optional)

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, over medium heat, sauté the ground beef for 6-8 minutes, or until meat is cooked through, stirring frequently to break up the meat. Drain if needed. Add ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and stir well to combine. Add peas and carrots and stir well to combine and defrost. Set aside.

2. Press 1 biscuit dough onto the bottom and up the sides of each of 10 greased muffin cups. Fill with beef mixture. Spread mashed potatoes over beef.

3. Bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Decorate with vegetables to create a Shepherd’s Face.

Photo Credits: Taste of Home and Disney

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

2. The Shepherd’s Crook

Shepherd’s Crook Breadsticks

1 tube of Refrigerated Breadstick Dough

Shape each section of breadstick dough into Shepherd’s Crooks. Bake as directed on package.

Photo Credit: Waltzing Matilda

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

3. The Sheepfold

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

God’s Sheep

Popcorn and Butter (optional)

Directions:  Air-pop the popcorn and serve it warm, if possible. Butter, if desired, can be melted in a saucepan on the stove.

Photo Credit: Shower of Roses

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

4. The Gate of the Sheepfold

Graham Cracker Gates

Graham Crackers,  Peanut Butter and Pretzel Sticks

Photo Credit: Waltzing Matilda

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

5. The Ewe and the Ram

The Ewe and the Ram Cupcakes

1 box white cake mix + ingredients listed on box
1 can fluffy white frosting
48 mini M&M’s
1 piece of bubblegum cut into little triangles (optional)
12 large marshmallows cut into half lengthwise and then again diagonally
1/2 bag miniature marshmallow cut into half

Bake cupcakes according to directions on package, cool and then frost.

For the Lamb: Arrange the halved mini marshmallows around the perimeter of each cupcake, in two circles. Leave room for ears on the edges, and an empty circle in the center for the face. Place halved full-sized marshmallows in reserved spots for the ears. Place two mini chocolate candies in upper half of each empty circle to make the eyes, and a bubble gum triangle or mini M&M for the nose.

For the Ram: Tint some frosting blue or any color of your choice. Pipe on a Ram horn with white frosting or melted white chocolate chips.

Photo Credits: Waltzing Matilda, Shower of Roses, and Red Velvet Armadillo

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

6. The Lamb

This beverage, quite common in England from the high Middle Ages, was enjoyed on various festive occasions including the Christmas season. Unlike the wassail, it was a cold drink and it was simpler in contents, consisting of the juice of roasted apples mixed with spiced ale.

Lamb’s Wool
Recipe Source: The Catholic Cookbook

Ingredients:

4 cups apple cider
1 stick cinnamon, 3 inches long
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup honey
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 can (18 ounces) pineapple juice

Directions:

Heat cider, cinnamon in a deep saucepan. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer 3 minutes. Add remaining ingredients. Simmer until heated through. Cool. Pour into punch bowl. Yield, 15 servings.

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

7. The Wolf

Wolf Paw Cookies

1 package Voortman’s Iced Almonette Cookies
Chocolate Almond Bark or Chocolate Chips, melted for dipping
White Chocolate Chips (or white frosting) to use for claws

Dip one side of each cookie into melted chocolate. Add 4 or 5 white chocolate chips for the claws. (Wolfs have 4 claws on the back paws and 5 on the front.) Let cool.

Note: You may want to place the cookies onto wax or parchment paper to cool, so they don’t stick to your serving platter.

Option: Substitute with Pepperidge Farm Tahiti Cookies and White Chocolate Frosting.

Photo Credit: Shower of Roses and Waltzing Matilda

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

Shopping List

Fresh Produce:
Lemon (3 Tbs juice + 1 tsp rind)
Misc. Small Pieces of Vegetables (Such as: Carrots, Cucumbers, Peas, Red Pepper)

Meat Department:
1-pound ground beef

Dairy & Refrigerated Items:
Butter (for popcorn, optional)
1 tube Buttermilk Biscuits
1 tube Breadstick Dough
1 pkg (24 oz) Mashed Potatoes,
or use leftover Mashed Potatoes

Freezer:
Frozen Peas & Carrots Mixture

Canned & Dry Goods:
Peanut Butter

Spices:
Ground Nutmeg
Cinnamon (1 stick, 3” long)

Condiments:
Ketchup (1/3 cup)
Cider vinegar (1 Tbs)
Worcestershire Sauce

Baking Supplies:
1 box white cake mix + ingredients listed on box
1 can fluffy white frosting
1 bag mini M&M’s
12 large marshmallows
1/2 bag miniature marshmallow
1/2 cup honey
Chocolate Almond Bark or Chocolate Chips
White Chocolate Chips (or white frosting) to use for claws

Snacks:
Popcorn
Graham Crackers
Pretzel Sticks

Cookies & Sweets:
1 pkg Iced Almonette Cookies (Voortman’s )
1 piece of bubblegum (optional)
Lindt Chocolate Lambs (optional)

Beverages:
Apple Cider (4 cups)
1 can (18 ounces) Pineapple Juice

You can download this post in a printable form here. 

A Mr. Linky will be posted at Catholic Cuisine on Monday April 12th for anyone who would like to share their photos with everyone!

Highlights from “S” Week

Mar 24, 2010 | , | 12 Comments

~ Letter Formation ~

The girls made the letter S with Modeling Wax, HWT Wooden Pieces, and on paper.

~ Strawberry Fairy Coloring Pages ~

They also colored from the The Flower Fairies Alphabet Coloring Book while listening to A Flower Fairy Alphabet on CD.
~ Picture Book Science ::  S is for Sea Shells and Sea Stars ~

We worked on some of the mini books included in a lap book on Sea Stars using from Homeschool Share.

~ Picture Study ::  S is for Stars ~

From Museum ABC’s book and nesting blocks.
While on the topic of Stars we also read The Sky Is Full of Stars.
~ S is for Saints ~

Here is our hand-painted St. Sharbel for with An Alphabet of Catholic Saints.

The girls colored St. Sharbel Coloring Pages from Catholic Artworks and completed some copywork, which I created at Writing Wizard using the quote from An Alphabet of Catholic Saints.

Our Homeschool Group’s All Saints Fair fell at a perfect time, and we also celebrated the feasts of St. Patrick (with Saints, Shamrocks, and Six Smiling Sweeties!) and made Symbolic Shapes in honor of St. Joseph.

We also Spray painted a Shelf for our Saints!
My friend Marci knew I’ve been looking for something, and found this tray at Good Will for $4.00.  The girls helped me spray paint it Gold and we hung it on our school room wall.  I think it turned out cute!

Many, many, months later, I still have 4 saints to go…  Getting close! 

~ S is for States ~

The girls enjoyed staying up late one night to play States & Capitals Sequence.
~ S is for Sewing ~

The girls Stitched, Stuffed, and Served up some Super fun Felt Sweets!

~ S is for Sunflowers ~

I downloaded and printed The Story of the Sunflower Coloring Book for the girls to color while learning about sunflowers.  We then decorated some Sunflower Cupcakes for Sunday. 

Sunflower Cupcakes

~ S is for Strawberries ~


Slicing Strawberries

Strawberry-Coconut Tres Leches Trifle

I posted the recipe at Catholic Cuisine, for those of you that have requested it for Easter!

We are busy Spring Cleaning this week, and next week is Holy Week, so the girls won’t be starting “T” Week until next month… That should give them plenty of time to finish the rest of their sewing! 


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

  • ▼2026 (1)
  • ►2025 (31)
  • ►2024 (41)
  • ►2023 (30)
  • ►2022 (48)
  • ►2021 (48)
  • ►2020 (57)
  • ►2019 (61)
  • ►2018 (90)
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  • ►2016 (148)
  • ►2015 (172)
  • ►2014 (227)
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  • ►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!