Book Review: Olivia and the Little Way
I just had the privilege of reading, for review, a lovely book titled Olivia and the Little Way by Nancy Carabio Belanger. It is a beautiful story, and even though it is written for children ages 8-13, I found it very engaging… Once I started reading, I had a hard time putting it down!
This story is about a ten-year-old girl, Olivia Thomas, who is having a hard time fitting in with the kids at her new school, St. Michael’s. Her devout grandmother (who reminded me so much of my own grandmother who passed away when I was 13), introduces Olivia to St. Thérèse of Lisieux and her “Little Way.”
Throughout the book, Olivia develops a special devotion to St. Thérèse, who is constantly inspiring her towards holiness, and ends up becoming her best friend, despite the fact that St. Thérèse is taking so long to send Olivia a rose! (I found that so interesting since I had recently blogged about the same thing, “Love’s Delay.“)
I love how the author begins each chapter with beautiful quotes from St. Thérèse, and has woven so much information about this great saint into Olivia and the Little Way. She does an excellent job of encouraging readers, both young and old, to grow in holiness through Olivia’s example. At times I felt as though St. Therese was speaking directly to me through some of Olivia’s trials…
While reading this book, I was particularly inspired to learn more about the St. Thérèse Chaplet. (Why was I not surprised when, just after finishing the book, I logged into Google Reader, and the first unread post I clicked on directed me to Kimberlee’s new items, at Bead’s of Mercy, where I found a beautiful “Shower of Roses” St. Thérèse Chaplet.)
As soon as my children are just a bit older, I’ll be reading this book to them. I also think it would be great to read and discuss, a chapter at a time, at our Little Flower Meetings! (Nancy was kind enough to include discussion questions with the copy she sent me!!!)
If you’d like, you can visit the website and read a few excerpts of Olivia and the Little Way. You can also order a copy directly from Nancy, on the website, as well as from many online sources including: Amazon
St. Thérèse ~ Pray for Us!
Shower of Photos 2009 :: Day 14
I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to find this beautiful set of roses, included with a gorgeous “Shower of Roses” St. Therese Chaplet I had ordered, from Kimberlee early last week. Thank you so very much Kimberlee! I didn’t know what the package could possibly be when my boys handed it to me, and all I saw was my address next to a rose sticker… I couldn’t believe it when I opened the box to find it packed full of roses (for my little ones to use while praying the rosary) along with the chaplet! Aren’t they just perfect?!?
On Easter Day ~ At Home
After arriving home from brunch at my parents, we continued our Easter celebration!
Tri-Tip ~ Asparagus ~ Roasted Red Potatoes ~ Dinner Rolls ~ Sparkling Cider
I never did have an opportunity to make a dessert, but there was plenty of candy to be found!
On Easter Day ~ Brunch at My Parents
On Easter morning we were up bright and early to attend the first Mass of the day at our local parish. After Mass we headed out to my parents home for Brunch. My mom made a delicious Ham and Egg breakfast, with stir-fried vegetables, fruit, pancakes, and toast. It was delicious!
Even though only 4 of my siblings were home (the youngest 4, who still live at home), it was still really nice. One of my mom’s sisters also came for Easter, with her husband and one of her daughters, and one other friend of my parents from Church. Two more of my brothers were headed out for dinner, but we had left by the time they arrived.
My sister Mary and I with Twinkle Toes and Chiquita
From Left to Right: My sister JoAnn & Twinkle Toes ~ My brother Kevin
My brother David (the youngest of my siblings, and also my Godson)
Eating Breakfast
My Mom and Aunt Alice
Playing in “the Woods”
Riding on the Golf Cart with Uncle Kevin
Snuggles with his Grandpa
To be continued… I’ll be back to post more pictures from Easter soon!
Shower of Photos 2009 :: Day 13
Shower of Photos 2009 :: Day 12
Our Jesus Tree ~ On Easter Morning
The Way of the Cross
The other night, my boys told me that they wanted to show me something, and to bring my camera…
A Lenten Tea on Good Friday
Before I start posting more about our Easter, I wanted to share a couple more things from Holy Week… For a very late (and light) dinner on Good Friday (after Stations, The Veneration of the Cross, and my boys first baseball game of the season), my children were so excited to try another Liturgical Tea.
~ The King’s Crown ~
~ The Purple Cloak ~
~ The Crown of Thorns ~
~ Golgotha Eggs ~
~ The Seamless Garment ~
~ The Two Robbers ~
~ The Roman Centurion ~
“And when the centurion, who stood facing Him, saw that He thus breathed His last, he said, ‘Truly this man was the Son of God.’” Mark 15: 39
~ Laid in the Tomb ~
Our family really enjoyed Alice’s teas this Lent, and I am sure I will be serving them again in the future.
My Daybook ~ Easter Monday
FOR TODAY: April 13, 2009
Outside my Window… right now it is overcast and chilly. It rained quite a bit last night (thankfully it didn’t rain yesterday!) and the forecast is even saying we may have some snow tomorrow and the next day. Later in the week it will be sunny again! =)
I am thinking… about my brother-in-law (my sister’s husband) and how I need to call and wish him a Happy Birthday today!!
I am thankful… for Easter, Easter Week, and the Fifty days of Easter!! Alleluia!! We will be celebrating for a little while! 😉
From the kitchen… lots and LOTS of candy. I think we are going to have to make some more Easter Candy Cookies! 😉 Lots of Easter dinner leftovers too: BBQ Tri-Tip, Asparagus, Rolls, Roasted Red Potatoes. I never did get around to making the ham I purchased, so we’ll be having ham this week too!
From the school room… we have our (much needed) Easter Break this week, but I do have a few fun crafts learning projects planned.
Living the Liturgical year at Home… Once again we will be celebrating the 50 Days of Easter with the Garden of the Good Shepherd!
I am just finished creating… a list of activities for this week.
I am going… to try and sort though the photos I took yesterday and share a few with you all. We had such a lovely Easter!
I am reading…. lots of Easter picture books to my children, including a few new additions, which were found in this year’s Easter Baskets.
I am hoping… that it isn’t raining tonight during the boys baseball game.
I am listening… to my children asking if they “can eat just one more piece of candy…”
Around the house… signs of Easter everywhere!
One of my favorite things… is receiving roses. I’ve been blessed with a downpour lately!
I am hoping that, despite Baseball practice and games, I am able to stay home as much as possible.
A picture thought I am sharing:
Be sure to visit Peggy for links to other daybooks!
He is Risen! Alleluia!
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