Celebrating the Solemnity of the Annunciation {Swedish Waffles and AIP Waffles for Lady Day}
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| The Annunciation from Rosary Flip Book |
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 oz butter
- 1 2/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups plus 3 tablespoons milk
- 2 eggs
Directions:
In a bowl or blender (I used my Vitamix) whip together flour, baking powder and salt with half of the milk until you have an even batter. Pour in the rest of the milk, eggs and the melted butter, whip until thoroughly mixed.
Heat the waffle iron and brush with butter. Pour in 6 tablespoons of batter and bake until golden brown. Makes 8 waffles. Top with berries. (Lingonberries are traditional in Sweden. We used Marionberries in honor of Our Lady!)
After baking waffles for everyone else, I was really craving a waffle too… I decided to try to adapt an AIP Belgian waffle recipe to use with our waffle maker and the Cassava Flour I recently purchased. It turned out great! I’ll definitely be making these again.
{gluten-free, grain-free, sugar-free, egg-free, dairy free, nut-free, seed-free}
Vegan, Paleo-friendly, AIP-friendly, and still delicious!
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cup cassava flour
- 1/4 cup arrowroot starch
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 3 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 water
- 1 13.5 oz can full fat organic coconut milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (alcohol-free for AIP)
Directions:
In a large bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients and mix well.
Place all the wet ingredients in blender (I used my Vitamix) and blend until well combined. Add dry ingredients and blend again until well combined. The batter will be thicker than pancake batter but should still be pourable. You may need to add a little additional water or coconut milk.
Lightly brush waffle iron with coconut oil. Add about 1/3-1/2 cup of batter to your pre-heated waffle iron and cook until done. I use this waffle iron, preheated and very hot, with setting number 4.
The recipe yields 5-6 Swedish style waffles, using approximately 1/3-1/2 cup of batter for each waffle. Be sure to cook the waffles long enough or they can turn out gummy.
Top with marionberries. Next time I’ll make some Coconut Whip too! Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven.
Celebrating the Feast of Saint Patrick
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| From Instagram on St. Patrick’s Day 2017: I haven’t spent much time in the kitchen this St. Patrick’s Day, but the kids did wake up to some new picture books and yummy treats! ☘👊🏻 #whathappenedtostpatricksfinger #fistpumpinsaint #seescandies #happystpatricksday |
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| May you have: A world of wishes at your command. God and His angels close to hand. Friends and family their love impart, and Irish blessings in your heart! 💚☘ |
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| Download my printable images to create our St. Patrick Gold Coins over at Dropbox: Regular Size and Small Size. (Pictured in the archives here and over at Catholic Cuisine here.) |
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| Photo Credit: Twinkle Toes (who is still recovering from a bad case of poison oak) “What do you get when you cross poison oak with a four-leaf clover? A rash of good luck. 🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day!” |
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| Photo Credit: Captain (St. Patrick is one of his patron saints) “Thanks Dad and Mom for the Saint Patrick day treats.😋” |
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| St. Patrick Handmade Saint from Naturally Catholic • Saint Patrick Tee from Totally Catholic Tees |
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| The boys requested Irish Beef and Guinness Stew and Traditional Irish Soda Bread with Kerrygold Irish Butter for this year’s celebration ☘ I served it a day late since St. Patrick’s feast fell on a Lenten Friday this year, plus they were gone all of St. Patrick’s Day for their first golf tournament of the season! |
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| Our kids decided that our annual Shamrock Cinnamon Rolls (also pictured here) were too much of a “dessert” (which they choose to give up this lent – the older kids saved the St. Patrick’s Day candies I gave them too) so I put them back in the fridge on Friday and made them for our Sunday brunch instead! ☘ |
Baskets of Books for Easter {and a Giveaway!}
Easter is just one month from today and I’ve been trying to round up gifts to fill our children’s Easter Baskets! (Easter Sunday falls on April 16th this year which also happens to be my parent’s 40th Wedding Anniversary as well as Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI’s 90th birthday!)
As I have shared before, I’m always collecting books to give our children on their birthdays, Easter, and Christmas. Some of the books I have purchased from Amazon, Sacred Heart Books and Gifts (Free shipping for orders over $40 with coupon code JMJ650, expires March 25th), Catholic Child, or St. Augustine Academy Press, some have been purchased on sale at local bookstores, and some have been given to me as review copies from the authors or publishers.
In addition to new books, I usually include something that represents each child’s patron saint (or something representing one of their personal favorite saints), art and/or writing supplies, a small toy or two (I love using LEGO sets as filler instead of Easter grass!), and some symbolic Easter candy (I’ve made my own in the past, including these Easter Symbol Chocolate Coins, or purchased it at the store) in the Easter Baskets. I also usually put together a “Family Easter Basket“, incorporating the various Easter symbols (you can find tons of gift ideas based on Easter Symbols here).
Below you will find the list of books we’ve picked out this year for each of our children. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for a chance to win a book from a basket of books I have to share with all my dear visitors here at Shower of Roses!
Note: Before I share the book list, I do want to remind you all that I haven’t read most of these books yet. I made my decisions based on recommendations, reviews, publishers, and the past work of some of the authors/illustrators.
Manual for Spiritual Warfare
A fierce war rages for your soul. Are you ready for battle? Like it or not, you are at war. You face a powerful enemy out to destroy you. You live on the battlefield, so you can’t escape the conflict. It’s a spiritual war with crucial consequences in your everyday life and its outcome will determine your eternal destiny. You must engage the Enemy. And as you fight, you need a Manual for Spiritual Warfare.
This guide for spiritual warriors will help you recognize, resist, and overcome the Devil’s attacks. St. Paul urges us to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Tim 6:12). Take this Manual for Spiritual Warfare with you into battle.
Charcoal Grey, Premium UltraSoft, rounded corners, embossed cover, silver foil, black ribbons, silver edges, and red accented interior. {We had the boys’ names added to the front covers.}
A Man Cleansed by God: A Novel Based on the Life of Saint Patrick
The story of St. Patrick’s life is a dynamic tale of high drama and intense spiritual force. A generation ago, the American Catholic novelist John Edward Beahn retold that story as a biographical novel based on The Confession, Patrick’s famous autobiographical work. A Man Cleansed by God: A Novel on St. Patrick’s Confession was published in 1959, a vivid narrative with intriguing speculations about the details of Patrick s experience that have been lost to history.
A Shepherd in Combat Boots: Chaplain Emil Kapaun of the 1st Cavalry Division
A well-documented biography of an extraordinary person, Emil Kapun, who was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Medal of Honor, and named “Servant of God” by the Vatican. Try to escape, the American soldiers warned Catholic Chaplain Emil Kapaun. However, he refused to leave his wounded comrades and became a POW. His decision marked a turning point in the inspiring life of this young priest. Kapaun’s faith and courage on the battlefield and in prison set an example for hundreds of young American captives. When they were starving, he stole food for them. If the men needed encouragement, he defied prison rules and prayed with them. When the communist guards mocked his faith in God, the chaplain publicly defended his beliefs. When Kapaun became sick, the communist denied him medicine and watched him die in their vermin-infested “hospital.” However, they could not extinguish the memories of how he served other prisoners.
Manual for Spiritual Warfare
A fierce war rages for your soul. Are you ready for battle? Like it or not, you are at war. You face a powerful enemy out to destroy you. You live on the battlefield, so you can’t escape the conflict. It’s a spiritual war with crucial consequences in your everyday life and its outcome will determine your eternal destiny. You must engage the Enemy. And as you fight, you need a Manual for Spiritual Warfare.
This guide for spiritual warriors will help you recognize, resist, and overcome the Devil’s attacks. St. Paul urges us to “fight the good fight of the faith” (1 Tim 6:12). Take this Manual for Spiritual Warfare with you into battle.
Charcoal Grey, Premium UltraSoft, rounded corners, embossed cover, silver foil, black ribbons, silver edges, and red accented interior.
A Man Born Again: A Novel Basked on the Life of Saint Thomas More
Status and wealth, power and fame: St. Thomas More had them all. As a wise and popular statesman, internationally recognized scholar, and Lord Chancellor of England, More was perhaps the most highly respected Englishman of his day until his conscience required that he lay down his life for his Catholic faith.
Nice Going, Red: The Story of a Boy who “Couldn’t Take It”
(also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press)
Frank “Red” Devlin is the best fighter in town–trouble is, he’s always getting into scraps over something or other. He just can’t stand being teased. He even bristles when his friend, Lieutenant Carroll, spots him smoking and playing craps with Clyde White and Bert Stone, and takes him to task for it. Red wants to be good, honest, but events just always seem to conspire against him. Will he learn to hold his own in the face of peer pressure, or will he give in and go along, even when he knows it’s wrong?
From the author of “Brass Knuckles” and “Midget” comes this third novel, “Nice Going, Red,” a coming-of-age drama about a boy who has what it takes to make a great young man…but when it comes to his fear of looking foolish, he always seems to give in and take the easy road.
Windows Into Christ: A Coloring Book for Prayer and Meditation
Chartres Cathedral has been a holy pilgrimage destination for centuries, and now colorists of all ages can become pilgrims as well in a creative and contemplative way through Windows into Christ: A Coloring Book for Prayer and Meditation, featuring 50 of the cathedrals 176 renowned stained-glass windows.
Prayers and Heavenly Promises
Now in Premium UltraSoft! This unique book of powerful prayers and devotions, compiled by Joan Carroll Cruz, includes wonderful promises made by Our Lord or Our Lady, most of which were revealed to famous Saints, including: St. Faustina, St. Gertrude, and St. Catherine Laboure. Author Joan Carroll Cruz has carefully selected and compiled devotions to Our Lady, the Infant Jesus, Precious Blood, Sacred Heart, Divine Mercy, St. Michael, and more in one place so that your daily prayer can be more powerful and more fruitful than ever before. The promises set forth in this book show that God is eager to grant us many favors–if we will just pray!
Brigid and the Butter
Brigid wants to feed the hungry, but she is often hungry herself. When a beggar woman asks for the only food Brigid has – a dish of butter – she learns how to open her heart in generosity and love. This story of the first miracle of St. Brigid of Ireland will encourage children ages 5 to 8 to learn about this generous saint!
Even though this is a picture book written for children ages 5 to 8, St. Brigid is one of TT’s favorite saints and I know she will love adding this sweet picture book to her collection and reading it to her younger siblings.
The Shadow of the Bear: A Fairy Tale Retold
When Bear, a mysterious young man, lands on Blanche and Rose Brier’s doorstep in New York City, the two sisters have conflicting opinions on whether or not he is dangerous. Even as Blanche learns to trust him, her fears that Bear’s friendship threatens their family prove terrifyingly true. A modern retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fairytale.
Our Lady’s Garden: A Coloring Book for Prayer and Meditation
Step away from the screen-from your television, your computer, your smartphone, your tablet-and take some time for creative mindfulness with a coloring book that will help slow your busy brain. Adults and young people alike will appreciate the opportunity to take time to meditate and pray, to share in the creativity of beloved Brazilian illustrator Veruscha Guerra, and to discover a new way of being with Our Lady in this very special garden.
Eleven-year old Clare wants to be a saint for Jesus, but there are a few things standing in her way: everything she says, does, and thinks. Well… not exactly, but almost. Clare finds surrendering her will to Jesus unbelievably hard, until a visiting priest shares an amazing secret during her church’s parish mission. In this second book by Julie Kelly, Clare discovers the tender love of Mary, the transforming power of meditating on the life of Jesus through the holy rosary, and the joy of contemplating with Mary the face of Christ. And in her delightfully candid way, Clare invites readers to walk the narrow road with her to Jesus through Mary.
The Chestertons and the Golden Key
Summer vacation turns into an adventure for the three Nicholl sisters when Mr. Gilbert Chesterton and his wife come to town. Eleven-year-old Clare hopes to write a detective story. Eight-year-old Cece wants to be a champion roller-skater. And ten-year-old Joan just wants to learn how to play the locked piano in the family living room. But as they befriend the Chestertons, skating accidents, surprising friendships, puppet shows, and mystery solving ensue!
Saint Clare of Assisi: Runaway Rich Girl
St. Clare had everything a young girl could want: wealth, a loving family, and her faith. Clares father wanted her to marry a handsome young man, the son of a nobleman. She wanted to please her family, but her heart called her to a life of poverty, following St. Francis and eventually forming the Poor Clares! This vibrantly illustrated Shoujo-Manga style graphic novel tells her amazing story for children ages 9 to 12.
32 Days: A Story of Faith and Courage
How are the lives of a famous American bishop, Fulton J. Sheen, and an unknown eleven year old Chinese peasant girl intertwined? Discover why the child’s holiness and courage moved the famous TV and radio personality of the 1950’s to promote her religious devotion to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament throughout the world. An historical novel, the author puts flesh and bones on a real child and her love for Jesus. A very inspirational story that touches the heart and shows readers that even a child can be a hero.
A Young Catholic’s Daily Missal
The Young Catholic’s Daily Missal is designed to open up the spiritual treasures of the Traditional Mass for young Catholics from the time of their First Communion up through their early teen years. This missal conforms to the rubrics and norms of the 1962 Missale Romanum and includes the full Ordinary of the Mass; the Masses of the Sundays and Holidays in English with paraphrases of the Propers. For all the other days of the year there are explanations, printed in smaller type, of the Introit, Epistle and Gospel. These, along with the Common of Saints in bigger type, make this missal ideal for daily use. Finally, this missal contains morning and evening prayers; instructions on the meaning of the Mass; and an array of traditional devotions. An indispensable guide to prepare and teach young Catholic’s to use the full Daily Missal. Two ribbons, Flexible cover with Gold Foil Stamping. Illustrated throughout.
Will Wilder #2: The Lost Staff of Wonders
Twelve-year-old Will Wilder is back to protect the town of Perilous Falls from another ancient evil—the fearsome demon, Amon. When the storied Staff of Moses—responsible for summoning the plagues of ancient Egypt—vanishes from the museum in Perilous Falls, Will Wilder is suspect number one. Desperate to prove his innocence and stop the thief from unleashing terrors upon the town of Perilous Falls, Will must use his supernatural gift to locate the beast—but it’s nowhere to be found. As the river runs with blood, sharp-toothed frogs surround his home, and clouds of swarming gnats choke the streets, Will must rely on his supernatural ability, everything he learned from his training, and help from his friends, siblings, and Great-Aunt Lucille to find the missing staff and unmask the hidden evil before time runs out for all of them.
The Shadow of His Wings: A Graphic Biography of Fr. Gereon Goldmann
Here is the astonishing true story of the harrowing experiences of a young German seminarian drafted into Hitler’s dreaded SS at the onset of World War II. Without betraying his Christian ideals, against all odds, and in the face of Evil, Gereon Goldmann was able to complete his priestly training, be ordained, and secretly minister to German Catholic soldiers and innocent civilian victims caught up in the horrors of war. How it all came to pass will astound you. Father Goldmann tells of his own incredible experiences of the trials of war, his many escapes from almost certain death, and the diabolical persecution that he and his fellow Catholic soldiers encountered on account of their faith. What emerges is an extraordinary witness to the workings of Divine Providence and the undying power of love, prayer, faith, and sacrifice.
One of my personal favorite books, which my older boys have loved as well, is The Shadow of His Wings: The True Story of Fr. Gereon Goldmann, OFM. I’m looking forward to introducing our nine year old to this inspiring story with this new graphic biography.
Wind In the Willows
For more than a century, The Wind in the Willows and its endearing protagonists–Mole, Mr. Toad, Badger, and Ratty–have enchanted children of all ages. Whether the four friends are setting forth on an exciting adventure, engaging in a comic caper, or simply relaxing by the River Thames, their stories are among the most charming in all English literature. This keepsake edition of Kenneth Grahame’s beloved novel features gorgeous art throughout, making it a must-have for every child’s library.
Another beautiful book illustrated by Robert Ingpen!
Flowers for Jesus: A Story of Thérèse of Lisieux as a Young Girl (Hardcover edition also available)
Little Thérèse Martin could be a very stubborn young girl. All too often, if someone wanted her to say “yes,” she wanted to say “no”! But then, as she is preparing for her First Communion, Thérèse discovers a way to turn her everyday trials and tribulations into something beautiful for Jesus. Join Thérèse (and her family) as she learns to “gather roses from amid thorns.” With simple storytelling and vibrant watercolors, Flowers for Jesus introduces children to a saint they can relate to: the young Thérèse of Lisieux, before she became known the world over as a spiritual master…
Mary and the Little Shepherds of Fatima
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Fatima with this illustrated true story designed for children ages 5 to 8. Hear about the courage and resilience of Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucinda when everyone, including their parents, doubted the existence of the heavenly visions. See how their unwavering faith and confidence helped thousands witness Our Lady’s Miracle of the Sun!
In addition to this new release from Pauline Books, we’ll be adding to our collection for the upcoming 100th anniversary of the apparitions of Fatima, I also have a couple OOP books I purchased over the past year stashed in my closet to pull out in May!
Rapunzel: Based on the Original Story by the Brothers Grimm
Beautiful Rapunzel is locked away in a tall, tall tower, visited only by the little creatures of the forest and the witch who has imprisoned her. Until one day a handsome prince, passing by on his horse, is transfixed by the magical sound of Rapunzel singing to her animals friends and knows he must reach her… Can true love transform Rapunzel’s life forever?
Simon of Cyrene and the Legend of the Easter Egg
On his way to market to sell eggs, Simon the Cyrene is stopped by Roman soldiers and ordered to help Jesus carry his cross to Calvary. Three days later, Simon rejoices when he sees that not only has Jesus risen from the dead but his eggs have been transformed into a colorful new gift from Jesusthe first Easter eggs!
On the mountain lives an old monk, working out his salvation in prayer and seclusion. He is just the one to show Nikola the holiness in each moment.
Adventures in Brambly Hedge
Step into the miniature world of Brambly Hedge in this exquisite slipcase containing four classic picture books! The mice of Brambly Hedge have many adventures but they always have time for fun too. All through the year, they mark the seasons with feasts and festivities and, of course, the mice never miss an opportunity to meet and celebrate. This beautifully designed slipcase contains four classic stories following their adventures throughout the year.
It’s a rare nonfiction book that’s also a simple, beautiful poem. In this gorgeous Little Golden Book from 1957, Eloise Wilkin’s stunning and realistic artwork is accompanied by gentle text that brings an awe of nature to the youngest readers.
In addition to all the wonderful new books our children will receive this Easter, I have over $200 worth of books to give away to my visitors here at Shower of Roses! Thank you to Sacred Heart Books and Gifts, Pauline Books & Media, Peanut Butter and Grace, Catholic Child, and illustrator Kellie Ryan for sponsoring these prizes!
Prize #1: Will Wilder: The Relic of Perilous Falls, Will Wilder, #2: The Lost Staff of Wonders and Page-A-Day Children’s Bible sponsored by Sacred Heart Books and Gifts (combined value $55.93)
Prize #2: Set of Three Coloring Books: Scriptures Illuminated, Windows into Christ, and Our Lady’s Garden
sponsored by Pauline Books & Media (combined value $47.85)
Prize #3: Little Flower Book Bundle: The Little Flower, Little Lessons from St. Therese of Lisieux, and Flowers for Jesus
Prize #4: Molly McBride and the Purple Habit and Molly McBride and the Plaid Jumper sponsored by Peanut Butter & Grace (combined value $24.99)
Prize #5: Saint Thomas Aquinas and The Caterpillar That Came to Church sponsored by Catholic Child (combined value $22.90)
Prize #6: Simon of Cyrene and the Legend of the Easter Egg
sponsored by Pauline Books & Media (value $12.95)
Another Basket of Books for Lent
I have had a few requests for a peek inside that basket of lenten books for the older children that I mentioned the other day. I had hoped to put a post together a list of all our books but I just haven’t had the time so here is what’s in this year’s basket along with the links to each book:
- What Jesus Saw from the Cross – I have an older edition. Purchased for a Lenten book study years ago.
- Read-Aloud Book of Bible Stories – We read most of this during Advent and plan to finish during Lent.
- Jesus of Nazareth: The Story of His Life Written for Children – Excellent family read-aloud for Lent. Also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press.
- The Picture Bible – This is one of our nine year old’s favorites. He received it in his Easter basket last year and reads it on a daily basis. I can usually spot it on his bed every night.
- A Life of Our Lord for Children, The Man Who Never Died: The Life and Adventures of St. Peter, the First Pope and The First Christians: The Acts of the Apostles for Children
- The Easter Book of Legends and Stories
- Awakening – Our thirteen year old recently read this book. She received it in her Easter basket last year. Also available from Catholic Child.
- Lent and Easter Wisdom from St. Thérèse of Lisieux
- Lent with Pope Benedict XVI: Meditations for Every Day
- Characters of the Passion: Lessons on Faith and Trust – A new purchase for this year and what I’m reading at the moment. I love Venerable Fulton Sheen. Always so inspiring!
- The Spear: A Novel of the Crucifixion – I have always loved the books by Louis de Wohl. Looking forward to finally introducing him to my teens.
- The Living Wood: Saint Helena and the Emperor Constantine
- Saint Helena and the True Cross – Our eleven year old just finished reading this story.
- A Graphic Life of Jesus the Christ
- The Robe – Not pictured. Another favorite of mine from when I was a teen.
- The Early Christians (DVD)
- Ben Hur (Audio)
- Meditations for Lent
- In Conversation with God: Vol 2 Part 1: Lent and Holy Week – I’ve had the whole series of these on my “wish list” for years. You can find them at Sacred Heart Books & Gifts. (By the way, Sacred Heart Books & Gifts is offering free shipping until March 25th for orders over $40!)
In addition to Characters of the Passion: Lessons on Faith and Trust, I am reading through the chapter for March on Mortification from A Year with the Saints: A Virtue for Every Month of the Year. My husband has been reading a chapter from The Little Catechism of The Cure of Ars aloud during dinner each night.
I’ve also pulled out our Catechism in Pictures, to review The Apostles Creed, and reading through The Holy Gospels of St. Luke and St. John from Sacred Art Series (pictured at the top of this post). Both are filled with gorgeous sacred artwork.
Bargain Priced Books :: Fiona’s Lace and More
I purchased this beautiful hardcover book at a 25% discount a couple years ago, but right now it’s only $6.99 (61% off!) and qualifies for free prime shipping over at Amazon.
Update: I just ordered Thunder Cake and Fiona’s Luck too. Rechenka’s Eggs (both hardcover and paperback), from our Easter book collection, is also 61% off right now.
New Additions to Our March Book Basket
I have been trying to purchase a book cart for our home since last summer! I found it for a great price, but then my order was cancelled due to it being out of stock… So were my next four attempts to order it from various online sellers. I decided to try one last time this past January from yet another online store that was having a sale at the beginning of the year. A few weeks later I finally received a shipping notification! However, after another 6 weeks, it was delivered different than pictured and damaged. It’s still useable so they left it here while we wait for the replacement.
My little ones are loving the new book cart! The other day, after I set it up with some of our picture books for March, our youngest dragged his little chair from the other room and plopped it down right in front of all the books to start reading. He is enjoying all the books, but one of his current favorites is Into the Sea, Out of the Tomb (reviewed here – highly recommend the first in the series too).
I have filled our book basket (and new book cart!) with books for March as well as a basket filled with some additional books for Lent. I do have some new additions to our family’s collection to share with you today.
This first book is one I purchased from Amazon last year but haven’t pulled out to share with the kids yet. It’s making it’s way into our book basket this month, just in time for the upcoming feast of St. Cuthbert on March 20th.
The seventh-century Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne is one of England’s most beloved saints, honored also by the Eastern Church. Saint Cuthbert’s adventurous, yet humble spirit is demonstrated in this delightful tale of his encounter with an unruly raven. The lyrical, humorous text and simple, charming illustrations of Ravens of Farne will appeal to readers of all ages.
Patrick and the Fire: A Legend about Saint Patrick
(Published by Pauline Books and Media, January 2017)
Bevan the goatherd longs for the annual festival bonfire celebrating the god of light. When a stranger named Patrick appears, Bevan learns about one God in three persons. Patrick frightens Bevan when he boldly lights a fire rivaling the kings. Soon the king realizes Patricks faith, like his fire, cannot be quenched, and Patrick preaches the Trinity to the people. Ages 5 to 8.
I mentioned this book last month and I’m sharing it again now. This will be another new addition to our collection on St. Patrick’s Day this year. A coloring book version is also available.
Paddy and the Wolves: A Story about Saint Patrick When He Was a Boy
(published by Peanut Butter & Grace, January 2017)
to help the Irish shepherd, Barra, watch sheep for the day!
But who will watch Paddy when he wanders into the woods? Paddy finds delights and dangers, and both deepen his understanding of the prayers of his people.
Paddy and the Wolves imagines Saint Patrick as a young boy, weaving a story that uses the saint’s childhood adventures to foreshadow events in Saint Patrick’s adult life. Award-winning contemporary Catholic folk artist
Jen Norton creates a lush panorama of Paddy’s world,
filled with bears and bluebells, flashy fish and furry friends…and grace.
Paddy and the Wolves includes a bonus section with the Prayer of Saint Patrick, adapted for children, suggestions for celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day at home (including an oatcake recipe), and also a biographical sketch.
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| Tallest Tree Stacking Blocks • Wooden Tree Puzzle Blocks Saint Blocks (including Adam & Eve with Jesus & Mary on the back – tie in beautifully to The End of the Fiery Sword) Rainbow Stacking Blocks • St. Patrick & St. Joseph from Catholic Folk Toys St. Patrick from Naturally Catholic • Eric Carle Color Blocks • Color by Design Pattern Blocks A basket of lenten books for the older children too! |
I’m still working on the list of books for this year’s Easter Baskets, in addition to another basket of books to give away! In the meantime, you can find our complete list of books for the month of March here:
The Stations or The Way of the Cross
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Our Annual Lenten Calendar
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| Day 2: Covering another square with a purple cross as we count down the days until Easter! |
They also picked out another can of food from the pantry to give to the needy.
I’ve explained this little lenten tradition of ours before in my original posts:
Toddlers don’t always understand the concept of giving something up for Lent. Instead of having our youngest children give something up we have them focus on giving away. I stock the bottom shelves of the pantry with appropriate food items that can be donated, and everyday the little ones choose something to place in a box to be donated to a needy person or organization. I fit this extra food into our grocery budget by serving simple meals throughout lent, especially on Fridays.
Our youngest children aren’t exactly toddlers anymore, and they choose things to give up for lent now, but we still love doing this each year. I was excited to see that the Knights of Columbus at our parish are asking for 40 Cans for Lent! It ties in perfectly and we will deliver our cans to them this year. I printed out an enlarged image of 40 Cans 40 Days to attach to the front of our box of donations.
After taking these pictures yesterday I realized that I still needed to add the moveable squares for the feasts of St. Patrick, St. Joseph (falls on Sunday so it’s transferred to the 20th this year), and the Annunciation. I added squares for the upcoming Ember Days too. (My document can be found here: Ember Days) You can read more about Ember Days over at Catholic Cuisine.
LEGO Ideas :: Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein is a 19th-century Bavarian palace on a rugged hill near Hohenschwangau and Füssen in southwest Bavaria, Germany. The palace was commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria as a retreat and as a homage to Richard Wagner, the King’s inspiring muse. Although public photography of the interior is not permitted, it is the most photographed building in Germany and is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Today Neuschwanstein is one of the most popular of all the palaces and castles in Europe. Every year 1.3 million people (6,000 per day in the summer!) visit “the castle of the fairy-tale king”.
A few weeks ago, inspired by his previous Metal Earth Neuschwanstein Castle (available here) and his sister’s 3D Puzzle of this Fairytale Castle (available here), Ranger decided to try and create a micro LEGO version of Neuschwanstein Castle using LEGO from his collection. He amazes me!
He hasn’t posted it over at LEGO Ideas yet, but plans to soon. (You can find his profile here, and vote on his current projects, although it will require you to create a free account and/or log in.)
Pro-Life Prints :: Praying for Others
Pro-Life Prints is a brilliant addition to the Culture of Life Studies Program. It has been a fun and engaging hands-on way to teach our little ones more about the dignity of every human life!
We worked through the four lessons the last week of January (Day 1, Day 2, Day 3) following the presidential inauguration and leading up to this year’s annual March for Life, but our youngest ended up coming down with a virus on Day 4 so we finished the final lesson in shifts. It was the first thing he wanted to do as soon as he was feeling better again the following Monday, but it’s taken me nearly a month to get back to sharing the photos with you all!
This fourth and final lesson focused on Praying for Others. We talked about the importance of praying for friends, family, and even strangers. The lesson also included a special tip to help us remember everyone for whom we need to pray, including ourselves.
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| My Life with God by Father Lovasik |
I loved the explanations used in the lesson! In summary, the thumb is for family and those closest to you, the index finger is for teachers and all those who instruct you, the middle/tallest finger is for all those in authority, the ring finger (which is the weakest finger) is for unborn babies and all of the weakest members of our society, and finally the pinkie is a reminder to pray for ourselves last. After praying for all the others we will be better able to pray for ourselves and ask God for what we truly need.
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| Manner’s in God’s House: First Prayers and First Missal |
- Manner’s in God’s House: First Prayers and First Missal
- Favorite Prayers for Catholic Children
- Prayer for a Child
- Prayers for a Small Child
- Prayers for Children
- My Little Golden Book About God
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| Prayers for Everyday by Father Lovasik |
And from our collection of Father Lovasik books:
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| My Family from Naturally Catholic • Favorite Prayers for Catholic Children |
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