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by | Dec 29, 2022

Sponsor Love:: Quarterly Update & Current Specials {scroll to the bottom for a giveaway!}

Happy Feast of All Saints! We just got home from Mass and I finished filling Our November Book Basket along with another basket with more fall/Thanksgiving themed picture books. Later today we’ll fill out our November calendars with the names of all the departed souls we will pray for this month. (You can find the printable here: Ora Pro Nobis Candy Boxes.) Oh, and Advent is coming up at the end of this month! Have you ordered your Advent candles yet?

I have some awesome giveaways planned for the next four weekends, in preparation for Christmas next month, but first I want to share another quarterly update on all my sponsors here at Shower of Roses, along with quite a few coupon codes! Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a chance to win  one of two sets of beautiful and saintly coloring books from Peanut Butter & Grace and St. Augustine Academy Press!

Please welcome my new (and returning!) sponsors:

Naturally Catholic
Authentically Catholic…Naturally Beautiful
“This started out as a homeschooling project. I made some gifts for family and friends, took some pictures, and launched my shop. Then orders started pouring in!

Our whole family is involved. We all come up with the designs (usually during dinner conversations!). I do the sawing, painting, and woodburning, my brother helps sand, my sister sews the bags, my Mom is the artist, my little brother and sisters test the toys, and Dad is “quality control”!” Read more here


In addition to visiting the shop over at Etsy, you can also follow Naturally Catholic on Facebook for updates!

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Art Angel Gallery 
Art Angel jewelry designs are born of a love for art and faith. Owner and designer Raphael Fitzgerald holds an M.A. in Art History and specializes in vintage holy card jewelry.

Visit Art Angel Gallery at Etsy, Facebook and Instagram!

Right now you can save 10% off any purchase
 with coupon code: SAVE10

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Give Him 5 
“Give Him 5 Ministries is about falling in love with Jesus! Just as Jesus Christ is the center of our Catholic faith, He is also meant to be the center of our daily lives. Give Him 5 provides people with the encouragement and tools they need to ignite their prayer life and to fall deeply in love with the Lord. Give Him 5 Prayer bags make wonderful gifts.”

Use the code “Roses” to receive 10% off all orders. 
Larger discounts for DRE’s and bulk orders are available on the website. Check out the website for free prayer audios and other items to encourage prayer. 

In addition to visiting the website, you can also follow Give Him 5 over on Facebook and Instagram!

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WonderWe is the total package in the pro-life crowdfunding world. In addition to the campaign and donation features that are common on all sites, WonderWe has added a peer-to-peer feature, multiple administrators, a video share feature, a zero-fee pricing model and an organization portal. This combination of technology and life affirming values is something that WonderWe hopes will be the new way to promote the sanctity of life. Next time you are looking to raise some funds for the March for Life trip, sidewalk advocacy, support for a new mother, or another pro-life cause, choose WonderWe. You can create a free fundraising page in just a few minutes and be assured that the company’s values align with your own pro-life values.

WonderWe also wants moms to know they are not alone in their fundraising endeavors. Its uses are endless. Utilize WonderWe for classroom projects, mission trips, nonprofit organizations and churches, baby showers, or even to support a friend or family member in an emergency situation like the loss of a job or illness. Share WonderWe with your church, small group, children’s sports teams and more for all their fundraising needs as well. To start an online campaign, visit www.WonderWe.com and click on Start a fundraiser. Answer some questions about your cause, add videos, pictures and links. Then promote it through social media, email and print. It’s as easy as that. Next time, your school, church or organization is considering fundraising, don’t do it alone. Consider using WonderWe, the startup changing the future of fundraising, and embrace the power of “we.”

In as little as five minutes, a fundraising campaign can be launched. WonderWe showcases campaigns revolving around faith, family and friends. They don’t shy away from conservative issues such as pro-life efforts, church missions and Catholic values. And WonderWe, unlike other fundraising sites, doesn’t take a profit from the funds raised. That means more money for your cause. 

Free online fundraising!
#1 crowdfunding for faith, family, and friends



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A special THANK YOU 
to all my continuing sponsors! 

Prayer Pillowcases
… more than just a pretty place to lay your head! They’re a unique way to bring Catholic art and prayer into your home. And a practical way to share the Faith with your family and friends. Our distinctive line combines original art and favorite Catholic prayers that appeal to all ages and transform pillows from the ordinary to the divine! Honor a special occasion or make any occasion special with the gift of a joyful, lasting (and personalizable) Prayer Pillowcase. We’re always working on new designs and hope you’ll visit again soon to see even more ways to help your loved ones begin and each day with a prayerful heart.


Don’t miss the brand new Circle of Friends designs!

Shipping is always FREE at Prayer Pillowcases!

Coupon Code Name4Free for free personalization on Prayer Pillowcases through November (a savings of $4.95 per pillowcase).

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Catholic Child

“Our goal is to help you find the finest resources to help you nurture the faith of your Catholic child and strengthen him or her for the challenges of the journey ahead. Each one of the hundreds of items you find here has been chosen by us with care, reviewed for faith and quality, and has been child and parent approved. When you buy from Catholic Child Catalog you are supporting an independently owned, personally run business that remains committed to searching out products to guide, inspire and delight the young Catholics in your life.”


Shower of Roses visitors can SAVE 15% through November with coupon code: CmasRoses (one time use)

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American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program (CLSP) 

We help parents and teachers weave the beauty of the pro-life message throughout all areas of study. Our program is comprehensive, easy to teach and brings the expertise of pro-life leaders from around the world right into your classroom. Covering a range of subjects that includes foreign language, religion, history, science and more, we have something to help your students embrace the dignity of all human beings from the moment of creation onward. This fall we released an engaging lesson for elementary students on the life and works of St. Teresa of Calcutta focused on her dedication to the preborn. For middle schoolers, we released a study on the beauty of the developing human person, and another on the fascinating life and pro-life contributions of Dr. Jerome Lejeune. High school students now have the opportunity to learn the truth about Margaret Sanger through our multimedia unit study uncovering the impact of her legacy on this generation and beyond. And just in time for the election, we released a lesson on pro-life citizenship which views the election process through a Catholic lens. Endorsed by Cardinal Burke, the Culture of Life Studies Program is helping parents, teachers and students build a culture of life.

We’re offering our Shower of Roses customers 20% off all products when they use the code 20ROSES from now through November 20, 2016. 

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Christmastime in New Orleans

A big band jazz orchestra composed of 18 of New Orleans finest jazz and classical musicians, The NOLA Players came together to honor their beloved city through this musical Christmas card, Christmastime in New Orleans. The latest offering from AimHigher Recordings/Verve and The NOLA Players’ first collaboration, this gorgeous and merry recording contains 14 tracks of brand new original arrangements of holiday favorites and is sure to be a Christmas classic for this season and many to come.



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Gail’s Designs

Gail’s Designs has been creating unique, elegant jewelry and cherished rosaries since 2009. Gail has been an artist for most of her life and is grateful for her faith and being able to make elegant jewelry and cherished rosaries for people of the Catholic faith.

In addition to the website, you can also follow Gail’s Designs on Facebook and Instagram for updates and new designs!

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Behold Publications, LLC
“Behold Publications, LLC is more than just a publisher! Family owned and operated since its founding in 1999, we have developed great Catholic clubs like the Little Flowers Girls’ Club and Blue Knights Catholic Boys’ Clubs for Catholic girls and boys ages 5 and up. What makes these clubs unique is that they are at their core faithfully Catholic. We don’t “tack on” Catholic identity as other clubs might, but begin and end with a Catholic world view. We also believe that local clubs best operate the way they see fit, so there is no national organization, policies, registration or dues. Groups can easily adjust the program to fit their local needs. Behold Publications also produce a line of historical fiction based on American history and American saints for ages 7-15.”

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Regina Martyrum Productions
“Regina Martyrum Productions produces the finest works of Catholic audio theatre. With emphasis on the lives of the Saints, these products are edifying, and entertaining.” 

Be sure to subscribe for emails or follow on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google+, and Instagram for sales and updates.


Save 50% OFF your entire order TODAY ONLY 
with promo code: ALLSAINTS

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“The mission of Peanut Butter & Grace is to help Catholic parents raise children who know and love Christ and his Church. We do this by providing digital and print resources that assist parents in forming their children in the faith within the daily life of their family. All of our products are made for Catholic parents—either to use themselves (think of 77 Ways to Pray with Your Kids), or to hand to their kids (think of the Illuminated Rosary prayer books). Our primary audience is “middle pew Catholics”—parents who attend Mass regularly and want to do more to integrate the faith into their family life, but don’t know where to begin. They might even say, “I can’t teach my children about the faith because I don’t know how.” These parents are probably both working to support their family, living the crazy-busy lifestyle of the typical working- and middle-class American family.”

Read more about Peanut Butter & Grace here, like them on Facebook, and subscribe to The Bread (their weekly printable family faith formation planner) here.

Enter the giveaway at the bottom of this post for a chance to win a set of two coloring books! 

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Shining Light Dolls

“Shining Light Dolls is dedicated to bringing high quality religious dolls to children of all ages! At Shining Light Dolls, we believe children deserve to have beautiful toys with a contemporary aesthetic and meaningful message.”



Enter the giveaway by Nov 6th for a chance to win Saints on the Go! plus three Shining Light Dolls featured in the book!

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Every order is a custom order! There are four vinyl colors and over 35 embroidery designs. Covers can be made to fit any size hard/softcover book and any wording can be added. Common books I make covers for are daily missals, bibles, Magnificats, breviaries and prayer books. Makes a wonderful gift for priests, seminarians, Godparents, children, family or friends; Christmas, Easter, birthdays, First Communions, Confirmations, graduations, weddings, or any other occasion!

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“Our shop provides families ornaments and tools to share the traditions of the different seasons of the church year, like the Jesse Tree, O Antiphons, Advent, Lent, Easter and other aspects inspired by Jesus. We create ornaments that would help others share their faith with their children and last for years to come.”

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Visit Catholic Folk Toys for beautiful hand painted wooden saint dolls and more! Custom orders are welcome! In addition to the hand painted wooden dolls and jewelry, Tammy is also making silver rosaries, rosary bracelets, and painting wedding and baptismal gowns. Custom paintings are available and also prints and cards of paintings. They make lovely “save the date” cards, thank you notes or invitations. Please contact for availability and details.


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Kolbe Academy 
“Kolbe Academy was founded in 1980 by three families who experienced first-hand the rapid decline of the public school system and who were looking for a wholesome, academically challenging educational environment. The founders anticipated the need to form young Catholic citizens who could effectively defend their Faith through a thorough understanding of doctrine and regular reception of the Sacraments. They also foresaw the growing need for better, more individualized and intensive instruction in basic education. Kolbe Academy Home School became an outgrowth of the day school in 1993 when parents who lived too far away to commute asked for our help with home schooling their children. Recently Kolbe Academy merged with Trinity Grammar and Prep to become Kolbe Academy/Trinity Prep, which educates students from Pre K through high school. With a focus on providing an education that is Ignatian in MethodClassical in Content and Loyal to the Magisterium in a small-class size environment or at home, Kolbe Academy continues to thrive.”

In addition to visiting Kolbe Academy’s website, you can also check out their online courses and follow them over at Facebook or Twitter for updates! 

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Offering Catholic books, gifts, homeschool curriculum at discount prices!

FREE SHIPPING 
on November 3-6, 2016
 for orders over $40 
with coupon code: FSJMJ 


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Robin Nest Lane 
Robin Nest Lane has recently released a new line of convertible head coverings! This collection of modest coverings, available in an array of colors, is well suited for those seeking an inconspicuous veiling option and is perfect for those who are newer to veiling!

Right now you can SAVE 20% off your order with coupon code: ADORATION2016

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Almond Rod Toys

Almond Rod Toys makes Saint Blocks that are just the right size for little hands and can be used for imaginative play, building, stacking or collecting. The front has a print of original watercolor artwork. The back has a quote or a prayer chosen to inspire little ones and the one that cleans up behind them. The saint’s name, feast day and patronage are also listed; just enough to be a reminder and an inspiration for further learning. 

Visit Almond Roy Toys at Etsy and follow the Facebook page!

Until Dec 18th, if you say a Hail Mary for the conversion of sinners and type in FOUNT OF MERCY in the comments section of check out you will receive an extra patron saint block of your choice with your order.

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“Et Corde means “open heart”. I create rosaries, bracelets and necklaces using the hand wire wrap technique with beautiful antique reproduction medals. I hope that my pieces can be an heirloom that can be passed down in your family.” 

Until Christmas you can save 15% off with coupon code: ROSES15


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So many darling little habits and accessories to choose from… Be sure to check out the new Missionaries of Charity habit. My girls love it!

FREE SHIPPING until November 13, 2016 
with coupon code: ROSESFREESHIP2


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Catholic Cuisine Aprons
As you are shopping for Christmas gifts this year, don’t forget the beautiful Catholic Aprons available over at Catholic Cuisine! All of our aprons are embroidered, not screen printed, giving them a rich, elegant, look! Our durable 100% cotton-twill aprons, with soil-release finish for added stain protection, provide ultimate full length cover and comfort. Designed with two large pockets and 1″ wide neck and waist ties, with adjustable neck strap, they measure 22”W by 30”L.

Visit the Catholic Cuisine Apron page to place an order! 

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.: GIVEAWAY :.


Prize #1: 
Win a set of two coloring books from Peanut Butter & Grace:



Prize #2: 
Win a set of two coloring books from St. Augustine Academy Press:
A Feast of Saints Coloring Book and Feasts of Our Lord and Our Lady Coloring Book



Enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter Box below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If you are interested in advertising at Shower of Roses
click here for current availability and to request more information
I have one small ad left for November through January!

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of my sponsors and visitors for your support! May God bless you all! 

Celebrating the Saints :: Our 2016 Costumes

St. Olaf, St. Philomena, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Teresa of Calcutta, and St. Andrew the Apostle
All Saints in Heaven, Pray for us! 

I took these pictures on our way to our parish’s Trunk-or-Treat and Carnival last Friday night and our children will be wearing them again this evening when we head out to my parents home for the evening.  This is the first year in many years that I won’t be hosting our annual All Hallows’ Eve party… I’m really sad that I had to cancel it, but I’ve between working on my health and working so many extra hours, I just don’t have the energy this year. Our kids all understand and are very excited to go out to Grandpa and Grandma’s.  I just got off the phone with my mom and she is busy in the kitchen making Soup, Chili, Spice Cake, Rice Krispies Treats, and even Caramel Apples!  I’ll be bringing along a few games including Saints Bingo and some new All Saints Guessing Jars.

Other than ordering a new St. Teresa costume for our oldest daughter, following the canonization of Mother Teresa, we hadn’t put any thought or energy into this year’s costumes… Friday afternoon we finally pulled out our two costume boxes and threw together costumes before heading to the church. This is one of those years when I’ve been very grateful to have a nice collection to choose from!

.: St. Teresa of Calcutta :. 

Twinkle Toes (age 13) dressed as St. Teresa of Calcutta


Costume:  from Our Coats of Many Colors 
(Over the years we have built a well-loved collection of costumes from Our Coats of Many Colors.)
This was a repeat of her 2010 Costume… She was so little back then!

The recently canonized St. Teresa of Calcutta won the prize for the best saint costume!  

.: St. Philomena :. 
Chiquita (age 11) dressed as St. Philomena

Costume: For her costume she used the same dress as last year, but turned it around so it was solid blue in the front. (You can find the Blue Renaissance Princess Costume in a size medium over at Amazon – it’s an amazing price right now… Only $12 and I paid over $30!) We tucked in the hood from a red cape that I had used for a costume years ago, for her to wear over the dress. She added our Adjustable Garland of Roses and then made an Anchor/Arrow/Lily using this tutorial

.: St. Olaf :. 
Snuggles (age 9) as St. Olaf 

Costume: I had picked up this Viking Costume on a post-Halloween sale at Gymboree a couple years ago. It was too big on Snuggles, but we made it work. He tucked in the way-to-big pants into a pair of his older sister’s old boots and added his younger brother’s Shield and Sword. An ax would have more accurately represented the images of St. Olaf, but we were sticking what we had on hand. 

.: St. Elizabeth of Hungary :. 
Rose (age 6) as St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Costume: Dress from 2009 St. Margaret of Scotland costume, Veil from Our Lady of Mt. Carmel and St. Brigid costume, Crown from a craft on her 4th Birthday party, a basket filled with some rolls from the store and Crocheted Wool Rosary Roses from The Fig and Thimble pinned around the edges. 
.: St. Andrew the Apostle :. 
Bud (age 4) as St. Andrew

Costume:  Tunic from one of my sibling’s childhood saint costumes, shoulder drape repurposed from St. Luke/St. Paul. Ranger and Twinkle Toes made him a X shaped Cross out of cardboard and Chiquita drew a couple fish and attached them to some yarn to finish his costume. He loved it! 


Considering how little time we spent on the costumes, I thought they all came together beautifully!
Our high schoolers didn’t dress up, but they are wearing the “saintly” t-shirts that they received in their Easter Baskets earlier this year! Ranger (14) is wearing his St. Peter (and all the popes) t-Shirt and Captain (16) is wearing his St. Benedict t-shirt.  

Happy All Hallows’ Eve and Feast of All Saints! 

New Picture Book for Our November Book Basket: Saints on the Go! {Review & Giveaway}

We are getting ready to celebrate All Saints Day (November 1st) and I have a beautiful brand new book to add to Our November Book Basket this year! Like the author’s previous book, The Virgin Mary Around the World and all the coordinating dolls, my little ones are going to love seeing more of their favorite dolls pictured in this story while learning interesting little facts about each of the saints lives. 

The feast of St. Martin de Porres is also coming up this week on November 3rd! 

In addition to Saint Martin de PorresSaint Teresa of Calcutta, and Saint Padre Pio, this book also features St. Joan of Arc, St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Kateri Tekakwitha, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, St. John Bosco, St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, St. Katherine Drexel, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Josemaria Escriva, and St. Pope John Paul II.

.: Giveaway :. 

Shining Light Dolls has generously offered to send one of my visitors a copy of Saints on the Go! plus three of the saints featured in this brand new book: Saint Martin de Porres Shining Light Doll, Saint Padre Pio Shining Light Doll, and the Saint Teresa of Calcutta Shining Light Doll.

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You can find our complete list of saint books for the month of November here:

All Saints Guessing Jars {18 More Saints!}

The All Saints Guessing Jars have been such a hit at our past All Hallows’ Eve Parties.  Last year we coordinated the jars to (mostly) match the third edition of our All Saints Scavenger Hunt.

It’s always so fun looking for ways to connect yummy treats to saints and their symbols. We also made sure to include the saints who had been recently canonized! We included Candy Watches for St. Louis Martin, Lace Cameos for St. Marie-Azelie Martin, and Chocolate Mission Bells for St. Junipero Serra.

As usual I used my Wide Mouth Mason Jars with White Storage Lids for each jar.

There were a couple tags I made that I didn’t get around to filling jars for: candy spiders for St. Felix inspired by the book Saint Felix and the Spider and candy roses for St. Elizabeth of Hungary inspired by Roses in the Snow. Maybe this year!
Here are some pictures of this jars all filled and ready for the party:    

St. Louis Martin ::  Candy Watches

Together with his holy wife, this watchmaker nurtured the sanctity of all their children, but especially their youngest, a Carmelite Saint known to us as the Little Flower who wrote: “God gave me a father and mother more worthy of heaven than of earth.”
Together with his holy wife, this watchmaker nurtured the sanctity of all their
children, but especially their youngest, a Carmelite Saint known to us as the Little
Flower who wrote “God gave me a father and a mother more worthy of heaven
than o
f earth
.

St. Marie-Azélie Martin :: Lace Cameos

After repeated attempts to enter religious life, she became a highly skilled lacemaker. Canonized in October 2015, she and her husband are the only married couple ever to become Saints at the same time. 

St. Lucy:: Chocolate Eyeballs

Virgin and martyr who is invoked by persons suffering from eye trouble. Her name derives from the Latin word for light. 

St. Cloud :: Mini-Marshmallow “Clouds”

Grandson of Clovis, King of the Franks. The English form of his name Clodoald is also the patronage name of a Minnesota town. 

St. Junipero Serra :: Chocolate Mission Bells

Spanish Franciscan missionary who founded nine California missions. 

Sts. Mary & Martha :: M&M’s

These two sisters were close friends of Jesus. 

St. George :: Hot Tamales

Suffered martyrdom and revered as a patron Saints of the Crusades. He is often depicted slaying a fire-breathing dragon. 
Madonna and Child with Six Saints :: Sixlets 
Art historians call this kind of painting a “sacra conversazione,” a holy conversation, as the saints are seen ‘conversing’ with Mary and Jesus in heaven. 

St. Brigid :: Chick-O-Sticks and Cow Tales

Revered as one of Ireland’s three patron saints, she is now for spreading monasticism throughout Ireland.
St. Modomnoc ::  Bit-O-Honey
Responsible for the introduction of bees in Ireland. 
Sts. Cyril & Methodius :: Alphabet Cookies from Trader Joe’s

Two brothers who became missionaries. One of them invented an alphabet, still used in some Eastern liturgies. 
St. Benedict ::  Lifesavers
The Rule he developed prescribed a life of liturgical prayer, study, manual labor and living together in community under a common father (abbot) and is still used in many monasteries and convents around the world. From his cell, he envisioned a drowning and ordered the victim’s rescue. 
Sts. Cosmas & Damian :: Twix (The name Twix is a portmanteau of twin biscuits, or ‘twin bix’)

Twin brothers who suffered martyrdom in Syria during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. 

 

 
St. Thomas Aquinas “The Dumb Ox” ::  Dum-Dums
Though he was ridiculed for his humility during youth as “the dumb ox”, he became a Doctor of the Church. 

St. Elizabeth of Hungary ::  Candy Roses (not pictured above)

While taking bread to the poor in secret, she was asked to reveal what was hidden under her cloak. Upon unfolding the cloak a vision of white and red roses appeared thereby proving God’s protecting hand at work. 
St. Christopher ::  Big Hunks! 😉
 

To keep each person’s guesses secret I also created little sheets of paper for each contestant to write their name and guess, before folding it in half and dropping it into an empty jar or bag with a matching label.

I ended up having extras so we used some for the party and then had a second round the following evening for our family All Saints celebration.
Here are the links to the free printable documents:
Here are the links to some of our past All Saints Guessing Jars:

All Saints Scavenger Hunt {Third Edition}

Back in 2012 my husband and I created an All Saints Scavenger Hunt {Printable Party Game!} for our annual All Saints Party. The following year we created a second version featuring sixteen additional saints with new clues.

Last year we came up with another new version of the game, with sixteen additional saints including some of the newly canonized saints!  (We actually matched the saints to our All Saints Guessing Jars, which I will try and share the details and printables for next, so that the children could learn a little more about each of the saints featured.)

To play the game, the 16 saint cards are handed out to some of the adults, along with the details if they aren’t familiar with the saint. The children each receive the list of clues. Sometimes we pair the younger children with the older children to form teams of two.   The children need to match each clue to the correct saint. Once the child thinks he knows who it is, he will ask the person representing (holding the picture of) the saint. If he is correct the “saint” signs the line next to the correct clue on his child’s clue sheet. You can see some pictures of the game being played here.

(the printable file includes the answer sheet)

Advent, Christmas Eve & Epiphany Candles

I actually planned ahead last year and ordered extra candles to have blessed on Candlemas (Feb 2) and then have on hand for this upcoming Advent!

I really love the 100% pure beeswax Advent Candles from The Cloister Shoppe, handmade by the Dominican Nuns. They are made in limited quantities each year and only available for a limited time, so I wanted to give you all a heads up with Advent coming up at the end of next month.

The last couple years we’ve had two Advent wreaths in our home. The taper Advent Candles are placed in an Advent Wreath on our dining room table and we light them during dinner each night. We also have a larger wreath on the coffee table in the living room which we light during our family rosary each evening. We’ll be using these short pillar candles in purple and pink again this year.

The Advent Candle Kit from Illuminated Ink (pictured below) is such a fun Advent activity for children.

The Cloister Shoppe makes amazing Jar Candles. I ordered extras of the Three Wisemen Candle (prefect for Epiphany!) to give as gifts last year and everyone loved them!

I’ve also been using their jar candles throughout the year and all the various scents we have tried have been lovely. This year I’d love to order the Bayberry Tumbler Candle!

Note: They have more of the St. Nick’s Goat Milk Soap available! It was one of our Seven Fun Finds for Advent a couple years ago.

The Cloister Shoppe also has some of their Bayberry Christmas Eve Candles available again:

There is an old colonial tradition of burning a bayberry candle on Christmas Eve. Often these very special bayberry candles were given to a friend with a little couplet that says,

This bayberry candle comes from a friend
so on Christmas eve burn it down to the end.
For a bayberry candle burned to the socket,
will bring joy to the heart and gold to the pocket.

Bayberry was chosen because usually poorly burning tallow candles were used for everyday use. Bayberry was and stil is considered special because it takes nearly 18 pounds of bayberries to make 1 pound of wax!!!!

Meanwhile, in Ireland it was the custom to leave a candle in the window to welcome the Christ Child and the Holy Family on Christmas Eve. During penal times it became a means of telling priests in hiding that a Catholic family was in that home.

We have brought these two traditions together with our Bayberry Christmas Eve Candle! This is an 6″ 100% bayberry candle hand-poured here at the monastery. (Because bayberry is so brittle it is customary to add a small amount of beeswax as well.). This is NOT a bayberry scented candle but made of real bayberry wax! Each candle is packaged in a wood crate made especially for us along with a colonial-style star shaped tin candle holder signifying the Star of Bethlehem. Each gift crate is tied with a unique “Merry Christmas” bow. (Not seasons greetings or happy holidays!)

Each 6″ candle will burn for approximately 5-6 hours. Depending on the area that the candle is burned it is nearly drip free.

Comes with a little booklet describing the origins of the traditions. We encourage you to start your own tradition and burn the candle while praying the family rosary on Christmas Eve or before Midnight Mass!

Another beautiful addition they have this year is the Christmas Tree Creche Candle. I’m not sure I’d ever be able to actually burn it though!

Like I said, the sisters only make a limited quantity of their beautiful Advent Candles. They always sell out quickly so be sure to order them soon if you are interested!

Four Favorite AIP Fall Breakfasts

I haven’t posted an update on The Autoimmune Protocol :: My Journey Towards Better Health & Weight Loss with the AIP Diet in a long time… It was a rough summer! I started seeing a new doctor last spring and let him convince me to try a couple medications… I was frustrated that I hadn’t been able to add much back into my diet and my energy levels had plummeted again.  Six months later, after watching my reactions to the different medications, everything from extreme nauseousness with one to a quick spike in weight with another, not to mention the medical bills from all the testing he ordered which basically just confirmed that I still have very low cortisol levels (extreme adrenal fatigue) and nearly non-existent progesterone, he took me off everything (back to just my usual supplements) to see if that would help… sigh… I won’t be going back.

I’ve pulled out all the books I read when I first started this diet and have recommitted to improving my health on my own. I’ll be honest with you, it is not easy. Some days I just want to give up and pour myself a bowl of cereal or order a pizza. It’s hard not being able to go out to dinner with my husband without fighting tears as I try and find something (anything!) on the menu that I can actually eat without dealing with bad side effects for weeks afterwards. I keep praying for perseverance and am very grateful that our girls love spending time in the kitchen and surprising me every once in awhile with treats I can eat!

I have found some breakfast recipes that I absolutely love, especially this time of year. Three of these recipes are from my current favorite cookbook: The Healing Kitchen: 175+ Quick & Easy Paleo Recipes to Help You Thrive. Seriously, this cookbook has been a lifesaver. It’s worth the investment if you are on the autoimmune protocol or even just the paleo diet.

— Sunrise Hash —

I posted the picture above over at Instagram on Sunday: 
Sunrise Hash for brunch on this stormy Sunday afternoon! 
#autoimmunepaleo #thehealingkitchen #whitetrufflesalt #jacobsensaltco

I’ve made the “Ollie’s DIY Sunrise Hash” from The Healing Kitchen a few times now and it is sooooo good! I actually had leftovers for breakfast again this morning.
Ingredients:
  • 8 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 1/2 pounds orange sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bunch green onions, sliced
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt or truffle salt
I picked up the White Truffle Salt from Jacobsen Salt Co. when I was up in Portland last month along with a few other flavors as well. They are all excellent! 
Helper’s Natural Applewood Uncured Center Cut Bacon
from Costco
Ingredients: Natural Pork, Water, Sea Salt, Organic Honey, Celery Powder. 

I found this AIP compliant package of bacon at Costco last year and it’s been a staple in my kitchen ever since. Lately I’ve been mainly using it for Sunrise Hash. 

Directions:

1. In a large, deep skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon and onion until the fat has rendered and the bacon has begun to crisp up, 3 to 5 minutes

2. Add the sweet potatoes and garlic to the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook without disturbing for 4 to 5 minutes, until the bottoms of the sweet potatoes are lightly browned. Toss and continue to cook in the same manner, tossing every few minutes, until the potatoes are crispy and cooked through.

— Oven-Baked Pancakes —

This recipe, from The Healing Kitchen, doesn’t make very many, only seven 3-inch pancakes, and I didn’t think I’d like them, but they are delicious. My little ones love them too! I usually double the batch, eat a few, save a few for the next day, and let the kids eat the rest for a little snack. 

These are made with:
3 green bananas
1/4 cup coconut flour
2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon arrowroot starch
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
maple syrup

Puree all ingredients in a blender until smooth. (Our Vitamix is over 10 years old and still going strong!) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and scoop a scant 1/4 cup of batter onto the parchment paper. Repeat seven times, leaving 2″ between each pancake. Using the back of a spoon, smooth each pancake into a 3″ circle about 1/3″ thick.  Bake at 350 for 23 to 25 minutes, or until lightly browned and cooked through. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Drizzle with maple syrup. 
— Apple and Butternut Squash with Sausage Hash —

I had an email today asking about the sausages I have mentioned in the past. They are from Trader Joe’s, pictured above. I didn’t include these in my diet until I had been on the autoimmune protocol for over six months, but now they are staple for busy days when I don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen. The Smoked Apple Chardonnay is my favorite, however the Garlic Herb is more AIP compliant…

Garlic Herb Chicken Sausage 
from Trader Joe’s
Ingredients: Chicken, contains less than 2% of salt, parsley, basil, roasted onions, roasted garlic, celery juice powder, marjoram, oregano, black pepper, white pepper, in a natural pork casing.
Note: You need to be cautious with White Pepper and Black Pepper on the Autoimmune Protocol… I eliminated them completely for my first six months, but then added them back without any reactions.  For more info see Spices on the Autoimmune Protocol from The Paleo Mom. 

Smoked, Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage
Ingredients: Chicken, dehydrated apple, contains less than 2% of salt, roasted onion, celery juice powder, white pepper, nutmeg, thyme, ginger, chardonnay, rosemary, in a natural pork casing.

These are not 100% AIP, mainly due to the tiny bit of nutmeg. It’s one of my “cheats”… These also include some chardonnay. However, according to The Paleo Mom, “Cooking with alcohol is also probably okay for most people, even if you don’t tolerate an actual drink.”

One of my favorite fall breakfasts is the Smoked, Apple Chardonnay Chicken Sausage combined with cubed butternut squash and apple (I leave the skin on and use red or green, whatever I have on hand), and then sauté it all in coconut oil. Mmmmm!

— Baked Carrot-Banana Bread N’Oatmeal —
  
This was another recipe, from The Healing Kitchen, that I wasn’t sure if I’d like, but it’s really good and I love that I can make a batch on the weekend, divide it up into my glass containers, and have quick and easy breakfasts available for the rest of the week. It takes less than 10 minutes to get in the oven and smells amazing while it’s baking! 
Ingredients: 
2 (10-ounce) bags shredded carrots (I’ll usually just shred my own with my SaladShooter.)
1 can full-fat coconut milk (I buy this brand, unsweetened with no added guar gum.)
1 cup mashed medium-yellow bananas (about 3 medium) 
3/4 cup unsweetened shredded coconut, plus more for garnish if desired
1/2 cup raisins, plus more for garnish if desired
2 tablespoons, honey, liquid
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
Directions:
Mix all the ingredients together until the shredded carrots are well coated everything is evenly mixed. Spoon the mixture into a 9×13″glass casserole (I use my Pampered Chef Rectangular Baker)  and press down firmly. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 55 minutes or until the carrots are tender and the n’oatmeal is still moist. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. 
For more inspiration pick up a copy of:

Our 2016-2017 Curriculum Plans and Checklists

Well, I had this whole post ready to go the first week of school, just waiting for a few photos, then blogger ate it. I nearly cried. I had been using the draft post to keep track of all my plans for the year and I didn’t have them written down anywhere else… sigh. Lesson learned. Thankfully I had already ordered most of the books we needed for the year so it wasn’t too hard to recreate my plans at the last minute. Now let’s see if I can “quickly” recreate all the links to share here on the blog! 😉

This year I am home educating all seven of our children. We have two 10th graders, an 8th grader, 6th grader, 4th grader, 1st grader and our youngest is officially Pre-K! This could potentially be our last year with a pre-schooler. Crazy! With our children all arriving 1 1/2 to 2 years apart, I never thought this day would come… It’s been over two years since my last miscarriage and I’m starting to think our youngest might just be our last. Seven is a great number and I’m really enjoying this new season in our family!

Five years ago, just before our youngest was born, I knew I needed help and solid deadlines to keep up with my goals for our home school. I enrolled our children in a local home-based charter that started in our hometown that year. The following year I nearly withdrew, but a good friend of mine was hired as an ES and assigned to our family. It was such an incredible blessing having her come to our home once a week and help tutor our children. She resigned at the end of last school year and now the benefits (an excellent tutor, allotment to use towards books, sports, driver’s ed, etc) no longer outweighed the drawbacks (so. much. paperwork, incompetent teachers/classes, all the required testing taking up weeks of our school year, inappropriate questions on the tests, etc) and we withdrew all six that were enrolled last year for this new school year! I sent in our state’s required “Home School Notification” (got a copy back that has been stamped “Approved”) and we are once again exclusively homeschooling! It was such a great feeling.  I’ve had to be creative in finding ways to pay for this year’s school books (basically work more along with selling the books we no longer need), and we will most likely have to cut back on sports, but my husband and I are confident that this was the best decision for our family at this time.

When I was filling out the Home School Notification I had to assign grades once again and we decided to move out rising 7th grader up to 8th grade. She has a late summer birthday and when she was enrolled in the charter we decided to “hold her back” (like we did with our oldest son who also has a summer birthday) just in case she struggled to keep up, but she is definitely going to be ready to start high school next year, so we officially made the switch.  She was excited to start this school year as an 8th grader!

Like I mentioned before, we decided to enroll our high schoolers in Kolbe Academy. They are working towards the Magna Cum Laude Diploma. My youngest two brothers (currently both seniors in college this year with full golf scholarships!) both graduated high school with Kolbe’s Magna Cum Laude Diploma. In addition to all the benefits of enrolling, I’m really loving the flexibility that Kolbe offers and that we can continue tailoring our curriculum to our family’s preferences and our children’s needs.

The one challenge we have had with transferring our high schoolers from the home-based charter school to Kolbe Academy has been with their Foreign Language credits. To graduate with the Magna Cum Laude Diploma they need 3 years of Foreign Language, with at least two years in the same language. The charter allowed them to earn 1 Foreign Language credit for completing First Form Latin. Kolbe requires both First and Second Form for Latin 1 credit… The boys were not fully prepared to move on to an approved Latin 2 course. I gave the boys three options:

Option 1: Complete Second Form Latin over the summer to complete Latin 1 for Kolbe, and then continue on with Third and Forth Form to earn credit for Latin 2, before switching to a second language for their third and final year of required foreign language.

Option 2: Retake Latin 1 using either Henle or Wheelock this year. No additional credit will be earned on your transcript this year, but you’ll be well prepared to continue on to Latin 2 as a junior and Latin 3 as a senior.  (Ranger choose this option and we enrolled him in Latin 1 with Lukeion.  He LOVES the class, even though it is bright – soon to be dark! – and early out here on the West Coast.) 

Option 3: Switch Languages. You already have one year of foreign language credit at this point, and you need two more. Choose a second language and complete two years. (This was the option Captain choose. After so many years of Latin from Memoria Press he has completely burned out on studying Latin… He is taking this year off foreign language and will most likely continue with French with either an online course or at the community college next year.) 

He’s not the only one taking a break from studying Latin this year. I sold almost all of our Memoria Press Latin materials and all the younger children are also taking a break. Combined with our writing and grammar courses it has been too much the last couple years, and I’ve missed having that extra time to focus on history and science.  I’m also not convinced that all the time we have spent has been very productive. To quote Lukeion: “There are many programs now available for younger students. In our experience, however, these programs demand a lot of busy work but deliver very little in the way of learning the functional nuts-and-bolts of Classical languages. Students are not generally prepared to master these languages until they have reached the logic stage. You will accomplish much more in a fraction of the time if you wait until your student is 12 to 15 before you start formal instruction in Latin and Greek. Better still, waiting to start these logic based languages may mean your student will enjoy them more.” 

UPDATE: I was able to rename the Latin class Ranger took at home last year to “Intro to Latin” and now he’ll be able to earn Latin 1 credit this year after all for the online class he is currently taking! Kolbe Academy has been so great to work with this year.

Anyway, enough about all the changes… Here’s the list of books we are using this school year:

Captain and Ranger :: 10th Grade 

Theology: 
Understanding the Scriptures: A Complete Course On Bible Study
Understanding the Scriptures Student Workbook (Ranger)
Understanding the ScripturesMy Catholic Faith Delivered (Captain)
Preparation for Confirmation According to the Baltimore Catechism (with Dad)

Additional Resources:

Ignatius Catholic Bible (compact)
The Ignatius Bible: Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (leather bound)
Catholic Bible Indexing Tabs

Love this bible and ended up ordering a 2nd copy for our other high schooler.

English 10: 
Student Writing Intensive Continuation Course: Level C (Year 1 of 2)
Fix It! Grammar: Little Mermaid (Book 4) with Teacher’s Manual
Phonetic Zoo, Level C (continue)

Literature – Introduction to Literary Analysis:
Teaching the Classics DVD Seminar and Workbook

History – World History II:
A Light to the Nations, Part II: Development of Christian Civilization and Teacher’s Manual
with Kolbe Academy’s Course Plans & Tests (with high school options)
Additional Literature, Audio Books, and DVDs. 

Mathematics: 
Saxon Algebra 2 with Mastering Algebra John Saxon’s Way: Algebra 2 DVD Set
Saxon Algebra 2 Solutions Manual and Homeschool Testing Book
1 hour (shared with other students) of tutoring at weekly co-op 

Science: 
Prentice Hall Chemistry
with Kolbe Academy’s Course Plans & Tests and Answer Key
with weekly science lab at co-op

Foreign Language: 
Lukeion Latin I (online class – Ranger only)

Fine Arts:
Meet the Masters: Track D
(Maybe Track E too, but I’m not going to commit to that at this time. One Track might be all we are able to finish this year.) 

Physical Education:
High School Hockey
High School Golf

Additional Non-Academic Credit and/or Activities:
FIRST LEGO League Robotics (Mentors)
Drivers Education (at community college next summer – Ranger only)
Train to serve at a Pontifical High Mass next summer

Twinkle Toes :: 8th Grade

Religion:
Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 (continue with Dad)
Living For Holiness (Living My Religion Series, Book 8)
Additional Reading Assignments/Saint Stories

Mathematics:
Saxon Math 8/7 with Pre-Algebra with Mastering Algebra John Saxon’s Way: Math 87 DVD set
Solutions Manual and Saxon 8/7 Tests and Worksheets
1/2 hour of tutoring each week as needed

Language Arts:
Student Writing Intensive Continuation Course: Level C (Year 1 of 2)
Fix It! Grammar: Frog Prince, or Just Deserts (Book 3) with Teacher’s Manual
Phonetic Zoo, Level C
Better Handwriting for Young Catholics
Additional Literature for Independent Reading

History & Geography:
From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America
U.S. Elections Unit Study from Homeschool in the Woods
Maps Charts and Graphs Level G: The World (first semester)
Maps, Charts, Graphs: United States, Past and Present, Level H (second semester)
Additional Literature for Independent Reading, various Audio Books, and Family Read-Alouds along with additional projects/lap books and activities. 

Science:
Physical Science: Concepts In Action; With Earth and Space Science (Prentice Hall)
with Kolbe Academy’s Course Plans & Tests and Answer Key
Nature and Observations Notebook (continue weekly nature study)

Health:
Teenagers & Nutrition
Yourself and Your House Wonderful

Fine Arts:
Meet the Masters: Track D

Physical Education:
Middle School Golf

Computer/Technology:
FIRST LEGO League Robotics

Typing

Chiquita :: 6th Grade

Religion:
Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 (with Dad)
Living In God’s Church (Living My Religion Series) Book 6
Additional Reading Assignments/Saint Stories

Mathematics:

Saxon Math 7/6 with Mastering Algebra – Math 76 DVD
Saxon 7/6 Tests and Worksheets and Solutions Manual
1/2 – 1 hour of tutoring each week as needed

Logic:
Orbiting with Logic
Logic Safari Book 3

Language Arts:
Following Narnia Volume 1: The Lion’s Song
Chronicles of Narnia:
The Magician’s Nephew, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, and The Horse and His Boy
Fix It! Grammar: Frog Prince, or Just Deserts (Book 3) with Teacher’s Manual
Phonetic Zoo, Level A/B
Better Handwriting for Young Catholics

History & Geography:
From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America
U.S. Elections Unit Study from Homeschool in the Woods
Maps Charts and Graphs Level F: Eastern Hemisphere
Additional Literature for Independent Reading, various Audio Books, and Family Read-Alouds along with additional projects/lap books and activities. 

Science:
Focus on Middle School Astronomy with Laboratory Workbook, Quizzes, and Teacher’s Manual
Nature’s Beautiful Order with Student Guide and Teacher’s Key
Nature and Observations Notebook (continue weekly nature study)

Spanish:
Spanish for You!
(at weekly co-op)

Fine Arts:
Meet the Masters: Track D

Physical Education:
Middle School Golf

Computer/Technology:
FIRST LEGO League Robotics
Typing

First LEGO Robotics Meeting and Introduction, just before the school year started. 

Snuggles :: 4th Grade 

Religion:
Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 1 (with Dad)
Living For God (Living My Religion Series) Book 4
Supplemental Religion Books and Saint Stories from Our Monthly Book Baskets

Mathematics:
Saxon 5/4 with Saxon Teacher 5/4 CDs
Solutions Manual and Saxon 5/4 Tests and Worksheets

Logic:
Logic Countdown
Logic Safari Book 2

Language Arts:
Student Writing Intensive, Level A
Phonetic Zoo, Level A
Fix It! Grammar: The Nose Tree (Book 1) and Teacher’s Manual
Handwriting for Young Catholics

 

History & Geography:
Maps Charts and Graphs Level D: States & Regions
State-by-State Study
From Sea to Shining Sea: The Story of America
U.S. Elections Unit Study from Homeschool in the Woods
Additional Literature for Independent Reading, various Audio Books, and Family Read-Alouds along with additional projects/lap books and activities. 

Science:
Focus on Middle School Astronomy with Laboratory Workbook, Quizzes, and Teacher’s Manual
Weekly Nature Study

Art: 
Meet the Masters: Track D

Physical Education:

In-House Hockey League (Nov-Mar — still undecided due to cost and time commitment)

Rose :: 1st Grade

Religion:
St. Joseph First Communion Catechism (with Dad)
Saint Stories from Our Monthly Book Baskets
Additional Supplemental Religion & First Sacraments Books
(the following pictures show some of the catechism resources we use in our home) 

My Path to Heaven: A Young Person’s Guide to the Faith
Chat’s With God’s Little OnesTheir Hearts Are His GardenManner’s in God’s HouseMy First Communion CatechismThe Little Children’s Prayer BookTrue Stories for First Communicants
My Confession For Little CatholicsLeading The Little Ones to MaryJesus and I 
My Confession BookMy Jesus and IIllustrated CatechismCatholic Nursery Rhymes

Mathematics:
Saxon Math 1

Language Arts:
Primary Arts of Language: Writing and Reading
All About Spelling
Handwriting 1 for Young Catholics
Supplemental Readers and Additional Literature

History & Geography:
Maps, Charts and Graphs Level A: The Places Around Me
Early American History (lots of picture books) 
Presidential Election Unit Study (maybe)

    Science:
    Focus on Elementary Astronomy with Laboratory Workbook and Teacher’s Manual
    Miracle of Life Coloring & Activity Book

    Art: 
    Meet the Masters: Track D
    various Arts & Crafts projects throughout the year

    Bud :: Pre-Kindergarten 

    Catholic Children’s Treasure Box Books
    Little Saints Pre-School (various themes as we can fit them in)
    Primary Arts of Language: Writing and Reading (he’s ready so we are starting now)
    All About Spelling Level 1 (once it’s added to our P.A.L. lessons)
    Miracle of Life Coloring & Activity Book
    Early American History (lots of picture books)
    Misc Workbooks for Practice & Fun: Do It CarefullyEverywhere We Go (he loves workbooks)
    Math Manipulative & Worksheets

    Some Additional Family Resources:

    A Year With The Saints: A Virtue for Every Month of the Year
    My Catholic Faith
    Treasure and Tradition

    Natural Science Through the Seasons: 100 Teaching Units
    The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling

    “A goal without a plan is just a wish.”
    Choosing our curriculum and setting goals for the year is just the first step…  The next step is to create a plan for achieving our goals in a timely manner, especially for the older children who will need to complete their courses in order to earn credit on their high school transcripts. I’ve created weekly checklists for each grade and have included the links to my documents above. I’m still working on fine tuning my own routine and schedule, which has been much harder to pin down since my work schedule varies from week to week, but I’m getting there even if it’s very slowly. So far our school year is off to a great start! 

    Shining Light Dolls :: Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

    I think we have a new favorite from Shining Light Dolls
    St. Thérèse of Lisieux is even cuter in person than she looks online. ♥
    Dear St. Thérèse, thou wert always good and obedient and always did the Will of God. Now thou art a great saint in heaven with God. 
    Thy loving and tender heart rejoices to send down roses upon earth. O give me the sweet flower of a great love for Jesus! Pray for me that I may have all the graces I need.

    – Little Flower prayer from Jesus Make Me Worthy

    The Virgin Mary Around the World Birthday Cake

    September 8th – Happy Birthday, Blessed Mother!
    Rose decorated the cake herself this year and surrounded it with some of her favorite dolls ♥

    A Pilgrimage of Faith Board Book by Chantal Baros
    Our Lady of Kibeho, pray for us! 

    Our Lady of China, pray for us! 
    Our Lady of Lourdes, pray for us! 
    Our Lady of Aparecida, pray for us!
    Our Lady of Knock, pray for us!
    Our Lady of Czestochowa, pray for us! 
    Our Lady of Fatima, pray for us! 
    Our Lady of Guadalupe, pray for us! 

    Not pictured but will most likely “appear” in our home on the feast of St. Nicholas or Christmas this year 😉 
    (Note: All links are affiliate links to the book and dolls on Amazon.) 

     Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us! 

    Our Lady of Charity, pray for us! 


    Our Family

    Sean & Jessica, Captain-24, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-21, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-17, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-7 and Joy-5 (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-24, Ranger-22, Twinkle Toes-21, Chiquita-19, Snuggles-17, Rose-14, Bud-12, Grace-7 and Joy-5 (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 Pre-reading
    All About Reading Giveaways
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Our Advent & Christmas Books

    Shower of Roses Christmas Gift Guides

    Looking for Something?

    looking-back

    • 2024 (17)
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    • 2014 (227)
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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!