Sponsor Love:: Quarterly Update & Current Specials {scroll to the bottom for a feast day giveaway!}
It’s time for another quarterly update on all my amazing sponsors here at Shower of Roses. I also have some great coupon codes to share with you as well! Be sure to scroll to the bottom for a chance to win a little gift package from me which will include books for a couple upcoming feast days including a copy of Saint Valentine and the brand new Paddy and the Wolves: A Coloring Book about Saint Patrick When He Was a Boy!
Please welcome my new sponsors:
www.OurCEOMom.com
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.
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.”
American Life League’s Culture of Life Studies Program (CLSP)
The Culture of Life Studies Program has two outstanding new studies—Pro-Life Prints and The Power of One.
Pro-Life Prints is the perfect mix of fun and learning for students in grades K-2. Children learn basic culture-of-life lessons like helping others and realizing their own unique value while working through a super cute keepsake booklet.
The Power of One was just released and features the life and legacy of March for Life founder Nellie Gray. This lesson is geared toward students in grades 7 and up, but can easily be adapted for younger students as well.
Sacred Treasures of England
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.
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.”
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.
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, or to hand to their kids.
“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.”
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.
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 Method, Classical 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 the website, you can also follow Give Him 5 over on Facebook and Instagram!
Robin Nest Lane
Specializing in high quality veils and mantillas for ladies and girls. Robin is a Catholic mother of 15 ( 7 with Our Lord ) who spends her days serving, loving, praying, and sewing. Robin started making veils for her daughters and wanted to share with others. She truly loves creating veils to serve Our Lord!
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!
“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.”
Catholic Cuisine Aprons
As you are shopping for Easter and Mother’s Day 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.
Win a couple picture books for upcoming feast days including Saint Valentine and Paddy and the Wolves: A Coloring Book about Saint Patrick When He Was a Boy!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Please welcome my new sponsors:
“Our Catholic faith is an incredible gift. It sustains us and guides us, yet at times during these years of babies and housework, it can be a struggle to FULLY ENGAGE with our faith. What is more, as Catholic Mothers we not only crave a closeness with our God, but we are charged with raising faith-filled children and creating a holy home. We take this work of living and teaching the faith very seriously, but we often forget one very important ingredient: Creativity. I believe that creativity is one of the most powerful ways we can engage with and teach our Catholic Faith. I believe that crafting can be a prayer. I believe that children learn best when given the opportunity to create–and that we should use their creativity to help them fall in love with God and his church. And finally, I believe that anyone, young or old, can create meaningful, beautiful things. Even you. On this site you will find countless ways to live out your faith by engaging your creativity.”
Check out all the creative Catholic Crafts from Do Small Things with Love, including the brand new Jesus Tree Scripture Based Lenten Activity!
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Erika with OurCEOMom.com specializes in helping Moms work from home online. She’s a Catholic wife and Mom to 4 kiddos ranging from 9-2 years. She’s been working from home since 2009. Partner up with a Team of Moms that have the same family values and goals. Raise your kids AND your income.
Request information today!www.OurCEOMom.com
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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.
Shipping is always FREE at Prayer Pillowcases!
+ + +
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.”
+ + +
The Culture of Life Studies Program has two outstanding new studies—Pro-Life Prints and The Power of One.
Pro-Life Prints is the perfect mix of fun and learning for students in grades K-2. Children learn basic culture-of-life lessons like helping others and realizing their own unique value while working through a super cute keepsake booklet.
The Power of One was just released and features the life and legacy of March for Life founder Nellie Gray. This lesson is geared toward students in grades 7 and up, but can easily be adapted for younger students as well.
All Shower of Roses visitors can enjoy 20% off all purchases through February 18, 2017 by using the code ROSES20 during checkout.
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Sacred Treasures of England
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Gail’s DesignsGail’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!
+ + +
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.”
+ + +
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.
+ + +
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, or to hand to their kids.
Don’t miss their brand new release just in time for the upcoming feast of St. Patrick next month!
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| Beautifully illustrated brand new storybook about St. Patrick (left) and new St. Patrick Coloring Book (right) |
Order the Storybook:
Order the Coloring Book:
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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.”
 |
| Jesse Tree Treasures offers many beautiful products for Lent and Easter including the Jesus Tree – Walk with Jesus through Lent, Parable Pouch, and Holy Week/Easter Ornaments. |
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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.
+ + +
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 Method, Classical 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 and specials!
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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 at Facebook for updates!
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| We gave this Our Lady of Fatima Puzzle from Naturally Catholic to our children On the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima – May 13, 2016. It is perfect for the 100th Anniversary of Our Lady of Fatima this year! |
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“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.”
In addition to visiting the website, you can also follow Give Him 5 over on Facebook and Instagram!
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Offering Catholic books,
gifts, homeschool curriculum
at discount prices!
+ + +
Robin Nest Lane Specializing in high quality veils and mantillas for ladies and girls. Robin is a Catholic mother of 15 ( 7 with Our Lord ) who spends her days serving, loving, praying, and sewing. Robin started making veils for her daughters and wanted to share with others. She truly loves creating veils to serve Our Lord!
Right now you can SAVE 15% off your order with coupon code: IVEIL2017
+ + +
Almond Rod ToysAlmond 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!
 |
| Last Supper Wood Blocks are perfect for Lent. We even included them around our Pentecost Cake last year! |
+ + +
“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.”
Right now you can save 10% off with coupon code: ROSES10
+ + +
Catholic Cuisine ApronsAs you are shopping for Easter and Mother’s Day 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.
+ + +
.: GIVEAWAY :.
Win a couple picture books for upcoming feast days including Saint Valentine and Paddy and the Wolves: A Coloring Book about Saint Patrick When He Was a Boy!
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 only have one medium sized ad left for February/March/April!
I only have one medium sized ad left for February/March/April!
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of my sponsors and visitors for your support! May God bless you all!
On the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord
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| Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, Rosary Flip Book |
“How far that little candle throws his beams!
So shines a good deed in a weary world!”
~ William Shakespeare
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| Hand-painted IHS Candle from SaongJai |
Happy Candlemas Day!
On the Feast of Saint Brigid
We filled our February Book Basket this afternoon and read a short story about Saint Brigid from Saints for Girls for today’s feast. Happy feast of Saint Brigid!
.: From the Archives :.
Pro-Life Prints :: Helping Others
“Yet Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay and You our Potter: we are all the work of Your hand.” ~ Isaiah 64:7
We are three-quarters of the way through this week’s Pro-Life Prints project! Today’s Lesson 3 was all about “Helping Others.” We discussed the importance of helping others and how we always need to treat others with respect, kindness, and love.
Our five year old loves to include his toys whenever possible and brought out the elephants he received for his birthday last month as soon as he saw that we were going to be rereading Horton Hears a Who! I also pulled out a couple other books that tied in nicely to today’s theme: Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary and LOVE from The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
.: Standing Up for Others :.
“A person’s a person, no matter how small.”
– Horton Hears a Who! by Dr. Seuss
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| Horton Hears a Who! |
.: Pro-Life Rose :.
“Like a rose, every human being is beautiful and delicate.”
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| Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary |
.: Pro-Life Butterfly :.
“Preborn babies are delicate like a butterfly.
We have to protect and pray for them!”
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| LOVE from The Very Hungry Caterpillar |
(We also talked about all the flutters I’ve been feeling lately… Our own preborn baby is very active!)
.: Today’s Pro-Life Prints & Picture Books :.
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| Roses in the Snow: A Tale of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary LOVE from The Very Hungry Caterpillar • Horton Hears a Who! |
I received another coupon code from Culture of Life Studies Program today!
Here’s one for 35% OFF this project using M4LSALE2017
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon {Autoimmune Paleo}
Thank you all for the birthday wishes both here on the blog and over on Facebook and Instagram last week! My husband and I actually spent most of the day grocery shopping (Costco, Trader Joe’s, Natural Grocers – first big shopping trip since before Christmas due to all the storms and snow days!) but I was so grateful for the extra help since he had the day off work due to the holiday. While we were gone the boys cleaned up the house and the girls baked that amazing cake. (I sliced the leftover cake, enjoyed a piece for breakfast the next day, and put the slices in the freezer to enjoy once I ever recover from this cold/flu and the sinus/ear infections. I’m getting there!)
I already shared most of the pictures from the day, but I also wanted to share the recipe we made for dinner. It was soooo good! Since we purchase a side of organic grass-fed beef each year we are blessed with some special cuts of meat that we wouldn’t purchase otherwise. We had made this once before, as a special Mother’s Day meal either last year or maybe it was the year before, and saved the recipe. I look forward to making again for another special occasion… Perhaps for St. Valentine’s Day if I can find some more filet mignon in the freezer!
Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon
with Paleo Mushroom Sauce
Ingredients:
- 6 pieces grassfed filet mignon (4-6 ounces each)
- 6 pieces pastured, sugar-free bacon
- 6 toothpicks
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil, bacon grease, beef tallow, or other cooking fat
- 1 onion, diced
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup bone broth
Directions:
- Wrap the bacon around the outside of each piece of meat and secure with a toothpick. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Over medium-high heat, melt cooking fat and heat until shimmering.
- Place meat in pan and cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook 3-4 minutes on the other side for medium rare. (For medium cook an additional 1-2 minutes; for medium well cook an additional 2-3 minutes, and for well done cook an additional 3-4 minutes.)
- Remove meat from pan. Tent with aluminum foil to keep warm.
- Cook onion and mushrooms for several minutes in now empty pan, stirring constantly.
- Pour bone broth into pan and use wooden spoon to loosen browned bits. Continue cooking until reduced by about ½.
- Pour over steaks and serve immediately.
Pro-Life Prints :: I Am Unique
“I praise you, because I am wonderfully made; wonderful are your works! My very self you know.” ~ Psalm 139:14
Yesterday we started working through Pro-Life Prints, the brand new downloadable lesson plan and workbook from Culture of Life Studies. This afternoon we continued with Lesson 2: I Am Unique! During today’s lesson we discussed how each and every person is blessed with special talents and is made by God to be wonderfully unique.
We didn’t have all the paint colors we were hoping to use today (missing orange), so we started today’s art project with a little lesson on mixing colors to create new colors. One of the boys mixed red and yellow together to make orange, while his younger sister and brother added some white paint to pink and blue to lighten them up for their handprints.
.: I Am Unique :.
“God made me unique! I even have my own original fingerprints.”
.: I Am Unrepeatable :.
“When I was first created, I was smaller than a poppy seed.
There is no one else like me in the whole world.”
.: God Takes Care of Me :.
“God is watching over all of us – even the birds – with His loving care.”
.: Today’s Pro-Life Prints :.
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| Looks like I took the picture before they finished their bees. They all turned out so cute! |
Before concluding the lesson we read a couple books listed under Storytime here: Little Saints Pre-School :: I Belong to God
Culture of Life Studies is offering 30% off Pro-Life Prints for Shower of Roses visitors with coupon code: ROSESM4L
Pro-Life Prints :: Preborn Babies
This week I’m spending a little time each afternoon completing the brand new downloadable lesson plan and workbook from Culture of Life Studies: Pro-Life Prints with my little ones. It was created for Pre-K-2 but I included my 4th grader as well. This fun and educational project is broken into four lessons which all teach and emphasize the dignity and sacredness of every human life. Today we reviewed and discussed Preborn Babies!
During the short lesson we pulled out some poppy seeds to remind us of how small we were when God first created us and then pulled out our tempera paint to get started on today’s Pro-Life Prints.
.: Preborn Babies :.
.: Tiny Me :.
.: Small, but Awesome! :.
.: 8 Months and Still Growing :.
.: Today’s Pro-Life Prints :.
You can find the digital download we are using here:
Additional Pro-Life activities from the archives:
Update! I just got an email from Culture of Life Studies and they are offering 30% off Pro-Life Prints for Shower of Roses visitors with coupon code: ROSESM4L
White House Cookie Kit on Inauguration Day
I purchased this White House Cookie Kit for just a few dollars on clearance from Trader Joe’s at the end of summer. I planned to incorporate it into our U.S. Elections Unit Study this school year and then completely forgot I had it up on the top shelf of the pantry.
I’ve been having yet another relapse of this never-ending cold/flu and spent yesterday afternoon at the doctor’s office. It was just my routine visit and another ultrasound, but it does look like I have developed both ear and sinus infections… Anyway, before my husband drove me to town for my appointments, I had one of the older boys get the White House Cookie Kit down while I handed the girls my camera. They did the rest while we were gone!
From the Archives:
U.S. Elections Lap Book (2016)
Prayer for the Nation
(condensed version of this prayer which we’ve been praying here at home)
We pray Thee O God of might, wisdom, and justice! Through whom authority is rightly administered, laws are enacted, and judgment decreed, assist with Thy Holy Spirit of counsel and fortitude the President of these United States, that his administration may be conducted in righteousness, and be eminently useful to Thy people over whom he presides; by encouraging due respect for virtue and religion; by a faithful execution of the laws in justice and mercy; and by restraining vice and immorality. Let the light of Thy divine wisdom direct the deliberations of Congress, and shine forth in all the proceedings and laws framed for our rule and government, so that they may tend to the preservation of peace, the promotion of national happiness, the increase of industry, sobriety, and useful knowledge; and may perpetuate to us the blessing of equal liberty.
We recommend likewise, to Thy unbounded mercy, all our brethren and fellow citizens throughout the United States, that they may be blessed in the knowledge and sanctified in the observance of Thy most holy law; that they may be preserved in union, and in that peace which the world cannot give; and after enjoying the blessings of this life, be admitted to those which are eternal. Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Birthday Blessings
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| Beautiful birthday roses from my husband this morning! |
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| The girls baked and decorated this gorgeous and 100% AIP Raspberry Cake! (Update: They used this recipe from Autoimmune Wellness, substituting applesauce for the apple puree.) |
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| They also made AIP Raspberry Lemon Gummies adapted from the Cherry Lime Gummies in The Healing Kitchen! |
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| They were able to fit all 39 candles on the 6″ cake! … and I was able to blow them all out before they melted. |
My family all spoiled me today with beautiful cards, thoughtful gifts, special meals, and even Masses offered for me by my brother-in-laws! I’ve been so blessed!
Stacks of Books on Epiphany {Little Christmas}
The past few years we have been giving our children stacks of books on Christmas morning. This year, between the morning sickness and the virus I caught a couple weeks before Christmas, I never got around to ordering the last of the books. I had more than enough books for a few of the children but not even one for a couple of them… I ended up deciding to save the books for Epiphany (Little Christmas) instead, giving myself plenty of time to find a few more. However, the weather got really bad and some of my shipments didn’t even arrive by Epiphany. I ended up simplifying some of the stacks, to make them a little more even, and saving some of the extra books to give as Easter and Birthday gifts later this year.
Most of the children didn’t mind at all that their stacks were smaller, but our nine year old commented, “Now that I actually like books, my stack is so much smaller than usual!” A few years ago he was the one who, as he was opening the last book in his stack, was overheard saying, “Please don’t be a book, please don’t be a book, pleeeeassse don’t be a book… Oh NO! It is a BOOK! And it’s a bad one… There is a FAIRY in it!”
Here is the list of books that did make it under the tree this year.
{Note: All links to Amazon and St. Augustine Academy Press are affiliate links.}
Captain (age 16) received two additional books from the series he was given last year by Rev. Henry S Spalding S.J. The Marks of the Bear Claws and The Race for Copper Island. Also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press.
Ranger (age 14) received Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction 3: Build Siege Weapons of the Dark Ages along with Mini Weapons of Mass Destruction Targets: 100+ Tear-Out Targets, Plus 5 New Mini Weapons
The older boys were also given a copy of the brand new book by John Flanagan, The Battle of Packham Heath to add to their collection of Ranger’s Apprentice books, the inspiration behind the Ranger’s Apprentice Birthday Party a couple years ago.
Twinkle Toes (age 13) has been reading through the Nancy Drew books again and asked for Book 1 in the series to add to the collection she has from my childhood. She received The Secret of the Old Clock as well as Color the Classics: Anne of Green Gables: A Coloring Book Visit to Prince Edward Island.
Chiquita (age 11) received God and the General’s Daughter as well as The Chronicles of Narnia Official Coloring Book. She has been loving her writing class this year using Following Narnia Volume 1: The Lion’s Song and has already requested a Narnia themed birthday!
Snuggles (age 9) received Strangers at the Manger, as well as three books from the Matt Christopher Sport Series: The Hockey Machine, Ice Magic, and Body Check. (Thank you for the suggestion, Debbie, he has read all three of them already and looks forward to reading more in the series!)
Rose (age 7) ended up receiving (and has been loving!) the Jingle Bells Christmas Carol Coloring I had gotten at a discount with purchase at Barnes and Noble, a copy of I am Therese (to go along with the Doll she received for Christmas, and The Story of the Snow Children. She was one of the ones whose books didn’t arrive in time, but I now have some gorgeous fairy tales stashed away for her Easter basket!
Bud (age 5) received Ollie’s Ski Trip, Favorite Thornton Burgess Animal Stories Boxed Set and Love from The Very Hungry Caterpillar.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Shower of Roses is an affiliate for All About Learning, Ignatius Press, The Catholic Company, Cloister Shoppe, Homeschool in the Woods, Institute for Excellence in Writing, St. Augustine Academy Press, Tan Books, Platinum LED, The Purgative Way, Holy Heroes and RC History.
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