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{pretty, happy, funny, real} :: NPLTW 2015

May 17, 2015 | , , | 16 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life with Like Mother, Like Daughter. ~

The NPLTW Photo Contest is a weeklong event that took place from April 28 through May 4, 2015. This contest challenges participants to take as many photos of themselves as they can while wearing a pro-life T-shirt and completing the tasks listed on NPLTW.com. During the week our oldest three children completed as many of the 475 tasks as they could. (It was originally 500 tasks, but 25 went missing on the list.) Captain completed 351 tasks earning 1370 points, Ranger completed 350 tasks earning 1368 points, and Twinkle Toes completed 350 tasks earning 1366 points. I promise that I won’t post all the pictures, but I do have quite a few more “pretty, happy, funny, and real” pictures that I’d like to record here on the blog.


“This was the funnest scavenger hunt I’ve ever done! We got to do so many things that we’ve never done before and meet people we never even considered meeting while spreading the pro-life message.” ~ Captain


“This contest was so exciting! Some of the tasks were fun, some were goofy, and some were difficult. It was really neat to meet and talk to our mayor. I also really enjoyed getting together with our friends to complete tasks.” ~ Ranger 


“I loved participating in this contest! I especially loved holding all the baby animals, holding my baby cousin, and learning about my great-grandma who was arrested and sentenced to jail just before she died for praying in front of an abortion clinic. I wish I could have met her! I also really loved sitting in the driver’s seat of that brand new white Miata!” ~ Twinkle Toes

{pretty}


Task 128: Helping a child plant a flower. (3 points)
Task 118: Laying down in your yard and make a heart shape with your friends. (5 points)
Task 123: Create a set of 3 pro-life Easter eggs. (5 points)
Task 57: Using peas, carrots and corn, make a pro-life message on a plate. (4 points)
(Note: The actual pictures submitted to the contest included my children wearing their t-shirts. These were just extra pictures I took of their creations. 🙂 
Task 155: At a store, holding at least 5 inflated, helium balloons.  (5 points)
Task 213: Setting a volleyball (volleyball net must be visible). (3 points)


While we were at the park I got distracted by the wildlife. So pretty! 

Task 451: Standing next to a sundial. (3 points)


{happy}

Task 481: Pushing a double stroller down a sidewalk or path. (3 points)
Task 8: Sitting with a set of grand parents. (2 points)
Oops! Everyone was standing in the original pictures I took of the children with my parents, so we got to drive out to their home the next day for more pictures, this time making sure they were sitting… 
(I really learned to pay attention to details and read the directions carefully during this contest!)  


…and then the kids all got a little ride in the bucket of their Grandpa’s tractor, just like my brothers and sisters and I did when we were kids! Fun, fun, fun! 


Task 420: Participating in a human wheel-barrow race. (3 points)
Task 421: Participating in a potato-sack race. (3 points)
Task 215: Running on an oval track and field track. (4 points)
Bonus for carrying baby brother all the way around? The smiles and giggles were worth the effort!

Task 226: The top person in a six person pyramid. (6 points)

On Friday afternoon we headed to town to hang out with friends! They were happy to help with many of the “with friends” tasks and also had lots of ideas on how we could accomplish some of the remaining tasks on the list! It ended up being a really late night, but we had such a blast! 

Task 119: Laying down in your lawn and spell LIVE with your friends. (3 points)
Task 192: Playing cards with three friends. (3 points)
Task 12: Being carried by two other friends. (3 points)
Task 244: Playing a game of corn-hole with friends. (2 points)
Task 63: Playing hopscotch with two or more friends. (3 points)
Task 429: Limbo. (2 points)

We also stopped by my brother’s house to borrow his baby, bamboo, and sunroof! 

Task 5: Holding a baby. (5 points)  • Task 197: Standing in a patch of live (green) bamboo. (3 points)
“Mommy!!! Can you pleeeeease born another baby?!?!?!”
(I’m not sure why my younger children say “born another baby” instead of “have another baby” but I think it’s cute!)  

Task 44: Holding a duckling. (3 points)
“Mom!!!!! Can we please take home a duckling?!?!?!”

Task 36: Holding an animal that is both black and white. (3 points)

“Mom!!! Can we please get a kitty?!?!?!?!”

Task 33: Holding a basket of kittens. (4 points)

“Please!!! Please!!! Please!!!”

Task 24: Standing with your pastor. (6 points) • Task 283: Holding a book by Judie Brown. (4 points)
Task 37: Sitting with a solid black and a solid white dog at the same time. 
When we initially stopped by the parish office to see if we could see our pastor he wasn’t in the office. Our conversation with the secretary led to her calling the Pregnancy Care Center for us (and talking the administrator into meeting with us real quick before she left town!) and the suggestion of stoping by the recruiting offices to find a member of the U.S. Armed Forces in uniform. Perfect! She also said if we came back right before 4pm we could catch Father on his way into another meeting! 

When we got back Father asked if we needed his dog, Benny, for any pictures… We mentioned task 37 and needing a black dog too. He said, “Natalie (the youth leader) is here and I think she has Mercy with her!” Sure enough Natalie came over with Mercy and we were able to check off another task! In the meantime Captain noticed that the book sitting on the table in the corner was written by Judie Brown. What luck! 🙂 

This is just some of the people we met throughout the week including: Our Mayor, Hibachi Grill Chef, Burger King Manager, a member of the US Armed Forces, Pregnancy Care Center Administrator (caught her just as she and the rest of the staff were headed out of state for a pro-life convention), Taco Bell Manager, Animal Shelter Manager, Park Ranger, Walmart Manager, YMCA employee, Target Manager, 7-11 Manager, Red Lobster employee, Fire Chief…
We met so many people during the contest! We live in a very liberal state and it was always interesting to hear their reactions when we would explain the scavenger hunt. Usually, after the photo, they would say something along the lines of now what is this for again and we would respond “National Pro-Life T-shirt Week!” There was usually a long pause and then “Ooooohhhh….” Occasionally we’d get a thumbs up (Target manager!), a “glad to help!” (music Store), or a “keep up the good work!”  I had been especially nervous going into Target since the boys still had their faces painted with pro-life messages and everyone was staring… My oldest said God was testing me! I love their courage, dedication, and perseverance! 


{funny}

Task 402: Sitting on a park bench wearing flippers, scuba mask and snorkel. (6points)
Task 129: Using three hula-hoops at the same time. (2 points)
Task 389: Take a bit out of an onion. (2 points) — The things my kids will do for a contest! 

Task 191: Gangnum-style 4 friends.
What my friend and I wanted to know was “what on earth is “Gangnum-style?” followed by “How on earth do our children all know what it is?” 

Task 405: Pretending to play tug of war (with no rope) with at least 3 of your friends at the mall. (5 points)
Task 173: Riding an escalator going down while looking through a paper towel roll. (3 points)
Task 172: Riding an escalator going up while holding an open umbrella. (3 points)
Task 146: At a clothing store standing next to a mannequin. (3 points)
Task 298: Jumping rope in an elevator (floor buttons should be visible behind you). (5 points)
Task 382: Exemplifying the phrase: “Forced Perspective.” (making something look different in size) (6 points)
Task 102: Sitting on a full-sized boat (at least 12 feet long). (3 points)
I don’t usually approach people at gas stations and ask if I can take a picture of my kids in their boat! 😉
Task 249: Thumb-wrestling one of your parents. (3 points)

Bud: “My turn, Mommy! . . .  I gotchu!”


I mentioned in one of my other NPLTW posts that we still needed to find one more person with braces so that he could get his own picture taken for Task 401: Standing next to two people that have braces and are smiling. (4 points) After the sweet employee at the Grange helped us get pictures holding baby chicks and the little ducklings pictured above she asked if there was anything else we needed…. Ranger looked at me with a big grin and I smiled back… “Why, yes! Actually, would you mind taking a selfie with us? He needs a picture with two others with braces!” Thank you, Kayla! 🙂 

Task 165: At a car dealership, in the drivers seat of a new, import car, with the door open.
Yep. . . We had to come back the next day and retake these pictures “with the door open.”
I’m wondering if that was intentional! 😉 
Twinkle Toes: “I love this car! I could totally see myself driving this when I’m 16!!” 
Mom:  “Hahahaha! Right….”
Twinkle Toes: “It’s only 5 years away!” 🙂


{real}

Task 416: Make a LEGO creation with a pro-life message. (4 points)
Task 287: Holding a sign that says “Abortion” under a STOP sign. (5 points)
Task 484: Holding a sign that says “Defund” in front of a Planned Parenthood so that it appears to say “Defund Planned Parenthood” (20 points)

Prayer to End Abortion

Lord God, I thank you today for the gift of my life, 
And for the lives of all my brothers and sisters.

I know there is nothing that destroys more life than abortion, 
Yet I rejoice that you have conquered death 
by the Resurrection of Your Son.

I am ready to do my part in ending abortion. 
Today I commit myself 
Never to be silent, 
Never to be passive, 
Never to be forgetful of the unborn.

I commit myself to be active in the pro-life movement, 
And never to stop defending life 
Until all my brothers and sisters are protected, 
And our nation once again becomes 
A nation with liberty and justice 
Not just for some, but for all.

Through Christ our Lord. Amen!



(Note: You’ll need to scroll through this post again before clicking “older posts” or you can find them here: A Day Trip to the California Coast, Seven Quick Takes (includes winner announcements), Decorating Cookies on Mother’s Day (Life is Precious cookies), Instagram Recap: National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week, and Getting Ready for National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week.) 

Seven Quick Takes :: Instagram Recap & More

May 15, 2015 | , , , , , , | 4 Comments

It’s time for another Instagram Recap in Seven Quick Takes! 
— 1 :: NPLTW —

#NPLTW Second and Third place winners in the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week 2015 photo contest. #prolifegen (and our oldest daughter came in at Fourth place, just a couple points behind her brother!) 
First place went to Melody’s son, Peter!  No… I’m not going to start using their names on the blog, but I do think it’s pretty awesome that the winner’s of the recent National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest were Peter, James and John, and in that order! 😉

Captain was actually holding one of his own sonogram images (Task #6-Holding a sonogram image of a baby.) in this picture. He pulled it out of his baby book!

— 2 :: Another Win! —

On Tuesday morning Ranger found out that he had won last month’s clean teeth drawing at the orthodontist for $50 in Baskin-Robbins gift certificates!
— 3 :: Baptisms and Birthdays —

Last Saturday we attended the Baptism & reception for a sweet baby boy. 
Welcome into the Body of Christ, little one!

Afterwards we headed to my brother’s house to celebrate his 29th birthday that day, and my brother Kevin’s 21st birthday which is this Saturday! Of course… Lighting candles turns into a lighter fight.
— 4 :: Curriculum Plans —
  
I know it’s already the end of the school year… but I finally got around to posting our 2014-2015 curriculum plans. Better late than never, right? 
If you missed it you can find it here:


— 5 :: Ascension Thursday —

I posted all the rest of the pictures from our annual Acsension Thursday picnic here and a little video over at Instagram. The feast of the Ascension has been transferred to Sunday in our diocese… We will continue our celebration with Sunday Mass and Ascension Pancakes this coming weekend!
 “Getting ready for a family game of soccer!”
“It’s crazy out there! We decided to watch {or rather dodge balls!} from the sidelines. Almost bedtime… Everyone should sleep well tonight!”
— 6 :: Art for Our Lady —

Bring flow’rs of the fairest, 
Bring flow’rs of the rarest,
From garden and woodland
And hillside and vale;
Our full hearts are swelling,
Our Glad voices telling
The praise of the loveliest
Rose of the vale.

— 7 :: Feast of St. Dymphna —

May 15th is the feast of St. Dymphna, Lily of the Emerald Isle. In honor of her feast Regina Martyrum Productions just released the audio story of St. Dymphna! It’s over an hour long and I’m looking forward to listening to it later this afternoon with our older children. (Note: The subject matter of this story can tend to a mature theme.) 

Right now Regina Martryum Productions is having an 18 HOUR FLASH SALE!
You can purchase two audio stories and get one free with coupon code DYMPHNA15 at checkout.

Our Annual Ascension Thursday Picnic

May 15, 2015 | | 2 Comments

And the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of God.
Mark 16:19

In Cooking for Christ, Florence Berger writes about the tradition in some areas of picnicking on hilltops to celebrate the Feast of the Ascension. You can pack the picnic basket with some symbolic Ascension themed foods to enjoy including chicken or chicken salad sandwiches to represent birds, fruit or fruit salad for the “first fruits of the Holy Spirit,” cream puffs representing the clouds, and a bubbly carbonated beverage for the “rising” bubbles!

.: This Year’s Ascension Picnic Menu :.
Chicken Deli Meat, Cheese and Crackers
(It is traditional to eat some sort of bird since Jesus “flew” to heaven.)
Grapes
(The fruit represents Christ, the first fruit of all men.)
Cream Puffs
(Symbolizing the clouds that were in the sky.)
Sparkling Pink Lemonade
(Chosen for the “rising” bubbles.)




 
The feast of the Ascension has been transferred to Sunday in our diocese… 
We will continue our celebration with Sunday Mass and Ascension Pancakes! 
Happy Feast of the Ascension! 

Our 2014-2015 Curriculum Plans and Checklists

May 13, 2015 | , | 35 Comments

We are already nearing the end of our school year and I am finally (finally!) getting around to sharing my curriculum plans. This post has been in my draft folder since last summer, but since some of you are still interested to hear the details, and since I always love looking back at what we have studied over the years, I’m going to try and finish it up real quick. 

This school year (2014-2015) our children are in 8th, 7th grade, 5th, 4th, and 2nd grade. Rose (age 4 at the beginning of the school year) and Bud (age 2 at the beginning of the school) love joining the fun! We are currently using Saxon Math with all the children, as well as courses from Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) and All About Learning (AAL) for Language Arts, Focus on Science Biology and Physics from Real Science for Kids, Latin from Memoria Press, Connecting with History from RC History, Maps Charts and Graphs, and Meet the Masters for Art. It has been a great school year and I feel like we have finally settled into a curriculum and routine that works well for all of us, at least right now during this particular season in our family.

Mama’s Notebook Weekly Planner & Organizer, The Catholic Daily Planner, 2015 Saints Calendar

Captain :: 8th Grade

Religion:
Preparation for Confirmation (continue with Dad)
Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 (continue with Dad)
The Soldier of Christ: Talks before Confirmation (independent reading)
Christ 101 (just getting started with this program, will continue in high-school)

 Created for high school students and adults, Christ 101 is a welcome addition to my homeschool curriculum for our teens! The convenient and easy to follow format is perfect for me as a home educating mother of many. I look forward to learning how to better defend my Catholic faith alongside my students. Thank you Dr. Scott Sullivan for creating an engaging, fun, and effective way to teach apologetics.


Math:
Saxon Math 8/7 with Teacher DVDs

Orbiting with Logic

The boys completed their Saxon Math 8/7 last month and have moved on to Saxon Algebra 1 for the rest of the school year.  Switching back to Saxon, and hiring a tutor for extra help with Math, was definitely one of the best decisions I made in 2013! You can read more about our past Math struggles here and here. 

Language Arts:
Student Writing Intensive Continuation Course: Level B
Phonetic Zoo, continue and complete Level B

Fix It! Grammar: Robin Hood

Latin:
First Form Latin with DVDs
Memorize Server Responses for Latin Mass

Our three oldest are working their way through the first half of First Form Latin this year and will continue with the second half during our next school year. It’s been slow going, but at least we are making some progress! 

History & Geography:
Connecting with History Volume 2: The Arrival of the King and His Kingdom
New Testament and Early Medieval History 63 B.C. through A.D. 1066

Maps Charts and Graphs Level H: United States, Past and Present

Ranger :: 7th Grade

Religion:
Preparation for Confirmation (continue with Dad)
Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 (continue with Dad)
A Child’s Book of Warriors (independent reading)
Christ 101

Math:
Saxon Math 8/7 with Teacher DVDs

History & Geography:
Connecting with History Volume 2: The Arrival of the King and His Kingdom
New Testament and Early Medieval History 63 B.C. through A.D. 1066

    Maps Charts and Graphs Level G: The World

    View Ranger’s Weekly Checklist

    Twinkle Toes :: 5th Grade

    Religion:
    Saint Joseph Baltimore Catechism No. 2 (continue with Dad)

    Math:
    Saxon Math 6/5 with Teacher DVDs
    Logic Liftoff

    View Twinkle Toes’ Weekly Checklist

    Following the release of the updated version of Fix-It! we have returned to using this grammar program for all our older children. The new program includes 33 weeks of daily passages, 132 vocabulary words, and much clearer notes for the teacher. Each week the children learn a grammar concept, locate and fix errors in four short passages, discuss how the grammar applies to the passage, and rewrite the corrected passage into a notebook. Love it! 

    Chiquita :: 4th Grade

    Religion:
    The New Baltimore Catechism No. 1 (with Dad)

    Math:

    Language Arts:
    Student Writing Intensive, Level A (complete then move on to Continuation Course A) 
    Phonetic Zoo, Level A
    Fix It! Grammar: The Nose Tree
    Pictures in Cursive

    Latin:
    Prima Latina (second half of book, continued from 3rd grade)

    History & Geography:
    Connecting with History Volume 2: The Arrival of the King and His Kingdom
    New Testament and Early Medieval History 63 B.C. through A.D. 1066

    Maps Charts and Graphs Level D: States & Regions

    Snuggles :: 2nd Grade 

    Religion:
    First Communion Preparation
    St. Joseph First Communion Catechism

    Math:
    Saxon Math 2

    Language Arts:
    Primary Arts of Language: Writing and Reading
    All About Spelling Level 1 and Level 2
    Faith and Freedom Readers
    Supplementing with Explode the Code and All About Reading Readers

    From the archives: All About Reading or Primary Arts of Language? 

    History & Geography:
    Connecting with History Volume 2: The Arrival of the King and His Kingdom
    New Testament and Early Medieval History 63 B.C. through A.D. 1066

      Maps Charts and Graphs Level B: Neighborhoods

      Science:
      Focus on Elementary Biology with Laboratory Workbook, and Teacher’s Manual
      Focus on Elementary Physics with Laboratory Workbook, and Teacher’s Manual
      Life Is Precious: A Culture of Life Unit Study for Elementary Students

      Art: 

      Rose & Bud :: Pre-Kindergarten 

      In addition to lots of picture books, family field trips, educational games, and religion lessons with Daddy for both of our little ones, Rose has also started Saxon K and All About Reading Pre-Reading. She also loves participating in our family art classes. She will officially begin Kindergarten in the fall!

      Despite the fact that I haven’t been able to keep up with my own hopes and personal expectations for our younger children (i.e. Little Saints and The Alphabet Path), they are still getting an incredible education. It must be pretty awesome to have so many older siblings!

      Now I need to get started planning our 2015-2016 school year which includes HIGH SCHOOL!

      Decorating Cookies on Mother’s Day

      May 11, 2015 | , , , | 4 Comments

      A long time ago in a {garden} far, far away… 
      God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female he created them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; and have dominion over the birds of the air and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” 
      Genesis 1:27-28

      These cookies, cut with 3″ Alphabet Cookie Cutters and leftover from one of the tasks during National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week, made a perfect treat for today! 
      Happy Mother’s Day! 

      {pretty, happy, funny, real} :: A Few More Pictures from April

      May 7, 2015 | , , , , | 15 Comments

      ~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life with Like Mother, Like Daughter. ~
      {pretty}

      One of Chiquita’s favorite birthday gifts this year… An original painting of one of her patron saints! I commissioned Heather to paint it, along with a couple others, after purchasing the lovely original St. Brigid painting earlier this year. Isn’t it gorgeous!?! You can find the print made from this painting at Audrey Eclectic.

      {happy}
      One of Captain’s writing assignments this year was to write and mail a five-paragraph letter and he decided to write to his instructor. (Our children have been watching the Student Writing Intensive DVD’s for a few years now.)  Mr. Pudewa actually wrote back! 

      {funny}

      Apparently he was protecting the princess from an invisible dragon!

      (You can find the rest of The Easter Story in LEGO here and St. George and the Dragon here.)
      {real}

      Life isn’t always a “Shower of Roses” around here…

      {updated with new picture}
      …but you’ll just have to take my word for it, and maybe offer up an extra prayer for me today.

      Instagram Recap :: National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week

      May 7, 2015 | , , | 6 Comments

      I have so much I would love to share about our many adventures during the 2015 National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest this past week but I don’t know where to start! Originally I thought I would post highlights each night and host a giveaway for the new Life Is Precious Culture of Life Unit Study… However, with over 1,000 combined photos for our three contestants (and just as many new miles on the van!), it took all my free time (and then some!) to sort, upload, and tag the photos we took each day! I did manage to share a few photos over at Instagram throughout the week:

      April 28th: In between state testing (last day!) and math tutoring, we’ve been having fun in town completing tasks for the first day of National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week!
      {task 199 – pushing a child on a swing} #npltw
      April 28th: “Should I try and look like I’m going postal?!”
      Hahaha! I just love the ladies that work at our local post office! 
      April 28th: Officer Foster was more than happy to have his picture taken with the kids! {And, yes, I was totally trying to remember if he had ever pulled me over when I asked how long he has been a police officer in our town! lol} 
      April 28th: The fire chief was in a meeting, and Sean doesn’t have any engines available at work at the moment, but this young firefighter was more than happy to gear up for some photos by one of the engines! {the boys were also eager to ask what was going on up past our house yesterday afternoon… Apparently one of our neighbors had some outdoor burning get out of control! I’m really starting to get worried about fire season this year.} 
      April 29th: We all got to meet our mayor this morning! In addition to the pictures I took of her shaking hands with our older children, she told us about her duties as mayor and answered all sorts of questions! {totally counting this as a field trip for this school year!} #ilovehomeschooling 
      May 1st: Task 88: Washing a car. Really wash it, not just a staged photo. 
      {Thank you! @americanlifeleague } 
      “MOM! We need your help for this one…” 
      Task 401: Standing next to two people that have braces and are smiling.
      One more for my beautiful blue eyed girl… Not sure who we can find for our last contestant since a set of braces came off last week and now there’s only two of us left in the house… Hmmmm…. 
      May 4th: It’s the LAST DAY of the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest and I am exhausted!!! Nevertheless the kids talked me into driving them to town early this morning so we could go to the post office before they opened and they could “participate in raising the American Flag!”
      Is there “standing in front of a herd of wild elk” on that task list? No?!? Oh well… 😉
      Just after sunset last night (May 4th), in front of the “California Coastal National Monument” before starting the long drive back home! We weren’t able to complete all 500 tasks for National Pro-Life T-Shirt week, but we did our best, had so many great conversations with friends and strangers, and created countless memories. What an incredible week! #nowineedaweektorecover #npltw

      April Instagram Recap

      May 7, 2015 | , , , , | 5 Comments

      April 10th
      Wrapping up our school week with another art lesson! This week we studied Frederic Remington and our activity emphasized Realism in Western Landscapes. Our five year old especially loved learning how to cut out triangle teepees and make cactuses by tracing her pointer finger and thumb. All the kids are looking forward to showing their Dad their finished art projects when he gets home from work tonight. #homeschoolart #meetthemasters #fredericremington
      April 12th
      V. Panem de caelo praestitisti eis. Alleluia.
      R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. Alleluia.

      V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven. Alleluia. 
      R. Having within it all sweetness. Alleluia.
      April 13th
      A fun field trip to the theater to see the Charlotte’s Web production with just these four! 
      April 15th
      My view from the kitchen as they patiently wait for their breakfast.  
      The oatmeal will be ready soon boys!
       
      A surprise gift from a friend! It’s not coffee but pretty much the next best thing after giving up coffee two months ago when I started the AIP diet. Thank you, Jennifer Anne!
      “No! I’m not going to bake you a cake for completing lesson 100… But I WILL bake you a cake if you complete your Math book(s) before the school year ends!” Well… Tonight I baked another cake! The oldest three have now all completed their math for the year and will be able to get a jump start on next year’s Math for the rest of this quarter. My 4th grader should finish her math book on Monday, which just so happens to be her birthday! I suppose I’ll have to bake her a cake too! 
      April 16th 
      Gorgeous afternoon at Grandpa and Grandma’s house… Happy 38th Anniversary, Dad and Mom!
      The older boys spent the afternoon helping my parents with yard work. The rest of the children went with me to pick them up and we all enjoyed rides on the Golf carts and Grandpa’s quad.

      You can also watch a short 15 second video here.

      April 18th
      Haircuts for the girls, just in time for Chiquita’s “Kit” themed birthday party the next day! 
      Celebrating the birthday of a beautiful little girl who just turned one!
      A few more pictures from the 1st birthday party! 
      April 20th
      Ten years ago today ♥
      April 2005 – Ages 4, 3, 1 and newborn!
      Ten years old today! She asked if she could have her hair cut short again for her birthday so (after stopping at 10 different salons on Saturday trying to find someone who had an opening – or three!) we finally found an available hairdresser. I was sad to see her beautiful long hair get cut, but she loves it short and it will be easy and cool for summer. Tomorrow is going to be another big day… Her braces are coming off in the morning!
      April 21st
      Braces off! 

      April 22nd
      I love watching our older children read to their younger siblings.♥ 

      Sponsor Love :: Quarterly Update & Current Specials

      May 2, 2015 | | 0 Comments

      I have a few new sponsors to introduce you to this quarter including the brand new release from De Montfort Music, a lovely Etsy shop specializing in lace and ribbon, and a sweet friend and Catholic blogger who also has a little Etsy shop.  Regina Martyrum Productions is back again this quarter, along with many additional returning advertisers. Be sure to check below for updates and specials!

      Please welcome my new sponsors:

      The Monks of Norcia
      BENEDICTA: Marian Chant from Norcia is the latest release from De Montfort Music!

      “Inspiring, beautiful music of Chant at it’s very best – from Italy by The Monks of Norcia. BENEDICTA: Marian Chant from Norcia is the title for this new recording of 33 tracks of Gregorian chant, including favorite Marian antiphons such as “Regina Caeli” and “Ave Regina Caelorum” but also previously unrecorded chant versions of responsories and a piece originally composed by the monks ( Nos Qui Christi Iugum, ) Some pieces are sung by the entire group, some by smaller ensembles of monks and others by soloists, imbuing ‘BENEDICTA’ with a variety of sound. Recorded on location at the monastery in Norcia, Italy, the album was produced by 11-time Grammy Award-winning producer Christopher Alder and engineered by Grammy-Award winning engineer Jonathan Stokes.”

      Primrose Lace & Ribbon
      Romantic Trims & Specialty Ribbons

      “Primrose Lace & Ribbon is your one stop shop for romantic trims and specialty ribbons sold by the yard that will surely embellish any creative project. I strive to provide you with a well-chosen selection of lace and ribbon that will help you achieve a timeless and charming style. My focus is on trims that are delicate, soft, and elegant in design. I also carry exquisite appliques and sewing embellishments that are perfect to compliment your special projects.

      Some common craft ideas in which you can use my trims include: doll clothes, costumes, masks, handkerchiefs, heirloom projects, Christening dresses, bridal gowns and veils, cake tops, wedding favors, floral arrangements, prom dresses, corsages, hair accessories, jewelry, scrapbooking projects, card making, home décor projects, crafted gifts, altered media, and fashion apparel.

      Also, I offer free combined shipping for multiple items: Pay shipping charges for the first item, each additional item ships for free.”

      Please enter this coupon code at checkout: ROSES10
      (to get 10% discount on your entire order)
      Visit Primrose Lace & Ribbon on Etsy and Facebook!

      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.

      Stories hold our attention, teach us morals, and can teach a moral lesson while entertaining. We all love stories. Here at Regina Martyrum Productions, we provide high-quality, fully-dramatized Catholic stories. From Old Testament scenes to New Testament saints, we provide the best, timeless stories for today’s Catholic audiences. Engaging the power of your imagination while listening, you and your children will walk through the pages of the Church’s history. These are not your run of the mill “books on tape!” Every production is packed with full cast, great music, and realistic sound effects! They are great in the car, at story time, or at anytime!”

      You can also follow Regina Martyrum Productions on Facebook and Instagram! 

      Veils and Vocations

      Jennifer Anne is one of the dear friends I’ve made here at Shower of Roses and I am happy to introduce you to her blog, Veils and Vocations, and her Etsy shop, Aurelius Cabrini. 
      A special thank you to all my returning sponsors!
          

      Prayer Pillowcases
      Prayer Pillowcases are 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
      is the perfect place to find inspiring gifts for Catholic youth – from toddlers to teens. They offer many beautiful Marian gifts for the month of May, along with inspiring gifts for First Holy Communions and Confirmations! 
      I’ve started using the new Life Is Precious Culture of Life Unit Study for Elementary Students from American Life League with my younger children and we are really enjoying the program so far. (I’m hoping to blog more about it soon, but right now we are focusing on the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest that is happening RIGHT NOW!!)  The program, which will help parents and teachers instill a solid pro-life foundation in their students, uses picture books to explore age-appropraite culture of life themes such as life as a preborn child, being uniquely created by God, the need to protect the innocent, and defending firmly held beliefs in the face of adversity.” Visit the Culture of Life Studies website and follow the Facebook page! 

      Jesse Tree Treasures
      creates beautiful handcrafted gifts for the liturgical seasons including Advent, Lent and Other Seasons.

       

      Gail Giron Designs
      has been restocking her shop with all sorts of beautiful creations that would make great Easter, First Communion, and Mother’s Day gifts! Custom orders are accepted so be sure to look through her past sales for ideas!

      “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.”

      Save 20% off all shirts for the month of May. 
      Coupon code: SHOWER20

         

      “My name is Andrea, I am a Catholic, I love art, and I love “drawing the line” (or the thread, as the case may be) somewhere. I am a self-taught writer, artist, and embroiderer. I am interested in creating products that are unique, beautiful, enriching to the heart and soul, and made of high-quality materials. Basically, I’m trying to do the best I can with all the interests and abilities that God has so graciously given me. I love accepting commissions, so if you have an idea for a scapular please feel free to contact me. We will work together to make something special just for you!” Visit Stella Marigold Art at Etsy or find her on Facebook.

      Audrey Eclectic
      “A unique collection of American folk art created in the heart of the Oklahoma prairie. My inspiration comes from literary classics, spooky tales from the past, the pioneering spirit, my home town, Scandinavia and other lands far away.” You can also follow Audrey Eclectic on Facebook and Instagram!

      Heather is currently offering a Mother’s Day Sale! You can currently save 15% off your purchase with code MAMA15 at Audrey Eclectic! 
         

      Catholic Folk Toys
      Visit Catholic Folk Toys for beautiful hand painted wooden saint dolls and more! Custom orders are welcome!

      Sacred Heart Books & Gifts offers Catholic books, gifts, homeschool curriculum at discount prices!

      Linda at Sacred Heart Books & Gifts asked me to share that Memoria Press now has curriculum for special needs! She said that it looks so very nice and that many of the books are also used in other programs. You can order Memoria Press titles at a discount from Sacred Heart Books & Gifts! 

       

      Be sure to keep Robin Nest Lane in mind if you are looking for a new veil. Robin creates such lovely veils for ladies, girls, and even dolls! In addition to the website, you can also browse her veils over at Etsy.


       Almond Rod Toys
      AlmondRod 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!

      During the month of May, Lindsey is offering Shower of Roses visitors a FREE BLOCK with your order if you’ll offer a Hail Mary for the conversion of souls. You just need to type in the extra saint you would like in the notes section of check out along with the words “Kyrie Eleison!”          
         
      Keepsakes by Carrie
      “JMJ – I am Carrie, a Catholic home educating mother of 7. I have always liked holy cards and have quite a collection. A friend of mine had some lovely cards personalized for her daughter’s First Holy Communion many years ago and I remember thinking how lovely and unique they were. I wanted to have the same for my own children. All these years later and with the help of some friends, it became a hobby of mine to personalize these special Keepsakes and offer them to you. If there is an image you are looking for but don’t see it here in my Etsy shop, please contact me. Oftentimes I have them in-stock but haven’t listed them yet. I will happily do bulk orders. Please contact me for pricing. I look forward to creating a unique, lovely, long-lasting Keepsake for your special occasion.” Visit Keepsakes by Carrie at Etsy and follow the Facebook page!

      Have you seen the darling doll clothes from The Little Habit yet? My girls love them all. The newest release is the St. Brigid Outfit with Celtic Cross and various accessories. I’ll have to add them to our ever growing wish list!  

      +  +  +  

      If you are interested in advertising at Shower of Roses click here for current availability and to request more information.

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

      New Additions to Our May Book Basket

      May 1, 2015 | , , , | 4 Comments

      Our days have been incredibly fun and FULL, from early start to late finish, this week as we work on completing some to the 500 tasks for the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest! We are getting ready to head out the door again this morning, but first I wanted to share a couple new additions to our May Book Basket for this year. Happy Feast of St. Joseph the Workman!

      This first book was included in our family Easter basket this year. I splurged on the hardcover edition, but it’s also available in paperback. It is absolutely lovely and is at the top of my list of newly released favorites! I haven’t seen another children’s book like it and it is such a welcome addition to our collection. I’ve enjoyed reading it just as much as the children.

      The End of the Fiery Sword: Adam & Eve and Jesus & Mary
      What do Adam and Jesus have in common? What do Eve and Mary have in common? More than you think! With full color illustrations, Maura Roan McKeegan has brought to life biblical typology for children. Taking familiar biblical stories from the Old and New Testaments and placing them side by side, children can see biblical typology jump off the page. Biblical typology is when a person or an event in the Old Testament foreshadows a person or an event in the New Testament. The Bible is full of these fascinating “types.” Children can now discover similarities of types without any difficulty, and easily understand at an early age what St. Augustine meant when he said that the New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.

      +  +  +

      This next book was sent to me as a review sample by author Christine Henderson. It’s a lovely book filled with Rosary Meditations for Children for the fifteen traditional mysteries of the rosary. The images chosen for each mystery, along with the meditations, are beautiful and inspiring. It will make a nice addition to our May (and October!) Book Basket!



       Rosary Meditations for Children
      Praying the family rosary is very important. However, it can be challenging to keep a child focused during the rosary. Our imagination is a wonderful thing and may be used to help make the family rosary a time of spiritual growth and enjoyment. In this book, I have written different thoughts for the fifteen traditional mysteries of the rosary. Before beginning each decade, read aloud a thought that is written. Encourage your child(ren) to think about it while praying. There is also a picture for each decade included in this book to further help enhance your child’s focus and imagination.

      (Note: Author Christine Henderson has just started a new blog/directory for Catholic home-based businesses! You can find it here.)

      +   +   +

      You can find the rest of our books for May here:

      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 (20)
      • ►2023 (30)
      • ►2022 (48)
      • ►2021 (48)
      • ►2020 (57)
      • ►2019 (61)
      • ►2018 (90)
      • ►2017 (128)
      • ►2016 (148)
      • ►2015 (172)
      • ►2014 (227)
      • ►2013 (238)
      • ►2012 (308)
      • ►2011 (297)
      • ►2010 (313)
      • ►2009 (486)
      • ►2008 (564)
      • ►2007 (148)

      Posts About:

      Shower of Roses Alphabet of Saints

      A Papal Unit Study & Lap Book

      Shower of Roses Easter Gift Guides



      All Saints Party Printables

      All original photographs and written material are ©2007-2025 Shower of Roses. I'd love for you to link back to me, but please do not copy or take content from this blog without permission. Click here for my Copyright Terms & Conditions. Thank you for visiting!