Baskets of Books for Easter {and a Giveaway!}
In addition to all the books, I usually include something that represents each child’s patron saint (this year I think it will be a mix of Saints ‘N Stitches, Wooden Saint Dolls, Blessing Blocks, and Prayer Pillowcases), art and/or writing supplies (this year it will include new pens, postcards, greeting cards, or notebooks), a small toy or two (maybe these NHL Minifigures, doll accessories from The Little Habit, Schleich animals to go along with the barn Bud received for his birthday, etc), and some symbolic Easter candy (I’ve made my own in the past or purchased it at the store) in the Easter Baskets. I also usually put together a “Family Easter Basket“, incorporating the various Easter symbols.
Below you will find the list of books we’ve picked out for each of our children. Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom for a chance to win a book from a basket of books I have to share with all my dear visitors here at Shower of Roses!
Note: Before I share the book list, I do want to remind you all that I haven’t read most of these books yet. I made my decisions based on recommendations, reviews, publishers, and the past work of some of the authors/illustrators.
Any book on the sacrament of Confirmation can explain what Confirmation is, but this is the only book that explains, in the most original and engaging manner, what Confirmation does. It is both a dialogue and a travelogue, taking the reader on a journey from the Crusades to the Crimea; from medieval ceremonies of Knighthood to early modern methods of warfare. What does it mean to be a Soldier of Christ? For the true child of God, life is a daily battle against a well-concealed foe-that is, our own flaws and failings-and Mother Mary Loyola proposes to arm young recruits adequately for this task, leaving no stone unturned in her quest to root out this ‘enemy at home’. This is the sort of basic training no young Catholic should be without.
(My husband requested that we give each of the older boys copies of The Imitation of Christ and My Daily Bread this Easter.)
Hear Christ speak to you like never before. My Daily Bread is a series of short, daily reflections on the spiritual life. Written with loving care by Father Anthony Paone, this devotional will strengthen your love for Christ and his teachings. Written as a dialogue with Christ himself, Father Paone leads the reader through the three ways of the spiritual life: Purification, Imitation, and Union. Arranged for daily reflection, this pocket-sized book is an indispensible guide to the spiritual life.
(also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press)
Father Lasance’s Catholic Girl’s Guide, published in 1906, found immediate success among Catholic readers, and the natural demand for a companion volume gave rise to The Young Man’s Guide in 1910. Both have a similar format and similar material, though each is geared specifically for its particular audience. In The Young Man’s Guide we see life as warfare; thus those who would conquer must be prepared, as were the knights of old. The implements of battle are the young man’s virtues, and the fight will determine not only the character of the man he will become, but the crown he may win in the hereafter.
(also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press)
In The LEGO Neighborhood Book, you’ll create buildings with real-world details like cornices and facades, and try your hand at interior design by filling your buildings with furniture and light fixtures. Then add the finishing touches to your models with plants, traffic lights, scaffolding, and park benches. Snap together a few houses, shops, and apartment buildings to create your own neighborhood! Inside you’ll find: complete, step-by-step instructions for four multistory buildings, dozens of inspiring ideas to use in your own models, mini builds for a recliner, old-time lamp post, traffic light, and more…
The editors of the best-selling rediscovered Tolkien novel Roverandom present an expanded edition of Tolkien’s beloved classic Farmer Giles of Ham, complete with a map, the original story outline, the original first-edition illustrations by Pauline Baynes, and the author’s notes for an unpublished sequel. Farmer Giles of Ham is a light-hearted satire for readers of all ages that tells the tale of a reluctant hero who must save his village from a dragon. It is a small gem of a tale that grows more delightful with each rereading.
Any book on the sacrament of Confirmation can explain what Confirmation is, but this is the only book that explains, in the most original and engaging manner, what Confirmation does. It is both a dialogue and a travelogue, taking the reader on a journey from the Crusades to the Crimea; from medieval ceremonies of Knighthood to early modern methods of warfare. What does it mean to be a Soldier of Christ? For the true child of God, life is a daily battle against a well-concealed foe-that is, our own flaws and failings-and Mother Mary Loyola proposes to arm young recruits adequately for this task, leaving no stone unturned in her quest to root out this ‘enemy at home’. This is the sort of basic training no young Catholic should be without.
My Daily Bread(My husband requested that we give each of the older boys copies of The Imitation of Christ and My Daily Bread this Easter.)
Hear Christ speak to you like never before. My Daily Bread is a series of short, daily reflections on the spiritual life. Written with loving care by Father Anthony Paone, this devotional will strengthen your love for Christ and his teachings. Written as a dialogue with Christ himself, Father Paone leads the reader through the three ways of the spiritual life: Purification, Imitation, and Union. Arranged for daily reflection, this pocket-sized book is an indispensible guide to the spiritual life.
(also available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)
For every half-dozen heroes antiquity could muster, Christendom produced thousands; and often from the strangest holes and corners. Instead of drying up the spirit of adventure, the Fire of Pentecost kindled it anew and made it burn with an unquenchable flame. The Master’s parting instructions to His followers resulted in a host of enterprises quite as daring as any to be found in Homer. Some of these are brought vividly to life in these stories about courageous Christians from the earliest days of Christianity to modern times. Although written primarily for youthful readers, they are sure to interest all those to whom the achievements of their fellow Christians are a matter of pride and encouragement.
(also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press)
Andrew Lang and his wife Leonora are remembered best for their series of 12 fairy tale books–beginning with the Blue Fairy Book in 1889 and ending with the Lilac Fairy Book in 1910. These quickly became the most popular gift books of all time and remained so for several decades. And though all of them were published in Andrew’s name, his role was largely editorial–a great deal of the translating, adapting and rewriting was done by his wife Leonora and others. This husband and wife team next applied their highly successful formula for choosing, researching and adapting folk tales to the stories of the saints, creating The Book of Saints and Heroes in 1912, with a result that is both inspiring and fun to read. Illustrated by H.J. Ford, whose creations also illuminated the Fairy Books. This book is completely re-typeset in imitation of the 1912 edition by Longmans, Green & Co., with the original illustrations.
Got a dollar burning a hole in your pocket? Impress your friends wherever you go with the readily available paper in your wallet. Or leave a creative tip for waiters and bartenders with these creative designs in Dollar Battle-Gami. Master paper engineer Won Park created this sophisticated origami kit for advanced paper artists. These 15 impressive projects turn a dollar bill (or a sheet of the included practice paper) into a combat knife, spy plane, hand grenade, revolver, tank, stealth bomber, stealth fighter, submarine, jet fighter, U.S. Navy destroyer, assault rifle, unmanned aerial drone, sniper rifle, land mine, or a Japanese zero fighter plane. Dollar Battle-Gami offers the next generation of origami enthusiasts a chance to gain a whole new perspective on battle tools and the world of origami.
Recently republished! A charming new pocket edition of one of Tolkien’s major pieces of short fiction, and his only finished work dating from after publication of The Lord of the Rings. What began as a preface to The Golden Key by George MacDonald eventually grew into this charming short story, so named by Tolkien to suggest an early work by P.G. Wodehouse. Composed almost a decade after The Lord of the Rings, and when his lifelong occupation with the ‘Silmarillion’ was winding down, Smith of Wootton Major was the product of ripened experience and reflection. It was published in 1967 as a small hardback, complete with charming black and white illustrations by Pauline Baynes, and would be the last work of fiction to be published in Tolkien’s own lifetime. Now, almost 50 years on, this enchanting tale of a wanderer who finds his way into the perilous realm of Faery is being published once again as a pocket hardback. (pre-ordered – released on Feb. 26, 2015)
Second edition: Now with full color photos, as well as watercolor illustrations, throughout!
Hospitality does not have to be elaborate or difficult. It can begin right at home with one’s siblings and parents! It can be as simple as a picnic with a friend to celebrate their feast day or surprising your brother or sister with breakfast in bed. Many of the ideas in Tea & Cake with the Saints use saint’s feast days as the occasion for practicing hospitality in the form of simple tea parties, but almost all of the ideas given can be used for any occasion a girl can dream up…
Sixty Saints for GirlsRecently republished! Joan Windham’s Sixty Saints for Girls contains all her stories of girl and woman saints from her other books, with a number of new ones added. The stores are arranged by date, beginning with Our Lady’s mother, St. Anne, and finishing with another Anne, Anne de Guigne (this Anne, who died in 1922, aged 10, has not been canonized, but she was declared Venerable on March 3, 1990 by Pope John Paul II). In between is a lovely mix of saints, young and old, princesses and pilgrims, mothers and grandmothers and nuns: a goose-girl and a horse-dealer’s daughter; a girl who was kidnapped by pirates, a veterinarian, and (believe it or not) a ventriloquist! These stories are ideally suited to inspire readers to fall in love with virtue. No child reading them will ever suppose that saints are all cut to one pattern or that holiness is less interesting than bad behavior. Anyone who wants to know what a saint is really like will get a clear and beautiful picture by reading these accounts, and they can be enjoyed over and over again by children of all ages, and by adults alike.
Illustrated by Tasha Tudor!
From Rumer Godden, one of the foremost authors of the 20th century, and illustrated by two-time Caldecott Honor recipient Tasha Tudor, comes a heartwarming tale filled with imagination and creativity that is ideal for any girl who has ever loved a doll so much that it has become real to her.
For Tottie Plantaganet, a little wooden doll, belonging to Emily and Charlotte Dane is wonderful. The only thing missing is a dollhouse that Tottie and her family could call their very own. But when the dollhouse finally does arrive, Tottie’s problems really begin. That dreadful doll Marchpane comes to live with them, disrupting the harmony of the Plantaganet family with her lies and conceited way. Will Tottie ever be able to call the dollhouse home?
Brand new! Instructions and supplies for quick, hip, adorable, tiny embroidery pieces with mini hoops that kids turn into decorative pieces they can wear or display. Embroidery is on trend (with more than 37m Google listings and 1.4 million blog posts about tiny embroidery), and these darling, penny-sized pieces provide the perfect application for what kids do with their finished sewn art: necklace pendants, buttons, hair clips, and more. The book teaches the basics of embroidery with Klutz-clear instructions, and includes thread, fabric, a hoop, mini-display hoops, and 100+ patterns for tracing.
(This new release hasn’t shipped yet, but I’m hoping it will arrive on time! If not I’ll save it for her birthday in August and replace it with another book.)
13-year old Matt is spending the holidays at the dilapidated Woodhall mansion where his spirited step-sister Caroline works as cook. In a faded rose garden Matt meets Alix, proud old Madame Ayre’s granddaughter, and is introduced to the tension-filled relationship between the embittered mother and her crippled son Theo. Matt must learn to judge character rather than appearances as Theo strives to turn the house into a home for orphans. Alix, through her willful foolishness, puts Theo’s life in danger and brings a dramatic confrontation: Christian hope versus fatal self-pride. A timeless book with a fast-paced plot and vivid characters.
What do a whatchful fly and a weight-bearing whale have in common?
A grateful saint — a saint whose life of work and devotion to God wouldn’t have been the same without the loyalty. the friendship of a lion or a blackbird, an eagle or a deer. Other saints in these stories — two of the liveliest are women — deal cleverly with animals who act up: snakes in one instance, greedy geese in another. But in each of these stories, the commonality of all living things is luminously celebrated. The ten saints, whose biographies are given in the last pages, are named on the back of this jacket. (Includes: St. Colman, St. Werburge, St. Francis, St. Medard, St, Canice, St. Hilda,St. Keneth, St. Brendan, St. Kevin, and St. Jerome.)
“Once upon a time there was a castle (only most people called it a monastery)…” Published in 1969, our monastery’s Golden Jubilee Year, this delightful “nun-fairy tale” takes us inside the “Golden Castle” (on the corner of Morris and Springfield Avenues in Summit, New Jersey!) and gives us a peek into the lives of its “princesses.” A light-hearted read for children of all ages.
Will Mr. Lemon get Gracie the puppy taken away? Can Sister Krumbles find a way to stop Mr. Lemon’s evil plan? Where is Novice Kathy? Can the Sisters solve the mystery and find the lost Novice before it’s too late?
(One of the girls received the first book in the series last year and Sisters of the Last Straw 3: The Case of the Stolen Rosaries is also available. I will probably give book 3 to Chiquita for her birthday in April.)
A beautifully illustrated novel about a mouse, her friendship with Audubon’s apprentice, and her search for home. Beneath the crackled and faded painting of a horse, underneath the worn and dusty floorboards of the dining room, lives Celeste, a mouse who spends her days weaving baskets, until one day she is thrust into the world above. Here Celeste encounters danger—and love—unlike any she’s ever imagined. She dodges a hungry cat and witnesses the brutality of hunting for the first time. She makes friends with a singing thrush named Cornelius, a talkative osprey named Lafayette, and Joseph, Audubon’s young apprentice. All the while, Celeste is looking for a new home. In the end, Celeste discovers that home is really the place deep inside her heart, where friendships live.
Kids love washi tape (beautifully decorative paper tape that originated in Japan), but up until now they didn’t know quite what to do with it. Washi Tape Stickers is the only book that makes it easy to turn strips of pretty little tape into even prettier little stickers. The book is filled with pages and pages of traceable art and comes with six beautifully bright colors of washi tape, a stack of special peel-off backing paper, and a fine-line felt-tip pen. Simply trace a piece of art on the backing paper and cover it with washi tape. Then cut it out, peel it off, and you’ve got a perfectly shaped, perfectly adorable sticker.
Kenneth Grahame’s classic tale of the pleasures of country life and the dependability of good friends will never grow old. Now, in this splendid volume, Inga Moore recaptures its scenes and its characters with richly patterned and warmly detailed illustrations. Here, drawn with charming freshness, are impulsive dear Mole, rash Mr. Toad, reclusive Badger, and sensible Rat, so happy just “messing around in boats.” And here are the most treasured moments from THE WIND IN THE WILLOWS – Mole’s first enraptured row on the river, Toad’s irrepressible adventures in and out of automobiles, and many more. So gather ’round to read or listen, and, as Mole and Rat would heartily agree, a fine time will be had by all.
(also available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)
The Life of St. Benedict Children and parents alike will be delighted by these stories and illustrations about the famous Saint Benedict. Based on his biography by Pope Saint Gregory the Great, and told by a Benedictine monk living today in Italy at the birthplace of Benedict, these stories and pictures are rich with interesting details. The holiness of Benedict, his wisdom, his great impact on the world, and his miracles will intrigue and inspire everyone in the family. Also included are stories involving his twin sister, Saint Scholastica.
Bilbo’s Last Song is considered by many to be Tolkien’s epilogue to his classic work The Lord of the Rings.
As he watches his homeland of Hungary being taken over and run by invaders from Nazi Germany, young Prince Michael of Chestry strives to retain his identity and integrity during one of the most dangerous seasons in human history. Michael carries an acorn all the way from his castle home in Chestry Valley to the warm soil of the Hudson Valley farm in the USA where he makes a new home after WWII. It is difficult to decide which are the most unforgettable; the scenes in Hungary, Michael’s proud, valiant father and his beloved Nana, or the friendly young GI and his family who take Michael to their hearts and make him their own. Perhaps the most compelling character of all is Midnight, the dancing black stallion, full of fire and beauty, and trained to perform before princes. Kate Seredy’s drawings make this a book to treasure.
(pre-ordered – will be released on March 2, 2015)
(DVD – also available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)
In this unique presentation, young Catholic hearts and minds will encounter the Story of Creation, the Miracles of Jesus, the Last Supper, Confession, the Traditional Mass, and much more. Intended for children in the lower primary grades, included are some basic prayers, plus simple forms of the Act of Contrition and the Acts of Faith, Hope and Love, As Msgr. Kelly wrote in 1925, “Easy words and a little rhyme please a child; and when he knows what he is saying, his prayer is better said.”
(also available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)
Gloria Series Children’s Story Books
(also available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)
Gloria Series Children’s Story Books
(also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press)
This is a newly typeset and illustrated edition of the classic 1911 title by Mother Mary Loyola. This little 4″ x 6″ pocket gem contains more than just daily prayers: Two different sets of meditations for the Mass and Mother Loyola’s uniquely appropriate examination of conscience for children make this book a must for the Catholic child. Gorgeous full-color illustrations throughout. This is the softcover edition; we also offer a hardcover edition at the St. Augustine Academy Press website.
(available as a printed set and as a digital download in color or black and white)
This paper doll set is made of my original, hand-drawn illustrations and offers a glimpse into the childhood of Thérèse of Lisieux, who became known in her adulthood as “Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face,” and, simply, “The Little Flower.” With this set children can join Thérèse as she sews, paints, plays with her sisters and her pet dog, takes long walks with her beloved father, participates in a Eucharistic procession, dresses up as Saint Joan of Arc, and–on what she described as “the most important day of my life”–makes her First Holy Communion. Her First Holy Communion costume is based on the actual dress and veil she wore (which has been preserved in her family home in Lisieux). Her other costumes were are based on clothing for girls in the late 1880s. Each page includes captions for the costumes and accessories and a brief description of her family life.
This rediscovered gem, first published in the 1950s but long out of print, by Caldecott-winning illustrator Roger Duvoisin is perfect for a new generation of little girls who love dolls.
In the city of Paris, a beautiful but lonely doll sits on a shelf in an antique shop. She’s surrounded by old vases and teapots, but longs for a friend to play with. There is one little girl who would dearly love to own the doll, but Marie could never afford such a precious item. So Marie has to settle for admiring the doll through the window on her way home from school. But Marie and this doll are clearly meant for one another, and Marie will make sure that the doll has a home where she is loved.
(pre-ordered – will be released on March 10, 2015)
“A beautifully illustrated book that recounts the story of the first Easter from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to the resurrection, and emphasizes the message at its heart—that of God’s everlasting love. This retelling of the Easter story is both clear and detailed, explaining fully the message of God’s love in a way that children will be able to easily understand. The book follows this important episode from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem right through to the resurrection. Giuliano Ferri’s illustrations are peaceful, gentle, and elegant, making this a sophisticated picture story book for older children.”
(also available from Sacred Heart Books and Gifts)
(also available from Ignatius Press)
Here are all the most important stories of the Bible, Old and New Testaments, with very expressive and gorgeous pictures, sure to delight young children from 3 years old and up. The Old Testament stories include Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah, David & Goliath, Moses and more. The New Testament stories include the whole story of the life and miracles of Jesus, and the lives of the Apostles and early Church, all presented in a wonderful way that shows God’s great love for mankind.
Another new addition to the BabyLit collection.
(pre-ordered – will be released on March 1, 2015)
(also available from Catholic Child)
If only every time a person heard the story of Christ rising on Easter Sunday their hearts were touched the way this book will touch yours. Children as young as 2 or 3 years old will be mesmerized by the rhythm of the narrative and captivated by the sweet, colorful illustrations, while older children of 5 or 6 will be able to easily appreciate the story of Jesus, the sadness His friends felt when He died, and their subsequent joy upon seeing Him rise again. On Easter Day in the Morning is a treasure, and a treat to read aloud. It’s a wonderful choice for gift-giving and is sure to become an instant family favorite.
For YOU:
A Basket of Books to Giveaway!
In addition to all the wonderful new books our children will receive this Easter, I also have a basket filled with books to send to my visitors here at Shower of Roses! Thank you to Catholic Child, Ignatius Press, St. Augustine Academy Press, Susan Peek, StellaMarigold Art, and Sacred Heart Books and Gifts for sponsoring these giveaways!
Prize #1 – The Way of the Cross for Children (DVD) and On Easter Day in the Morning sponsored by Catholic Child (value $30.90)
Prize #7 – Crusader King: A Novel of Baldwin IV and the Crusades sponsored by author Susan Peek (value $13.95 – featured in our 2013 Baskets of Books for Easter)
Prize #8 – Little Saint Therese Paper Doll Set sponsored by StellaMarigold Art (value $12.00)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Meet My New Sponsors
I usually only share a sponsor update once every three months. However, I have some great new advertisers that arrived just a little too late to be included in February’s post. I’ve decided to introduce them to you now rather than wait until May.
Please welcome my new sponsors by visiting their websites:
Culture of Life Studies
I’m so excited about the brand new Life Is Precious Culture of Life Unit Study for Elementary Students from American Life League! I was sent a review copy, along with a set that I’ll be giving away here at Shower of Roses, but you can currently purchase this Unit Study at an awesome discount for a limited time! 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.”
Catholic Folk Toys
As I mentioned in my last post, Tammy’s dolls were the very first hand-painted saint dolls available (at least that I knew of at the time) and were the ones that inspired me to paint my own set to use Along the Alphabet Path back in 2008. She has once again re-opened her shop and offering hand painted saint dolls and more. Custom orders are welcome!
Almond Rod ToysRemember the darling Blessing Blocks I ordered for my children for St. Nicholas day? Almond Rod Toys has re-opened with even more saints and new sets for Easter as well! These inspirational wooden blocks for kids and tots encourage prayerful play throughout the liturgical year. Play out bible scenes or befriend a saint. AlmondRod Toys are designed and made by a Catholic mother of 5 to help you raise up your own little saints. The shop periodically closes so be sure to buy gifts ahead of time while open.
Before I go, I also wanted to mention that my dear friend Charlotte’s Etsy shop Waltzing Matilda Makes… is open once again for a limited time with Saints N’ Stitches Embroidery Kits, just in time for Easter! I’ve already ordered a couple more for my girls.
New Additions to Our March Book Basket
It is time to start filling our book basket with books for March. As always, I love choosing one or two books to add to our family’s ever growing collection each month.
I’m actually saving this first book for one of the boys’ Easter baskets, but with the feast of St. Benedict coming up on March 21st (as well as July 11th on the traditional calendar) I thought I would share it with you now. This brand new release from Ignatius Press on The Life of St. Benedict was written by Br. John McKenzie, O.S.B., a Benedictine monk from The Monks of Norcia in Norcia, Italy, the birthplace of St. Benedict. He made his solemn profession in 2009 and is currently studying theology in Rome. Br. John explains why he decided to write a children’s story about his order’s founder, saying, “The life of St. Benedict is filled with great imagery and authentic monastic wisdom. The Benedictine Monastic Life expands over 1,500 years of lived tradition and it has a home on all continents of the world! This book was simply put together so that families, most especially kids, can get a chance to understand the greatness and uniqueness of my holy founder, not to mention his twin sister St. Scholastic who also plays a central role in this book. In short, I wanted to show just how cool St. Benedict really is.” It looks like it is going to be a great addition to our collection!
The Life of St. Benedict
(Also available directly from Ignatius Press.)
Children and parents alike will be delighted by these stories and illustrations about the famous Saint Benedict. Based on his biography by Pope Saint Gregory the Great, and told by a Benedictine monk living today in Italy at the birthplace of Benedict, these stories and pictures are rich with interesting details. The holiness of Benedict, his wisdom, his great impact on the world, and his miracles will intrigue and inspire everyone in the family. Also included are stories involving his twin sister, Saint Scholastica.
After I finished reading aloud Their Hearts Are His Garden, I decided to move on to Jesus of Nazareth: The Story of His Life Written for Children by Mother Mary Loyola. We started reading this book on Ash Wednesday and, with just over 40 chapters, my plan is to read at least a chapter each day (or rather five chapters each week depending on our daily schedule) and finish it by Holy Saturday. I read chapters 6-10 to the children yesterday and everyone is really enjoying this beautiful story of the life of Our Lord!
(Also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press.)
James Cardinal Gibbons was Archbishop of Baltimore when he asked Mother Loyola to write this story of the Life of our Lord. As a revered author himself, and considering the number of such stories available even then, we can only imagine the admiration he must have held for Mother Loyola’s rare talent for narrative. She does not disappoint in this story, for as always, she brings to life the most vivid images of our Lord, such that the children who read it will feel almost as if they were following the dusty paths our Saviour trod. Now enhanced with an abundance of contemporary engravings and lithographs, this newly typeset edition is an invaluable means of impressing upon the minds of young children the reality of our God become Man.
Who is Mother Mary Loyola? My first introduction to her was through her wonderful allegorical work, The King of the Golden City. You can read more about her at St. Augustine Academy Press and help spread her story by sharing their GoFundMe page here. St. Augustine Academy Press is currently offering rewards for various levels of donations. Please consider helping if you can!
After skimming through Fiona’s Lace earlier this week at a local book store, I’ve been considering purchasing it to add to our collection of Irish themed picture books for March. If not, I’ll at least check it out from our local library.
Fiona’s Lace
An Irish family stays together with the help of Fiona’s talent for making one-of-a-kind lace in this heartwarming immigration story from the New York Times bestselling creator of The Keeping Quilt.
Many years ago, times were hard in all of Ireland, so when passage to America becomes available, Fiona and her family travel to Chicago. They find work in domestic service to pay back their passage, and at night Fiona turns tangles of thread into a fine, glorious lace. Then when the family is separated, it is the lace that Fiona’s parents follow to find her and her sister and bring the family back together. And it is the lace that will always provide Fiona with memories of Ireland and of her mother’s words: “In your heart your true home resides, and it will always be with you as long as you remember those you love.”
February Daybook
Outside my window…
We always seem to have at least one gorgeous week in February, so we made sure to soak up the sunshine before the rain clouds came back.
 |
| “Come on, Mom! SLIDE!!!” |
It hasn’t all been fun and sunshine this week… I’ve also been spending lots of time at doctors offices. Tuesday afternoon I had yet another appointment with my doctor (for more blood work and a biopsy – ouch!) and on Wednesday (in addition to barely being able to use my left arm) I took our seven year old to see the pediatrician since he’s had a lingering cough for the past four weeks. Thankfully it hasn’t dropped into his chest, but he does have an ear infection. Poor little guy! It was actually the first time I’ve had to take any of the kids to see our wonderful pediatrician in over a year and he kindly handed me the box of Kleenex as I gave him a little update on our family which included my last pregnancy and miscarriage.
We’ve been blessed with such an excellent pediatrician. He reminded me that it’s been nearly 15 years since he arrived in our area and our oldest son became one of his first patients! We’ll be seeing him a lot the next couple months since all the children are (over)due for well-child checkups.
I am also thankful that we have a great mechanic and it only cost $29.90 to fix the van, not $2990 like my sister thought when she looked at the receipt! Even though he needed the van all day, and no one else was available to take the girls to piano for me, my mom and sister dropped off my parents Jeep for us to use and it all ended up working out in the end. Whew!
I’m so excited about the brand new Life Is Precious Culture of Life Unit Study for Elementary Students from American Life League! I was sent a review copy, along with a set that I’ll be giving away here at Shower of Roses, but you can currently purchase this Unit Study at an awesome discount for a limited time!
The program, which will help parents and teachers instill a solid pro-life foundation in their students, uses some of our favorite picture books (including Angel in the Waters and Horton Hears A Who!) 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.” I’ll be starting Lesson 1 with my children soon!
Celebrating the liturgical year…
The children brought home Rice Bowls from our parish on Ash Wednesday and have been adding coins each day.
Bud loves to count the items for each day and place the corresponding number of pennies in his Rice Bowl! (Update: After reading the recent reports on CRS, we will be sending our “pennies” to a different charity this year.)
From the kitchen…
Grilled Cheese & Roasted Red Pepper Sandwiches for lunch and Fish Tacos for dinner.
I am working on…
finding ways to improve my health and making time to exercise at least a few days each week.
I am creating…
plans for Easter, along with two huge giveaways for all my dear online friends and visitors here at Shower of Roses.
I am going…
to my friend Ann-Marie’s baby shower tomorrow! Have you seen the new additions to her saint doll collection yet? She just added St. Joseph! He’s definitely going on my “wish list” for my little boys along with St. Gerard. Rose received St. Therese from her Christkindl for Christmas and she is so soft and sweet!
I am hoping…
to have a chance to reply to emails sometime this weekend. Once again I am so behind!
I am praying…
for many special intentions and for all those who have asked for prayers.
I am reading…
Jesus of Nazareth: The Story of His Life Written for Children by Mother Mary Loyola.
 |
| Chiquita loves to draw while I read-aloud. This week she was inspired by the front cover of our book! |
Pondering these words…
from Matthew Kelly’s The Rhythm of Life: Living Every Day with Passion and Purpose which my sister JoAnn shared on Facebook last week:
“Our spiritual needs have a tendency to change as the seasons of our lives change. Each of us has a unique spiritual journey. In different stages of the journey, we have different needs. And yet, there are some needs that are unchanging and necessary in all seasons of our lives- silence, solitude, and simplicity.”
I am listening…
Eric Carle: Around the Farm Play-A-Sound. Bud’s Godparents sent him this for his Barnyard Birthday last December and it is still one of his favorites. He has all the sounds memorized and loves flipping through the pages and testing himself. I’m pretty sure everyone else has in this house has all the sounds memorized too! 😉
Around the house…
I had to take a picture when I walked out to the family room and found Captain organizing Student Writing Intensive Writing Assignments!
I love watching Bud play with his older brother’s Perplexus Ball… He’s so good! I’m going to have to try and upload a video sometime to share. I also love that it keeps him entertained for hours! 😉
This weekend’s plans…
Hockey Games, Baby Shower, and a Latin Mass… We were able to find a priest to travel and offer Mass this Sunday night, on a one-time trial basis!
A little peek at my day…
When it rains it pours. 🙂
Easter at Ephesus :: Another Brand New Release from the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles {and a “Win It Before You Can Buy It” Giveaway!}
The Benedictines of Mary share with us a glimpse of their community life for one of their most joyous occasions: Easter. The cheer and delight of the Resurrection of Our Lord is woven in the hymns and polyphonic chants in Easter at Ephesus. This jewel of sacred music provides peace and comfort as the angelic harmonies of Easter transport the listener to the delight of the Resurrection: “For if we believe that Jesus died, and rose again; even so them who have slept through Jesus, will God bring with him.” (1 Thess. 4:14). Get your copy today and recall the liturgical joy awaiting those who hope in the world to come.
Today I have the privilege of being able to offer my visitors here at Shower of Roses a chance to WIN a copy of Easter at Ephesus before you can buy it! The giveaway is only open through Friday and the winner will be announced in this post and contacted by email on Saturday, February 28th.
Please help spread the word about this inspiring new album and enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter box below:
{pretty, happy, funny, real} :: Ash Wednesday, Physics, and a Piano Recital
Rose is wearing her pretty pink Girl’s Kerchief Tie Veil from Modesty Veils… I have a few in white too which our older girls wore for years before they discovered new veils in their Easter baskets a couple years ago. I actually have some new veils from Robin Nest Lane for this year’s Easter baskets. One is a little girl’s pink veil with tie backs and three darling swirled lace rosettes on one side. It is SO pretty! I actually meant to put it in Rose’s Christmas stocking but completely forgot… It will be perfect for Easter!
A Lenten Calendar for Catholic Children {revised}
Yesterday afternoon I had a little free time, while the older children were working with their math tutor and the three little ones were all napping (a rare occurrence these days!), to make this year’s Lenten Calendar. I used the same documents I created last year, but this year I assembled it a little differently (similar to how I first assembled it back before I was blogging) so that each week could begin with Sunday.
Jesus rose from the dead “on the first day of the week.” Because it is the “first day,” the day of Christ’s Resurrection recalls the first creation. Because it is the “eighth day” following the sabbath, it symbolizes the new creation ushered in by Christ’s Resurrection. For Christians it has become the first of all days, the first of all feasts, the Lord’s Day (he kuriake hemera, dies dominica) Sunday: We all gather on the day of the sun, for it is the first day [after the Jewish sabbath, but also the first day] when God, separating matter from darkness, made the world; and on this same day Jesus Christ our Savior rose from the dead. (CCC 2174)
SUPPLIES:
- 1 – 22″x28″ White Posterboard
- Purple Marker
- Yard Stick and/or Ruler
- Printed Images and Text (Free Download Here)
- Scissors and Glue Stick
- Purple Card Stock or Construction Paper
DIRECTIONS:
Create seven rows of 3 1/8″ x 3 1/8″ squares for the 40 days of Lent plus all of the Sundays, with an 1/8″ border on each side of the poster board.
Label the Days of the week Sunday through Saturday.
Each day of the week has a special prayer intention for which we pray and fast:
- Sunday – In Thanksgiving for God’s Blessings
- Monday – For an End to Abortion
- Tuesday – For Conversions to the True Faith
- Wednesday – For our Holy Father and all Priests
- Thursday – For our Family, Godparents & Godchildren
- Friday – For Forgiveness of Sins in our World
- Saturday – For our Deceased Relatives
Add a Fish Symbol to each Friday representing the days of abstinence.
Title the top of the calendar with LENT: Pray, Fast, Give Alms.
Through prayer, fasting and alms giving, we bring Jesus into our lives, and commit ourselves to being united with him in His suffering, death and resurrection. Through this we also love and serve Him as we love and serve our neighbor.
Our calendar has a square for each day, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. Special Feasts and Holy days during that period are decorated to represent that day. For example, we have a picture of St. Patrick on March 17th and St. Joseph on March 19th. These special feasts help break up the long Lenten Season.
PRAY
- Each Morning for the Special Intention of the Day
- Daily Family Rosary
- Stations of the Cross on Friday
- Adoration Hour
- Daily Mass
When the older children were little I made or purchased stickers of rosaries, stations of the cross, churches, etc for them to add to each day we prayed the rosary, stations, or attended Mass.
FAST
- Take one item from the pantry each day for the poor
- Simple Meatless Meals on Fridays
- Personal Sacrifices I’m Offering Up for Lent
Toddlers don’t always understand the concept of giving something up for Lent. Instead of having our youngest children give something up we have them focus on giving away. I stock the bottom shelves of the pantry with appropriate food items that can be donated, and everyday the little ones choose something to place in a box to be donated to a needy person or organization. I fit this extra food into our grocery budget by serving simple meals throughout lent, especially on Fridays.
We are also choosing some things to offer up individually and as a family. I’ve left it generic on our calendar as “Personal Sacrifices I’m Offering Up for Lent.”
GIVE ALMS
- Count the items listed for each Day
- Put corresponding Number of Pennies in the Rice Bowl
In Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler (affiliate link) the author says: “Playing with pennies is fun, and so is putting them in a piggy bank. So try combining the two… Almost every church has Rice Bowls for lent… Think of items in your home that you can count. Select something different for every day of lent and put this on your calendar. For example, after deciding to count all the doors in your house, take the child and count all the doors. For each item counted, give him a penny to put in the Rice Bowl. There can be forty or forty-five pennies each day. It can add up, especially if you have more than one child! After Easter, bring the Rice Bowl to your church and have your child give it to your priest. Explain that this money will be used to buy food and clothes for people who do not have enough money to buy their own.”
Some examples of things that could be counted include: shoes, beds, windows, chairs, tables, pictures on the walls, trees in the yard, rooms, light fixtures, books on the shelf, silverware, stairs, toys, dolls, etc… You can be creative! This is a great opportunity to teach the children to be grateful for all they own. It is also a perfect time to work on filling those 40 bags with items to pass along to someone in need.
Once again I created squares with a cross on one side (printed on purple card stock) to cover each calendar square, instead of the cut out crosses we’ve used in the past. My plan for this year is to write on the back of each square the assignments for the day – what/where we will be praying, a reminder to fast/take an item from the pantry for the poor, something to count for the younger children’s “Give Alms” and perhaps the extra chore options for the older children.
At the end of each day – after we complete our prayers, fasting, and alms giving for the day – we will place the purple cross over the square of that particular date on the calendar as we count down the days until Easter Sunday!
Shrove Tuesday
Shrove Tuesday, also known as Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) and Pancake Tuesday, is the day before Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. Traditionally, in addition to abstaining from meat, the faithful were required to abstain from fats, eggs, and butter as well for the duration of Lent. Even though today’s Lenten fast does not require total abstinence from all animal products, recalling the tradition of serving pancakes on Shrove Tuesday, along with bacon, ham, or sausage, serves to unite ourselves with the heritage of our past while enjoying a feast before the upcoming days of fast and abstinence.
Strawberry Hearts {A Sweet & Simple Treat}
Celebrating St. Valentine’s Day
It was so great to get out of the house and spend the day (and all evening – we didn’t get home until 9!) visiting with friends. Saturday morning the children were up early digging through their boxes of Valentine cards. They only have a couple days to finish up their treats… Lent is almost here!
0 Comments