Tan Books Acquires Neumann Press!

by | Oct 23, 2013 | | 13 Comments

Last June I shared our inspiring collection of books from The Neumann Press. I was incredibly excited this morning when a friend let me know that Tan Books has acquired Neumann Press!  I am so thankful that these books will continue to be available, and at even lower prices making them more affordable for Catholic families!

“TAN is preserving the Neumann Press name as an imprint and maintaining the Neumann Press website. In addition, Neumann Press titles will be added to TAN’s own direct mail catalogs and consumer website. TAN will reissue 22 Neumann Press titles before Christmas and over 70 titles before the end of the year, most in their original hardcover bindings. TAN is lowering Neumann Press retail prices across the board and extending TAN resellers their normal terms.”

Deo Gratias! 

Home Again!

by | Oct 21, 2013 | , , | 13 Comments

 

Sean and our five youngest arrived home Saturday afternoon, on the 13th day of their trip to visit his parents and introduce our little man to his grandparents!  I’m so glad they were able to finally make the trip, but I was also very happy to have them all home again!  I didn’t pick up my camera at all over the weekend (I was too busy holding my babies!) but here are a couple pictures that were taken on Saturday with my phone, right after I was nearly knocked over by Twinkle Toes, Chiquita and Snuggles who beat the little ones into the house and tackled me with hugs!  

Yesterday, as we were about to leave for Mass, Bud refused to sit down in his car seat until he saw me open the door and get in the van.  I think they all missed me too!  

Meet the Masters :: Art Portfolios

by | Oct 18, 2013 | , | 7 Comments

This year we are studying art with Meet The Masters!

A couple weeks ago we completed the Art Portfolios preview lesson as we began working our way through Track A.

Meet the Masters is a three step program that begins with an online lesson "Introducing the Masters," step two continues with teaching "Art Techniques," and then in step three the children move on to the actual "Art Activity." The project that the students complete for each lesson uses all the techniques they had just learned to create their own masterpiece inspired by each master artist.

Looking at the three levels available I decided to just use the lessons for Ages 10-Adult, simplifying the art activities for my younger children if necessary.

The tracks are available directly from Meet the Masters, but can also be found at a discount at Rainbow Resource and bundles are available at the Homeschool Buyers's Co-Op.   Rainbow Resource also carries Art Supply Bundles and we are using the Art Bundle for Track A.

During the preview lesson we were given an introduction to a number of master artists, who we will eventually study, including: Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, Piet Mondrian, and Pablo Picasso.   We then went on to learn about "looking carefully" and "seeing differently" - complete with some optical illusions that the kids loved!

Our Art Activity for the Preview Tract was to design a Portfolio!

The instructions suggested creating the portfolios with construction paper, but for added durability we used large sheets of poster board folded in half and stapled together on each edge.

Everyone was provided with a blank palette to include on the cover of their portfolio.  Instead of filling the palette with paint colors we either listed or included photos of all the artists we plan to learn about this year - including ourselves!

 

 
 
 
 

We didn't follow the directions exactly (perhaps we would have if I had read them completely before starting!) but we all had such a great time, and the kids convinced me to create my own portfolio too!

Now we just have to get started creating some art to store inside our portfolios!

Up first is Vincent van Gogh... We will learn about him and then create our own "Starry Night!"

And what perfect timing with the publication of Katie and the Starry Night earlier this month!

I am sure I will be sharing some more of our "masterpieces" throughout the year!

{pretty, happy, funny, real} :: Blessed

by | Oct 18, 2013 | , , | 25 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~
{pretty}

Out for a beautiful fall walk on Sunday afternoon.

“Well, it sure looks like the devil spat on those blackberries!”

Still smiling 5 miles later! 
{happy}
Photo Credit: Marc Salvatore – Used with permission
Tuesday night we attended our parish’s welcome Mass for our new Archbishop!   He has been visiting every parish in the diocese and ours was the last on the list, but also the first that he brought his mother to since he had to show her this incredibly beautiful part of his diocese!   It was such a joy to visit with His Excellency and his mother! 
Photo Credit: Marc Salvatore – Used with permission
He remembered Captain from summer camp and asked Rascal if he would be attending next year.  When Marc was about to take this picture the Archbishop said “A picture with two of my future priests!”   I laughed and responded, “Well, you might have to fight the FSSP for them!” He turned to me and said that perhaps we can have both! I shared briefly about our family’s connections to the FSSP and how we have prayed to have them in our diocese for many years. The Archbishop told me that he is a friend to the FSSP (he did their Diaconate Ordinations in 2012) and would love to have them in his diocese! I left with such great hope for the future and could hardly wait to call my husband, who has been applying for various jobs for the last 14 years trying to relocate to a more traditional diocese.  Every time a job would fall through I would say that perhaps God wants us here for some reason… And we would keep praying. Between our quarterly Latin Masses this past year and now our new Archbishop, we have been so incredibly blessed. 

{funny}
Who needs creamer when there is Pumpkin Ice Cream in the freezer?
(And yes I was conveniently ignoring my dairy intolerance Monday morning!) Yum!

{real}
My new favorite dessert?  Salted. Caramel. Truffle. Brownies.  YUM! 

In addition to the brownies I also had everything needed to make some more Peach Sangria, using some frozen peaches this time.  After asking just about every local friend (or acquaintance!) I know on Facebook or through email I was able to round up a total of 12 for a Ladies’ Bunco Night at my house last night!  

I also baked an Apple Cake and had Apple Cider simmering on the stove.   Each person brought an appetizer or dessert to share, along with $5 to be used for prizes, and we had a blast!  Everyone arrived at 7:00 and we played Bunco until about 9:30 or so.  I wasn’t the only one who had been needing a fun night with friends… It was after midnight before everyone had headed home! 


I had just won the prize ($20!) for most buncos when the phone rang and it was Sean’s supervisor letting us know that he will report back to work on Monday, following the remainder of his previously scheduled (but canceled due to the furlough) vacation leave!  Deo Gratias!!!! 

Sean and the little ones all left his parents today, amidst lots of tears from the older girls and Snuggles who all loved getting to know their grandparents, and arrived safely at their first destination. They still have two more days of driving, but will arrive home on Saturday! The boys and I can hardly wait!!

Visit Like Mother, Like Daughter for more pictures of contentment.

Making Marshmallow Molecules!

by | Oct 15, 2013 | , | 10 Comments

This year some of our children have been studying chemistry using the great books from Real Science-4-Kids.  We are using Focus on Elementary Chemistry for both Chiquita (3rd grade) and Snuggles (1st grade).  Twinkle Toes (4th grade) is working her way through Focus on Middle School Chemistry, which is more challenging and seemed to be a better fit for her.  (Currently my plan is to have her complete all the Middle School books in the series – Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology and Astronomy – before possibly moving on to Concepts and Challenges in Science sometime before high school.)  So far everyone has been very happy with the switch and learning so much, including myself since I never did study chemistry growing up! 😉 

The chemistry books are broken into ten chapters and we have been spending about two weeks or so on each – one week reading and studying the material in the student textbook and the following week working through the activities and experiments in the corresponding laboratory workbooks.    
Elementary Book on the Left and Middle School Book on the Right
I love that both levels cover basically the same material in each chapter (the middle school book is just more advanced and goes into further detail) so it is easy for me to combine lessons and work with all the children at the same time. 

The week before last we completed the experiments for Chapter 2 – which was all about “Molecules” – and the kids were so excited to see that the lab experiments included making molecules with marshmallows! 
Demonstrating a “water molecule” 

Recording data in their workbooks

First they got to make whatever creations they wanted, then they had to “follow the rules” to create specific types of molecules.  

The older boys wanted to know why they don’t get to use this awesome science program this year… I’m actually considering switching them next semester, once they complete Book One of Concepts and Challenges in Science.  We’ll see… In the meantime they can’t resist participating in all the experiments!  

 

“Mom!  I made a square based Pyramid… Can this count as my Ancient History project?!”  
I am really looking forward to the kids returning from their trip so we can move on to Chapter 3! 

My Daybook :: October 13, 2013

by | Oct 13, 2013 | , , | 46 Comments

Outside my window… 
after a record-setting rainy September, we have finally been enjoying some beautiful fall weather!

I am thinking…        
about ways I can reduce our monthly expenses and help supplement our (lack of) income, during this government shutdown, in addition to the commissions I currently earn through Amazon and other affiliate links here at Shower of Roses.  Thank you all for your support in this way, and for each and every purchase you all make through my links!  It all adds up!  It may not be enough to pay our house payment, but it is enough to help buy groceries and hopefully stretch the little we have in savings (that we had hoped to use as a down payment on a larger van) for a couple months if necessary.

I am thankful… 
for video chat. The other morning my little baby boy pulled his daddy over to the computer, pointed to the screen and said “MAMA?!”  Oh, I miss that little boy of mine! It was the second time this week we have been able to use the video chat. What a blessing!

Learning all the time… 
I am also thankful for the wonderful (Catholic!) tutors I have for our children, through our local homeschool charter school!  Even though the younger children were gone Kathleen spent her usual 5 hours here on Thursday afternoon teaching the boys their next couple Math lessons, reviewing their Latin and Science, and building various circuits with them using Snap Circuits.  She is such a blessing!

This week the boys also really enjoyed learning how to use a compass.

Kathleen brought her own college Staedtler Compass along and said they are the best.  I will have to get one for the boys sometime soon – apparently they will be needing one to complete their upcoming lessons.

Celebrating the liturgical year… 
The feast of St. Teresa of Avila is coming up on Tuesday, October 15th, and the boys and I will be celebrating with an evening “Welcome Mass” for our new Archbishop! Our oldest had the opportunity to meet him at his summer camp, but the rest of us have not had the privilege.  We are very excited!  You can find a few additional ideas for the feast of St. Teresa of Avila in the archives.

From the kitchen… 
My brother Brian is awesome!  I’ve been working on cleaning and organizing my closet this past week and asked if he could come over and cut open the attic access in the ceiling of my closet.  My hope was that I might find a little storage space.  No such luck there – just lots of insulation and the furnace – but he did bring us dinner!

I am working on… 
a “Media Kit” for Shower of Roses.  I have been turning down blog “sponsors” for years, only listing “affiliate” links and offering some reviews and giveaways from time to time, but now I am reconsidering this as an option.   My biggest hesitation has been that it would influence the way that I blog and change my blog in a negative way.   I’ve been blogging long enough that I don’t think that will be an issue.  I also plan to be selective in the businesses that I allow to advertise in the sidebar, making sure they are businesses I would purchase from myself and recommend to friends.  I’ll be adding a button to the sidebar soon for my first advertiser, Catholic Embroidery, and you all know I highly recommend them already and have their beautiful products sprinkled around our home!

I am creating… 
lots of little angels for a Jesse Tree Ornament Swap, with craft supplies I already happened to have in my closet.  I was so excited to see it fill up (along with a 2nd swap as well) so quickly!

I am going… 
to try and finish up on a few blog posts I’ve had in my drafts folder – a few State-by-State Pages, Making Marshmallow Molecules, decorating Art Portfolios, and more.  I always have so many posts I begin and never have quite enough time to complete!

I am hoping… 
to finish deep cleaning and organizing the house before all the little ones get home.  It is taking longer than I thought it would, but will be so nice once it is done…

I am praying… 
for all those who have asked me to pray for them, and especially for the safety of my family while we are separated.  My husband’s parents live in a rather dangerous border town, and last night a border patrol helicopter was shining a light into the next door neighbors yard, with additional agents on the ground with guns and flashlights.  Not exactly what this worried mama wanted to hear…

I am reading… 
and sorting through all sorts of paperwork as I clean out all the boxes that had been stored in my closet. I stayed up way too late the other night after discovering these “CWOD” Magazines from my college days at Christendom.  Does anyone recognize the illustrator?  🙂

Pondering these words…
from the Catholic Digest Quiet Moment for today:

“We shall steer safely through every storm so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God.” ~ St. Francis de Sales

I am listening…  
to Angels and Saints at Ephesus.  Every single hymn on the CD is beautiful and inspiring, but one of my favorites is “A Rose Unpetalled” – a poem of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, set to music.  I also love “Dear Angel Ever At My Side!” Both are perfect for October!

Around the house… 

baskets filled with warm blankets.  It has been chilly lately!

One of my favorite things…  
spending time with my children.  As much as I (we all!) miss the little ones, I am sure enjoying this special time at home with just our two oldest boys!
This week’s plans…

  • Start planning this year’s All Hallows’ Eve/All Saints’ Party – it is coming up so quickly! 
  • Mrs. M tutoring Math on Tuesday
  • Welcome Mass for the Archbishop Tuesday Night
  • Party (Ladies Night) at my house for anyone who would like to come on over! 😉
  • Mrs. W tutoring on Thursday
  • Welcome home the rest of the family as soon as the arrive – most likely sometime between Thursday and Saturday!
Early Monday morning – Day 1 of a 2 day (22+ hour) drive to visit grandparents! 

A little peek at my day…
It has been soooo quiet in our home!  Last night the boys and I enjoyed our Saturday evening playing cards, eating gluten-free chocolate chip pumpkin cake (the boys made it using the recipe on the side of the Namaste Vanilla Cake Mix), and staying warm near our first fire this fall.  

Advent Preparations & A Jesse Tree Ornament Swap!

by | Oct 8, 2013 | , , , , | 23 Comments

So, who else is thinking ahead and making plans for Advent and Christmas?  With my younger children out of town I have quite the list of little projects I am hoping to complete over the next week, including wrapping some of the Christmas gifts I had (thankfully) purchased throughout the year as well as wrapping up books for this year’s Advent & Christmas Book Baskets and St. Nicholas Day!  I’ll try and post a complete list sometime, but my new picks for this year do include those pictured in the basket above:  Bambinelli Sunday (a newly published book by Amy Welborn), Kersti and Saint Nicholas (written by Hilda van Stockum, originally published in 1940 and reprinted in 2010!), and The Dolls’ Christmas (OOP, I finally found an inexpensive used copy earlier this year!). 

I am also going to be making some little “Angel” ornaments for a Jesse Tree Swap which Karen generously offered to host this morning on Facebook!   We will still use our original well loved felt Jesse Tree, along with our beautiful set of Jesse Tree Treasures Ornaments, but I am very excited to add a handmade set to our collection as well!  If you are interested in joining the swap go sign up now!  

A Prayer Request and Giveaway Winners

by | Oct 7, 2013 | , | 20 Comments

With all those fun giveaways last week, I had quite a few entry slips to cut and fold today!  It was actually just what I needed to help stop the tears and keep my mind off missing my babies…

Before the furlough, Sean was scheduled to take his vacation leave beginning today and had planned to take some of our children to visit his parents. (It has been 3 years since our last visit and they haven’t met our youngest yet… We would have loved to all go, but we can’t all fit in our mini-van – especially for this long of a drive – since we are one seat short, which is why it’s been so long since our last visit.) We went back and forth over canceling the trip, but decided to not put the visit off any longer, especially with winter (hazardous driving conditions) coming.   He ended up taking the five youngest (he is a crazy brave man!) and I am home with just the older boys (it is so quiet here).  Could you please remember them in your prayers?

Anyways, on to the winners of the giveaways, before I start crying again…  

Mommyof3 is the winner of the Catholic Mosaic giveaway, sponsored by Krista, and offered on the feast of St. Jerome! 

Jacqui is the winner of the St. Therese the Little Flower Daily Journal offered on the feast of St. Therese! 

Marie is the winner of Angel in the Waters and Catholic Treasure Box Book 1 offered on the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels!

Julie is the winner of The Greatest of These is Love, sponsored by author Megan Therese Schuelke, and offered on the traditional feast of St. Therese!

Elm is the winner of Mama’s Notebooks sponsored by Heather Wood, and also offered on the traditional feast of St. Therese!

Heather Wilson is the winner of Can you find Followers of Jesus? Introducing Your Child to Disciples, also sponsored by Krista, and offered on the Feast of St. Francis! 

Congratulations to you all and I will be contacting you soon for your mailing addresses!
(or if you see this first just email them to me at jessica.showerofroses(at)gmail(dot)com)
And thank you to Krista, Megan, and Heather for sponsoring some of the giveaways! 

I wish I could send each and every one of you a gift!  Your comments are always such a joy to read.  Thank you all for your kind words, prayers, and support!  I will offer up an extra rosary, on this beautiful feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, for all of you and your families!  

Celebrating the Saints :: St. Francis of Assisi

by | Oct 5, 2013 | , , , | 50 Comments

We are so blessed to have two of my friends, who are Catholic mothers and home educators, tutoring our children through the home-based charter school we use.  Our “allotment” goes quickly with the extra tutoring, so over the summer my friend Trina and I discussed options for this school year.  She suggested “trading” some time to stretch my allotment further – she would tutor my children in Math (and help with PAL) and I could do something for her… My question?  What could I possibly do for her?  (She is a brilliant teacher after all and was one of my siblings favorites at their high-school co-op.)  She laughed and said she could think of plenty, starting with CELEBRATING THE FEAST DAYS with her children!  She said all I would have to do is just include her children in some of the celebrations we have already throughout the year.  Ooh!! Yes, that I could do!   Her boys are also great friends with my boys, so everyone was excited about this arrangement and we have six fun feast days planned for this school year.  Today we had our first afternoon of “Celebrating the Saints” and it was so much fun!

.:  STORY TIME :. 

There are many many books on St. Francis.  Here are the books I choose from our collection to share with the children today… 

Introduction and Art Appreciation: 

by Carole Armstrong
“A lavishly illustrated volume–featuring the famed works of Raphael, Bosch, and Giotto–recounts the dramatic histories of many Christian saints, including John the Baptist, Francis of Assisi, and Joan of Arc.”

Art Appreciation:  Saint Francis Preaching to the Birds by Giotto about 1266-1337 Louvre, Paris
(Also featured on the front cover of the book.)

Read and Discuss:

by Mary Joslin
Vocabulary and Discussion Prompts from Catholic Mosaic
“Here, simply and charmingly retold, is the classic story of the man who became a channel of God’s peace to the world–its people and its creatures.”
We them moved on to the following fun books saving “the best for last” at the request of my boys:

by Bernadette Watts  
“After Saint Francis grants his wish for a golden cage, Crow realizes the folly of envy and the value of freedom and love.”

by Josephine Nobisso
“While other children’s religious titles focus on Saint Francis of Assisi as an adult, few, if any, have concentrated on the early life of the patron saint of animals and the environment. Stunning illustrations punctuate this beautifully told story of Saint Francis as a boy as he communes with nature and treats even the fiercest of animals—a hungry wolf—with the same compassion he would show his grandmother. In a fearless display of courage, tolerance, and understanding, the young Francis makes peace with the wolf, foreshadowing his teachings of harmony with the world around us and man’s duty to protect nature.”

by Richard Egielski
“Terrible wolf is terrorizing the town of Gubbia, and no one can stop him! First the townspeople send a brave knight. He never returns. Then they send an army of trained warriors. They get destroyed. Finally the townspeople send a great and mighty war machine, but even that can’t stop the wolf. The villagers don’t know what to do — until Saint Francis visits the town and speaks to the wolf in his own language.”

This is such a fun book to read and totally captivated the children…  



Can you tell which picture I was showing the kids when this photo was snapped?  😉 

Bud isn’t sure what to think about that scary wolf… 

.: ACTIVITY :. 

After we had finished reading all the books I sent the kids outside to burn off some energy while I prepared the supplies for decorating Wolf Paw Cookies!

You can find the directions either in the archives here at Shower of Roses, at Catholic Cuisine, or in this month’s issue of Catholic Digest! 😉

.: ST. FRANCIS COLORING PAGE :. 

I had printed out various coloring pages, but Charlotte’s St. Francis Coloring Page was unanimously voted the favorite and the only one chosen by the kids!  Thank you Miss Charlotte!

.: PIZZA :. 
I served pizza for lunch, perfect for this Italian saint! 

Olive Oil Pizza Dough

Dough: 

  • 3 1/4 cups lukewarm water
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon yeast
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 7 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

 To make the dough:
Use the “dump and stir method” of mixing the dough in a 5-quart Container with Lid, using a wooden spoon. Cover the container, not airtight and let it rest for about 2 hours on the counter. The dough can then be used right away, but it is much easier to handle once it has been thoroughly chilled. The dough can be stored in the refrigerator for 2 weeks!
Today, since we eat meatless on Fridays, we topped the pizzas with Chunky Tomato Sauce and Olive Oil, and various other toppings including Fresh Basil, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Sliced Mushrooms, and Black Olives.  Yum!!   
I transferred the pizzas from my counter to the hot stone in the oven using my amazing Super Peel and baked them at 500˚ for 5-6 minutes each. 

.: PRAYER :. 
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
where there is injury,pardon;
where there is doubt, faith;
where there is despair, hope;
where there is darkness, light;
and where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek
to be consoled as to console;
to be understood as to understand;
to be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
**********************************

It has been so much fun hosting give-aways each day this week, and I have especially loved hearing from you all in the comment box!  Thank you for all your kind comments, prayers and support. Today’s giveaway has been sponsored by Krista, who would like to pass along one more duplicate book from her own collection in addition to the Catholic Mosaic:  Can you find Followers of Jesus?  Introducing Your Child to Disciples.  

We don’t own this book, but we do have Can you find Saints? which is a favorite in our home!  You can see pictures in this post…. It would be perfect for All Saints Day! Anyways, back to Can you find Followers of Jesus?… 

If you would like to be entered to this giveaway, just leave a comment on this post, and make sure your email address is either linked on your profile or included in the comment so that I am able to contact you if you win.

There is still time to enter the other giveaways for a copy of Catholic Mosaic, a copy of St. Therese the Little Flower Daily Journal, the two children’s picture books, The Greatest of These is Love and Mama’s Notebooks. The giveaways will all be open through Sunday, October 6th and I will update each post and contact the winners next Monday, October 7th.

UPDATE:
Thank you all for participating!
Happy Feast of St. Francis! 

On the Traditional Feast of the Little Flower

by | Oct 4, 2013 | , , | 47 Comments

Dear St. Thérèse, 
thou wert always good and obedient 
and always did the Will of God. 
Now thou art a great saint in heaven with God.
Thy loving and tender heart rejoices 
to send down roses upon earth. 
O give me the sweet flower of a great love of Jesus!
Pray for me that I may have all the graces I need. 

Prayer from Jesus, Make Me Worthy – a reprint of the original can be found here. 

Today I spent some precious moments with my little “Rose” teaching her about “Our Patron Saint” using one of my treasured childhood books.   Unfortunately my copy is tattered and missing the cover… I’ve searched for another copy, but have only found the (awful) revised edition from the 70’s with new illustrations and text…. I plan to keep searching!

It’s been an challenging week in our home, with the government shutdown, and I wasn’t able to bake any more special treats for today, but the older girls still celebrated by illustrating (using the same Catholic How to Draw book from yesterday)  a couple more pictures!  I thought they turned out beautifully!

St. Therese by Twinkle Toes (age 10) 

St. Therese by Chiquita (age 8)

Today I have two more giveaways for my dear visitors here at
Shower of Roses!


The first giveaway is for a newly released book titled The Greatest of These is Love.  This book is generously offered by author Megan Therese Schuelke, a young Catholic from Minnesota!   

“Megan Schuelke is a woman beyond her years. Her seemingly perfect world was rocked when she learned at age 17 that her mother had been diagnosed with cancer. In the midst of her desperation and frustration, Megan had a choice to make: She could run away from God, or she could run to Him. Megan chose to take God’s hand through the struggles, discovering along the way the beauty in the life He had planned for her. This book is more than just one young woman’s journey through life. It is a testament of God’s power to turn tears into dancing, to turn darkness into light. Megan’s story is one that inspires and gives hope to all young people searching for truth and love in a world filled with sadness.”

********************************************

The second giveaway is offered by Mama’s Notebooks.  Heather Wood has generously offered to send the winner of this giveaway a copy of Mama’s Notebook Weekly Planner and Organizer and The Budget Notebook! 


Mama’s Notebook Weekly Planner and Organizer:
Mama’s Notebook provides you with an easy, flexible, and efficient way to organize your life. In one glance, you can coordinate your meal plan with the whole day’s events and tasks, and there’s always ample room to take notes on the things that matter to you most! Unlike other planners, you can start up Mama’s Notebook on any week of the year, and you can skip weeks as needed. The back section of the planner provides you with easy reference sheets to help you schedule and shop efficiently.



The Budget Notebook:
The Budget Notebook by Mama’s Notebooks is designed to help you keep a household budget that is simple, easy, and accurate. It features charts for everything you’ll need to get your budget under control, as well as a Notes section at the back with ample room for planning, organizing, writing reminder and to-do lists, and tallying up sums.

********************************************

Note: I have not seen either the book or planners in person, but I am very much looking forward to checking out my review copies! Thank you Megan and Heather!

If you would like to be entered for either of these giveaways, just leave a comment on this post, and make sure your email address is either linked on your profile or included in the comment so that I am able to contact you if you win.

There is still time to enter the other giveaways for a copy of Catholic Mosaic, a copy of St. Therese the Little Flower Daily Journal, and the two children’s picture books. I’ll be back with one last giveaway sometime tomorrow! The giveaways will all be open through Sunday, October 6th and I will update each post and contact the winners next Monday, October 7th.

UPDATE:
Thank you all for participating!
Tan Books Acquires Neumann Press!

Tan Books Acquires Neumann Press!

by | Oct 23, 2013 | | 13 Comments

Last June I shared our inspiring collection of books from The Neumann Press. I was incredibly excited this morning when a friend let me know that Tan Books has acquired Neumann Press!  I am so thankful that these books will continue to be available, and at even lower...

Home Again!

Home Again!

by | Oct 21, 2013 | , , | 13 Comments

 Sean and our five youngest arrived home Saturday afternoon, on the 13th day of their trip to visit his parents and introduce our little man to his grandparents!  I'm so glad they were able to finally make the trip, but I was also very happy to have them all...

Meet the Masters :: Art Portfolios

Meet the Masters :: Art Portfolios

by | Oct 18, 2013 | , | 7 Comments

This year we are studying art with Meet The Masters! A couple weeks ago we completed the Art Portfolios preview lesson as we began working our way through Track A. Meet the Masters is a three step program that begins with an online lesson "Introducing the Masters,"...

{pretty, happy, funny, real} :: Blessed

{pretty, happy, funny, real} :: Blessed

by | Oct 18, 2013 | , , | 25 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~{pretty}Out for a beautiful fall walk on Sunday afternoon."Well, it sure looks like the devil spat on those blackberries!"Still smiling 5 miles later! {happy}Photo Credit: Marc Salvatore - Used...

Making Marshmallow Molecules!

Making Marshmallow Molecules!

by | Oct 15, 2013 | , | 10 Comments

This year some of our children have been studying chemistry using the great books from Real Science-4-Kids.  We are using Focus on Elementary Chemistry for both Chiquita (3rd grade) and Snuggles (1st grade).  Twinkle Toes (4th grade) is working her way...

A Prayer Request and Giveaway Winners

A Prayer Request and Giveaway Winners

by | Oct 7, 2013 | , | 20 Comments

With all those fun giveaways last week, I had quite a few entry slips to cut and fold today!  It was actually just what I needed to help stop the tears and keep my mind off missing my babies...Before the furlough, Sean was scheduled to take his vacation leave...

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-25, Ranger-24, Twinkle Toes-22, Chiquita-21, Snuggles-18, Rose-16, Bud-14, Grace-8 and Joy-6 (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 Giveaways
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Our Advent & Christmas Books

Shower of Roses Gift Guides

Looking for Something?

looking-back

  • ▼2026 (3)
  • ►2025 (31)
  • ►2024 (41)
  • ►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!