Twenty Favorite Movies

by | Nov 20, 2012 | | 43 Comments

I frequently receive emails asking for movie suggestions for both adults and children.   We have never had TV reception, but we do enjoy watching movies!  Last night I asked my husband if he would be interested in sharing his favorites with you all.  Before he left for work this morning he gave me the following list of 20 favorites, just in time for the long Thanksgiving weekend. He even included a little about each movie, who it’s appropriate for, and even some of his favorite quotes!  (Though we do have some favorites in common, my own list would look a little differently and definitely wouldn’t include that quote he shared from Becket! Hmpfh… Maybe I should just let him make Thanksgiving dinner this year! lol)  Be sure to leave him a comment and perhaps I can talk him into writing another post about his favorite resources for training our Altar Boys. 🙂

20. Valkyrie (2008)
Rated PG-13 for violence and brief strong language
True story of the assassination attempt on Adolph Hitler where Catholic Army officer of the Third Reich, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg masterminds a plan to save Germany from Hitler. Powerful and suspenseful. Another one of those movies that you can’t hold your breath on – unfortunately, we all know how this one ends. Great story of courage, love of country, and defiance against tyranny.

19. The Great Escape (1963)
Not Rated (Violence)
The true story of the largest and most daring P.O.W. escape from what was supposed to be the most contemporary escape-proof stalag of the Third Reich.

18. The Enemy Below (1957)
Not Rated
A WWII naval cat and mouse between a U.S. destroyer and the German U-Boat it is tracking. The honor and code of chivalry in combat is displayed here even in modern warfare.

17. The Miracle of Marcelino (1955)
Fictional story of an abandoned baby left at the doorstep of an Italian monastery. When nobody will adopt the child, the monks raise him themselves and are transformed by the love and affection between him and a mystical visitor. Longing for a mother to see and love, Marcelino is granted his wish.

16. The Magnificent Seven (1960)
Not Rated (Violent) – Adults and adolescents 
 Gang of drifters, mostly at odds with life, get hired by a Mexican village to rid them of El Guapo – I mean Calvera. Star studded cast with Charles Bronson, Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, and James Coburn. Inspired by the foreign film The Seven Samurai and inspired the modern movie The Three Amigos.

Calvera: If God didn’t want them sheared, he would not have made them sheep.

Village Boy 2: We’re ashamed to live here. Our fathers are cowards.
O’Reilly: Don’t you ever say that again about your fathers, because they are not cowards. You think I am brave because I carry a gun; well, your fathers are much braver because they carry responsibility, for you, your brothers, your sisters, and your mothers. And this responsibility is like a big rock that weighs a ton. It bends and it twists them until finally it buries them under the ground. And there’s nobody says they have to do this. They do it because they love you, and because they want to. I have never had this kind of courage.

15. Come to the Stable (1949)
Not Rated
Heartwarming fiction for all audiences. This amusing film follows two nuns who come to America to establish a hospital to fulfill a promise. Good message of faith and hope.

14. I Confess (1953)
Not Rated (Adult theme)
Recommended for dads and moms and other adults in the house – not really for adolescents. 
Alfred Hitchcock fiction about Father Michael Logan, a priest who is confronted by the local government authorities to break the seal of confession. The only fault in the film is the murky interior struggle the priest has with a former girlfriend. Probably inspired the heinous movie, Priest. Filmed in beautiful Quebec.

13. The Endurance – Shackleton’s Legendary Antarctic Expedition (2000)
Rated G – Adults and adolescents
Gripping documentary narrated by Liam Neeson. True story of men who conquered despair. Just when you think they’ve had enough, new and more daunting challenges befall the ill-fated Antarctic voyagers. Incredible adventure story.

Famous Quotes: “Until our food ran out, we each had one meal a day: a biscuit which we looked at for breakfast, sucked on for lunch, and ate for dinner.”

12. Going My Way (1944)
Not Rated
Bing Crosby plays his usual role of the suave and debonair priest . . . enough said.

Watch for this quote: “A golf course is nothing but a poolroom moved outdoors.”

11. A Man for All Seasons (1966)
Rated G
Story of man’s pride and fall when King Henry VIII rejected the Church to obtain a divorce and remarriage. To quell his conscience, the King tried to force Sir Thomas More to submit . . .

Sir Thomas More: When a man takes an oath, he’s holding his own self in his own hands like water, and if he opens his fingers then, he needn’t hope to find himself again.

10. Becket (1964)
Rated PG-13 for some sexual content and violence
Do not watch this with your kids. Emotionally dramatic movie throughout. It captures the tension between former friends King Henry II and the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sir Thomas a Becket. Thomas a Becket was Archbishop of Canterbury from 1162 until his murder in 1170. He is venerated as a saint and martyr by both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Communion.

The quote of the film: In that Lord Gilbert has rendered no act of contrition or repentance, and is at the moment, at liberty in the land, we do, here and now, separate him from the precious body and blood of Christ, and from the society of all Christians. We exclude him from our Holy Mother Church and all her sacraments, in heaven, or on Earth. We declare him excommunicate and anathema . . . [slams candle to the ground] Monks: [response] So be it.

And we can’t forget this classic: King Henry II: “I can do nothing. I’m as useless as a woman.”

9. Michael Collins (1997)
Rated R for violence and language
The daring and bold true story of the establishment of the Irish Free State in the 1920’s. Great historical drama, but don’t get your hopes up watching this film – we all know how it ends.

Great quotes to watch for:
Michael Collins: “We have a weapon more powerful than any in the whole arsenal of the British Empire! That weapon is our refusal!”

Michael Collins: “We won’t play by their rules, Harry. We’ll invent our own.”

8. The Day the Sun Danced: The True Story of Fatima (2005)
Not Rated
The inspiring animated for children true story of Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta, whose great faith and courage brought the message of Our Lady of Fatima to the entire world. The earnest message of Fatima is repeated here to help inspire children in praying the rosary with devotion.

7. The Reluctant Saint (1962)
Not Rated
Based on the true story of Saint Joseph of Cupertino, patron saint of aviators – for obvious reasons as depicted in the movie. Great message that “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” The other lesson here is how God lifts up the lowly and humble; whereas, the proud, He casts down in the conceit of their heart.

6. Padre Pio: Between Heaven and Earth (2009)
Not Rated (Adult Drama)
One of several recent films on the newly ordained Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. This 2009 film with Michele Placido playing the Capuchin monk from his stigmata through his adult life contains several real events and quotes of the man as it journeys through his life in San Giovanni Rotundo. The most authentic of the film versions will make you chuckle at his sense of humor and stand in awe at his marvels.

5. For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012)
Rated R for war violence and some disturbing images, including child torture
A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929); a war by the people of Mexico against the atheistic Mexican government. Fitting for our time when government intrusion into religion is escalating. We are to ask ourselves: ‘how far would you go for your faith?’ Having been falsely accused of bombing, Blessed Miguel Pro was arrested and shot by a firing squad. Before the order to fire was given, he spread his arms in the form of a cross. His execution is depicted in the closing credits.

Favorite quote: “Men will shoot bullets but God decides were they land.”

4. Nicholas: The Boy Who Became Santa (2005)
Not Rated
Animated for children. Based on historical facts and tradition here is the true story of the boy whose love and care for others make him one of the most popular figures of all times. Today, more than sixteen centuries later, the entire world celebrates the kindness and generosity of the man we call Santa Claus. Great message of courage and steadfast hope for our current age institutional hostility towards religion.

3. The Song of Bernadette (1943)
Touching depiction of the Apparition of Our Lady of Lourdes to Bernadette Soubirous. The pompous government officials think she is nuts, and do their best to suppress the girl and her followers, and the church wants nothing to do with the whole matter until the miracle at the grotto transforms the village – and the world.

2. Rudy (1993)
Rated PG for profane language (many instances using God’s name in vain)
Played by Catholic actor Sean Astin, this is the real life story of Daniel ‘Rudy’ Ruettiger, a walk-on hopeful to overcome great odds to star in Notre Dame’s collegiate football team. Great inspiring message of perseverance and long-suffering.

1. Saint Teresa of the Andes (2009)
Not Rated (subtitled) 450 minutes on 3 discs.
The story of a Carmelite who was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1993. Keep your handkerchiefs handy, her story will make even a grown man cry.

Fire Camp, a Greek Orthodox Monastery, and a New Book

by | Nov 19, 2012 | , , | 16 Comments

I was just uploading pictures from our small point-and-shoot camera and ran across some that my husband took at fire camp a couple months ago.  It reminded me about the picture book I wanted to share with you all, which he picked up on his way home!

While driving home he ran acroos a Greek Orthodox Monastery and Gift Shop in Washington State and decided to stop and look for a couple gifts to bring home.

He especially loved the icon pictured above, but ended up deciding on some amazingly delicious coffee and pastries. He also brought home a picture book, Saint Catherine by Dionysios & Egle-Ekaterine Potamitis (imported from Greece), to give to one of our daughters on November 25th, her name-day!  (Love him!!)


I pre-read it earlier this evening, and even though it is written from the Greek Orthodox perspective (versus Roman Catholic) I really enjoyed the story and the way the authors presented the beauty of martyrdom.  The illustrations are gorgeous and I am looking forward to reading it to the children.  (I have been eyeing a couple of the other books from this author/publisher, especially Saint Christopher and My Warrior Saints, but they are rather expensive…)

UPDATE:  The Author/Publisher has generously offered FREE SHIPPING and a 10% discount to my visitors!  Just mention “Found you under Shower of Roses!”   Visit Potamitis Publishing to place an order!

Like our Lucia, Saint of Light book, I also happened to find the Audio Version of Saint Catherine available online!  Here are the links for anyone who would like to listen to the story:

Additional ideas for celebrating the upcoming feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria can be found in the archives or under the St. Catherine of Alexandria label over at Catholic Cuisine.   

Preparing our Hearts for Christmas :: A Soft Manger, Christkindl, and a Letter to the Christ Child

by | Nov 17, 2012 | , , | 35 Comments

Each Advent, as we prepare for Christmas, our children love creating a soft place for the Infant Jesus to arrive on Christmas morning by placing a piece of straw (or raffia) in the manger for each of their extra prayers, good works, and sacrifices.

This year, as some of the children get older, we have decided to expand on this tradition by incorporating the Christkindl tradition which Maria von Trapp shares in her book Around the Year with the Trapp Family.  (Unfortunately this book is out of print, but you can find the complete text at EWTN.  Many years ago I printed it out in it’s entirety!)  Growing up my family enjoyed doing this during Advent, and it was also encouraged at Christendom College when I was a student!  (I still remember the funky glasses and “pet bug” I found in my mailbox which my Christkindl – also known as Kris Kringle – left me as a gift! lol)   

Mrs. Von Trapp explains the tradition much better than I ever could so I am just going to share a quote:

… And then comes another exciting moment. Once more the mother appears with the bowl, which she passes around. This time the pieces of paper contain the names of the members of the family and are neatly rolled up, because the drawing has to be done in great secrecy. The person whose name one has drawn is now in one’s special care. From this day until Christmas, one has to do as many little favors for him or her as one can. One has to provide at least one surprise every single day–but without ever being found out. This creates a wonderful atmosphere of joyful suspense, kindness, and thoughtfulness. Perhaps you will find that somebody has made your bed or shined your shoes or has informed you, in a disguised handwriting on a holy card, that “a rosary has been said for you today” or a number of sacrifices have been offered up. This new relationship is called “Christkindl” (Christ Child) in the old country, where children believe that the Christmas tree and the gifts under it are brought down by the Christ Child himself.

The beautiful thing about this particular custom is that the relationship is a reciprocal one. The person whose name I have drawn and who is under my care becomes for me the helpless little Christ Child in the manger; and as I am performing these many little acts of love and consideration for someone in the family I am really doing them for the Infant of Bethlehem, according to the word, “And he that shall receive one such little child in my name, receiveth me.” That is why this particular person turns into “my Christkindl.” At the same time I am the “Christkindl” also for the one I am caring for because I want to imitate the Holy Child and render all those little services in the same spirit as He did in that small house of Nazareth, when as a child He served His Mother and His foster father with a similar love and devotion.

Many times throughout these weeks can be heard such exclamations as, “I have a wonderful Christkindl this year!” or, “Goodness, I forgot to do something for my Christkindl and it is already suppertime!” It is a delightful custom, which creates much of the true Christmas spirit and ought to be spread far and wide…

On the first Sunday of Advent we will draw names.  (I’m thinking the oldest five children this year, but if any of you have done this before and have suggestions or advice, I’d love to hear it in the comment box!)  I also plan to have the children write a letter to the Christ Child this year, also inspired by Maria Von Trapp:

…And there is still one very important thing to do for Advent. According to Austrian custom, every member of the family writes a letter to the Holy Child mentioning his resolutions for the weeks of Advent and listing all his wishes for gifts. This “Christkindl Brief” (letter to the Holy Child) is put on the window sill, from whence the Guardian Angel will take it up to heaven to read it aloud to the Holy Child…

Update: Our children tuck their letters into their shoes on the eve of the feast of St. Nicholas so that he can pick them up and deliver them to the Christ Child.

I’m really looking forward to adding these old customs to our family traditions! 

Preparing for Advent :: A Few Fun Finds for 2012

by | Nov 16, 2012 | , , | 35 Comments

As you might have noticed, I’ve been spending some time preparing for Advent!   Each year my goal has been to be ready before the baby arrives by the first Sunday of Advent, having all my shopping completed, but that doesn’t always happen.   I can’t believe Thanksgiving is next week already!   Anyways, I still have quite a few decisions to make for this year but, like I did last year, I thought I’d share a few of the new things I have set aside for this Advent.

The last couple years we have been assembling a puzzle (or two!) each Advent.   In 2010 we assembled the Our Lady of Guadalupe Puzzle.  Last year the kids loved The Nativity in the Woods Puzzle, followed by the gorgeous Holy Family Jigsaw Puzzle and the They Come Bearing Gifts Puzzle for Epiphany.  For this year I considered the Peaceful Prince Jigsaw Puzzle and this O Star of Bethlehem Snow Globe Puzzle, but in the end I settled on this beautiful Glorious Nativity 1,000 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle.  (I’m also planning on ordering this one for one of this year’s O Antiphon Gifts, but more on that later!)

We always set up a card table to use for assembling our Advent/Christmas Puzzles.  This year I purchased a beautiful Silent Night Table Cover to place over the card table.   (For those of you that don’t have a second table option for puzzles, this Stow & Go might be a good solution.)  

I have our Advent Prepare and Rejoice Mantel letters ready to go, and this year I will also be covering our mantel with this lovely Silent Night Mantle Scarf! (It is also available from Catholic Embroidery.) 

I always spend lots of time in the kitchen, especially during Advent and Christmas.  This year I ordered the lovely Venite Adoremus (O Come Let Us Adore Him) Apron made by Catholic Embroidery… I actually offer it for sale over at Catholic Cuisine or you can enter a giveaway for one over at Catholic Embroidery’s Blog!

Our He’s Coming! The Importance of Advent CD by the Altar Gang isn’t new, we’ve owned it since it came out 5 years ago, but it hasn’t been pulled off the shelf in quite some time.  I think my younger children, especially, are going to love listening to it!  Here are links to the MP3 download and CD, or you can purchase them from Holy Heroes.

After seeing Catholic Embroidery‘s recommendation, I pre-ordered Advent at Ephesus from The Benedictines of Mary. According to their website, a significant amount of the proceeds will go directly to their community. In addition to assisting them with their present needs, the funds will also go towards the future construction of our permanent monastery building! (I ordered mine directly from the sisters, but it is also available from Amazon.)

How are your Advent plans coming along?  I’d love to hear about them in the comments!  

A Jesse Tree Ornament Swap!

by | Nov 15, 2012 | | 2 Comments

Speaking of Jesse Trees, I forgot to mention Jesse Tree Ornament Swaps! And guess what, Charlotte’s other friend Jessica is hosting one this year based on the symbols suggested in The Jesse Tree: A Family Craft for Advent by Catherine Fournier!  I was about to sign up, but then remembered that I have a baby shower to co-host on the 27th, two birthdays coming up in December to start planning for, and a whole bunch of Christmas gifts that I am hoping to make… I could squeeze one more thing in, right?  Maybe not… It’s not like I don’t have a Jesse Tree (or two) already!  😉

Anyhow I wanted to share the link in case some of you would like to join the fun. It’s filling up fast, so click on over and sign up while you still can!

The Jesse Tree :: A No-Sew Picture Tutorial with Readings

by | Nov 13, 2012 | , | 51 Comments


“There shall come forth a shoot form the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.  And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” ~ Isaiah 11:1-2

Advent is quickly approaching and I have been promising you all (for years!) close-up pictures of our Jesse Tree and Ornaments!  Well, with the long holiday weekend, I finally pulled out all the ornaments and spent some time taking pictures of each of them.   

I can’t remember exactly when I made this, it was a long time ago, before I had a blog (or a digital camera) and started documenting every craft we make. 😉 It was either in 2003 or 2004, those first few years of our marriage, with three babies in three years, are somewhat of a blur…  Anyhow, it is around 10 years old now and has been well-loved by my little ones.

My goal, when making the Jesse Tree was to have something that I would be able to use every year, but wouldn’t cost much or require any sewing.  I had considered the kit from Leaflet Missal, but even that was out of the question at the time.   Since I already had a collection of colored felt, I ended up picking up some blue and green felt from the fabric store for just a few dollars and made my own! 

SUPPLIES:
  • Blue Felt for Sky/Background (mine measures 36″ x 28″)
  • Green Felt for Tree (mine measures 28″ from top to bottom and 25 1/2″at the widest)
  • Brown Felt for Stump (mine measures 4 1/2″ x 5″) 
  • White Felt for Stars
  • Various Colors of Felt for Ornaments (most of my circles are 2 3/4 – 3″ in size)
  • Scissors & Hot Glue
  • Jingle Bells 
  • Safety Pins or Needle/Thread
  • Hole Punch & Gold Ribbon or Thread (to hang the Ornaments)

The felt ornaments I made for our Jesse Tree were mostly inspired by the coloring pictures found in Advent and Christmas for the Christian Family which is part of the Celebrating the Faith in the Home Series from Emmanuel Books.

Both the tree and the ornaments are made from felt, so really the ornaments “should” just stick to the tree. However, I wanted my children to be able to hang the ornaments on our Jesse Tree so I came up with adding the “jingle bells!”  They are so fun and add such a festive look and sound to the tree.   (Plus the ornaments end up staying on the tree, rather than falling off and getting shoved down the air vent!)  
I suppose you could just sew the jingle bells onto the tree, but I wanted to (keep it as quick and easy as possible) be able to change the number of bells to coordinate with the actual days of Advent each year, unlike most Advent calendars.
Advent varies in length from 22-28 days, beginning with the Sunday nearest to the feast of St. Andrew the Apostle (November 30th) and embracing four Sundays.   The first day of Advent can fall as early as November 27th or as late as December 3rd.   I currently have 30 ornaments, which leaves quite a few extra each year.  Some years I set aside the extras and other years I’ll double up and read two stories, giving the children two ornaments, on various days so that we can use them all before Chirstmas.   
We also have an additional 7 for the various O Antiphons, which we add on the days from December 17th to December 23rd. 
The first year I just tacked the felt banner to the wall, but now I have it pinned on to a long dowel, and hang it from a ribbon.  (I made the ribbon long enough to hang over and below a picture on our wall, using the same nail that the picture hangs on.  Does that make sense? You can see an example in these pictures.) 
We always use the New Catholic Picture Bible for our daily readings, though this year I will have my older children read them directly from the Bible.  (UPDATE:  I rearranged the ornaments below to more closely reflect the order in which we add them to our tree, following the readings in this book.)


The Jesse Tree provides a meaningful way for us to count down the days until Christmas. Moreover, it increases our understanding of this portion of salvation history and is an effective way to prepare spiritually for Christmas.

Here are some additional Jesse Tree Books,* Resources and Activities:

*Note: I do not own all these books, they are just various ones I’ve run across online.    

 Also for those of you that would like a beautiful pre-made set of Jesse Tree Ornaments, I highly recommend Jesse Tree Treasures.  

 This year I am considering ordering the Jesse Tree DVD from Holy Heroes.

.:  Our Jesse Tree Ornaments :. 

Remember, these are 10 years old and some are in need a little repair! 😉 

1. Creation
Symbol:  Earth
Readings: Gen .1:1-31; 2:1-4
NCPB: The Story of Creation, Pages 8-9

2. Adam & Eve  (When Advent is shorter, I usually combine Isaiah & Jeremiah into one day.) 
Symbol:  Apple 
Readings: Gen. 2:7-9, 18-24
NCPB: Adam & Eve in Paradise, Pages 10-11 (first half)

3. The Fall of Man 
Symbol: Serpent
Readings: Gen. 3:1-7 and 23-24
NCPB: Adam & Eve in Paradise, Pages 10-11 (second half; optional pages 12-13)

4. Noah
Symbol: Ark
Readings: Gen. 6:5-8, 13-22; 7:17, 23, 24; 8:1, 6-22

NCPB: Noah’s Ark, Pages 14-15

5. Abraham
Symbol: Stars
Readings: Gen. 12:1-3

NCPB: The Promise to Abram; Abraham’s Sacrifice, Pages 16-17

6. Melchisidek

Symbol: Bread and Wine
Readings: Gen. 14:17-20; Ps. 110:4; Heb.20

7. Isaac

Symbol:  Bundle of wood
Readings: Gen. 22:1-14 
NCPB: Abraham’s Sacrifice, Pages 18-19

8. Jacob
Symbol:  Ladder
Readings: Gen. 25:1-34; 28:10-15

NCPB: Jacob and Esau, Pages 20-21

9. Joseph
Symbol: Joseph’s Coat of Many Colors
Readings: Gen. 37:23-28; 45:3-15

NCPB: Joseph and his Brothers, Joseph in Potiphar’s House & Joseph’s Greatness, Pages 22-27

10. Moses

Symbol: Ten Commandments/Stone Tablets

Moses: Ex. 2:1-10

NCPB: The Ten Commandments and Miracles in the Dessert, Pages 39-41
Optional:  Moses, Prince and Leader, The Burning Bush, The Plagues of Egypt, The Crossing of the Red Sea and Manna in the Desert, Pages 28-37

11. Joshua

Symbol: Sword & Trumpet
Readings: Joshua 6:2-5; Jos. 1,3,6-11

NCPB: Rahab and the Two Spies; The Taking of Jericho; and Joshua Conquers the Land of Canaan, Pages 42-47


12. Ruth

Symbol: Sheaths of Grain
Readings: Ruth 2:15-17
NCPB: The Devotion of Ruth, Pages 48-49

13. Samuel

Symbol: Oil Lamp
Readings: 1 Sam. 3:1-18

NCPB: The Child Samuel; King Saul; Saul Disobeys God, Pages 52-57

14. Jesse
Symbol: Shepherd’s staff
Readings: 1 Sam. 16:1-13
NCPB: David and Saul, Pages 58-59

15.  David
Symbol: Harp
Readings: 1 Sam. 17:12-51

NCPB: David and Goliath; David Loves Saul; Saul’s Death; The City of David , Pages 60-67


16. Solomon

Symbol: Scales of Justice
Readings: 1 Kings 3:5-14, 16-28
NCPB: King Solomon; The Temple of Solomon, Pages 70-73


17. Elijah

Symbol: Raven
Readings: 2 Kings 17:2-4, 6; 2 Kings 17-18:21-39

NCPB: The Prophet Elijah; The Prophet Elisha, Pages 76-79


18. Jonah

Symbol: Whale

Readings: Jonah 2:1-2, 11

NCPB: The Prophet Jonah, Pages 80-81

19. Hezekiah
Symbol: Teardrops
Readings: 2 Kings 20:1-6; 2 Kings 18-20

20. Jeremiah

Symbol: Stone
Jeremiah: Jeremiah 30:21-22
NCPB: Isaiah and Jeremiah, Pages 82-83

21. Raphael

Symbol: Fish
Readings: Tobit 11:7-8
NCPB: Tobiah and the Angel, Pages 84-85

22. Nehemiah

Symbol: Walls of Jerusalem
Readings: Neh. 2:17; Neh. 1-7

23. Esther
Symbol: Queens Crown
Readings: Esther 2:17 

24. Judith
Symbol: Sword
Readings: Judith 13:7-10
NCPB: The Bravery of Judith, Pages 86-87

*Daniel (Optional:  This one has been missing for years and I never made another since we had plenty.  I still might do so to complete our collection again.) 
Symbol: Lion
Readings: Daniel 6:1-29
NCPB: Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Pages 90-91

25. The Angel Gabriel
Symbol: Angel with lily
Readings: Luke 1:26-38
NCPB: The Annunciation, Pages 94-95

26. Zachary and Elizabeth
Symbol: Angel
Reading: Luke 1:11-13
NCPB: The Visitation, Pages 96-97

27.  St. John the Baptist
Symbol: Shell with water
John the Baptist: Mark 1:1-8
NCPB: The Visitation, Pages 96-97 (Optional: The Baptism of Jesus, pages 112-113)

28.  St. Joseph
Symbol: Carpenter’s Saw
Joseph: Matt. 1:18-25
NCPB: The Birth of Jesus, Pages 98-99

29. Blessed Virgin Mary
Symbol: Lily
Reading: Matt. 1:18-25; Luke 1:26-38
NCPB: The Birth of Jesus, Pages 98-99

30. Birth of Jesus

Symbol: Infant Messiah
Reading: John 1:1-14
NCPB: The Birth of Jesus, Pages 98-99
.:  Our O Antiphon Ornaments :. 

December 17th – O Wisdom (Jesus is Wisdom)
Symbol: Open Book
Reading: Sirach 24:2

December 18th – O Lord (Jesus is Lord) 

Symbol: Burning Bush

Reading: Ex. 3:2; 20:1


December 19th – O Flower (Jesus is the Flower of Jesse) 
Symbol: Flower
Reading: Isaiah 11:1-3



 December 20th – O Key (Jesus is Key of David) 
Symbol: Key
Reading: Isaiah 22:22 


December 21st – O Radiant Dawn (Jesus is the Radiant Dawn) 
Symbol: Sun Rising
Reading: Isaiah 41:25-26 


 December 22nd – O King (Jesus is King of the Gentiles
Symbol: Crown
Reading: Psalm 2:7-8; Ephesians 2:14-20

December 23rd – O Emmanuel (Jesus is Emmanuel) 
Symbol: Holy Eucharist
Reading: Isaiah 7:14; 33:22

O God, You fill us with happiness each year as we wait for our celebration of Christmas. May we also joyfully look forward to the coming of Jesus as our final Judge. We ask this of You through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

New Christmas Books for the Feast of St. Nicholas

by | Nov 12, 2012 | , | 22 Comments

Every year on December 6th, the feast of St. Nicholas, our children wake up to find new slippers (when needed) filled with treats and chocolate gold coins, along with a new Christmas Picture Book to add to our every growing collection.

With the feast of St. Nicholas less than a month away, I spent some time this weekend preparing.  Every year I worry that I’m not going to be able to find a new book for each of the children, since we have so many already, but that has yet to be a problem… Instead I have such a hard deciding which ones to choose!  Here’s a peek at the books I purchased for this year:  (And the best part was I was able to order them all for only $19.96, since I’ve been saving up our Amazon Visa Reward Points!  Yay!!)

For Captain:
“In 1914, British and German troops were dug into trenches in France, facing one another across the barbed wire and barren ground called No Man’s Land. On Christmas Eve, the British soldiers heard the Germans singing Stille Nacht and joined in. Spontaneously, soldiers on both sides climbed out of their trenches and met in between the lines, sharing small gifts, food, and drink. They played a game of soccer. Then they went back to their trenches. The next day, the shooting resumed. McCutcheon’s account of this true event is based on a song he wrote about it in 1984. An accompanying CD includes that song, Silent Night/Stille Nacht, and a reading of the story.”
For Rascal: 
“Based on a true account of a football game played between the German and English troops in no-man’s land on Christmas Day in 1914 during World War I, this book tells the story of four young men who have recently enlisted and have found that war is not as glamorous as they had once thought. The young men get to realize their dream of playing football for England when the English and German sides hold a ceasefire on Christmas Day and they play a friendly game against one another. This special new edition with beautiful color artwork is a touching and emotive story for children and adults to treasure..”
For Twinkle Toes: 
“In World War II Poland, a young girl receives straw at the Christmas Eve service to bring to her impoverished family. But on her way home, Marta meets others who are much poorer than she, and she shares her piece until there is nothing left. In spite of the lack of straw–though perhaps because of her generous heart—Marta finds riches she never expected in this tender tale of Christmas giving. The Traditions of Faith series features stories of how significant Christian traditions emerged from around the world. These traditions continue to be practiced today and encompass many different holidays. Each Traditions of Faith book includes an author’s note about the history of the tradition, and ideas and activities to adopt into one’s own family celebrations.”

For Chiquita:

The Third Gift

“The three wise men, or the three kings, are familiar figures in the Christmas tradition. Newbery medalist Linda Sue Park has taken the brief biblical references to the three as the starting point for a new story. In it we meet a boy who is learning his father’s trade; a man who gathers resin from certain trees; a merchant in the marketplace; and three strangers in brightly colored robes who are shopping for a gift for a baby. Illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline with exquisite paintings, this simple, moving tale of ordinary people involved in an extraordinary event brings new resonance to the well-known gift list of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

UPDATE:  I am saving this book to give to the children during the twelve days of Christmas and ordered Chiquita a copy of this new version of Our Lady of Guadalupe!

For Snuggles: 
“A wondrous Christmas story based on a 15th-century tale tells the story of a generous nobleman and his prayer for a Christmas miracle. Beautifully illustrated in full color with pictures that reflect medieval times.”
For Rose: 
“This inventive and fresh Nativity story is told from a bird’s-eye view. On the morning of the first Christmas, the birds of Bethlehem gather in the fields–not only to eat but to share the exciting news. People from all over have descended on Bethlehem and an angel has appeared in the night sky. Something extraordinary is coming! The birds agree that they must find this wondrous thing, and off they fly to the stable where a child has been born.”
For Bud: 
I had a super hard time choosing just one for Bud… I kept changing my mind and ended up ordering two to choose from for the feast of St. Nicholas (I’ll save the second for his stocking.)…
 
… I also ordered a couple picture books for Bud’s
Winter ONEderland birthday next month!


Snowman at Night and (the brand new!) Snowman at Work
(We’ll have to add Snowman at Christmas and Snowman All Year to our collection later!)  

You can find the rest of our Christmas Picture books listed in the archives! 

The 2012 Artist Trading Card Swap: For All the Saints!

by | Nov 10, 2012 | | 3 Comments

My children were so excited this morning when I told them that Kimberlee (and her ever so talented children) is hosting another Artist Trading Card Swap: For All the Saints! 


We have really enjoyed participating in the past and have just started creating our trading cards for this year’s swap!

Will any of you be participating?  There is still time to join, so head over to Pondered in my Heart for all the details!

Celebrating the Saints :: Our Annual All Hallows’ Eve Party!

by | Nov 10, 2012 | , | 27 Comments

It wasn’t my plan to host another All Hallows’ Eve Party this year.  After a physically exhausting year with a new baby and all the extra medical challenges, I thought we’d take a year off.  However, I ended up being talked into it by both my children and friends!  How could I say no when one of my friends said she’d rather I hosted this party, than the baby shower we are planning for her, and another friend said she didn’t know what her family would do if I didn’t host the party… As for my own children, it’s one of their favorite days of the year!

Before we added on to our home a couple years ago, I always wished we had the extra space to host these sorts of parties. I suppose, at least in a small way,  I can thank God for the blessing of the extra space by actually doing so!  🙂  

To be honest, the morning of our party, I was in tears.  The cleaning lady I had scheduled to come in the morning for a couple hours hadn’t shown up yet, and it was pouring, POURING outside.  My house is bigger now, and I tried to keep the party “small,” but I was really counting on the party being mostly outside, especially since we were expecting around 70 guests.   I can’t tell you how thankful I was when the sun started shining through the clouds, just long enough for the party!

Yes, the preparation was somewhat overwhelming and a lot of work, but in the end it was all worth it!  As one friend said, in a little thank you note, “Everything you did was so appreciated. You helped to create memories for our children (and us!!) that they will remember all their lives.”  And that is really what it’s all about – creating wonderful faith-filled memories and growing closer to our heavenly family!    Deo Gratias!

.: Communio Sanctorum :.

Just look at all those adorable saints!   I always love seeing the creativity in our group of friends!  The costumes are all so, so creative and CUTE!  I’m sure the saints in heaven were smiling.

.: Ave Maria :.

Once (most of) our guests arrived, we began the evening with the rosary.   Though I didn’t make the various tombstones this year, we still prayed that all of us will one day be Saints in Heaven, for our Departed Clergy, Departed Family, Departed Friends, and for the Forgotten Dead.

.: Dinner and Desserts :.

After the Rosary we had a potluck dinner. I loved how willing my friends were to humor me find ways to tie in All Hallows’ Eve themed foods!  My sweet husband even carved out my fairytale pumpkin to use as a vase for the autumn flowers he picked up before the party.

Ann-Marie brought “Juan Diego Beans.”  Kristin brought “Kateri’s Indian Cake Casserole.” Michelle made the cutest little (St. Isidore the Farmer) “Savory Pumpkin Puffs.”  And Amy brought “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and give to God what belongs to God Pizza!”  Okay, I made that one up! 😉   There was so many yummy things to choose from!

Jacinta’s “Heavenly Fudge” really was heavenly, and aren’t those (May the Souls of the Faithful Departed) “RIP Cupcakes” and Candy Corn Krispie Treats that Michelle made so cute?!

I had Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting and autumn sprinkles (though I didn’t get around to adding pictures of all the saints this year), a delicious big pot of Hot Apple Cider simmering on the stove, along with coffee, tea, water and more!

.: St. Isidore’s Pumpkin Roasting :.

Once it got dark, my husband lit a fire in our fire pit so that everyone could roast “pumpkins!” I had picked up a couple bags of Jumbo Pumpkin Marshmallows, some regular marshmallows, and everything else needed to make s’mores!

Warning:  Watch out when “St. Michael” has had too much sugar is about to “defend!”
.: Saint Presentations :.

Just before we started the games we had all the children share a little about the saint they were dressed as this year.


Snuggles best friend came dressed as Moses, we had three boys dressed as St. Maximilian Kolbe, my youngest brother (and godson) was holding my niece (and hubby’s goddaughter) who came dressed as “Our Lady’s Bug” (since the Ladybug was named after Mary), and another one of our godsons came dressed as St. Dennis (who was said to have picked up his head and continued to preach after it was cut off)!

As always I had extra treats for any of the children that came prepared to share something with everyone!  
.: Saintly Games :.

All Saints Scavenger Hunt

Even though the All Saints Scavenger Hunt I made was challenging, all the kids (and even the adults and priest!) learned something new about the saints!   Really, who would have guessed that gentle St. Joseph is “The Terror of Demons.”  Those are the types of questions you get when you ask my husband to help put together a game!

All Saints Bingo

We played All Saints Bingo again this year… 

We also had a second scavenger hunt, looking for different religious items around our home…

… and we ended the evening (after 11pm!) with the All Saints Puzzle Race!   
It ended up being such a wonderful night filled with friends and fun…
I’m sure I’ll be hosting the party again next year!

All Saints in Heaven, Pray for us!

*All Photography by Marc Salvatore posted with permission.  
Twenty Favorite Movies

Twenty Favorite Movies

by | Nov 20, 2012 | | 43 Comments

I frequently receive emails asking for movie suggestions for both adults and children.   We have never had TV reception, but we do enjoy watching movies!  Last night I asked my husband if he would be interested in sharing his favorites with you all....

A Jesse Tree Ornament Swap!

A Jesse Tree Ornament Swap!

by | Nov 15, 2012 | | 2 Comments

Speaking of Jesse Trees, I forgot to mention Jesse Tree Ornament Swaps! And guess what, Charlotte's other friend Jessica is hosting one this year based on the symbols suggested in The Jesse Tree: A Family Craft for Advent by Catherine Fournier!  I was about...

The 2012 Artist Trading Card Swap: For All the Saints!

The 2012 Artist Trading Card Swap: For All the Saints!

by | Nov 10, 2012 | | 3 Comments

My children were so excited this morning when I told them that Kimberlee (and her ever so talented children) is hosting another Artist Trading Card Swap: For All the Saints! We have really enjoyed participating in the past and have just started creating our...

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!