Summer Bingo {Our 2012 Cards/Printables}

by | Jul 15, 2012 | , , | 5 Comments

I have been asked by some of you to share my updated version of our original Summer Bingo.   I’m sorry it has taken me so long to get to, but on top of not having any extra time online I was trying to figure out how to create a fillable pdf to share with you all and I just don’t seem to have the right software.  Instead I’ve uploaded pdfs of my files, along with blank versions…  Hopefully that will help get you started!

Small Blank Summer Bingo Card Template pdf:Bingo2



Older Kids Sample Bingo Card pdf (plus blank pdf):
(I have been printing these 2 to a page)

Summer Bingo Big Kids



Younger Kids Sample Bingo Card pdf (plus blank pdf):
(also printed 2 to a page)

Summer Bingo Little Kids

Once again I modified the rules and prize options for my children: 
Summer Bingo Rules

You can find a list of ideas for filling the squares in this past post of mine. This year my kids cards are filled with mostly summer school activities and extra chores since I created a separate “Summer Bucket List” that we are working on completing as well.

Our Family’s 2012 Summer Bucket List (plus blank pdf):
Summer Bucket List



I posted the Rules and Bingo Cards in the kitchen on our pantry door:



Hope you are all enjoying the summer! 

My Daybook :: July 15, 2012

by | Jul 15, 2012 | , , | 51 Comments

Outside my window…
we headed down to the river Friday afternoon and finally walked the “new” river trail/greenway that we have been meaning to check out for the past 5 years!  I can’t believe it has taken us so long… The big kids all rode their scooters, while Hubby pushed the little ones in the stroller and I snapped a few pictures along the way.  It had been an emotional week for me and it was just the type of outing I needed to cheer me up!

I am thinking…        
about blood tests and doctors appointments.  The week before last I went in to see my doctor since I just haven’t been feeling well (on top of the panic attacks I was starting to have I also have been extremely tired – more than I should be even with 7 little ones – among other problems) so we decided to do some blood work.  On Monday I found out that my liver counts were really high and I was called back in to the doctors for more blood work and an exam on Wednesday.  Thursday and Friday I was called with the various results from the second set of tests… Thankfully I do not have hepatitis, but the other test came back even higher than it did the first week and I will be going in for an ultrasound of my liver on Tuesday morning.   Please keep me in your prayers!  

I am thankful… 
that For Greater Glory is finally playing at our theatre!  My Aunt Bridget (who I am so very thankful for too!) came over, bringing along her delicious French Toast Bake for the kids to have for breakfast,  and watched all the kids so Hubby and I could go watch the matinee showing.   What an inspiring, and incredibly moving, epic film about the Cristero War and Mexico’s struggle for religious freedom!   If you haven’t seen it yet, you must!

Learning all the time… 
Swimming lessons (and doctors appointments) pretty much took over our life for the past two weeks.  We would leave the house just after nine in the morning and not get back home until after two or three in the afternoon.   Then it would be time to do chores, make dinner, and get ready for the next day!  It was worth it though and all the kids have really improved with their swimming! The big kids all did excellent working on the various strokes, while Snuggles and Rose worked on the life saving skills of learning what to do (roll over onto their back, and getting the wall) after jumping/falling into the water.

Snuggles jumping from the diving board, rolling over and floating on his back! 
Lifesaving Day 2012
Graduation Day

Celebrating the liturgical year… 
the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is coming up on Monday!   I am hoping that we will be able to make it to Mass in the morning, and then perhaps I will be able to make another Scapular Cake for the kids.  Can I do it without being tempted to eat any of it?

From the kitchen… 
lots of organic leafy greens, fruits, whole grains, green teas, and all the other foods that help cleanse the liver naturally.    

I am creating… 
our summer unit study based on the Olympics, still.  Our copy of G is for Gold Medal: An Olympic Alphabet arrived and I can’t wait to share it with the kids.  It is such a great book!   I’ve been working on coming up with a lapbook mini-book or worksheet for each page of the Alphabet book, as well as additional books to read, activities, and even some snacks.  It is going to be fun!

I am working on… 
creating a clear copyright statement for my blog.  This past week I happened to run across pictures of my children and family re-posted on a few out of country Facebook pages and blogs.  Despite the good intentions of the blogger(s), it was upsetting and had me questioning whether I want to even continue blogging or not.    This has happened quite a few times before, mainly with craft and food pictures, which doesn’t bother me as much, but all pictures are copyrighted and out of respect for me and my family I ask that you kindly ask for permission before using a picture, and wait for me to respond granting permission.  Thank you!

I am going… 
to postpone this year’s Online Curriculum Sale Blog Hop.  I had hoped to have the linky up tomorrow, but I just won’t have the time to host it this week…  I  think I will just keep the dates the same as they were last year – that should give me enough time to prepare:

I am hoping… 
for some good news following my ultrasound on Tuesday, if it is God’s will.  

I am reading… 
Why Children Matter by Johann Christoph Arnold, which just arrived in the mail!  Thank you so much, JenniferAnne!

I am praying… 
for God’s grace and guidance.

Pondering these words…
from St. Rome of Lime, which I happened to read in my lovely daily planner as I was writing in my ultrasound appointment for next week:

“Without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. The gift of grace increases as the struggles increase.”

I am listening…  
to my kids yell at Ferdinand to “let go of that poor little bird!!!!!”

Around the house… 
new Summer Bingo cards for this coming week.   You can find my documents here.

One of my favorite things…  
planning our curriculum for each new school year.  I am dying to have a chance to get back to finalizing our plans for this coming year… Hopefully I will have a chance soon!

A few plans for this week…

  • Celebrate the feast of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel
  • Watch my little niece Tuesday-Thursday (just during the day)
  • Ultrasound early Tuesday morning (please say a prayer for me!)
  • Playdate with friends Tuesday afternoon
  • Well-child check-ups for Captain, Chiquita & Bud
  • Celebrate Captain’s 12th Birthday

A little peek at my day…

6 Patriotic Treats for the 4th of July

by | Jul 5, 2012 | , | 6 Comments

The last few years we have celebrated the 4th of July at our dear friends home! Winfield and Janet, along with their two great kids, are only here part of the year now (Winfield is a pilot and is based on the other side of the country) but we are so happy that they are back for the summer!  I usually bring desserts to the party, and this year I think we went a little overboard, despite my initial fail.  You think? 😉   Even so, everything was perfect, and we only came home with just half of the trifle!   
.: 4th of July Ice Cream Cones :.
Sugar cones dipped in melted white chocolate and rolled in sprinkles
Served with Vanilla White or Strawberry Red Ice Cream
(these were a hit with the kids AND adults!) 


.: Red, White and Blueberry Trifle :. 

White cake, blueberries, whip cream and strawberries
layered in a trifle bowl!  So pretty and easy! 
 
.: Red Licorice :.
(leftover) Red Licorice wrapped in bundles with these free Printable Napkin Rings
(inspiration found here)
.: Sparkler Pretzel Rods :.

Pretzel Rods dipped in melted white chocolate and decorated with sprinkles

.: Red, White, and Blue Berries :.

Strawberries (washed and dried completely) dipped in melted white chocolate and blue sprinkles

(I ran across this idea online, and it looks like Charlotte made them this year too, along with all their awesome t-shirts!  One of these years we need to try painting t-shirts.  I love how theirs turned out, especially the patriotic cupcake for that cute-as-can-be-god-daughter of ours!) 
.: United States Flag Cupcakes :.

White Cupcakes decorated with whipped cream, sliced strawberries and blueberries
(as an alternative to last year’s flag cake) 
God bless America! 

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

by | Jul 5, 2012 | , , , , | 9 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~

It’s been so busy around here lately, with swimming lessons all week.  I haven’t had much any time for blogging,  but my husband took the day off (I had a doctor’s appointment during swimming lessons) and it’s just Bud and I at home right now!  It’s so quiet and the perfect chance to hop online, even though there are about 50 other things I should be doing! 😉  I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July!  I’ll be back with some more pictures soon.  

{pretty}

I just love this picture of our little Bud that his Daddy took last weekend…  I need to start handing the camera over more often! 

And since I can’t seem to post just one picture here are a few more of our cute little guy:  

Jun 29, 2012 ~ officially moved his arms forward to “crawl” (even if it was only once!) 

July 1st ~ hanging out in the schoolroom and watching mom “organize” and “rearrange” 🙂 


I have some more pictures from the 4th, but I’ll save those for another post… On second thought, here is one of them!  🙂

{happy}

The boys were very excited to get to try rock-climbing at the National Guards booth following the Parade this past Saturday morning.   Snuggles thought about giving it a shot, and even got in line, but quickly changed his mind and went back to playing with his new ball.  The girls… well, they were wearing skirts!  🙂   Afterwards a couple of my brothers came over (one with his family and the other with his girlfriend) for a BBQ and board games…  It was a fun day! 
{funny}




Trying to get just one “good” picture of all seven kids on the 4th of July!  Hah! 

{real}

My 4th didn’t start out very well… I drove all the way to Costco for groceries to find out that they were closed, Target was out of the sunscreen I had hoped to buy, and the cake I baked to decorate as a flag and take to our friends 4th of July party (I was to bring desserts) fell apart!!  I didn’t give up.  Instead of piecing the cake back together or decorating it as the “purple mountains majesty” as my husband suggested, I decided to turn it into a trifle… and then made 5 other treats as well!   


Visit Like Mother, Like Daughter for more pictures of contentment

My Daybook :: June 29, 2012

by | Jun 29, 2012 | , , , , , , | 13 Comments

Outside my window…
we have been enjoying watching these little twins.  Aren’t they just the cutest?!?

I am thankful…        
for fun summer activities, and multiple child discounts!

I am thinking… 
about ways to simplify.  So much for the “lazy days” of summer!   I’ve still been feeling overwhelmed lately, but it’s getting a little better and I (thankfully) haven’t had another panic attack.

Learning all the time… 
This week has been all about golf, but the big kids have all managed to complete a few math, spelling, and writing lessons as well.   My IEW order arrived and we couldn’t wait to dig in and watch the first lesson of the Student Writing Intensive.   The kids LOVED it and I am confident that this will be a perfect fit for our family this coming year!

* Rascal was awarded a Golden Putter for being the “Overall Camp Champion!”

Celebrating the liturgical year… 
with today’s feast of Sts. Peter and Paul!  Since it’s Friday, I think I’ll have Hubby grill some fish in honor of these great “Fishers of Men.” I might also whip up some sort of fish themed treat or cupcakes for the kids to enjoy while we play The Journeys of Paul Board Game after dinner!

From the kitchen… 
My new fave… Chipotle Black Bean Burgers topped with a slice of pepper jack cheese, guacamole, red onion, tomato and lettuce.  Oh. My. Goodness. are they DELICIOUS!  (Oh, and they are on sale/coupon at Costco right now… I stocked up!)   

I am creating… 
a unit study for this summer based on the Olympics!  I just ordered a copy of G is for Gold Medal: An Olympic Alphabet and downloaded this lapbook to start.

I am working on… 
making a few changes to our curriculum and ordering our schoolbooks for this coming school year.

I am going… 
through the piles that have accumulated in our schoolroom and filling a box with the books we no longer need or use for this year’s Online Curriculum Sale Blog Hop.  I’m planning on hosting the link-up here at Shower of Roses from July 16th-31st this year for all of you that are interested in participating.

I am hoping… 
that we will have some warm and sunny days over the next two weeks, especially since we begin swimming lessons on Monday.   It is raining again today and it just doesn’t feel like summer if our corner of the country.

I am reading… 
lots of books to the little ones for the library Summer Reading Program!  I also just received these two new-to-us books in the mail…  I just LOVE Paperback Swap!  Now I just need to find some summer reading for myself, especially for during our time at the pool these next couple weeks… Any suggestions?

I am praying… 
that the Lyme infested tick that bit my Hubby didn’t pass along the disease.  Not the best news to receive this past Monday, on his first day back at work after a week of vacation.  He has already started a round of antibiotics, and we are waiting on the results from his blood test.

Pondering these words…
from Through the Year with Fulton Sheen.  Doesn’t it make you so happy to hear that he was just declared venerable!  He has so many wonderful quotes, but this is my one of my favorites:

“Sometimes the only way the good Lord can get into some hearts is to break them.”

I am listening…  
to The Four Language Arts by Andrew Pudewa.  Love it!

Around the house… 
lots of golf tees.  I keep finding them everywhere!

One of my favorite things…  
themed birthday parties!  We have a couple more birthdays coming up in July and August that I need to start planning.  Oh, speaking of which, I never did show you all the awesome little cars that Rascal made out of modeling wax for his little brother’s 5th birthday.  Didn’t he do such a great job?!?  I was impressed!

A few plans for the week… {and next}

  • 2nd week of Golf Camp for the 5 oldest
  • A 20th Anniversary Party {It was so much fun, and everyone brought International themed main dishes and appetizers to share! Yum}
  • Parade on Saturday morning, followed by BBQ
  • Mass on Sunday 
  • Swimming lessons begin Monday morning
  • 4th of July party and fireworks
  • Try and respond to at least a few emails…  I’m so behind and just haven’t had much time to spend online, as usual!  

A little peek at my day…

Bud is trying so hard to crawl.   It won’t be long!  In the meantime he keeps frustrating himself, by just backing up off of his soft blankets and away from his toys…

{this moment}

by | Jun 29, 2012 | , , | 6 Comments

At first I was speechless, after returning to the dinner table the other night to discover the little ones giving themselves facials with greek yogurt!   Completely frustrated I said, “Oh, Rose, you even got it in your hair!!!”  Snuggles quietly replied, “I didn’t get any in my hair…”  lol, sigh…  Those little stinkers!

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

by | Jun 29, 2012 | , | 3 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~

{pretty}


It was absolutely gorgeous at the golf course this morning!  It’s a long drive each morning and afternoon, but the kids are all really enjoying their 2nd week of summer golf camp.

{happy}

Snuggles was extremely happy to be able to join the big kids for this week’s golf camp, which was open to 5 year olds as well.  He is the smallest guy out there and is so fun to watch!   I am pretty sure just about every coach came up to me today to tell me just how cute he is.  I couldn’t agree more!
{funny}

Today was “Team Day” and all the kids were ask to come dressed in support of their favorite instate college team.   It was at last year’s golf camp where my kids learned of the state teams (and the rivalry between them) and choose favorites.  At that time our kids were split down the middle, half for one team and half for the other.  It cracked my husband & I up, especially since we don’t really watch any sports (other than NHL online).   However, this year, a few of the kids changed their minds on their favorite team, and all have the same… I’m thinking it might have something to do with their aunt attending one of the schools in the fall, or the fact that their uncle will be attending in 2013 on a full athletic scholarship?   We went shopping for a few new clothing items yesterday afternoon.  Even Rose had to dress up and bring along the baby’s new (rejected) pacifier her accessories! They all really stuck out (what else is new?! lol) in their bright orange and black amidst all the green and yellow (apparently the other team is much more popular in our area)…  It was great!   The coach cracked me up when he said he was “happy to see all the black and orange!  And if anyone happens to be wearing green, I can’t see you… You just blend in with the grass!”  

{real}
Every day the head coach announces the winners in various categories.   Each day this week one of our kids has won a prize!  On Monday Rascal won a prize for the “best greeter”, Tuesday Twinkle Toes won a prize for “hardest worker,” and yesterday Captain won a prize for “best listener.” Snuggles started thinking he was “just too little” to win a prize, and you should have seen him jump up, totally excited, when they announced that he had won today’s prize for “best listener.”   He was one very proud little boy with his big box of candy! 



Visit Like Mother, Like Daughter for more pictures of contentment

Summer Golf Camp

by | Jun 25, 2012 | , | 9 Comments

I mentioned last week that our four oldest were participating in a summer golf camp.  Last year just our three oldest attended, since Chiquita had to miss since she wasn’t feeling well.  This year she was very excited to be able to attend.  The kids headed to the golf course each morning from 9-12, they were able to golf 9 holes afterwards on a few of the days, and on Friday they participated in their very first “golf tournament!”

For the tournament the 70+ children attending the camp were broken into three groups:  Advanced (9 holes), Intermediate (6 holes), and Beginner (3 holes).

Our girls played in the beginner group, and the boys played with the advanced (they had been moved up from intermediate early in the week).    Hubby had signed up as a volunteer (or rather I signed him up), and was assigned to keep score for the team that our girls played with, including one other cute little girl.  They were so fun to watch!

The forecast was predicting rain, but thankfully the downpour waited until the kids were finished and it just sprinkled here and there while we were out on the course.

Surprisingly, especially since my parents and so many of my brothers and sisters now play golf (one brother is headed to college in a year on a golf scholarship), this was my very first time walking a golf course!   One of these years I’d love to learn how to play too.  In the meantime it was sure fun to watch and snuggle with my little Bud.

 

I was amazed at how much the kids had learned over the week.  Our godson won first place in the tournament for the beginner group, Rascal was very excited about his 3 shot par, and Captain won the prize for the Most Improved and Inspirational Player for the week!

They all had such a great time that we decided to enroll them in a second week of golf camp, which began this morning at a different golf course.  This week’s camp is for children ages 5-16, so even our little Snuggles is now old enough to join the “big kids.”   Hubby was able to take them all this morning, and I stayed home with the two babies. (I’ll head to town in a little while to pick everyone up.) Rose just woke up and is eating her breakfast and Bud is still sleeping… (I’m sure he is extra tired after fussing most of the night… poor baby!)  It is so quiet around here I hardly know what to do with myself!  😉

Summer Bingo {Our 2012 Cards/Printables}

Summer Bingo {Our 2012 Cards/Printables}

by | Jul 15, 2012 | , , | 5 Comments

I have been asked by some of you to share my updated version of our original Summer Bingo.   I'm sorry it has taken me so long to get to, but on top of not having any extra time online I was trying to figure out how to create a fillable pdf to share with you all...

My Daybook :: July 15, 2012

My Daybook :: July 15, 2012

by | Jul 15, 2012 | , , | 51 Comments

Outside my window...we headed down to the river Friday afternoon and finally walked the "new" river trail/greenway that we have been meaning to check out for the past 5 years!  I can't believe it has taken us so long... The big kids all rode their scooters, while...

6 Patriotic Treats for the 4th of July

6 Patriotic Treats for the 4th of July

by | Jul 5, 2012 | , | 6 Comments

The last few years we have celebrated the 4th of July at our dear friends home! Winfield and Janet, along with their two great kids, are only here part of the year now (Winfield is a pilot and is based on the other side of the country) but we are so happy that they...

{this moment}

{this moment}

by | Jun 29, 2012 | , , | 6 Comments

At first I was speechless, after returning to the dinner table the other night to discover the little ones giving themselves facials with greek yogurt!   Completely frustrated I said, "Oh, Rose, you even got it in your hair!!!"  Snuggles quietly...

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

by | Jun 29, 2012 | , | 3 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~{pretty}It was absolutely gorgeous at the golf course this morning!  It's a long drive each morning and afternoon, but the kids are all really enjoying their 2nd week of summer golf...

Summer Golf Camp

Summer Golf Camp

by | Jun 25, 2012 | , | 9 Comments

I mentioned last week that our four oldest were participating in a summer golf camp.  Last year just our three oldest attended, since Chiquita had to miss since she wasn't feeling well.  This year she was very excited to be able to attend.  The kids...

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.

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