The Good Shepherd’s Garden Party :: Week Seven

by | May 27, 2012 | | 2 Comments

The Heavenly Zoo

“The care the eagle gives her young,  safe in her lofty nest,
is like the tender love of God for us made manifest.  
As when the time to venture comes, she stirs them out to flight,
so we are pressed to boldly try, to strive for daring height.
And if we flutter helplessly, as fledgling eagles fall, 
beneath us lift God’s mighty wings to bear us one and all.”

This week, for The Heavenly Zoo, instead of having a party with all the menu items, I’ve been making my kids a special lunch each day.  At first I thought I’d make a batch of cupcakes, decorating six each day for each animal, but then I decided (since I’ve been trying so hard to stick to my diet) that I’d try and come up with some sandwiches instead.   I served the special lunches with WATER, since it was the first symbol for the week.  The week started out great with reinDEER, LION, and BEEHIVE sandwiches, but since Thursday and Friday were so busy I finished the week with PEACOCK pizza & salad, PELICAN trail mix, and fiery PHOENIX chips and salsa this afternoon.

~ The Deer ~


reinDEER PB&J’s
I ran across this idea on Pinterest, originally from here.  I was in a little bit of a hurry making them, since I had just gotten home from adding highlights back to my hair, that I placed the nose and eyes much higher than they should have been.   My kids didn’t notice! 🙂
~ The Lion ~

Lazy Lion Sandwiches

These were inspired by Charlotte. We made ours with Turkey and Cheese, instead of PB&J, and served them with Animal Crackers.


~ The Beehive ~

Honey & Almond Butter Beehives
I made these on Sweet Buns, adding the almond butter and a bee made out of an almond and two almond slices, serving them with honey sticks.

~ The Peacock ~

Peacock Pizza & Spring Salad

As much as I love our little Peacock Cupcake, I decided to try something new this year.   What do you think?  Does this little creation resemble a Peacock?   Using a few things I happened to have – Spring Salad Mix, Snap Peas, Red Grapes, Carrots, Mushrooms, English Muffins, and Pizza Sauce – I made a Peacock Pizza with Salad.  My kids, who aren’t at all picky (other than Snuggles), loved it!  Snuggles opted for another “Turkey and Cheese Lion, without the mane!”  🙂 

~ The Pelican ~

The Pelican’s “Gone Fishin” Trail Mix

My children loved this trail mix, a modified version of a trail mix from Pepperidge Farms.  We don’t do a lot of snacks outside of mealtimes and special feast day teas, and when I do it’s usually fresh fruits and veggies with the occasional granola bar and fruit leathers, so Gold Fish are quite the treat.   I’ll have to remember this recipe for the feast of St. Peter, it would be perfect for Blue Knights.   

This trail mix was made with 3 cups of Colored Gold Fish, 1 cup each of Smores and Pretzel Goldfish,  1/2 cup each of raisins and craisins, and 1 cup each of Dry Roasted Peanuts and White Chocolate Chips. 

~ The Phoenix ~

Fiery Phoenix Chips and Salsa
These were also inspired by Charlotte.

Tomorrow is already the very last day of the Easter season, and we will be Celebrating Pentecost. 
I hope you all have a very blessed Pentecost Sunday!

{this moment}

by | May 25, 2012 | , | 8 Comments

Bud at 5 Months

{this moment} – A single photo, capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. To see more visit Soule Mama. 

An Alphabet of Mary

by | May 25, 2012 | , | 22 Comments

Have you seen the latest book written and illustrated by George & Brenda Nippert at Catholic Artworks?  Created in the same style as An Alphabet of Saints, which we used Along the Alphabet Path and inspired my Painted Alphabet Saints, An Alphabet of Mary is another beautiful and inspiring book for children.

I am looking forward to sharing it with my children!   It has been a busy month, so I’ve been saving it for the upcoming (traditional) feast of the Queenship of Mary on May 31st. (Which is also the new feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Elizabeth.)   My hope is that I can bake a crown cake, prepare a Marian Tea, and then share this book with my children to honor Our Blessed Mother one more time, during her month of May.

NOTE: Over the past year I have had many, many, emails asking for information on Catholic Artworks, and why they were taking so long to deliver orders. Last week I finally spoke with George Nippert, the owner at Catholic Artworks, and he shared a little bit about the many struggles their family has suffered and that the last of the overdue orders were finally shipping. Mr. Nippert said that all new orders will ship promptly and that he is offering the following sale through May 31st.  I really hope that they will be able to start shipping promptly, since they really do have some nice products to offer.

All products ordered will be 30% off with the code “Let_it_be” –  Plus, if you order a copy of An Alphabet of Mary they will also include a free poster if you mention Shower of Roses.

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

by | May 24, 2012 | , , , | 3 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~

{pretty}

Bishop’s Cake


{happy}
Photo Credit:  Marc Salvatore
We were very happy to see Monsignor Cihak in attendance at Bishop Cary’s ordination!   (And even more upset that we were not in Bend!!!) Monsignor has been over in Rome, and is currently one of the MC’s for the Pope!  How we miss having these holy priests in our diocese!

{funny}


Here is another picture (actually two meshed together) of Monsignor Cihak and Bishop Cary, taken at our rehearsal dinner the night before our wedding back in 1999, singing a song/toast to us.
We all look so much younger!

(I also have a picture of the new Bishop singing the same song for our friend Marc, at the surprise birthday party we hosted for him last year.) 

{real}

Even though our travel plans had to be cancelled, we felt so blessed to be able to “attend” the ordination of Bishop Cary via livestream, since we were just not able to make the trip to Bend. At this point, when the new Bishop was addressing everyone in attendance – both in person, and all those that were watching along online – one of my little ones had tears streaming down her face, wishing we could have been there. It was a beautiful ordination and the diocese of Baker is blessed to have this holy man for their new bishop! Deo Gratias!!
Our friend Marc, who happened to be one of the “official photographers,” has sent me a number of pictures from the ordination to share with you all!  I’ll be posting them soon.

Visit Like Mother, Like Daughter for more pictures of contentment

State-by-State Scrapbook :: New York

by | May 24, 2012 | , , | 2 Comments

“E is for Empire State and the marvelous Erie Canal.  
Opened in 1825, 
this waterway carried the lumber and goods 
that helped our state to thrive.”

It has been quite some time since the boys completed these scrapbook pages for New York, but I’m just now getting around to posting them, along with the girls’ State-by-State Baking post for New York.

Actually, it is the perfect time for a little review, as we have been studying the Erie Canal (reading Amazing Impossible Erie Canal and re-watching an episode from How the States Got Their Shapes) this week, as we study the Early 19th Century.

by Captain (photos taken last year)
by Rascal  (completed last year, photo taken today)

*The links to the worksheets used for these notebook pages can be found here.

We were also blessed with a goodie box from a sweet family in New York. (Thank You Harmony!)  It was packed with all sorts thoughtful gifts including pretty much the strangest thing I’ve ever received in the mail… Turkey Joints!  🙂

This unique treat is created in Rome, New York, using an old time process and a secret formula. The end result is a decadent chocolate and brazil nut “bone marrow” center that is enrobed in a delicate, shiny and crunchy sugar “bone” outer shell.

My kids were all a little skeptical, and hesitant to try them, at first… But, after just a little nibble, they “gobbled” them all up.  And it’s a good thing too!   Despite my diet, I couldn’t resist having a taste myself (just three bites) and boy was it yummy!
It has been so much fun to discover (and enjoy) a few of the regional specialties found around our country. 

State-by-State Baking :: New York Cheesecake

by | May 22, 2012 | , , | 11 Comments

I’m so behind in posting the recipes the girls have been creating for their State-by-State Geography Study!  We have decided that our goal for the current school year is to complete 25 states and then move on to the remaining 25 next year.   We still have quite a few to go, to even accomplish that, but they have been making progress!  If only I could keep up with the actual blog posts! 😉   I will be back soon with the Dogwood Bark the girls made for the Easter season and the state of North Carolina,  Johnny Cakes for their American Revolution Unit Study and the state of Rhode Island, and the amazingly delicous Pancakes with the best Maple Syrup ever for  the state of Vermont.  
For the state of New York, the 11th State to join the Union, the girls read E is for Empire: A New York Alphabet and then completed their Notebook Pages. 

New York Notebooking Pages
by Twinkle Toes (L) and Chiquita (R)


“G is for glistening Garnet,
Grab your garden tools.
and we’ll head up to Gore Mountain,
for New York’s State’s official jewel.”

The girls had such a hard time deciding what to make for New York.  First they thought they would make potato chips, which were invented in 1853 in New York.  Then they decided to make Garnet Jello Jigglers since a carpenter from Le Roy, New York invented Jello.  But, ultimately, the girls decided to make New York Cheesecake, using this recipe, for Mother’s Day!  Next time (maybe for Father’s Day?) we want to try an Oreo crust and perhaps follow Barbara’s directions.

New York Cheesecake

Ingredients:

15 graham crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons butter, melted

4 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
1 1/2 cups white sugar
3/4 cup milk
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour

Directions:


Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9 inch springform pan.  In a medium bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs with melted butter. Press onto bottom of springform pan.
In a large bowl, mix cream cheese with sugar until smooth. Blend in milk, and then mix in the eggs one at a time, mixing just enough to incorporate. Mix in sour cream, vanilla and flour until smooth. 
(Over mixing will cause the cheesecake to crack… I am fairly certain ours was over mixed!)
Pour filling into prepared crust.
Bake in preheated oven for 1 hour. Turn the oven off, and let cake cool in oven with the door closed for 5 to 6 hours; this prevents cracking. (which, as you can see, we didn’t do…) Chill in refrigerator until serving.

The girl’s decided to cover the crack top our cheesecake with whipped cream and a strawberry heart for Mother’s Day.  

We also enjoyed some cherry topping with the cheesecake as well. Since it was Mother’s Day, I did have a piece, and it was delicious.  Thankfully I think Bud is finally starting to outgrow his sensitivity to dairy!

Resources we used for this State Study:

E is for Empire Teacher’s Guide (pdf)

Other Posts of Interest: 

State-by-State Scrapbook
State-by-State Scrapbook :: New York (coming soon) 

On Fatherhood

by | May 21, 2012 | | 7 Comments

I wanted to take a minute to share the link to a beautiful and inspiring reflection on fatherhood.  This article was written by my brother-in-law, Tom Steenson, who is married to my husband’s sister and teaches 5th Grade at The Heights School in Maryland.

Here is a short excerpt that I found particularly inspiring:

“We may fool ourselves into thinking there is nothing heroic in our daily lives. After all, our day-to-day is hardly newsworthy, nor does it approach the level of notice reserved for medals and public honor. But just as there is a white martyrdom, the silent and bloodless giving of one’s life for Christ, so also there is an everyday heroic, which often finds itself played out in the silent offering of one’s daily life and work to God.”

Do click over and read the whole article!  

Good Shepherd’s Garden Party :: Week Six {and May Crowning!}

by | May 21, 2012 | , , | 9 Comments

Yesterday afternoon (before watching the solar eclipse!) we had our sixth Good Shepherd’s Garden Party.  Since we hadn’t had an opportunity to have a May Crowning yet this year, I thought we’d try to tie it in to our Garden Party this week, especially since all the symbols for Week Six can easily remind us of Mary.   I suggested the idea to Charlotte and she took off with it coming up with the perfect titles and menu items.   Here are a few pictures from this week’s Garden Party/May Crowning:

~ The City Gates ~
Gate of Heaven Angel Food Cake
~ The Bride and The Groom ~
(Bride and Groom) Spouse of the Holy Spirit Strawberries
~ The Temple ~

(Shirley) Temple of Virtue
~ The Thrones and Alleluia ~
We also listened to Alleluia music and enthroned Mary as Queen of our hearts and home.

~ The Crown ~ 

Queen of Peace Crown Shaped Tea Sandwiches 

Hubby and I skipped the treats and opted for a yummy salad!  I spent this past Saturday running errands and finally stocking up on fruits, veggies, and lean meats.   We are trying hard to eat better, but I really need to find a better routine for grocery shopping on a more frequent basis!

For this final week, I’ve decided to give my children a special treat each day (rather than having a Garden Party next weekend) to both build up their excitement and also simplify this coming weekend for me, since we will want to have our traditional Pentecost Celebration.  Today I’m serving ReinDEER sandwiches and trail mix!

Please head over to Catholic Cuisine to see the pictures from everyone else’s Good Shepherd’s Garden Parties, or to share pictures from you own Garden Party and/or May Crowning!

The Ordination Mass of Father Liam Cary as Bishop of Baker

by | May 18, 2012 | , , | 11 Comments

Today the Most Reverend Liam Cary will be ordained a Bishop!
Deo Gratias!  

Father Cary is the priest that provided most of our marriage preparation and married Hubby & I back in 1999!   I had so wished that we would be on our way to the ordination right now… However, Hubby’s work schedule has been overwhelming lately and he ended up needing to work today after all, so we had to cancel our hotel reservations.  The trip would have been just too hard for me to make on my own with all the kids, though the idea did cross my mind!

Instead I just put a “Bishop’s Cake” in the oven and we will be watching the livestream (also available here at CatholicTV.com at additional times) of the Ordination online, beginning at 1:30pm.   Isn’t technology amazing!?!  After the ordination we will offer a rosary for the new bishop and have our own little reception!

Please say a prayer for the new Bishop of Baker!

O God, who made blessed bishop Ambrose
to be a teacher of Catholic Faith
and an example of apostolic fortitude,
rouse up in your Church men after Your own Heart,
that they may govern her wisely and bravely.
~ Source: WDTPRS

{this moment}

{this moment}

by | May 25, 2012 | , | 8 Comments

Bud at 5 Months{this moment} - A single photo, capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. To see more visit Soule Mama. 

An Alphabet of Mary

An Alphabet of Mary

by | May 25, 2012 | , | 22 Comments

Have you seen the latest book written and illustrated by George & Brenda Nippert at Catholic Artworks?  Created in the same style as An Alphabet of Saints, which we used Along the Alphabet Path and inspired my Painted Alphabet Saints, An Alphabet of Mary...

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

by | May 24, 2012 | , , , | 3 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~{pretty}Bishop's CakeYou can find the recipe over at Catholic Cuisine! {happy}Photo Credit:  Marc SalvatoreWe were very happy to see Monsignor Cihak in attendance at Bishop Cary's ordination!  ...

On Fatherhood

by | May 21, 2012 | | 7 Comments

I wanted to take a minute to share the link to a beautiful and inspiring reflection on fatherhood.  This article was written by my brother-in-law, Tom Steenson, who is married to my husband's sister and teaches 5th Grade at The Heights School in Maryland. Four...

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.


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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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