St. Valentine’s Day Cocoa with Sprinkles

by | Feb 14, 2012 | , | 11 Comments

Didn’t those mugs of Hot Cocoa turn out super cute?!? 

When I came in from snapping a few pictures of our children playing in the snow, I decided to whip up a batch of Hot Cocoa to help warm them up when they came back inside, since the baby was still sleeping. I remembered a recipe I had pinned to my St. Valentine’s Day board for this Strawberry Sweethearts Cocoa.  I didn’t have the required Strawberry Ice Cream, and honestly I think “Hot Strawberry” anything doesn’t sound nearly as yummy as Hot Chocolate (not that I could actually have any, but still), so I decided to improvise.   The thing that had caught my attention in the first place was the chocolate around the rim of the glass.   I could still do that, without having to make the recipe!  PLUS, I could still include pink and reds, with St. Valentine’s Day coming up tomorrow, by then dipping the chocolate in sprinkles!

I pulled out my Irish Coffee Mugs (very similar to these ones, though mine were handpainted by a friend), some white chocolate chips (candy melts would work great too), and some Valentine sprinkles.  It only took me about 5 minutes, while the hot cocoa simmered on the stove, to melt the chocolate, dip the rims of the mugs in the melted chocolate, and then dip again into a bowl of sprinkles.  (Let set for a minute to harden.)

I happened to have some heavy whipping cream as well, so I pulled out my iSi Easy Whip and had homemade whipped cream (sweetened with some Chocolate Liquid Stevia) in about two minutes.  After filling the mugs with cocoa, I topped them with the whipped cream and added a few hearts to the top of each.

As I said, it was so quick and easy, yet my children all LOVED the extra touches! When my oldest son walked into the kitchen he said “WOW!” walked over to me, started rubbing my shoulders, and continued to say, “Mom, you are AMAZING!”  I sure love that boy of ours, he definitely made my day!

I hope you all have a very happy feast of St. Valentine!

Snow-oh-oh-oh-oh!

by | Feb 14, 2012 | | 8 Comments

More Treasures for Lent and Easter {and a Giveaway!}

by | Feb 11, 2012 | , , | 104 Comments

Back in November I shared a product review for Jesse Tree Treasures O Antiphons and Jesse Tree Ornaments.  Now, with Lent beginning a week from Wednesday, I was asked to review their lovely Holy Week and Easter Ornaments, along with their new Stations of the Cross Ornaments and Parable Pouch.  Once again I am more than happy to recommend these beautifully decoupaged ornaments!

.: Stations of the Cross :.

Stations of the Cross Ornaments with tree and bonus 15th Station

“The Stations of the Cross Set includes: 14 – 1-1/2″ x 2″ station ornaments, 1 – 4″ Resurrection cross, 1-16” Wooden Dowel Tree, cotton strings and a booklet with 15 devotions. The ornaments come nicely boxed, ready for gift giving. “

Isn’t this set just gorgeous?! I love the simplicity and beauty of each painting.  It didn’t take me long to assemble the tree and attach the strings to each ornament.   We already have a beautiful set of Stations of the Cross that we will display once again during Lent, but these will be such a nice addition, especially for my younger children.   My hope is that we will be able to attend Stations of the Cross each Friday morning after Mass, but since my husband will be out of town for half of Lent, I think we might be praying them at home quite a bit as well.   This new set, along with our The Way of the Cross for Children DVD, will be such a nice help!

.: Holy Week and Easter :.

I especially love this set of Holy Week and Easter Ornaments.  The images, created from original folkpainted artwork, make such pretty ornaments. Love them!

“These ornaments can be used sequentially during Holy Week starting on Palm Sunday, or sooner with one ornament per day. We’ve included 8 eggs, 1 cross, and a booklet with 10 devotions. On Easter Sunday, the cross may be flipped around to see flowering Easter lilies, a celebration of our new life in Christ. Many of the symbols on the ornaments represent more than one of the events from Holy Week, which allows your family to experience more of the richness of the last week of the earthly life of Christ.”

According to the Etsy shop, you can “buy both the Stations of the Cross with tree and the Holy Week ornaments and save $5.00!  These sets work really beautifully together. They help to travel through Lent and look toward Easter with longing. Then on Easter morning, there is true rejoicing.”

This last new product would make another great addition to Easter Baskets!   Last year I had an Easter Basket that was filled with gifts based on Easter Symbols for the whole family.  I am planning on adding this “Parable Pouch” to that basket this Easter.

“This Parable Pouch will connect your child to the life, miracles, and parables of Jesus. The 17 smooth wood pieces will captivate them and hold on to their attention. As you read the stories to them from your favorite Bible and explain the symbol, the stories will become a part of each child. They will soon remember that the fish is when Jesus called Peter to be a “fisher of men” and the jar is when Jesus turned the water into wine. The scriptures for each of these stories is listed inside each box. Each set includes: 17 wood shapes, 2 scripture cards, velvet bag, and gift box.”

Thank you to Jesse Tree Treasures for the sets that were given to us, in exchange for sharing this review. We look forward to adding them to our family traditions for Lent and Easter!

.: Giveaway :.

Before you go, I have a little giveaway I’ve been meaning to post.   Last year I somehow managed to order a second copy of A Lenten Journey with Jesus Christ & St. Therese of Lisieux.    I’d love to send it to one of you to read this Lent!  If you’d like to be placed in the drawing  just leave a comment on this post by Wednesday night, sharing which of the above three Jesse Tree Treasures sets is your favorite, or your favorite book to read during Lent. I’ll draw a name on Thursday, and announce it here in this post. Please make sure you leave me an email address so I can contact you if you are the winner!

{this moment}

by | Feb 10, 2012 | , | 5 Comments

{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. 

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

by | Feb 10, 2012 | | 19 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~

{pretty}
The girls asked to display their recent lap books and dolls to show the tutor when she came over this week. So pretty!
{happy}

I haven’t had the followup appointment with our pediatrician yet – it is scheduled for next Tuesday – but I  have a feeling I am going to be on a special diet for quite some time.    It has been 9 days since I have had any dairy, soy, gluten, grains, beans/legumes, sugar, chocolate, caffeine, or any sweeteners.   I didn’t think it was possible!  The good news is I’ve lost 5 pounds, haven’t felt hungry, and have even gotten some sleep that we seem to have a completely new baby!!!  I’m guessing that he has a Milk Soy Protein Intolerance.  The last couple days he has been so much happier, smiling more, tries to “talk” to us, and feels sooooo much more relaxed when I am holding him.  He will take naps in his bed, and has even enjoyed the swing for more than two minutes at a time!

{funny}

The recent birthday party inspired the boys to ask for some popsicle sticks.  I’ve been finding extra large land mines like this one all over the house!
{real}

I’m adjusting to my new diet, but tonight I really wanted some sort of treat.  Despite all the leftover cake and other treats around the house, I stuck with my diet and made a Strawberry Milkshake with coconut milk and strawberries, topping it with some unsweetened coconut flakes.    It wasn’t exactly what I’ve been craving, but it was still delicious… and healthy!

The older boys are at Hockey practice (it’s really late on Thursdays) and the little ones are all in bed.  I’m off to brew a cup of tea and watch the latest episode of Downton Abbey online while I nurse the baby.

Goodnight and God bless! 

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

1774 – Felicity :: An American Girl Lap Book and Unit Study

by | Feb 9, 2012 | , , , | 3 Comments

Resources:

Felicity and Elizabeth Dolls and Mini Dolls
Free Felicity Mini Books from Homeschool Share

~ Front Cover ~ 
For the cover the girls each choose an image from the American Girl Website’s Wallpaper selections, cropping and pasting it to the front of their covers.  They then cut out the year “1774” with the help of our Cricut to add to the front cover as well.

~ Inside First Folder ~ 
 Free Felicity Mini Books from Homeschool Share:
  • Who is Felicity?
  • United States Map
  • In Felicity’s Day
  • Felicity’s Favorites
~ Inside Second Folder ~ 
 Free Felicity Mini Books from Homeschool Share:
  • Living in 1774
  • Conflict
  • Posie
  • Felicity’s Horses
  • Felicity’s World
  • Recipe Pocket (homemade)
I also ordered the Felicity Paper Doll book from Amazon.   The girls created a pocket on the Back of their Lap Books to store their dolls.


~ Baked Pumpkin Pudding ~
“Felicity used her best pumpkin to make this tasty pudding.”

~ Queen Cakes ~
“Queen cakes were a favorite of the Queen of England.  Felicity liked them, too, because they were made with sweet currants, which are like raisins.” 


~ Additional Colonial Crafts ~

Weave a Potholder

Embroider a Sampler from Felicity’s Craft Book


The American Girl Website has additional fun games and activities as well! 

The girls have moved on and are now studying the American Revolution with the boys, in addition to working on a Josefina Unit Study/Lap Book. 

A World War II Military Birthday Party

by | Feb 9, 2012 | | 7 Comments

This year Rascal choose a “World War II Military” theme for his birthday.   I didn’t have the time or energy to pull together a party like last year’s Lego Party and had to keep it somewhat simple, but that didn’t stop the kids from having a blast!

~ Kids in Camo ~ 

The boys decided that everyone needed to be wearing camouflage and searched for a few shirts to share with the girls.   I actually thought about trying to run into town for a couple last minute party supplies, but after taking a second look at the kids decided to skip.   I thought that they all looked cute, but can just imagine all the weird looks we would have gotten!

~ A Few Fun Activities ~ 

Before leaving for work, Hubby mentioned a History Documentary on Netflix to watch with the kids called Battlefield Detectives: The Guns of Point du Hoc.    We learned about the battalion of 200 U.S. Rangers that was charged with securing German artillery targets atop a 90-foot cliff in Normandy on D-Day.  When the guns were nowhere to be found, the troops kept up their search, despite being heavily outnumbered by their enemy.

Captain set up his Axis & Allies D-Day game for us to play…
… and while I was in the kitchen making Grenades, they had fun digging trenches to hide from the Squadrons of WWII!
Really, who needs mom to come up with party games anyways?!  They had it under control!

I did have some supplies for them to make Pretzel Bombs, as well as some Caramel Apple Kisses to use in addition to the Rolos.

Note to self:  Don’t buy Caramel Apple Kisses in the future… They didn’t work too well for making Pretzel Dots and pretty much looked like, well, that they had exploded already!
~ A Military Meal Ready to Eat For Dinner~ 

.: MRE Menu :.

Battle Beer
Mess Hall Mac n’ Cheese
Soldier’s Salad
Meaty Cannonballs
Military Munchies
Pretzel Bombs
Green Grenade Cake Pops
Point du Hoc Cake

Just before dinner my youngest brother (who just got his driver’s license! Congratulations David!) arrived, followed by Aunt Julianna.  The birthday boy was very excited for the extra company!

~ Birthday Gifts ~ 

I haven’t been getting out much this year, so I’ve been so thankful for Amazon Prime!  I did have a couple LEGO sets that I picked up on Black Friday and also ordered him Secrets of Siena and his very first watch! His Daddy also picked him up another pack of NHL Trading Cards. He was very excited!

~ The Cake ~ 

The “Point du Hoc” Birthday Cake (made by mom and named by dad) was a hit!

The boys (and Hubby) insisted that I cut a “cave” out of the back of the cake, for the first piece… And no one seemed to mind the multi-colored cake.  I didn’t have enough of the “triple chocolate cake” requested by the birthday boy, and had to use a box of yellow cake to make a second square cake before decorating…  Oh well!   I was told it tasted great, though I was able to stick to my new diet and didn’t even have one bite.  🙂

Happy Birthday Rascal!  We sure love you!!

Grenade Cake Pops

by | Feb 7, 2012 | , | 6 Comments

As I mentioned last night, we have a birthday to celebrate today, and the birthday boy ended up asking for a World War II themed party.  Originally he though he wanted a “Deca Sports” theme (10 sports for his 10th birthday) and I started a Board for Sports Themed Party Ideas.  When he changed his mind I never did get back around to looking for and pinning new ideas, I just knew that I wanted to come up with something a little different (and easier) than Captain’s Military Themed Party.

This morning I decided to try and find a cake pop recipe, to use up the extra cake and frosting from his Point du Hoc Birthday Cake, and ended up pinning some Grenade Cake Balls created by The Peppered Pantry.

I had almost everything that I needed to make them, except for the white fondant.   Instead I was able to cut some marshmallows into various shapes to use for the caps and levers.

I only made six, one for each of the kids.  They turned out okay, just rather messy looking and I probably should have used shorter lollipop sticks.   Still, they will be a fun addition for today’s party!

A Point du Hoc Birthday Cake

by | Feb 7, 2012 | , , | 13 Comments

Rascal asked for a World War II / D-Day / Military themed birthday cake this year.  Since he wanted the final cake to be a surprise, I did some searching through various cakes online and ended up using this Army Camo Cake (link broken) for inspiration.   I baked the cakes this morning and then assembled and decorated it this evening while the boys were at Hockey practice, saving the finishing touches for Captain to add, depicting the D-Day invasion at Point du Hoc.

He placed their World War II German soldiers on the clifftop… 

… with the American 2nd Ranger battalion assaulting the German stronghold.  
 I think the birthday boy is going to love it when he wakes up in the morning! 

Happy 10th Birthday Rascal! 

My Daybook :: February 6, 2012

by | Feb 6, 2012 | | 4 Comments

Outside my window… It has been sunny lately, but still very cold. I am so ready for spring summer!

I am thankful… that we finally found out the date that the boys’ Hockey season ends, and it is the day before Hubby leaves for a three week training session in Tennessee.  I had really been nervous about how I was going to make those 3 extra trips to town with all the kids and a baby that doesn’t like his carseat.  Whew!

I am thinking… that, even without Hockey, three weeks is a long time!  Hopefully by the middle of next month I will be a little more adjusted to being a mom to seven, or at least have a chance to restock the pantry and freezer.

Learning all the time… Usually we are all feeling a little burned out by this time of year, but after preparing for a baby in the fall, Christmas, and adjusting to life with a newborn, we are all more than ready to get back to our plans for the year, with just a few changes.   We are not as far along with my original plans as I would like, but American History remains the favorite subject this year and the kids have all moved on to Unit 3.   I am hoping to have a chance to post pictures of their lap books and a couple projects from Unit 2 – Colonial Life sometime soon.

Living the Liturgical Year at Home… It seems like Advent just began, and now Lent is just around the corner! We are hoping to make some Valentine cards this week, and hopefully a couple more St. Valentine’s Day Mailboxes.   I also picked up a box of Cocoa Pebbles so that the children can make another Grotto for Our Lady on Saturday.  You can find other ideas for celebrating the feast of Our Lady of Lourdes in the archives.

From the kitchen… lots of meats, fruits, veggies, and nuts.   I’ve been off of Dairy, Gluten (actually all beans and grains) and Sugar for 6 days now.  At first I noticed a big change in the baby’s fussiness, but then he caught his first cold from his very loving older siblings.   I, however, am starting to feel much healthier, if not rested. 😉

 

I am wearing… Mamajamas. I found them on clearance last fall at a local boutique. So comfy!

I am creating… a military-themed cake for Rascal’s 10th birthday.  I figured if I got started on it this morning, I might have a chance to finish it by tomorrow!

I am working on… our tax-return, with the help of TurboTax.

I am wondering… if we should wait until fall to start soccer. Interestingly enough, the spring season begins the week after Hubby gets back from that three week training.  Our children have always been interested in playing, and the sign-ups end tomorrow, but I am soooo ready for a break from sports…

I am going… to try and begin writing thank you notes. We are so blessed with such loving and generous friends, both locally and online!  After they are finished I might get back to all the emails sitting in my inbox.   I hope I haven’t offended anyone by my lack of response, but responding to emails and all the questions from readers is usually at the bottom of my “to-do” lists…  I still hope that someday I will be a little more organized and able to keep up with it all!  🙂

I am hoping… to have a chance to post a review of a couple great items for Lent and Easter sometime this week.

I am reading… Why I’m No Homeschool Superstar.  If you haven’t read it yet, you must!

I am praying… for Sarah, and her baby girl!

Dear God, You are the Creator of the Universe, yet You have shared with woman the ability to conceive and bear a child, and bring into the world a new life for Your Kingdom. Bless this mother about to give birth. Give her your strength and courage, that she may deliver her child surrounded by Your protection and provision. Embrace her with Your love and grace, we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.   (Mothers’ Manual)

Pondering these words… from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton:

“We know that God gives us every grace, every abundant grace; and though we are so weak of ourselves, this grace is able to carry us through every obstacle and difficulty.”

I am listening…  to various lectures given by Andrew Pudewa. We have been so happy with The Phonetic Zoo this year for the boys’ spelling program and I am really excited to start incorporating his Writing Program into our curriculum as well.

Around the house… new curtains in the dining and living room!  They were my birthday gift this year and we finished hanging them up over the weekend.  At first I thought I wanted white curtains, but I ended up choosing chocolate brown and they look so nice and cozy against the tan walls with white trim.  I love them!

One of my favorite things…  aden + anais Swaddle Wraps. I was so excited to see them on Baby Steals this morning!

A few plans for the rest of the week…

Same as usual for the children: Hockey Practices and Game, Piano Lessons, and hopefully the boys can serve Mass on Friday.  As for me, I will pretty much be at home nursing my adorable little baby boy and trying to come up with some more foods that I can eat!

A little peek at my day…

St. Valentine’s Day Cocoa with Sprinkles

St. Valentine’s Day Cocoa with Sprinkles

by | Feb 14, 2012 | , | 11 Comments

Didn't those mugs of Hot Cocoa turn out super cute?!? When I came in from snapping a few pictures of our children playing in the snow, I decided to whip up a batch of Hot Cocoa to help warm them up when they came back inside, since the baby was still sleeping. I...

{this moment}

{this moment}

by | Feb 10, 2012 | , | 5 Comments

{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. 

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

{pretty, happy, funny, real}

by | Feb 10, 2012 | | 19 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~{pretty} The girls asked to display their recent lap books and dolls to show the tutor when she came over this week. So pretty!{happy}I haven't had the followup appointment with our pediatrician yet - it is...

A World War II Military Birthday Party

A World War II Military Birthday Party

by | Feb 9, 2012 | | 7 Comments

This year Rascal choose a "World War II Military" theme for his birthday.   I didn't have the time or energy to pull together a party like last year's Lego Party and had to keep it somewhat simple, but that didn't stop the kids from having a blast! ~...

Grenade Cake Pops

Grenade Cake Pops

by | Feb 7, 2012 | , | 6 Comments

As I mentioned last night, we have a birthday to celebrate today, and the birthday boy ended up asking for a World War II themed party.  Originally he though he wanted a "Deca Sports" theme (10 sports for his 10th birthday) and I started a Board for Sports Themed...

My Daybook :: February 6, 2012

My Daybook :: February 6, 2012

by | Feb 6, 2012 | | 4 Comments

Outside my window... It has been sunny lately, but still very cold. I am so ready for spring summer! I am thankful... that we finally found out the date that the boys' Hockey season ends, and it is the day before Hubby leaves for a three week training session in...

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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