{pretty, happy, funny, real} :: A Few More Pictures from April

by | May 7, 2015 | , , , , | 15 Comments

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life with Like Mother, Like Daughter. ~
{pretty}

One of Chiquita’s favorite birthday gifts this year… An original painting of one of her patron saints! I commissioned Heather to paint it, along with a couple others, after purchasing the lovely original St. Brigid painting earlier this year. Isn’t it gorgeous!?! You can find the print made from this painting at Audrey Eclectic.

{happy}
One of Captain’s writing assignments this year was to write and mail a five-paragraph letter and he decided to write to his instructor. (Our children have been watching the Student Writing Intensive DVD’s for a few years now.)  Mr. Pudewa actually wrote back! 

{funny}

Apparently he was protecting the princess from an invisible dragon!

(You can find the rest of The Easter Story in LEGO here and St. George and the Dragon here.)
{real}

Life isn’t always a “Shower of Roses” around here…

{updated with new picture}
…but you’ll just have to take my word for it, and maybe offer up an extra prayer for me today.

Instagram Recap :: National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week

by | May 7, 2015 | , , | 6 Comments

I have so much I would love to share about our many adventures during the 2015 National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest this past week but I don’t know where to start! Originally I thought I would post highlights each night and host a giveaway for the new Life Is Precious Culture of Life Unit Study… However, with over 1,000 combined photos for our three contestants (and just as many new miles on the van!), it took all my free time (and then some!) to sort, upload, and tag the photos we took each day! I did manage to share a few photos over at Instagram throughout the week:

April 28th: In between state testing (last day!) and math tutoring, we’ve been having fun in town completing tasks for the first day of National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week!
{task 199 – pushing a child on a swing} #npltw
April 28th: “Should I try and look like I’m going postal?!”
Hahaha! I just love the ladies that work at our local post office! 
April 28th: Officer Foster was more than happy to have his picture taken with the kids! {And, yes, I was totally trying to remember if he had ever pulled me over when I asked how long he has been a police officer in our town! lol} 
April 28th: The fire chief was in a meeting, and Sean doesn’t have any engines available at work at the moment, but this young firefighter was more than happy to gear up for some photos by one of the engines! {the boys were also eager to ask what was going on up past our house yesterday afternoon… Apparently one of our neighbors had some outdoor burning get out of control! I’m really starting to get worried about fire season this year.} 
April 29th: We all got to meet our mayor this morning! In addition to the pictures I took of her shaking hands with our older children, she told us about her duties as mayor and answered all sorts of questions! {totally counting this as a field trip for this school year!} #ilovehomeschooling 
May 1st: Task 88: Washing a car. Really wash it, not just a staged photo. 
{Thank you! @americanlifeleague } 
“MOM! We need your help for this one…” 
Task 401: Standing next to two people that have braces and are smiling.
One more for my beautiful blue eyed girl… Not sure who we can find for our last contestant since a set of braces came off last week and now there’s only two of us left in the house… Hmmmm…. 
May 4th: It’s the LAST DAY of the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest and I am exhausted!!! Nevertheless the kids talked me into driving them to town early this morning so we could go to the post office before they opened and they could “participate in raising the American Flag!”
Is there “standing in front of a herd of wild elk” on that task list? No?!? Oh well… 😉
Just after sunset last night (May 4th), in front of the “California Coastal National Monument” before starting the long drive back home! We weren’t able to complete all 500 tasks for National Pro-Life T-Shirt week, but we did our best, had so many great conversations with friends and strangers, and created countless memories. What an incredible week! #nowineedaweektorecover #npltw

April Instagram Recap

by | May 7, 2015 | , , , , | 5 Comments

April 10th
Wrapping up our school week with another art lesson! This week we studied Frederic Remington and our activity emphasized Realism in Western Landscapes. Our five year old especially loved learning how to cut out triangle teepees and make cactuses by tracing her pointer finger and thumb. All the kids are looking forward to showing their Dad their finished art projects when he gets home from work tonight. #homeschoolart #meetthemasters #fredericremington
April 12th
V. Panem de caelo praestitisti eis. Alleluia.
R. Omne delectamentum in se habentem. Alleluia.

V. Thou hast given them bread from heaven. Alleluia. 
R. Having within it all sweetness. Alleluia.
April 13th
A fun field trip to the theater to see the Charlotte’s Web production with just these four! 
April 15th
My view from the kitchen as they patiently wait for their breakfast.  
The oatmeal will be ready soon boys!
 
A surprise gift from a friend! It’s not coffee but pretty much the next best thing after giving up coffee two months ago when I started the AIP diet. Thank you, Jennifer Anne!
“No! I’m not going to bake you a cake for completing lesson 100… But I WILL bake you a cake if you complete your Math book(s) before the school year ends!” Well… Tonight I baked another cake! The oldest three have now all completed their math for the year and will be able to get a jump start on next year’s Math for the rest of this quarter. My 4th grader should finish her math book on Monday, which just so happens to be her birthday! I suppose I’ll have to bake her a cake too! 
April 16th 
Gorgeous afternoon at Grandpa and Grandma’s house… Happy 38th Anniversary, Dad and Mom!
The older boys spent the afternoon helping my parents with yard work. The rest of the children went with me to pick them up and we all enjoyed rides on the Golf carts and Grandpa’s quad.

You can also watch a short 15 second video here.

April 18th
Haircuts for the girls, just in time for Chiquita’s “Kit” themed birthday party the next day! 
Celebrating the birthday of a beautiful little girl who just turned one!
A few more pictures from the 1st birthday party! 
April 20th
Ten years ago today ♥
April 2005 – Ages 4, 3, 1 and newborn!
Ten years old today! She asked if she could have her hair cut short again for her birthday so (after stopping at 10 different salons on Saturday trying to find someone who had an opening – or three!) we finally found an available hairdresser. I was sad to see her beautiful long hair get cut, but she loves it short and it will be easy and cool for summer. Tomorrow is going to be another big day… Her braces are coming off in the morning!
April 21st
Braces off! 

April 22nd
I love watching our older children read to their younger siblings.♥ 

Sponsor Love :: Quarterly Update & Current Specials

by | May 2, 2015 | | 0 Comments

I have a few new sponsors to introduce you to this quarter including the brand new release from De Montfort Music, a lovely Etsy shop specializing in lace and ribbon, and a sweet friend and Catholic blogger who also has a little Etsy shop.  Regina Martyrum Productions is back again this quarter, along with many additional returning advertisers. Be sure to check below for updates and specials!

Please welcome my new sponsors:

The Monks of Norcia
BENEDICTA: Marian Chant from Norcia is the latest release from De Montfort Music!

“Inspiring, beautiful music of Chant at it’s very best – from Italy by The Monks of Norcia. BENEDICTA: Marian Chant from Norcia is the title for this new recording of 33 tracks of Gregorian chant, including favorite Marian antiphons such as “Regina Caeli” and “Ave Regina Caelorum” but also previously unrecorded chant versions of responsories and a piece originally composed by the monks ( Nos Qui Christi Iugum, ) Some pieces are sung by the entire group, some by smaller ensembles of monks and others by soloists, imbuing ‘BENEDICTA’ with a variety of sound. Recorded on location at the monastery in Norcia, Italy, the album was produced by 11-time Grammy Award-winning producer Christopher Alder and engineered by Grammy-Award winning engineer Jonathan Stokes.”

Primrose Lace & Ribbon
Romantic Trims & Specialty Ribbons

“Primrose Lace & Ribbon is your one stop shop for romantic trims and specialty ribbons sold by the yard that will surely embellish any creative project. I strive to provide you with a well-chosen selection of lace and ribbon that will help you achieve a timeless and charming style. My focus is on trims that are delicate, soft, and elegant in design. I also carry exquisite appliques and sewing embellishments that are perfect to compliment your special projects.

Some common craft ideas in which you can use my trims include: doll clothes, costumes, masks, handkerchiefs, heirloom projects, Christening dresses, bridal gowns and veils, cake tops, wedding favors, floral arrangements, prom dresses, corsages, hair accessories, jewelry, scrapbooking projects, card making, home décor projects, crafted gifts, altered media, and fashion apparel.

Also, I offer free combined shipping for multiple items: Pay shipping charges for the first item, each additional item ships for free.”

Please enter this coupon code at checkout: ROSES10
(to get 10% discount on your entire order)
Visit Primrose Lace & Ribbon on Etsy and Facebook!

Regina Martyrum Productions
“Regina Martyrum Productions produces the finest works of Catholic audio theatre. With emphasis on the lives of the Saints, these products are edifying, and entertaining.

Stories hold our attention, teach us morals, and can teach a moral lesson while entertaining. We all love stories. Here at Regina Martyrum Productions, we provide high-quality, fully-dramatized Catholic stories. From Old Testament scenes to New Testament saints, we provide the best, timeless stories for today’s Catholic audiences. Engaging the power of your imagination while listening, you and your children will walk through the pages of the Church’s history. These are not your run of the mill “books on tape!” Every production is packed with full cast, great music, and realistic sound effects! They are great in the car, at story time, or at anytime!”

You can also follow Regina Martyrum Productions on Facebook and Instagram! 

Veils and Vocations

Jennifer Anne is one of the dear friends I’ve made here at Shower of Roses and I am happy to introduce you to her blog, Veils and Vocations, and her Etsy shop, Aurelius Cabrini. 
A special thank you to all my returning sponsors!
    

Prayer Pillowcases
Prayer Pillowcases are more than just a pretty place to lay your head! They’re a unique way to bring Catholic art and prayer into your home. And a practical way to share the Faith with your family and friends. Our distinctive line combines original art and favorite Catholic prayers that appeal to all ages and transform pillows from the ordinary to the divine! Honor a special occasion or make any occasion special with the gift of a joyful, lasting (and personalizable) Prayer Pillowcase. We’re always working on new designs and hope you’ll visit again soon to see even more ways to help your
loved ones begin and each day with a prayerful heart.

 Catholic Child
is the perfect place to find inspiring gifts for Catholic youth – from toddlers to teens. They offer many beautiful Marian gifts for the month of May, along with inspiring gifts for First Holy Communions and Confirmations! 
I’ve started using the new Life Is Precious Culture of Life Unit Study for Elementary Students from American Life League with my younger children and we are really enjoying the program so far. (I’m hoping to blog more about it soon, but right now we are focusing on the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest that is happening RIGHT NOW!!)  The program, which will help parents and teachers instill a solid pro-life foundation in their students, uses picture books to explore age-appropraite culture of life themes such as life as a preborn child, being uniquely created by God, the need to protect the innocent, and defending firmly held beliefs in the face of adversity.” Visit the Culture of Life Studies website and follow the Facebook page! 

Jesse Tree Treasures
creates beautiful handcrafted gifts for the liturgical seasons including Advent, Lent and Other Seasons.

 

Gail Giron Designs
has been restocking her shop with all sorts of beautiful creations that would make great Easter, First Communion, and Mother’s Day gifts! Custom orders are accepted so be sure to look through her past sales for ideas!

“Behold Publications, LLC is more than just a publisher! Family owned and operated since its founding in 1999, we have developed great Catholic clubs like the Little Flowers Girls’ Club and Blue Knights Catholic Boys’ Clubs for Catholic girls and boys ages 5 and up. What makes these clubs unique is that they are at their core faithfully Catholic. We don’t “tack on” Catholic identity as other clubs might, but begin and end with a Catholic world view. We also believe that local clubs best operate the way they see fit, so there is no national organization, policies, registration or dues. Groups can easily adjust the program to fit their local needs. Behold Publications also produce a line of historical fiction based on American history and American saints for ages 7-15.”

Save 20% off all shirts for the month of May. 
Coupon code: SHOWER20

   

“My name is Andrea, I am a Catholic, I love art, and I love “drawing the line” (or the thread, as the case may be) somewhere. I am a self-taught writer, artist, and embroiderer. I am interested in creating products that are unique, beautiful, enriching to the heart and soul, and made of high-quality materials. Basically, I’m trying to do the best I can with all the interests and abilities that God has so graciously given me. I love accepting commissions, so if you have an idea for a scapular please feel free to contact me. We will work together to make something special just for you!” Visit Stella Marigold Art at Etsy or find her on Facebook.

Audrey Eclectic
“A unique collection of American folk art created in the heart of the Oklahoma prairie. My inspiration comes from literary classics, spooky tales from the past, the pioneering spirit, my home town, Scandinavia and other lands far away.” You can also follow Audrey Eclectic on Facebook and Instagram!

Heather is currently offering a Mother’s Day Sale! You can currently save 15% off your purchase with code MAMA15 at Audrey Eclectic! 
   

Catholic Folk Toys
Visit Catholic Folk Toys for beautiful hand painted wooden saint dolls and more! Custom orders are welcome!

Sacred Heart Books & Gifts offers Catholic books, gifts, homeschool curriculum at discount prices!

Linda at Sacred Heart Books & Gifts asked me to share that Memoria Press now has curriculum for special needs! She said that it looks so very nice and that many of the books are also used in other programs. You can order Memoria Press titles at a discount from Sacred Heart Books & Gifts! 

 

Be sure to keep Robin Nest Lane in mind if you are looking for a new veil. Robin creates such lovely veils for ladies, girls, and even dolls! In addition to the website, you can also browse her veils over at Etsy.


 Almond Rod Toys
AlmondRod Toys makes Saint Blocks that are just the right size for little hands and can be used for imaginative play, building, stacking or collecting. The front has a print of original watercolor artwork. The back has a quote or a prayer chosen to inspire little ones and the one that cleans up behind them. The saint’s name, feast day and patronage are also listed; just enough to be a reminder and an inspiration for further learning. Visit Almond Roy Toys at Etsy and follow the Facebook page!

During the month of May, Lindsey is offering Shower of Roses visitors a FREE BLOCK with your order if you’ll offer a Hail Mary for the conversion of souls. You just need to type in the extra saint you would like in the notes section of check out along with the words “Kyrie Eleison!”          
   
Keepsakes by Carrie
“JMJ – I am Carrie, a Catholic home educating mother of 7. I have always liked holy cards and have quite a collection. A friend of mine had some lovely cards personalized for her daughter’s First Holy Communion many years ago and I remember thinking how lovely and unique they were. I wanted to have the same for my own children. All these years later and with the help of some friends, it became a hobby of mine to personalize these special Keepsakes and offer them to you. If there is an image you are looking for but don’t see it here in my Etsy shop, please contact me. Oftentimes I have them in-stock but haven’t listed them yet. I will happily do bulk orders. Please contact me for pricing. I look forward to creating a unique, lovely, long-lasting Keepsake for your special occasion.” Visit Keepsakes by Carrie at Etsy and follow the Facebook page!

Have you seen the darling doll clothes from The Little Habit yet? My girls love them all. The newest release is the St. Brigid Outfit with Celtic Cross and various accessories. I’ll have to add them to our ever growing wish list!  

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If you are interested in advertising at Shower of Roses click here for current availability and to request more information.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to all of my sponsors and visitors for your support! May God bless you all! 

New Additions to Our May Book Basket

by | May 1, 2015 | , , , | 4 Comments

Our days have been incredibly fun and FULL, from early start to late finish, this week as we work on completing some to the 500 tasks for the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week contest! We are getting ready to head out the door again this morning, but first I wanted to share a couple new additions to our May Book Basket for this year. Happy Feast of St. Joseph the Workman!

This first book was included in our family Easter basket this year. I splurged on the hardcover edition, but it’s also available in paperback. It is absolutely lovely and is at the top of my list of newly released favorites! I haven’t seen another children’s book like it and it is such a welcome addition to our collection. I’ve enjoyed reading it just as much as the children.

The End of the Fiery Sword: Adam & Eve and Jesus & Mary
What do Adam and Jesus have in common? What do Eve and Mary have in common? More than you think! With full color illustrations, Maura Roan McKeegan has brought to life biblical typology for children. Taking familiar biblical stories from the Old and New Testaments and placing them side by side, children can see biblical typology jump off the page. Biblical typology is when a person or an event in the Old Testament foreshadows a person or an event in the New Testament. The Bible is full of these fascinating “types.” Children can now discover similarities of types without any difficulty, and easily understand at an early age what St. Augustine meant when he said that the New Testament lies hidden in the Old and the Old Testament is revealed in the New.

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This next book was sent to me as a review sample by author Christine Henderson. It’s a lovely book filled with Rosary Meditations for Children for the fifteen traditional mysteries of the rosary. The images chosen for each mystery, along with the meditations, are beautiful and inspiring. It will make a nice addition to our May (and October!) Book Basket!



 Rosary Meditations for Children
Praying the family rosary is very important. However, it can be challenging to keep a child focused during the rosary. Our imagination is a wonderful thing and may be used to help make the family rosary a time of spiritual growth and enjoyment. In this book, I have written different thoughts for the fifteen traditional mysteries of the rosary. Before beginning each decade, read aloud a thought that is written. Encourage your child(ren) to think about it while praying. There is also a picture for each decade included in this book to further help enhance your child’s focus and imagination.

(Note: Author Christine Henderson has just started a new blog/directory for Catholic home-based businesses! You can find it here.)

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You can find the rest of our books for May here:

Good Shepherd Sunday

by | Apr 27, 2015 | , , , , , | 3 Comments


“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” ~ John 10:11

The gifts the children received for Easter this year, in our family Easter basket, included a Little Lambs Cupcake Kit and a Good Shepherd Blessing Block. After Mass we decided to bake and decorate the Little Lambs today to continue celebrating Good Shepherd Sunday!

Rose’s completed cupcake. She says you can see the lamb’s smile right below it’s eyes. 🙂 

“I didn’t mean to make him cross-eyed!” says the 14 year old…
The kit only included enough mini marshmallows for 5 cupcakes (?) so we improvised by cutting up some large marshmallows that happened to be in the cupboard. 

Here is a short excerpt from Fr. Eric Andersen’s beautiful and inspiring Sermon for Sunday, April 26, 2015:

“Many wolves seek to lure Catholics away from the one true faith by preaching an easy faith: a feel-good faith. But the best feeling comes from obeying God, being in a state of grace, and having true communion with Him in His Church. We must pray for our shepherds that they remain courageous in holding fast to the truth whatever wolves might try to threaten or bully them. The saints laid down their lives to follow Christ. St. Peter followed Him to martyrdom. Let us pray for the shepherds of our souls that they may remain continent and chaste, steadfast and courageous, and not flee at the coming of the wolf.” 

As St. John Vianney, the patron saint of priests and confessors, once said “After God, the priest is everything.” Priests are the primary ministers of the sacraments, acting in persona Christi.  They give us sacramental life in Christ, feeding us the spiritual nourishment for our souls in Confession and Holy Communion, the Bread of Life.  They must work, sacrifice, pray, and cooperate with God’s grace to guide the Faithful.  Without a holy priest the sheep will scatter.  Please take a moment to join me in offering a Prayer for Priests:
Most gracious Heavenly Father, We thank you for our faithful priests and bishops, whose spiritual fatherhood and example of fidelity, self-sacrifice, and devotion is so vital to the faith of Your people.

May our spiritual fathers be guided by the examples of Saints Peter and Paul, all the Apostles and their saintly successors. Give them valiant faith in the face of confusion and conflict, hope in time of trouble and sorrow, and steadfast love for you, for their families, and for all Your people throughout the world. May the light of Your Truth shine through their lives and their good works.

Assist all spiritual fathers, that through Your Grace they may steadily grow in holiness and in knowledge and understanding of Your Truth. May they generously impart this knowledge to those who rely on them. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Let us also remember to pray every day for vocations to the priesthood, especially in our own families and parishes. There are many young Catholic men discerning vocations to the priesthood including this young man who is asking for prayers and support.

Happy Good Shepherd Sunday! 

Happy Birthday, Kit! :: Chocolate Roll Cake

by | Apr 25, 2015 | , , , | 9 Comments

“You are so lucky, Kit,” sighed Ruthie. “This is a wonderful party.” The sun had set. The yard was lit with lanterns Aunt Millie had saved from a trash pile and repaired. The lanterns had candles inside them, and they swayed in the soft evening breeze so that their light danced across the grass. Kit, Ruthie, and Sterling were sitting together eating the chocolate roll cake Aunt Millie had made…” ~ Happy Birthday, Kit!

Chiquita turned ten years old last Monday! Of course, that meant we would have to have another American Girl themed birthday party… After all, all the historical doll book series found on my girls’ bookshelves include stories about the various girls turning ten!  In the past we’ve celebrated birthdays with Kirsten, Josefina, and Caroline. This year, after receiving Ruthie for Christmas, Chiquita asked for a Kit Kittredge birthday! 
I didn’t have much time to plan or prepare for this birthday, but it all came together! Instead of the traditional Chocolate Roll Cake mentioned in Happy Birthday, Kit! and included in Kit’s Birthday Set, I opted to create a “cake” using Little Debbie Swiss Rolls, chocolate pudding and whip cream. Everyone LOVED the cake! (I’m still on the AIP diet – today is day 53!! – so I had to just take their word for it…) My husband said it is right up there at the top of the list of favorites with my (extremely time consuming!) Tiramisu. I’ll definitely be making it again. It only took about 20 minutes to assemble and was able to chill in the fridge while I finished preparing the rest of the party games and decorations! 

Kit Kittredge’s Chocolate Roll Cake
(adapted from Taste of Home’s Chocolate Swirl Delight) 

Ingredients:

  • 1-1/2 boxes (12 cakes per box) Swiss Rolls, unwrapped
  • 2-3/4 cups Milk, cold
  • 2 packages (3.9 ounces each) Instant Chocolate Fudge Pudding Mix
  • 2 cups Cool Whip (I used one 8 ounce container)
  • Fresh Strawberries, optional

Directions: 

Cut each cake roll into six slices; set aside any chocolate coating that separates from rolls for garnish.

Line a 9-in. springform pan with cake slices, completely covering the bottom and sides.

In a small bowl, whisk milk and pudding mixes for 2 minutes (mixture will be thick).

Pour over cake.

Spread with spatula.

Top pudding with Cool Whip, or other whipped topping.

Sprinkle with any reserved chocolate coating.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before removing from the springform pan and serving.

Garnish or serve with strawberries, if desired.

I’ll be back with pictures from the rest of the party sometime soon. In the meantime you can find additional cake recipes at the bottom of this page. You can also check out some of our past American Girl Unit Studies and Birthday Parties here:


Saint George and the Dragon

by | Apr 24, 2015 | , | 7 Comments

Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. 
~ G. K. Chesterton

Happy Feast of St. George! In the past our children loved slaying Dragon Cakes or decorating 3D Cookie Sugar Story Quilts (here and here) to celebrate St. George’s Day, but last year, since we have a birthday to celebrate each year on the 20th, I decided to try and find a healthy (yet still fun!) alternative and ended up creating a Saint George and the Dragon Veggie Platter. They loved it! It is so quick and easy to put together that I had no trouble making another one this year, despite our incredibly full week of required state testing Monday-Thursday, a birthday to celebrate, braces removed and retainer fitting, and all of our usual commitments and appointments ending with three well-child checkups this evening… Whew!! I’m so glad it’s finally Thursday night and our schedule is completely open tomorrow (and the next day!) for the first time in over a week!

Saint George and the Dragon by Jim Forest

While devouring this year’s Saint George and the Dragon Veggie Platter, my husband read the following short and inspiring story from Saints for Young People for Every Day of the Year (1963 Edition):

April 23

St. George

Pictures of St. George usually show him killing a dragon to rescue a beautiful lady. The dragon stands for wickedness. The lady stands for God’s holy truth. St. George was a brave martyr who was victorious over the devil.

He was a soldier in the army of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, and he was one of the Emperor’s favorite solders. Now Diocletian was a pagan and a bitter enemy of the Christians. He put to death every Christian he could find. George was a brave Christian, a real soldier of Christ. Without fear, he went to the Emperor and sternly scolded him for being so cruel. Then he gave up his position in the Roman army. For this he was tortured in many terrible ways and finally beheaded.

So boldly daring and so cheerful was St. George in declaring his Faith and in dying for it that Christians felt courage when they heard about it. Many songs and poems were written about this martyr. Soldiers, especially, have always been devoted to him.

We all have some “dragon” we have to conquer. It might be pride or anger or laziness or greediness or something else. Let us make sure we fight against these “dragons,” with God’s help. Then we can call ourselves real soldiers of Christ. 

Comparing the images of St. George found in some of our books. You can find a list with links here.

So comes snow after fire, and even dragons have their ending!
 ~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

Getting Ready for National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week

by | Apr 22, 2015 | , | 13 Comments

American Life League’s National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week is coming up next week (April 28 – May 4, 2015) and they are getting ready with 5-Days of Giveaways! Our four oldest children had so much fun completing a couple of the tasks this afternoon starting with getting soaked by a hose!

Chiquita (who just turned 10 on Monday and had her braces taken off yesterday!!) wasn’t about to let her older siblings spray her with the hose, but she sure looked cute wearing a pro-life t-shirt (that is way too big on her!) while riding a tire swing.

There are still opportunities to win t-shirts during the 5-Days of Give-A-Ways over on the National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week Facebook Page and you can register for the Photo Contest on their website.

If you don’t have any luck winning a t-shirt during the 5-Days of Give-A-Ways, you can also order official 2015 National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week T-shirts from American Life League.

If you have any favorite pro-life t-shirts, or favorite stores for purchasing pro-life t-shirts, I’d love to hear about them in the comment box! 

Celebrating the Saints :: St. Magnus of Orkney

by | Apr 16, 2015 | , , , | 3 Comments

“St Magnus, Earl of Orkney, was a man of extraordinary distinction, tall, with a fine, intelligent look about him. He was a man of strict virtue, successful in war, wise, eloquent, generous and magnanimous, open-handed with money, sound with advice and altogether the most popular of men.”
The Orkneyinga Saga
April 16th is the feast of St. Magnus, Earl of Orkney. He has been one of our oldest son’s favorite saints ever since he first listened to The Last Viking (The Story of St. Magnus) audio story when he was seven years old. The story of St. Magnus is a pretty intense and one that we probably should have saved until the boys were teens before sharing it with them… Nevertheless, the heroic life of St. Magnus made a strong impression. You can see him dressed up as St. Magnus in 2007 here!

It’s hard to find books and statues of St. Magnus, but in addition to the inspiring audio story, Captain was also given a signed copy of author Susan Peek’s St. Magnus, The Last Viking for his 14th birthday which he couldn’t put down. Last December St. Nicholas left a beautifully painted St. Magnus in his slippers from Catholic Folk Toys. 

Our Thursdays are extra full days this school year, which doesn’t leave much time for additional crafts, but I did manage to come up with a special afternoon snack with a few ingredients I found in the cupboard!  You can find the directions for these Viking Shield Cookies over at Catholic Cuisine.
Prayer to St Magnus
Sancti Magni Martyris tui, Domine, merita pretiosa nos tueantur, in quibus Majestatis tuae opera praedicantes, et praesens capiamus adjutorium pariter et futurum.

May the precious merits of Thy martyr St Magnus protect us, O Lord, by which, preaching the works of Thy Majesty, may we receive Thine aid both now and forever.
Saint Magnus, Ora Pro Nobis! 
Sponsor Love :: Quarterly Update & Current Specials

Sponsor Love :: Quarterly Update & Current Specials

by | May 2, 2015 | | 0 Comments

I have a few new sponsors to introduce you to this quarter including the brand new release from De Montfort Music, a lovely Etsy shop specializing in lace and ribbon, and a sweet friend and Catholic blogger who also has a little Etsy shop.  Regina Martyrum...

Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon

by | Apr 24, 2015 | , | 7 Comments

Fairy tales are more than true; not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten. ~ G. K. ChestertonHappy Feast of St. George! In the past our children loved slaying Dragon Cakes or decorating 3D Cookie Sugar...

Getting Ready for National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week

Getting Ready for National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week

by | Apr 22, 2015 | , | 13 Comments

American Life League's National Pro-Life T-Shirt Week is coming up next week (April 28 - May 4, 2015) and they are getting ready with 5-Days of Giveaways! Our four oldest children had so much fun completing a couple of the tasks this afternoon starting with...

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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Sean & Jessica, Captain-25, Ranger-24, Twinkle Toes-22, Chiquita-21, Snuggles-18, Rose-16, Bud-14, Grace-8 and Joy-6 (blog nicknames)

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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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