Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity

Tuesday Ten

2011-07-05T06:00:00.001-05:00

1. Dehydrating banana fruit leather. I found 20 lbs of banana's on clearnance. I can't pass up a wholesome snack for the kids.

2. I finished a marathon of cooking for the month ahead. Many, many meals in the freezer.

3. Scooter's baseball team begin playing in the World Series today.

4. Faithful Husband is recovering very well from nasal surgery. God is good!

5. Sugar Plum retured from 10 days at girls camp happy and healthy.

6. The remodel of our home is kind of at a stand still at the moment.

7. Southern Louisiana has experienced drough and stiffling heat compared to past summers...yet, we are thankful to be spared the tornados and flooding of other parts of the country.

8. Thankful that this duty station has placed amazing friends in our lives!

9. We are looking forward to our Dallas trip in September for the Cowboy Classic. 80,000 U of Oregon Duck and LSU fans in the new stadium for the college kick off! My dad and brother are flying in for the game too.

10. Our food plots are producing very well and my flowers are lovely... in need of water but lovely just the same!

ABC's of Kimberly

2011-06-28T20:24:00.001-05:00

Age: 36

Bed size: queen

Chore I dislike: fetching doggy... well, 'nuff said.

Dogs: two beautiful corgis

Essential start to your day: Unjury "iced mocha"

Favorite color: Purple. As apparent by the highlights in my hair.

Gold or silver: silver

Height: 5’ 6"

Instruments that you can play: air guitar

Job title: wife & mother

Kids: Scooter, 12 yr. Sugar Plum, 11 yr. Tuffy, 7 yr.

Live: Southern Louisiana

Mom’s name: Mom ;)

Nicknames: Faithful husband calls me "Honey." Just don't call me "Late for Supper" LOL! Or, Kim. I won't answer.

Overnight hospital stays: four

Pet peeve: The presumption that homeschooled children are backward, stupid and lack social skills to communicate with other human beings. I try not to judge and would appreciate an extension of that courtecy.
Quote from a movie: (Movie quote Snark could go on for days!)
While son is washing my Suburban: "Wax on, wax off." (The Karate Kid)
After a child has abused "Mom" too many times: "Bueller ... Bueller ... Bueller ..." (Ferris Bueller's Day OffBecause all girls want their Knight in Shiny Tin Foil say, "Nobody puts Baby in a cornor." (Dirty Dancing)
Because we have all seen rap dance moves: "Look, It's the African anteater ritual!" (Can't Buy Me Love) ....too many more...
Righty or lefty: Righty
Sibling: I'm first born; sister and two brothers
Time you wake up: 6:45, 8:45 Mass, 9:45 650 meters in the lap pool
Urban or Rural: Rural!
Vegetables: love 'em...all of them. Can't think of an icky one!
What makes you run late: Nothing. No excuse for late.
X-rays: dental
Yummy food you make: breads, cakes, cookies, ethnic foods-- beef stroganoff, enchladas, thai, smoked bbq, etc...
Zoo favorite animal: merekats because they have an observable hierarchy

Please copy and paste the ABC's of YOU the comments and let me learn a tid-bit about you!

Spiritual Adoption - Mother's Day Weekend

2011-04-30T03:00:00.002-05:00

St. Michael the Archangel - ONE MILLION ROSARIES FOR UNBORN BABIES

On May 6th, 2011 a 3-day spiritual battle begins for an end to the surgical and non-surgical killing of unborn human persons. It is anticipated that people from various places throughout the world will be praying the Rosary for this intention.

You must REGISTURE to be counted:
Please, do for the unborn babies that which they can not do for themselves: Pray at least one Rosary from May 6th - 8th for the intention to end abortion.

The website for St. Michael the Archangel - One Million Rosaries for Unborn Babies has links for pastors and bulletin inserts, too! Consider promoting in your parish---help those who can not help themselves.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, May 6th, 7th & 8th 2011

Stations of the Cross ~ Yes! With kids!

2011-03-11T09:38:00.000-06:00

I know what you are thinking! You are thinking how difficult it is to manage children in the solemn prayers of the Stations of the Cross, right?

Several years ago, when Scooter and Sugar Plum were two and three years old, I read an article that sparked my creativity. It helped the children focus *quietly* in Church as we walked and prayed with Jesus through the Stations of the Cross. Even though our kids are 11, 9 & 6...they still like to hold the manipulative's while we pray...at Church or at home.

In the album, the Stations of the Cross prints are there for the kids to see Jesus' agony. They can turn the pages with each passing station. In recent years for our older children, I have updated each station with the prayer response for Stations of the Cross, coordinating scripture passage and the common song verse used in Stations of the Cross services. This little book helps us celebrate at home too.

In the wash bowl are all the hands-on manipulative's for the children to search and discover at each station. They can feel the compassion and see how Jesus might have felt as he walked the hill to His execution.

Stations & Hands-on Materials

4x6 photo album organizes the prints, scripture & prayers
4x6 14 Stations of the Cross prints by Vicentini
walnut wash bowl organizes the manipulative's

Prayer before each station:

We adore Thee, O Christ, and bless Thee.
Because by Thy holy cross Thou hast redeemed the world.

Song after each station:
Where You There When? (You Tube sample)
Where You There? (Lyrics)

Station 1: Jesus is condemned to death &
Pilate washes his hands of the execution
Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 27:24 or John 19:19
Item: walnut wash bowl
First verse of song

Station 2: Jesus takes up His cross
Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 27:26-27
Item: a plain wooden cross
First verse of song

Station 3: Jesus falls the first time
Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 27:26-31
Item: small jagged gravel rock
First verse of song

Station 4: Jesus meets His Blessed Mother
Prayer
Scripture: John 19:26-28
Item: small statue of Mary
First verse of song

Station 5: Simon of Cyrene, and egg merchant, helps Jesus carry his cross
Prayer
Scripture: Luke 23:26 or Matthew 27:32
Item: ceramic or plastic egg
First verse of song

Station 6: Veronica wipes the face of JesusPrayer
Greek history tells us her name was actually Sheraphia, the wife of an influential member of the Sanhedrin. She had long been a secret follower of Jesus and her unheard of approach to the prisoner was permitted by the soldiers only because of the exalted rank of her husband who stares at his wife unbelieving with amazement. The kindly woman wipes the face of the Master with her veil on which the image of His features was later found almost perfectly preserved in the dried blood. (virtues: faith, hope & charity)
Item: beige muslin cloth
First verse of song

Station 7: Jesus falls the second time
Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 27:27-31
Item: small jagged gravel rock
Second verse of song

Station 8: Jesus speaks to the women and children
Prayer
Scripture: Luke 23:25-30
Item: prayer card or small statue of Jesus teaching the women and children
Second verse of song

Station 9: Jesus falls the third time
Prayer
Scripture: John 19:16-17
Item: small jagged gravel rock
Second verse of song

Station 10: Jesus is stripped of His clothing and the soldiers cast lots for His tunic
Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 27:35 or Luke 23:24
Item: pair of dice
Second verse of song

Station 11: Jesus is nailed to the cross
Prayer
Scripture: Luke 23:31-33 or John 19:18-20
Item: a really long, long nail (tapped dull on the tip with a hammer for safety)
Second verse of song

Station 12: Jesus dies of the cross
Prayer
Scripture: Mark 15:34-39 or Matthew 27:45-54 or Luke 23:44-48 or John 19:26-30
Item: Crucifix
Second verse of song

Station 13: Jesus is taken down from the cross
Prayer
Scripture: Mark 15:34 or Matthew 27:55-56 or Luke 23:49
Item: small statue of the Pieta
Third verse of song

Station 14: Jesus is wrapped in the burial cloth and placed in the tomb
Prayer
Scripture: Matthew 27:56-65 or Mark 15:40-47 Luke 23: 50-56
Item: beige muslin cloth and a larger "tomb" rock
Third verse of song

Easter Sunday
Station 15: The Resurrection
Prayer
Scripture: John 20:5-17 or Mark 16: 1-6 or Luke 24:1-10
Item: Risen Christ Crucifix
Forth verse of song

This is one of my kids' favorite books all through the year.

Mrs. Mardi Gras

2011-03-08T16:12:00.000-06:00

Saint George & the Dragon

Yes, I realize that translates into Mrs. Fat Tuesday. Not exactly a pretty picture, which is to say some of my photos from Mardi Gras aren't that pretty or at least decent for public viewership. My husband agreed to take me down to New Orleans (we just live an hour away) for the traditional parades since we've never been. We went. We saw. We had a GREAT time! With much gratitude to our dear friends for keeping our kids. Going to confession is one thing. Spilling the beans to my priest about the delinquency of a minor at Mardi Gras is quite another. ;) We got the low-down on the safest place to be and where people kept their clothes on.

No description could do the parades justice. It was very interesting. The floats were creative and beautiful---the time and effort was obvious.

Alice's Adventure is Wonderland

King Rex's Dukes

King Rex King of Mardi Gras

Friar Tuck from Robin Hood

Add caption

Spiritual Adoption - at home and in your parish

2011-03-02T03:00:00.003-06:00

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PRAYER

Dear Jesus, child of Mary, I love you and thank you for your unconditional love. I plead with you to save the life of ______________________and ______________________, the unborn children whom we have spiritually adopted and whose lives are threatened by abortion. May these children be allowed to grow in wisdom, age and strength in your presence and in the sight of all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. +Amen.

St. Michael the Archangel - ONE Million Rosaries for the Unborn

Respect Life Curriculum & Pro-Life Education Programs

Spiritual Adoption - Make LIFE a Choice too

2011-02-23T03:00:00.001-06:00

Praying to End Abortion - You Tube
Can I Live? (Nick Cannon) - You Tube

"The nearer Christ comes to a heart, the more it becomes conscious of its guilt; it will then either ask for His mercy and find peace, or else it will turn against Him because it is not yet ready to give up its sinfulness." Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen

If legalized abortion is such a healthy "choice" and 1 out of every 3 American pre-born children have been aborted since 1970---then why aren't people talking about it openly? That means at least 50% of your friends and family members have experienced the silent genocide.

Adopt a Child to be saved in the womb for the next 40 weeks pray.

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PRAYER

Dear Jesus, child of Mary, I love you and thank you for your unconditional love. I plead with you to save the life of ______________________and ______________________, the unborn children whom we have spiritually adopted and whose lives are threatened by abortion. May these children be allowed to grow in wisdom, age and strength in your presence and in the sight of all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. +Amen.

You can also click on the Tags to read previous posts. God Bless!

Spiritual Adoption & Healing

2011-02-16T03:00:00.002-06:00

Resources for Post-Abortive Women and Men

Priests for Life: Here is a beautiful page of testimonials from men and women, abortion survivors, former abortion providers, rape survivors, teen pregnancy, forced abortion stories, etc... You are NOT alone in this journey! If abortion is legal and a "good-work for humanity" then why doesn't anyone talk openly about it? Why is abortion hush-hush if it's such a great "choice."

Healing & Recovery

Silent No More

For Fathers in need of healing

Rachel's Vineyard post-abortive healing

If you know of other programs or want to share links to promote healing, please post them here.

And, please consider Spiritually Adoption a Child of your own!

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PRAYER

Dear Jesus, child of Mary, I love you and thank you for your unconditional love. I plead with you to save the life of ______________________and ______________________, the unborn children whom we have spiritually adopted and whose lives are threatened by abortion. May these children be allowed to grow in wisdom, age and strength in your presence and in the sight of all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. +Amen.

Spiritual Adoption

2011-02-09T03:00:00.003-06:00

Consider all of God's creation and ask yourself who is the most protected. Is it the Bald Eagle in the wild wilderness of Alaska? Is it the Tiger in the dense thickets in China? Is it the bay or river filled with fish? Is it the tree standing silently in the forest? Or, is it the delicate unborn child in his mother's womb? In the United States it is legal to burn to death a pre-born baby with saline. It is also legal to open the womb, vacuum out the body of a pre-born baby and cut it to shreds. Bald eagles, tigers, fish and even tree's have more laws protecting them than human beings are afforded.

The scourge of a nation.

The American Genocide

For the past 38 years ONE court case has set the precedent for all pre-born human beings. Thousands of appeals and non-violent measures, marches and protests have been staged and yet the law of the land excuses modern medicine and modern understanding of human development to a law passed in 1970---two years before I was born. I'm lucky to be alive...one in three pre-born humans are slaughtered at all stages of development; from the morning after conception ("Morning After/Emergency" Abortifacient) to the child's 26th week of development (Partial Birth Abortion)--and as we just saw on the national state late-late term illegal abortions 30 weeks+ are performed in the US too.) What we know now that we didn't know in 1970 was the the tiny microscopic life of a pre-born child starts to beat in regular rhythm in it's 4th week of life...just a mere 22 days in the womb. Consider that most women don't even realize they are pregnant until the 5th week of pregnancy...and schedule "the (shh!) appointment" in the 8th to 10th week...when the pre-born baby has discernible fingers, toes, tooth buds, eye lids, fused spinal column and the kidney's are producing urine.

I am writing to ask you to Spiritually Adopt a pre-born child of your own. Your participation in a Spiritual Adoption is simple: pray. Pray daily. Pray for your Spiritually Adopted child's well being in his or her mothers womb.

My children could not decide if they wanted to pray for a boy or girl, so we are praying for fraternal twins: a boy and a girl. Multiples are life issue as well. With the advent of "selective reduction," where the mother chooses one or two of her multiples to life while the rest are selected to die.

Pray this prayer daily for your Spiritually Adopted child(ren):

SPIRITUAL ADOPTION PRAYER

Dear Jesus, child of Mary, I love you and thank you for your unconditional love. I plead with you to save the life of ______________________and ______________________, the unborn children whom we have spiritually adopted and whose lives are threatened by abortion. May these children be allowed to grow in wisdom, age and strength in your presence and in the sight of all. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. +Amen.

Our twins, conceived on March 9th--Ash Wednesday-- will be born at the end of November...just in time to snuggle in for a peaceful Advent and to celebrate their very first Christ-mas.

Do House Wives Have a Fiat?

2011-02-06T03:59:00.001-06:00

If we changed our employment status to Domestic Engineers; would it come with a pay check, paid vacation and sick time, a benefits package and a regular performance bonus?

Recalling a recent conversation with a girlfriend regarding one of those days of 'home maker' chaos without a tangible pay check, I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to announce:

"I am proud to be an Average House Wife!"

In our current toilet bowl economy even Engineers are being laid off and bonus' are being frozen. Stick with House Wife...it is minimum wage and slow growth is better suited for raising a family.

At least we earn the pay of a day laborer of growing kids:

Hearing the first giggle of our infants
Hearing the first word
Seeing the first attempt at crawling
Seeing the first steps
Smelling a fresh picked dandelion "gift"
Sharing daily hugs and kisses
Feeling the wonder & discovery along with them
Experiencing the joy from a well earned grade

Our promotions are few and far between:

Graduation from diapers to underwear
Nurturing Responsibility: from pulling the cats tail to feeding the cat
Sippy cups to broken bones
Learning to read to academic achievement
First prayers to touching God in the Sacraments
Being timid to being the leader of a team
Clinging to our apron strings to building life long friendships

This is one career field that I don't mind being average because honestly this is one average that far exceeds any amount of pay, bonus or vacation/benefits package of a high paying job. Sometimes our work environment stinks (sometimes literally) and I really would like that vacation...but in the end being an average House Wife is my vocation ordained to me by God and I promised Him I would fulfil this duty to my up-most and raise His children to Sainthood.

I'm proud to be an Average ~~House Wife~~ Handmaid.

And Mary said: My soul doth magnify the Lord. And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. Because he hath regarded the humility of His Handmaid... (Luke 1:46-55)

Gaudete Sunday: Jesse Tea

2010-12-26T09:59:00.001-06:00

You can search "Jesse Tea" to find various versions on Cottage Blessings & Shower of Roses, this is our version adapted from both of those wonderfully, faith filled sights and from the book, "A Treasure Chest of Traditions for Catholic Families" (pg 32-33.)

Our version was similar in nature, following the traditional Jesse Tree. Each Old Testament story was mounted and each family member had an opportunity to read the story or re-tell it from memory (for those beginner readers!)

Foretell the coming of Jesus, the Christ:

Fall of Man Genesis 3:4-6
sliced apples with gummy serpent (worm)

Noah's Ark Genesis 6:12-16 & 9:12-17

deviled egg ark

rainbow colored dessert
animal crackers

Stars of Abraham Genesis 15:4-5

star shaped cookies or tea sandwiches

Isaac's Bundle of Sticks for the Holocaust Genesis 22:6-13

pretzel sticks tied with a piece of string cheese

Jacob's Dream & Ladder Genesis 28:11-13

pretzel sticks to build Jacob's ladder

Joseph's Coat of Many Colors Genesis 37:3-4

peanut butter tea sandwich with rainbow colored sprinkles
(see Cottage Blessing for direction)

Moses & the Burning Bush
Exodus 3:2-3

broccoli with french dressing

Moses & the 10 Commandments
Exodus 34:4-5
Pepperidge Farms Milano cookie with melted chocolate piped roman numerals

The Root of Jesse Isaiah 11:1-10

root veggie: carrot
flower shaped cookie
flower center piece

David & Goliath 1Kings 17:12-51
star shaped meat and cheese tea sandwich

NEW Testament foretelling of Christ

Bethlehem means "House of Bread"
Matthew 2:3-6 basket of rolls

John, the baptist Matthew 3:1-4

honey for the bread

Jonas & the Whale Matthew 12:40
Stouffers Whale Crackers

Archangel Gabriel foretells the Coming of the Messiah

Luke 1:26-33

angel shaped chocolates or cookies

Dec 6: Feast of Saint Nicholas in photo

2010-12-26T08:56:00.003-06:00

Scooter discoveres nice sports glasses
in his stocking

Sugar Plum & Tuffy open their stockings

Faithful Husband has
a "thing" for pigs

Ornament 2010

Our feast and blog post from 2009

The Twelve Day's of Christmas

2010-12-25T22:29:00.004-06:00

We all know the tune and even though the history is a debated part of Internet lore, the fact remains that it's an excellent opportunity to review our Catholic faith. Since the song is up for debate, there are plenty of numerical values that might fit the song, not to mention make it easier to prepare a feast!

1st: Partridge in a Pear Tree
Symbol: Jesus on the cross, redeemer
Feast: It's Sunday, go to Holy Mass.
There is no better symbol of our Redeemer
than in the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

2nd: Two Turtle Doves Symbol: The Old and New Testament
Feast: two chocolate, caramel and pecan turtles for dessert

3rd: Three French Hens
Symbol: Caspar, Melchior & Balthazar, three wise men followed a star to pay Jesus homage
Feast: star shaped tea sandwiches

4th: Four Calling Birds
Symbol: four gospel writers
Feast: cookie bars decorated like bibles

5th: Five Golden Rings
Symbol: five books of the Old Testament that tell the story of the fall of man.
Feast: five gold coins with white paper centers that have the name of each book written (the golden outline will look like wedding bands)

6th: Geese-a-laying
Symbol: Six days of Creation
Feast: personal pizza globes

7th: Swans-a-swimming
Symbol: Seven Sacraments
Feast: It's a Holy Day of Obligation. Go to Holy Mass and celebrate the Liturgy of the Eucharist.

8th: Maids-a-milking
Symbol: Eight Beatitudes
Feast: bread bowl knotted into the number eight. One half filled with spinach dip, the other filled with artichoke dip.

9th: Ladies Dancing
Symbol: Nine Charisms (Fruits) of the Holy Spirit
Feast: create a Holy spirit wind sock with the nine charisms

10th: Lords-a-leaping
Symbol: Ten Commandments
Feast: Pepperidge Farms Mint Milano cookies decorated to look like the Tablets.

11th: Pipers Piping
Symbol: Eleven FAITHFUL Apostles at the Last Supper
Feast: gingerbread "hosts"

12th: Drummers Drumming
Symbol: Twelve points of the Apostles creed
Feast: King Cake & the Blessing of the House 20+C+M+B+11

Merry Christmas

2010-12-25T22:27:00.003-06:00

Can a boy named Scooter become the ideal Altar Boy?

2010-12-21T08:50:00.002-06:00

For the last several weeks, Father asked Scooter to join the other 6th and 7th grade boys from our parish school to join in daily discernment on becoming an Altar Boy. Father went over the various rolls and duties of being an Alter Server as well as the importance of discerning if this is the ministry to which each boy is called. Each boy needed to assess their availability and commitment to the Church as well as their regular state of grace and reception of the Sacrament of Confession before serving at the Table of the Lord.

Sunday, December 19th, 2010 ~ Fourth Sunday of Advent

Scooter is vested as an Alter Boy.

It was a surprise to Faithful husband and I. As a result, I don't have any photos except from a girlfriends camera phone. Everytime someone else's boy is vested, I cry with joy. I tried to hold back the tears as Faithful husband dropped the white surplice over top of Scooters black cassock. Happiness doesn't even begin to describe our thankfulness to his calling.

We had a small celebration for Scooter with broccoli and shrimp quiche and an Alter Boy Cookie Cake.

Rest assured, like any good mother would, I will have my camera this weekend to capture a photo after Scooter vests for Holy Mass.

Calling All Brainiacs!!

2010-12-15T16:11:00.001-06:00

Biology is part of what has kept me away. My dear friend, Suzanne, has volunteered to teach biology complete with the coolest of cool dissection labs!! All three kids are taking the course with the appropriate modifications but we are doing the dissections together. This is Suzanne's Classically Catholic blog post from last Friday's Sheep Brain Dissection Lab with more photos and a great description! Thank you Suzanne!!

And, Suzanne's link to the cow's eye dissection. Unfortunately, we missed this one due to a mysterious fever.

Advent, Christmas & Epiphany

2010-12-15T15:57:00.000-06:00

Don't forget to take a peek into our liturgical journal. Look in the left column for the title, "Labels." There you will find links to 1st-4th week of Advent, Christmas, Christmas Baking & Epiphany.

Ero Cras!

Keeping My Head Above Water

2010-12-15T15:52:00.000-06:00

I really have not thrown in the towel on this blog however it has gone on the back burner for now. A number of events prevent me to putting coherent thoughts to ~~paper~~ post.

We had an awesome adventure in Oregon. Being with my sister and seeing the birth of my nephew has been the ultimate blessing. I am so in love with him! Nothing this year...or maybe even next year will top that experience. I am so proud of my amazing sister. I love her so much. I do wish we lived closer. I feel like I'm missing all this time bonding with my nephew, my heart aches.

So, as any decent self respecting Auntie would do...she sends him gifts! And, as any self respecting home school mother, she sends gifts of BOOKS! I have coached my sister into saying, "Aunt Kimberly, sent you this story. This is one of Aunt Kimberly's all time favorites. Aunt Kimberly loves you...to the moon and back." I told her to say my name frequently! Of course, I sent him a giant 8x10 portrait of myself. My nephew *will* know my name & recognise me when I see him again!! I just know it... xxfingers-crossedxx

Our Lady of Fatima & the Miracle of the Sun - 10/13/10

2010-10-09T00:06:00.000-05:00

The Call of Fatima is to prayer, penance, and conversion of life. This is the Gospel Message of our Lord Jesus Christ.

And yet, it took a miracle of the sun "dancing" to get peoples' attention. This is only to highlight the words of Our Lady to a call to prayer, penance, love of the Lord, obedience to the Church, prayer for the Holy Father, and especially the Eucharistic message of Fatima, which preceded the appearances of our Lady by the Angel of Portugal who taught the children how to adore our Lord in the Holy Eucharist.

Lúcia Santos, Jacinta and Francisco Marto

The Children of Fatima

America Needs Fatima
Coloring page
Audio Sancto
Miracle of OL of Fatima
St. Joseph Pic Book
Mary Fabyan Windeatt
Keeping it Catholic -The Fatima Series
Catholic Icing (craft)

Miracle of the Sun dessert

Miracle of the Sun Dessert

1 - Round short bread cookie with a whole in the center.
2 - Coat with refrigerated icing.
3 - Candy corn pattern around the cookie.

Our Lady of the Rosary Craft

2010-10-08T23:27:00.000-05:00

This was very simple to create and
for the kids to work on as we prayed a rosary.
1 - On GREEN STEM paper, print the 4 Mysteries.
2 - On YELLOW CENTER paper, print the Our Father
5 times for each decade.
3 - On COORDINATING PETAL paper, print the
Hail Mary 10 times.
Cut & paste!

Feast of St. Faustina

2010-10-05T03:35:00.000-05:00

I didn't realize until I was planning St. Faustina's feast that this year is the Golden Jubilee celebration!! How exciting!! Read more on the Shrine website. If you are in the Stockbridge, MA area I urge you to take advantage of the celebration unfolding today (Oct 5th) or make plans for a Golden Jubilee Pilgrimage.

Link to last year's Feast: Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity feast 2009

Our trip to Oregon....in pictures

2010-10-04T12:44:00.000-05:00

Baby Shower -Aunt & Niece

Eugene Emeralds Baseball game
This is my baby brother.

Oregon Ducks Football game

Highlights week 1:

Dorris Ranch - Oregon History

Ems Baseball game

Oregon Ducks Football game

Baby shower for my sister

Bike riding all over Eugene

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sugar Plum & Tuffy climb Pirate Ship

Highlights Week 2:

Sturgeon Hatchery
Eugene Farmers Market
Oregon Beaches
Willamette River bike ride
McKenzie River day trip

McKenzie River

Sturgeon Hatchery

Kimberly - McKenzie River

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Highlights Week 3: Baby Arrives!!

Cousins

Tuffy looks at Baby Cousin for the first time!
"Mom, did I used to be this small?"

Sugar Plum bonds with her cousin -
She assisted with his birth and cut the cord!

Auntie Kimberly loves on her nephew!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Week Four Highlights: ROAD TRIP!!! (Coming Soon!)

Catholic TV Station

2010-10-02T20:58:00.000-05:00

We do not have access to "Catholic TV" yet. Therefore, I can not make a judgement on "Catholic TV"'s content. Of course, nothing will ever match the consistent quality and tried and true content of EWTN---no liberal funny business there!!

Here is a new station looking for Catholic families, like us, to request their content on for our cable or satellite providers. This is the link to make a request for your zip code. Catholic TV

Thank you, Jesus, for inspiring talented minds and pure hearts to create quality Catholic programming for traditional Catholic families. +Amen.

October Liturgical Plans

2010-10-01T21:17:00.000-05:00

October is dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary! Catholic Icing is hosting a Rosary Party Link up! What a fun way to get the family to build a nightly rosary routine!

I thought that these lesson plan links were pretty handy last month. I liked all my handouts in one place. This is the collection of goodies I have used over the years. Of course, it would be impossible to do all of these----not only would I go crazy but the kids would be so bored year after year. Most feast days are planned with a dinner or snack in mind from the Saint's home country or something that exemplifies the a point in the Saint's life. As always, go back through Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity for ideas in celebrating past feast days.

1st: St. Therese of the Child Jesus (Lisieux)
Catholic How To Draw, pg. 36, 56, or 96
Mary Fabyan Windeantt
Catholic Fenestrae Fidei
Waltzing Matilda coloring pages (2 - youthful girl & Sister Therese)
A Year With God, pg. 240, 217, 174
Shower of Roses - Lots of ideas!

2nd: Feast of the Guardian Angels
St. Joseph Picture Book
A Year with God, pg. 204, 202, 203, 123
Waltzing Matilda
Seton Art 1, pg. 43
Fenestrae Fidei
Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity (Feast 2009)

4th: St. Francis of Assisi
A Catholic How to Draw, pg. 92
St Joseph Picture Book
A Year With God, pg 241
Waltzing Matilda
Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity (Feast 2009)

5th: St Faustina Kowalska (Divine Mercy)
Waltzing Matilda
Fenestrae Fidei
Shower of Roses - Lots of ideas!!
Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity (Feast 2009)

6th: St. Bruno
Waltzing Matilda

7th: Our Lady of the Rosary
Seton Art I, pg. 45
Waltzing Matilda
A Year with God, pg.205, 55, 130-132
A Catholic How to Draw, pg. 10
Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity (Feast 2009)
Rosary Coloring Book (Family Feast & Feria)
Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity Recipe (Feast 2009)
Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity Craft (Feast 2010)

11th: Blessed Pope John XXIII
(looking for goodies, let me know if you have something for me!)

13th: St. Edward the Confessor
Waltzing Matilda
Our Lady of Fatima - Miracle of the Sun
Saint's Faith Hope & Charity (craft & dessert)

15th: St. Teresa of Avila
A Year with God, pg. 242
Waltzing Matilda

16th: St. Margaret Mary of Alacoqe
A Year with God, pg. 243
Waltzing Matilda
Saint's Faith, Hope & Charity (Feast 2009)

17th: St Ignatius of Antioch
(Searching for Goodies...have any?)

18th: St. Luke
A Year with God, pg. 244
Waltzing Matilda

19th: St. Isaac Jogues, John de Brebeuf & companions
Saints of the America's Coloring & Activity Book

20th: St. Paul of the Cross
(Looking for ideas...please!)

23rd: St Jonh Capistrano
Waltzing Matilda

24th: St. Anthony Claret
Saints of the America's Coloring & Activity Book

27th: St Tekla of Ethiopia
Fenestrae Fidei

28th: St's. Simon and Jude, apostles
St Joseph Picture Book
A Year with God, pg. 245

31st: Church Militant Prays for Holy Souls
Details to come!

September Liturgical Plans

2010-08-23T00:50:00.000-05:00

I am going to post the month in advance so I will be able to access my favorite coloring sheets and art projects from Oregon without toting my calendar and all my workbooks! If this doesn't turn out to be a disaster, this could be a regular feature. For a few of these you will need to plan ahead and order the materials.

Catholic Culture is our regular calendar guide. There are biographies and activity suggestions right at your finger tips. Now that my children are older, the biographies are a regular part of their morning reading session.

Any give date can be celebrated with crafts, games, food, dress up and family fun! Let your imagination run wild. If you have any favorite links, tips or ideas for September feasts, please post them!!

September

3rd: St. Gregory the Great

5th: Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcuta 1
Fenestrae Fidei

8th: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
A Catholic How to Draw pg 32 Mother Mary
Theme: Celebrate Mary's Birthday!

9th: St. Peter Claver
Fenestrae Fidei
A Year with God pg 237
This is a great saint to reivew the Corporal Works of Mercy Faith Folder

12th: Most Holy Name of Mary
Theme: Carry over the Birthday party for Mary and honor her very name

14th: Triumph of the Cross -- Mmm! Hot Cross Buns!
A Catholic How to Draw pg 52, 80 or 100
A Year with God pg 199

15th: Our Lady of Sorrows
A Year with God pg 200

16th: St's Cornelis and Cyprian
Today would be a great day to read the Divine Office since St Cyprian's words are often used to glorify our Heavenly Father.

17th: St Robert Bellarmine
Hell and Its Torments
10 Commandment Faith Folder and/or Confession Faith Folder

18th: St. Joseph of Cupertino , the Levitating Priest
A Year with God pg 258

20th: St Andrew Kim Taegon, St Paul Chong Hasang & Companions
Mmm Korean food tonight!!

21st: St Matthew, the Apostle
St Joesph Picture Book - The Twelve Apostles
Mary Fabyan Windeatt - St Matthew
A Catholic Story Coloring Book

23rd: St. Padre Pio
St. Padre Pio at celebrating Holy Mass
movie and A Year with God pg 96
Prayer of Padre Pio after Holy Communion

27th: St. Vincent de Paul and A Year with God pg 239

28th: St. Wenceslas

29th: This is a BIG feast at our house!! Feast of the Archangels
A Year with God pg 201, 202, 203
The Archangels
St Gabriel, St Michael, St. Raphael
A Catholic How To Draw pg 48 and pg 72
St. Joseph Picture Book

30th: St. Jerome

"To Renew All Things in Christ"

2010-08-18T21:05:00.000-05:00

Pope Saint Pius X
Feast Day: Saturday, August 21
I have a special love for Pope Saint Pius X
with his simple message to "renew all things in Christ."

Catholic Culture - biography & prayer
Saint of the Day - biography
Lovely coloring page & quote
Recipe Ideas for the patron saint of Holy Communicants

from the Eucharistic Adoration Coloring Book

Litany of Pope Saint Pius X

Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.

Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.

God the Father of Heaven, Have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, Have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, Have mercy on us.

Holy Trinity, One God, Have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, Pray for us.
Saint Joseph, Patron of the Universal Church, Pray for us.

Saint Pius X, model for priests,
Saint Pius X, wise bishop,
Saint Pius X, humble cardinal and patriarch,

Saint Pius X, zealous Pope for his flock,
Saint Pius X, pious teacher,
Saint Pius X, devoted to the poor,

Saint Pius X, consoler of the sick,
Saint Pius X, lover of poverty,
Saint Pius X, humble of heart,

Saint Pius X, faithful to duty,
Saint Pius X, heroic in the practice of all virtues,
Saint Pius X, filled with the spirit of self-sacrifice,

Saint Pius X, who didst aim to restore all things in Christ,
Saint Pius X, who didst bring little children to the the Altar rail,
Saint Pius X, who didst counsel daily and frequent Communion for all,

Saint Pius X, who didst urge us to know and to love the Holy Mass,
Saint Pius X, who didst seek everywhere the diffusion of Christian teaching,
Saint Pius X, who didst withstand and reprove all heresies,

Saint Pius X, who didst teach us righteous Catholic Action,
Saint Pius X, who didst consecrate the faithful to the lay apostolate,
Saint Pius X, who didst wish to be known as a poor pastor of souls,
Saint Pius X, who answereth the prayers of those who cry to thee,

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Spare us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Graciously hear us, O Lord.
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Have mercy on us.

V. Pray for us, Saint Pius X,

R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let Us Pray.

O God, who didst fill the soul of Saint Pius X with a burning charity andcalled him to be the Vicar of Christ, grant that through his intercessionwe may follow in the footsteps of Jesus, Our Divine Master; and mayour prayers to this saintly Pope be fruitful for life both here and hereafter,through the same Christ Our Lord.

R. Amen.

Catholic Home Schooling - While the Eyes of the Great are Elsewhere

2010-08-17T10:50:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday, September 9, 2008
Marianne Bartold
wrote a piece that is worth
it's weight and worthy of a
re-read at the beginning
of every school year.

Catholic Home Schooling -
While the Eyes of the Great are Elsewhere

Search Marianne Bartold's blog for
a vast selection of superior reads,
such as No Greater Work: Education in the Modernist Era
and Christ in the Family: The Christian Education of Youth

Classical Liberal Arts Academy

2010-08-16T21:04:00.000-05:00

Classical Liberal Arts Academy

The CLAA is a pure and classic curriculum provider for Catholic home-schooling families around the world. CLAA is unique in that their study program is oriented not toward college admission or even future employment, but around sanctification. The core of our study program is Catechises, Biblical studies and Prayer.

We believe that Psalm 1 offers students the surest guide to happiness:

"Happy those who do not follow the counsel of the wicked,
Nor go the way of sinners, nor sit in company with scoffers.
Rather, the law of the LORD is their joy; God's law they study day and night.
They are like a tree planted near streams of water,
that yields its fruit in season; Its leaves never wither; whatever they do prospers."

Now, if it is true that "whatever they do prospers", who would want any plan for life but this?! Confident in the Scriptures, we put our faith to work and lead their students (and families) to do just this. We do not worry about what non-Christians are doing and we do not seek their counsel. We trust not in our own knowledge, but in a living and present God who fills His people with fruit that endures forever.

We invite you to visit the CLAA's award-winning website!

Mr. Michael's web site has a lot of information on classical learning in addition to instant audio talks for parents and a few for the kids too.

Scooter, Sugar Plum and Tuffy will begin working their way through the phases of classical training when we return from Oregon. I am pleased to say a family friend (Our Domestic Church) will also be taking the plunge along with us. We have prayed long and hard for an opportunity to present itself and here it has!! Thank you Lord!! CLAA is an answer to my three year prayer.

In addition to the core course of study in listed on CLAA's website, the have also been invited to take a phenomenal Biology course through another family friend on Classically Catholic. We have big things ahead this coming school year...and all things are possible with the Lord.

Praise You, Jesus!

Lesson Planning...uhm, I think it will just have to wait!

2010-08-16T19:15:00.000-05:00

My only sister is preparing for the birth of her very first child. <> It's a BOY and my very first biological child to make me a biological AUNTIE! I can not wait to to see my sister at the end of the month. I have missed her entire pregnancy but I will be there for the final week (or two) and for the final push! Faithful Husband and I have had a blast picking up little blue boy things. Early on, shopping in Target, I found the cutest newborn onesie bodysuit that read, "Auntie Said I Could..." So, cute. I'm not usually a fan of things written on my babies but this was one exception I could make. This is *my* nephew!!

The second best part of the arrival of Baby Nephew is that the kids and I will spend a whole month in Oregon trekking around the mountain side. I started planning the trip recently and have narrowed down the path of our little expedition. We will take an estimated eight days to drive and camp a loop from the central Willamette Valley, up to Mt. St. Helen's (for whom I was just in first grade and remember when she blew her top 30 years ago), through the John Day Fossil Beds and Caverns, through the Columbia River Gorge, south through Mt Hood National Forest to Mt Jefferson National Forest and back home via the Deschutes National Forest to see Mt Bachelor. The kids are fascinated with the active volcano range and my memories of the massive explosion as a kid. My mother has a photo collection that I'd love to scan...and somewhere in the stack of memories is a baggie of volcanic ash.

When I lived at home I took the scenery for granted. I always knew home was a beautiful place to live---but it was home---the scenic beauty and how it was all created by volcanic eruption. Or, how the glacial erratics that carved the Columbia Gorge and Willamette Valley into scenic and fertile farm land just never occurred to me. This time as I share it with my kids and tell them stories of the fish I caught, the bears I saw, the fire that destroyed, the hikes we took, the campfires we shared...I hope to build in them the same lasting memories that I have of my home state.

Hail to thee, Land of Promise, My Oregon
Land of the Empire Builders, Land of the Golden West;

Conquered and held by free men, Fairest and the best.

On-ward and upward ever, Forward and on, and on;

Hail to thee, Land of the Heroes, My Oregon.

Land of the rose and sunshine, Land of the summer's breeze;

Laden with health and vigor, Fresh from the western seas.

Blest by the blood of martyrs, Land of the setting sun;

Hail to thee, Land of Promise, My Oregon.

Livin' On A Prayer

2010-08-16T17:31:00.000-05:00

Karen has tagged me in a new meme. A "meme" (which ryhmes with 'cream') is a game or idea that spreads quickly through the internet. I am going to play along because talking to God, aka prayer, is always a good idea!

My Favorite Catholic Prayers

The rules are these:
~Step 1: Name your three most favorite Catholic devotional prayers, and explain why they're your favorites. (The Liturgy and the Sacraments are off limits here. This meme is only interested in people's favorite devotional prayers.)
~Step 2: Tag five bloggers you admire and ask them to play this meme.
~Step 3: Tell the person who tagged you that you've completed the meme.

Kimberly's Favorite Prayers

The Lord's Prayer- Not only is it probably the very first prayer I ever memorized so I have some childhood joy attached but it's also the prayer the Jesus himself taught us. The Lord's Prayer is over flowing in graces from start to finish! One could argue that it's "liturgical" but since we are instructed to "pray without ceasing" this is usually the prayer most people go with because it speaks volumes but also if it is truly prayed, it's also one of them most humbling.

Our Father, who art in Heaven---what a blessing to adore a heavenly Father than loves and forgives us. We don't address Him as coldly and formally as 'Sir'...Father, He's our Father.

hallowed be Thy name--no one's name is exalted higher than God, the Father's.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven--the Holy Mass is heaven come to earth. Heaven really is something more special and out of the ordinary to look forward to because Holy Mass is unbelievably amazing and blessed. He sent Jesus, his only Son, to earth for the redemption of our souls and to offer us daily the Bread of Life...wow...heaven is something pretty spectacular.

Give us this day our Daily Bread--the only Bread of Life, but Jesus' Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity for us. (John 6) The real Wonder bread...but without the yeast.

Forgive us our trespasses and we forgive those who trespass against us--bowing before God is an honor. He has forgiven us for everything we have done and well ever do again if we should just ask His forgiveness with a repentant heart. We are obliged to do the same for our fellow brothers and sisters.

Lead us not into temptation and deliver us from evil---how powerful, it's like a daily exorcism for the soul.

For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and glory for ever.--The Alpha and the Omega.

Amen.--Of course we wrap it up with an 'Amen.' Our AMEN should be loud, proud and strong. Amen means truly, absolutely, without question, without doubt...I agree to ALL the above statements I just re-confirmed to God, the Almighty.

Secondly, I'm gonna have to go with the Divine Mercy Chaplet and the meditation of the five wounds of Christ...the bloody feet that carried His earthly body to complete the good-works of God. the bloody right hand that healed. the bloody left hand that blessed. the bloody scalp where the crown of thorns were thrust. the pierced side where blood and baptismal forgiveness flowed.

Eternal Father, I offer you the Body and Blood, Soul and Divinity of Your Dearly Beloved Son, Our Lord, Jesus Christ, in atonement for our sins and those of the whole world.

For the sake of His sorrowful Passion, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Holy God, Holy Mighty One, Holy Immortal One, have mercy on us and on the whole world.

Thirdly, The Morning Offering---what a GREAT way to begin everyday!
O Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, I offer You my prayers, works, joys and sufferings of this day for all the intentions of Your Sacred Heart, in union with the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass throughout the world, in reparation for my sins, for the intentions of all my relatives and friends, and in particular for the intentions of the Holy Father. +Amen.

I taught my toddlers to sing this version:

Good Morning Jesus this day's for You. Bless all I think, all I say, all I do.

Good Morning Jesus this day's for You. Bless all I think, all I say, all I do. (yell) AMEN!

Tag! You're IT!!Rachel @ Our Domestic Church
Suzanne @ Classically Catholic
Tiffany @ Family at the Foot of the Cross
Lacy @ Catholic Icing
JMJ @ Totus Tuus Family

Kimberly @ Saint's Faith, Hope and Charity has tagged you...keep it going!

A Return to School

2010-08-09T23:47:00.000-05:00

Dear God...

Bless all children this day, O God.

Instruct them...

Give them inquiring minds and discerning hearts.

Strengthen them...

Give them courage to persevere in all the undertake.

Delight them...

Give them the gift of joy and wonder in all things.

Befriend them...

Give them laughter and love to share with all.

Guard them...

Give them protection and safety as they move out of our embrace.

Love them...

And give them sure and certain knowledge of Your unfailing love.

Amen

Recommended Viewing

2010-08-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

We had a very productive summer in our own garden as well as at the farmers market. As a family we traced the trail of where our food comes from, right down to the seed. It's been an interesting journey to consider. We have always been label readers but we are ever more vigilant now for GMO products, preservatives and food dyes. While several of these share "facts" or "statistics" that raise an eyebrow, keep in mind that biased opinions have a tendency to shape "facts." Trust your instincts and listen to the Lord. Over all, the programs here have re-shaped how we approach food, re-shaped our pantry and our waste lines this summer!

Crooked Lines: Show Me

2010-07-01T14:56:00.000-05:00

Amazing blog post from a long time friend....thanks for the reminder, Karen!! Love you.

Crooked Lines

Gratitude: American Pie, Memorial Day & The Visitation

2010-05-31T12:35:00.000-05:00

Life and the season of Spring has taken me far from my usual blogging topics. Gardening and ball fields heat up like the summer sun.

Baseball and Apple Pie: In addition to All-Star travel team practices, Scooters league team has gone onto an undefeated season and are currently playing in the Championship games. Tuffy's t-ball team is a third place qualifier for the Championships as well. Sugar Plum's dedication to fast pitch softball paid off last weekend at their first round of tournament play. Between the three children playing, we are on the ball fields practicing or playing seven days a week. Faithful Husband and I praise the Lord in gratitude for children who share their love of the Lord with other children, who enjoy competition with good sportsmanship and who care for their bodies as the temple of the Holy Spirit.

All the heat on the fields is carried over to the flourishing of the garden...and of the weeds. My compost venture is paying off! I have a tomato plants that are 7 foot tall and loaded with tomatoes. So, one day if you are in Church and leave your car doors unlocked and there is a bag of tomatoes on your seat when you return from the pews...you know who it was! The rain water collection barrels have also really paid off...paid us in FREE water for our plants! It takes a 10 minute shower to fill our three 55 gallon barrels off our 2,000 square foot roof. It's with gratitude we pray to the Lord for healthy soil, flourishing food plots to nourish His children and for the prudent use of the rains as good stewards of His earth.

Today I read this on a friends Facebook status update:

Dear Veteran, thank you for serving selflessly, for giving sacrificially, for being willing to fight for those you don't know and for many who don't seem to care. Thank you for standing bravely in the face of the enemy and for loving our nation so dearly. Thank you for all you have done and continued to do.

We pray for the Veteran that has gone before us. An eloquent Facebook status update to mirror what the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution:

We, the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Chances are you have a Veteran in your household or in your extended family. Please know the deceased are in our prayers of eternal peace and the living share our heart felt gratitude. Thank a Veteran today!

This Memorial Day is shared with a very special feast in our most holy Church. Today is also the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Gospel Reading: Luke 1:39-56

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is he fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm, He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts, He has put down the mighty from their thorns, and exalted those of low degree; He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent empty away. He has helped His servant Israel, in remembrance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to His posterity for ever".

And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

So, grateful are we, God's holy people, to Mary for her "YES" to the Lord in being the God-bearer and our co-redeemer in God's plan of Salvation for His holy people. Mary did not elevate herself to the level of God, she ran to her cousin, Elizabeth, and served.

I'd like to wrap up my post on Gratitude with a lovely quote from a girlfriends blog Crooked Lines:

To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him. Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of god. For the grateful person knows that God is good, not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference. ~Thomas Merton

As you and your family fire up the grill and play backyard baseball, remember to pray for our Veteran's and the sacrifices their families have made. He has given us everything; take nothing for granted. Thank you Lord for our Veterans, for Your bounty, for your merciful and holy will, and for baseball and apple pie. Gratitude is meant to be shared.

Romans 12:9-16

Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints, practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; never be conceited.

Thank you, dear readers, thank you!

The Proverbs 31 Woman & Her Garden

2010-05-24T10:46:00.000-05:00

Proverbs 31

An exhortation to chastity, temperance, and works of mercy;

with the praise of a wise woman.

I am by no means "this" woman in Proverbs 31 but with a little prudance and much prayer, I think we are all on "this" womans road...

So many saints come to mind when I think of patron saints of the garden or patron saints of gardeners. I like Saint Fiacre. And, I was drawn to Saint Gertrude of Nivelles. Gertrude is my maternal great grandmother who was the epitome of hospitality. Both, Fiacre and Gertrude appeal to me through their patronage of herbalists.

Saint Fiacre's Full Sun Vegetable Garden

Peppers
- 1 Jalapeno
- 1 Sweet Banana
- 2 Green Bell
- 2 Yellow Bell
- 2 Red Bell

Tomatoes

- 3 Roma (sauce making)
- 1 Pink Brandywine (slicing)
- 1 Black Prince (just interesting)
- 1 Cherry (perfect for garden snacking)

I have to laugh at this photo now because as of Pentecost Sunday, these tomatoes are well over my head. They tower closer to 6-1/2 feet tall and are loaded down with green tomatoes. Faithful Husband took this photo a week ago.

- 4 rows of sweet corn
- 4 rows of green onions & leeks
- 4 cucumbers
- 8 sugar snap peas
- 2 okra
- 2 charentais mellon

This photo is nearly three weeks old. The cucumbers on this tellis are 6 foot tall and heavy with fruits. I'll be picking our first 4 inch cucumber today for lunch!

Saint Gertrude's Herbs

I just love the symbolism of our little herb path and this saintly guide to travelers. My herbs have their own little brick walk way crossing the front of my lawn. You will find me out here morning, noon or evening snipping herbs for meals or selecting tender greens or blossoms for teas.

- greek oregano
- cuban oregano
- thyme
- basil
- sage
- marjoram
- borage
- lemon balm
- rosemary
- fennel
- dill
- cilantro

- curly leaf parsley
- flat leaf parsley
- chives
- lemon grass
- catnip
- asst. mints
- lavender

A good friend brought Saint Isidore, the farmer, to my attention recently. We have so many wonderful examples of everyday holiness!

Let us be on this road together. Happy Gardening!

Whole Grains

2010-05-01T18:02:00.000-05:00

In early March I was giddy with excitement and nervous about ordering enough....enough whole grains! Two years ago my girlfriend, Cathy, began milling her own grain for flour. She bought several hundred pounds of whole grains and a grain mill. I was curious to say the least! Unfortunately we do not live close to one another anymore, such is the life of a military family, so my grain education was slow. A year ago, I had the great opportunity to see her and sample some of her fresh milled whole wheat products....wow....there is nothing to describe the experience. You have heard the mantra, "I eat to live; not live to eat." Fresh milled grains is just one of life's experiences you just have to live to understand. I certainly do not "live to eat;" but fresh grain just might be one of those "live to eat" moments. Then six months ago my husband, myself and the kids were in town visiting Cathy and her family. ~~This is where I might say, "Muhahaha."~~ Faithful Husband was afforded the opportunity so sample Cathy's generous hospitality and fresh grain products---breakfast muffins, sandwich bread, dinner rolls---Cathy knocked Faithful Husbands socks off!!

Fast forward six months: I drove to Cathy's home to spend a girls-weekend and to pick up a grain order of our own!

My grain order:
100# Organic Hard White Wheat
100# Organic Soft White Wheat
100# Organic Hard Red Spring Wheat
50# Organic Oat Groats
25# 7 grain Bread & Cereal Mix:
(red wheat, oat groats, triticale, rye, barley, soft white wheat & spelt)
25# Whole Barley
25# Organic Rye Berries
25# Organic Buckwheat Groats
25# Organic Golden Flax Seed
25# Organic Soy Beans

My Retsel Mill-Rite Grain Mill. We ordered a fine piece of American machinery with stainless steal grists for grinding "oily" flours, like soy flour (soy beans), corn meal and flax seed meal and a ceramic stone for very fine stone ground flours. Although I ordered an electric model, I can order a hand crank for those times of hardship in prolonged power outages. (left: homemade whole wheat parmesan cheese crackers.)

Whole Wheat Recipe with crackers, waffles, pizza dough, etc
We have adapted the pizza dough to make nice hot dog and hamburger buns. The texture is wonderful and does not fall apart or get overly soggy from moister meats and wet veggies.
Rye Bread Recipe
Home made dough enhancer This link also has a bread recipe.
Granola Bars Best we've tried yet! I add more cinnamon & finish the "bake" time in my dehydrator to make them crisp without browning.

Next year I'm adding to my order more rye berries. Rye is our favorite bread anyway and it's just as easy to work with as the regular whole wheat. I will probably also order some millet and kamut as well. Oh, and definitely more oat groats---probably triple. We eat a lot of oatmeal and whole grain oat products!

Happy Baking, Friends!

*** Added Grain Mill Photo *** Added Food-Grade Grain Bin Photo ***

Homeopathy

2010-04-24T19:52:00.000-05:00

I mentioned in another post that I have a passion for homeopathy (home-E-op-athy). It's been a long educational process for me. Herbs have long been a source of comfort and healing in our home however I have recently been able to tap into a wonderful resource! The ladies in our home school group are growing in wisdom and knowledge together. We have a fantastic home schooling mother of six who is also a doctor in homeopathic medicine! I have looked at many resources but was never sure which resources were safe or which books were legitimate. It has long been a prayer of mine to come to know a CATHOLIC doctor who also believes that a remedy need not be synthetic or expensive to heal the body. Thank you Lord for answering my prayers!!

Book Suggestions

Web sites & Catalogs
1-800-Homeopathy
Vitacost
Alternative Health Medicine
Crimson Sage Medicinal Plants Nursery
The Family Herbal (blog)
Mountain Rose Herbs
Newton Homeopathics
Herbal Advantage, Inc
Frontier Natural Products Co-Op

The Book Shelf

2010-04-24T19:35:00.000-05:00

As the children work on their lessons, I have either been devouring books or tending the gardens...in the past week with the deluge of spring rain, I have had a little more time that usual to hunker down with a good book.

The Blind Side - Evolution of a Game (by Michael Lewis) which recently came out as a movie. In usual form, the book was a lot better - amazingly better - than the movie. No real surprise there. Even if The Blind Side is about football, for which I know ~~very little~~ nothing about, I still really enjoyed the inspirational story of courage and humility. And, I learned a little about the game - enough to impress Faithful Husband!
I was number 37 on the waiting list at the libarary, I got a bit impatient but it was worth it.

I have also recently discovered a Carla Emery and Lorene Edwards Forkner series of "encyclopedia's." I have these on my "Birthday List." =) What a font of information right at your finger tips!!

Cheese making is next on my "What to Learn Next" list!

I discovered The Herbal Kitchen in our library and decided to buy it for my own use over and over and over and over....
I like the way this particular book is set up by season along with a very detailed index of herbs and the dishes or gifts they make.
Herbal Vinaigrette (page 23)
Whiz in a food processor. Store in the refrigerator for two weeks.
2 cups wine or cider vinegar
1 cup water
2 large garlic cloves, pressed
2 TB sugar
1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded
1/2 c EACH parsley and basil
salt, pepper & lemon juice to taste

Organic Housekeeping by Ellen Sandbeck
I enjoy cleaning about as much as the next person, well, truth be known I kind of actually enjoy keeping a tidy house. For the better part of 10 years, my cleaning cabinet has been stocked with Simple Green, vinegar and baking soda...and recently the addition of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers. I don't know how organic or "green" the Eraser is but it does work a miracle on our shower stalls in no-time-flat! However, as a dedicated teacher and learner, I will try some of Ellen Sandbeck's ideas on keeping the shower soap scum and hard water stain-free!
I just really thought Ellen Sandbecks suggestions and tips were interesting. There is always room for improvement in my day! Chapter five on laundry added old fashioned tips on "bluing" and on safe fabric softeners. Also, chapter nine on the yard and garden offered timely and practical solutions.

I now have access to a wonderful homeopathic doctor who is also a faithful CATHOLIC mother of six children. I have long had a passion for natural health and now I can safely practice the "medicine" that God created to heal our needs for very little or no cost. I wholeheartedly believe that in God's beautiful design of creation, He also provided plants and animals to help us heal ourselves. I am so thank for this gift of a knowledgeable doctor as well has His plan for health!

God Bless your Home and quest for learning!

The Chapel Veil

2010-04-13T22:09:00.000-05:00

I just discovered a new resource on chapel veils to share with you. WOW What an amazing grace to be the daughter of the One True God!!

The Chapel Veil - Symbol of the Spouse of Christ
by Elizabeth Black and Emily Griswold
Requiem press

A Blessed Easter!

2010-04-07T12:05:00.000-05:00

† Christus vincit, Christus regnat, Christus imperat!! Christus resurrexit!
Pospera Pascha sit!! †

Holy Week (Before the Triduum)

2010-03-29T09:11:00.000-05:00

Experiencing God
~ Sights, Sounds, Smells, Tastes & Textures
in the Life of the Liturgical Year ~

Palm Sunday or Fig Sunday:

Fenestrae Fidei - A Coloring Companion for Catholic Mosaic

by Sean Fitzpatrick - Palm Sunday

If I have not yet convinced you to buy this lovely material yet, you should! The stained glass images are amazing and so meaningful. This is not your average coloring book used to fill time or occupy children.

Not so many years ago, Palm Sunday was referred to as Fig Sunday. Just after Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, He cursed the fig tree. Mark 11:12-14 or Matthew 21:18-19 Which is a direct reference to the Parable of the Fig Tree warning to the Israelites if they should reject the Messiah. Luke 13:6-9

Sweet Ricotta Stuffed Figs

2 cups dried figs (about 24 figs)
1/2 cup grape or apple juice
1/4 cup ricotta cheese
24 whole almonds, toasted

Cover figs with water in a saucepan. Bring to boil, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Drain well, pat dry with a towel, then put figs in small bowl covered with grape or apple juice. Cover and chill overnight. Drain after a night's soaking. Remove stems and slice figs partially through in an X pattern. Fill with small spoonfuls of ricotta cheese. Top with a whole almond, pressed halfway into cheese.

Monday of Holy Week:

Yesterday in Holy Mass we received the blessed palm fonds and waved them in the air above our heads singing the praises of His Holy Name: "Hosanna!" Mark 11:8

Today we will make our own palm fonds of paper or craft foam with the name "Hosanna" and pray:

Lord, we begin the most sacred week of the Church year.

May this palm remind us of your victory over sin and death.
Help us to see your face in the suffering of others
and allow us to walk with them. +Amen.

Tuesday: Of Light and Darkness

We walk by faith, and not by sight. 2Cor 5:7

As Christians, we know our Sight, our Beacon, our Light will be taken from us this week as we prepare for the Crucifixion on Good Friday. We will re-live the signs and wonders without our Sight to guide us. Today we will make our prayer alter Easter Candle. We will mark a white pillar candle with five pin holes in the shape of a cross to remember the five wounds. Top: Head, crown of thorns. Right and Left: nail wounds in the hands. Bottom: nail wounds in feet. Center (heart) where the cross intersects: the wound of the sword of the soldier. The candle will remain unlit until Holy Saturday night, at which time we will fill our five pin holes with fragrant whole cloves to remind us of the burial ritual of spices and linen in preparing a body for burial.

Again therefore, Jesus spoke to them, saying: I am the light of the world: he that followers me, walks not in darkness, but shall have the light of life.John 8:12

Spy Wednesday:
Today is our final opportunity to fully reconcile ourselves fully to God before Resurrection Sunday. Upon our examination of conscience:

We pray that our Churches may be communities of forgiveness and reconciliation.
That peace and justice, founded on hope and reconciliation, may spread in our world.
For all whom we must forgive, that the Lord's grace may soften our hearts.
For peace and reconciliation between people of all Churches.
That we may deeply know the forgiveness of God in Jesus Christ.

Complete Spy Wednesday readings with cross references from Fish Eaters.
Prepare the way for the Lord. Cleanse your minds and hearts.

Create a clean heart in me, O God: and renew a right spirit within my bowels.
Psalms 50:12

Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God.
3 Matthew 5:8

Catholic Heritage Curricula

2010-03-18T11:34:00.000-05:00

This is the link to the "2009 - 2010 Catholic Heritage Curricula" blog post from last fall with descriptions of everything we are using.

We have been using Catholic Heritage Curricula home school materials, textbooks and enrichment with much success for a couple years now. I would normally write a blog post for the 2010 - 2011 School Year in a couple months - or at least when I have the books in my hand - but I am jumping through hoops to enter a Giveaway contest for FREE Catholic Heritage Curricula books right now!!

Sugar Plum and Scooter will continue to work their way through 6th Grade materials and Tuffy will wrap up her overlap of customized Kindergarten and 1st grade curricula from Catholic Heritage. I have the lists made and ready to order after Easter.

Catholic Heritage Curricula is backed up by their wonderful support panel of experienced home schooling moms and they also have a lot of extended lesson or enrichment materials, parent helps, coloring sheets and study guides-Free Curricula! Order a free printed catalog or visit the free Virtual Conference. The Virtual Conference is like going to a Home School Conference right in your own home!

Just yesterday a mom in our home school group was looking for new materials for her daughter, this is the encouragement I wrote to her:

I also have found Catholic Heritage Curricula to be the "fit" for our three kids. I have done the piece-meal approach to challenge and inspire my children until I took the plunge and went with all CHC materials.

We have a son (11yo) and two daughters (6 & 9yo) who are all very different learners and have unique strengths and weaknesses. I have found that the curriculum allows me to extend lessons, or shorten them based on their learning styles and interests.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that I have found that even if one child doesn't care for the lesson, it pushes him to grow just a bit further---to stretch out through the Lord and to accept a challenge. Yet to view that challenge not as something negative but to receive the Light and Truth of the Lord. The materials are not something we do to just "get it over with." Sometimes a lesson may begin that way for a child but it usually doesn't end that way.

Visit Catholic Heritage Curricula and see What's New and check back monthly for new coupon Discounts! I know I'm going to win this contest of Friday!

Basic Saltine Crackers

2010-03-09T12:40:00.000-06:00

Part of our Lenten Friday fasting includes the basic bread recipe I shared earlier, or this little gem of a cracker. I usually make a nice veggie based broth for dinner, maybe some lentils or split peas. This cracker is a wonderful addition.

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees.
4 cups flour
1 TBL baking powder
1/4 cup frozen, grated butter
1-1/3 cup milk
*optional herbs

Mix flour, baking powder and butter with a couple forks to produce a coarse crumbly mix. Kneed in the milk. Do not over heat with your hands. Just kneed enough to form a ball.

Divide dough into 6 parts. Refrigerate 5 balls while you roll out the first ball ***paper thin***on your ungreased cookie sheet. I make rectangles with my fluted pastry wheelfor dipping in soups, hummus or for cheese slices. Poke a couple air holes with a fork into each cracker and bake for 23 minutes.

I have had good success adding Parmesan cheese powder to the mix. I've also added a couple tablespoons of sesame oil in the dough and topped with sesame seeds. I add Italian herbs, chicken bouillon granules and assorted herbs. You can experiment and make what ever flavor of cracker you desire without the toxic additives or preservatives! Have fun!

Which herbs are my favorite? Without hesitation, a light Swiss cheese cracker with fennel seeds. Now that's good food---even for a Lenten fast!

Over the Top Oatmeal & the GUILT-FREE cookies they make!

2010-03-08T20:17:00.000-06:00

This oatmeal recipe is of my own making. It's a blend, of sorts---lots of sorts. I store the oatmeal in a 1.5 gallon Rubbermaid cereal container with this recipe and cooking instruction secured with contact paper right to the side.

Steal cut oats take longer to cook but are well worth it...unless of course you actually like goopy oatmeal. For five servings, I simmer the oatmeal on the stove top for about 8 minutes. For a single microwave serving, I cook for 1 min-stir-cook-1 min-stir-cook 20 seconds. Adding lots of dried fruit is lovely because you don't have to add any refined sugars. This cereal is loaded with stick-to-your-ribs fiber.

Over the Top Oatmeal

Into the Rubbermaid container, pour:
4 lb steal cut oats
1 box cream of wheat
2 cups non-fat dry milk
1 cup ground flax seed
1 cup wheat germ
1 cup wheat bran
16 oz dried cranberries or raisins or chopped dates
16 oz chopped pecans or walnuts or pumpkin seeds

Shake your cereal until well blended.

To make a bowl of oatmeal:
1/2 cup Over the Top Oatmeal
1 cup water or soy milk

Sometimes, for a nice snack, I will mix a 1/4 cup with 1 cup of yogurt. I allow it to sit for about 20 minutes before eating to allow the steal cut oats to absorb liquid and soften. It's wonderful!

Over the Top GUILT-FREE Oatmeal Cookies

In your mixing bowl:
"Cream" 3 banana's with
1/2 cup brown sugar

Add & mix well:
1 egg

Add:
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger

Combine well & add:
2 cups Over the Top Oatmeal
8 oz vanilla yogurt covered raisins

Drop on a cookie sheet at 375 degrees and bake for 12-13 minutes.

Lenten Traditions

2010-02-18T07:26:00.000-06:00

We have multiple traditions for the Lenten Season and we are introducing a few new traditions this year. Perhaps the oldest tradition is the Lenten Calendar idea from Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler. Ever since Scooter was a toddler of 2 or 3 years old, Faithful Husband and I have implemented a Lenten Calendar. I wish I had saved them from year to year. I use this calendar from Donna Young.

Lenten Calendar:Each week of Lent has a theme. Each day has an idea to fit prayer, fasting, penance and alms-giving. Our calendars repeat themes and ideas from year to year, however with the advancing age of our children, the nature becomes more challenging.

For example, when we had toddlers and preschoolers our alms were simple. If it were the week we prayed to end hunger perhaps we counted the number of cans in our pantry and donated half. Or, if our emphasis was to pray for the elderly then we counted the blooming flowers and took some to a nursing home. As the children have gotten older, they have had to come up with some of their own bends. Someday we'll have teenagers and they can actually serve in a soup kitchen or fly to a foreign country to deliver aid or sit in an orphanage to hold and rock lonely babies.This year I'm adding something a little bit fresh. The emphasis has always been on helping and praying for others. This year, I'm adding the alternate virtue we have within and how to project it to others. For example, the week we pray for vocations, the virtue is perseverance. Not only for religious vocations but also for the vocation we bear as spouses and parents, and for those seeking and maintaining gainful employment. We are all called to a vocation. Allowing the Lord to lead us to our vocation and asking Him to help us persevere through the challenges and praising Him in our successes.

Justice Journal:This year we're doing something new, a twist on the prayer journal. Maybe it can be the same journal or something separate. It doesn't matter however the kids want to organize it for their own use.
With each weekly theme and idea our emphasis is on others, a weekly take on the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. We have not worked out the details yet (any suggestions?) I would like to talk it over with the family tonight and introduce the idea and let them think it over for a few days before we begin the journal. I think it would be wise to journal on Thursday's. Thursday is mid-week after our main emphasis to the theme and before confession and adoration on Saturday afternoon. They can keep their own art work, ideas, thoughts, prayers, etc... It is their journal. Reflection is good. Perhaps they'll want to include their thoughts and lists for confession or adoration for Saturday afternoons. I'll update you as this idea unfolds. I pray it is a grace filled endeavor.

The Corporal Works of Mercy
Feed the hungry
Give drink to the thirsty
Clothe the naked
Shelter the homeless
Visit the sick
Visit the imprisoned
Bury the dead

The Spiritual Works of Mercy
Admonish the sinner
Instruct the ignorant
Counsel the doubtful
Comfort the sorrowful
Bear wrongs patiently
Forgive all injuries
Pray for the living and the dead

NOW Cross:On Ash Wednesday, the kids make NOW crosses. They become more artful and elaborate as the years pass. I provide the scripture and they take off!
Read and discuss II Cor 5:50 - 6:2

Write on the cross the admonishment of Saint Paul:
"Behold, NOW is the acceptable time;
Behold, NOW is the day of salvation."
II Cor 6:2

Lenten Alms Jar:On our home alter is a clear jar. Next to that jar is a full roll of quarters. The object is to catch yourself doing something good (in secret, without prompting) for a family member. These little deeds are like St. Therese's little acts of kindness and love...maybe picking up and scraping your sisters dinner plate, doing someone else's chore without compensation or ignoring a comment (biting your tongue for siblings can be very difficult!). When the children were little Faithful Husband and I would notice little deeds and compliment the children privately with a quarter in the jar. As our children have grown in age, grace and wisdom we allow them to privately, in secret, drop a quarter into the jar. Be prepared to have at least 4 rolls of quarters on hand!

In years past and when the children were younger we allowed that Lenten Jar to be the reward in itself. The jar would be full of their little acts of kindness and love like a savings account. The children could apply that towards something for themselves for the enhancement of our family. They could SEE the direct result of their positive behaviors. An over night mini-trip to the beach, camping, maybe a day of fishing or a day at the zoo...anything they wanted to do with the money. As the children have matured that Alms jar has become a donation to Catholic Relief Services or a donation to the Religious Retirement Fund. Last year the Alms Jar went to the local soup kitchen to help feed those who don't have enough. They can now see the lasting good in our house their little deeds of love do for a family. Many of the deeds have become year around acts of charity for one another. The kids can see the good the funds do in the community now. Growth in age, grace and wisdom, even in elementary school children, is a powerful thing!

Easter Prayer Box:What do we do with all the Christ-mas cards that come to us from family and friends? They go into our Easter Prayer Box. Several years ago, I took a simple men's shirt style gift box, slit a rectangle the size of a card on top and covered the box in purple tissue paper. On the tissue paper, I decorated the box with stickers depicting the Stations of the Cross. On the *inside* bottom of the box I glued down a 4x6 image of our Risen Lord. Inside our Easter Prayer Box goes all of our Christmas cards.

For a few years now, I've been conflicted. I send out a great many cards for Christ-mas...and then just three short months later, I send out the same number of Easter cards. This year I decided to forgo the Christ-mas greetings all together and re-focus on a minor-card-sending Holy Day. Our Christ's Birthday prayers didn't stop for our beloved family and friends, just the card ritual in favor of sending cards at His Glorious Resurrection.
Christ-mas Cards Revisited in Lent

Each evening of the holy Lenten season, our family enjoins our hearts to God in prayer. A randomly selected Christ-mas card is selected from the Easter Prayer Box, messages and letters are re-read and photo memories are shared. That person, business or family is prayed for in a very specific way. We may, or may not, know the specific needs of that family and this particular time; but God does. At the end of our family prayer for each family, we all sign an Easter card to be mailed on Easter Monday.

Easter Decor:Our house seems very plain and empty right now, as it should. All the traditional Christ-mas decor is tucked away and the lively Mardi Gras purple, green and gold is banished. The solemn passion purple adorns our home alter, no ornamentation in the long journey in the desert with Jesus. We will not break out our Easter decor until Holy Saturday in preparation for His Glorious Resurrection Feast on Easter Sunday when we dye Easter eggs and prepare to meet our Risen King!

We pray you experience Jesus Christ this Lent in a new and personal way.
Seek Him. NOW
God bless!

Basic Artisan Bread (free form French Boule)

2010-02-18T06:32:00.000-06:00

Basic Artisan Bread (free form French Boule)

This bread is perfect for the Lenten fast of bread and broth. This recipe is so simple, very simple. For me, there is nothing like baking bread for other people, family or friends, that draws me to the Lord. Of course, you have the natural componets of wet and dry ingredients, however, like laying our Lord in the tomb and waiting for Him to rise....so does the bread. The Bread of Life.

Tools:
Mixer with dough hook
thermometer
storage container for refrigerator (I use the largest rubbermaid shoe box with lid, NOT air tight)

Ingredients for 6 loaves of bread:
13-3-3-6

In your mixing bowl measure13 cups of flour
3 TBL yeast
3 TBL sea saltIn the shoe box, heat 6 cups of water to 100 degrees (about 2 min)

Do not over heat your water. A temperature over 105 degrees will kill your yeast.
Pour a cup out and add some cool water, re-take the temp.

Turn your dough hook on and dump the water in!
Mix until combined and the dough starts to walk up the dough hook.

DO NOT flour your hands to remove the dough. WET YOUR HANDS WITH WATER. Anytime you handle your dough, wet your hands with water.

Store in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before baking your first loaf.
Get your hands wet and tear off about a 1.5 lb dough hunk. There is no need to be exact, this is Free Form bread! If you hands stick, wet them again. Smooth the dough ball with wet hands into an oval loaf or a round ball. Slit the top with an X. If you would like, you may sprinkle with sea salt and herbs. Cover in a warm place (under 100 degrees) and allow to rise for an hour or two.

Place a dish of water in the oven on the lowest rack.
Bake the bread at 450 for 30 min.
Cool completely on a wire rack.
Eat plain or make a flavored butter.

I have this recipe taped right to my storage box lid. Handy!
The dough keeps in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks. If it starts to smell a little sour...Never Fear! You have the basic start to sour dough bread now. Bake it up!

I do keep a sour dough starter alive too. If you can get a cup of someones old starter---do it! It's wonderful to have fresh, hot sour dough.

This French Boule is the same recipe we eat with sandwiches, toast, panini, french toast, stuffing, bread crumbs, etc.... I also make pizza with this crust.

PIZZA
Get your hands wet and tear off a smaller hunk of dough. With wet hands, press out the dough into a thin rectangle or circle. Proof for an hour. Poke a few holes with a fork and bake for 15 min (450 deg). Layer with sauce, cheese, fresh veggies and meats---lightly. Don't weight this crust down. Then bake for another 15 or 20 minutes until cheese is lightly browned.

Kicking Off Lent

2010-02-17T08:24:00.000-06:00

What ever you want to call Tuesday, it is all the same event with the same end result. Pancake Tuesday, Shrove Tuesday, Paczki Tuesday, Fat Tuesday or Mardi Gras it's all the same day. It's the day before Ash Wednesday...Tuesday is the day we mark the liturgical calendar as the last day or Ordinary Time. We enter the Lenten Season on Wednesday for forty days of intensified prayer, fasting, alms-giving and penance. Our home alter linens will switch gears from Ordinary Green to Penitential Purple in anticipation for the conversion to Royal Purple to Crucified Red to Resurrection White on Easter Sunday forty days from now.

I had planned a holy Mardi Gras party complete with King Cake, Mardi Gras Pretzel Treats made with purple, gold and green, of course! (Thank you, Lorna, for that inspiration.) We watched a couple of the Mardi Gras parades on television in between Olympic events. Faithful Husband and I had plans to take the kids into town and catch a couple live parades however I have have come down with a really testy chest and sinus cold. The last thing we needed is a coughing and sniffly mom out in the cold air for hours and hours! We, mothers, don't have time for a cold as it is!! Oh, well. There is always next year. But the cake was good!

My Lenten obligations are, of course, private. However my chief penance is to completely cut off my social networking access. I will blog once a week. Bear with me as I cram a weeks worth of goods in one post! I am beginning a journey through the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. Please pray for me.

For about a week now Faithful Husband and I opened the discussion of "giving up something for Lent" with the children. Scooter has been unusually reflective. I think he's giving it a lot of mature thought for an 11 year old. Sugar Plum has also been rather private this year, although this is not unusual for her. Tuffy, on the other hand, has been very vocal. Seemingly out of the blue she'll pipe up and announce, "I think I'll give up playing Barbies." Or, "I think I'll give up playing with my sister." Hmm, I wonder what happened on the hop scotch grid moments ago?

Cold or no cold, ready or not Ash Wednesday Here We Come! Sorry Tuffy, you can't give up playing with your sister!

A Week of Holy Saints From Around the Globe

2010-02-04T16:21:00.000-06:00

February 5: St. Louis Ibaraki's Family of Martyrs
St Louis Ibaraki lived in Japan at the time when it was against the law to be Catholic. Even though he was only twelve years old, he was strong in his love for Jesus. He refused to give up his faith. Louis was arrested with his uncles Leo and Paul. With twenty-three other people, they were crucified, just like Jesus.

We will color the St Louis Ibaraki family in the Family Saints Coloring & Activity Book as well as discuss the persecution of and fight for the rights of Christians around the globe.

Crockpot Chicken Pho

make ahead 24-28 hours for best flavor
In cheese cloth, tie together & float in crock pot:

2 onions very chunky slice
3 inch piece of ginger, peeled & chunked
1 TBL coriander seeds
6 black pepper corns

With:
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp salt
1lb raw ground chicken, or finely diced meat
1 cup coarsely chopped cilantro
1TBL lemon pepper seasoning
6 cups chicken stock

Cover and cook for 6 hours on low; or 3 hours on high.

Remove cheese cloth bag and discard.
Add:

2 TBL fish sauce
or 1 TBL anchovy paste with 2 tsp olive oil

It is very best to store in the refrigerator for 24-48 hours after you add the fish sauce.

Reheat thoroughly; add & cook noodles for 3 minutes:
8 oz dried rice noodles
4 chopped green onions

Serve & garnish.
Ladle soup into bowls. Top with:

Bean Sprouts
Finely chopped cilantro
Minced chilies
1 lime wedge

February 6: Blessed Andre Bessette
Alfred Bessette was born in Canada in 1845. When he became a Brother in the Congregation of the Holy Cross, he took the name Andre. Brother Andre loved St. Joseph. He wanted other people to love Jesus' foster father, too. So Brother Andrew built the "Oratory of St Joseph," the largest Church in the world dedicated to St. Joseph. Brother Andre died when he was ninety-two. He has brought God's joy and happiness into the lives of many people.

Blessed Andre Bessette: Saints of the Americas Coloring and Activity Book

Canadian Bessette Molasses Cookies

1 cup dark molasses
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon cider vinegar
2 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F Grease cookie sheets.
In a large bowl, stir together the molasses, brown sugar, vinegar, and egg. Sift together the flour, baking soda, ginger and salt; add to molasses mixture. Mix until well blended. Spoon the dough by teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheets, about 2 inches apart.
Bake until edges are golden, 12 to 15 minutes. Let cool on pans for 5 minutes before removing.

February 8: Saint Josephine Bakhita
St. Josephine Bakhita is venerated as a modern African saint, and as a saint with a special relevance to slavery and oppression. Being from Darfur, she has been adopted as the patron saint of Sudan. St. Josephine Bakhita was kidnapped from her family, sold into slavery and tortured. St. Josephine Bakhita coloring sheet from Waltzing Matilda.
We will be talking about and looking at web photos of the starvation, cruelty and politics of Sudan. Sudan Google Images. Today we will fast and pray for the end of all cruelty in the world.

February 10: Saint Scholastica
A very good over-view can be found here on the life of St. Scholastica and her twin brother St. Benedict.

O God, to show us where innocence leads, you made the soul of your virgin Saint Scholastica soar to heaven like a dove in flight. Grant through her merits and her prayers that we may so live in innocence as to attain to joys everlasting. This we ask through our Lord. +Amen

Sample Study Guide from Hillside Education Catholic MosaicThe Holy Twins by Kathleen Norris & Tomie de Paola
Coloring Sheet from Fenestrae Fidei

Candlemas ~ Feb 2

2010-02-02T16:48:00.000-06:00

Ceremony Upon Candlemas Eve

Down with the rosemary, and so
Down with the bays and mistletoe ;
Down with the holly, ivy, all,
Wherewith ye dressed the Christmas Hall :
That so the superstitious find
No one least branch there left behind :
For look, how many leaves there be
Neglected, there (maids, trust to me)
So many goblins you shall see.

The very last of our Christmas greens will come down and our Advent wreath will be packed away for another year. The forty days of celebration has come to an end and a new season is upon us.

There are so many wonderfully rich biblical traditions on this seemingly long forgotten and over looked feast of Holy Mother Church. We carefully examined the scriptural instructions for the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord; or sometimes known as the Purification of Mary; also known as Candlmas. Instructions in the Old and New Testament are very clear. The date is of major significance...it is 40 days after the Incarnation of our Lord. Fourty...enough said.

Read a lot more here from Fish Eaters. They do an excellent job explaining the scripture, Jewish custom and it's application into our lives on this special feast day.

Experiencing God:
~ Sights, Sounds, Smells, Tastes & Textures
in the Life of the Liturgical Year ~

I think it's easier to break this important feast down into it's three names and select smaller bits to teach the children. They are deeply intertwined but without proper Christian teaching on Jewish culture, it's easier to just throw this feast off the calendar! Sad, but true.

Candlemas: The Light of Jesus

No "Ground Hogs Day" for us. A Christian old english proverb tells us:

If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.

"A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people, Israel." Luke 2:22-40

There is an old saying "Candlemass = Candleless," meaning that after Candlemas the days start to get longer and we don't need artificial light in the evenings. Spring is on the way! Who will be the first in the family to see the first shoots of the crocus? The first tight green buds on the tress?

During the greater part of his life Jesus shared the condition of the vast majority of human beings: a daily life spend without evident greatness, a life of manual labor (growing in wisdom, age and grace with God and men - Luke 2:52). His religious life was that of a Jew obedient to the law of God, in a life of community.
ccc 531

If you don't make it to Holy Mass on February 2nd you may bless your own candles at home. Trace the sign of the cross in the air and sprinkle the candles with holy water, and pray:

Lord Jesus Christ,
pour forth your blessing on these candles and
sanctify them by the light of your grace.
May our hearts be illuminated by your light,
may our actions be guided by your light,
so that when our lives here are finished,
may we come into the eternal presence of your redeeming light
We pray this in the name of the Father, and of the Son and
of the Holy Spirit.
+Amen.

The Presentation of the Lord in the TempleIn keeping with traditions of Old Testament times, Mary took Jesus to the temple to be "presented" 40 days after his birth. There, in the temple, was the priest Simeon, who had always prayed to live long enough to see the Savior promised by the Lord.

When he saw the baby Jesus, Simeon knew he had seen the Savior who would bring the light of the Lord to the world. We added the charactors St. Anne & St. Simeon to our Build Your Own Bethlehem scene.

As we color this picture showing Mary presenting the baby Jesus in the Temple, the kids and I talked about what this ceremony reveals about Jesus' parents piety and dedication to the Jewish laws.

Why is it so important to know that St. Simeon immediately knew he was in God's presence? That was God revealing the Savior to him, and further confirmation of Jesus' true purpose.

As we color, we sang the Divine Praises:

Blessed be God.
Blessed be His Holy Name.
Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true man.
Blessed be the name of Jesus.
Blessed be His Most Sacred Heart.
Blessed be Jesus in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.
Blessed be the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete.
Blessed be the great Mother of God, Mary most holy.
Blessed be her holy and Immaculate Conception.
Blessed be her glorious Assumption.
Blessed be the name of Mary, Virgin and Mother.
Blessed be Saint Joseph, her most chaste spouse.
Blessed be God in His angels and in His Saints.

May the heart of Jesus, in the Most Blessed Sacrament, be praised, adored, and loved with grateful affection, at every moment, in all the tabernacles of the world, even to the end of time. +Amen.

The Purification of Mary

Fish Eaters has the wonderfully liturgically rich explanation and text here. The emphasis for us today is that Mary was full of Grace from her conception and didn't require purification except that she was also a humble and obedient Jewish women and submitted herself to the ritual anyway. There is a very good lesson here. No matter how well we think we are doing, there is always something to learn from God.

Today I equated purification to confession. We had a lovely discussion on how it's good to be honest with God, even with the little things because it makes it easier to live in His Light...and reflect it onto others.

Seven Sorrows of Mary Read Luke 2: 22-40

Low Sugar King Cake Treat

2010-01-29T17:21:00.000-06:00

I have looked through a whole lot of recipes and baked many King Cakes for Epiphany and Mardi Gras. Some of them were regular fats and sugars, others were supposed to be sugarless---but they were also flavorless. I finally have tweaked a recipe according to our style of light sugar and light fat eating. This one not only tastes wonderful but it's also tender and delightful! After this little confection, you won't buy a King Cake again!

King Cake

Combine in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook & let it run for 1 minute:

4-1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1/2 cup Splenda
1/2 cup Canola oil (instead of butter)
1-1/2 cups warm buttermilk (100 degrees to activate yeast but not to hot to kill it)
1/2 cup warm water (100 degrees)

Add with the mixer running, combine for 1 minute:

4 egg yolks

Add, then increase speed and kneed dough until it pulls away for the sides of the bowl, forms a ball and starts to climb up the dough hook. (Takes about 4-8 minutes, sometimes longer.)

5 cups sifted flour
2 tsp salt
1 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
2 tbl finely grated orange zest
juice of one orange

If the dough is sticky, add a little flour just a tablespoon at a time.

Remove the dough from the bowl, kneed into a ball. Lightly oil a bowl with vegetable oil. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm place for about two hours. The dough should double in size.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly flour. Using your fingers (no not over work or press out all the air) pull the dough to fill your rectangle baking sheet.

Whisk filling & spread on half the doughs length, fold in half, crimp and form a circle:

5 egg whites
1/2 cup cinnamon
1 tbl almond extract

Cover with a tea towel and allow to re-rise, about 45 minutes.

Topping:

I make three tiny batches of milk and egg wash colored with purple, gold and green then bake the color onto the cake. It's a sweet treat without the sugar coma. I paint the colored egg wash in the traditional green, purple and gold stripe; then bake.

Bake in a 350 degree preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Cool completely and don't forget to hide the baby or pecan! The folklore dictates, whom ever gets the Christ-child in the King Cake is blessed for the year and has to bring the King Cake next year!

Whirled Peas & Other Compressed Veggies, err, News

2010-01-28T20:37:00.000-06:00

If January was a vegetable, it would be peas. Or, maybe I would be the peas and January would be the blender. Which ever, January is always busier than December. I love December. December seems to be the quiet anticipation of the Incarnation. Finally, His arrival and the celebration begins! Twelve glorious days of Birthday bliss. All laud goes to the God-made-man for the Salvation of the world! After the Epiphany and the arrival of the Magi, comes the Institution of the Sacrament of Baptism.

Build Your Own Bethlehem The Magi Arrive January 6th

We changed our white Christ-candle image to the Magi falling down in Adoration to the Christ Child and decorated the house with gifts of golden beads, gold bows and gold stars.

The golds turned white for the Feast of the Baptism....
We de-frock the house of Christmas decor and just leave up the Nativity scene and Advent wreath to burn until the Presentation of the Lord on Feburary 2nd.

It comes to pass, the secular world must get back to work and that usually means Faithful Husband has to resume his travel schedule. We try to go with him as often as possible. This year the January trip took us to Atlanta, Georgia. We had not toured the historic city before. This was exciting! There are lots of things to do and see in Atlanta, certainly more than a weeks worth.

Our trip was supposed to start off Sunday morning after Holy Mass. Faithful Husband had to be in the Atlanta office at 7am Monday morning. Ordinarily we refrain from all unnecessary work on Sunday, even driving---or causing others to work for us. In this case it simply could not be avoided, except the weather had other plans. Our area did not see temps above freezing for a week. We rolled out of bed Sunday morning expecting showers before Holy Mass....only to find that the pipes froze over night! The Lord helped us avoid people working for us on Sunday but we worked to warm pipes before they burst! An answered prayer for us, but not so much for the widow across the street. For two weeks, workers dug frozen soil from under the foundation of her house to repair a cracked pipe. The dirt mounds were 4 times the size by the end of the job. Through bitter cold and rains they dug bucket by bucket. A labor of love to be sure, even if they were getting a pay check. A little hot chocolate from my kids warmed their faces and their hearts.

Our trip started a day late, but we were so relieved and thankful our pipes were going to be fine. The temps were slated to rise a degree each day that week. *whew* We actually had lovely driving weather to Atlanta. Sunny, bright and very crisp! Getting out of the car was always a shock. Brr!

ATLANTA, Georgia

Tuesday:

Visiting Cable News Network (CNN) was not on my top list of priorities, not like it would be if it were FOX News, but the studio tour couldn't be that different (even though the politics are.) The kids were in awe of the very large cameras and the huge, complicated looking banks of desks with reporters, editors and producers. It was a neat experience to see where they make up the news! The kids loved the Green Screen technology.

Across the street from CNN is The Olympic Centennial Park. There were quite a few bronze statues and lovely waterfalls, although they were frozen solid! This was just really neat to see where history was made!

Our next stop was the site of the original Coke-a-Cola bottler. This was so cool!! Not only did we see our first 4-D movie and sample 66 international Coke-a-Cola flavors; but we also saw vintage products, machines and advertisements. There was a lot of very interesting history of both Coke and Atlanta in this building. I'd say it's worth a second look if we ever return to Atlanta.

Wednesday:

There is so much to see and do inside and outside of Atlanta and the biggest Aquarium in the nation is also the BEST in the nation...and we have seen a lot of aquariums!!

We saw another 4-D movie (these are big attractions in Atlanta,) went on the SHARKS! special exhibit tour, Behind the Scenes tour and was invited to a VIP feeding of the whales.

Thursday:

The Atlanta History Center was an interesting, eye opening journey through time. The main gallery has a chronological time line from the tribes of Native Americans, founding of the colonies, trains, textiles, Civil War, rebuilding, Civil Rights, technology through today.

I have to admit that this was really very interesting and somewhat scary. I'm from the west coast so to actually *see* a KKK members white costume...wow...it was unsettling. I was not entirely prepared to have the cruelty of racism discussion with such young children. Not that it should be hidden but they just don't see other people as inferior or as beneath them especially just because of color. They were flabbergasted. God's mercy heals through time.

This museum also had a walk though time from artifacts of the very first Olympics in Greece through the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. On the 33 acre grounds of The Atlanta History Center is the original location of the 1928 Swan House and the 1845 Tullie Farm House (moved from Druid Hills about 20 min away.)

Friday:The Fernbank Museum was a little disappointing. It was BIG on the Big Bang and completely dismisses God in all aspects of creation.
We really enjoyed the mega huge dinosaur exhibit.

The traveling exhibit was an amazing hands-on five senses exploration. Optical Illusions, auditory tricks, physical freakishness, some scent fun and a lot of FYI on taste experiments to try at home.

Saturday:Travel Day! The weather has warmed up a bit more over the last week and rain started to pour. It made for along , dark day of driving. We stopped at the Tuskegee Airmen Museum, the home and college founded by Brooker T. Washington and George Washington Carver. I accidently packed my camera in the suit case so I don't have any photos! <>

Fast forward 1 week: Another Round of Home School Whirled Peas
and the ROCK CLIMBING BIRTHDAY PARTY!!

I'm tired. Pass the carrots!

The Baptism of Our Lord

2010-01-08T08:00:00.000-06:00

Experiencing God:
~ Sights, Sounds, Smells, Tastes & Textures
in the Life of the Liturgical Year ~

What we are listening to:

Wonderful Homilies on Baptism for Audio Sancto Sermons Series
Baptism: The Merciful Effects, Matter and Form and Instruction (24 min - Dec 2005)
On Baptism (22 min - Jan 2008)
The Importance of a Timely Baptism (25 min - Dec 2004)
The Sacraments (pt 3): The Baptism (16 min - Aug 2006)

What we are working on:
Baptism Mobiles
Baptism Of Our Lord worksheet
Baptism of Our Lord Mosaic from Fenestrae Fidei

What we are reading:
The Seven Sacraments from St Joseph Picture Books

The Baptism of Jesus Christ Matthew 3
"And Jesus being baptized, forthwith came out of the water: and lo, the heavens were opened to him: and he saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove, and coming upon him. And behold a voice from heaven, saying: This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. "

I am posting a little bit early for a couple of reasons. We are celebrating the Feast of the Baptism of Our Lord on Vigil Saturday because we are traveling to Atlanta early Sunday morning. I am also posting because I would like to ask for your prayers for a safe trip, an educational and exciting week for the children and I, productive business for Faithful Husband and for our safe return.
Since we will be eating out, we will try to find a seafood restaurant that isn't out of our travel budget. If we were going to be home, we would feast on clam chowder, linguine with clam sauce or sauteed clams served in the shell. Remember one of the prime symbols of the Sacrament of Baptism is the fresh water clam shell from the Jordan River where John baptized Our Lord. Time to celebrate and talk about the baptisms of each child over dinner and the amazing gift of sanctifying grace poured to each of us a Baptism. God bless! Pray for us!
I almost forgot! Pope Benedict XVI's Holy Mass on EWTN. The Baptism mass is amazing! Tune in on TV or on the web.

Happy Epiphany!!

2010-01-06T08:04:00.000-06:00

According to the American calendar, Epiphany was on Jan 3rd, chopping off 3 days of Christmas. The Magi were flung into the manger and Christmas decor was torn down (if it wasn't already torn down Dec 26th). Back to life as usual according to the secular world.

"As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord"....sounds familiar right? Well, we take it literally (thank you Joshua!) Twelve days are twelve days! It is not a bother for us to attend Holy Mass or to go and see our Savior mid-week. Religion is not a compartmentalized function we only preform on Sunday. I have this rant about holy days when the American bishops arbitrarily move feast days around to plop them on Sundays, so Americans have an easy-out to skip the honorable worship paid only to God, our Father of all creation and Savior of mankind.

There really is nothing wrong with honoring God slowly and taking time to listen to Him through His Holy Scriptures, listen to Him in prayer and to celebrate His very life and creation. Why rush it? Jesus never was a Christian, He was of faithful Jewish descent. The Jewish culture celebrated honorable feasts and customs set to a calendar. It is so important to remember and to teach this in our American culture to thwart the worship of the god known as Instant Gratification.

Experiencing God

~ Sights, Sounds, Smells, Tastes & Textures
in the Life of the Liturgical Year ~

What we are reading:
The Magi have been slowly making their journey across the lands from the far east. It's taken about two years to follow the light of the burning star to the Light of the World. The kings spent nights in each bedroom of our house making the journey to the Child where they find Him in a house with his mother. Re-Matthew 2 : 1-12

What we are watching:
I recorded two programs on EWTN: A Star Shall Rise & The Star of Bethlehem

What we are doing:
Today is a busy day in our house. Our Christmas tree is dying quickly now. We will take it down today and carefully pack away the ornaments. The garland on the fireplace will remain until February 2nd, the Candlemas, or the Presentation of our Lord in the temple. I am looking for candle ornaments--we just might make some! We will decorate the house in golden stars and golden table settings because the Magi arrive to honor the Most High. They fell prostrate before Him. Our nativity scene will also stay until Candlemas.

The Feast of the Epiphany in a lot of cultures is greater than the birth of Christ. Not because anyone is worshiping these kings from the far off east...but because according to scriptures the first "converts" were the Magi---they were not members of the Israelites, God's chosen. The Savior of the world is for ALL God's people! I love the symbolism behind Herod's command of the kings to return and reveal where the Christ is living...remember? The kings left the country on another path. How awesome! At a first glace over scripture it looks like their little caravan disobeyed Herod but most importantly; no one can encounter Christ and remain the same. We change when we worship God. We leave the old way behind and walk on a new narrower path to greater glory.

The Magi visit the Christ Child in Build Your Own Bethlehem.
I also have work sheets and coloring sheets for the kids from a Holy Imitation coloring book Eucharistic Adoration, from My Catholic Advent & Christmas workbook and from Seton Art 1 for Young Catholics.

Our Christ candle will be transformed into our Epiphany candle with an image of the Magi offering their gifts and worship to the Incarnation. We will continue to burn the white pillar candle to February 2nd at the Feast of the Presentation.There are many prayers in books or on the internet that you can use. The blessing 20+C+M+B+ 10 is a notation of the current year 2010. The initials of the traditional names of the Magi - Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasaar - are marked above the doorway with blessed chalk. CMB also stands for "Christus Mansionem Bendicat, which is latin for Christ, Bless this Home.

What we are eating:
Roast turkey, stuffing, green salad, relish tray and King Cake!
Catholic Cuisine has a recipe, and there are many more on the web to make or mail order.
When I buy a cake, it's from Randazzo's in New Orleans. Best King Cake EVER! Or, if I make a King Cake it's from the FoodNetwork's Emeril Lagasse, native New Orleans chef!

We do pray many blessings upon your home this year!

As our feast unfolds today and the celebration lives on through the evening, I'll be snapping photos. Check again in the morning for the highlights! God bless you!

Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation.
Bless us as we use this chalk to mark our doors in Your honor.
May our homes be dwelling places of faith, goodness, self-control, mutual respect for one another, hospitality towards strangers and obedience to Your word.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

+Amen.

20 + C + M + B + 10

May all who come come to our home this year rejoice to find Christ living among us, and may we find Jesus in everyone me meet, for He is Lord for ever and ever. +Amen.

The Twelve Days of Christmas ~ Day 12

2010-01-06T06:06:00.000-06:00

On the twelfth day of Christmas my True Love gave to me....
Twelve Drummers Drumming

The twelve points of doctrine in the Apostles' Creed:
1) I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2) I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
3) He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the virgin Mary.
4) He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell.
5) On the third day he rose again. He ascended into heaven, and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
6) He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
7) I believe in the Holy Spirit,
8) the holy catholic Church,
9) the communion of saints,
10) the forgiveness of sins,
11) the resurrection of the body,
12) and life everlasting.

Again, we have a two-fold celebration event occurring in the house. Today is also Scooter's 11th Birthday and the feast of his patron Saint John Neumann.
St. John Neumann, pray for us!

Sugar Plum made his favorite waffles a
birthday breakfast in bed treat.
We opened family gifts out to eat
in his favorite hamburger restaurant.
Card and cash from aunt.
Tower of London & Wii game from Gram.
New camp theme quilt from Grandma.
Mmm! His favorite! Cheesecake!

The Twelve Days of Christmas - Day 11

2010-01-04T12:16:00.000-06:00

On the eleventh day of Christmas my True Love gave to me...
Eleven Pipers Piping

The eleven Faithful Apostles: 1) Simon Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, 6) Bartholomew, 7) Matthew, 8) Thomas, 9) James the greater, 10) Simon the Zealot, 11) James the lesser. (Luke 6:14-16). The list does not include the twelfth disciple, Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus to the religious leaders and the Romans.

This is one of my favorite icons at Pentecost,

the final Twelve Apostles, including Matthias.
Acts 1:18-26

I was up fairly late last night writing lesson plans for the next twelve weeks, which will take us all the way to Easter. Today's calendar feast commemorates Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: widowed mother of five and foundress of the American Sisters of Charity elementary and high schools. It's kind of a perfect day to return to the books after a relaxing vacation on her feast day. Saint Elizabeth, pray for us!

This has been our favorite book and poster to follow Jesus and His Holy Will to sainthood. The pictures are precious! I have taught each child to read phonics starting with this book. E is for Elizabeth!

Saint Peter, Pray for us!
Saint Andrew, Pray for us!
Saint's James, the greater & lesser, Pray for us!
Saint John, Pray for us!
Saint Philip, Pray for us!
Saint Bartholomew, Pray for us!
Saint Matthew, Pray for us!
Saint Thomas, Pray for us!
Saint Simon, Pray for us!
Saint Matthias, Pray for us!
Pray that we be made worthy of the promises of our Lord, Jesus Christ! + Amen.