Children of the Rosary Homeschool

We Have Moved

2011-04-07T22:07:00.000-06:00

Our new location....

is HERE.

A New Blog

2011-04-07T22:04:00.000-06:00

I haven't blogged for a while. I have been thinking about deleting my blog. I have also been thinking about our life and how busy it has been since Patrick was born. Our life is so different now. It seems that I have Cinderella syndrome. I am doing one thing, and then another and then another and find that I have very little time for blogging, reading or just relaxing before I fall asleep.

That being said, I want to continue blogging anyway. Perhaps you will follow my on my new journey. My new blog will be about living simply, about charity towards others, and about being a joyful servant. I am not particularly great at any of these, but I will try. Please visit my new blog and follow my new adventures...

http://livingsimplysothatothersmaysimplylive.blogspot.com/

Wordless Wednesday - Patrick's Birthday

2011-02-16T07:13:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Almost 1 Year Old

2011-02-09T06:04:00.005-07:00

We Bought A House!

2011-02-07T12:24:00.004-07:00

It has been so long since I have blogged. Again! I don't seem to blog on a regular basis anymore. I am not that good at it anyway and I don't feel inspiring at all. I just wanted to blog today for journaling purposes. This blog was meant to be like a journal.

Today's journal entry is all about our house (not the one in the picture). We bought a house. We thought that we would be doomed to renting for the rest of our lives. We just immigrated 3 1/2 years ago. I thought that we could never afford to buy a house, let alone in a big city. With the recession, house prices have dropped dramatically, allowing us to take the plunge.

Before Christmas, we contacted a mortgage broker to find out if we would even be elligible to be qualified for a mortgage. We were shocked to find that not only were we elligible, but for a much larger amount than we wanted to spend. We spent hubby's holidays (Christmas break) looking at houses and bid on a semi-detatched bungalow in an older part of the city with lots of mature trees. We loved the location, with a provincial park within walking distance. We have posted about Fish Creek Park before. There are a number of schools in our area ( I know we homeschool, but schools have the best playgrounds ). Our new parish is a five minute car ride and I could go on. The house itself is on the small side. We prayed a lot for a sign and let God help us decide. We actually put a bid on a house that was a forclosure, was bigger, newer in a new and upcoming area. But after sleeping on it both Sascha and I hoped that the bank wouldn't accept our bid. Luckily two other bidders were bidding and one of them got the house. I can't explain it, but Sascha woke up sick to his stomach and told me that we can't take that house. Thank you St. Joseph. I prayed to St. Joseph a lot through the whole process.

Friday is possession day and I am excited. I am writing this entry sitting on the couch between moving boxes. Most of the house has been either purged or packed. I used the last six weeks to declutter. We have sold, donated and trashed a number of things already. There is no point in moving more than you really need. I am a practical kind of gal.

We are all excited. The kids have been babysitting the baby so much that I feel terrible. He loves playing with them, but he is tiring and did I mention mobile. Our Paddy is going to be a year a few days after we move. Ahhhhhh!!!! So much left to do.

I will miss this place a lot. Afterall, this was our first home in Canada together, our baby was born here and we have made so many memories here. I feel blessed to have had such a wonderful time here in Canada so far and pray that we make many new memories in our new home.

On Santa's Knee

2010-12-06T11:36:00.010-07:00

Happy Feast of Saint Nicholas!

We aren't doing anything out of the ordinary today. The kids got a little something yesterday for the feast of Saint Nicholas. Their German cousins had already gotten their treats, so we made an exception. Dad was home and we wanted him to be there. Each child was given a new book.

After Mass, brunch and Mia's choir practise, we went to one of our favorite stay-cation destinations: Heritage Park. We learn something new every time we are there. Did you know that it was the Germans who had the first artificial Christmas tree? We learned that yesterday. They had a trivia quiz at the park. You had to go to various buildings to answer questions, collect check-marks and ultimately recieve your prize for participating; a candy cane. It was fun and educatiional.

Afterwards, we visited and pet Santa's reindeer and then went to visit Santa. Did I ever mention that my kids have never sat on Santa's knee. It isn't a tradition in Germany. Saint Nicholas comes on December 6th and the Christkind (Christ Child) comes on the 24th. In the years we have lived in Canada, we have never gone to sit on Santa's knee. The malls always have such long line-ups and they want you to buy pictures. So we avoided it until now. Yesterday we could sit the children on Santa's knee, snap a picture ourselves and then go on about our business. So that is what we did. Unfortunately, Paddy was sleeping the whole time we were at the park, so he didn't sit on Santa's knee or see the reindeer. Suse's Kinder Coat and my Ergo Carrier sure come in handy. I felt sorry for those littles in their strollers. They looked so cold. The wind was really sharp.

Home-made Christmas Ornaments

2010-12-03T11:24:00.001-07:00

We made some home-made Christmas ornaments. It started off being just one for my grandma. She puts family pictures of her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids on her tree. Not all of us can be there for the holidays, you see. The whole family is spread out across the country. Well, to make a long story short, we got our family pictures in the mail and I was inspired. Our family had them done recently for the church directory. So here is the ornament that we (my daughter and I) made for her great-grandma...
and this one is the version we are sending the aunties...

Homemade Gifts - Totes

2010-12-01T10:14:00.000-07:00

I love making Christmas presents. If it were up to me, all Christmas presents would be homemade. I hate the commercialism around Christmas time. Not to mention the fact that homemade gifts show that you truly care. You wouldn't spend hours of your precious time making gifts if you didn't truly love or care about the recipient, would you? I try to instill the art of homemade gift giving into the hearts of my children. Each year I ask them what they would like to make for their sibblings within their realm of talents. Of course, the aspirations are beyond their scope of talent or our purse strings, but I love hearing the ideas. I then funnel their ideas into conceivable and do-able present ideas. The two oldest are pretty proficient on the sewing machine. Last year, there was an apron and a few pillow cases sewn and a few treasure boxes made.

This year I quilted tote bags for my German niece and nephew. I used paper foundation piecing for the first time. I used their initials, M & L for the front and a star for the back. I added coordinating borders, machine quilted, added a lining and then straps. I think they turned out pretty good.

Jesse Tree

2010-11-26T11:13:00.005-07:00

We begin our Jesse Tree readings in two days. Here is a link to the readings we use. We are using the same tree that I made last year. I still have to purchase some advent candles. Our church is selling some for $3.00, so I better not forget money when I go there today for Holy Hour. I pray that my baby brain goes away and I can remember to buy them from the office, today. Do you have your Jesse Tree and advent wreath ready? What Jesse Tree readings do you do? Do you have certain prayers to say when you light your wreath? Please feel free to leave a comment and let me know how your family prepares for Our Lord's birth.

Christmas Cards

2010-11-26T11:07:00.003-07:00

We made our first Christmas Cards of the year. This was a great art project and a lot of fun. We love scrapbooking and now we can make beautiful cards. We used a faux quilting technique. I adore these little cards and wish I could see the faces of those receiving them in person. Hopefully, we can make some more and share them with you.

The Fall - Continued....

2010-11-26T09:23:00.010-07:00

Yes, I am doing a bit of a blog catch-up. I use our blog as a journal. So for my sake, here is the happenings of November:

All Saints Day Homeschool Gathering.
This year, the kids were St. Padre Pio, Blessed Kateri, St. Mark the Evangelist and his lion.

We also had our first facilitator visit for the 2010-2011 school year. We seem to be doing well. I thought I was suffering burn-out. Perhaps, that was the case. I am sure I am not the only one who feels overwhelmed from time to time. A teething baby, hurt daddy, school, housework and very little sleep left its toll. Not to mention, Noah was taking an online French course which was stressing me out to no end. There were so many problems getting online, staying online, etc. A technical nightmare that possibly fried our pc (which is in parts at a friend's house). I removed Noah from the course and my stress level went down to normal and the burn-out symptoms disappeared.

This fall has also been spent trying to train the dog. Funny, that wasn't one of my priorities, but kind of just got added to our day. The dog babysits the baby. Wherever the baby is, so too is our puppy. She greets the baby when he is playing, gives him lots of kisses and lets me know when he is crying.

The last thing of any significance to mention, is our first snowfall. It started snowing on the feast of St. Cecelia. The kids love the snow. Owen asks about snow all summer long. He loves to play in it and has been known on occassion to eat it. We are settling for a long winter and hope to share more soon.

God Bless and thanks for stopping by.

The Fall in a Flash

2010-11-26T07:02:00.009-07:00

We are just days away from December. I can't believe how fast time flies. I hardly ever blog anymore. Every time something great happens, I am too busy to blog. I didn't even blog once in almost two months. Wow! I know it was busy, but that is crazy. Well here is a breakdown for the archives:

Noah and Maria started karate. They love it. They are studying Renbukai style karate and have their first evaluation coming up. They hope to get their black bar. I will post a picutre (if I have time lol). Here is a picture of them now in their Gi.

The baby is now sitting on his own. He sits and plays and now baths with his older brother. I love when they get to this age. He loves sitting infront of the back french-style patio door to watch the kids play in the snow.

We enjoyed a very warm fall. Until two weeks ago we were having very warm and beautiful weather. Normally we would have had snow or at the very least colder temperatures. We even had time to rake leaves this year!

Noah went to altar server training. He used to be an altar server, then we started going to the Latin Mass. We stopped going to the Latin Mass, so he can serve in our local parish. I love the Latin Mass, but we also love our local parish. We are involved there as much as we can and never really felt a part of the Latin Mass community. So we love and serve God from where we are at. Here is a picture of Noah and our pastor Father Jack.

My dear husband had a work accident. He ripped open his finger and required 8 stitches. This was a difficult time because this is the same time that the baby started cutting more teeth. He wanted to be held almost non-stop and daddy couldn't hold him. I am not sure who that was harder on, the baby or daddy. Sascha is doing better now, but he still doesn't have full movement of his baby finger. This picture was taken in the waiting room. There are always long wait times and I happened to have the camera in the diaper bag for once.

We had family pictures taken for the parish directory. Now, I don't have those to show, but I do have one of my new haircut and my cute 5 year old. He still loves sitting on my lap and giving me kisses more than anything.

So far I have only mentioned the things in October. We also had a wonderful November, but that will have to wait until my hands are free to blog about it. My baby is demanding my attention. God Bless, and thanks for stopping by.

We Were Blessed By the Bishop

2010-09-29T22:59:00.003-06:00

I should not boast, but it is always special to see the Bishop. I feel like it is something so special, that I am always sad when I miss an opportunity to see him. Our Bishop is a special man. Most Bishops are, I'll give you that.

This evening the Bishop came to our parish to bless all of the children who received Sacraments in the 2009-2010 school year. Two of the children received Sacraments, so we felt that reason enough to attend. Of course, a number of school trustees were there, numerous parish priests, the Knights of Columbus in royal garb, school teachers, principals, families and all were present. Even though we "home school", I felt that we should be there, at least some of us. The two oldest just started karate classes, so I let them go to karate and attended with the two little boys. I cherish the time with the little guys so much. A five year old is so funny on such occasions. Since the Bishop was wearing white vestments, I was continually asked if he was the Pope. The Knights of Columbus men were mistaken for real "knights", you know the kind that live in a castle. Anyway, you get the picture. Comical but just as Jesus would have expected. Child-like innocence.

He (the five year old) insisted that we spend some time with the Blessed Sacrament. Of course, I obliged. I love spending time with Jesus. But remember, a five years old's prayers are short, so I must pray fast and to the point. Everyone else was gathering around in the foyer to speak to the Bishop and get their pictures taken with him. Smart me, I remembered the camera. My shy little five year old and I got our picture taken with the Bishop. That was all he talked about on the way to pick up the "kids" from karate. "Don't tell the kids, I want to tell them that I got a picture with the Bishop." He always calls them "the kids". He also picked up one of those rubber arm bands in his sister's name because only the kids who received sacraments got one. He was offered one for himself, but he told the priest who was handing them out that it was for his sister because she received two sacraments. He told her all about it as soon as we picked her up. God is so good.

Little Owen loves Jesus so much and I absolutely adore his child-like innocence. I hope he never loses it. I really need to scan in his spontaneous sketches of the Sacred Heart, Rosaries and churches and share them with you. Please remember to pray for him and our whole family that God may always keep them close to his heart and perhaps choose one or all of them to have vocations. God Bless and thank you for stopping by.

Rosaries on a Journey

2010-09-29T22:33:00.006-06:00

As mentioned in earlier posts, our family are members of the Totus Tuus Rosary Making Association. It sounds really official, I admit, but it is an amazing group. Our group made and distributed over 37,000 rosaries last year. We play a very insignificant part. We never seem to make as many rosaries as others in the group (some bring in grocery bags full). We attend group meetings less regularly than others do and we are not the prayer warriors that we would like to be. Nonetheless, we are members. The children especially love going to "Rosary Group" every Tuesday morning. They love to hear the stories about where the rosaries have been sent and see the pictures of them being distributed in Africa, Mexico and other remote areas of the world. The children work hard trying to learn the special knot used to make the rosaries. They are doing Our Lady's work here on earth. Even if we do not make the most rosaries, or pray the most, I hope that Our Lady will always hold us close to her heart. I hope that the children will remember when they are all grown up and have busy lives of their own, to pray the rosary and to promote it wherever they go. Right now, they just enjoy the atmosphere of the group and help where they can. This past Sunday, two of the children helped to sell rosaries after mass.

Last week, we were able to send 300 of the rosaries made with a dear friend Br. Paul on his journey across Canada. I know that Our Lady will see to it that they come to those in great need. I can't wait to hear from Br. Paul whom we gave them to and here about where the rosaries went. Please pray for Br. Paul on his journey for his safe arrival in Nova Scotia and for his spiritual journey as well. We were very fortunate to take a picture with him on his short visit with the Mary-Mobile and the rosaries.

If you are in need of rosaries or know of someone who is on a mission in need of rosaries, please let me know. I will pass your information along to the group coordinator. It doesn't cost you a penny. Please also pray for this apostulate. Continued prayers are needed for the success of this group. Success is not measured in dollars and cents, but rather in distributing rosaries to everyone who wants and needs one. These rosaries may be the only rosaries that some people will ever own.

Please pray the Rosary often.

The Seven Sorrows of Mary

2010-09-20T10:04:00.005-06:00

We have added a new twist to our home school experience - Scrapbooking! I love to scrapbook, but don't have a lot of time to do it, so I have let the kids use some of my tools and supplies to enhance their learning. So far they have scrapbooked a number of pages for their portfolios. (We have to keep portfolios to show our facilitator during her visits.) We already notebooked and continue to notebook. We use this as a type of narration. The kids typically read from one of their books and then draw a picture and write a few sentences. Last week, for the feast of Our Lady of Sorrows, Mia had an assignment from her 3rd Grade CHC curriculum to use "A Year with God" to learn about the Seven Sorrows of Mary. This is what she made:

My Baby is Seven Months Old

2010-09-16T07:01:00.000-06:00

Yet another month has passed and my baby has grown a little taller, a little wider and a little cuter (well, maybe a lot cuter in my eyes). We love our darling Paddy-Cakers as we like to call him. I admit it is a ridiculous nickname, but it suits him well, for now. I didn't actually take a picture of him yet today, but here are a few from Sunday. Yes, the woolly hats have replaced the sun hats and warm fuzzy outfits have replaced the shorts and T's and even the fuzzy cover is back on the car seat for now. The second picutre is with his proud big brother, who not so long ago was our baby.

End of Summer Woes

2010-09-15T05:59:00.000-06:00

I believe that summer has officially ended here. I woke up this morning to a fresh blanket of snow. I don't know where fall went, but winter seems to be upon us. Really?!? It is only the middle of September. The weather has been chilly here all week and really soggy. The kids don't want to play outside and I don't really blame them. We have been plugging away at another week of school work and find ourselves right in the thick of things. I believe that my plans for school this year were a tad bit more than ambitious. We enjoy everything for the most part, but there just doesn't seem to be enough time to do it all. We have a freshly painted school room and some great new supplies, a new organization system and co-operative children, so what could go wrong? Well, everything and nothing. I think the kids are getting a great education regardless of my expectations. We learned about the Rosetta stone and wrote some awesome sentences in our guided writing, learned about the properties of matter and finished a few cool art projects amoung many other things. Actually, writing things down helps me realize that we did do a lot this week.

We can also see that it is no longer summer, when the Fall Fair has already come and gone. This is the first year that the children have participated in the Heritage Park Fall Fair. I made finishing their entries a part of "school". It was mandatory. I entered them in categories that I knew we could easily finish under the time contraints that a demanding baby and learning to cook and eat grain-free would allow. In total, the kids took part in 13 categories. Everything from soap-carving, drawing self-portraits, painting without a brush to making Christmas tree ornaments. The children placed in 11 of the 13 categories. The little guy even won the best of his sub-section for his entry of his marble painting. That won him a special ribbon, a Dinosaur Train dvd (we never watch it on tv and he happens to be a huge dinosaur fan), a book, a soft football, a pin from Country FM that lights up and blinks and 4 entrance tickets to Calaway Park. We still have to pay for one ticket, but those tickets save us $75 + GST. You can believe that we were quite proud of our little bunch. Here are pictures of some of their entries...

Owen's Potato Print
Owen's Marble Painting
Maria's Potato Print
Maria's Potato Self-Portrait in 1905
Noah's Soap Carving - Wolf
Noah's Christmas Tree Ornament

My Little Girl is Eight Today!

2010-08-18T20:00:00.011-06:00

Daughters are angels
Sent from above
To fill our heart
With unending love.
~ Author Unknown

Maria's 1st Birthday

Maria after her 2nd Birthday
Maria's 3rd Birthday
Maria's 4th Birthday
Maria's 5th Birthday
Maria's 6th Birthday
Maria's 7th Birthday
Maria's 8th Birthday

Home School Plans for 2010-2011

2010-08-16T21:55:00.012-06:00

This year we are using an eclectic mix of Mater Amabilis Level 1A, Catholic Heritage Curricula and Seton. Our aim is to give the children a variety of good living books, some straight forward directions and a good portion of imagination to build a memorable, enjoyable and virtue building school year. Academic achievement is important to us, but the ultimate goal in planning our home school is heaven. Whatever our children learn or do, should be used to know, love and serve God. With this in mind we chose to use the following to build this year's curriculum:

Familiy Learning

A Life of Our Lord for Children by Marigold Hunt

Bible Stories from Penny Gardner's website

Ancient Egypt

My First History of Canada by Donalda Dickie

Earth Studies: Weather & Mountains and Volcanos

Read Alouds from the Literature List on the MA Website

Geography ~ Reading Books on the lives of Saints and mapping their homelands and travels

Noah ~ Grade 4

Religion ~ Faith and Life 4

Math ~ Saxon 5/4 with D.I.V.E.

Grammar ~ Intermediate Language Lessons by Emma Serl

Reading ~ see CHC 4th Grade Lesson Plans

Spelling ~ All About Spelling

Writing ~ Wordsmith Apprentice

Science ~ Behold and See 4

Art & Music ~ an eclectic mix of what we own and library resources

Phys. Ed. ~ Karate Classes 2x weekly at the community centre

Maria ~ Grade 3

Religion ~ Faith and Life 3

Math ~ Jump Math 3

Grammar ~ English for the Thoughtful Child 2

Reading ~ CHC 3rd Grade Lesson Plans

Spelling ~ All About Spelling

Writing ~ Just Write 1 & 2

Science ~ Behold and See 3

Art & Music ~ an eclectic mix of what we own and library resources

Phys. Ed. ~ Karate Classes 2x weekly at the community centre

Owen ~ Kindergarten

CHC Lesson Plans - followed loosely

Kinder Math

lots of hands on activities, flashcards and read alouds

We are using Sue Patrick's workbox system as a tool to keep our home school organized and fun. That is a whole other post in itself. We will also be using the books: A Year with God, Catholic Garden of Puzzles, Sewing with Saint Anne, Tea & Cake with the Saints, A Catholic How-to-Draw (all from CHC) to enrich our studies. This is just an overview of the books we plan to use. I don't plan on completing every book from cover to cover, but hope to make use of the best parts of most of these. We are really looking forward to our study on Ancient Egypt and lots of read alouds. Now, if only the baby will be good and everything will run smoothly, execution would be a breeze. But as we all know, life happens. All the best wishes to all of you heading back to your kitchen tables, dining room tables, school rooms etc. God Bless and have a great new year of learning to know, love and serve our wonderful God.

My Baby is 6 Months Old

2010-08-16T21:42:00.004-06:00

I can hardly believe that my little baby is already 6 months old. He is the apple of our eyes. He is a happy baby as long as he is being entertained or being carried around by someone. In one of my earlier posts, I mentioned that he is a high maintenance baby and he still is. Our munchkin hates tummy time, he doesn't lay on his back for very long to play, he loves being held and still doesn't sleep through the night. Although he loves to be carried around, he is pretty easy going. He loves car-rides, stroller rides and being carried in the ergo-carrier. He is very alert and loves when his older siblings dance and sing for him. Nothing within his reach is safe. If he can reach it, he has it. He loves chatting and making noises. He also has a passion for sucking his little toes. None of my other kids were interested in toes. This little guy loves his toes. He also loves his thumb. None of my other guys sucked there thumb, but this little guy loves his thumb. Life these past six months have been busy, crazy, funny, overwhelming and amazing. Babies are so much work, but so much fun. Here is my baby on his six month birthday, wearing his brother's shades and playing with the measuring spoons.

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Two Babies

2010-08-11T07:36:00.001-06:00

Going Grain Free

2010-08-09T23:09:00.003-06:00

I mentioned in my last post that we have gone "Grain-Free". This wasn't as hard as I thought it would be, but it has caused quite a lot of stress. I was lead by a facebook friend to take a look at a website that she had found called Gluten Free Society: Educating Patients and Doctors About Gluten. It took me a few days until I finally took the time to watch the following two videos, amoung others. You are entitled to form your own opinions, but I think they are true representations of what gluten sensitivity is. It is because of this research and my all around well-being (which wasn't so great) that our family decided to go TRUE GLUTEN FREE aka GRAIN-FREE.

I am not at all affiliated with the Gluten Free Society. I just want to write about what I have learned and our journey along this path. Our life will never be the same. So far I have learned that meat, potatoes, fruit and veggies are my friends and that we must get along. Almond flour is expensive, and worth it, but I must find another cheaper alternative to feed this growing hungry family if we are not to be financially ruined. I need to throw all I have learned about food out the door and go back to the drawing board. Wish us luck.

The Summer Thus Far

2010-08-09T22:15:00.007-06:00

I haven't been feeling like blogging much lately. I always think of things to write about and then think, who cares! My life is pretty boring and I don't have anything that important to write about. And oh, I have a baby attached to the hip that only lets me type one-handed or not at all. Do I sound a little frustrated? I am. It's not that I don't love my life as a mommy and a wife, but I sometimes wish things would go ~~my way~~ smoother. At the beginning of the summer, I thought I would get a chance to plan the next school year, read some books, get the house cleaned, go on field trips, sip cold lemonade and relax. The truth is school is not planned, but bits of plans are scattered on my desk. I only read one book from cover to cover and the house still isn't cleaned. We went on one field trip and the lemonade and relaxing were somehow lost in the shuffle. After reciting such complaints, my loving husband would say, "But look at what you have done despite all that is going on. You...

nursed the baby back up to a healthy weight despite a rocky start
cloth diaper and always manage to have enough clean ones
trained the puppy, she isn't too bad anymore
go to the gym
lost 12lbs
cook awesome meals
helped your son put on weight after he lost a bunch (long story)
made rosaries for the missions
learned to cook grain-free (another long story)
made to daily mass a few times, better than not at all
got a few things ready for school
are not insane and I am on your side and I love you!

I love my husband. He is always honest and to the point. What if's don't count in his opinion and life is the way it is. Babies are only little for a short time and for everything there is a season. This is my life, one step at a time. I must admit that I don't like to blog about life's difficult moments. But that wouldn't be right. I don't lead a perfect life or have it all together at all times. I'm human and need to trust God will take care of all of the shortcomings. On a lighter and brighter note, I thought I would share a few pictures of our summer thus far.

A visit from Br. Paul, and old highschool friend on his pro-life walk across Canada
The boys on their 10th and 5th birthdays and their volcano cake
The kids and their friends at Heritage Park
My adorable little baby boy

Rosary Making and Consecration

2010-06-27T14:09:00.003-06:00

On Tuesday, the rosary making group that we belong to had their bi-annual consecration and potluck dinner. During the school year our attendance is almost nill. Once school is out, we attend the meetings on a more regular basis. The Totus Tuus Rosary Making Association made and sent more than 35,000 rosaries to the missions. I fear that we only a contributed a few of those, but as I was told, every rosary counts.

This was our first time attending one of the Consecration and potluck dinners. It was nice to see so many people attend. We made a procession to the blessed sacrament in song with candles lit. The leader read a from the bible and we all said the consecration prayer. Afterwards, the new members received their Totus Tuus pins and crosses. We aren't new members, but we received ours on Tuesday. They are always passed out after the consecration.

One of the special things that happens on this day is that a very special statue of Our Lady is displayed with rosaries that are ready to be sent out. She is unfortunately cracking as a result of our extremely dry climate. She was made as a special gift from a group in the Philipines for the Totus Tuus Rosary Makers. It is the only one in existance in the whole world. I fell in love with this statue and had to have a picture of it with my children.

If you click on this next picture, you can see all of the places that the rosaries from our group have been sent. If you need rosaries for a mission that you are going on, please let me know and I can pass the information on. Just let me know where you are going and how many rosaries you need. Our Lady of the Rosary, pray for us.

When Kids Can Cook

2010-06-05T09:43:00.003-06:00

I absolutely love that my kids love to cook and bake. The mess they make while cooking can really be trying on my patience. They do clean up after themselves, don't get me wrong, but watching them make mistakes or messes is still hard for me. I learned very early on in my marriage to be patient when I am not doing the cooking. My sweet husband wanted to learn how to cook, but made it very clear to me that if I didn't back off, he would never cook for me. I backed off, bit my tongue and only offered tips or advice when absolutely necessary. I remember making my own mistakes while learning to cook and bake. I burnt a number of things and even made a cake once that I accidentally omitted the flour from. I want to share what I learned to make others' lives easier, but I sometimes come across as all-knowing.

For the record, I am not a good cook. I cook what my family likes, but I am sure that I would be ridiculed on any one of the Food Network shows that I love. I would be the first to be "Chopped" for sure. I cook as wholesome as it gets without it tasting gross. Do you know what I mean? Cooking healthy still has to taste good.

I used to bake most of our bread, but since going gluten free, bread is sparse in our house. We have become quite adventurous in creating alternative meals. I guess since becoming gluten free, we have all taken a closer interest into what lands on our plates. It sure sparked interest in my oldest two to try out these new found foods. My oldest loved bread. He has celiac disease, so going without was really hard. He doesn't feel sorry for himself because he can make his own bread sticks, pizza dough, crepes, bread and muffins. Cooking is definitely a subject in our home school. Noah & Mia surprised me with some homemade pizza one day for lunch. They made everything from start to finish, even the yeast dough crust.

Do your kids cook? How do you deal with the mess? Do you have a favourite gluten free recipe that you want to share with us?

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ May 17, 2010.

2010-05-17T09:27:00.009-06:00

Outside my window…the sun is shining brightly and it is warm.

I am thinking…that I want to get a lot of unfinished ends tied up. Plant pumpkin seeds, plant some bird seed with the kids, clean the house (lol, a few things hopefully) and find time to read.

I am thankful for…a garden hose. The quickest way to wash off mud before it is brought into the house.

From the learning rooms…study of wolves, writing, Canadian studies and finishing up the rest of the Seton homeschool program.

From the kitchen…leftover chicken chili (yummmm) with rice. Daddy sure makes a great chili.

I am wearing…black capris and a button-down grey t-shirt. That will probably change soon. Paddy always seems to throw up all over me at least twice a day. Acid reflux just isn't any fun.

I am creating…lesson plans for this coming fall. The shopping list is written, the books I am using are all figured out, now all I have to do is write a master plan. It is a combination of Mater Amabilis Levels 1A and 2 and a combination of materials I already own. I can't wait to finish planning and actually get started.

I am going…to the gym four to five times this week. I joined Curves almost three weeks ago to get fit and strive toward a healthy bodysize and to have some mommy time. I tried working out at home, but dirty dishes, unfolded laundry and a fussy baby always seem to convince me to stop. Getting out for an hour a day has increased my energy levels, helped me lose two inches of my abdomen and boost my self-image.

I am reading…My First History of Canada by Donalda Dickie. This will be our main resource for Canadian History next term. I am also reading When Children Love to Learn by Elaine Cooper. After using Seton Homeschool for this past year, I am yearning to go back to more of a Charlotte Mason type of home school atmosphere.

I am hoping…to have a productive week.

I am hearing…the baby and Mia playing. Actually, the baby is beginning to fuss.

Around the house…always lots to do, but it is not too bad.

One of my favorite things…a cup of coffee with daddy after he gets home from work. I am not a coffee drinker per say, but I love the social aspect. Just sitting down with him to discuss our day when he comes home over a fresh brewed cup of java is bliss.

A few plans for the rest of the week…art class Wednesday, visit from my uncle sometime this week and hopefully going to Heritage Park for it's opening this coming weekend.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing…the baby and I (I actually had time to do my hair for once, it is usually quite the mess)

For more Daybook entries follow this link...

The New Sandbox

2010-05-17T09:03:00.006-06:00

Daddy is pretty handy with his hands. I love having a handyman for a husband. His day job is painter and he loves his job, but when we first moved to Canada he had to work in construction. Since then, he has gotten more confident with a skill saw in hand. This past weekend, we had lovely weather and daddy was busy fixing our front and back gates that were always a nightmare to open and shut and fixing up the kids bikes. He also built a flower box to replace an old damaged one.

A few weeks ago (before our spring snow), daddy built an awesome sandbox. I was so busy with the baby, that I haven't had my hands free to blog. It was a two day project from the magazine Backyards for Kids. On a limited budget, our full sun backyard needed something for kids and provide shade. Our garden hasn't been as successful as I had hoped, so daddy and I ripped it out to make room for the new sand box. This is the end result... I love it and it has been home to the kids after school work is done for days now. Since it was built, daddy has built a gang plank, which is not seen on these pictures.

Paddy is Three Months Old

2010-05-17T08:22:00.005-06:00

Where has the time gone? The first few months were a little rough, but things are going a little smoother now. My darling is three months old! He is smiling and laughing a lot and loves interaction with his older siblings. Nursing him is much easier now and he is even starting to get chubby in all the right places. For the longest time, he wasn't gaining enough weight. The doctor didn't seem too concerned, since he was quite alert and had a beautiful skin colour and tone. He is an easier baby now. He still co-sleeps (something I had never dreamed of doing). It is not that I was against it, I just never felt comfortable doing it. The older kids always slept in their bassinets or cribs. Paddy loves to sleep in our bed and refuses to sleep elsewhere at night. During the day he sleeps in our arms or if we are lucky, in the stroller. The new stroller has been a "God send". It frees me up to get a few things done or a meal on the table. It isn't the ideal sleeping place in my mind, but I am thankful for 20 minutes of babylessness here and there. I love holding him, don't get me wrong, but 24/7 is a little much. So now here are some pics of our three month old...

D is for Dog and for Daphne

2010-04-16T08:16:00.004-06:00

I think we are crazy and you will probably agree when you see what we have done. We brought a puppy home yesterday. Yes, a puppy. She is 11 days older than Patrick our baby. Her name is Daphne and she is a Shih Tzu - Poodle cross. She is active and fun loving as all puppies are. She is learning to be house trained and sleeps a lot. She whined a lot last night, but that is because we are kennel-training her. Some people think this is cruel, but we are of the opinion that this is better for the dog in the long run. That is her safe haven. If we ever want to travel with her, we won't have to kennel-train her then and she will feel a sense of security. If ever there is a fire, we know where she is and can get her or tell the fire dept. where to find her. Not only that, right now we are so tired that we hardly hear her (because of the baby) and she doesn't whine constantly. She is like having another baby, but we figure by the time she is through the worst of puppyhood, Patrick will be a bigger and happier baby. Not only that, she will be a long time companion of the children. After Billy our poodle had to be put down last fall, we have been talking about getting another dog. We got Billy when he was 6 and couldn't break all of his habits. We hope to instill good manners in Daphne right from the beginning. The extra work right now will be totally worth it in the long run. Who couldn't resist this face???

Art With Gramma

2010-04-16T08:00:00.008-06:00

My mom was here for a visit from Ontario. We miss her already. During her visit the kids played a lot with her. She played hopscotch and red light - green light and lots of other fun games. By far the favourite thing to do with Gramma is to paint. She spent a few hours painting with them and this is the result:

Jemima Puddle Duck by Noah

The Cherry Tree by Maria

The Apple Tree by Owen

Sacraments on Sunday

2010-04-14T09:43:00.009-06:00

Two of our children received Sacraments this past Sunday. Maria made her First Holy Communion and our newest family member, Patrick was baptized. It was a lovely day and celebration. My mom flew in from Ontario to be here and my Aunt, Uncle and two cousins got up bright and early to make the 2 hour car ride to make it to 9:00am Mass. A number of friends also came to celebrate with us and miraculously fit into our tiny home for brunch. Here are some pictures of our day...

Chronicles of Narnia Draw at the Library

2010-04-14T09:32:00.004-06:00

During the month of March, our local public library had a draw for a Lucy doll donated by a fellow Calgarian. She also made two library bags with a pocket for a library card for the runners-up. Of course, the kids are huge Narnia fans and promptly entered the draw. The littles (under 7) could draw a picture of Aslan and the older kids had to answer four questions about the Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe. The oldest didn't fill out the form I brought home for him like the other kids did. He wasn't even sure that he was going to enter the contest to win a doll. At the last minute of our last visit he asked the librarian for a pencil so he could fill out the questionaire and enter the draw. This past Friday evening, I received a phone call from the library saying that Noah had won one of the bags and that they were going to make a presentation on Saturday afternoon. Saturday afternoon, he picked up his prize and used it right away to check out a few how-to-draw books.

The lady on the left made the bag and donated the lucy doll.

Tasty Tuesday - Irish Soda Bread

2010-03-30T09:52:00.007-06:00

GLUTEN FREE IRISH SODA BREAD

I meant to post this prior to Saint Patrick's Day, but life doesn't always work that way. So here it is now. I modified a recipe that I found to accomadate what I had on hand. Enjoy! I know I did. I ate more than my share of this loaf.

Ingredients:
1 cup gluten free flour
1/2 cup sorghum flour
1/2 cup tapioca starch
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1/3 cup cane sugar
1 tsp guar gum
3/4 cup sour cream
1 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 eggs
3 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp molasses
3 tsp caraway seeds
2/3 cup golden raisins

Preheat the oven to 375F and grease a pie plate or 8" round cake pan and dust it with cornmeal. Whisk the dry ingredients together. Whisk the wet ingredients together in a separate bowl. Make a well in the dry ingredients and add the wet ingredients. Mix gently and then add caraway seeds and raisins. Add some liquid (milk or sour cream if the dough is too dry). Pour the dough into the prepared cake pan or pie plate. Dust with cornmeal and slice a criss-cross into the dough. Bake in a preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until the loaf is golden and crusty and sounds hollow when tapped. Check for doneness with a toothpick. Cool on a cake rack for about 10 minutes. Turn out and less cool. Enjoy warm or cool. Be sure to put any leftovers in a closed container to enjoy any unused portions the next day.

For more Tasty Tuesday recipes visit City Wife, Country Life blog

Making Crayons

2010-03-30T09:34:00.008-06:00

It is not always easy to keep a preschooler entertained during school time. He likes to do school, too, but only for a while. Today I saw a neat idea on the Little Birdie Secrets blog that I thought would make a good preschooler activity. We would recycle a bunch of broken crayons to make some new crayons. Nobody in our house uses broken crayons unless they absolutely have to. The kids also love using their Stockmar blocks which are similar. I can't wait to see all of the things my little guy will colour with them. The two oldest want to make their own sets, too. I can see these being great birthday gifts for other toddlers and preschoolers.

In case you don't have time to read the other blog, you simply sort broken crayons into silicone muffin cups according to colour or colour combinations of your choice. Bake in a 200F oven for 30-40 minutes or until melted. Let cool completely before removing them from the pan.

Before

After

Stations of the Cross Box

2010-03-29T14:06:00.005-06:00

Last week, I was reading several blogs trying to get ideas on how to make Holy Week more meaning. One thing I found, was a box for learning the Stations of the Cross. I saw this on a few blogs. I decided that we should make one, too. Owen has put this box to a lot of use ever since. It is amazing how quickly a four year old can understand and memorize the Stations with this kind of a tool.

First we found a small shoebox and decorated it with the Stations of the Cross from Catholicartworks.com. We decorated the top packing taped everything to make it durable. We printed out the Stations of the Cross cards from the pdf file here. We gathered objects to represent each station and voila, we had a Stations of the Cross box.

Our list is as follows:

First Station - piece of leather to represent the rope used for Jesus' arrest
Second Station - wooden cross
Third Station - bandage with the #1
Fourth Station - statue of Mary
Fifth Station - cutout of a hand with the inscription "helping hand"
Sixth Station - picture of Jesus' face
Seventh Station - bandage with the #2
Eighth Station - tissue
Ninth Station - bandage with the #3
Tenth Station - purple piece of felt
Eleventh Station - Nail
Twelfth Station - Crucifix
Thirteenth Station - picture of the Pieta
Fourteenth Station - rock

To look at some other Stations of the Cross boxes and for more ideas follow the links:

Cherished Hearts at Home
Catholic Icing
4RealForum
Growing With My Girls

Also to come... post on Resurrection Eggs.

Holy Week Daybook ~ March 29th, 2010

2010-03-29T12:08:00.011-06:00

FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun is shining and it looks like a wonderful spring day. If only it weren't so windy.

I am thinking... how fast time flies when you have so much to do.

I am thankful for... my husband. He is so wonderful at helping me get things done with a high demand baby in tow.

From the learning rooms... week 27 (test week) of Seton home school study and lots of Holy Week activities and Easter preparations going on.

From the kitchen... leftovers from our Seder meal last night.

I am wearing... the baby. :-) and a t-shirt, floral skirt and leggings.

I am creating... a First Communion Dress for my daughter.

I am going... to try to stay focused and get lots of things done this week!

I am reading... too many books to list, some of which are kids books. Noah really enjoys reading the same book I am and having discussions about it.

I am hoping... that everything is ok with the baby. We have an appointment with the midwives for a weighing on Wednesday and an appointment with a pediatrician on Thursday to see if we can find out why baby isn't pooing.

I am hearing... the sweet sounds of a sleeping baby.

Around the house... lots of dirt and fingerprints. Have I mentioned that I have a new baby and that it is ok to have a dirty house?

One of my favorite things... a hot shower. A few minutes of mom-time under hot running water. I don't know what I would do without it sometimes.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Trying to finish our Easter preparations, spend time reading the bible and talking about the passion, death and resurrection of our Lord with the children. If all goes well, we will try to have a Holy Thursday tea like Alice's. I also hope to get the dress done, the house tidy and, and etc.

Here is picture for thought I am sharing... our seder meal. It is a tradition in our house to prepare a seder meal. Normally, we do this on Holy Thursday as a "Last Supper", but thought that it would be too hard to prepare during the week. We opted to not make our own gluten free matza, and had crackers instead. It isn't all kosher like it was last year, but we had to improvise a little. My favourite were the coconut-chocolate chip macarrons that Mia made at the very back on the table.

Library Finds

2010-03-22T14:43:00.006-06:00

I love our public library. They sell their old books for $0.50 - $1.00 per book. Sometimes they are even priced lower than that at 2 for 1. I have walked out of our library once with six books for $3.00. One of the books was a book from the series of the Chronicles of Narnia. This Saturday I walked out with these three books:

The Ultimate Drawing Course by John Raynes

Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau (Hardcover)

Crinkleroot's Guide to Knowing Butterflies and Moths (Hardcover)

Does your library do this too? Do you look forward to buying new-used treasures? My kids love going to thrift stores and looking through the used book section and shopping at used book stores. I hope we can find some of our school books for next year used and thrifty. I am a book shop-a-holic. I trade my visa points for gift cards at the bookstore. I have books in the amazon online cart right now, but feel terrible buying more books. Why? Because I just bought books last week using my points. I am already working on my booklists for next year. Updates to follow.

Spring Where Are You?

2010-03-22T14:13:00.007-06:00

It is now officially spring and it is supposed to snow today. This reminds me of a book that I have read over and over again to each of my children, Franklin's Baby Sister. Franklin clangs on pots and pans to wake up nature beacuse he is awaiting a baby sister in spring. He isn't successful at waking up nature, but it is a neat thought. We have had some spring-like weather, but it is cold and grey again today. Yesterday, we went for a nature walk down by the creek looking for signs of spring, but saw this...

and this...

Although, we didn't find any signs of spring at the creek, we found some signs in our own backyard. Miss Rumphius would be happy to see that our lupins are beginning to grow. Our neighbour's tree is beginning to bud and our grass is trying to turn green. Maybe spring isn't too far off after all.

Kids That Cook

2010-03-22T13:52:00.005-06:00

Since Patrick's birth, things have been crazy in our home. While trying to maintain my sanity, great things have happened! My kids have become quite proficientin the kitchen. All of a sudden, my kids have learned to cook. The only cooking that I have done is.... hmm I just give directions, I don't actually cook. While holding or nursing the baby, I tell everyone where to find my best recipes, give tips and tell shortcuts, taste test and trust. I have always wanted the kids to learn how to cook, but didn't let them do too much. I didn't want to have to clean up after them and I certainly didn't want the cooking and prep work to take FOREVER! Well, God is teaching me to be patient and trusting. Iam reaping the rewards. Who knew that a 7 and 9 year old (with some help from dad and a little from myself) could be so talented? I have enjoyed stews, muffins, banana bread, pasta and even crepes made by my children. Am I bragging? Yes! It is not totally on my account, but I can be proud anyways. Daddy has also become quite good in the kitchen. He is the best muffin baker and pancake maker this side of the great lakes. Here are a few pictures of my budding chefs.

Life With a New Addition

2010-03-10T08:49:00.004-07:00

We haven't had much time for blogging the last couple of weeks, which I believe is understandable. Is understandable even a word? Anyway, life has taken us for a whirl.

I am typing one-handed with a baby strapped to my chest. Just 3 short weeks ago, our baby was born into our family. The labour and birth were relatively easy. I called the midwife at 7:00am with irregular, but somewhat strong contractions. I had a bit of show, so I just wanted to know if this is finally it. I had been experiencing contractions for a number of weeks. At times they were quite regular, but then they would stop. At 9:00/9:30am, the midwife came. In the meantime, the kids, dad and I threw food in the slowcooker for supper and cut up some veggies and cheese for lunch. The midwife wanted to know how far along I was and gave me a qick check-up, only to find that I had already dilated 5-6cm. The kids all got the birth-day toys (toys we had bought and put away until the day of delivery). The boys each got a lego set and Maria got a newborn baby doll. The boys were busy building legos, the midwife was filling out paperwork, daddy went to buy coffee (we ran out) and I worked through my contractions. It was very peaceful. When Sascha came home, he began filling the kiddie pool in our living room. We had planned a water birth. When the pool was finally filled, I could hardly wait to get in. The contractions were getting stronger and the warm pool was very soothing. My water broke somewhere between 11:30 and 11:45am (I wasn't watching the clock, but I remember reading it in the protocol of the birth). At 12:02, I finally gave birth to a big baby boy, weighing 9lbs, 13oz. and was 22" long. I feel I must mention that this is my first Canadian born baby and he weighed almost 1 1/2 lbs more than my biggest German born baby. He was luckily born 9 days before his due date! Is there something in the water here that makes such large babies??? This was my first home-birth and the first birth that wasn't induced, the first completely drug and intervention free. The midwife was very hands off. She lovingly pressed on my back when my contractions were unbearable and provided some protection against ripping and tearing. I had one little tear, which was a far cry from the three previous episiotomies and tears beyond belief. No sewing was required and I was feeling great. I would do it all over again.

Although the birth was picture perfect and fairly easy, the last three weeks have been very trying. Our little guy lost almost 17% of his birth weight. He is three weeks old and is still 7% under his birth weight. We are working hard on getting a good milk supply going, are supplementing and praying like crazy. The stress of having baby weighed every few days by the midwives isn't helping either. I feel like I am back in school, hoping for an "A" after working hard on my assignments. So if you don't see anything from us for the next days or weeks, you know why. Keep Patrick in your prayers that he quickly regains his birth weight and that we can begin to really enjoy him. We waited almost 4 years for this addition and can hardly beleive that God had entrusted us such a beautiful baby.

Lord give us the strength to do Your will and bless all of those who have been praying for us.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-03-10T08:45:00.003-07:00

Announcing....

2010-02-22T09:30:00.002-07:00

Patrick Johannes, born on February 16 at 12:02pm. Weighing in at 9 lbs 13 oz and measuring 22 inches.

Our Lady of Lourdes

2010-02-12T11:31:00.006-07:00

Yesterday was the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. We did not end up doing as many activities as I had hoped or planned, but we managed to get a few things done. My favourite of all projects was the grotto the two oldest made out of legos for the Our Lady of Grace Statue that we have. We also did the craft that Jamie's kids did over at Lord, Make Me A Saint. For dinner we had a mostly white meal including a yummy gluten free pasta alfredo dish from this cookbook.

Valentine's Day Crafts

2010-02-10T12:20:00.005-07:00

St. Valentine's Day is just around the corner. We usually go to art class on Wednesday, but I cancelled this week. I am feeling exhausted and want to spend some quality time with the kids before the baby takes over our schedule. So I promised the kids to come up with an art project for them to do at home. I was inspired by Art Projects for Kids "Focal Point Valentine" project. I like giving them art projects that have a purpose and this one turned out great. The inside messages are really sweet, too. Last week at art class, the kids wrote Haiku poetry and illustrated them. I asked them to write Valentine's Day Haiku poems for the inside to reinforce the technique. They are so personal that I won't share them.

I also found a really sweet project for our preschooler. I love making handprint art projects with little ones. I like to keep them and look back at how small their little hands were. This one was so sweet that I knew we had to do it. Perhaps it is selfish of me to have him make me a Valentine's Day card like this, but he would have made me something in daycare if he wasn't homeschooled. I think it is wierd though. I normally don't make the kids make me things for birthdays or mother's day either. If you click on the picture you can read the poem. Isn't is adorable? Go here to get your preschooler or toddler to make you one.

Craft Basket Wednesday February 10, 2010.

2010-02-10T12:12:00.002-07:00

This is my first time posting in this rubric. I have been very busy making things as you can see here. One project that we worked on as a family is finally done and I really wanted to share it with you for craft basket Wednesday. It is a floor blanket for the baby. The top is art work from the kids using special fabric markers, welcoming their baby brother. Even daddy drew a Porsche on the left side. I sandwiched the blanket together like a quilt and added ribbons to make it more interesting for the baby. The project originally comes from Amanda Blake's Handmade Home.

Tasty Tuesday

2010-02-09T12:07:00.005-07:00

This past Thursday, I posted my small successes and was asked to share my granola bar recipe on Tasty Tuesday. I had never heard of Tasty Tuesday and followed the link this morning to find out that it is brand new. I love trying new recipes, but don't always get around to sharing them. Usually, I don't even get a picture of them before they are devoured. Nonetheless, I will share my gluten free (or not) recipe of Granola Bars as I make them. They are chewy like a nutri-grain bar and not dry. I have adapted a glutenous recipe to be gluten free and I believe mostly fat free.

Gluten Free Granola Bars

Ingredients

1 egg
1/4 c. cane sugar
1/4 c. brown sugar
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 c. flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp GF baking powder
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/3 c. applesauce
1 c. GF regular oats (not rolled)
1/4 c. nuts or dried fruit

Combine egg, sugars and applesauce. Add sifted dry ingredients and nuts or fruits. Spread into a lightly greased 8x8 or 9x9. Bake at 350F for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool and cut into bars or squares. Freezes well.

* I use ONLY OATS which are certified gluten free. Oats are normally considered to contain gluten as a result of cross contamination. My son and I, who are celiac, haven't had any issues with these particular oats. If you do not need to follow a gluten free diet, feel free to use regular oats and all-purpose flour instead of GF oats and flour.

Hearts For Home ♥ ♥ 9th February

2010-02-09T11:51:00.003-07:00

"In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home.

In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'.

I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be.

So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home". Gae from Cherished Hearts at Home

My list for the February 9th is ♥ ♥

♥ Spend a lot of time curling up and reading with the kids. I haven't spent a lot of time doing this in the past and want to make it more of a habit.

♥ Keep my house tidy and beautiful. Declutter the kitchen counter and keep up with the laundry.

♥ Get the last few things ready for baby. I need to do a load of wool things and to lanolize the wool soakers I made.

♥ Spend my evenings enjoying time with my husband. Listening to him and cherishing the last weeks and days of quietness.

♥ Make a list of people we want to send birth announcements to. I am contemplating making my own little cards and addressing them. If not, try to find some cute ones and address them and put postage stamps on them.

♥ Start looking into plans for the season of Lent. Remind myself to try to keep it simple and do-able at the same time.

For more "Hearts for Home" ♥ ♥ lists, visit Gae's blog

The Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

2010-02-09T10:27:00.003-07:00

On February 11th, we celebrate the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. Our Lady of Lourdes is a very special day for our family. We all love the story of St. Bernadette and Our Lady. My daughter and my godmother's name is Bernadette and my daughter is named after Mary and has Bernadette in her name (Maria Christina Bernadette).

February 11th also happens to be the World Day of the Sick (proclaimed by Pope John Paul II.) Although a little off-topic, I find it relavent to mention that we attended Mass last February 11th and I was annointed. Although, I was not gravely ill or elderly, we had not been able to conceive for over three years. Our dreams of having a large family seemed impossible, but nothing was impossible with God. I had recently found out that I had a gluten intolerance, which can cause infertility. I took a leap of faith and chose to be annointed and asked for healing so that we may conceive more children. On Holy Thursday of 2009, we found out that I was with child and that the baby's due date was to be December 12th, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. On Divine Mercy Sunday, I miscarried and was devastated. I had prayed one Rosary after another that day and begged God's mercy. About six weeks later, we found out that I had conceived again. Our baby is due in a few weeks, but I am hoping and praying that our baby will be born on Our Lady's Feast this Thursday or on the Feast of St. Bernadette. I may never go on a pilgrimage for financial reasons, but I believe in Our Lady's powerful intercession and am so glad that I was annointed on last February 11th.

I have spent the morning looking for activities to do to celebrate Our Lady's Feast. Colouring is always high on our priority list. Our favourite Marian colouring books are: Our Lady of Lourdes and Our Blessed Mother Coloring Book. For a free colouring page, go to Charlotte's Blog Waltzing Matilda and click on the sidebar picture of Immaculate Conception.

I plan on making the grotto featured on Catholic Cuisine, but using GF No Name brand Rice Crisps instead of the pebbles. We will also do one of the following two crafts: The Grotto at Lourdes from Art 1 for Young Catholics or Jamie's Grotto Craft on her blog, Lord, Make Me a Saint.

Some other ideas I came across are giving your child a parental blessing with Holy Water from Lourdes and activities shared on the 4RealForum here or here. I have also read about having a completly white meal or baking blueberry muffins and drinking blueberry smoothies. I will have to see where my energy level is at and see what I can do. Have a blessed Feast Day in Our Lady's honour.

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ February 8, 2010.

2010-02-08T12:14:00.005-07:00

Outside My Window: It looks like Narnia in the "Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe". Breathtakingly cold and beautiful at the same time.

I am Listening to: L'Angelus Sacred Hymn Collections which just arrived with the mail today. I have waited so long for this CD and it was more than worth the wait.

I am wearing: A rust coloured dress over black tights, legwarmers and hubby's socks (since mine leave deep marks in my ~~fat~~ edema plagued feet.

I am Thankful For: My slowcooker. I have been using it almost everyday and it is wonderful not worrying about cooking when I am exhausted in the late afternoon. The meals cook themselves and are so warm and delicious.

I am Pondering: What life will be like with another baby? I can hardly wait, but am totally scared at the same time. I never homeschooled with the last baby, they were all so little. I wasn't celiac either. This time we have no family living nearby. Will I bounce back quickly and be able to cope with all of life's challenges?

I am Reading: The Chronicles of Narnia with Noah. We own one book and he borrowed another from the church library. It is so exciting to read with him.

From the Kitchen: Hmmmm. Slow cooker meals.... lots of them. Soups and stews mostly. Hopefully more homemade flatbread.

I am Thinking: That I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband and children who are very helpful, especially in the kitchen and around the house. How could I have been so blessed?

I am Creating: A First Communion Dress for my daughter. It is still early, but April will come very fast with a little one in the house.

Towards a Real Education: Home-economics. That is what I have been calling all of the baking and cooking and organizing help from the kids. Kids are so capable of cooking and baking. I am glad that they love peeling, chopping, cooking, baking and taste-testing.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty: Keeping toys off of the floor is a priority right now. I can't tell you how many things get broke when a pregnant mommy accidentally steps on them.

To Live the Liturgy: Looking ahead into activities for the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes and upcoming Lent.

I am Hoping and Praying: For a home-birth, sooner than later. I can pray for that can't I? I feel selfish wanting this so badly. I really want this birth to be a family affair in a house surrounded by things that remind me of Our Lord as opposed to a sterile environment.

In the Garden: Frost and more frost. I love the look of frozen branches. It is magical.

Around the House: Lots of hints that a baby is about to make an appearance.

On Keeping Home: Keeping everything tidy and keeping up with the laundry and clean bathrooms. These things always seem to be a priority before the arrival of one of my babies. Who knows when or how these things will get done once the baby arrives. I will enjoy a relatively clean household for now.

One of My Favorite Things: Cuddling under a blanket and reading to my kids. My four year old loves when we do this with Beatrix Potter books and so do I.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week: Rest, rest, rest and more rest.

A Picture Thought I'm sharing: Baby and I at 37 weeks.

For the Baby...

2010-02-05T14:27:00.025-07:00

In my last post, I mentioned that I had been very busy making things for the baby. I have been wanting to post on Amy Caroline's blog: Knit Together for Craft Basket Wednesday, but always seem so busy on Wednesdays. Now it is ~~Friday~~ Saturday and I have a little time on my hands and thought I would share some of my creations.

Aviatrix Baby Hat from Ravelry.com

Baby Legwarmies

More Baby Hats (patterns from old German knitting magazines)

Wool Diaper Soakers from Ravelry.com

NB cloth diapers from Wee Weka Pocket NB Pattern

Burping Cloths (using this template with this assembly)

Baby Quilt

Mama Pads using this pattern (I made many more, but just posted the ones already snapped)

Baby Booties and slippers

A Play Blanket in production. The top is decorated by the kids. The idea for this one comes from Amanda Blake's Homemade Home.

Small Successes ~ February 4

2010-02-04T10:58:00.003-07:00

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.

To participate, just write up a list of 3 of your recent Small Successes and post it on your blog along with the Small Successes button (go here to get the code). You are not required to use the button, but please do link back to the main post here. Then you can add your blog here using the Mr. Linky form (please link to the individual blog post, not the home page of your blog).

If you don’t have a blog, you can share your Small Successes in the comments. Faith & Family Live

Here are my small successes for the week:

1. I managed to get caught up with the laundry and stay caught up. I even washed all of the cloth diapers from storage and placed them neatly on the change table. I usually leave the laundry to fold for later, but I folded and put everything away right away! Yeah me!

2. I found a new gluten free blog and have started to collect recipes and write a shopping list. I am vowing to cook better for the family. I wonder how this will work out once our baby arrives? Isn't it the thought that counts.

3. I finished making newborn diapers, baby legwarmers, a cute hat, homemade wipe solution, mama pads, granola bars and endless other things in preparation for the birth of our fourth baby. Nesting is in full gear. I think it now time to put my feet up and rest more.

Now it’s your turn! What are your small successes? Read more small successes on the Faith & Family Live website.

An Arrow Bag For My Little Archer

2010-01-21T11:25:00.004-07:00

My little archer is so happy. I finally finished his arrow bag. I probably should have looked at examples on the net before whipping this one up. It isn't very authentic, but it is practical. Daddy bought him a bow and arrow from the dollar store and let me tell you, arrows have been flying everywhere. It is so cute to watch 4 year olds dress up and be little heros. He is protecting the queen (his big sister) as I write here. He was just so cute, I couldn't resist.

Hearts For Home ♥ ♥ 19th January

2010-01-19T12:12:00.004-07:00

"In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home.

In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'.

I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be.

So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home". Gae from Cherished Hearts at Home

My list for the January 19th is ♥ ♥

♥ Keep sewing for baby. I am in the midst of making more diapers, homemade wipes, and various other little projects. Pictures are sure to follow.

♥ Make a family blanket for the baby and post some pictures of the finished project. I have everything ready to go. I still have to do this. It was on my last list. I really hope to get to it this week.

♥ Make a few soups for after the baby is born. They freeze well and don't take up space. I only have a fridge-top freezer.

♥ Declutter closets!!! This has been on previous lists, but we did some painting on the weekend and this was not a priority.

♥ To make taking rests a priority. Snuggling up with the kids and maybe watch a movie or too should help.

♥ Buy enough gluten free flours to make ahead some baking mixes for after baby. Have I mentioned that gluten free baked goods only taste good fresh? Now that hubby is eating gluten free at work, there are plenty of muffins, scones and fresh bread to be baked.

For more "Hearts for Home" ♥ ♥ lists, visit Gae's blog at

I thought I should post a picture of our newly painted bathroom. Yes, it is tiny, but it is cozy and comfortable enough to take long baths in. Thank you dearest, for all of your hard work.

Gifts for Baby Brother

2010-01-19T11:57:00.006-07:00

We are getting ready for baby in every way possible. This morning, before school I began cutting squares so that the kids could make gifts for their baby brother. These are special handmade baby blocks with a personal touch. I got the pattern here. I have tons of scraps, that all seem to be green. On two sides, the kids were able to personalize the baby blocks with fabric markers. Their little baby brother is going to have so much fun. They make great balls (which they are tossing around at the moment). Here are some pictures of the process....

and the finished products...

The Simple Woman's Daybook ~ January 18

2010-01-18T06:44:00.003-07:00

FOR TODAY...

Outside My Window: It is dark and about -6C. Not too cold. I hope it warms up nicely and is sunny.

I am Listening to: Owen looking at a great preschool resource book that I picked up at the library on Saturday.

I am wearing: Pj's. I think that is what I am wearing everytime I post is this category.

I am Thankful For: My bed. After two nights of sleeping on the pullout sofa while the bedroom was receiving a new coat of paint, I was so glad to sleep in my comfy bed last night.

I am Pondering: How much longer will I be pregnant. I have so much nesting left to do, but am finding it more and more difficult to finish all of these "to do" lists.

I am Reading: A few different books. Trying to find time to read without falling asleep is becoming more and more difficult.

From the Kitchen: Leftover chili today. I will wing the rest of meals the rest of the week, like I usually do. Gluten free foods taste better fresh, especially baked goods.

I am Thinking: about the movie I watched last night. Mother Theresa starring Olivia Hussey. Blessed Mother Theresa was an amazing woman. Why can't I be more like her?

I am Creating: Too many things! I still have lots of diapers to sew, a family blanket for the baby, cloth wipes, mama pads, and eventually a skirt for my post-partum days, a Christening outfit and a First Communion dress.

Towards a Real Education: Week 21 of Seton Home Study. Woot!!!! I can't believe we have made it this far. Also, we are getting everything ready for the new arrival, plus going to art class and piano lessons.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty: We have a wonderful rhythm established for school and chores, I just have to work in the beauty a bit.

To Live the Liturgy: Pray more and make it to adoration. I really need to make more of an effort.

I am Hoping and Praying: For a safe and healthy home-birth. I keep offering up everything for this one particular thing. We have never had a home birth and the children really want to be present to welcome their little brother into the world.

In the Garden: ugh. It is so gross. The dirty snow has melted and froze so many times. It looks ugly and untidy. I wish the rest of the ice and snow would melt.

Around the House: A freshly painted bedroom, a freshly painted bathroom and lots of decluttering happened the last few days. I have a few more hot spots to declutter and need to find room for baby stuff.

On Keeping Home: CLR is a great invention. My bathroom sparkles. We have really hard water and CLR worked its magic in my bathroom. I want everything in my house to shine like those tub and tiles.

One of My Favorite Things: sleep. I really love a good night's sleep and can't remember the last time I was blessed with one.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week: Nesting, sewing, cleaning and trying to stay awake while doing the above mentioned tasks.

A Picture Thought I'm Sharing
Owen working on making a Frosty for letter "F" Along the Alphabet Path

A Few More Diapers for the Stash

2010-01-14T14:22:00.005-07:00

I must admit, that my diaper sewing is not going all too well. I have six weeks until my due date, but feel the pressure to get everything done. I am such a procrastinator and very indecisive. I finally figured out which patterns I wanted to use and what materials I could afford. It is really hard to make decisions when you are strapped for cash. I want to make good quality diapers for little cash. There are many opinions on the perfect pattern, best materials, whether hook and loop tape or snaps, diaper pins or snappies are best. All-in-ones, pockets, fitted, prefold, flats, wool soakers, pul wraps and many more diaper lingo to learn. Not to mention the acronymns TT, CD, AIO, AI2 etc. I am just beginning to recover from the mass confusion in my head. After deliberation with my CD (clother-diaper) experienced husband we decided to make:

Shar's Newborn Umbilical Scoop Pocket Nappies
Wee Weka Fitted/Pockets S-M-L

Here are a few of the NB (newborn) diapers that I have sewn thus far. I have a few more than on the picture, but you get the idea. The diaper on the left will get snaps, but is pinned shut for the photo.

The left diaper is made of an old flannel duvet cover and there is a soaker make of 6 layers of flannel. The diaper on the right is made of diaper flannel which I got on sale for $2/meter just after Christmas. These are not sewn like in the pattern, they are fitted and not pocket diapers with a sewn in soaker. I hope they fit for a few weeks at least.

On the bright side, I have 20 diapers cut for the S-M-L sized diaper out of diaper flannel and flannel pieces that I bought for next to nothing. The local fabric store has a "end-of-roll / scrap" bin that is priced to sell: buy one, get two free. I need to sew another 13 soakers which consist of two layers of terry (old towels) and two layers of flannel. These will be sewn as fitted diapers as well. I intend on buying some microfibre towels and sewing them in thirds inside flannel to make doublers for those diapers, but it will take me a while before I get to that. I will post pictures as I progress.

Thank You Oma!!!

2010-01-14T14:10:00.004-07:00

Something exciting just happened. A truck like this...

just pulled up in front of our house and brought us a parcel from amazon.de. Inside were five wonderful books. Oma lets us order from amazon.de for Christmas and birthdays and this was the kids' Christmas gift. I am so excited to read stories about holy people and events in German. I don't want them to forget their German heritage. Afterall, they were all born in Germany. I plan on expanding our German Catholic book collection. If you have any suggestions, let me know.

Hearts for Home ♥ ♥ January 5

2010-01-05T08:34:00.002-07:00

"In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home.

In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'.

I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be.

So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home". Gae from Cherished Hearts at Home

My list for the January 5th is ♥ ♥

♥ Finish up last weeks lists. I really enjoyed taking it easy over Christmas and New Years, but I have to get my act together and get these lists finished.

♥ Keep working on my cloth diaper stash. I am really going to try to cloth diaper until potty-training this time.

♥ Start making our birth plan. I am having a hard time with this one. The midwives would like to have one, otherwise I would just let things happen.

♥ Keep on nesting. Maybe tackle those most dreaded closets in the childrens' rooms.

♥ Spend lots of time with the kids reading, and relaxing.

♥ Make a family blanket for the baby and post some pictures of the finished project. I have everything ready to go.

For more "Hearts for Home" ♥ ♥ lists, visit Gae's blog at Cherished Hearts at Home

Do You Have Your Heavenly Helper for 2010

2010-01-05T08:16:00.003-07:00

New Years is a time of making resolutions. I find it hard to make resolutions because I tend to live from day to day and don't believe in making goals that I can never keep. I am not saying that I don't plan or make goals, but I don't save them just for New Years. I try to stay realistic and be the best version of myself, no matter what.

On New Years however, our family has Patron Saints chosen for us. We have been doing this for three years now. We have had some very well-known saints be our guides as well as those who are not known by many. It is so much fun getting to know our Patron Saints. This year our Patron Saints are as follows:

Mom was chosen by St. Boniface, feast day on 06/05,
Dad was chosen by St. Peter Claver, 09/09,
Noah - St. Stephen I, Pope, 08/02,
Maria - St. Dymphna, 05/15
Owen - St. Cletus, 04/26 and
Our Baby - St. Andrew Avellino, 11/10!

You can have a heavenly helper for 2010, too! Follow one of the following links to have your Patron Saint of 2010 chosen for you.

The 2010 Patron Saint of the Year Ministry
Totus Tuus Family and Catholic Homeschool Blog

Hearts for Home ♥ ♥ December 29

2009-12-28T09:28:00.004-07:00

"In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home.

In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'.

I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be.

So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home". Gae from Cherished Hearts at Home

My list for the 29th December is ♥ ♥

♥ Make a list of family goals for 2010. We started this last year and we accomplished most of our goals. Home improvement, family outings and general goals make it on this list with approximate costs and times of suggested completion.

♥ Make a to do list of all of the things that I want to accomplish before our baby's arrival.

♥ Put books on hold from the library for the month of January. Refer to the Catholic Mosaic book list as a guide.

♥ Enjoy daddy being home early everyday this week and enjoy another long weekend with daddy at home.

♥ Make a new menu for the next two weeks and plan the grocery lists accordingly.

♥ Start looking for a babysitter for the home birth and begin preparing our birth plan.

For more "Hearts for Home" ♥ ♥ lists, visit Gae's blog at Cherished Hearts at Home

My Birthday Daybook ~ December 28, 2009.

2009-12-28T08:29:00.008-07:00

FOR TODAY...

Outside My Window: A cold winter's day. It is still grey outside with the hopes that the sun will come out to shine.

I am Listening to: The children playing quietly.

I am wearing: My favourite pj pants and hubby's t-shirt and a fleece zip-up jacket. I am a little frosty. None of my other pj's fit and I have yet to get dressed.

I am Thankful For: My family. I love my husband and dear children more than anything in the whole world. They know how to make me feel so special.

I am Pondering: What it will be like to have a little baby again. It has been over four years since we had such a little baby in our arms. Will it be easier or harder? How will I manage baby, house duties and homeschooling?

I am Reading: You're a Better Parent Than You Think!: A Guide to Common-Sense Parenting I just started it, so I can give you a better review later. So far, I have found it very uplifting and confidence boosting.

From the Kitchen: Today there will be leftover Shrimp Creole for lunch and homemade gluten free pizza for supper with a yummy blueberry cheesecake using gluten free chocolate cookie crumbs as a base. Yummmmmm!

I am Thinking: About all of the hopes and dreams I had as a child. I am thoroughly amazed, that even though my dreams were different than today's reality, I am a million times happier than I could have imagined. God's plan is always the best plan.

I am Creating: Baby's Fringed Playmat from the book Handmade Home: Simple Ways to Repurpose Old Materials into New Family Treasures I just love this book and all of it's ideas. This playmat is a family project that will be a gift to the new baby. Pictures to follow for sure.

Towards a Real Education: Right now we are enjoying some time off from the regular school routine to nest and prepare for the baby. If that isn't real education, then I don't know what is.

Towards Rhythm and Beauty: I have to think about this one. We are always trying to keep up with our chores and are always creating new ways to be efficient and tidy. I guess this our contribution to rhythm and beauty in our home.

To Live the Liturgy: We ordered a new bible with hubby's Christmas bonus (gift card from the mall). Our family really enjoyed doing all of the bible readings for the Jesse Tree during advent so much, but agreed that we needed a modern translation of the bible. We own the Douay Rheims bible, a German bible, a children's bible in English and one in German. Between all of the bibles we were successful in understanding the daily readings. On the other hand, it would have been nice to just use one bible for the whole season of advent. My husband wants us to continue our bible reading in the evening, but would like to be able to understand what I am reading. I also am pondering the idea of reading the King of the Gold City and the Acts of the Apostles for Children in the evenings while we are waiting for our bible to arrive.

I am Hoping and Praying: For a safe and healthy home-birth. I keep offering up everything for this one particular thing. We have never had a home birth and the children really want to be present to welcome their little brother into the world.

In the Garden: Lots of snow. Winter is here. The garden is covered in a blanket of snow.

Around the House: Tidying, decluttering and all-around nesting. I really want to dig out the baby cloths and get them washed and ready soon.

On Keeping Home: I received some money for Christmas and my birthday from my godmother and ordered the two above mentioned books as well as Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House I am learning a lot and looking at the tedious job of keeping home in a totally different way. I am trying to look at it the way I imagine Mary would have looked at it.

One of My Favorite Things: Cheesecake. Yummmmmmy!!! I know that my husband really wanted to make me a cheesecake for my birthday (he always makes me a birthday cake), but unfortunately he had to work today. I don't mind, then at least I get to lick the beaters and the bowl. Cheesecake is one of my all-time favourite comfort foods. Growing up, it was the birthday cake of choice by most of us six kids.

A Few Plans for the Rest of the Week: Nesting, making more cloth diapers, playing some Wii with the kids and relaxing. We are back to school next week and I really want to enjoy the break. We really deserve it after finished 18 weeks of Seton Home School plans!!!

A Picture Thought I'm Sharing (actually 3) Christmas Eve under the tree with my loved ones:

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-25T06:20:00.000-07:00

At last, our Saviour is here! Thank you Lord Jesus, for coming into the world as a tiny infant. You are the King of Kings, Prince of Peace and Redeemer of the world! Bless all of your dear children during this wonderful and blessed Christmas season.

We wish all a very Merry Christmas.

Advent in Our Home

2009-12-14T10:15:00.018-07:00

I have been taking a little break from blogging in the hopes of keeping Advent holy and secretly hoping to finish week 18 of Seton Home School curriculum before Christmas break. Week 18 marks the half way point of the school year. We hope to get the 3rd quarter done before our baby arrives and have been ploughing through the school work and have been sticking to our schedule more than less.

Otherwise, we have been trying to include feast days in our schedule as well as attend art classes and piano lessons weekly. I must say that in our house, feast days that are on weekends tend to get shortchanged. On the feast of Saint Nicholas we enjoyed a St. Nicholas tea with St. Nicholas gingerbread cookies and goodies that Mia and I made the day before.

No, I don't own a table cloth. I don't even own a statue of St. Nicholas. I often read other blogs and feel somewhat plain and simple in regards to our dinner table. I see posts like this or this and secretly wish that my house and table were more beautiful. At the same time, I must remind myself not to covet and to rejoice in what I have. We do not have a large home, (actually we rent and will probably never own a home) or a large wallet and that beauty is also found in the simple things. If I can not afford a table cloth or pretty statues or even a tea pot, that is ok. I can be close to our Lord without all of the fancy things. It doesn't make me less of a catholic, a mother or wife. I am sure that Mary did not worry about keeping up with the Jones' or having the most beautiful things for her child. She would have provided with the resources she had and would have rejoiced in God's generosity. This is what I am trying to learn this advent.

On the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, we were very busy. We had gluten free blueberry muffins for breakfast. It seems that without thinking, I make blueberry muffins on every Marian Feast Day. (The same thing happened on the Feast of the Immuculate Conception).

After breakfast, I cut the boys' and dad's hair, showered and bathed everyone and headed out in -34C weather to attend Noah's first piano Recital. We think he played really well, considering he has only been taking lessons since September.

When we came home we made some Mexican Shepherds pie. I would have liked to have had the children make paperbag Tilmas, but I decided to let the children play. It had been a very busy day. A few days earlier, I made a wreath in Our Lady's honour. The card pictured in the centre was actually blessed in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and given to me from the organizer of our Rosary Making Group upon return from her pilgrimage to Mexico.

For the Feast of Saint Lucy, we actually didn't do too much. I decided to make my own version of Saint Lucy bread, but forgot to buy candles. We actually ate it as a dessert after supper and not for breakfast. We also rejoiced in knowing that our little niece/cousin, named Lucy who lives in Germany was baptized yesterday. Her parents aren't church goers, but they make sure that their children receive the sacraments. They wanted her to be baptised a week earlier, but as God would have it, they had to wait until the 13th, which happens to be her Patron's Feast Day. God is so Good! St. Lucy, pray for us.

Our Advent has been rather quiet and I am glad that we have been faithful to our Jesse Tree readings every evening and that we have been reading lots of wonderful Advent and Christmas books from the library. We have also rejoiced in our daughter's reception of her first confession on December 5th. In joyful hope, we await our Saviour's birth. We wish your family a blessed and Holy Advent season.

How to get a Holy Card from the Pope

2009-12-08T11:19:00.003-07:00

I stopped by Catholicmom.com to look at some Advent resources when I stumbled upon this link:

How to get a Holy Card from Pope Benedict the XVI this Advent

I followed the link and landed on a post from Nun Blog, dated November 19, 2008.

I don't know if it works, but it is worth a try. A blessed Advent to all of my readers.

Stockings for the Feast of Saint Nicholas

2009-12-03T07:57:00.003-07:00

The feast of Saint Nicholas is in three days. As a German-Canadian family, we have always leaned toward the German celebration of this saint's feast day. I have been gathering activities from the Saint Nicholas Center. There are numerous activities, colouring pages and recipies appropriate for celebrating this wonderful saint. This year, I let the oldest two kids help make St. Nicholas stockings. I found this easy pattern. I don't have a fancy sewing machine with embroidery stiches, so I straight stitched the edge, leaving raw edges. They look charming anyway. I ordered a few things from the Saint Nicholas Centre to stuff the stockings with. We don't do presents on Saint Nicholas, but typically fill a stocking (or a shoe) with little goodies and prayer cards etc. I am planning on decorating some Saint Nicholas cookies that I baked the other day using one of the cookie cutters on the website. We also like to read stories about Saint Nicholas. A definite favourite is The Miracle of St. Nicholas.

A Stocking for Jesus

2009-12-03T07:26:00.004-07:00

I was reading other blogs trying to get ideas for making Advent truly a time of preparation, when I stumbled upon the idea of having a stocking for Jesus. I had some leftover scraps from our Jesse tree and Mia's Christmas dress and sewed with Godspeed this stocking. The idea is to write down things that you are thankful for and put them in the stocking. On Christmas Eve, we will read them and offer them to Our Lord Jesus. We have the stocking hanging in the living room so everyone can access it. The pattern I used is here.

Did I mention that some of our nativity figures didn't survive last Christmas? A number of the figures broke and we haven't replaced them yet. Right now we have a felt family awaiting the birth of Our Lord. I want to replace the old figures, but this family is much more practical. I sewed what I called a five-minute-manger out of a scrap of felt and cut up scraps of yarn. The children put in a piece of yarn everytime they do a good deed. The plan is to give Jesus a really soft bed of straw come Christmas Eve. There are already a number of yarn pieces in the manger for helping mom without being told, or being extra patient when things aren't going as planned.

Advent is always such a busy season. I am really trying to keep it simple this year. Last year we tried to do everything. We tried to pray every Novena, do a Jesse Tree, celebrate Saints' feast days etc. In the end, we didn't follow through on half of it. I know that I might be copping out on the extra prayers, but reading the Bible every night is good, too. We are really enjoying doing the Jesse Tree. We are focusing on making our actions our extra prayers. This is not to say that we don't pray, rather that we don't try to do it all. So far our Advent has been very peaceful.

This is our Jesse Tree and little felt nativity. I took the picture a few days ago. I have to remind myself to be humble. I tend to get googly-eyed looking at other Catholic blogs. I see what other families are doing and sometimes feel like I am not doing enough or my stuff isn't as pretty or nice. I don't have a mantle to display things or a large dining room or etc. My husband always gently reminds me not to compare myself and that he loves me just as I am. He tells me that God has provided for us and that we should be thankful. I guess I should quickly write a note for Jesus, thanking him for blessing me with such a wise and humble husband.

Gluten Free Herb and Cheese Bread

2009-12-03T06:06:00.004-07:00

This bread recipe was adapted from a German gluten free bread recipe that I found and didn't really like. The texture was good, but flavour was lacking. I tweaked it and now it is really yummy and goes great with soups, stews, chili and works well as garlic bread.

Ingredients:

4 cups Gluten Free Flour (more or less depending on your flour)
1 pinch of salt
3 Tbsp of cane suger
1 tsp psyllium husk (don't omit!!! this gives it kneadability)
2 1/2 tsp yeast or one packet
1 egg
400ml warm milk
1/4 cup melted butter
1/2 cup cheese, grated
1 tsp herb mix of your choice (I use tomato and herb from PC)
flour for rolling out the dough
parchment paper for your baking sheet
1 egg yolk and a little milk to make an eggwash

Preheat oven to 425F.

Mix flour, salt, sugar, psyllium husk and yeast in a large bowl.

Mix separately egg, melted butter and warm milk and add to the flour mixture. Knead to a smooth dough. During the kneading process add cheese and herbs. Divide the dough in half. The original bread recipe tells you to take each half and divide into three parts and braid. This looks very nice. I was lazy and free-formed two loaves on my parchment paper covered baking sheet.

Beat your egg yolk and a little milk and brush it on top of the loaf. I cut slits in the top of my loaf, but you don't have to.

Put a heat resistant mug filled with water on the bottom rack of your preheated. Bake for 20-30 minutes. Mine was ready after 22min. but we live in a dry city at a high elevation. It should look golden brown on top. Enjoy.

We prefer to eat it warm. It does get very hard the next day. Reheat or toast and it is just like freshly baked.

For garlic bread I butter both sides, sprinkle with garlic powder and cheese (opt.) and bake at 350F for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted and it looks toasted.

Ribbon Blankets

2009-11-23T16:44:00.006-07:00

Apparently, "Ribbon Blankets" are the latest craze. I had never heard of them before I went shopping at Fabricland looking for material for our Jesse Tree. I was waiting for my material to be cut, when the person behind the counter was explaining that she was cutting material for another woman who was making "Ribbon Blankets". My eyes where obviously saying "???? HUH ?????" She explained what they were and encouraged me to google them.

Ribbon Blankets are small lap blankets for babies, typically 12"x12" or 18"x18". I believe they were invented by two moms who noticed that their babies always suck on the tags of their stuffed animals. Tag blankets are made of two materials sandwiched together with ribbon (usually satin) sewn in along the edges. There are tutorials on the web, so I won't bother writing another one. While I searched for a tutorial, I noticed that the original blankets are patented, oops. Too late, I had already made two. I am not selling these, just making them for personal use and gifts. I had some leftover green fleece and bought some flannel to match and used up some ribbon that I had. One of the blankets is for my unborn baby and the other is for a friend's.

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ November 23, 2009.

2009-11-23T10:18:00.003-07:00

Outside my window... it is a crisp, sunny 3C / 37.4F

I am thinking... that I have so much to be thankful for.

I am thankful for... a supportive husband and three children who are a great help, especially when I'm not feeling well.

I am wearing... nothing spectacular, jogging pants and a long-sleeve T-shirt from my husband. I woke up not feeling to well and these are typically my most comfortable grab when I am not feeling well.

I am remembering... my grandfather who passed away 27 years ago this week. I was only four at the time.

I am going... to take it easy today and play some Wii with the kids and hopefully catch a few zzz's.

I am reading... Prayerfully Expecting: A Nine-Month Novena for Mothers to Be

I am hoping... that the rest of pregnancy will go well and that I will give birth to a healthy little baby in the warmth and comfort of our home.

On my mind... I hate braxton hicks and hope that they stop.

From the learning rooms... lots of plans for advent. I have already begun reading books for the Advent season. The kids can't wait to read more and do more fun activities.

Noticing that... November flew by so quickly.

Pondering these words... "Mom, I only have x number of subjects left!" Oh, how I wish adult life was like that sometimes. Just one more chore and then I will be done. That never happens! I don't stress over it though, like the kids do.

From the kitchen... that all depends on how I feel. I do have a pork loin in the fridge. Any ideas?

Around the house... lots of unfinished projects. Next on my list is the Christmas Star wall-hanging/quilt. I started it last November and I am determined to have it up and hanging for the 1st of Advent. It reminds me of the star that the wise men followed.

One of my favorite things... finishing a handmade project, whether a quilt, stuffed animal or a potholder. The satisfaction is wonderful. I am in awe at the talents and perseverance that God gave me (not that I am an expert at any of these things). I have ripped out rows and rows, stich ripped entire projects and actually thrown out unsatifactory made objects. It has taken me almost 20 years to get things right the first time or at least second.

From my picture journal... another item for our baby. The pattern can be found here.

Go to Peggy's Blog to read more Daybook entries.

Feast of Christ the King

2009-11-23T09:19:00.005-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated the feast of Christ the King. The children made crowns during children's liturgy and later in the afternoon I baked a cake in honour of Christ our King. I printed out a few colouring pages and word searches. After the children finished up the activities we had a piece of cake.

The cake is a gluten free marble Teff cake. I got the recipe here, but forgot that my gram scale needed a battery and just winged it as follows. I omitted the lemon rind and baked it for 40 minutes as opposed to 60. I got the glaze recipe here.

Recipe for Gluten Free Marble Teff-flour Bundt Cake

2 1/2 cups Teff flour
1 1/2 cups organic cane sugar
1/2 lb of butter (softened)
5 large eggs
2 tsp GF baking powder
1 heaping Tbsp cocoa
1 tsp vanilla
2 Tbsp milk

Cream butter, sugar and vanilla until smooth. Add eggs one at a time while beating contantly. Beat in milk and add flour a little at a time while stirring until smooth. Pour half of the batter in a well greased bundt pan. Add cocoa to the rest of the batter and pour on top. Use a fork to swirl the two batters to make a marble effect.

Bake in a preheated 325F oven for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick come out clean. Let cool 10 minutes and turn onto a plate. Cool completely and glaze or frost as desired.

Only 10 days left....

2009-11-19T14:57:00.004-07:00

There are only 10 days left until Advent begins and I am trying to get everything ready. My dear husband dug out the Advent wreath this past weekend while looking for lights to put up outside. I still need to get some candles, but at least that can be checked off of my list.

In the past, we have tried to do the Jesse Tree, but without an actual tree. Today I found a pattern that goes with the readings and sybols that I have used in the past. I think I can whip this up in a few hours (provided I get the materials soon).

I have also actually tried to organize a Jesse Tea that Alice Gunther shared on her blog a few years ago. It never happened, but I am determined to make it work this year. I will have my work cut out for me, because I have to do it gluten free.

Other Feast Days that we plan on celebrating are:

December 6: Saint Nicholas
Activities and Stories from the Saint Nicholas Center
Bake Saint Nicholas Cookies using my new cookie cutter
The kids will put out their shoes or boots like they did in Germany

December 8: The Immaculate Conception
Novena from November 29-December 7
Colouring Pages and the Story of Our Lady of Lourdes and Movie. I love how she tells Bernadette, "I am the Immaculate Conception."

December 12: The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
Make a Wreath
Colouring Pages and the Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe by Fr. Lovasik and The Lady of Guadalupe by Tomie dePaola We will cook something mexican (Noah's favourite).

December 13: Saint Lucy
TBA We have never celebrated this before.

I have also been looking at various reading lists and lesson plans for Advent and Christmas. I really like the ones on Elizabeth Foss' blog. They have descriptions to go with her favourite books. Here are the links for reading list one and two. I have put some of the books on hold at the library and will try to buy a few that are available and not out of print. I would like to slowly build our liturgical season library without breaking the bank. These books get read over and over and are always a treat. We bought a few last year and I hope to one day have an extensive library of my own and don't have to worry about returning books before having got to them.

I am also thinking of doing a study of the Nutcracker for Music/German studies. Maria got a beautiful book with CD from Oma last year for Christmas. I have yet to look for activities and Lapbook ideas. I will post more as the days progress and the it gets closer.

This is the first year that we aren't taking December off to do just Advent and Christmas prepartions, so everything we do will be on top of the regular school work load up until the week before Christmas. We are doing a great job staying on track and really long to take time off for the birth of our baby. We will be taking a two week Christmas break and hope to do more activities and maybe even do something for the 12 days of Christmas. It is not that we are lazy, but it is really hard to begin new traditions. I never grew up celebrating the feasts outside Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter.

First Reconcilliation Preparations

2009-11-19T11:02:00.003-07:00

On December 5th, 2009, Maria will celebrating her First Reconcilliation. She has been attending classes at our church and we have been preparing her in her Religion classes at home. I would like to share some of the things that we have been doing in order to prepare her for this wondeful sacrament.

We are working on a First Confession Lapbook and are using some of the activities from the blogpost on First Reconcilliation from the blog: I blog, therefore I am. We especially like the File Folder game, which Maria is working on making as I type.

The following is a video clip that I found on the above mentioned website.

We are using the following books to help with preparation:

Catholic Prayer Book for Children
My First Catechism
My First Holy Communion (it has a great section on sin and confession)
Living the Ten Commandments for Children
Going to Confession

Birth of a Monkey

2009-11-18T08:37:00.004-07:00

With Advent just around the corner, and Christmas at it's heels, I have been busy trying to make some Christmas gifts for the children and for charity. Last year, we started making Christmas a home made event. Everyone has to think of something they can make for another family member. One of the things I am making this year are Sock Monkeys. I have finished the first one and I have five more started. I plan on putting a few under our parish Christmas Tree for the less fortunate. Every year our parish collects gifts for people of all ages and this year I plan to make two children happy with Sock Monkeys.

Some other things that I am planning to make are (listed under code names because my kids read this over my shoulder):

Project 1
Project 2
Project 3
Project 4
Project 5
and a few more that I printed out and didn't bookmark. This is what Mia wants to make for the boys.

The kids are very proud of what they make for each other and the gifts are cherished by the recipients. I hope to keep this new tradition going. If you have some ideas for me, let me know. I love to collect patterns and see those little eyes light up. By the way, if anyone knows how to make (sew, crochet or even knit) a white wolf, I could really use the pattern. My oldest is fascinated by white wolves and would love to have one made by mom.

Wordless Wednesday ~ My Laundry Helper

2009-11-18T08:30:00.003-07:00

Small Successes ~ November 12

2009-11-12T10:16:00.003-07:00

It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.

To participate, just write up a list of 3 of your recent Small Successes and post it on your blog along with the Small Successes button (go here to get the code). You are not required to use the button, but please do link back to the main post here. Then you can add your blog here using the Mr. Linky form (please link to the individual blog post, not the home page of your blog). Faith and Family Live

1. I made lanterns with the kids and didn't lose my mind. I mentioned my mess phobia in an older post.
2. We had a successful visit with our home school facilitator (a person from our school board who checks up on our progress and writes report cards for the kids).
3. I kicked up my heals and watched a geography movie and an American Girl movie with the kids, just for fun. Not to mention that I made popcorn and hot chocolate. This is something we only do when dad is around.

I could mention more successes this week. I feel like I have accomplished a lot. After our facilitator visit, Noah had a piano lesson. After that I bought three new music books at our local music store. One for each of the two oldest and one for myself. I taught Mia a few songs and I have been practising a difficult version of Mary Did You Know. I also finished this cute hat for the baby and have begun making some Christmas presents and have finished half a baby afghan. Yeah me!

To read more small successes go to Faith and Family Live.

Martinmas

2009-11-12T07:42:00.004-07:00

Not only was yesterday Remembrance Day, but it was also the feast of St. Martin of Tours. He will always have a special place in our heart. While living in Germany we always took part in the St. Martin's Day parades, walking with our home-made lanterns behind St. Martin on a horse. After the parade, there were Stutenkerle (sweetdough men), gluhwein and a huge Martin's fire. My good friend Michaela introduced us to this custom when Noah was just a baby. Her son and Noah were only six weeks apart. I remember Noah's first lantern was a paper mache fish. Every year we spent a number of days preparing for this feast. I even had to practise the songs, because they were all new to me. I grew to love this feast more and more each year. The first few years we had a little one in a sling or a stroller. When the children attended a Waldorf Kindergarten, we attended their intimate little parade with all three kids in tow. It was cold, but fun walking through the darkness and singing songs. The children provided the only light. It was almost magical.

Since moving to Canada, we have only organized one St. Martin's parade. It is extremely difficult to start a new custom in a new country. Last year, we didn't even bother to organize a parade for the home schoolers. There wasn't enough interest. Our city does have quite a large German community and we learned that there is a parade in park in the far north of the city (we live in the south). We wanted to attend this year, but with my dear hubby out of town, I wasn't going to venture there on my own. I hate driving though this city, especially at night. We did however make lanterns and sang a few songs of our own. We will postpone our fire until the weekend and I found a recipe for GF Stutenkerle that I will bake then. I would have made some yesterday, but the recipe calls for psyllium husk and I didn't have any. Our day was so full already. Here are the lanterns the children made.

Some resources we also found useful:
Our favourite St. Martin of Tours book
Colouring Pages
Cat Lantern Instructions (in German, but the picture are self-explanitory)
House Lantern Intructions (in German, but the picture are self-explanitory)
Glas Lantern Instructions (in German, but the picture are self-explanitory)
Interesting Informtation about the Feast and how it is celebrated

Lest We Forget

2009-11-11T11:58:00.007-07:00

Today we remember all of the fallen soldiers who have fought for our freedom. Today is Remembrance Day. The children and I stopped our usual school studies to watch the Remembrance Day special on CBC. Prior to the actual ceremonies, there were stories of Canadian war heros. Having lived abroad for so many years, I had lost the importance and significance of Remembrance Day. This is the first time that we have actually spent time out of our schedule to remember those who have fought for our freedom. We are very lucky to be living in a country like Canada. We will also read the book In Flanders Fields and reflect on the following poem.

In remembrance, we took the time to do some Remembrance Day crafts and discuss it's importance.

Colouring Page: Lest We Forget

Angel Craftand Poppy Craft

Highlights from C Week

2009-11-09T13:53:00.011-07:00

We have just finished week C in our journey Along the Alphabet Path. We did a number of exciting and interesting activities. Along with colouring a number of pages, Owen made a collage, did some notebooking for the book Corduroy and worked on his colours and counting. I am trying to get him to say yellow instead of instisting on calling it "star colour."

Owen loves coloring the lovely colouring pages from Kimberlee's Blog Pondered in my Heart.

I introduced Owen to the wonderful world of collage making. I gave him last year's Sears Christmas Catalogue and let him have fun. He cut out cars for his letter "C" collage.

We read Corduroy and found some ideas for making a Corduroy lapbook on the Homeschool Share website. I am sure that I have mentioned before that we notebook now, rather than lapbook. The work is easily stored in three ring binders and receives less abuse that way.

Although, Owen knows most of his colours, we still need to work on colours like beige, gray and of course, yellow. I made him a Turkey File Folder Game last year around this time. He still loves to take it out and sort all of the colours. This time he worked on reciting the poem that is included in the learning folder.

Owen also worked on his letter formation using his Handwriting Without Tears Slate Chalkboard, his favourite gem stones and the tracing material on That Resource Site.

I started making cookie counters for number recognition one night when I couldn't sleep. They aren't all quite finished yet. I have a picture of them cut out below and you can look at the pattern as well as some of the finished product. I have used the pattern suggestion to embroider the numbers on the back side. Owen is just starting to realize that numbers can be written down, just as letters can be. He still asks what letter it is, even if he is referring to a number.

A few of the books we also enjoyed reading this week include:

Christopher`s Harvest Time
Children of the Forest
Clown of God
Saint Colette Along the paths of the Gospel
The Stations of the Cross
Fat Cat on a mat
Canada`s Maple Leaf
M is for Maple: A Canadian Alphabet

Tree Silhouette

2009-11-05T16:04:00.003-07:00

We aren't following any particular art curriculum this year. We love the website ART PROJECTS FOR KIDS. We try to do some of the art from this website every once in a while. I love the different mediums and different techniques used on this particular website. There are always great ideas and many of the projects aren't messy. One reason that we don't do art very often is due to the great deal of work it is to prepare and clean up after some art projects. I think I am allergic to mess when it comes to science experiments and art. I really want my kids to get a well rounded education, so I am praying to overcome the nasty feeling I get when I pull out the art supplies or science experiment stuff. Here is a project that we did using the Tree Silhouette Art Lesson on ART PROJECTS FOR KIDS.

Left to Right (Noah, Maria, Owen - I like his immitation. I didn't let him use sharpies, for obvious reasons. Can you find WALL-E somewhere in his picture?)

Small Successes ~ November 5

2009-11-05T14:11:00.004-07:00

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that.

To participate, just write up a list of 3 of your recent Small Successes and post it on your blog along with the Small Successes button (go here to get the code)."

Faith & Family Live!

1. I made GF homemade pizza and vanilla pudding from scratch for the kids last night for supper. They were very pleased.

2. I obeyed my dear husband with regards to the All Saints Day celebration. I stayed home! He isn't the type of person to demand that I stay home from such events, but with me being in the high risk group for H1N1 and his working out of town, I had to see his side. I can't risk getting sick. Normally I would try to persuade him to change his mind, but this time I was obedient.

3. I have been spending more and more time with my preschooler doing fun school stuff. He no longer says, "I don't do school, I just do recess." Yeah me! Yeah us! He is working on a Corduroy lapbook for letter C week.

Those are my small successes. What are yours? Go to read more small success here.

All Souls

2009-11-02T10:37:00.003-07:00

"It is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead that they may be loosed from sins." (Macc. 12:46)

Prayer of St. Gertrude the Great

Our Lord dictated the following prayer to St. Gertrude the Great to release 1,000 Souls from Purgatory each time it is said.

"Eternal Father, I offer Thee the Most Precious Blood of Thy Divine Son, Jesus, in union with the masses said throughout the world today, for all the holy souls in Purgatory, for sinners everywhere, for sinners in the universal church, those in my own home and within my family. Amen."

Help My Former High School Teachers and Their Students Make a Difference

2009-11-02T07:49:00.013-07:00

I am a graduate of Sacred Heart High School in Walkerton, Ontario. Although, I am an avid home school mom and promote it in any way I can, I can not deny that there are some great Catholic Schools! I attended one many years ago. Not only that, but during one of the hardest years of my young life, a teacher couple from that school allowed me to board in their home. They are a very energic and loving couple whom I admire very much. I remember asking Joy, "How will I ever be able to repay you for what you have done for me?" She answered something like this, "In the future, when you have the opportunity to help someone like we helped you, then do it."

I just recently found out that Joy, her husband Peter and their daughter are going to an orphange in the DR (Dominican Republic). If I weren't due around the time of their mission trip, I would have like to have gone myself. But I probably wouldn't have been able to afford it either. I really want to support them in any way I can. Joy and Peter and their team from SHHS (Sacred Heart High School) are a dedicated and lively bunch that need are busy fundraising and collecting donations to make a difference in the lives of the orphans in the DR.

Here is an excerpt from the newsletter that Joy sent me...

The orphanage in the Dominican Republic is located about one hour from the capital of Santo Domingo and about 5 minutes from the city of San Pedro de Macoris. At present there are about 165 children living on site. Over the eight weeks, four teams worked very hard and completed many projects. The following are just a few . . . .

- Started and completed the new soccer field and irrigation system - donated irrigation pipes and donated goal nets
- The medical team did a health assessment for all the children on site as well as their caregivers. This team also processed patients from 8 bateys (villages) totaling 800 in all. GREAT WORK!
- The sports outreach team, joined by some of the children from the orphanage and some of the members from the Texas Rangers Training Camp, played many sports games with children and adults at about 7 Bateys and left sports outfits and equipment for their "teams".
- Sports outfits and equipment were also left at the orphanage for the children - of course, all the teams had twice weekly games of soccer and baseball with the children.
- Irrigated the garden area near the kitchen - next year the whole farm will be irrigated.
- Started a building in Batey Nuevo to house an adult education school as well as a small medical dispensary. The team also left funds to complete and equip this building, teacher's salary and educational aids.
- repiring taps, toilets, shower heads, cleaned out drains, made new tables, installed towel hooks, mirrors, shelves, etc.
- murals painted in the Library. Julie (the one year volunteer from France who is also the librarian) was very impressed!
- mural and shelving painted in the therapy room at the clinic. Nina (the one year volunteer from Austria who is also the therapist) was very happy.
- Started the process of constructing the safari unit for the back of the new truck.
- Kick started the sewing program again to the point that it will be part of the regular curriculum
- Dr. Don was back and held clinics at the orphanage and the small village, Batey Nuevo.
- Many volunteers helped the English teacher in her class at the school.
- Clotheslines were repaired and 4 new sets installed
- About 4 of the children's houses were painted
- special tables made for the library and the special needs house
- Repairing playground equipment and general maintenance around the houses.
- cutting and storage table made for the sewing room at the school
- There were about 45 hockey bags of shoes brought with the teams. These were donated to the children at the orphanage, to the workers on site and to people in the local villages
- Music played a very important role this year. We had many talented volunteers that helped at the school, played and sang at the Sunday Church Service and played each night at different Casas (children's houses).
- We added another piece of playground equipment - a new swing set - to the school at Batey Monte Christi - and also had a BBQ for the children there.
Again, this is just a sampling of what the team members were involved with.

Volunteer team dates for 2010 -
This year the theme is "Farming"

#1A - Mon., Jan 25 - Mon., Feb 8 - general (min. of 20 to a max. of 40 members)

International NPH meeting Mexico - Feb 8 - 15 - no volunteer teams

#1B - Mon., Feb. 15 - Mon., Mar. 1 - general (min. of 20 to a max. of 40 members)
Note - If there are enough team members for 1A and 1B, both will be a go.
If not, we will combine 1A and 1B.

#2 - Mon., Mar. 1 - Mon., Mar. 15 - medical and general (40 members max.)

#3 - Walkerton Sacred Heart HS - Mon., Mar. 15 to Mar. 29 - This team is full(20 Walkerton + 6 Gina + 5 Elsie + 10 Truro Mac Tacs)

Note * All team trips are composed of many areas of work, be it in construction, landscaping, working with the children - art, games, helping in the children’s homes, working with the care givers, helping in the English class at the school, sewing program, general "handyman", mechanic, painting welding, etc. -- there is a spot for everyone.
*** one on one attention is so meaningful to the kids who are abandoned or orphaned***. Contact Ken or Mark if you would like to participate in any of the above dates, they will send you an application form, waiever and general question and answer sheets.

Also note - that the trips for 2010 will run Monday to Monday and we will fly with West Jet into La Romana which is about 45 minutes from the orphanage. We are doing this to get the best rates to the airport closest to the orphanage.

For about a dollar a day you can make a difference in the life of one of the children at any of the NPH orphanages in 9 countries. Contact Ken or Mark.

Donations . . . . again, your help is appreciated . . . Our volunteer groups depend on donations from organizations and individuals to support the work we do for the children at the orphanage and surrounding villages. Each volunteer can take two 50 lb hockey bags packed with donations (and possibly in 2010, one extra bag per person, if we get an OK from the airline for the extra "humanitarian" bag -- Thanks to West Jet for the extra bag last year!!!) . The volunteers on the 2009 trip brought with them over 300 hockey bags of donations!!! It was wonderful to see the look of thanks and gratitude on the faces of those receiving help. The extent of what we can do often rests with the generosity of people and the content of what is in those bags.

Some comments from team volunteers and orphanage volunteers -

"At the orphanage, I had an hour long conversation with a boy who is 13. He speaks French, so that is the only reason why I could speak with him for so long. He is from Haiti and came here three years ago because he has cancer. He was only to stay here while he was having his radiation treatments. However, his family never came to pick him up and take him home so he is still here at the orphanage. Hearing this story made my heart just drop but watching him cope and have such a positive attitude on life is amazing. He and I became really close so I gave him my cross (given to me by the school) so it gives him faith for the future." (one of the student volunteers)

"The warmth is wonderful. We feel it not only from the sun but through the eyes and smiles of the children."

"After supper, our entire large group, Nova Scotia and Walkerton, walk to Batey Nuevo and it is here we witness first hand the harsh realities that life in the Dominican Republic holds for so many."

"We had our first singing visit to the casas (children's houses) and this was a powerful, emotional highlight for all of us."

Someone once said to me, "You and Ken come here, this year for over 8 weeks, endure all this heat, cold showers, rice and beans, come home many pounds lighter, look after all the organizational needs for all the volunteers and still pay for the experience like everyone else. You are really dedicated!"

"I found inspiration in your groups and especially your leadership. I wonder sometimes if the decision I made (to come here) was the best and I am not sure if I will ever know, but I do know that I will forever be indebted to your groups that came here. They reminded me why I came here in the first place and why in some way this place will always be home. You reminded me of the importance of the work that we are doing and that it is not done in the vacuum of one country or home, but together.
Your volunteers graciously came to English classes to help, especially Connie's experiences for three weeks in the school! As they saw and you know, the school is an area of great potential and something I think can be improved significantly in the future. But if there were ever a place that reminds you where the kids are coming from and how important it is where they are going, it would be the school. The example your volunteers gave our children was priceless. Their time and their care in helping the children, talking with them, and smiling . . . more than anything, that. I was moved to tears of joy one day in the classes as I watched every single third grader have someone to work with them and talk to them, congratulate them and hug them as they completed their work. These are the moments that change peoples' lives. The kids never receive the one-on-one attention they need - a feat that is nearly impossible - but for that one afternoon they had what they deserved and they saw it and believed it." - Kelly, English teacher, one year volunteer from Boston.

"Wow, back to reality. We had 2 feet of snow and school cancelled today in Nova Scotia. We are all back and we are all humbled by the experience. Thank you all for making it happen. It's a real gift. It's great how giving a little love makes you come home feeling richer than when you left. It was all wonderful. We WILL see you all again." Ian & Brenda

Tools - would be nice if we could purchase them in the DR. This helps the local economy and you get a full tax receipt for your donation. Items the orphanage needs are - socket set, wrench set, vice grips, adjustable wrenches, side cutters (linesman pliers), any mechanic and carpentry tools, welder.

If you would like to give a donation of money for a special project (health care, schooling, sewing project, tools for trade shops, clothing for children, furniture for children’s house, etc.) we can make the purchase in the Dominican Republic and give you a tax receipt for the full amount. If you make note in the memo area of your cheque where you would like your donation directed, we will make sure your wishes are carried out. We guarantee the money donated will only be used for what you indicated and we can take photos to show you your money in action. Send cheques (made out to Friends of the Orphans Canada) to Ken Speers #5133 Line # 90 RR # 2 Palmerston Ont. N0G 2P0.

More on the 2010 trip . . . .

If you always wanted to experience a "working holiday" - think about this opportunity.

We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life and all ages. Men and women, students 18 and older (or younger people with guardians). Volunteers knowledgeable in . . . welding, electrical, plumbing, auto mechanics, carpentry - we hope to have children working along side you to get first-hand knowledge. As well, volunteers to help with handicap and special needs children, art and art therapy, help with the English teacher, massage therapy, music. This year we have a medical team and are looking for Doctors, nurses, optometrists and any other health professionals. Please note . . . you don't really need a special skill . . . just being there with the children makes a difference.

Costs . . . Each volunteer pays $2,500. to take part (this is the cost of a two week trip, one week is the same price) - (a tax receipt for the full amount will be issued). To raise the funds, you can solicit friends, relatives, your church, community service groups, auction a talent you have, work as a group to fundraise. All payments should be made out to Friends of the Orphans Canada and sent to Ken Speers # 5133 Line # 90 RR # 2 Palmerston Ont. N0G 2P0. (please mark in the memo line D.R. Trip). Of the $2,500. about $1,000. goes toward the orphanage projects, the balance covers your flight, food, lodging, sight seeing. The only other money you would need would be for souvenirs, etc. Team members are responsible for their own travel insurance. Trip applications are available from Ken or Mark.

During your stay at the orphanage, everyone will have the opportunity to visit the NPH (off site) housing project, go to town (San Pedro) to buy supplies, interact with the local villagers (bring cards or games, if you wish). We may also have the opportunity to visit a local shoe factory and/or arrange for a horse back excursion. During the weekends, we will be staying off-site at a hotel/resort. We will have lots of time to interact with the children at school and at their houses, games of soccer and baseball, possibly at the beach. There are side trips planned to take a tour of the Texas Ranger (or possibly the Blue Jays) Baseball Training Camp, National scenic caves, possibly a walking tour of the Zona Colonial (old city section) of Santo Domingo and you will have free time to shop, dance, etc. in San Pedro de Macoris. Most of the questions you may have are answered in the Question and Answer information available from Mark or Ken.

"You may only be one person in the world, but you may be all the world to one child." Father Wm Wasson, founder of NPH (1936-2006)

A bit about the children . . . The boys and girls at Nuestros PequeZos Hermanos (Spanish for "Our Little Brothers and Sisters") are orphaned, abandoned or disadvantaged. Many have suffered physical and/or verbal abuse, have lived in horrible conditions and may have been shuffled from one family member to another. Like all children, they are seeking love and security, a place they can call home. They are referred to NPH by family members, neighbours or government agencies. When they come to NPH, they range in age from newborn to teenager and are told they will never be asked to leave.

Children at NPH homes are not available for adoption. Instead they are welcomed with their brothers and sisters and become a part of the larger, stable NPH family environment, giving them a chance to focus on education, personal and spiritual growth, knowing that a loving support system will always be in place for them. The children grow and learn in their culture and language and become contributing citizens in their own countries.

There is no fixed age at which the children leave NPH. They stay until they feel prepared to live independently. Some children may leave NPH and start working after finishing secondary school or take vocational training or study at a university. Additionally, when a child has completed his or her education, or perhaps before going on to higher academics, they are expected to give back to their NPH family by completing a year of service (aZo de servicio or aZo familiar). In almost all cases, they gladly return to work with younger children, serve in the kitchen, offices, school or farm. During their time of Family Service, they continue to be supported by NPH.
Thousands of pequeZos are now self-sufficient adults with families of their own. Many are educators, doctors, accountants, carpenters, farmers, mechanics, artists, administrators and social workers. Some work for NPH in one of the nine countries where NPH has homes. Having learned the NPH philosophies of sharing and giving back, others support Friends of the Orphans Canada and NPH by sponsoring children, organizing fundraisers, or attending special events and serving as ambassadors for the organization. You can learn more at www.nph.org and also check www.fotocan.org

If there are any questions that have not been covered here, or if you have any comments, please be in touch with Joy or Peter King joy_king@bgcdsb.org.

To support the Team from SHHS please send cheques payable to:

Joy A King
Music Teacher ~ DR Trip 2010
Sacred Heart High School
Walkerton, ON
519-881-1900
joy_king@bgcdsb.org

Simple Woman's Daybook ~ November 2, 2009.

2009-11-02T07:10:00.004-07:00

FOR TODAY... from Tina's Daybook

Outside my window... it is grey and looks cold. I hope that as the day grows older, the sun will come out to shine on us.

I am thinking... of all of the things that I had planned to do on the weekend, but never got to. I have no regrets, though. I had a wonderful weekend.

I am thankful for... Fridays. The day we go to children's adoration and especially since it the day that my dear husband comes home after a week's work away from home.

I am wearing... my pj's. It is still early.

I am remembering... all those who have gone before me.

I am going... to the Midwife's on Wednesday. If it snows, I won't be going! I hate driving on the highway in the snow.

I am reading... Gentle Birth Choicesand Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation.

I am hoping... that my husband's work brings him home soon. The project will hopefully done in about two weeks. I desperately need him here. He is my anchor, my strength and my rock. He is my best friend.

On my mind... another week of school. We have successfully completed 12 weeks of Seton Home Studies. I am extremely impressed how easily we have adjusted to the demands of the program. I feel that I was called to use a boxed curriculum and when I finally surrendered (I used a Charlotte Mason aproach previously and felt terrible using a boxed curriculum) to God's will, things became much easier.

From the learning rooms... week C from Along the Alphabet Path.

Noticing that... I eat more when my husband is at home. I cook a lot more and eat a lot more as a result. Eating in company of the one you love encourages you to take your time and enjoy. Specialties are baked and savoured.

Pondering these words... "I am going to miss you."said by my husband this morning at 4:20am. I am already missing him.

From the kitchen... home-made chicken and rice soup, Squash Chili and lots of rice. At least that is what is left over from my weekend cooking spree. I just need to make some GF breadsticks and we can enjoy warm lunches again this week.

Around the house... it's clean! My wonderful husband cleaned my kitchen floor and both bathrooms on the weekend. He told me to go play piano and he would gladly do some household chores.

One of my favorite things... spending time cuddling with the family watching movies in our tiny TV room. We spent a lot of time there this weekend.

From my picture journal...

B is also for Boardgames ~
MB - Milton Bradley 40143100 - Monster AG Spiel des Lebens

To read more Daybook Entries visit Peggy's Blog.

Some Highlights from Week B

2009-11-02T06:25:00.012-07:00

We finished our second week of Along the Alphabet Path. Our four year old is getting so excited about learning his letters. He can hardly wait for the next week to come.

This past week we worked on the letter B. We enjoyed stories about St. Bernadette in An Alphabet of Catholic Saints, St.Benedict in Loyola Kids Book of Saintsand St.Brendan in Letters from Heaven: An Illuminated Alphabet. Owen made a letter Bb and a lego basket with Stockmar Wax Blueberries.

B is for Bears. We also read books about the kids' favourite bear: Paddington. Not to shun the other bears, we read a few other bear books.

We also read some other B books:

Some letters were formed...

Some pictures were coloured...

and drawn with Copywork (by the older kids)

Some GF Banana-Chocolate Chip muffins were baked...

And some of our favourite B movies were watched...

Brother Bear (2-Disc Special Edition), Bedknobs and Broomsticks Enchanted Musical Edition and Der kleine Eisbär - Besuch vom Südpol.

Those were the highlights of B week and now we are onto C week.

Small Successes ~ October 29

2009-10-29T15:50:00.003-06:00

"It’s important for moms to recognize that all the small successes in our days can add up to one big triumph. So on Thursday of each week, we do exactly that."

Faith and Family Live!

I am sure that I have mentioned before that I find it hard to mention my small successes. This week has been a good week for me, for which I am very thankfull.

1. I made two huge pots of soup on Sunday for us to eat for lunch this week. We all know that home schooling doesn't always allow for preparing warm healthy lunches.

2. I started an immune boosting regime with the kids. We are enjoying foot baths before bed, lots of fresh fruit and herbal remedies. I wish this book was published in English. There are lots of fun ways to boost your immune system as well as naturally help your immune system if you do get sick.

3. I watched Gentle Birth Choices DVD with the kids last night to help them prepare for a homebirth. My kids couldn't get enough. I am going to have to watch more birth videos with them. My 9 year old didn't want to even be in the house when the baby was going to be born. Now he wants to come in when it happens. That is quite a success!

What are your successes? You can read more small success when at the Faith and Family Live! website.

Which Version of the Bible do you Read?

2009-10-28T07:59:00.003-06:00

For some time, I have been contemplating buying a new Bible. I own two versions of the Bible already. I encounterd these feelings when I first moved to Canada. I researched and read people's ideas on which Bible is the best or the most accurate and enventually purchased the Douay Rheims version of the bible. The only problem for me is that it is very difficult to read and understand. I feel dumb, but when someone suggests a certain passage of inspiration and I look it up, I suddenly don't get the meaning. What I am trying to say is that I feel more at ease reading something in plain English. Instead of going to my Douay Rheims version I have been reading my German Bible (the one featured in the top left corner). It speaks to me. I love that there is an explanation at the beginning of each chapter about the person who wrote the book. There are also footnotes on each page pertaining to phrases that need more close interpretation. I love my Bibel, don't get me wrong, but it isn't until recently that we have had some serious issues. My oldest son is nine and is required to do some Bible reading as part of his studies with Seton. The Douay Rheims version is really difficult for him and he doesn't always understand what is being said, but the German Bible is too hard for him too. Although he can read some German, the Bible is beyond his grasp if you understand what I mean. The younger children can't read German at all. My daughter loves her children's Bible. Next year she will be in a grade where Seton requires Bible reading. What version do I buy? Do you have any suggestions? I am leaning towards the NAB because it is what is used during the Liturgy here in Canada.

Letter A Week

2009-10-27T10:33:00.008-06:00

We are once again starting to follow Along the Alphabet Path. This time it is with the four year old. He has just begun to take an interest in letters and tries to imitate his older siblings. We began the Alphabet Path last fall, but it was not really age appropriate, but the older kids liked to do the coloring and listen to the story. Although, Owen is interested in letters, we are not bombarding him with all of the possibilities or suggestions that go along with this curriculum. We are doing a very simple version of the Alphabet Path.

A is for Saint Anne and Apple Blossom Fairy

A is for Adam

A is for Always Ask and Airplanes

A is for Alphabet

A is for Apple Puff Pancakes

Sources:
Saint Anne Coloring Page
Alphabet Fairy Coloring Book
Bible Coloring Pages
Alphabet Tracing Pages
Always Ask Coloring Page

Canada Studies ~ British Columbia

2009-10-21T15:37:00.007-06:00

We are continuing are studies of Canada. This week we are learning about British Columbia. Noah and Mia proudly show off some of the things that he has learned.

Pretty Pink Portfolio

2009-10-21T14:12:00.003-06:00

Every year the children make portfolios to hold all of their best work, test scores and notebooking activities. We starting making these as a request from our home school facilitator (someone from the school we've enrolled the children in)who checks our work periodically throughout the year. We use 2" three ring binders with clear pockets at the front for displaying artwork, holycards, etc. Inside it is divided up by subject as well as specific sections for some subjects ie. grammar, spelling etc. are part of the Language Arts section. At the end of the year, we have a wonderful collection of all the childrens' best work. We chose to keep these and the rest of the workbooks get thrown out. Each child will have twelve portfolios by the time they finish school.

I take much pride in their portfolios. I guess that is just me being a mom. I put a lot of effort into making special divider pages and in organizing them at the beginning of the year. I found this makes it easier for the children to file away their best work. It also makes it easy for the facilitator to assess all that the children have done. It particularily upset me when I found my daughter's portfolio ripped along the front. It is hard to find these particular binders and not to mention relatively expensive outside of back-to-school sales. I clear taped it back together, but it did not look nice. It has been bugging me ever since.

Today I decided to dig through my scraps and see if I had a few pieces of material I could use to make a cover. I found a piece of pink flannel and a piece of white flannel. I sewed them together using this pattern. It still looked plain and I didn't have enough material to make a pocket, so I thought about it for a while. I looked at the picture of Mary that my daughter had stuck in the clear pocket and suddenly remembered that I had cross-stitched a pattern of the rosary a long time ago. I was going to frame it, but never got around to it. I asked my daughter if she wanted the rosary cross-stich and she was thrilled. I made a border around it and sewed it on. It lookes more like a baby album cover, but my daughter loves it.

Puffed Pancakes

2009-10-21T09:54:00.005-06:00

Recipes for puffed pancakes have been making their rounds amoung my fellow bloggers. This morning, I made an attempt at making some gluten free puffed pancakes. They weren't as puffy as their glutenous counterparts, but the kids liked them. They reminded me of french toast for some odd reason. I will definitely bake them again, but will play around with the ingredients to see if I can make some truly puffy pancakes.

In case you were wondering, I substitued the flour with a gluten free flour mix and added 1/2 tsp. of guar gum. The recipe I used is posted here.

After writing this post, I found a recipe for gluten free puffed pancakes. It doesn't look much different, with the exception of the amounts all being a little less and the addition of salt. Maybe they will puff for me next time.

Birth Art ~ 21 Weeks

2009-10-21T08:20:00.004-06:00

I have borrowed Pam England's book "Birthing From Within" from my midwife. Pam writes about using birth art as a means of preparing for labour, birth and parenthood. Looking at the pictures a mom-to-be has created, helps the explore how she sees herself, the birth that lies ahead as well as her strengths and weaknesses. I have been pondering the things that she revealed to me through her book. I am not an artist and was afraid of what my picture might reveal about me. I began with the drawing of the PREGNANT WOMAN.

Pam writes: " Using the Pregnant Woman drawing I explore the pregnant women's self image: how they perceive their physical and psychological being in pregnancy or as mothers... Parents' portrayal of Pregnant Woman creates a mirror in which their self image and beliefs are reflected, allowing them to be seen clearly for the first time."

The following is the picture that I drew. I know what it means to me, but I was wondering if you would tell me what you see. This activity should be done in a group, but with my dh out of town for most of the last few months and the next, it is difficult to attend a class. I would appreciate your honest opinions of what you see. Thank you.

Starting the Stash

2009-10-15T11:41:00.007-06:00

As usual, I was reading a few of my favourite blogs when I stumbled upon this one. I was really impressed by all of the beautiful things that she has made for her little one due soon. Her baby is going to be so lucky. A bit of jealousy struck. I am not truly jealous, but ashamed that I haven't started making anything for my baby. I can crochet, knit and sew, so there is no excuse why my baby shouldn't have beautiful home made welcoming gifts made by yours truly.

I was particularly interested in her blog post on cloth diapers. I have a stash here somewhere, but after a few kids there aren't too many nice ones. We were thinking of buying a whole stash of these. But at a unit price of $22.95, that would be over $550.00 plus shipping for 24. It is still a lot cheaper than buying disposables until the little one is potty trained. I am so CHEAP!!! I admit it. I am not frugal, but cheap! If I can reuse or recycle, I do.

After hours of research and contemplation, I decided to use the pattern used for the following video.

I had some old burping clothes that weren't so pretty anymore and have been in a box for over 3 years and an old sheet that had been partially used for Mia's quilt batting. I used these to make my first pocket-style cloth diaper.

I have some flannel in my stash that was supposed to be made into pj's that I will use to make 8 more diapers and I have a few flannel duvet covers that are euro sizing and don't fit on North America standard size duvets that I can cut up too. I should be able to make at least a dozen diapers from what I have on hand. I have prefolds in a box somewhere to put in the pockets. I even have a few diaper pins. I just hope that I don't do all the work and find out that the diapers aren't blowout safe. My old cloth diapers were good at preventing blowouts.

I am thinking of adding some sort of absorbent layers on the inside (see Step 2) and adding gussets, but I haven't decided yet. If you have any tips or advice on diapers that you have made, I would be more than happy to hear from you. I am not a professional sewer, I am self-taught. If you have any questions, I will try to do my best to answer them.

Canada My Country

2009-10-13T15:25:00.008-06:00

We began a study of our great nation last week. We are using Canada My Country as our main resource. We are also waiting for some books from our library from Sleeping Bear Press.
Unfortunately, Sleeping Bear Press doesn't have a complete series like the Discover America Series for Canadians, but they do have a few books from the Discover Canada Province by Province series as well as a few Canadian themed books.

A is for Algonquin: An Ontario Alphabet
B is for Bluenose: A Nova Scotia Alphabet
C is for Chinook: An Alberta Alphabet
F is for Fiddlehead: A New Brunswick Alphabet
G is for Goldenboy: A Manitoba Alphabet
P is for Puffin: A Newfoundland Alphabet
S is for Spirit Bear: A British Columbia Alphabet
M is for Maple: A Canadian Alphabet
M is for Mountie: A Royal Canadian Mountain Police Alphabet
Loonies and Toonies: A Canadian Number Book
Z is for Zambonie: A Hockey Alphabet

The book Canada My Country has a polital map of Canada and suggests that you look at one province each lesson, from lessons 4 and 6-17. After my spending morning tea looking at my favourite blogs, I found a great idea. A fellow Catholic blogger is using the Discover America Series to learn about the different States of America and is scrapbooking information learned with her children. I loved how she used the information to make wonderful scrapbook pages on each state. Children learn so much more that way, than by just trying to retain information by reading alone. I did my own research on the weekend and found some graphics similar to hers and decided to have my kids notebook their way through the Canadian Provinces and Territories.

For those of you who are interested, here are the links to the worksheets we are using:

From KidZone Geography

- Provincial Flag
- Provincial Bird
- Provincial Flower

From WorkSheetWorks.com

- map of each Province / Territory
- crossword puzzles

From Enchanted Learning (members only)

- map of Canada

General Information on Canadian Provinces was obtained from:
Wikipedia free online encyclopedia
About.com

I enlarged the picture of Jessica's son's scrapbooking page to see the list of information that she used and adapted it a little to compile my own lists for each province. That is where I used the information from Wikipedia and about.com. If you are interested in using the information pages, please email me and I would be glad to share.

We worked on our Alberta notebooking pages today and I would like to share my daughter's, since it is already scanned into the computer. I decided to notebook for the sake of simplicity. We have to complete a portfolio for our home school facilitator, so it is easier to use notebooking format and keep them in three ring binders with the rest of our work.

The Day the Sun Danced

2009-10-13T12:09:00.006-06:00

On October 13, 1917, a miracle happened. The sun danced! Our Lady of Fatima appeared to three shepherd children for the last time. To prove that she really was from Heaven, she promised the children, Lucia, Francisco and Jacinta that she would make a miracle. She asked the children on previous occassions to pray the rosary in reparation for the sins of others and to pray for peace.

On this particular day, when Lucia asked the beautiful Lady who she was and what she wanted, she answered, "I am the Lady of the Rosary, and I have come to warn the faithful to amend their lives and ask pardon for their sins. People must not continue to offend the Lord, Who is already so deeply offended. They must say the rosary." As a family, we are celebrating this day with our favourite book on Fatima, our favourite video and some colouring pages from Our Blessed Mother Coloring Book.

Finished Colouring Pages from left to right Owen's (4), Noah's (9), Maria's (7)

Halfway There!

2009-10-13T06:26:00.003-06:00

This post is mainly for my family who live further away and keep asking me if I am starting to get round. Well, I think the picture speaks for itself. This is a picture my husband took of me on the weekend at 20 weeks. Only 20 weeks left until I can hold my baby in my arms (although, I might have to fight with the kids over that one).

Happy Thanksgiving

2009-10-11T06:32:00.006-06:00

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day in Canada. We celebrate Thanksgiving with a large meal. We do not have any family living close by, so we tend to celebrate the holidays at home quietly. There is usually significant time spent talking to the relatives over the phone, wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. I grew up in rural Ontario. Thanksgiving brings back fond memories of fighting over one more helping of dressing (I was the only girl living with 5 boys)and playing cards. We always had our meal on the Sunday preceeding Thanksgiving which is celebrated on the second Monday of October. It was served at 5:00pm. We hardly ate a bite all day to save up and make room for all of the delicious goodies that were being served. It wasn't anything fancy at our house, but that didn't matter. There was always a large turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, peas and carrots, and salad. Pumpkin pie or cheesecake were the desserts. We stuffed ourselves. My husband swears that I suffer from food envy. Until recently, I tried to eat as much as he does during the holidays. This food envy comes from not wanting the "boys" to get more than their share. I love holiday food! I knew that if I enjoyed every bite, I might not get more. It isn't as though there wasn't enough made, but it seemed that the more food there was, the more food that was eaten. I laugh just thinking about the absurdity of it all. I miss visiting my great grandmother in the home and singing some ~~really~~ old songs. I miss going to my grandma's and eating pie with butterscotch ripple ice cream. I miss my family who live to the west and far east of here. I always wonder what it would be like to be home for Thanksgiving again. My children are growing up without knowing their cousins, or aunties and uncles. They have met a few, but only see them on rare occassions (when they come visit). I long to visit the family that is thousands of miles from here in all the places I am familiar with. Nonetheless, I am determined to start our own family traditions for the holidays.

Even while living in Germany, we celebrated a "Canadian Thanksgiving." I made a turkey or a chicken. We opted for a chicken in our earlier married years, because we (dh & I) were eating it pretty much on our own. We invited my mother-in-law to join us, but she didn't like my stuffing. She wasn't actually sure what it was. My dear husband fell in love with my stuffing and didn't mind if his mother didn't like it. My mother-in-law ate her first pumpkin pie and wasn't sure what to make of that either. It was interesting and fun trying to bring my strange culture into a German home. My husband insisted that we continue to celebrate Thanksgiving. He was thankful that I would go to all the trouble of preparing so much food for him to indulge in. So Thanksgiving stayed an important feast in our small family.

Now we have three children, two of which are hungry growing boys. The pot that once cooked potatoes for the whole family is now the veggie pot. The large soup pot is now the potato pot. Some day I will have to make potatoes in the dutch oven just like we did when I was growing up. The chicken is no longer big enough and a 10lb Turkey will have to do. There is much more food in general. This year I have decided to go all out. I am making my first ever gluten free Thanksgiving. I am so thankful for gluten free products and recipes.

Our Thanksgiving dinner menu looks like this:

Cranberry,Walnut and Feta Salad

Spicy and Super-Juicy Roast Turkey

Loaded Mashed Potatoes

Gluten Free Gravy

Cornbread Stuffing

Pumpkin Cheesecake(I used GF Graham cracker crumbs and GF Flour)

Jello Salad aka St. Joseph Salad

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL!!!

Small Successes ~ October 8

2009-10-08T16:13:00.002-06:00

I never find it very easy to find successes. I tend to dwell on the things that don't get done. Here are my small successes for this week:

1. I am managing a household all on my own while my husband is working out of town. The house is still standing, and the kids are well fed. (It isn't spotless, but mostly tidy and the dishes get done)
2. We managed to almost finish 9 weeks of Seton homeschool material. We just have a few more tests tomorrow and each kid still needs to finish their book report. All in all, we survived the 1st quarter.
3. I managed to drive to appointments without getting lost. This is a big thing for me. I hate driving, and I especially hate driving halfway across the city to places that I have never been before. I don't even think that my blood pressure went up as much as it usually does. With a husband out of town most of the time, I have to rely on my own resources for getting the family where they need to go.

These are not my successes alone. I pray constantly for my guardian angel to help and she always pulls through for me. What are your successes for this week? You can share them at Faith and Family live.

Paper Bead Rosaries

2009-10-08T15:34:00.003-06:00

I really wanted to finish making paper bead rosaries on or before the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, but life isn't always as you plan it. So last night, after the kiddos went to bed, I made 40 paper beads. This morning as a special treat the kids and I strung the beads and made them into 1 decade rosaries. These will come in handy at Children's Holy Hour. We added separater beads that have no function other than to separate and that they look nice. If you want to make some of these rosaries, look at the directions I followed here.

left to right: Maria's, Owen's, Noah's, mom's

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary

2009-10-07T19:31:00.002-06:00

Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
October 7th

My Rosary is a silver chain

That binds my soul to God.

My Rosary is a mystic vine

That grows in Heaven’s sod.

The Aves form a rose bouquet

Of white and red and gold

To strew along our Lady’s way

As each blest bead is told.

The mysteries

are lessons learned

of life’s true gain and loss

and always at the chaplet’s end

I find

and kiss

the Cross +

Dearest Mother Mary

I am asking of you now
As I journey through this day
May the rosary in my pocket
Keep reminding me to pray.

As I ponder every mystery
You lead me to your Son,
Who gives me strength
To carry on
Until the day is done.

Author unknown, sent to me by a dear friend

Our Lady of the Rosary

2009-10-07T18:57:00.003-06:00

Today is the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary. This being week 9 and the end of the 1st quarter of studies with Seton, we are really short of time for elaborate feast day celebrations. When I was reading some of my favourite blogs, I came across Jamie's and thought her idea of celebrating Our Lady's feast was simply awesome. After colouring some pictures from Waltzing Matilda's Blog, we made the rosary on Jamie's blog. I had plans for doing a few other activites, but I desperately needed a nap. My pregnant body was telling me to slow down, so I listened guiltily. There are so many nice things to do and make to celebrate our holy faith and I sometimes feel guilty for not spending enough time preparing and planning more. I am the type of person who likes to get ideas from others. I admire my fellow blogging moms who have many more children than I have and seem to accomplish so many wonderful activities alongside their home school days. I often feel like there is something wrong with me for not getting all of these things done. hmmm... I guess all I can do is my best. God gave me other talents, perhaps. Nonetheless, we prayed our fun and colourful marshmallow and Hershey kiss rosary. These rosary is probably the sweetest chain of prayers by us ever.