Friday, September 30, 2011

Links for October :: Month Dedicated to the Most Holy Rosary



October 1st (New) and 3rd (Trad) ~ St. Thérèse of Lisieux:
Compilation posts of Ideas for celebrating this beautiful feast:
Past Celebrations in honor of St. Therese:
Specific crafts/projects in honor of  St. Therese:
Pinterest Board:  St. Therese of Lisieux


October 2nd ~ Holy Guardian Angels (New, Trad.):


October 4th ~ St. Francis of Assisi (New, Trad.):


 October 5th ~ St. Faustina (New):
October 7th ~ Our Lady of the Rosary (New, Trad.):


October 12th ~ Columbus Day:
Scroll through all posts for Columbus Day.


October 15th ~ St. Teresa of Avila (New, Trad.):


October 18th ~ St. Luke (New, Trad.):


 October 25 ~ St. Crispin:


October 27th ~ St. Telka

October 31st ~ All Hallows' Eve

Our Annual Saint-O-Lanterns:
Saintly Costumes:
Saintly Games:
Decorations: 
Fasting and Feasting:
Past All Hallows' Eve and All Saints' Parties:

OTHER RESOURCES:


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Little Flowers Girls' Club ~ The Gift of Wisdom

I can't believe that we are already beginning the 4th, and final, YEAR of the Little Flowers Girls' Club!  It seems like just yesterday that my girls were just 3 and 5, and I was preparing for our very first meeting...   As always, they were very excited!

Thankfully, this year, I had a chance to prepare over the summer.   Since Wreath IV was created with older Little Flowers in mind, I had quite a bit of modifying that needed to be done for the younger girls in my group - mainly when it came to them being able to complete the monthly assignments to earn their patches.   This resulted in the creation of a Wreath IV Lap Book - allowing them to simply (or with lots of detail, depending on their age and ability) fulfill some of the assignments from the Member's Guides.

Like I have done in the past, our meetings this year will consist of Prayer, Coloring Pages, a Lesson on the virtue (or rather Gift of the Holy Spirit, since Wreath IV is all about the 7 Gifts of the Holy Spirit), Notebook Pages, the new addition of the Lap Book Mini Books, Snacks, and sometimes Games (when time allows).   It is going to be another great year!

The meeting just flew by, with all the fun plans I had made that kept us pretty busy, that I kept forgetting to take pictures.   Thankfully I did take a some before the meeting started, and a couple during, so I do have a few to share with you all today!

~ Coloring Pages ~


St. Teresa of Avila from Waltzing Matilda (used for our craft!)
St. Teresa of Avila from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
St. Teresa of Avila Coloring Book




~ Lesson on the Gift of Wisdom ~

Wisdom: The Pearl of Great Price

I had asked this wonderful priest to come and give a talk to the girls on Wisdom, but unfortunately he was transfered, after just two months of being in our area, before we were able to have our first meeting, so I had my girls watch this homily in preparation for the meeting.  During our meeting,while going over the mini books, we talked about the gift of Wisdom and St. Teresa of Avila.

Wisdom is similar to knowledge and comprehension yet is it different. Wisdom offers us guidance and understanding of the really important things in life. Wisdom helps us to make good choices. It is like a compass within us. Conscience is a part of wisdom. We are born with wisdom but we learn how to listen and use it better as we grow and age. Sometimes we gain a deeper appreciation of wisdom and use it better as a result of making mistakes and learning from them.


Additional Resources:


~ Wreath IV Lap Book Mini Books~



I started by introducing the girls to the concept of Lap Booking, this will be the first Lap Book for most of them, and showed them the sample Lap Book I created over the summer.    I loved how excited they were to see the project!

Prior to the meeting I printed out all the supplies we would need for the whole year.  I also thought that I would pre-make the actual Lap Book, but decided to have the girls do this during the meeting, so that they could see how it is done.    I asked each of the girls to share something from the "My Catholic Faith" mini-books (which I had emailed to the moms for the girls to complete before the first meeting).


It was fun to see all the variety, stickers, artwork, and pictures that the girls included as they completed the pages for their Birth, Baptism, 1st Holy Communion, Patron Saints, etc.

We then went on to get started with assembling the Lap Books and adding the mini-books for this meeting:
We didn't have nearly enough time to finish everything, but with all the extras necessary to get started, I figured we would run out of time.   The girls went home with some unfinished mini-books to continue working on at home between now and our next meeting in a couple weeks.


~ Notebook Pages ~


For the notebook pages, I used the motto for Wisdom, A Love Song by St. Teresa of Avila, an image of St. Teresa of Avila, a definition on the gift of Wisdom from the wonderful book My Catholic Faith, a prayer to St. Teresa of Avila, and acrylic gemstones. You can download my document here.

Here is a picture of the sample page I created:



Here are the girls completed notebook pages:



~ Craft ~

Since one of the symbols for St. Teresa of Avila is a "Book," I came up with a "Wisdom of the Saints" Journal for the girls to make as our craft, in which they can record their favorite quotes from the saints! 


Directions can be found here:  "Wisdom of the Saints" Journal


~ Snack Time ~


Saintly Symbols Cupcakes :: St. Teresa of Avila

White Cupcakes baked in Jasper Colored Cupcake Holders, topped with Buttercream Frosting and a chocolate Book (a symbol of St. Teresa of Avila) and a white candy Dove (for the St. Teresa of Avila quote below). 
Served with Apple Juice  - our meeting was on Michaelmas after all! 

"Then I saw over my head a dove, very different from those we usually see, for it had not the same plumage, but wings formed of small shells shining brightly. It was larger than an ordinary dove; I thought I heard the rustling of its wings. It hovered above me during the space of an Ave Maria. But such was the state of my soul, that in losing itself it lost also the sight of the dove. My spirit grew calm with such a guest; and yet, as I think, a grace so wonderful might have disturbed and frightened it; and as it began to rejoice in the vision, it was delivered from all fear, and with the joy came peace, my soul continuing entranced. The joy of this rapture was exceedingly great; and for the rest of that festal time I was so amazed and bewildered that I did not know what I was doing, nor how I could have received so great a grace. I neither heard nor saw anything, so to speak, because of my great inward joy. From that day forth I perceived in myself a very great progress in the highest love of God, together with a great increase in the strength of my virtues. May He be blessed and praised for ever! Amen.

On another occasion I saw that very dove above the head of one of the Dominican fathers; but it seemed to me that the rays and brightness of the wings were far greater. I understood by this that he was to draw souls unto God."  - The Life, Chapter XX.




~ Group Photo ~ 



Be sure to check the Shower of Roses Little Flowers Girls' Club link-up during the next few weeks, as all of the girls that are "joining" our group online/at home share pictures from their first meetings for this year!  

Grant me the Spirit of Wisdom that I may despise the perishable things of this world and aspire only after the things that are eternal. 

St. Teresa of Avila, 
pray for us! 
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Shower of Roses Little Flowers Girls Club Link-up :: Our September/1st Meeting for the Year


I know I have only just posted the plans for this year, but it is already time for the link-up for our September Little Flowers Girls' Club!   I will leave this link-up open for the next three weeks, allowing you all plenty of time to add your links. My girls and I are looking forward to seeing how you all started the year!  I will be back soon with pictures from our first meeting, which took place yesterday afternoon.

You can read the details for the Shower of Roses Online Little Flowers Girls' Club here, and you can also find the registration details here in case there is any one else that would like to join us!

Note:  You can easily find all the link-up posts listed at the bottom of my Little Flowers Page, or under the label for Little Flowers Online Girls' Club.


To Participate:

1. Create a post about your September Little Flowers Meeting (or 1st Meeting for those that will be having it in Oct) for this year and/or follow up assignments that are completed before the next meeting.  (I am currently looking into the options for those that do not have blogs to add links... If anyone has a suggestion, please leave it in the comments below!)
2. Using the linky below, enter the exact link to your post.
3. Add a link your post, referring back to this post so that others can find the link-up as well! (Please feel free to include the Shower of Roses Little Flowers Girls' Club Button if you'd like!)
4. Be sure to visit the links and see what everyone else in our group has to share!
5. This linky will remain open until October 21st.



Note: The next link-up, for our October Meeting, will be posted on Oct. 14th. 
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Wreath IV Notebook Pages & Additional Resources

  
 

I am still working on creating the Notebook pages for Wreath IV, but since this post has been sitting in my drafts folder for awhile now, I thought I would go ahead and publish it, adding the remaining  4  2 notebook page document links as soon as I have them completed.  

Meeting #1
Wisdom • St. Teresa of Avila • Jasper
Download Notebook Page Here

Coloring Page Options:
St. Teresa of Avila from Waltzing Matilda
St. Teresa of Avila from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD



Meeting #2
Understanding • St. Catherine of Alexandria • Emerald

Coloring Page Options:   
St. Catherine of Alexandria from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
Father Damien of Molokai from Waltzing Matilda

Additional Resources:
A Story of St. Catherine of Alexandria


Movie Suggestion from Member's Guide: 
Damien


Meeting #3
Knowledge • St. Gertrude • Topaz

Coloring Page Options:
St. Gertrude from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD
Sister from St. Anne's Helper
Sacred Heart of Jesus Coloring Pages from That Resource Site

Additional Resources:

Movie Suggestion from Member's Guide: 


Meeting #4
Counsel • St. Catherine of Siena • Aquamarine

Coloring Page Options:
St. Catherine of Siena from Waltzing Matilda
St. Catherine of Siena from Catholic Artworks Faith Keepers CD

Additional Resources:

Movie Suggestion from Member's Guide:
A Man for All Seasons
(Additional Option for younger girls is My Catholic Family DVD: St. Catherine of Siena)


Meeting #5
Fortitude • St. Joan of Arc • Opal


Meeting #6
Piety • St. Therese of Lisieux • Amethyst


Meeting #7
Fear of the Lord • St. Maria Goretti • Sapphire



Movie Suggestion from Member's Guide:
Chariots of Fire


Notebook Page Supplies: 

Cardstock in the colors of the 7 Jewels:
I choose ours from the Soda Pop Paper Pack (Jasper, Topaz, Aquamarine) and Gemstones Paper Pack (Emerald, Opal, Sapphire) from Michaels.
Accent Cardstock in Dark Green (Glitter), Gold, Black (Gemstone Paper), and other colors to be determined
Acrylic Jewels for decorating Notebook Pages
Glue Sticks and Scissors
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Novena to Saint Thérèse ~ Day Nine

(January 2, 1873 – September 30, 1897)

Novena to Saint Thérèse

O St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, who during your short life on earth became a mirror of angelic purity, of love strong as death, and of wholehearted abandonment to God, now that you rejoice in the reward of your virtues, cast a glance of pity on me as I leave all things in your hands. Make my troubles your own, speak a word for me to Our Lady Immaculate, whose flower of special love you were -- to that Queen of Heaven “who smiled on you at the dawn of life” Beg her powerful intercession the grace I yearn for so ardently at this moment...and that she join with it a blessing that may strengthen me during life, defend me at the hour of death, and lead me straight on to a happy eternity. Amen.

O God, who did inflame with the Spirit of Love, the soul of your servant Thérèse of the Child Jesus, grant that we also may love you and make you much loved. Amen.

DAY NINE

O St. Thérèse, seraphic virgin, beloved spouse of our Crucified Lord, you who on earth did burn with a love so intense toward your God and my God, and now glow with a bright and purer flame in paradise, obtain for me, I beseech you, a spark of that same holy fire which shall help me to put things of the world in their proper place and live my life always conscious of the presence of God. As I conclude my novena I also beg of you to secure for me the special favor I seek at this time...

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, pray for us.
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Thursday, September 29, 2011

My Daybook :: On Michaelmas Day

Happy Michaelmas!

Outside my window... It is a gorgeous fall day!   It has been rather chilly in the morning, but warming up nicely in the afternoon.   It is my favorite time of year!

I am thinking... our school plans for this year, and how nicely everything seems to be falling into place.   After 4 weeks of "school," I still need to work on a better daily schedule for this year's plans, but so far everyone has been very happy with their curriculum.

I am thankful... that my husband is home from training and for the wonderful early Anniversary gift of not only a new Smart Phone (my first ever!) but also a TICKET TO TEXAS to attend the baptism of a precious little "Cupcake" later this month.  This will be the first time I have flown in over 11 years (and by myself no less), and I am a little nervous, to say the least.   Yet completely excited at the same time!!!

From the kitchen... It's Michaelmas Day, which, in our home, always means Blackberry Waffles for brunch, Apple Chicken, Angel Hair Pasta, Steamed Carrots, Sparkling Apple Cider or Blackberry Izze Drinks for dinner, and of course Devil's Food Cupcakes complete with little swords for stabbing the cupcakes the devil!

Learning all the time... Our school year is off to a wonderful start.   I did end up signing up for the local charter school which offers an allowance towards some of our school books and extra curricular activities (that our children wouldn't have otherwise been able to participate in this year), and our ES (tutor) comes to our home 4 hours each week (on Wednesday mornings).  She has been just wonderful with the kids, and a complete answer to prayer!  

Living the Liturgical Year at Home... Isn't it a great week for celebrating the liturgical year?!  So many wonderful feasts, including Michaelmas Day, St. Therese and the Holy Guardian Angels.  It is my favorite week of the year, which is why I choose this week to be married, all those years ago!   ;)  I have all sorts of ideas for celebrating these feasts in the archives.  Also, be sure to visit Elisa Loves for a St. Therese Link-up on October 1st, and Stories of an Unschooling Family for a chance to win one of three Ecopies of A Little Way of Homeschooling!  Oh, and rumor has it that there will be a St. Therese Apron Giveaway coming up soon over at Catholic Cuisine... ;)

I am creating... all sorts of Crafts, Lap Books, Notebook Pages, and Saintly Symbol Cupcakes for my Little Flowers Girls' Club.  In case you hadn't noticed!

I am wearing... I have been having some awful challenges with my pregnancy the past couple weeks - nothing too serious, just extremely painful - and started wearing this Baby Belly Band yesterday.  I am really hoping that it helps!  In the meantime, I am trying my best to offer it up for a safe delivery and healthy baby.

I am reading... lots of pictures books to my little ones for their Little Saints Pre-School, P is for Peach: A Georgia Alphabet to the Girls, lots of History Books, Exploring Creation with Zoology 1: Flying Creatures of the 5th Day and Sebastian Bach, The Boy from Thuringia to all the kids. I think I need to find something for myself.   Any suggestions?

Pondering these words... that I just read to my boys for them to add to their St. Michael Copywork Page (a great free printable from CHC) this year:

Brave St. Michael is my guide
As free and fearless forth I ride
With courage of St. George of old
I dare to fight fierce dragons bold.  

~ Eric Fairman

Noticing that... I really, really, really need to start adding a short walk to my daily routine.   Why is that so hard to do?

Towards personal care... I've been drinking protein shakes every day, after my sister convinced me to try the latest product she's selling.   I've been having them for breakfast, or sometimes lunch, and have noticed an incredible difference in my energy and rapid weight gain (which has finally stopped, and actually went down a little!) this pregnancy.    I have been mixing the Protien Powder (the "shake mix that tastes like a cake mix") with either coconut, almond, or soy milk, and adding in various fruits.   My favorites, of course, are the "Pina Coladas" and "Cafe Mochas" I've been making, which completely curb my ridiculous sweet tooth!

I am listening... to my printer going non-stop as it prints out all the Lap Book supplies for 8 girls!  I've already re-filled the paper cartridge a few times.  It's a LOT of paper, but it will be so nice to have it all ready for the whole year.

Around the house... signs of fall!  Our fall wreath is on the front door, their are baskets of books in the living and family room, cozy blankets on the couches, and the cushions from the furniture on the deck keep ending up inside the front door every time the forecast threatens to rain.

I am hoping... that I might be able to sleep tonight.  I haven't been sleeping much lately and I don't even have a newborn yet!

I am praying...   For the soul of my old, and very first, employer, you died this past week on September 21st, at the age of 94.   I worked for him for many years, between the ages of 16 and 23, when I finally decided to start my own business.   He taught me everything I needed to know to successfully start a local phone directory, which I later sold when I was expecting Twinkle Toes.   Though hard to work for at times, I will be forever grateful to him.  May he rest in peace!

One of my favorite things... celebrating name days.  Happy Name Day to our little Snuggles!

A few plans for the rest of the week:
  • Little Flowers Girls Club Meeting #1 for Wreath IV
  • Celebrate Michaelmas
  • Celebrate the Feasts of St. Therese
  • Celebrate our 12th Wedding Anniversary
Basically just celebrate, celebrate, celebrate!!!  ;)

A Picture thought I am sharing:


Inspired by Sarah, who looks absolutely adorable at 19 weeks, here is a picture of my ever growing little guy at almost 27 weeks!  Can you believe that the New Year is only 13 weeks (and a few days) away?!?
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Little Flowers Girls' Club Wreath IV Lap Book


I am so excited to share the Wreath IV Lap Book I've been working on this summer with you all!   I had a pretty good idea when I got started of what I wanted it to turn out like, but transferring it from my mind to actual printable mini-books was much more time consuming than I originally thought it would be.   So, even though it is rather simple, I am very proud of this "accomplishment!" :)

(Illustrated by my sister Julianna. Thank you Juli!! - of course each girl can decorate their cover however they would like!) 

(To be completed before the first meeting. - The girls can complete this book however they would like, either by writing, illustrating, or even pasting in photographs!) 

Here is an example of how simple this can be done:


.: Mini-Books that will be added to Monthly :.

(paste or write in one Definition and one Motto at each meeting)

(Compete and add one of each, at each meeting.  Have the girls write or narrate a little something they remember (or a lot!) about each person inside the profile books.)


(add one jewel to the Treasure Box at each meeting, pasting or writing the explanation on the back)


.: Additional Meeting Specific Mini Books :.

Meeting #1 - The Gift of Wisdom 
Have each girl find and copy their favorite quote from the book of Wisdom

Meeting #2 - The Gift of Understanding
Have each girl find a passage from the Book of Proverbs on Understanding to copy and memorize

Meeting #3 - The Gift of Knowledge
Have each girl find and copy their favorite quote from Psalm 139 on Knowledge

Meeting #4 - The Gift of Counsel
Words of Counsel from a Doctor of the Church
Have each girl find and copy a favorite quote from a Doctor of the Church

Meeting #5 - The Gift of Fortitude

Meeting #6 - The Gift of Piety
Copy some favorite quotes on Devotions at Mass, to remember at Mass

Meeting #7 - The Gift of Fear of the Lord


.: Prayer Booklet and Cards :.




.: Additional Coloring Pages :.
(choose one of these beautiful coloring pages found online for the back cover)



.: Assembly of Lap Book :.


This Lap Book was compiled with 2 light pink file folders with 2 hot pink sheets of cardstock added as flaps/pages for the Saints and Converts (attached with clear packing tape).   There are also a couple more sheets of pink cardstock used as well - one for behind the coloring page on the front, and the other creating a pocket on the back to store a St. Therese Paper Doll or St. Therese and Her Family Paper Dolls.   Here is a picture of my daughter holding my completed sample Lap Book:


The downloads for all of these Mini Books can all be found in this folder at Scribd.

I have also compiled a document listing which of the Member's Guide Assignments the Mini-Books included in this Wreath IV Lap Book satisfy towards earning each of the jewels for the Wreath IV patch.


St. Therese, the Little Flower, Pray for us! 
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