It’s time for another Instagram Recap in Seven Quick Takes. It was a very full week complete with special feast days, anniversaries, and Thanksgiving… My husband and five oldest are off watching the “Civil War” Football Game with friends and I’m home with the two little ones wrapping up some last minute Advent Preparations. Happy {Liturgical} New Year’s Eve!

— 1 :: Thanksgiving —


November 26: We’re enjoying a yummy turkey dinner (yay for leftovers!!) and movie night at home with just our children and looking forward to seeing many of my siblings at my parents tomorrow afternoon! I hope you all have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!


November 27: Happy Thanksgiving! ‪#‎cinnamonrollturkeysforbreakfast‬  #‎madewithturkeybaconofcourse‬ ‪#‎thekidsgobbledthemup‬ #inspiredbypillsbury


November 26: Almost ready!

November 29: Our five oldest had so much fun ice skating yesterday afternoon with their dad and some of their aunts and uncles! I’m so glad Sean sent me a picture!

— 2 :: Ora Pro Nobis Boxes —


One thing I’ve learned this month is that some of my kids have incredible self-control… I just peeked inside their “Ora Pro Nobis Candy Boxes” and was amazed that they (other than the two year old who is now down to five pieces) still have so much candy inside their boxes even though they have been saying their prayers for various souls each day! (The boxes originally contained one piece of candy for each day of the month. They could choose to take it out after praying for someone who has passed away or leave it there as an extra sacrifice for that person’s soul.) My oldest son hasn’t even taken one piece of candy out of his box. I’m impressed.

(As I type this post I hear the four year old helping the two year old say the St. Gertrude prayer, just because. LOVE.) 

— 3 :: St. Catherine of Alexandria —


November 25: Happy Feast of St. Catherine of Alexandria!

Heart cake baked in this pan and The Story of Saint Catherine of Alexandria.  Right now you can purchase this book, and ALL other books published by TAN Books at 40% off or more with coupon code BLK2014.

— 4 :: Remembering —

  

November 24: My beautiful “Christmas Rose” – she was a special gift from God (due on Christmas Day 2009, after praying the Christmas Rose novena in December of 2008) shortly after I miscarried Gabriel. November 24th and 25th are special days for a couple of my little ones in heaven and we’ll be visiting their graves at the cemetery either today or tomorrow. I know God has a plan but no matter how many years pass the tears always return on these two days… Could you please say a little prayer for our family?



November 25: One of my favorite moments yesterday was when this little guy asked if he could leave the stickers he was just given at Trader Joe’s as a birthday gift for his little brother. After placing them on the headstone he stood up and said “God BLESS him!”

From the archives: Love’s Delay  (I didn’t realize until re-reading this post today that I miscarried Anthony this year on the anniversary of Gabriel’s original due date. ♥) 

— 5 :: Orthanc Tower Isengard —

November 23: They started this 3-D puzzle of Orthanc last night and have been working on it all day, after getting home from Mass… They say that it’s super hard but it looks like they are making some progress!

They completed it the next morning and I need to post a picture. It turned out great!

— 6 :: Christ the King —

November 23rd – Happy Feast of Christ the King!

Our family celebrated with a Persimmon Cake baked in a Crown Cake Pan
— 7 :: Cranberry Thanksgiving —

November 22: They asked if they could make Cranberry Bread again, since the last piece was eaten this morning. I told them to go ahead, even though I couldn’t help at the moment and their big sister wasn’t home yet… I was so impressed when I walked into the kitchen and snapped this picture. Then I realized that they had a tablespoon sitting next to the bowl instead of a teaspoon. Oops! I guess we’ll be modifying the recipe and making a triple batch! #CranberryThanksgiving

Triple batch of “Grandmother’s Famous Cranberry Bread” coming up… #CranberryThanksgiving

I need to pick up some more cranberries. I’m sure they will be asking to make Maggie’s favorite cranberry cookies next! 

4 Comments

  1. tracybuasmith

    What a beautiful Thanksgiving you had Jessica! Love those roll turkeys! So cute! I'm so sorry for your loss! What a bittersweet time Thanksgiving must be for you! Saying a prayer! I'm a bit envious you can leave your girls alone in the kitchen to bake and no fighting or fussing? Ummm….my girls, especially 2 of them, are like oil and water! No kidding 🙁 Have a blessed Advent!

    2014-11-30 04:02:38

    Reply
  2. melanie

    oooh…that picture of brother leaving his stickers made me all teary, God love him.

    2014-11-30 04:55:27

    Reply
  3. Kathy@9Peas

    I'm so glad you all had a blessed Thanksgiving, the stickers choked me up – how sweet. Blessings to you all this Advent.

    2014-12-01 12:39:09

    Reply
  4. Amy Caroline

    Oh the stickers made me cry. What a beautiful gift.

    2014-12-01 15:06:20

    Reply

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