Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Blessed Trinity Shamrock "Glory Be" Prayer Poster {Catechism Craft with Free Printable!}


“According, therefore, to the measure of one’s faith in the Trinity, one should proceed without holding back from danger to make known the gift of God and everlasting consolation, to spread God’s name everywhere with confidence and without fear.” 
~ from the confession of St. Patrick


What do we mean by the Blessed Trinity? According to My Catholic Faith, “By the Blessed Trinity we mean one and the same God in three Divine Persons. The Father is God and the First Person of the Blessed Trinity. Omnipotence, and especially the work of creation, is attributed to God the Father. The Son is God and the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity. To God the Son we owe our redemption from sin and eternal death; by His death He gave us life. The Holy Ghost is God and the Third Person of the Blessed Trinity. He manifests Himself in us particularly in our sanctification. The word “Ghost” applied to the Third Person means “Spirit.” The three Divine Persons are perfectly equal to one another, because all are one and the same God. We believe in the mystery of the Blessed Trinity because God Himself revealed it to us.”



There are several popular legends about how St. Patrick used the shamrock to help explain the mystery of the Trinity, comparing the single plant with three leaves to the One Triune God with three separate and distinct Persons.

We honor the Blessed Trinity every time we make the sign of the cross and also when we say the “prayer of praise”: “Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be world without end. Amen.”

The following craft combines St. Patrick’s Shamrock with the “Glory Be” prayer, creating a poster to help us remember to always profess our faith in the Blessed Trinity.

Supplies:

  • Black Cardstock
  • Construction Paper in Various Shades of Green
  • Glory Be Prayer Worksheet (Holy Spirit, Holy Ghost, Latin - download my free printable pdf documents for personal or classroom use)
  • Pens or Pencils
  • Markers, Crayons, or Colored Pencils
  • Scissors
  • Glue Sticks



Directions:

1. Trace the “Glory Be” prayer on the provided worksheet, color, and cut out.






2. Glue the shamrock and the rest of the “Glory Be” prayer onto the black cardstock poster.





3. Tear pieces of green construction paper, in a variety of shades of green, and glue them onto the black cardstock surrounding the “Glory Be” prayer.




    Additional Reading, Coloring Books, and Songs about the Blessed Trinity:

    Manners in God's House: First Prayers and First Missal (pictured below)
    Illustrated Catechism for Little Children (Section on the Blessed Trinity)
    My Path to Heaven: A Young Persons Guide to the Faith
    Three Persons in One God from 24 Catholic Songs for Children Coloring Book
    Three Persons in One God from Sing-a-long Songs for Catholic Children (DVD and CD)
    The Saving Name of God the Son
    Books for St. Patrick's Day



    Glory be to the Father,
    Who by His almighty power and love created me,
    making me in the image and likeness of God.

    Glory be to the Son,
    Who by His Precious Blood delivered me from hell,
    and opened for me the gates of heaven.

    Glory be to the Holy Spirit,
    Who has sanctified me in the sacrament of Baptism,
    and continues to sanctify me by the graces I receive daily from His bounty.

    Glory be to the Three adorable Persons of the Holy Trinity,
    now and forever. Amen.




    Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us!


    Additional Catechism Crafts from the Archives:
    Seven Sacraments Stained Glass Window
    Ten Commandments Lap Book 


    Sunday, March 13, 2016

    Easter Symbols :: More Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas {Plus a Basketful of Giveaways!}


    Last year I shared 100+ Easter Basket Stuffers & Catholic Gift Ideas and I have even more to share with you this year! In addition to new books, I always try to fill our children's baskets (and the Easter Basket I fill for the Whole Family) with gifts and candy representing their patron saints and inspired by the various Easter symbols: Cross, Lamb, Bread of Life, Lily, Egg, Butterfly, Peacock, and Bells.  

    Below you will find an explanation for each of the Easter symbols, along with some Easter basket stuffers and gift ideas for each of the Easter symbols as well. 

    Be sure to scroll all the way to the bottom of this post to enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of 20 prizes from my generous sponsors with a combined value of over $750! (With Easter so early this year, I actually wasn't going to host another BIG giveaway this spring, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to give away some more great prizes to all my visitors while promoting all of these wonderful businesses at the same time! Good luck to you all!) 

    Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    .: Cross :.

    The cross is the most universal and oldest of all Christian symbols. It not only symbolizes Christ, but for Christians it is also a symbol of our religion and redemption won for us through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.


    Here are some gift ideas to incorporate the Cross: 
    1. Handmade Chocolate Crosses made with Cross Candy Molds
    2. St. Benedict Two Tone Wall Cross
    3. Into the Sea, Out of the Tomb: Jonah & Jesus (I LOVE this brand new book! Really looking forward to sharing it with the kids!) 
    4. Benedictine Medal T-Shirt from Catholic To The Max
    5. Crucifixion of Christ Cookie Mold (on my wish list) 
    6. Spring Cross Bookmarks Plastic Canvas Kit (I think my kids would enjoy this craft.) 
    7. Hershey's Solid Milk Chocolate Cross (I buy these locally, when I don't have time to make my own.) 
    8. Crucifixion of Jesus Tapestry Rosary Pouch (many additional designs available including: Madonna and ChildSacred Heart with Immaculate, and more.)
    9. In This Sign You Shall Conquer (Audio Drama) from Regina Martyrum Productions


    .: Lamb :.

    The lamb is also a symbol of Christ. In the Old Testament lambs were often sacrificed on an altar to expiate sins. Because Christ was sent as a sacrifice for the sins of the world, Christians refer to Him as "The Lamb of God (Latin, Agnus Dei)" (John 1:29), and "The Paschal Lamb" (Exodus 12:3-11) from whose sacrifice shelters the People of God.


    Here are some gift ideas to incorporate the Lamb: 
    1. Lost No More Puzzle (We put this together in 2011.)
    2. Schleich Animals (lamb, peacockroosterchicks, etc) 
    3. Lamb of God Painted Egg from St. Luke's Brush
    4. Lamb of God Pendant
    5. Jesus the Good Shepherd from Naturally Catholic
    6. Lindt Chocolate Lambs
    7. Jesus and St. John the Baptist with Lamb Pendant
    8. Small Pascal Lamb Cookie Mold
    9. From God to You: The Icons Journey to your Heart
    I also really love our Eggs on Pedestals including the Good Shepherd Egg on Pedestal. I have the collection of three Eggs on Pedestals. They are hard to find! Only three left of the Good Shepherd Egg at this link.

    Here are a couple links that others have shared with me recently: Easter Egg Play Set (includes lamb) or Easter Basket with Stuffed Toys (includes lamb and butterfly)


    .: Bread of Life :.

    Bread is the universal symbol for sustaining and nourishing life. It symbolizes God’s nurture and care of His People. The Israelites in the desert were fed manna from the heavens prompting Moses to exclaim, “this is the bread which the Lord has sent for you to eat” (Exodus 16:15). Christ likened Himself to manna when after the miracle of the loaves, he spoke the words, “For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven, and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Lord, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to me shall not hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” Bread is also used at each mass to become the Body of Christ in keeping with the Lord’s command: “Then he took bread, and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is my body, given for you; do this for a commemoration of me” (Luke 22:19).


    Here are some gift ideas to incorporate the Bread of Life: 
    1. The Last Supper Building Block Set (Updated link to similar product. You can find the LEGO version one of our boys created in the archives!) 
    2. Last Supper Wood Blocks and Blessing Blocks from Almond Rod Toys 
    3. Bread of Life made with this Candy Mold 
    4. Father Leopold Celebrates Mass (also currently available from Holy Heroes - Our older boys love creating their own LEGO Mass and Cathedral, but I think our 8 year old will love this set!)
    5. Wooden Catholic Mass Kit from Almond Rod Toys 
    6. Personalized Holy Cards from Keepsakes by Carrie (I'm in the process of ordering personalized Holy Cards for each of my children with the dates of their Baptisms and First Holy Communions to add to their Holy Card collections! I've already rounded up all the information, but still trying to decide on additional quotes or prayers to include and which design to pick for each of the children!) 
    7. Miracle of Marcelino DVD
    8. My Little Church from Catholic Child
    9. Man to Mangia Altar Gang CD from Holy Heroes


    .: Lily :.

    The lily symbolizes purity. Its stoic structure, pure white color, and delicately sweet aroma attribute to qualities of royalty, purity, and chastity. It is the symbolic flower of the Blessed Virgin Mary and is sometimes depicted with other saints who possess these qualities. A lily among thorns represents the Immaculate Conception as the purity of the Virgin is preserved among the fallen nature of the world. Legend says that the lily originated from Eve’s tears when she and Adam were banished from the Garden of Eden. Another legend claims that lilies sprang up from the ground when drops of blood fell to the foot of the Cross. During the Easter season, many churches line their altars with Easter Lilies to signify the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the hope of eternal life.


    Here are some gift ideas to incorporate the Lily: 
    1. Purchase an Easter Lily for your Home
    2. Saint Joseph is holding a lily, one of his own symbols, in this darling doll from Shining Light Dolls; the Our Lady of Lourdes ("I am the Immaculate Conception") doll is also very appropriate for this Easter symbol!
    3. Lily of the Valley Tumbler Candle from The Cloister Shoppe (We're still enjoying the lovely candles we ordered from the Sisters for Christmas!) 
    4. The End of the Fiery Sword: Adam & Eve and Jesus & Mary
    5. Oval Lily of the Valley or Lily of the Valley with Rose Cookie Mold by House on the Hill (You can find another lovely Lily of the Vally cookie mold here.) 
    6. Fleur de Lis Bundt Pan
    7. Song of Bernadette (The lily is also one of St. Bernadette's symbols.) 
    8. Easter Sunrise Blend from Mystic Monk
    9. Mossy by Jan Brett (We love this picture book - A story about Mossy, a beautiful turtle from Lilypad pond!)


    .: Egg :.

    The egg represents the resurrection. Like the tomb of the crucified Savior, the egg encloses a self-supported life. At the appointed time, a new and glorious life within bursts forth from its enclosure.


    Here are some gift ideas to incorporate the Egg: 
    1. Sweet Surprise Chicks from See's (available directly from See's here)
    2. He Is Risen! Natural Wood Handmade Easter Puzzle
    3. DIY: Cross Stitch Easter Egg Craft
    4. Decorative Religious Egg Wraps
    5. The Miracle of the Red Egg
    6. Carved Easter Egg Candle from The Cloister Shoppe
    7. Ukrainian Easter Egg Decorating Kit (Wooden Easter Eggs are great for crafts too!)
    8. Balancing Hen (This is a new purchase for this year. I think my 4 year old is going to love it. Probably the 15 year old too!)
    9. Birds Nest Pearl Earrings from Gail's Designs (I'd love a pair of these. Aren't they darling?)


    .: Butterfly :.

    The butterfly is also a symbol of the resurrection of Christ, but moreover the resurrection of man, as Christ promises us. The three stages in its life (caterpillar, chrysalis, butterfly) can be attributed to the three stages of man’s existence (life, death, and resurrection).


    Here are some gift ideas to incorporate the Butterfly: 
    1. Butterfly Garden or Butterfly Pavilion 
    2. Life Cycle of a Monarch Butterfly
    3. Folkmanis Mini Monarch Butterfly Finger Puppet (We've collected nearly all of these sweet little finger puppets over the years.) 
    4. Butterflies Matching Game or Bugs & Butterflies Matching Game
    5. Butterfly A-Z Puzzle  
    6. Bug Bingo (Bird Bingo is another favorite in our home and this year I plan to give one of the girls Match a Pair of Birds: A Memory Game.) 
    7. Orange Monarch Wings (Available in different colors. Rose loves her pink butterfly wings!) 
    8. eeBoo Butterfly Sketchbook with coordinating colored pencil set  
    9. Decorate-Your-Own Butterfly Box or Butterfly Magnets


    .: Peacock :.

    Christians have used the peacocks as the symbol of immortality and are an ancient symbol of the Resurrection. Legend tells that the flesh of the peacock never corrupts. The peacock is often depicted in Christian art such as in Fra Angelico’s Adoration of the Magi and other Nativity scenes.  (Can you spot the peacock in the header over at my other blog, Catholic Cuisine?)


    Here are some gift ideas to incorporate the Peacock: 
    1. 12" Perry Flopsie
    2. Life on Earth Matching Travel Game or Life on Earth Memory Game
    3. Peacock Curves Stacking Blocks
    4. Peacock Teapot
    5. Supplies for decorating Peacock Cupcakes or making Peacock Candy
    6. Night and Day First Eucharist Rosary from Mary Devotions - "The beads are 6mmfire-polished round Czech glass, in a color called blue iris -- with shades from teal green, to midnight blue and deep purple." The colors remind me of a peacock! I'd love to help Barbara, even if it's just by purchasing one or two of her beautiful creations at Mary's Devotions. Please keep her family in your prayers! 
    7. Hape Lacing Peacock
    8. Holztiger Wooden Peacock (I also love the Ostheimer peacocks and other animals, but they are even more expensive!) 
    9. Peacock Journal or Peacock Beaded Bookmark


    .: Bells :.

    To the Christian, bells function as a summons to worship. They are rung at the procession before Low Mass, at the Sanctus to call the Faithful to enter into the deep mystery of Holy Eucharist, and at mass they are rung again to worship the elevated Body and Blood of Christ at the altar. More recently they have been used to herald the election of a new pope. Bells from local church towers also ring as reminders of the Faithful within earshot to engage in daily prayer devotions. The Angelus Bell rung at 6 am, 12 pm, and 6 pm calls upon the Faithful to pray the Angelus. Some areas ring a De Profundis bell to pray for the faithful departed. Bells are another aid for the Christian to converse with God. In some countries the bells are silent from Holy Thursday until Easter Sunday. In the middle ages farmers would comfort their families by saying, “The bells have flown to Rome, but they’ll come back on Easter!”


    Here are some gift ideas to incorporate the Bells:
    1. Easter at Ephesus
    2. Chocolate Bells - These are amazing, wish they were available to order! You can also make your own using bell shaped candy molds
    3. Choirs of Angels Coloring Book
    4. Rhythm Band Hand Bells
    5. Catholic Words Memory Match Volume 1 (includes Altar Bells) and Volume 2  - They have an app too!
    6. Chime Travelers Series: The Sign of the Shamrock, The Sign of the Carved Cross, and The Whisper in the Ruins; available for preorder: The Mystery at Midnight and The Strangers at the Manger


    .: A Few More Fun Finds :.


    1. Miniature Biretta (Set of 2) from Michele Quigley 
    2. The Lord Be With You T-Shirt from Faith Factory (My husband picked out the t-shirts for the older boys!) 
    3. St. Patrick T-shirt
    4. New Saint Charms from Tiny Saints (including St. Elizabeth of Hungary!) 
    5. St. Therese of Lisieux Doll from The Little Rose Shop (So cute! Making a note to keep this in mind for Rose's birthday later this year.) 
    6. Embroidered and Appliquéd Brown Scapular from Mary Devotions
    7. New Shining Light DollsOur Lady of Kibeho, Our Lady of China, and Our Lady of Aparecida
    8. Catholic Preschool Printables from SaongJai
    9. Saint Louis and His Horse Toy Figurine

    2015 Easter Basket - You can find the list of books included here


    * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

    Saturday, March 12, 2016

    Word to Caesar

    Beowulf: A Hero's Tale Retold and Word to Caesar

    The other day I was scrolling through the camera roll on my phone and ran across this photo. I took it one afternoon last September and never did get around to sharing...  I had just made my lunch - an AIP approved salad with lettuce, turkey, avocado, carrots, and sauerkraut, topped with olive oil and raspberry balsamic vinegar - and was getting ready to read aloud from some of our history books for the month. 

    Anyway, the reason I am sharing it now is because my older kids have been reminding me that, if anyone is looking for book recommendations, I "must recommend Word to Caesar!" 

    "Set in Imperial Rome at the time of Emperor Hadrian, a teenaged boy travels across the Empire from his home in Britain to seek an audience with the Emperor. Along the way he meets up with the villains who are trying to stop him, a famous charioteer who helps him, apathetic solicitors who won't help him, and finally the Emperor. At every step of his adventure, he remains loyal, demonstrates courage and prudence, and does not give up even when it seems impossible."

    Originally published in 1965, Word to Caesar has been republished by Hillside Education.

    Word to Caesar was actually one of the books that our oldest received in his Stack of Books on Christmas morning (2014). I love sneaking some "school books" into Christmas gifts and Easter baskets.  I read it aloud and there were a couple parts that I edited a bit for my younger listeners, but overall we enjoyed it tremendously. I do agree with the four-star reviewer over at Amazon that the beginning is "a little bit unneeded" and that "sometimes the author doesn't focus enough on important facts, and sometimes he focuses a little bit too much" but at the end of each chapter (following the discussion questions included in this reprint from Hillside Education) the kids would beg me to read "just one more chapter... please!!!!" 

    P.S. Today is the last day to enter this year's Baskets of Books for Easter Giveaway!

    Friday, March 11, 2016

    Chunky Tuna Salad Wraps


    Making sure I eat enough protein, fats (coconut, avocado), and starchy carbs (sweet potato, butternut squash, plantain) each day is key to making sure I have enough energy to get through the day on my AIP Diet.

    I have never been a huge fan of fish, but I'm starting to force myself to eat it learn to like some types. This past year, on Fridays outside of Lent, there were times I would "substitute another penance" so that I could eat some meat. I haven't been able to successfully add dairy, eggs, grains, legumes, nightshades, seeds, or nuts back into my diet yet and I was really worried about how I was going to "survive" the Fridays in Lent this year! 

    Thankfully, with the help of my favorite new cookbook, I've come up with quite a few "quick & easy" meatless recipes that have been such a blessing and have helped keep my energy up where it needs to be for our full schedule.  One of those recipes is Chunky Tuna Salad.  It's great on top of baby spinach or mixed greens, as a wrap, or even as a dip with some plantain chips for an afternoon snack!

    Made without Celery or Dried Apricots and extra Avocado Mayo - still delicious! 

     Chunky Tuna Salad Wraps

    Directions and Ingredients:
    • 2 - 5oz cans Wild Planet Albacore Tuna (I buy it at Costco.) 
    • 2/3 cup red grapes, quartered
    • 2/3 cup celery, diced
    • 1/2 cup dried apricots, diced
    • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
    • 3 tablespoons shallots, diced
    • 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

    Mix all ingredients together until well combined.

    Make Avocado Mayo:  (Note: I halve the cookbook's recipe and use the following.)
    • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
    • 1/8 cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
    • 3/4 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
    • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
    • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

    Place avocado in blender. With the blender running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until combined. Add the remaining ingredients and puree until smooth.


    Add 1/2 cup Avocado Mayo to Chunky Tuna Salad. Mix until combined.

    • Baby Spinach or Mixed Greens
    • Paleo Wraps - Original or Turmeric (I've had my eye on these ever since I started my AIP diet last March... My husband convinced me to splurge on them during one of our recent grocery shopping date nights. I love them and it's so nice to be able to eat a wrap made with something more than just lettuce again!) 

    Place a bed of baby spinach or mixed greens and a scoop or two of chunky tuna on top of a Paleo Wrap and roll up.

    It's so pretty and colorful with all the ingredients! The apricots are a fun addition and perfect if you happen to be craving something sweet. I like it with or without them.... Below you can see it made with the Turmeric Wrap. 
     

    Serve with Inka Plantain Chips.



    From the Archives:

    The Autoimmune Protocol :: My Journey Towards Better Health & Weight Loss with the AIP Diet

    The Autoimmune Protocol :: Seven Snacks That Helped Me Survive the AIP Diet

    Hearty Healing Beef Stew (Definitely not for Fridays in Lent, but I may or may not have eaten a big bowl on Shrove Tuesday around 10pm and another for breakfast the following Thursday morning, after Fasting on Ash Wednesday!) 

    Wednesday, March 9, 2016

    Stacks of Books on Christmas Morning


    Speaking of books, I think I'm going to just copy and paste the beginning of last year's Stacks of Books on Christmas Morning post and update the pictures, book titles, and links! I'm still way "behind" on all the posts I'd love to finish and share... #impossiblegoals ;) 

    I realized, while putting together this year's Baskets of Books for Easter, that I never did share the list of books our children received for Christmas. Since I already had this post almost completed in my drafts folder, I decided to finish it up and share it with you all now. Hmmm… I also need to finish the post with the rest of the boys' books/bookshelves… and many others!

    Anyway, in 2013 I was inspired by Charlotte to give each of our children a "Stack of Books" as one of their Christmas gifts. Our children loved the stacks of books (at least most of them!) and we ended up giving them more this last Christmas! Here are the books they unwrapped: 

    {Note: All links to Amazon, Holy Heroes, and St. Augustine Academy Press are affiliate links.} 


    .: Captain - Age 15 :.


    Dogfight: The Greatest Air Duels of World War II 
    Sean picked out this book from the Bargain Books at Barnes and Noble. 
    These two books are also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press. 

    To the Heights: A Novel Based on the Life of Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati 
    I thought Captain would like to learn more about this inspiring young man, especially after dressing up as him this past All Saints Day!

    Captain America Hardback Journal


    .: Ranger - Age 13 :. 

    This lovely picture book is out of print, but I purchased a "like new" copy for our Redwall Fan's collection. He enjoyed reading it to his younger siblings!
    Of all the books in his stack this past Christmas, this was his favorite! I think it gave him some new ideas for the Cathedral (pictures here and here) he's been working on this past year!
    Another continuation of a series of books included in his 2014 Stack of Books for Christmas.



    .: Twinkle Toes - Age 12 :. 


    Finding Grace  (Caution: see Marie's note in comments.)  



    Another addition to our large collection of Bethlehem Books! 
    This was a gift from my friend and author Nancy . I pre-read it and then gave it to our oldest daughter for Christmas, ordering the other book by Laura Pearl (Finding Grace linked above) for her as well. I think she will enjoy reading this historical novel. 

    This was a gift from author Suzie Andres. (Suzie's husband happened to be one of my professors at Christendom College in Virginia and her brother happens to live in my childhood home in California!)  I haven't had a chance to read it yet myself, but plan to as soon as TT's finished! 

    Twinkle Toes really enjoyed reading this story about an ordinary princess whose Father's Great-Great-Great Grandmother was Sleeping Beauty!


    .: Chiquita - Age 10 :.


    Becky Landers: Frontier Warrior
    It looks like this book is out of print at the moment. I've been saving it in a box in my closet (along with quite a few other Bethlehem Books) for years... 

    The Ranch of the Golden Flowers
    Another story by Miss Skinner, author of Becky Landers, this  book was recently released by Bethlehem Books. 

    Riddle at the Rodeo
    Chiquita is still talking about this book! She loved it. 

    Philomena

    A Day on Skates: The Story of a Dutch Picnic

    Holy Heroes Spiritual Diary (Jan-Apr) 
    This diary was from Holy Heroes. They are currently taking orders for the next two diaries here.

    Alice's Adventures in Wonderland


    .: Snuggles - Age 8 :. 


    Magic Marks the Spot (The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates)


    Out of print hardcover. I was excited to find a copy in great condition for our collection. 


    Also available directly from St. Augustine Academy Press


    We recently studied Degas and Rose, recognizing his art, excitedly ran back to her bedroom to grab her new book! 

    Silent as a Stone: Mother Maria of Paris and the Trash Can Rescue
    Written by Jim Forest, author of Saint George and the Dragon and Saint Nicholas and the Nine Gold Coins!
    Our old paperback copy of this book had seen better days. It was time to replace it with the hardcover edition! 

    God Bless Our Christmas


    I love these beautiful and inspiring little books.  They make excellent Easter Basket stuffers too!