Show & Tell/Creativity

“Keep a hobby and ride it with enthusiasm. It will keep you out of mischief, to say the least; it will keep you cheerful. Here as in all things you can apply the Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam (for the greater glory of God).” – Fr. Lasance, My Prayer Book

Being creative is something that we love to do here!

We all have some sort of creativity within us. Oftentimes it lays dormant because of busy lifestyles, lack of ambition, finances, etc.

This post is meant to encourage you to pick up that needle, that paintbrush, pick that bouquet for the middle of your table, get your camera and go out in nature to take a photo, etc. These things bring joy to the one who is creating and joy to the recipients! It doesn’t take a degree, lots of money or tons of time.

I think it is very important to bring back to life the creativity that God has given us! Don’t let your lifestyle get so busy that you don’t squeak in a little something, just a moment or two where you can let those creative juices flow! It is like therapy to a weary soul!

Some of my girls are not creative in the way you would think of creativity. I tell you this because there are many ways to express ourselves….baking, a lovely dinner, a beautiful garden, etc. It’s not all about a needle and some yarn….Find your niche and begin your innovative path!

All of my daughters and daughters-in-law have creative streaks, every one of them, expressing  them in different ways. I don’t have pictures of each one’s “streaks” but I have included some of them here.

Also, we have been perusing a site called Paint it Beautiful on Facebook where they teach you how to rejuvenate old furniture and turn it into something new with a paintbrush, stencils or maybe a transfer or two. It has been a lot of fun and a cheaper way of brightening up your home without having to buy new things to replace outdated items. (Which we don’t usually do anyway….we wear them out, outdated or not!)

Anyway, these past few months we have done some creating around here. Here is our “Creativity” Gallery….

I needed a new look for these oak cupboard doors. So I painted them bayberry.

Virginia picked up the knobs for me from Hobby Lobby.

And I got this wall print to add to the look.

I wish I had a before picture of this. It was very dark and well, kind of yucky. So I was pleased with the outcome.

This little bench was dark before I got started painting it. I used sharpies to do the doodles on it.

Jeanette did her little bench and used stencils for the butterflies.

Our two wooden doors in the kitchen were very dirty and marked up. So Angelo sanded them. Vincent did a bayberry “wash” on them so it didn’t completely cover the wood.

This stenciling is a little tricky. You have to be careful to have your paintbrush almost dry or it will drip.

Looks nice when it’s done.

Top right is what Gin’s chair looked like. It was still a very nice chair, just dirty.

So…you guessed it! Gin painted it! Looks lovely doesn’t it?

Here’s the next project she is going to tackle.

Vincent is working on a job and the door was replaced. He brought this old door home. Gin and I both agreed it was beautiful! It is now the door on their office and Gin will have fun painting all the intricate parts!

I bought 5 of these chairs (on the right) from a garage sale. After painting and reupholstering (adding a transfer) they transformed into the left picture!

I repainted our old round table that was covered in hard glue (we glued our puzzles on it). It now looks like a brand new set!

I got this little dresser from our lovely little Thrift Shop and asked Virginia if she wanted to redo it.

So she did! And gave it to me for my birthday!

Isn’t it lovely?

The drawers had old, dusty velvet lining them.

Here’s another one of Gin’s lovelies!

I repainted an older baker’s rack.

I used the colors of soapstone and coral.

Then stenciled a flourish.

It’s now our coffee nook.

An old window Vincent brought home from his remodeling job.

I decided to make it into something unique. It sits on top of the cupboard.

Our prie-dieu needed an overhaul….

We were exchanging project pictures via text. This is the picture Theresa sent with the caption: If you think you’re crafty, you need to take a look at what I did! Two weeks ago I painted half a crate yellow, then got pooped out and never finished it. I call it “lacrate ombre.” I’m thinking of giving classes, if anyone’s interested.

Vincent is building a shade garden for Grandma.

This picture doesn’t do it justice….it is so lovely!

And this is what it looks like at night.

We often pray our rosary up at her apartment, with the frogs jumping about. Quite lovely!

Rosie and Angelo have been the landscapers. They built this rock wall beside the Knockout roses.

They tilled and reseeded this grass that Vincent is mowing.

Jeanette’s sourdough bread.

Theresa painted their little rocker.

And their plant stand to match.

This is Z’s wreath…with an old window as the stage.

Theresa made this wreath…

And this one.

This is the center of Jeanette’s table with one of Rosie’s doilies part of the display.

The Knockout roses right now are, well… knock outs! This is the middle of our table with lots of lovely flowers and Rosie’s pretty doily that she gave me for Mother’s Day. (St. Anne graces the middle of the table, too) ❤️

Jeanette took this beautiful picture last night after the storm…

And last but not least, Agnes has something for show and tell, too! She’s growing up! 🙂

First Communion/May Crowning!

May is such a beautiful month…a month of nature’s rebirth, the wonders of spring coming to fruition.

It is also the month of exciting graduations, and the time of expressing our gratefulness on Mother’s Day.

For Catholics, it is much more… It is the Month of Mary, the month of First Communions, Confirmations and May Crownings! A glorious month indeed!

This year, we had our first little batch of granddaughters receiving First Communions. Up to this point it has been grandsons. We had three young girls receiving Jesus for the first time…and what a blessing it was!

I was so inspired by my daughters and daughter-in-law! They made this day so special for the First Communions of their daughter. I’ve never seen anything quite like it…it was almost as big as a wedding! And shouldn’t it be? It is the most important day of their life!

They were ready on the inside. They studied and studied the First Communion Catechism questions throughout the year. When it was time to get tested…they were nervous, but ready!

And all the exterior prep that the mothers went to great length to accomplish…done with such care and fastidiousness, making everything as perfect as they could….They will always remember this day!

Below is the gallery….

Getting prepared for the big day!

Theresa’s getting Sienna ready.

Margy is helping out beforehand.

Margy’s in the choir but had time to do last minute touches.

Little Grace is ready!

Juliettte and Zaelie….best friend/cousins!

Emma

Cousins are ready!

Gin and her two girls.

The Knights of Columbus are ready.

Father gives the girls last minute instructions.

Our Traditional Council of the Knights of Columbus add a beautiful touch!

Processing up.

Consecration.

Group photo with Father Adams.

Vin and Gin’s family.

Colin and Z’s family.

Devin and Theresa’s family.

Outside with the Knights of Columbus.

Vincent/Grandpa with the three granddaughters.

Next day, Mother’s Day…Getting ready for May Crowning!

Little First Communion girls have their roses ready.

Grace carries the crown for Sienna to place on Our Lady’s head.

Devin waits for Sienna and Grace to bring up the crown.

The girls process in with roses.

Sienna is blessed and excited to do the crowning this year.

Dad helps….

Prayers afterwards…

Vin and Gin at Mass

Lovely dresses!

Emma, Gin, Sienna

Emma, Hannah, Sienna

Rosie and Emma

Sienna, Rosie, Grace

Theresa, me, Grace and Sienna

“The objection that a child should wait until he can understand what he’s doing when he receives Holy Communion is no objection at all. He understands as well at seven as at seventy. The Holy Eucharist is a mystery as profound and unfathomable as the Trinity. One does not understand how Christ can assume the form of bread and wine. One believes.” -Mary Reed Newland, How to Raise Good Catholic Children

Questions/My Answers & A Gallery

I have had some ladies ask me questions that I have not had the time to answer. So I thought I would take this time to answer them here. Please forgive me for not getting right back to some of the questions. There are too many things to do and not enough time.…

Question:

I would like to ask for advice…. because my family also believes that daughters stay at home until marriage. Would postponing a career still be wise if you’re still single after your twenties, yet feel that God is not calling you to religious life? Also, what if you are the youngest or one of few siblings, how would you keep yourself busy at home without young brothers and sisters?

Answer:

I think one question to ask is…Does your daughter WANT a career instead of marriage? When you say a career, do you mean the time and money put into a college degree in order to pursue a particular field? Or do you mean a job for “something to do” or to earn some income until she finds Mr. Right?

We encourage our girls to find many things to keep them busy….in a more organic atmosphere. Helping the parish, volunteering (or being paid) at our little school, working for their siblings with the nieces and nephews all fall into the category of “organic”. They have also had jobs in our town close by, and this is a good chance for them to learn responsibility and how to handle the world…mind you, we are picky where they work. Once they get of age, though, this is their decision, but hopefully they will listen to our advice.

I do believe it is important, if they have a job, that they still live at home. They need our support….and I don’t think it is a valuable thing to live on their own (or with a friend) unless needed….(and there may be times when it is.) Too much independence is not necessarily a good thing. The world and its maxims pull and pull….

So back to your question…no, I don’t think college and a career are an answer to filling in time. There are so many fulfilling things that can help a young lady grow…spiritually and mentally….that she does not have to seek her fulfillment in a “career”.

As far as keeping busy at home….your daughter can learn a craft….and sell her wares. This is always exciting (well, not all the time…but when it’s not, then it’s called “character-building”). But to make something beautiful is therapy…and to sell it is satisfying!

Every girl has skills and talents that can be tapped into in order to fulfill her own life and bring joy to others. This must be cultivated! And then pray that the flowering of her vocation comes to fruition!

Charity is huge for the fulfillment of a young lady still at home. If she makes herself busy at the service for others, her inner happiness will grow. In turn, she will “turn heads” and Mr. Right may be just around the corner!

A beautiful balance of prayer, outside activity (whatever it may be…going to a community function, babysitting or cleaning house for someone, etc.), home chores, self-improvement (books, online classes, learning home-skills), and a fulfilling craft can fill up each day. When offered to God in the morning, it will serve her tremendously better than seeking a career.

On a side note – Yes, we need good nurses and good teachers. If your daughter wishes to pursue these noble careers, she should also be ready to leave it aside to raise her own children, should she get married.

Here’s a post to peruse that I wrote a while back.

If You Want to Find the Right Person…..You Must BE the Right Person

 

Question:

You mentioned in your second point (in the post, Raising Girls) that if the kids ever said no or struck you they would be swiftly punished. Can you elaborate on that?

Answer:

I am not against spanking used with discretion, balance and without anger. So…if my child said no to me or struck me they could see, first off, through my expression, that I was horrified…this was no little thing, it is not acceptable, I am your mom and you DO NOT step over the line!

Then I would spank their hand or their leg. Nothing terrible. If they began to cry and kept it up, they were sent to the office (right off the kitchen) to calm down. When they were done, they could come out. For the most part, this lasted 1 – 5 minutes. I was always checking on them….and never left them in there too long…though I found that generally wasn’t a problem.

Consistency is important. I know there are strong-willed children out there that are difficult. Keep it up….your own consistency will pay off.

Remember….this consistency is not all about spanking.

There are other areas to be consistent. Are you letting them get away with being controlling and pushy throughout each day? If you have a child that gets very angry when he doesn’t get his way, take away the object that is desired….or some other consequence. This won’t be perfect with so many littles but keep trying. (Believe me, my consistency wasn’t perfect!)

It is important, too, that you are surrounding them with joy and love in between times. Then they won’t want to break friendship with you and will want to get over the “bump” in order to have that mutual bond. This doesn’t mean you have to be continually saying encouraging things, doing stuff with them, etc.. No. Just a general atmosphere of love and joy. Not easy. Not perfect. But something to strive for.

Pray for guidance from the Holy Ghost…and strength from Our Lady who sees it all.

Question:

In your post of Raising Daughters you did not mention about boys. Any tips?

Answer:

Boys need men. When my boys were able to help their dad on his construction work, they were encouraged to work with him, in between schooling. In my estimation, the work becomes more important. Sitting in a desk for long periods of time as the boys hit puberty is not necessarily bad but they had better be wearing off some of that testosterone with some good, sweaty, self-fulfilling work!

Mom oftentimes has to take second fiddle as the boys learn to work. In other words, we begin to encourage them to take flight (in controlled circumstances) and don’t get personally offended when the men are their idols. They still love us, but they are learning to be men. And we have to let go of that control that we used to have, to a certain extent. Not that they don’t have to listen to us and do their daily duties, but it may become harder for them to listen to Mom. Insist on it, but don’t think that isn’t normal.

Encourage them in their hobbies…even if it means a mess. Oh boy! How many times have my boys made a mess in the yard working on something! It was irritating…but oh! so valuable!

Don’t let them spend time in their rooms besides sleeping and getting dressed. Technology? Well….pretty much nil! Boys are better off without it…unless highly monitored. Right now, my Angelo is working on painting a picture on the counter….watching a Bob Ross Youtube. But he is right here where we can see everything. He looks for airsoft guns on Amazon….but right in front of us. Never let them have at it with technology!

The hardest thing for me with my boys was letting go. As a homeschooling mom I had much control. With the girls, they still stuck pretty close by and listened, for the most part. The boys were much more independent and it was hard. Our oldest son was pretty much on his own by 17 years old and was building a wall for the monks in Wyoming by 18. He met his future wife there and ….well, that was it! Ouch! but it is what we have raised them, for, right?

So, my point in this is, encourage healthy and wholesome independence….not without respect for Mom and Dad, but just knowing that, when done the right way, it is a very good thing!

I know there is much more….purity (which is huge for a boy), work ethic, etc. It would make a long post and I am hoping that you are tuned in to this website because I do have lots of posts on this type of stuff. Look in the different categories (especially parenting) or put it in the search bar.

And now for the gallery that I wanted to put before you so you can see some progress in the Lenten Activities (and other stuff)….

 

Haha! Huckleberry (the dog) is making sure Ethan can’t go anywhere!

I just had to laugh when Z sent me this photo! What precious, pooped little people! haha

Grandpa and Toby…

Rosie has had a couple of better weeks. She has taken a downspin the last week but we are hoping it is very temporary.

Painting her trunk.

Mom lives in an apartment attached to our home. What a blessing she is to us! 💖Here is the little gazebo that Vincent built for her this year using an old picket fence. It is so quaint and pretty and will look beautiful once the vines start growing up the sides and all the flowers are in full array!!

Rosie is blocking and starching new doilies!

Rosie and Agnes happened to have the same pattern on their dresses!

Rosie and Margy…

Lots of new baby kids at Colin and Z’s.

New puppies over here!

Cottage cheese pancakes are one of our favorites! And you don’t feel all carbed out afterwards! 1 1/2 c. oats, ground in blender, 4 or 5 eggs, 1 tsp. vanilla and 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese.

Put in blender and you have batter for some lovely and delicious pancakes.

Slather with good butter (Kerry Gold) and organic 100% maple syrup. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

Mike and Jeanette’s littles!

Helping in the garden…

Kansas is not Kansas without spring prairie fires.

It can be very beautiful.

Our neighbor farmers burning their field out our front door.

Lovely!

Unfortunately, during a burn, our son-in-law, Vinnie got badly burned.

The unfamiliar four-wheeler he was driving stalled amid the flames.

Here he is ….healing up.

Laetare Sunday…with Rosie’s lovely doily underneath the Infant of Prague.

Passion Sunday, the Infant of Prague is donned with the purple of Lent once again. And a purple doily created by Rosie.

Agnes is working on her Lenten pathway to the cross.

Our own Crown of Thorns is being filled up with the flowers of sacrifices.

Theresa’s Crown of Thorns is getting filled with flowers, too!

Agnes has her Resurrection Garden prepared!

Just had to share. Here men are kneeling in Poland, praying the Rosary, led by the priest.

A Quote from St. Francis de Sales & A Gallery

A lovely quote and reminder from St. Francis de Sales….

“Theotimus, we must be always rendering ourselves pliable and tractable to God’s good pleasure, as though we were wax.

We must not trick ourselves into willing and wishing for things, but leave them to God for Him to will and do them for us as He pleases, “casting all our anxiety upon Him, because He cares for us,” as the holy apostle says.

Note that he says, “all our anxiety,” that is, not only our anxiety as to accepting events but also that of willing or not willing them. He will have care as to the outcome of our affairs and to will whatever is best for us.

A Giveaway, Photos and a Non-Update….

God is very patient….

I am not. Ugh.

I really wish I could update you that Rosie is doing better. But she isn’t.

I know some were confused because of the older Valentine’s Post I recently put up which sounded like Rosie was at least up and going to Legion of Mary. She’s not.

Please keep up the prayers. We are very grateful.

Here are some photos, Giveaway follows….

Margy, Gemma and Hannah on Gemma’s 15th Birthday

Rosie and Angelo get into the fun….

This ‘n’ That and an Update

How time flies! It is mid-January, the Christmas season is waning. We still have our tree and decorations up and we still listen to some Christmas music. I have a couple of lovely chaplets that I say off and on throughout the season to the Holy Infant from this fabulous book of Chaplets called My Treasury of Chaplets.

Below is a gallery of the last month or so.

But first, an update on Rosie….

We’ve had some progress and we keep plodding along. Her seizure-like episodes are less frequent. But her headaches are debilitating and very frequent and she is not able to do much of anything…except pray, some reading,  crochet and listen to audiobooks. She spends much of her time in her room. So she is still struggling very much.

We have more lab work coming.

It has not been easy…

My two married daughters started a GoFund Me Page to help out with some of the expenses. I will post it here but we most appreciate the prayers…

The page is here.

Update: The Get Well Fund for Rosie will be up for a little while longer if any would like to help. Father VanderPutten, in Nigeria, will be saying a Triduum of Masses for those who donate. Thank you kindly and please remember Rosie in your prayers.

And now a gallery…. Click on the first picture to get full-screen.

Rosie spent most of Christmas day in her room but she had visitors….

Getting ready for Christmas dinner.

David (our son-in-law’s brother) opened his gifts at Mike and Nettie’s new home.

Dad and Mom

Colin and Z’s family at Christmas breakfast.

Oh Petey…so cute!

Virginia’s teapot. She has become like her mother….tea is a necessary part of life!

Theresa’s chocolates with liqueur inside. What a look!

Adrian was so happy with his bow and arrow from Grandma and Grandpa (who are also his godparents).

The grandkids like the books we gave them….

Grandma is excited about her “Star of the Sea” statue!

Dad is excited about his new books!

The girls like their hats…

And their cups!

I like my “Mary, Undoer of Knots” statue. There are some wonderful prayers and novenas in honor of her…

Margy opens the gift from Hannah and says, “An ugly sweater! I LOVE ugly sweaters!”

Hannah is appalled!

Rosie gets a special picture.

Margy’s cup…

Rosie’s photos with her dear friend, Theresa/

Hannah’s scarf set.

Angelo and Rosie get drill bits. Hopefully Rosie will be able to use them soon…

Angelo and Dad with new hats and Angelo’s candle putter-outter.

This scrapbook was made by Margy for all the girls before Rosie decided to enter the convent. She thought Rosie wouldn’t be able to see it….

Angelo’s funny hat.

Angelo’s middle name is Raphael…so his patron is the Angel Raphael…thus the picture!

Rosie has not been able to make it to all of Mass until Christmas day.

Margy and Angelo

Margy and Angelo

Angelo painted his first picture and gave it to us for Christmas.

We were impressed.

Most of our family rosaries are still said in Rosie’s room. Here they are singing after the rosary.

Devin and Theresa’s kids putting a big puzzle together with Cathy, their “other” Grandma.

Grandma Cathy

Devin’s mom and grandma…

Colin and Z enjoying an evening watching The Piano Guys in concert…

We hung our Christmas balls from Rosie above the piano. Notice the St. Anne picture I bought myself for Christmas!

A lovley friend from the blog gave me this pretty Blessed Mother ornament.

Can you tell Devin is ecstatic about his gift??

Virginia and her girls.

Magdalene making cookies.

Agnes helps.

Yum!

Colin and Z’s kids help decorate.

Rosie

Gemma’s ears were plugged so she is doing ear candles. Haha…looks bizarre, doesn’t it? But they work!

Rosie is up and writing a letter.

Putting candy canes (from the Health Store) on the tree.

With Advent and Christmas being pushed aside because of sickness, Gemma took it into her own hands to do the Spiritual Christmas Crib. This is how far she got.

Margy and Magdalene

Girls plucking at the piano. Or is it pounding?

Virginia had everyone over just before Christmas. I stayed home with Rosie.

Her house was decorated beautifully!

Agnes and Magdalene’s Christmas pose.

Colin and Z;s stable and decorations.

Rosie, Gin and Peter.

Devin and Theresa’s family getting ready to decorate.

“Uncle ” Dave helps.

Mmmmm….chocolate cheesecake sweetened with raw honey!

Poor Petey’s pooped!

Decorating Jeanette’s new house.

Jeanette hung her Christmas balls from Rosie from the ceiling.

Virginia gifted herself with a Christmas apron she made!

Virginia’s tree

Some of her decorations.

The girls’ new hats.

Rita’s new coat and hat.

Making Christmas cookies.

Flowers abound with two sick ladies at Christmas!

Gracie is Santa’s elf as she bears gifts for the neighbors!

Angelo is busy making Trim Health Mama tootsie rolls!

Gin’s kids are busy making gifts for the cousins.

Beautiful!

Theresa’s family is bearing gifts for the neighbors.

Devin is part of the charitable endeavor!

Theresa was our elf this year! With Margy and Rosie sick, decorating was at a standstill.

So Theresa came to the rescue!

Gemma discovered this Santa suit in the decorations….what a nut!

I was excited this year to find little light-up houses at our favorite Thrift Store!

I’ve wanted to have a little village for the grandchildren to gander at!

This is the chapel…

I was able to get the nuns and the priest at Menards.

I’m pretty sure I enjoyed the little light-up village more than any of the kids!

Z’s yummy cookies!

We babysat for Colin and Z so they could enjoy a quiet evening at home for Colin’s birthday.

Girls, girls

Margy will never forget this Christmas!

Gin and Peter came to visit.

Dad making Christmas ornament gifts.

Zaelie helps her mom do the wrapping….

Our son, Sep, owns a granite company. Our children bought us this countertop for Christmas.

Sep supervises his workers. haha

Beautiful granite countertop!

Gin’s stable scene

A good game of Catch Phrase….

I was so happy that Rosie was able to read to Angelo. Her headache usually is too bad. So I snapped the photo.

Rosie spent many hours making gifts for the family…through headaches and all.

They are quite beautiful and we will treasure them.

The Christmas balls line Rosie’s closet as she finished them.

Getting ready to gift…

Mike and his girls….

Mike and Jeanette have been working very hard to get their house built and to move in. (It’s in the background)

They lived in the basement for several months. Just before Christmas they moved in!

Two of our boys and hubby work for Mike and his painting company. They make a great team!

So they all worked together to build his house!

This is the hearth and masonry wall Vincent built. He also did the neat mantles surrounging it.

Peek-a-boo! Toby is happy in his new home!

We had a recent snowfall in Kansas. These pictures were taken by Brad Neff from Kansas Whispers….used with permission.

His FB page is Kansas Whispers…

Kansas can be quite beautiful!

I grew up in the middle of Canada where it was cold and bleak. So, I love Kansas. If it is cold, it won’t last too long!

Hehe

 

 

 

Merry Christmas!

Well, here we are, it is Christmas Eve. The Advent season has quickly passed, we have struggled this year and had to leave some things aside, but we have done the priorities…one being the St. Andrew Christmas Novena.

The younger girls, Hannah and Gemma, have risen to the occasion. Gemma has been working on the Spiritual Christmas Crib by herself and made cookies for the neighbors. Hannah has been picking up the pieces over here and helping some of the married girls in their own homes.

Two of our married daughters made dinner for us a couple of nights. Some friends did, too.

Theresa came over, with her four children and spear-headed and helped with Christmas decorating! It was wonderful….they did a lovely job! 🙂

Margy is on the mend after her surgery. It is nice to see her smiling face around the kitchen again. She is moving slow but happy to be back at it!

Rosie’s last 3 days have been more stable. I am very grateful. She can quickly spiral downwards but here’s to hoping this is a trend….

I hope to post photos sometime Christmas week.

May you all have a Blessed Christmas! You are in my prayers, thank you so much for the prayers you have sent our way! ❤

 

Mike and Jeanette’s family

Dominic and Sarah’s family (another baby on the way)

Colin and Z’s family

Devin and Theresa’s family

Vincent and Virginia’s family

hehe

All of us…

 

 

 

 

 

Happy St. Nicholas Day! Stable, Advent Tree, Tids ‘n’ Bits….

Happy Feast of St. Nicholas! May your day be blessed!

A gallery for you. Click on the first picture to see full-screen…

Getting our Advent Tree ready…

Vincent helps by moving a statue…

And testing the branches to see if they’re supple…haha

Girls decorate

Mom helps

Done!

St. Nicholas is perched on top…

One of our Advent Wreaths made by a friend. Wooden dowels are painted and hollowed out at the top to hold a tea light. We can burn to our hearts’ content!

Advent…

Here’s an idea for you. This is just a canning lid ring covered in ribbon and topped with a bow.

Pretty!

Our dirt is ready for the nativity scene.

It was cold out but all the kids went to gather fix-ins for the stable scene.

Usually Rosie designs. This year it was up to Margy.

Looking good….

Rosie says hi to some of her nieces and nephews.

They come bearing gifts that they made…

Emma’s creation.

Visiting…

Angelo made this decoration with a replica of a painting by Sr. Scholastica

It is beautiful!

This is a close-up of the painted scene on a holy card.

This is the wonderful, kind and talented Sr. Scholastica.

Rosie received this lovely Benedictine doll made by the nuns from a very thoughtful friend. Rosie calls it Sister “Angel” after her dear caregiver Sr. Marie Bernard

Sr. Marie Bernard kept Rosie’s spirits up and got her laughing…a lot!

Agnes, Magdalene and Toby are over for brunch after Sunday Mass.

Time for a family snapshot!

Jeanette had a great and simple idea. A plain wreath with the block of wood holding candles in the center. Easy… We like easy.

Vin and Gin’s stable is started…

Nice!

Theresa’s brood drooling over some cinnamon rolls made for neighbors.

Silly Adrian!

Their stable goes up and all are involved.

Adrian kisses Our Lady.

Ta-da!

Nice pumpkin muffins made by Gin and Emma…

Grandpa and Grandma smothering Magdalene with….love?

Some of our girls like to bow hunt. We are always very appreciative of the venison. Here is Hannah’s catch.

And Theresa’s….

Lovely snow!

Hannah…

Ummm….Angelo’s “Welcome Home” to Rosie.

His fort.

Lined with snowballs just itching to be thrown at the nephews!

His snowman

Our dear German deacon friends at Mater Dei in Texas. They will be going back home to Germany this month.

Rosie makes it downstairs once a day in the morning for about an hour.

She is working on Christmas gifts.

The whole family prays the rosary, the Christmas novena and the novena for Rosie each night in her room. Praying for answers….

St. Nicholas has arrived!

Happy Feast Day!

I accidentally left this old post from last year tacked onto this post. I was going to erase it when I finally noticed it but decided not to if any of you are interested…..

Today will be a special day in our household!

We offered to do a nice lasagna dinner for our married children and then Hannah and Gemma will be spending time with the grandchildren…playing games, eating (relatively healthy…we got them from the Health Food Store) goodies, coloring St. Nicholas pictures, watching the St. Nicholas CCC cartoon, etc.

It will be a busy evening, we will wrap it up early and head off for the third evening of our Parish Advent Mission.

In the past we have done a Puppet Show:

The St. Nicholas puppet is made! Now just for the Black Pete puppet!

Black Pete gives straw to bad boys and girls. St. Nicholas gives goodies.

A couch always makes for a good puppet theater!

Our audience!

We have also had a celebration at our Parish (a Puppet Show included):

Grandchildren Emma and Johnny….

The puppeteers!

The three daughters who needed a dowry…..

The show begins!

Below is two renditions of the St. Nicholas song courtesy of the St. Nicholas Center. I always liked the tune of Jolly Old St. Nicholas but the words are silly. So here is a chance to sing it with some good words!

Song 1:

Saint Nicholas Song
Song tells the story of Saint Nicholas

Thankful Bishop Nicholas,
friendly good and wise,
when he could he helped the poor,
always by surprise.
Rich folk came to Nicholas,
Bringing wealth to share,
so it could be sent to those living in despair.

Three maidens husbands could not find,
their father was so poor;
No dowry was available, to tempt a suitor’s lore.
Word came to youthful Nicholas,
who acted in good taste,
In darkness threw three bags of gold,
retreating in great haste.

Zealous Bishop Nicholas,
born in Pa-tar-a,
Was the Bishop of My-ra
in times of great trial.
Who suffered prison for his faith,
Through torture still held firm,
Released by Constantine the Great,
to My-ra he returned.

Holy Bishop Nicholas,
The sailors patron saint,
saved the storm-tossed mariners
from a salty fate.
Who at Nicea formed the creed—
but jail became his fate,
He punched a pastor in the jaw,
so heated the debate.

Patron Saint of children,
Saint Nicholas did become,
giving gifts at Christmas time,
a special act of love.
His style was different from his peers,
as they would often see,
“Give to the truley needy ones
with a-non-ym-i-tee.”

Gentle Bishop Nicholas,
friendly good and wise,
When he could he helped the poor,
always by surprise.
We too must always seek to share,
our means with those in need,
God help us imitate this saint,
on Advent winter eves.

Song 2:

The Song of St. Nicholas
To the tune of “Jolly Old St. Nicholas”

Once upon a long ago
Very far away,
In the town of Bethlehem
Lying in some hay,
Jesus came for you and me
Bringing heaven’s love
As a gift for us to have
From the Lord above.

In the town of Myra once
Also long ago,
Lived good Bishop Nicholas
Hair as white as snow.
Nicholas loved Jesus who
Loved and helped us all.
“I will do the same,” said he
“Helping great and small.”

Thankful Bishop Nicholas
Friendly, good and wise;
When he could, helped the poor
Always by surprise.
Rich men came to Nicholas
Bringing wealth to share
So it could be sent to those
Living in despair.

We should be like Nicholas
Thankful, good and kind,
Loving those who need our help
All the ones we find.
Jesus and Saint Nicholas
Taught us how to give:
Share but never seek rewards,
That is how to live!

I posted these yesterday, but here they are for you again today….coloring pages for your children available here.

My two younger daughters and I all have an Advent Journal going! It has been helpful, very helpful! My mother has not been well and so I have been at the doctor quite a bit lately. The girls look at their own journals and know what needs to be checked off! It’s great!

(It’s not too late to jump in with this Catholic Mother’s Traditional Advent Journal! You can order the book here or you can download and print the e-book here! Come, join us on this wonderful walk through Advent!)

Today’s Journal Page with a reminder that, yes, today is St. Nicholas Day and to do something special!

 

Tids ‘n’ Bits!

Z’s (our daughter-in-law) mantle and Advent wreath….she is now about a week overdue with their 5th baby!

Gin’s Advent Wreath

Beautiful Kanzashi Flower made by Jeanette…

Devin (Theresa’s husband) made this extra big manger for the straws that the children will be getting through the Advent season as they perform their sacrifices or good deeds, extra prayers, etc. It will be comfy and soft by the time Christmas and the Baby Jesus comes!

Theresa’s family has new members! Puppies! The puppy’s eyes may not be open yet…but look at Adrian’s! 😀

Gin’s children have begun the Spiritual Christmas Crib!

Theresa’s little people are busy working on Advent/Christmas projects…

We love Dad! (Gin’s husband, Vinnie)

Theresa’s stable awaits the Baby Jesus.

Our Advent Parish Mission has been fantastic! Father’s first conference was on sin….whoa! Powerful! And last night was heaven….beautiful meditations! We have two more evenings of talks.

We have a lovely Christmas Tree Market this year in our little hometown. There was live music, lights, food, hayrides, etc. The weather has been so mild this year so we met some of the married couples and had a good time there….

This is Grammy Estelle (our son-in-law’s Grandma) who is 92 and playing Ring Around the Rosie with the little ones!

We got our stable up on Monday! The kids all pitched in and just got it done in spite of a very hectic day! We will add the Nativity figurines as Christmas Day approaches. It is always an exciting day when we get this accomplished!

A “before” picture.

Hehe… Hannah posed for this one. She was peeved that Rosie always gets in the picture….so that it looks as if they don’t help with it. So here she is patting the dirt….oh brother.

Here, Gemma takes all credit.

Me, after the today’s St. Nicholas party…..except I won’t be reading a Vogue magazine! 😀

Don’t you just love the logic?

Some things just don’t quite turn out the way we imagined they should!

For you busy mothers!

 

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Be attentive to the sacrifices your husband makes for the family. Each day he battles the world, the flesh and the devil out in the workforce for you. Don’t let that go unnoticed. Thank him often! Appreciate him. -Finer Femininity

These are gorgeous flowers and would make great gifts or stocking stuffers! The detail and care that is put into each one is evident when you see them in person!

Intricate and Classy Hand-Crafted Kanzashi Accessory Flowers for Your Hair, Scarf, Shirt etc….These fetching ribbon flowers are a perfect accent to any special outfit and provides a sweet final touch! I like to wear these flowers in my hair, but they can be worn many ways! Each petal takes undivided attention! First, it is cut and shaped, then burnt to ensure there will be no fraying. The petals are then folded and glued into a flower design and the finishing touches are then added.

The back of the flower has a clip that easily opens and holds firmly. Ribbon flowers are an excellent alternative to real flowers and will look fresh and beautiful forever! Available here: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MeadowsofGrace?ref=l2-shopheader-name&section_id=20110799

Update…

We picked Rosie up from the Convent on Wednesday. She seemed to rally that day, was able to say goodbye, and we had a nice drive home. The evening was more difficult.

At the convent, she wore a heart holter monitor for a couple of days, she also has had an MRI and an EEG. It seems that they cannot find a reason for her “seizure-like”, frequent episodes and her extreme headaches, weakness, etc.
So….the Sisters started a novena for her yesterday and we are joining in. I am going to include it here if anyone would like to join along (and tag some of your own intentions to it, too).
Also, today is the beginning of the St. Andrew Christmas Novena. Maybe you could tack Rosie onto your intentions?
I am very grateful for any prayers you can send our way.

The novena:

Immaculate Virgin Mary, you were pleasing in the sight of God from the first moment of your conception in the womb of your mother, St. Anne. You were chosen to be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We believe the teaching of holy Mother the Church, that in the first instant of your conception, by the singular grace and privilege of Almighty God, in virtue of the merits of Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race and beloved Son, you were preserved from all stain of original sin. We thank God for this wonderful privilege and grace He bestowed upon you, as we honor your Immaculate Conception.

Look graciously upon us, as we implore this special favor: the complete healing of Rosie.

Virgin Immaculate, Mother of God and our Mother, from your throne in heaven turn your eyes of pity upon us. Filled with confidence in your goodness and power, we beg you to help us in this journey of life, which is so full of dangers for our souls. We entrust ourselves entirely to you, that we may never be the slaves of the devil through sin, but may always live humble and pure lives. We consecrate ourselves to you forever, for our only desire is to love your divine Son Jesus. Mary, since none of your devout servants have perished, May we too be saved.
Hail Mary…

O Mary,Conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.

Rosie gets her blessing from Mother Abbess before we leave.

Rosie, back home in her room. We were able to get a recliner before she came home for her bedroom so she wouldn’t have to stay in bed all the time. Her room is upstairs…

Rosie’s kneeler where a sister is still watching over her! 🙂

A relic of St. Benedict (which also happens to be Rosie’s middle name…yes, Benedict) is here for her to venerate each day.

Don’t Forget!

🙏🏻 Starting today! Powerful Novena…Repeat this prayer 15 times each day from today, November 30th, until, and including, December 24. May our Lord grant you your worthy intentions!

“One evening I was in their home about dinnertime. She was busy in the kitchen putting the final touches on the dinner when her husband came home from work. This happened to be payday.
He came into the kitchen, kissed her, and handed her his paycheck. She immediately stopped what she was doing, put her arms around him and said, ‘I know how hard you have worked for this … how many long hours. Thank you for providing us with so many comforts, and making it possible for me to stay home and care for the family.’
But this was not enough. She went into the living room where the children were all playing on the floor. She made them all stop and stand up.
‘Look,’ she said as she held up the paycheck. ‘See, your father has worked hard to earn this money. Now, Jane, this means you can have a new pair of shoes, and Johnny, you can have your bicycle fixed.’
The father stood there beaming. Not only did his wife appreciate him, but taught their children to.
In his eyes, she was a beautiful woman.
I’m not sure she did this every payday, but I know that here was a home where the man was appreciated for his daily efforts.
And I know that this ordinary woman was not so ordinary. She knew how to appreciate a man and this is why she was beautiful to him.” -Fascinating Womanhood https://amzn.to/2NAXkGv (afflink)

This post contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support.

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Happy Thanksgiving from Finer Femininity!

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving, may your day be filled with blessings! And thank you for your prayers for Rosie. I will keep you updated…

Below are some inspirational quotes for your day and then a small gallery of our November.

Mothers, today on Thanksgiving, know how very special you are. You are the essence, the heart of your home. Your smile lightens the burdens, your words brighten the hearts of those who will be part of your festivities. The tone of this special family time is set by you! We, as mothers, are privileged to have such an important part in the making of our homes! May your day be filled with grace and love! ❤

This Thanksgiving let us offer up our little inconveniences, our stresses, our fatigue for those less fortunate than ourselves. And, on the flip side, let’s start becoming more aware of the little things and thanking God for them.

“After committing a fault of whatever kind, rather than withdrawing into ourselves indefinitely in discouragement and dwelling on the memory, we must immediately return to God with confidence and even thank Him for the good that His mercy will be able to draw out of this fault!

We must know that one of the weapons that the devil uses most commonly to prevent souls from advancing toward God is precisely to try to make them lose their peace and discourage them by the sight of their faults.”
Searching For and Maintaining Peace, Fr. Jacques Philippe https://amzn.to/2pSwDmQ (afflink)

 

Thank God for His many blessings. Make the most of each and every day. Enjoy the journey. The world will keep whizzing by but we must take time to smell the roses. Each day is a gift, each person in your life is special. Take nothing for granted.

“For me, prayer is an aspiration of the heart, it is a simple glance directed to heaven, it is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy!” ❤❤❤-St. Therese of Lisieux

Be attentive to the sacrifices your husband makes for the family. Each day he battles the world, the flesh and the devil out in the workforce for you. Don’t let that go unnoticed. Thank him often! Appreciate him. -Finer Femininity

Black Friday Sale!

$75.00 Package Deal Discount on all my books! (Catholic Wife’s Maglet included though not pictured). Available now through Sunday here.

And now a gallery…. (click on the first picture to view)

Nathan was quite tuckered out from playing with his truck so he couldn’t help but konk out while meditating on the mysteries of the rosary!

Gemma and Agnes

Ladies’ challenge at the card game of Pitch.

Rabbit hunters!

It was very exciting to have two deacons from Germany come and visit us.

We spent some excellent quality time with them.

Their names are Julius and Janosch.

The game of Pictionary…

Father Adams joined in on the fun.

Father Flood was part of the festivity.

Jeanette’s birthday.

We wanted to make her feel special so we had a birthday party for her.

Her birthday is often quite subdued because 4 of her siblings that are still at home have birthdays at the same time.

Guys at the party….

It was at Gin’s house.

Lots of goodies.

Boys…

Grandpa…

Jeanette and her brother-in-law, David.

Virginia and Peter.

At the convent – Sr. Marie Bernard (Rosie calls Sister her “angel”) with little Tobias.

Mother Abbess and the new 3rd Order Benedictines.