What's New in Books...for Advent

Yesterday, I posted our reads for this Advent & Christmas season.  I thought, today, I would do an introduction to the new reads on the list.  And add the book(s) that Lucy will be reading.

For Lucy

Since she is the older kid (15 to be exact) she'll read along with us all the story books we have but she'll ask for something older for her list.  I like to give her a little more meat to digest with her readings anyway.  Last year we read Silent Night: The Story of the World War I Christmas Truce, which was super good and thought provoking.  This year we opted for these two books:

The Real St. Nicholas: Tales of Generosity and Hope from around the World

by Louise Carus

and

The True Saint Nicholas: Why He Matters to Christmas 

by William J. Bennett

This one is carried by our library

New in Picture Books

The Christmas Day Kitten

by James Herriot

The Christmas Path: A Legend of the Luminarias

by Sue Wright

With a surprise at the end, there is the telling of the focus of Christmas and an introduction to luminarias.  Luminarias have been used in various forms by different cultures.  Mostly by the Spaniards and in Latin America, they serve in offering light along dark paths. Isn't it telling, that here  these little flickers of light lead us to Jesus?

A Possible Tree

by Josephine Haskell Aldridge

Finding this book at a book store was a SCORE!

It's so cute and will go nicely for our plans for the third week of Advent.

"Deep within Joe Bracken's woods there is a tree. But this isn't just any old tree. This is a very special fir tree where animals go to seek shelter. From a top branch, a clever raccoon hides from a hunter and his dog. After flying away from Mrs. Bracken and her wash water, a dripping wet blue jay dries his feathers. And it isn't long before other animals discover the friendly old tree that protects them from harm"

The Shepherd's Christmas

by Michelle Andrews

It's a POP-UP book! 

Another find from our local book store.  If you can get your hands on a copy I highly recommend it.  The illustrations are beautiful and not at all cartoonish! 

Young Mary of Nazareth 

by Marianna Mayer

I'm not sure yet about this one yet. 

From what I've read, the illustrations are beautiful and the book is worth getting alone for how it portrays Our Lady.  There are these comments that I saw though,

"Though the previous reviewer is right, there is the one line about Our Lady being pale and in pain, the rest of the book is beautifully written and amazing in all ways."

I'm going to still check it out and probably skip over anything too far off when describing Our Lady in Bethlehem.

Off to plan now...

and clean!

Advent & Christmas Reads:: 2012

Ahhh..
The lists of reads are popping up again.
The season is near.
The stores are always a clear sign of it (I'm so bog hum bug about that though)

But I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE the time of ADVENT!  The slow anticipation growing with each week, as we near and grow closer to that day!   It's just awesome.

We are also in a new house this year.  It's a bit 'undone', the house decor that is.  Not the house.  That's lovely!  And this house yells out "decorate me" and "grow memories here" and 'sit by the fire and READ!"

So we hope to.

We are starting with gathering our books from the boxes.  Looking at our older lists of titles.  Ordering others from the library (our new library has a great book store; where I already found some treasures).   This year I'm not going to wrap the books.  Instead I've group them to go by each week of Advent and Christmas.  So each Sunday of Advent the kids can look forward to a new stack in the basket.  They're kinda set up in groups that are similar to what may be going on in our home as we prepare.

2010 Books

2011 Books (newbies introduced)

2011 Books

~ Our 2012 lists ~

These first two books lead us all the way through Advent

The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean
Jotham's Journey by Arnold Ytreeide

First Week of Advent:
The Candle in the Window by Grace Johnson
The Christmas Day Kitten by James Herriot Waiting for Noel by Mark Graham
Saint Nicholas by Ann Tompert
The Miracle of Saint Nicholas by Gloria Whelan
Mary, the Mother of Jesus by Tomie De Paola
Mary, Mother of Jesus by Mary Joslin & Alison Wisenfeld

Second Week of Advent:

The Lady of Guadalupe Tomie de Paola
The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe Empress of the Americas by C. Lourdes Walsh
Our Lady of Guadalupe by Francisco Serrano (an awesome pop up book)
Lucia, Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde
Santa's Favorite Story by Hisako Aoki
The Christmas Candle by Richard Paul Evans
The Legend of the Christmas Rose by William H. Hooks

Third Week of Advent:

The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie de Paola
The Miracle of the First Poinsettia by Joanne Oppenheim
The Legend of the Poinsetta by Tomie de Paula
B is for Bethlehem by Isabel Wilner
Night Tree by Eve Bunting
A Possible Tree by Josephine Haskell Aldrige
The Christmas Path: A Legend of the Luminarias by Sue Wright

Fourth Sunday of Advent:

Here is Christmas by Donna Cooner
When it Snowed that Night by Norma Farber

First Week of Christmas

The Night Before Christmas by Jan Brett
Mary, Did You Know? by Mark Lowry
Tonight You Are My Baby, by Jeannine Q. Norris
Father and Son: A Navity Story by Geraldine McCaughrean
There was No Snow on Christmas Eve by Pamela Munoz Ryan
Room for One More: A Christmas Tale by Martin Waddell & Jason Cockcroft
All for the Newborn Baby by Phyllis Root

Second Week of Christmas

Young Mary of Nazareth by Marianna Mayer
The Shepherd's Christmas by Michelle Andrews
The Little Drummer Boy by Carolyn Quattrocki
The Very First Christmas by Paul L. Maier
Who was Born This Special Day by Eve Bunting
This is the Star by Joyce Dunbar
Silent Night by Joseph Mohr

Third Week of Christmas

The Little Match Girl by Han Christian Anderson
The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett
The Story of the Three Wise Kings by Tomie de Paola
The Christmas Promise by Susan Campbell Bartoletti and David Christiana
Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers by Kate Andrew Clements
A Medieval Christmas
Angels & All Children: A Navity Story in Words, Music, & Art

(Sophia, already checking out the books)

We are also going to add a bit of Elizabeth Foss's ideas to the mix.  We are catering quite a few events here so, I don't want to add more than I can do.  But I do like the idea of learning how Christmas is celebrated through out the world.  Perhaps next year our group of friends can do something like this.  Asking each family to share a bit of their special celebrated traditions.

Happy Readings!

Jesse Tree Swap

My loony self thought that in the midst of still unpacking boxes, driving to and fro, schooling, Thanksgiving; I can join a Jesse Tree Swap.  "Oh yes, I have time", thinks I.

My gosh, who was I kidding!  It wasn't that it was stressful to complete them.  There just had to be some creative thinking as to finding the time to do it.

But they got done!!

I made some felt ornaments for my SIL in few years back.  Those took a while to complete too.  But, because each symbol was different; and I had to find the scripture to them.  These came out cute though.

I got pretty stressed out thinking I was going to be late mailing them out.  Thus, 32 women around the U.S was going to be waiting for me.  And because I was late, then they would have to start their Jesse Tree late.  Oh the stress!!

But, I'm not late... Whooo Hooo. 

This is a big nerve in my stomach, you see.  The being the cause to someone else being late. 

So thanks Jessica @ Housewifespice for hosting and organizing this!

I hope you like my version of the Noah's Ark.

Cecilia says

Cleaning out the cobwebs growing on this blog.  It's been ages since I've posted a thing! 

How about we start a mini post on Cecilia!

As we look around the kitchen for ideas on dinner:
Me: Hey kids what do you feel like having for dinner?
Cecilia:  "Oh, I don't know... PIE?"

On one of the many nights that Cecilia refuses to go to bed:
Me: Cecilia, it's getting late... GET TO BED!
Cecilia:  "But, you aren't there."
Me: You have a bed and a sister waiting for you.
Cecilia:  "But, it's not YOU!"

She finally went.  But, didn't get too far.  She was sitting quietly at the bottom of one of the steps leading to the bedrooms.  Sitting there with her head resting on her knees.  She was awake, fully awake.  The Lineman asked her what she was doing.

Quietly. Very quietly.  She says, "just waiting... for you guys."

And so life continues here... busy, fun... busy, surprising.... always blessed!

glismpses

We aren't done with the move yet, but it's getting there.

Within the nuttiness of painting, lifting heavy loads, and such

we've had some lovely moments....

Cecilia says ...

I thought I'd stop by for a quicky post on Cecilia. 

Our stubborn, lovable, direct, says what's on her mind, 5 year. 

 She is such a hoot!!

1.  We're in the process of packing up our current home and moving.  (More on this later, but the new little girls room was used as an office by the previous owners.

Cecilia:  "I don't wannnna sleep in an office!"
Me:  "It's not going to be an office, it'll be your new bedroom."
Cecilia:  "But there is a desk in there and she called it an office, I don't wannnna sleep in an office!"

Ususally we don't tolerate whinning rants or voices.  But this time around she was so stuck on the new bedroom being an office.  I later asked her what was so wrong about the bedroom.  She told me that an office is for doctors and quiet behavior.  So she had it in her head that her 'new' bedroom was going to have to be an 'quiet' room for the rest of her life.

Cecilia is super dramatic!

2.  Having lunch with Grandpa and Grandma

Cecilia as she chows down her rice and sweet and sour pork:  "Ya know, right about now my acids are working super hard in my stomach. I can almost feel the swishing around in there."

3.  Coming in from playing outside:

Cecilia:  "Momma!  Rose almost push me down and I could have gottan a concussoooon!"

And that is all the time I have for the recent Cecilia outtakes!

{PHFR}, the long version

~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

Every Thursday, here at Like Mother, Like Daughter!

{Pretty}

On the way home from the mountains, we had on our minds.  You know those moments?  The ones where you can't sleep, forget the littlest of things because your mind is so cluttered and your face carries this dazed look. 

Yep, that's us.  But on this drive, we were treated to an awesome sky.  I took it as a gift.  And I thanked Him for helping me find the beauty, even in the midst of craziness.

{Happy}

A five year old loves the library!  This five year old signed up for her very first library card.  Her first words, once she had the card in her hands was, "I can get ANY book now?  Oh how cool!"

{Funny}

I don't remember exactly what the situation was here. 

I do know that Obi was patiently waiting to be given permission to go into the van.  But, Cecilia was evidently struggling with something.  Though, knowing our Cecilia, she was being over dramatic.  Obi sure looks calm though LOL.

{Real}

We are in the process of MOVING. 
Our home is in chaos!
Trying to put 15 years of 'stuff' into nice sized boxes is grueling!!!!

But, YES! WE FOUND A HOUSE!!
Yippeee!!!

{P,H,F,R}

~Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life. ~

{Pretty}{Beautiful!}

Among these young ladies we have future religious sisters, future mothers, future apologists...

Here, this newly formed group, took a vow of purity, covered in their veils, and promised to support one another, love one another, and serve Our God;

all in glory and praise to Him!

{Happy!!}

Lucy celebrated her 15th birthday with a photo scavenger hunt, along with great friends and family.  She was so happy, as were her friends.  It was a wonderful celebration; and  I couldn't have chosen better friends than those she has.

{Funny}

Snapshots from the scavenger hunt. 

The Lineman organized this day for Lucy as a birthday surprise.  This was the very same day all the girls received their purity rings; and before Holy Hour were promoted into the Guardian of Purity group.  It ended being super fun and special.  And as the pictures show they had some funny things to take pictures of. 

{Real}

Lucy's braces came off this week!

Whoo Hooooo!

That is one less payment to make.... house budgeting is super real LOL.

Big news are happening in this household, really BIG news! 

I can't wait to share in a {PHFR} post, hopefully I can share the news by the end of the month.

God willing.

Until then,

Visit Like Mother, Like Daughter for more pictures of contentment

In Cecilia's Words...

Big sister had her braces taken off this morning!

When she arrived home, Cecilia was super shocked.

So shocked that she yells out,

"It's like I have a new sister!"

"She'll look different for the rest of MY life!"

"Now, when we play jungles she won't look like a scary lion with sharp teeth!"

"Oh man!"

This was an exciting morning of change for a 5 year old, LOL.

It's not PRO-choice...

... it's NO choice.

Fall campaign starts

September 26 - November 4, 2012

Please get involved

Please!

All children are wanted.

God bless the mothers who choose

LIFE

† Guardians of the Altar †

On the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Lucy, her cousins, and several young boys and girls

completed their 33 days of preparation;

and on the 34th day, were consecrated to Our Lady.

"Consecration means to set aside for a sacred purpose. Mary’s life was set aside for the sole purpose of serving our Lord. By following her example, we, too, can completely give ourselves to Christ in a fundamental way that consecrates us to Him. We give our lives to Him in service and love."

On this day also, 6 young teen boys were promoted to "Master Guardians" and 8 more were promoted to "Guardians". 

Society of Guardians of the Altar is a group formed under the direction of our wonderful pastor Fr. S and their director Mr. M. Felix.  It is a society of young boys, called to serve Our Lord.  

"Guardians, in the service of Holy Mother Church, calls forth such ideals as honor, loyalty, justice, chivalry, and respect for all. In the use of the term guardian, the Altar Server is reminded of his duty to serve the Lord of lords with fidelity and honor, to treat others with respect and justice, and to live an upright personal life, defending always the rights of God and His Holy Church."

~ Society of Guardians of the Altar manual

The boys are divided into four groups: apprentice, guardian in training, guardian, and finally reaching the level of master guardian.  In striving to reach the final level of the master guardian; the boys must show and learn perseverance.  It isn't a quick ranking group.  There are duties to perform in serving the Mass, a code of conduct to have both in church and outside, and a preparation of devotions; like the final devotion of the total consecration to Mary.  The boys that reach this stage grow in maturity and reverence!

Can I tell you how in AWE I am of these boys.  Under the 3 years that our parish has had the Guardians of the Altar, we've had several boys discerning the priesthood.  Many give the credit to this society and give thanks to God for it.  Max is an apprentice, he has a long ways before he can take his place along with the master guardians.  But I tell you, I am grateful he has these boys as mentors!

As the promoted guardians and master guardians (my nephew was one of these boys) took their place around the sanctuary; they made their Guardian's Pledge.  Under the crucifix, in the presence of Christ, saying; "We ... pledge allegiance to our Lord and Master, Jesus Christ, to His representatives here on earth, and to Mary, our Queen Immaculate...."

WOW! 

All I kept saying ,and I'm sure I wasn't the only one, 

"For your glory, Lord! For your glory, Lord! For your glory, Lord!"

(All photo credit given to my friend Kim B, used with her permission)

Dear St. John, you died at a very young age, but in that short time you learned to live an exemplary life as a member of the Society of Jesus.

Directed by your Guardian Angel, whom you confidently invoked, you learned to be a most humble server at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

Help altar boys imitate you in their service at Eucharistic celebrations as well as in their conduct with others. Amen

~ St. John Berchmans, Patron of Altar Boys

BOOK SALE!!

I'm joining up the Online Curriculum Sale Blog Hop over at Jessica's site. 

Please take a look at what I have here and perhaps you'll find something that will serve your schooling and needs. 

I'll be shipping out of California and using media mail, unless arranged otherwise.  Shipping from here seems to average between $3-$5.  If you'd like to purchase, please leave a comment with your email or email me privately.

Thanks for looking!

 MATH

Prentice Hall California Algebra 1 student text (2009). 

No markings, in great condition and only used once, with one student.  $40.00

Singapore Primary Math 2B (2nd grade, blue bk) test book.

Never used and in clean, ready to use condition. $4.00

Reproducible Activities in Math workbook. 3-4 grades.

Cutes pages that supports NCTM standards. Clean, unmarked pages, and comes with answer key.  $3.00

A History of Mathematics by Carl B. Boyer.

This is for the math wiz of the family. It's a thick book of the orgins of math from every culture you can think of. In great condition.  $3.00 SOLD

 

One Minute Addition Math Drills (Level A/1st gr) workbook on sums 0-10.

These are reproducible timed math tests, flash cards, progress pages, games, awards and bulletin board patterns. No markings and complete!  $2.00

 Language Arts

CHC First Grade Lesson Plans~2009 edition

This version DOES NOT include the Behold and See science texts. 

Very good condition and all pages are account for, unwritten.

$15.00

OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY SCHOOL:

These are an older set!

3rd grade books:

1. The Apostles and Evangelists coloring book and stories

2. Stories Jesus Told by Fr. Francis

3. The Ever Virgin Holy Mary of Guadalupe by Janice Smyth

4. God's Truths Help us Live; religous series

5. Jesus is God by Fr. Francis

$4.50 for the set

Winston Grammar Word Works: A Usage Program (Student Workbook grn).

NEW never used it. It's used inbetween their 'basic' and 'advance' levels for grammar.

5th grade and up. $4.00 SOLD

Voyages in English 3 1958 (3rd grade)

HB book still in very good condition. Some penciled marked pages done by

previous owner, but have been erased and a few stained pages.  $3.00  

McRuffy Phonics and Reading workbook 2 (first 1st grade).

Used with one student and the first few pages were penciled in and have been completely erased. 

Otherwise in good conition.  $2.00

I Heard the Owl Call My Name (study guide)

Used but in good condition. 5th grade and up. $2.00

Making More Big Words Phonics and Spelling Activities (3-6 gr).

This uses reproducible letter strips that students use to make new words, help with spelling words, play games etc... Never used. $1.00

A Journey to the Center of the Earth. Not pictured.

Abriged and used by 3-4 grade. It's a paperback book.

Has someshelf wear. In good condition.  $1.00

 SCIENCE

Glencoe Life Science Teacher's Ed. 2002 text (for middle school).

Clean and unmarked. This has the tiger on the front.  $20.00

 MUSIC

Introducing the Positions...VIOLIN Vol. 1.

New.  $2.00

MISC

A-Z wall banner

These were taped to our school room wall for the little ones.  These are in good condition. $3

Set of flash card (toddlers).

1. Animals of All Kinds

2. First Words

$1.00

RELIGION

Father Lovasik's books

1. The Seven Sacraments (2 available)

2. Going to Confession (2 available)

3. My First Catechism 

$1.25 each

Guiding Your Catholic Preschooler by Kathy Peirce & Lori Rowland. 

 In great condiiton.  $8.00

Okay that's it. 

God bless and I hope you find something.