*This Moment *

this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Visit SouleMama for links to

those whose moments have stopped time...for a little while anyway.

Off for a day of making 100 Tamales!

Jesse "Tea" for Advent

It's the beginning of Advent, I had thought of having our second Jesse "Tea" on the first Sunday of Advent.  But our Thanksgiving weekend went extra long.  And we stayed a few extra days with my mom and siblings.  Oh I have great pictures and stories to share.  But later....

On the second Sunday of Advent we hosted our Tea.  A Jesse Tea was first brought to my attention by Alice of cottage Blessings.  She had described the Jesse Tea as,

"a Tea honoring the Old Testament figures whose lives were a compass for humanity, pointing the True path toward the Promised Redeemer."

The description caught my attention and I had wanted to make this for my own family.  The menu is kept simple.  There is no need to make things more complicated during our season of preparation and waiting.  It's the symbolism and connection the child (or adult) can make, as they eat their way through the old testament that counts.

~ The Menu ~
click on Alice or Catholic Cusine for details

 

Adam's apple

Genesis 3: 6 

~ apples with a gummy worm among them to serve as the serpent or an apple galette

 

Noah's Ark

Genesis 9: 12-17

~ deviled eggs as the ark, a rainbow of fruit, a bowl of 2x2 animal crackers

 

Abraham's Stars

Genesis 15:5

~ Trader Joe's dark chocolate star cookies

 

Isaac's Bundle of Sticks

Genesis 22:6

~ pretzel sicks bundled together with yarn or string cheese

 

Jacob's Ladder

Genesis 28: 12

~ untie the bundle of pretzel sticks and construct your ladders

 

Joseph's Coat of Many Colors

Genesis 37: 3-4

~ sliced bread cut into circles and spread with peanut butter and colored sprinkles

 

The Burning Bush

Exodus 3 :2-3

 ~ broccoli florets with ranch, thousand island dressing

 

Moses' Tablet of Law

Exodus 34: 1

~ two Pepperridge Farm Milano cookies, if time allows pipe the Roman Numerals

 

Jonah and the Whale

Jonah 2:1-2

~ bowl of whale crackers

 

The Root of Jesse

Isaiah 11: 1 and 10

~ a bowl of baby carrots

 

David's Star of Tea Sandwiches

1 Samuel 17: 12-51

 ~ cut star shaped bread, ham, and cheese or any other type of sandwich in a star shape

 

Bethlehem, House of Bread

Matthew 2: 5-6

~ any type of rolls 

 

John the Baptist's Honey

Matthew 3: 3

~ honey sticks or honey for the tea

 

Angelic Messengers

Luke 1:26-28

~ chocolate angel candy, my SIL made beautiful ones using a chocolate candy mold

 

Flowers of Jesse

Isaiah 11:1-3

~ rose cupcakes, Pepperidge Farms Verona Cookies

 
Our Tea was about family, food, and ping pong!
The older kids played ping pong before they got rained out.

By the time I remembered my camera half the food had been eaten.  The nicely laid out platters bared the evidence of hungry children

I promise you the table looked very nice. 

Constructing his ladder

Family...

Love them!!!

May your season be blessed.  Prepare His path, prepare your hearts and

God bless!

CCC of America ~ a great resource

I came across this site via Lacy @ Catholic Icing.  They are a fabulous company, selling Catholic family-friendly products.  Their faith based Cd's and DVDs compliment a child's imagination.  The characters look like children and the message is clearly stated.  I've seen one of their videos before at a friend's home. 

It was THE DAY THE SUN DANCED, THE TRUE STORY OF FATIMA

a 30 minute cartoon about Our Lady in Fatima.  It was sweet and perfect for a mini movie break for the whole family

Just in time for Christmas I bought a couple of their videos for gifts.  Just a few days after my purchase I received a phone call from CCC.  They were calling to say thank you.  It was a personal touch to a company that is seldom seen now a days.  This prompted me to want to spread the word about them. 

When we are over stimulated with the bigger selling companies and advertisements; I think it's important to remember companies like CCC.  Personal touches to products we can share happily with our families.

They still exist and deserve our support

Thanks for the extra touch CCC of America!



ATC for the saints ~ update

I have a list of posts that are piling up on me in the drafts.  We've been out of town a lot in the last 2 weeks and blogging just wasn't possible.  Ummm it's still rather difficult to set aside time to blog.  But instead of posting the recent events... like our San Francisco trip, I thought it best to start with what we completed in November.

It feels odd to post the pictures of something we did almost a month ago.  But they are worth the post and the kids really did some beautiful cards.  I did notice that I sent out Rose's cards before I could take a picture of them...  Too bad!  They were so pretty :(

We had an assortment of art supplies to choose from

And the rest was inspiration 

Max struggled with drawing out the figures and choosing who he wanted to sketch.  I kept seeing him erase what he was doing.  Truthfully, one of his creations lacked a neck until he saw the odd formed shape of poor St. Nicholas...LOL.  He caught it though.

Ultimately, he did a great job.  He just had to trust himself and create what was in his heart.

Rose has an eye for details in her art.  I loved her cards!!! 

 

Each child's personality came out during our art sessions.  Lucy was thoughtful and mechanical about her art.  Taking her time with each card.  I was happy Kimberlee extended the deadline.  This put  Lucy's nerves at ease...:)

Her completed work

 

All the cards were lovely and I'm thankful to Kimberlee for hosting this event.

* update

~ THEY ARRIVED ~

We were treated to a mail delivery treat on Friday

The kids ATC Swap letters came in.  Sadly, I didn't have the camera on hand to take the pictures of the kids when I gave them their letters.  They looked so cute, even my 13 ever-so-cool eldest didn't hide her excitement.

Thank you children for such lovely cards...you are all so very gifted! 

Each of your names have been placed on a letter to baby Jesus, via Lucy, along with a prayer.    

Lucy's cards received

St. Anne, St. Martin of Toures, St. Catherine, St. Rose of Lima, & St. Mungo

Max's cards

St. Aquinas, St. George, St. George, St. Joan of Arc, & St. Nicholas of Myra

Rose's cards

St. Francis of Assisi, St. Ann, St. Lucy, St. Elizabeth & St.Theodore Guerin

These are very talented children and you may see more from Pondered in My Heart.  Click on over and see the work of 1,460 cards!

Thank you Kimberlee for hosting this!

San Francisco Chronicles

A long, long, LONG time ago a group of women began to meet.  We were of like minds.  We were ever so young.  Our friendship has seen pain, joy, we've seen each other become mothers.  Some of us career ladies, wives.  A mix of paths.  All of our experiences formed a unique bond of mutual respect and awe. 

How good God is to have put (me) in this place among them. 

I have been blessed with knowing such lovely people.  Both in my present days and that of that kid in high school, and then again that young lady in her early twenties.  There have been those in my life that gently led me here.  A wife, mother and teacher; a daughter, sister and friend.  In all the sections of me, I am surrounded by His gift of people. 

This past weekend, one of those special ladies was having a birthday.  She was going to be celebrated and I was one of her surprises.  We hadn't seen each other in...well in too long of a time. 

Why add a number here...it's been "forever".

We had last spoken after a tragedy (I have yet to write about, but it's coming).  Our children have missed getting to know one another.  But, we were going to mend that.

We drove to San Francisco and had one of the very best times....EVER!!!

In full chorus of "Estas son las mañanitas, que cantaba el Rey David, Hoy por ser día de tu santo, te las cantamos a ti...".  Meet Cynthia.  One of my dearest of friends.  The kids surprised her at the door, with a birthday cake and a song.  She had NO clue!!!  Us, adults were hiding behind a bush so it was fun to hear her wonder how in the world they got there.  I knew she knew we were close...

I love the look she had...a mix of joy and disbelief.

We were actually there!

Now let the par-tay begin....

We had actually arrived the night before and stayed with my other dearest of dearest, Yesenia.  This mujer is amazing...critical care nurse at S.F general, travels to third world countries offering her services...was there for Katrina, was there in Haiti. 

(my Lucy, tia Yesi, and X)

Rose was reacquainted with her partner.  These two acted like there had been NO distance of time between their last visit together.

We can't forget the guys

So, we were surprise #1

Surprise #2 was this fabulous party set up by Cynthia's hubby.  He set up for her mom and sister to come up for the week.  He set up this fabulous Colombian style cumbia band to play, DJ, food and we daaaannncceed all night. 

Me with Cynthia's sister...she made the drive up with their mom and triplet girls too.

All the kids right before we had to leave for the drive back to L.A

The kids on the truck...

Then parents take their turn, remembering when we ALL use to travel in the back of a truck...

doesn't everyone have a memory of that?

Alas, it was time to go...good bye...

San Francisco

We had a great time in reconnecting with old friends.  I do have a bit of my heart in San Francisco.  It's there with two very special ladies. 

God bless them!

Requesting your prayers...

Jedidiah Joseph

has gone to Heaven. 

 If you come across this post, please pray for his family as they mourn the lost of their little Jedi.

Baby Jedi's story can be read here.  Please go over there, read their story, and offer your prayers.

We will be praying!

Wordless Wednesday ~

She has an eye for this kind of thing...

Reading through Advent

Think of warm nights huddled up around the couch reading rich little stories of family, love, some sorrows, leading up to Christmas.  It's a mini tradition that we started here a couple of years ago.  Those warm cozy nights didn't always happen but, each year we've gotten better at slowing down for Advent.  And having the Advent/Christmas basket of books available and visible have become a permanent marker in our home.

I've marked a book for each day of Advent and Christmas.  Some days I have and extra activity planned or a treat to make.  While other days we just have the book read.

Also, for a budget friendly home and for my own memory, I've coded each selection showing if the book is available at our local library, if I already own it, or plan to buy it.  There is a list I have for my older child, Lucy, to have.  She enjoys the pictures books and has her favorites but, she also wants books for her age level to read.  So that list is in the works now.

(I've gotten this list from several resources: Jessica, Charlotte, Elizabeth, 4real learning book list, Cay Gibson's two books and our own scan of library books.  Disclaimer: What you see here are books I have read and like to use for our family.  But as always use your own judgment for your own family.  You know them best :)

(L): available at our library

(H): have it

(WB): want to buy it this season

(D) DVD available

November 28th: 1st Sunday of Advent

The Jesse Tree by Geraldine McCaughrean

(L) With this marking the beginning of the season I'm hoping to have our 2nd Jesse "Tea" after Mass.  There is a post about the "tea" here if you are interested.  The Advent Wreath will be brought, as will our message of "prepare" on the piano serving as a reminder of what Advent means....waiting, preparing for the birth of Christ.

November 29th: 

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski (L)(H)(DVD never seen it)

November 30th:

The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown (L)

December 1:

Josie's Gift by Kathleen Bostrom (L)

December 2:

Waiting for Noel: An Advent Story by Ann Dixon (L)

December 3:

An Orange for Frankie by Patricia Polacco (L)

December 4:

The Gifts by Regina Fackelmayer (H)

December 5:

The Legend of St. Nicholas by Demi (L)

Tonight the kids put their shoes out for St. Nicholas to check...and in the morning they will see whether they've been naughty or nice.

December 6th: The feast of St. Nicholas

The Real Santa Claus: Legends of Saint Nicholas by Marianna Mayer (L)

Saint Nicholas by Ann Tompert (L)(H)

We have several activities and sweet for this day.  This post has the details.  It's candy cane cocoa, candy cane coffee cake, some gold coins for the good and a note of encouragement for other:)

St. Nicholas Center offers wonderful resources

Paper Dali has paper dolls for the free download and recipes for German macaroons

 

December 7:

The Christmas Candle by Richard Paul Evans (L)(H)

I highly recommend this book for your Christmas basket

We'll prepare our Christmas candle today

December 8:

A Small Miracle by Peter Collington (L)

This story is told through the illustration only.  Really good and always leaves an impression on the kids

December 9:

Good King Wenceslas by J.M Neale (L)(DVD)
 I didn't care too much for this video but I highly recommend singing along with the verses

December 10:

Through the Animals Eyes: A Story of the First Christmas by Christopher Wormell (L)

December 11:

Country Angel Christmas by Tomie de Paola (L)

December 12: Feast of Nuestra Virgen de Guadalupe

The Lady of Guadalupe Tomie de Paola (L)(H)

The Story of Our Lady of Guadalupe Empress of the Americas by C. Lourdes Walsh (H)

5am Mass singing Las mañanitas, some Mexican treats for brunch, crafts and a nice dinner afterwards

 

December 13: Feast of St. Lucia

Bells of St. Lucia by Gus Cazzola (L)(H)

Lucia, Saint of Light by Katherine Bolger Hyde (WB)

Morning surprise for Papi with coffee and this bread

December 14:

St. Francis and the Christmas Donkey by Robert Byrd (L)

December 15:

The Legend of the Christmas Rose by William H. Hooks (L)

December 16:

The Night of Las Posadas by Tomie de Paola (L)(H)

The Posadas begin today!!!  We'll join one during the days of the Posadas with our parish.

December 17: "O Antiphon's" wisdom

The Christmas Promise by Susan Campbell Bartoletti (L)

Our home will receive a book on the Church and begin to celebrate the seven jewels leading towards Christ.  All the details for these next few days are here, with the credit to Jessica and Charlotte

December 18: House of Israel

Bright Christmas: An Angel Remembers by Kate Andrew Clements (L)

Making gingerbread houses

December 19: Root of Jesse

The Miracle of the First Poinsettia by Joanne Oppenheim (L)(H)

Today we celebrate with the family and gather together at our SIL home with tons of crafts

Then it's home for root beer floats, Poinsettias for our home, and trimming our tree

December 20: Key of David

Christmas Cookies: Bite-Size Holiday Lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal (L)

Key Lime Pie for dessert

December 21: Dawn of Dayspring

Father and Son by Geraldine McCaughrean (L)(H)

Sunrise drinks for Papi and Momma and "Dayspring Ice Cream" for the kids

December 22: King

An Angel came to Nazareth by Maggie Kneen (L)

King crown cookies

December 23: O Emmanuel, God with us, our King and lawgiver, the expected of the nations and their Savior: come to save us, O Lord our God.

Tonight You are my Baby: Mary's Christmas Gift by Jeannine Q. Norris (H)

December 24: Christmas Eve!!!

The Story of Christmas: According to the gospels of Matthew and Luke (L)(WB)

Read by Papi

December: 25:

The Very First Christmas by Paul L. Maier (L)(H) 

December 26: Feast of St. Stephen

Stephen's Feast by Jean Richardson (WB)

December 27: Feast of St. John the Apostle

Through the Eyes of John by Chad Daybell, Rhett E. Murray (H)

December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents

The Little Match Girl by Han Christian Anderson (L)(H) ~ Lucy's favorite

The First Christmas Stocking by Elizabeth Winthrop (L)(H) ~ another favorite

 

December 29:

The Christmas Bird by Bernadette Watts Edith (L)

December 30:

Night Tree by Eve Bunting (L)

December 31: New Year's Eve

The Candle in the Window by Grace Johnson (H)

January 1: Feast of Circumcision and Mary, Mother of God

Mary, Mother of Jesus by Mary Joslin and Alison Wisenfeld (H)

January 2:

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Jan Brett (L)

January 3:

This is the Star by Joyce Dunbar (L)

January 4:

We Three Kings (L)

January 5:

The Last Straw by Fredrick H. Thury (L)

January 6: Feast of Epiphany

The Story of the Three Wise Kings by Tomie de Paola (L)

Cooking today and surprising the kids each with a small gift...just like my mom use to do when I was a young.

This is it for us this season.  I've already have a list of next year in the works.  Nope I'm not crazy but, when you begin to look around it's amazing how many books just pop out, outta no where.

happy reading!