Craft Basket Wednesday

This week as I begin to focus on Lent and then Easter, I have started to make some special items for the Easter Table as part of our tradition on Easter morning.
As the children all read my blog (or not the boring posts) I won't name this particular item. However I am knitting 13 of them and hope they turn out better than my Bunny Rabbit.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at this weeks Craft Basket in our home and will check out Amy Caroline's Craft Basket Wednesday for other interesting crafts.

Blessings,

Cupcake Anyone?

Well, this is our Cupcake. We have a new little Kitty cat to bring joy and smiles to our children's faces.
Our little ones and some of the big ones have wanted a kitten for so long.
Yesterday I took all the children (except the older boys) to pick out a little kitten.

It was a very exciting day for the children.... and the kitten when we got home.
We have called her Cupcake. It is a very difficult decision to choice a name when you have 13 people who all have an opinion.
We had to have a vote to come up with this one from a final list of 6.

We are really enjoying this latest addition to our family

Blessings,

Hearts For Home ♥ ♥ 9th February

In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home.

In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'.

I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be.

I pray also that each person involved in 'Hearts for Home' would also pray for any others involved as well.

May you be blessed by this initiative. I pray it brings you and your family many blessings.

So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home'.
Please leave a you name and a link to your blog (if you don't have one just leave your list in the comment box)and perhaps a comment so we can all see and encourage each other.

If you would like, add the 'Hearts for Home' logo to your side bar as a reminder of your goals.
God Bless you this week.

♥ Please leave a link to your Hearts for Home Edition on the Mister Linky at the end of the post, so we can all come and visit.
I would also appreciate you linking back here too.☺ ♥ ♥

I also have decided I need to print out my list so I can constantly refer to it and therefore keep it in my mind. I also need to have it put up where I can see it constantly.

My list for the 9th February is ♥ ♥

1. To bring beauty and order into my home this week by meeting the needs of the special people in my life, where they are at now, unconditionally and with enthusiasm at all times.

2. To help where possible those children who need my guidance in overcoming difficulties and obtaining goals.

3. I have organised a basic menu for the week. I would like to make some more 'goodies' that aren't on the list, just because I love providing these treats for everyone.

4. To be thankful for all the help I have from the children in our home. Especially by those who take on extra work with Stephen and this week Kynan gone.

5. Take time for my own spiritual growth as well as some relaxation time. Make this a priority!!

6. To continue with outside of 'school ' reading.I have enjoyed taking the time of reading lots of picture books and create memories with some favourite books for the week.

Blessings,

Presentation of Our Lord and Candlemas

As this was our first week back at lessons our feast days for this week were not given our usual attention. So for this special day we did not achieve much of what I had planned.
So rather than give you the planning post I had planned, I will summarise some information ( late for this year I know but will help again next year) and show our candle dipping.
Kimberly has some wonderful information and links for you too.
Fisheaters again for wonderful information as well as Catholic Culture.
These two images we have printed out and coloured or cut out and made a stained glass window.
You could also embroider around the outline or cut out felt dove sahpes and blanket stitch and stuff them. Then hang them from the seasons wreath.
Of course this would be a perfect time for a dove shaped cake or those lovely edible candles from Catholic Cuisine.
Links for the candle cake,
or two versions of edible candles.
While listening to this (several times over) as our little ones loved it. We dipped our candles. We usually like to roll some as well but hadn't restocked our supply of bees wax sheets. We also had different wicks this year as Spotlight were I usually get them form is no longer stocking them. As the bought ones were so expensive i trialled some string pre dipped in wax. I am unsure of how this will burn so if anyone know of a great supplier of wax sheets and wicks please let me know.
This is our block of Bees waxBreak it up with a sledge hammer, only boys would think of using such a BIG hammer.Put the chunks of Bees was into an empty Milo or coffee can in a pot of water and melt. I keep stirring it. I know some people prefer to grate the wax but we use so much that it doesn't warrant the time it takes to grate it.The store bought wicks on the left and homemade string ones on the right. This is our outdoor setting table. Over the years it has been given a 'lived in' look by various crafts, painting etc being done on it.Dipping into the can of melted wax.We use the walk around technique. This entails dip in the can and walk to the end of the line enabling the wax to solidify before re dunking.
Our little ones and yours truly loved singing the Candle song above while dipping our candles.
Note the orderly line seen here was not like this for long with little one racing back to the start past bigger sibling.Waiting, waiting, waiting.A small amount of wax on the wick.Drying out at the half way mark while I reheated the wax to melt again.
Our finished candles waiting to be blessed by father on Sunday.
We did use 3 for our candlelight dinner. Although we always have candles for dinner it was nice to have some homemade ones again.
A dinner table picture towards the end of dinner.
The liturgical bookcase display: White chasuble for Father Pine, surrounded by tea light candles and small doves.
Also for favours as a reminder of the feast day... well I am embarrassed to say the best I could do this year was a small birthday candle for every one.

I pray you had an enjoyable feast day.

CANDLEMAS PRAYER ~

All-powerful Father,
Christ your Son became man for us
and was presented in the temple.
May he free our hearts from sin
and bring us into your presence.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God for ever and ever. Amen

Blessings,

Loving Learning all the Time

Last week I mentioned in our favourite books reading for the week on Friday that Myffwyn and I did some activities based on one of these books.
The Potato People has been a favourite for us for a couple of years now. We have read it often and love all of Pamela Allen's books.

When we have read this before I have had requests to "make a little old man and a little old woman" like in the book.
So reading it last week we decided to give it a go. What joy she had in making such a simple craft from a favourite story book. Sometimes I forget just how little it takes to keep our children happy.

Myffwyn then had to put the little old woman and little old man on the window sill - like in the book and every day she checks to see if they have grown 'horns.'
Myffwyn all excited to be making her 'little old woman and little old man.'
All the makings to make the little old woman and little old man
The finished potato people.
Here they are on the window sill waiting for 'horns' to grow and then planting in the garden.

Blessings,

A Newborn's Conversation with God

While visiting Anne's wonderful blog I found this inspiring 'conversation" below.
I was in tears as once again I felt the love, responsibility and honour that God gives me in being blessed to be a Mummy.

A Newborn's Conversation with God

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to Earth tomorrow,
but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."


The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you.
And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will
teach you how to speak."

"And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach
you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth
could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave
now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, You will simply call her, "Mom."


All that I am or ever hope to be,
I owe to my angel Mother.
Abraham Lincoln
Blessings,

7 Quick Takes Friday 5th February

I haven't done one of these for a while and thought I would get back on track. Here are my 7 Quick takes:

1. We have started back to our official first term of 'school' this week. All things considered we have gone remarkably well. I have even started on my resolution to keep a weekly review.
♥

2. We are planning for Kynan to be away for the coming week as he attends his week of on campus residential school at USQ University in Queensland this week.
We will miss him but he is going to be busy and then visiting some friends we haven't seen in years.

♥
3. Why is that all the 'for sale' signs along the road we live on now have a great big SOLD sticker on them? Hard to cope with it is!

♥
4. We have 'officially ' received our report on Moran.
We are not entirely accepting of the diagnosis of her condition and believe that the testing done in this past 5 months did not give a fair indication of her real abilities or deal with the issues of her sensory and anxiety.
The second OT I went to with her gave us a much better idea of her sensory needs and some ideas to help her.
Her diagnosis was "Mild Intellectual Disability" and she has been referred to disability services for more help.
We were not given any ideas for anxiety as they did not believe this was an issue for them to deal with given the diagnosis.
♥

5. I am thankful for a friend who took the time to ring me and talk to me about Moran. Thank you Lynn.
♥

6. Our little Arwen is moving about so much. We have to place the barriers up we made for Corbyn to prevent her from falling down the stairs.
Here she is waving to us on the next level down.
♥

7. It seems we have scored a new pet. Elrond the duck just arrived on our property one day and seems to be staying with us. We have a dam and he goes down there each day.
He follows the children around and of course they feed him so he grows bolder each day.Moran feeding Elrond. She can actually hand feed him no problems!
♥

Well that is all I have for this week. I Pray you all have a blessed and happy week.

For more inspirational 7 Quick Takes please visit Jen at Conversion Diary I am sure you will not be disappointed.

Blessings,

Books We have Enjoyed this Week 2

These are the favourite picture books that the little one's have loved ♥ me reading to them. We have really enjoyed this time together and as so often happens we have enjoyed some additional crafts as an accompaniment to the story ~ more to come on this bit.

Blessings,

Sisters In Faith Award

Jillian has once again honoured me with an honour I value very highly. Even though it has taken me so long to acknowledge this award, I deleted my first post on it...OUCH.

This Sisters in Faith award is something I do believe that Jillian has been to me.
Her friendship and encouragement have been very much appreciated, and I am very often blessed by reading how God is working in her life.
The originator of this award is Karinann, so please pop over and check out her blog.

This blog award is passed on to other bloggers who you feel are represented by the Sisters in Faith Award, and the instructions are:

1. To pass this award on to sisters who have been blogging with me from almost the beginning.
2. Include at least one new Sister In Faith.

So, in the spirit of friendship I would like to nominate... as these wonderful women have been with me from the start and especially to Erin and Anne who encouraged me from the start.

Erin
Elise
Judy
Anne
Kelly
Cindy
ViolinMama
Rebecca

...for their encouragement, their ability to write thought-provoking comments and posts, so that I am refreshed by 'visiting' their blogs.

For my my new Sister in Faith:~
I am struggling here I have 'found' so many new and wonderful sisters in faith.
I don't want to offend anyone so If you are someone you has recently discovered my blog or I have visited recently please take this award as well.

Blessings,

Craft Basket Wednesday -- well Thursday again

As I have mentioned in other posts Autumn and I are working on some Marionettes.
We have been progressing slowly as I have had a few questions about a tutorial.

So in keeping with this (as time permits) I have been trying to remember to take some photos of the marionettes at various stages.
Sometimes I forget and have to wait for the nest one to be made. Also as they tend to have different capes, cloaks etc I need to get individual photos of each.

So I hope those interested will be even a little more patient than they have been already.
This is our King he still needs to have his strings attached yet.
The prince also needs to have strings attached ready for his performance.

I hope you have enjoyed looking at this weeks Craft Basket in our home and will check our Amy Caroline's Craft Basket Wednesday for other interesting crafts.

Blessings,

Night Time Routine ♥

In my learning plans I mentioned that we were starting a new night time routine with getting the little ones: Moran, Corbyn and Myffwyn to bed and asleep without anyone staying with them.

I love how this is working so far and have great success for the future.

This is an except from the routine below:

BED TIME ROUTINE~ From Amy Caroline ( we will try this and see how it goes)
(Older children do Dinner Clean up and own bed time preparations)

After dinner baths and into Pj's
Rosary/ Bible Story/ Family Read Aloud
Mummy do baths and into Pj's
Autumn get snack ready - warm milk with cinnamon and toast with honey.
Teeth and toilet time
Go to Mummy and Daddy's room, candles have been lit and crawl in under covers and read Bedtime bag books.
Special Mummy prayers: the ones I say with them every night and Guardian Angel and own little prayers.
Blow out candles and go to own beds.Here is the snack all ready to eat.
Happy little children all ready to eat.
Candles lit in Mummy and Daddy's room
I LOVE candle light ♥ ♥
Yet more candles!!
All tucked up ready for story time. A fun time for all.
Then off to their own beds without someone "keeping after them!"

This actually allows us to have some free evening time without it being too late.

Blessings,

Children's Blogs

For anyone who may be interested for yourselves or if you have children who blog. Our son Saxon has now started a blog as part of his learning requirements. He has only done one post so far BUT it is very creative (I think).
All our older children are required to do 4 blog posts per week as part of their creative writing etc.
So if you wish to keep tabs on the children's blogs all the children's blog headers are on my side bar as well as Saxon's which is the Templar Knight above.

Blessings,

Back to School

We started back on our year long journey today. Our journey of sharing in the education process of our children -- Home Schooling.
In preparation for the new year I put together some little, essential goodies for the children.
Believe it or not there was much excitement about "What could be in the satchel?"

I know some people make a cornucopia type arrangement, but this is used by us for some other special days. I wanted something different and finally came up with what I termed "The Back to School Satchel!"

It was very easy to make. Simply take a manilla folder sticky tape up the sides and hole punch a hole in either end. Tie some crochet cotton ( I had visions of crocheting a tie, but time restraints dictated otherwise) on with a long loop so the satchel can be placed over one arm...whola. There you have it.

I did write the children's names on front and then filled with the goodies.
It was hard keeping them away while I filled the satchel and then from the hiding place the excitement was very rewarding for this small little start to the new 'school' year.

It can even be used to store loose papers in during the year as well.

If you are interested in our version of education this year ( I love to see what others are doing) you could have a look at the various ideas on my Learning Blog.
I have posted plans and resources for the year for everyone from Corbyn up to Autumn.
Every one's satchel waiting to be filled.
The contents of Moran's, Myffwyn's and Corbyn's Satchels
An example of the contents of the older children's satchels.
Some other odds and ends for every one's use. To go with the Art Center stuff ( which has been reorganised since this post) or in the supplies spot.
Myffwyn with her satchel and her first "official day of school!"
Corbyn couldn't wait!
Moran modelling the new satchel.
The older children's version...modeled by Eden.
A complete "class" photo. It seems so empty without our older boys.

Blessings,

Hearts For Home ♥ ♥ 2nd February

In today’s busy and aggressive society mothers at home are not given much encouragement to be committed to their role in being home.

In my weekly 'Hearts for Home' post I am encouraging myself and others to commit to thinking about what 4-6 things we can do each week to bring our thoughts, prayers and actions to keeping our 'Hearts for Home'.

I am praying that a spirit of gentleness, generosity in thoughts and time along with loveliness and grace would lead us to be all that God wants us to be.

I pray also that each person involved in 'Hearts for Home' would also pray for any others involved as well.

May you be blessed by this initiative. I pray it brings you and your family many blessings.

So each week list 4-6 things you will commit to that will keep your "Hearts for Home'.
Please leave a you name and a link to your blog (if you don't have one just leave your list in the comment box)and perhaps a comment so we can all see and encourage each other.

If you would like, add the 'Hearts for Home' logo to your side bar as a reminder of your goals.
God Bless you this week.

♥ Please leave a link to your Hearts for Home Edition on the Mister Linky at the end of the post, so we can all come and visit.
I would also appreciate you linking back here too.☺ ♥ ♥

I also have decided I need to print out my list so I can constantly refer to it and therefore keep it in my mind. I also need to have it put up where I can see it constantly.

My list for the 2nd February is ♥ ♥

1. I really want to focus on helping the children get back into a 'schooling' frame of mind. So this means I need to concentrate on them and not my own distractions or interests.

2. To be really organised at the end (that means for me, being committed to this goal) of the day so our new "night time routine" will flow. We had good success with it last night and hopefully it will be successful long term.

3. Be conscious of tension that may result from keeping on track. Especially from those children who are more easily stressed by adjustments.

4. Allow time for the OT exercises with Arwen and Moran. I have them built into the day but my focus can easily be shifted by other more' important' calls on my attention.

5. Take time for my own spiritual growth as well as some relaxation time. Make this a priority!!

6.To prayerfully consider our situation and to allow God to direct this, perhaps without my insisting on what the outcome should be. This is a tough one for me, please pray for some resolution to be shown to us.

Blessings,

Feast of St Brigid of Ireland

As today was also our first day "back to school" we haven't done any of the activities we usually do for this feast day so I just thought I would finally (after having this in drafts so long) share some information about one of our favourite Saints.

The symbolic imagery: (of the image above)
A young Brigid is taking a brief rest in an oak-shaded bower; a lantern illuminates her book and musical instruments lie at her side.
A dog playfully chases butterflies in front of an oak keg, and an ancient bronze Celtic angel flies in front of a flame.
Inside the bower are also a basket of eggs, a rooster,
a sack of seeds, and Brigid's Cross.
In the background are cattle, a stork and a traveler (who just happens to be St Expeditus)

Patron of Crafts and Creativity, Poets, Dairy, Cattle and Poultry Workers, Healers,Fugitives, Infants, Sailors and Mariners,Ireland, Irish Nuns, New Zealand

Fisheaters always has great information
Catholic Culture too
So many links on this one- I haven't had time to check them all out yet, so ...well just letting you know.
Food ideas
Making St Brigid crosses - very simple instructions
Irish abroad : Information and a YouTube version of the St Brigid crosses
Also a couple of prayers:

St Brigid, Mary of Ireland
Ask for us all today
The courage to do God's bidding
Whatever the world may say
The grace to be strong and valiant
The grace to be firm and true
The grace to be faithful always
To God, God's mother and you.

Everliving God, we rejoice today in the fellowship of your Blessed servant Brigid, and we give you thanks for her life of devoted service.
Inspire us with life and light, and give us perseverance to serve you all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, world without end.

Deliver us from an inordinate love of that we may serve thee with singleness of heart, and attain to theriches of the world to come; through Jesus Christ our Lord, wholiveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit,one God, now and for ever.

I pray your St Brigid Feast day is an enjoyable one.

St Brigid Pray for Us!!

Blessings,