Ascension Thursday

Thanks to Lacey at "Catholic Icing," we made a craft today in honor of Jesus' Ascension into Heaven.  The kids did a really good job on it and had fun, too.  :-)

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God,

that we who believe

Thine only-begotten Son our Redeemer,

to have ascended this day into heaven,

may ourselves dwell in spirit amid heavenly things.

Roman Missal, 6th-8th Century

Happy Memorial Day

I received the poem below in an email newsletter back on Veteran's Day from Fr. John Corapi. It spoke volumes to me, not only as a soldier's wife, but as a patriot and as an American. I am proud beyond words of the veterans in my life, especially my husband. Their example has inspired me to be a better person, a better American. May God bless them always!

As we all celebrate this weekend, let us remember the sacrifices of so many that have made our celebrating possible. It is not about sunbathing and barbecues. It is about death and sacrifice and ultimate love for a nation, the principles upon which it was founded and freedom. Freedom isn't free. God Bless America!



THE FINAL INSPECTION - AUTHOR UNKNOWN


The Soldier stood and faced God,

Which must always come to pass.

He hoped his shoes were shining,

Just as brightly as his brass..

Step forward now, Soldier,

How shall I deal with you?

Have you always turned the other cheek?

To My Church have you been true?'

The soldier squared his shoulders and said,

No, Lord, I guess I ain't.

Because those of us who carry guns,

Can't always be a saint.

I've had to work most Sundays,

And at times my talk was tough.

And sometimes I've been violent,

Because the world is awfully rough.

But, I never took a penny,

That wasn't mine to keep...

Though I worked a lot of overtime,

When the bills got just too steep.

And I never passed a cry for help,

Though at times I shook with fear..

And sometimes, God, forgive me,

I've wept unmanly tears.

I know I don't deserve a place,

Among the people here.

They never wanted me around,

Except to calm their fears

If you've a place for me here, Lord,

It needn't be so grand.

I never expected or had too much,

But if you don't, I'll understand.

There was a silence all around the throne,

Where the saints had often trod.

As the Soldier waited quietly,

For the judgment of his God.

Step forward now, you Soldier,

You've borne your burdens well.

Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,

You've done your time in Hell.'


Author Unknown~

A trip to the Nature Center

We are blessed to have a beautiful nature center in our township .  It has acres of trails, a bird observatory, live animals and hands-on exhibits. 

One overcast afternoon last week, we decided to take a visit and see what we could find.  I came up with a unique assignment: they were to choose a creature or object and draw it in their sketchpad.  I also photographed each item they drew.  When we got home, we printed out my photograph and mounted both it and their sketch with facts we researched onto a posterboard.  They were so excited about the project!  But, it would not be easy to find animals or birds on a dreary May afternoon.  They were quiet and observant.

They were rewarded for their patience.  In the bird observatory, we were able to see a beautiful red cardinal, blue jays and several other bird species.  The kiddos were so happily surprised to see such gorgeous birds visit the feeders.

The same went for the pond.  At first glance, it was lifeless.  It was not a sunny day, so no frogs or turtles would be found basking in the rays.  But, upon careful observation they found hundreds of little tadpoles swimming which was an awesome sight.

So, a dreary day was turned into a bright one.  The dulldrums were turned into excitment and enthusiasm and I again got to witness first hand a love of learning in my children.  :-)

Mother's Day

What a fun day!  I first was given the surprise of homemade chocolate covered strawberries (my eldest's idea; he made them as a surprise with his dad for me)  This was after the best gift of all-- letting me sleep in!  :-)))

After Church, we took the kids to a Family Fun Center where they could play their hearts out.  Yes, the kids were having the fun, but isn't that what Mother's Day is all about?  Celebrating our children?  They are the precious gifts who make the day possible!

The Fun Center had go-karts (which even our baby girl drove for the first time!), miniature golf, batting cages, amusement rides, a giant tube contraption to climb in and lots of video games.  Needless to say, they tired themselves out! 

May God bless all mothers on this Mother's Day, and always, for the sacrifices they have made and continue to make for their children and families.  They are precious in God's eyes, for He too, chose to be born of a woman and called her "Mom."

Dyeing Easter Eggs :-)

It has become a Palm Sunday tradition in our family, that after Church, the kids dye their eggs.  It is a fun way to begin a somber week; a week in which we engage in many other activities/prayers/crafts to remember the real and true meaning of what took place during that first Holy Week.  I will post pictures and photos of those, as well.  But first, the dyeing of the eggs....  :-)

Sun prints

Last Thursday, we had a bright, sunny day for a change and the kiddos and I took advantage of it!

When at the Lenape village, I had purchased a sun print kit from the gift shop and thought the bright sunshine was just the ticket to trying it out.

It was a lot of fun and only took about a minute or two each.  We all came up with our own, unique designs.  :-)

 

 

 

Trip to the Lenape Village

On Thursday, the kiddos and I were part of a field trip to a local nature center that has a Lenape village. Two costumed interpreters split the group in half and began a 4 hour adventure and trip back in time to learn all about the Lenape tribe.


Much could be learned from their culture- their thankfulness for all of the blessings bestowed upon them, along with the failures, as their lives wouldn't be what they were without either. Children were seen as precious gifts. They wasted nothing and were a very adaptable and capable people.

There were many stations that we visited. Each represented a particular part of Lenape life and at each, the children all got to have hands-on experiences.

The kiddos got to grind corn:

 

 











Make corn pancakes:

"Hunt" for firs:

Start a fire:

Make pottery:

Make/weave cordage:

 











And garden:

Another fun and educational day together!  :-)