2nd Week of Advent!

We purchased a fake tree this year, but I'm already fond of it! All of the Advent boxes are on the tree with the goodies and stickers. The kids opened the St. Nicholas one today with a note telling them to check their stockings!



The kids insist on having the candles lit every time they eat! I just can't say no to that! :) I made this wreath the year we got married to match all of our Advent decor. I love purple and green! See previous year's posts for decorations.



Here's the St. Nicholas puppet who told the story of St. Nicholas and the 3 daughters! The kids just love puppets! They colored some coloring sheets from stnicholascenter.com as well.



These socks were this year's St. Nick gifts! I also gave them some ceramic ornaments to paint which are pictured last in this post.



Here's our "manger" for putting straw in every time you do something kind or make a sacrifice for Our Lord. We are hopefully going to work hard to make a soft baby bed for Jesus!


My kiddos love playing with their little people nativity! Here my daughter arranged them with Baby Jesus as the central figure. So sweet!

Eating a special snack...my kids love honey and rice cake! I added some sprinkles since it is a special feast today!

Homeschool, Birthday, and Advent Oh MY!

Obviously I've been out of commission...MIA...whichever you prefer. Things were hectic with my brother's wedding and travels all around. We are finally getting back in the swing and Advent is already here!

Here's a brief homeschool photo recap with some of our projects:
St. Michael's Feast and the Archangels Feast...


Christ the King:


Thanksgiving:

My baby is 3!!!!!

Following Him

Okay so not to mean follow "Blue's Clues" of which this is an illustration. I mean that we were trying to stretch our Follow Jesus theme since we had illness run rampant through our home for a week and a half. Some of which was all in my corner. This can limit what is accomplished in a homeschooling environment. So for a little while Blue was teaching the kids in my stead. BUT I have to admit this drawing is pretty cute. I'm glad that she continues art without mommy prompting her!

Here are some pictures from the past 3 weeks:
















Corduroy book and projects...all about "shopping" and "spending" as an add on theme to our counting coins theme for math.




Always there is an interruption or two...


Plus a snack...




For our Gospel(last week's)we went with the "Follow Jesus" theme that day and did a craft of a cross.

We played "follow the leader" with the leader holding the cross and sang "I will follow Jesus wherever he will lead" to the tune of "following the leader". I gave her crepe paper to wave...mainly because we have so much crepe paper at the moment!


Follow Jesus!!! Wherever he leads. Always. Loved and loving Him...today I'm still learning. I hope this finds you learning too...blessings!

Love Lessons

Yet, love, mere love, is beautiful indeed
And worthy of acceptation.



Fire is bright,
Let temple burn, or flax;


an equal light
Leaps in the flame from cedar-plank or weed:

And love is fire. And when I say at need
I love thee . . . mark! . . . I love thee—in thy sight

I stand transfigured, glorified aright,
With conscience of the new rays that proceed
Out of my face toward thine.

There's nothing low
In love, when love the lowest: meanest creatures
Who love God, God accepts while loving so.

And what I feel,


across the inferior features
Of what I am,

doth flash itself, and show
How that great work of Love enhances Nature's.


Sonnet 10 by Elizabeth Barrett Browning