A New Springtime

Make Your Own Calendar Coloring Book

Today, we found a little gem at the thrift store.

 This will be a good motivator and reminder for me to do a monthly nature and book shelf. I love each of the adorable illustrations which spurned me to make a list of miniature things I can use to decorate our shelves with. I think I will start a clear bin for these items. I will put them in a Ziploc and label them January through December, then all I will have to do is get them out when needed.

• January - a sled, hats, mittens, snowflakes
• February - doves, angels, hearts
• March -  figurines of kids flying kites, daffodils
• April - ducks,bunnies, tulips
• May - insects, grasshoppers, butterflies, various flowers
• June - daisies, birds, mushrooms
• July - patriotic items, flags, shells, ocean animals
• August - farm items, veggies, fruits, farm animals
• September - pumpkins, apples, leaves
• October - spiders, moon, stars
• November - turkey, corn, indian and pilgrims
• December - snowman, pine trees

Summer Nature

 I have been bringing my oldest son to his summer job he got at the Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary. It has been a great way to start off the day. There are always plenty of birds, plants and other wildlife to observe. Today, we were blessed to see an abundance of God's wonderful creation.  I just love these little guys. I never tire of their soft blue and peachy colors.

 

These furry little ones were  out hopping and nibbling on their morning snack.

 

The woodpecker was winding up getting ready to start his day working on a tree.

 

The biggest and grandest sight of all was this sight:

 

Not only the birds were showing their fancies but the flowers were in their splendor, too. These orange ones looked like dangling jewels. Wouldn't these be a gorgeous pair of earrings, a bit smaller of course.

 

I also had a sense of peace while gazing upon these purple delights. They add such a sense of softness to the landscape.

 

What an awesome way to start the day! Summer nature, It's a God (good) thing.

Playing the Game of Life, Caritas Veritate

 How appropriate that the kiddos got the game of life today. It is a great game showing how we go through life and have many challenges and decisions to make. Hopefully they will be charitable and ones made with Jesus, who is charity itself, as our guide.

 I say this because I just found out the Holy Father has put out a new encyclical called,

"Caritas in Veritate" which means Charity in Truth. This letter addresses the issues we are all facing at this time concerning life issues, economics, environment, etc. according to our Catholic faith.  

 Today, I was pondering what the most important thing in life to me is and undoubtedly it is my children. They are my jewels, my wealth, and as a Catholic I know this is what the church tries to teach me in being open to life. The human person is the most precious creation on Earth. Having a family and following my Catholic Faith teaches me and shows me how to put life and others before myself in Christ Jesus. How could I truly experience joy if I wasn't willing to putting God and others first. A contraceptive( anti-life) and disposable mentality is what creates crisis. When we cheapen the value of life it creates debt.  God first,  and true charity towards neighbor always prospers.

 The encyclical also defends the fact that no one can claim to be charitable and do the opposite when it comes to  protecting the most vulnerable of society, the unborn or elderly. Children are assets not burdens and  the older people who have worked beforee us and raised families need to be honored and taken care of in their older years in return.

 I haven't read the whole encyclical yet but I am going to add it to the top of my list for this week.

I love the Holy Father and his message of Jesus:The Way, The Truth and The LIFE!

God Bless America, Our 4th of July

"While the storm clouds gather across the sea,

Let us swear allegiance to a land that is free,

 

Let us all be greatful to a land so fair,

 

As we raise our voices in solemn prayer."

 

God bless America,

 

land that I love,

 

stand beside her,

 

and guide her,

 

through the night with the light from above.

 

From the mountains,

 

to the prairies, to the oceans, white with foam

 

God bless America.

 

My home sweet home.

Summer Soccer

 Our son is playing on a summer soccer league this year. It a good opportunity to kick offmy shoes and sit back and relax. We usually spread out a blanket, nibble on a few snacks and enjoy the game.

                               

Baby Eliana even gets in on the fun clapping and shouting, "Go, Go!"

                                

After work, Joe went to his game and gave it his all.

                                 

After the game was over big brothers helped lil' sis walk to the van. Doesn't this just warm your heart? I just love these great family moments.

Enjoying Summer, Handwork and Nature's Bounty

  Well we have stopped our scheduled school days and are starting our summer vacation. We will work on our summer reading program from our local library and work on trying to get outside more often for some fresh air and rest and relaxation. I would like to do some handwork projects while the kiddos run about. I am currently working on a cute bunny pattern which I found at primitivebettys. I love to do punch needle and other wool applique pieces, it puts my mind at ease and gives me a sense of accomplishment.

 After many overcast days the sun finally decided to peek out. The kiddos and I quickly rushed out to soak in a few rays. Even our cat, Reggie, was lovin' the warm sunshine.

                                 

Needle art is such a good therapy for unwinding from the fast- paced life we can get caught up in.

                                 

The baby was enjoying herself  doing her favorite outdoor activity.

                                

The boys decided to take advantage of nature's bounty!

                                

                                

I also enjoyed the garden that my hubby has been working so hard to maintain. I haven't been to faithful to the weeding but now that we are out of school I will try to get out there more often. The snow peas I planted seem to be doing quite well.

                               

Hubby takes pride in growing his corn and we take pride in eating it. My mouth is watering just thinking about it!

                             

 The blueberries are so beautiful! The blue-green color is so subtle and I love watching the it change to the deep purple. They are so amazing to watch.I feel so blessed by God be surrounded by such wonderful bounty.

                          

A Double Whammy !

  Today was a double whammy, Father's Day and our son's sixteenth birthday. There are frequent celebrations in our home, that is one of the perks of having a large family. Life is a wonderful gift and we are a people of feasting. The Catholic Church is full of many feasts. Everyday  is a special day dedicated to the entrance of a person into Heaven. Living in a world were there are often trails and tribulations it is important to focus on the unseen mystery of eternal happiness.

 My husband and I feel so blessed to have our family and we are open to life as our faith teaches us to be. I fall in love more as my marriage goes on. The honeymoon phase has long been over but a greater more tangible phase is upon us as we learn to be a true family.

                                    

 I wanted to honor my husband for all of his hard work and dedication, so I made him a poster for his office  that  will always  remind him of how much we appreciate all he does for us.

                                    

 He is a very dependable and a great provider. I know it must be hard to sacrifice some of the luxuries and other worldly desires but he chooses children over things and for that I am grateful. How blessed I am to have such a faithful husband and a loving father for my children.

  Our son's birthday is actually tomorrow but because it falls on a weekday we decided to combine the two celebrations into one. Hubby was gracious enough to share his special day. I am so proud of the young man our son is becoming. He loves life and is always working hard to help the family out.

                                      

A Beary Good Time

  Our town, which is actually a city, had a special event this weekend. It was called The Bear Fest. It was the unveiling of fiberglass bears, each decorated by a different artist. It was so 'beary' cool to see how each person used their talents to paint the bear in a unique way.

                                  

 The kiddos and I had a 'beary' good time. Our little city is such a beautiful New England spot and the bears added a bit of whimsy to it. It was so great to see all of the people who came out to see the bears. They were enjoying themselves on the self guided tour.We got our map and off we went.

                                   

The city sidewalks were marked with paw prints that led the way to each bear.

                                  

The first one we saw, probably my favorite, was the Garden Bear.

                                  

The second, was so cute, it was a bear soap on a rope.

                                 

The next one was placed appropriately by the pond. It was Max's favorite.

                                

This bear was out of this world, it's name was Ursa Major. Far out, huh? This could actually be my favorite,too!

                                

The one Hannah liked the best was named Madame Bearterfly. Isn't she so girly girl?

                                 

The Gingerbread Bear made us all hungry, Raphael wanted to take a bite. This bear was done by  a friend of ours mother. She is very creative! Did you notice her pretzel belt and her twizzler mouth? Yummy!

                                  

A cute little bear but a big idea. He is named Aurora Bearealis. This one had a solar panel attached to it which we think allowed him to glow at night.

                                 

I forgot the name of this next one but I was really impressed by it because it gave credit to St. Luke as the patron of artists. Of course, I love when the saints are included in everything. Maybe this one is my favorite, okay all of them are my favorite.

                                  

                                

 There were many more bears to see; so if you live close by come on to our quaint New England town (city) and see the bears. They don't bite; I promise. You will have a beary fun time!

A Tasha Tudor Book , A Great Thrift Find

                                     

 Thursday night thriftin' is always a treat. As some of you may know Thursday is supposed to be a night out by myself, well I usually bring the baby of course due to nursing. However, now that she is getting less dependent on the "num nums", this week is going to be all mine.

 I have also had three other tag alongs who manage to finagle their way into my time out. Not that I mind the older ones because they are pretty much independent but I thought this was 'my time'. How did that happen?

 Anyhow, I did get a great find at my favorite Thrift Store, Savers. It is this book, Tasha Tudor's Heirloom Crafts.

                                       

 I never really knew too much about Tasha Tudor's life. I did know that she was an illustrator of children's books. We have two of them. This one:

                                          

 I found out that this is rare and it is selling for $60.00 on the Tasha Tudor and Family website. I got this for a mere $0.69 about  a year ago while thrifting. I will treasure it and I hope my children will as well.

 The other book we have is this one:

                                          

I have been enjoying reading about her life and all of her crafting endeavors. I am trying to find out more about visiting her place.If anyone has been please leave a comment.I hope to find more treasures by her or about her in the future.

Our Friend Has A Farm, E-I-E-I-O

 Last Friday, the kiddos and I headed up to our friends house in our new ride.

 

 I always get excited on new adventures. We had the radio on a station with some lite oldies and some new music, the kids were clapping and havin' a good ole time. Even baby was getting in on the excitement.

 Our friend lives about 30 minutes away in what we call the Hill Towns. Heading down the dirt road to her newly created farm added to the wonder and anticipation of our road trip.

 

 The beauty of the country road was so soothing.

 When we arrived we chatted with our friends for a little while, had some tea and then headed out to her yard to see her new animals. On her farm she had some goats...

 

E-I-E-I-O and the goats said, " nahhhh". On her farm she had some.... 

sheep. E-I-E-I-O and the sheep said," bah, bah". On her farm she had some...

 

chickens and a rooster, and they said," cluck, cluck and cock -a- doodle -do."

 We had a great time on our friend's new farm. The kids enjoyed the animals and their friends and even though we didn't see Old McDonald (aka my friend's husband) we had a grand time!