Week in Review July 5th - Week #1

In Our Homeschool

We started our new school year on Monday and had a pretty fantastic week.  We are starting our 3rd year of "official" homeschooling and we definitely have our groove set.

This year we are adding in some Tot School activities for Gabrielle.  She insists she is a big girl and no longer falls for me telling her that a coloring book is "school".  I have a little bin of Busy Bags for her to work on while we are doing school and she seems to enjoy them so far.

Philip has been helping out a bit by keeping Gabrielle busy when she has hit her wall with the busy bags.  He also taught the kids a science lesson this week - all about gravity!

Around Town

We stayed at home most of the week so that we could get into a good school routine, but we still had some great fun out of the house.  We only school 4 days a week, so we used our day off this week to take a family trip up to a new-to-us hiking spot in the Jemez Mountains.  It was an adorable little half-mile trail that ended in a small waterfall and natural swimming hole.  We wished we had brought our bathing suits, but that didn't seem to stop the kids from having fun in the water!

On Saturday, Michaela participated in the 4th of July Parade with her American Heritage Girl troop, and then we watched the city's firework display later that evening.  On Sunday, we found a cool new pool and spent a few hours having some summer fun.

My Kitchen

I tried a few fun recipes this week.  I made a chicken pesto pizza with leftover rotisserie chicken, pesto, and this 30 minute pizza crust.  I also made Chicken Paella and Flan for the feast of Bl. Junipero Serra.

I'm Grateful For

I'm so glad that my husband (a teacher) is off for another month.  It is so lovely to have him around to hang out with.  Not to mention he helps with school and cleaning!

Things I'm Working On

I've been having a lot of fun with my new-found peg doll obsession.  This week I made my first set of non-saint dolls.  I signed up to do a geography-based swap and painted a set of dolls from Hawaii.  I had a hard time making the grass skirt look good, so I ended up painting the bottom a solid green.  I still think it came out all right thanks to the lei's I made with a toothpick tip.

I'm Linking Up

30 Minute Homemade Pizza

Yesterday, we had one of those evenings where nothing sounded good at all.  If we weren't watching our budget, I would have suggested ordering a pizza or going out for fast food.  Trying to control that instinct, I searched the fridge for an easy meal and came up empty handed.  When I noticed some leftover rotisserie chicken, I decided to make a quick pizza.  I hopped onto Google and searched for an easy at-home pizza crust.  While my husband is an excellent baker, I limit myself to quickbreads and cookies.  I have never tried to make bread or use yeast in any way.  Thankfully my husband had some leftover yeast in the pantry so I was able to pull this crust together quickly.  This is not a gourmet pizza crust by any stretch of the imagination.  But if you need a quick, easy dinner that will satisfy both parents and kids, this is a great option!

30 Minute Homemade Pizza Crust
1 (.25oz) package active dry yeast
1 tsp sugar
1 c warm water
2 1/2c bread flour
2 T olive oil
1 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. In a medium bowl, dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water and let rest for 10 minutes.  Stir in remaining ingredients.  Beat until smooth and let rest another 5 minutes.  Roll out dough onto a lightly floured surface and transfer to pizza stone or baking pan dusted with cornmeal.  Add toppings and bake for 15-20 minutes.

Source: All Recipes

July Saints and Feast Days

General:

10 July Activities for Catholic Families @ Real Life at Home

July 1st – Bl. Junipero Serra

Franciscan missionary from Spain who became a major figure in California history.  He founded 21 missions in California and converted thousands of Native Americans.  If all goes as planned, he will be canonized during Pope Francis’ trip to the U.S. in September.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture or Holy Spirit Interactive.

Coloring Pages:

Blessed Junipero Serra @ Catholic Playground

Blessed Junipero Serra @ Little Jesus and Me (scroll)

Mission San Juan Capistrano and Swallow @ Little Jesus and Me (scroll)

Activities:

Draw a California Mission @ Youtube

Food:

Chicken Paella @ Catholic Mom

California Mission Foods @ Catholic Cuisine

Fig Raisin Cake @ Catholic Culture (or to make it easier on yourself, buy some fig newtons!)

Flan @ Catholic Cuisine

Mexican Chocolate Bread Pudding @ Catholic Cuisine

Sangria @ My Catholic Kitchen

July 3rd - St. Thomas, Apostle

One of Jesus’ twelve apostles famous for doubting that He was raised from the dead until he physically touched Jesus’ crucifixion wounds.  Took the gospel to India.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Jesus and Thomas @ Raising Our Kids

St. Thomas the Apostle @ Catholic Playground

Activities:

Copywork @ Shower of Roses

Milk Carton City of God @ Equipping Catholic Families

Food:

St. Thomas Fingers @ Catholic Cuisine

Grilled Chicken and Rice Salad @ Catholic Cuisine

Chaldean Coconut Cookies @ Catholic Cuisine

Rice Pudding @ Catholic Culture

July 5th: St. Elizabeth of Portugal

Named after her Great-Aunt (St. Elizabeth of Hungary).  Married to King Denis of Portugal, who was often unfaithful, she lived a life of extreme piety and virtue.

Coloring Pages:

St. Elizabeth of Portugal @ Life’s Little Adventures

Activities:

Go to Mass @ Today with the Saints

July 6^th – St. Maria Goretti

At the age of 12, she fought against a rape attempt, which ended in her being stabbed.  She forgave her attacker on her deathbed, who many years later repented.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.  This is such a hard story to tell young children.  Equipping Catholic Families has a wonderful, simple explanation for the younger members of your family.

Coloring Pages:

Maria Goretti @ Little Catholic School and Home

Maria Goretti Illustration @ The Catholic Illustrators Guild

Activities:

Handprint Lillies and Forgiveness Tag @ Shower of Roses

Food:

Flames of Forgiveness Cupcakes @ Catholic Cuisine

Lily Sandwiches @

July 11^th: St. Benedict

Abbot who established a monastic community centered on the divine office.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Benedict @ Catholic Playground

St. Benedict & Scholastica @ Real Life at Home

Activities:

St. Benedict Medal Craft @ Equipping Catholic Families

Memorize Psalms @ Equipping Catholic Families

Food:

Little Pizza Italy @ Catholic Cuisine

July 12th: St. Veronica

St. Veronica is the woman who took pity on Jesus during his walk to Calvary and wiped his face with a cloth.  Read more about her at Catholic Online.

Coloring Pages:

V is for St. Veronica @ Saints to Color

Activities:

Handkerchiefs @ Many Mercies

Veronica’s Veil @ Catholic Playground

St. Veronica Craft @ Catholic Icing

Food:

Poulet Veronique @ Catholic Cuisine

July 12^th: Bl. Louis and Zelie Martin

Parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.  Lived an incredibly pious life and raised 9 children.  They will be canonized October 18^th.  Read more about them at Louis and Zelie Martin.

Activities:

St. Therese and Family Paper Dolls @ Sacred Heart Books and Gifts

Food:

Florentines @ Catholic Cuisine

Lace Effect Sugar Cookies @ Catholic Cuisine

July 14th: St. Kateri Tekakwitha

Mohawk Native American who converted to Catholicism as an adult against her family’s wishes.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Kateri @ Happy Saints

Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha @ St. John the Baptist Religious Ed.

Pack of St. Kateri Coloring Pages @ Holy Heroes (Free)

St. Kateri Tekakwitha @ Catholic Playground

K is for St. Kateri Tekakwitha @ Saints to Color

Activities:

Copywork @ Writing Wizard

St. Kateri Paper Roll Doll @ Family at the Foot of the Cross

St. Kateri Comic Book Pages @ Treasure Chest of Fun and Fact

St. Kateri American Girl Doll Costume @ Equipping Catholic Families

St. Kateri Homemade Costume @ Catholic Icing

St. Kateri Rosary Craft @ Familia Catolica

St. Kateri Crossstitch @ Do Small Things with Love

Stick Cross @ Catholic Inspired

Cross and Beads Necklace @ Catholic Inspired

Food:

Edible Indian Corn @ Shower of Roses

Mohawk Corn Bread @ Catholic Culture

Mohawk Milk Cake @ Hi Cookery

St. Kateri Cedar Plank Salmon @ My Catholic Kitchen

Media:

St. Kateri Audio Glory Story @ Holy Heroes

July 16^th: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel

Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock on Mount Carmel in 1251 and gave him the brown scapular.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture and about the brown scapular at Shower of Roses.

Coloring Pages:

Multiple Coloring Pages @ Catholic Icing

Activities:

Wall Scapular Craft @ Catholic Inspired

Food:

Mount Carmel Steamers @ Catholic Cuisine

Caramel Iced Coffee & Milk @ Catholic Cuisine

Caramel Applesauce Crown Cake @ Catholic Cuisine

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Meatball Sandwich @ Catholic Cuisine

Carmelite Sunday @ Catholic Cuisine

LOTS of scapular shaped treats (cookies, cakes, brownies, etc.) @ Catholic Cuisine

July 22nd: St. Mary Magdalene

Mary Magdalene is the “loose” woman whom Jesus tells to sin no more.  In the Latin tradition, she is also Mary of Bethany, sister of Martha and Lazarus.  She is also, along with the Virgin Mary and St. John, one of the few that remained at Jesus’ side at the crucifixion, and was the first to see the Risen Jesus.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture and at Fish Eaters.

Coloring Pages:

Jesus Forgives Mary Magdalene @ Catholic Etc.

Mary Magdalene at the Tomb @ Hello Kids

Mary at the Tomb @ Ministry to Children

Activities:

Mary and Martha Hidden Objects @ Lessons 4 Sunday School

Mary and Martha Puppets @ Sunday School Zone

Mary and Martha Cartoon @ Youtube

Food:

Magdalenas @ Catholic Cuisine

St. Magdalene Fingers @ Catholic Cuisine

July 23^rd: St. Bridget of Sweeden

Mystic who was zealous in serving the poor and sick as a princess.  She is the mother of Catherine of Sweeden.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Page:

St. Bridget of Sweeden @ Women for Faith and Family

Food:

Sweedish Meatballs @ Catholic Cuisine

July 25th: St. James, Apostle

St. James, the brother of John, was present at the Transfiguration and the Agony in the Garden.  He was beheaded in Jerusalem, the first apostle to be martyred.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. James the Greater @ Little Jesus and Me (scroll)

Activities:

St. James Cross and Shell Candle @ Shower of Roses

Food:

Tarta de Santiago @ Catholic Cuisine

Coupe St. Jacques @ Catholic Cuisine

Nacho Stuffed Shells @ Catholic Cuisine

July 26^th: St. Anne and Joachim

Mary’s parents.  We don’t know much about them, other than that they had Mary when they were advanced in age, and that they dedicated her in the temple as a child.  Read more about them at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Anne @ Waltzing Matilda

Activities:

Cards for Grandparents @ Two Os + More

Food:

Crème Sainte Anne @ Catholic Cuisine

Watermelon Lemonade @ Catholic Cuisine

Mariners Mussels @ Carrots for Michaelmas

July 29^th: St. Martha

Martha was a friend of Jesus, most remembered for working busily to show Jesus hospitality in her home while her sister Mary sat and listened to Jesus.  Martha is the patron saint of homemakers, and reminds us to take time out of our busy day to keep Jesus at the center of our lives.  Read more about her at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

St. Martha @ Catholic Playground

Jesus Visits Mary and Martha @ Sermon 4 Kids

Activities:

Hospitality with Martha and Mary @ Meaningful Mama

Mary and Martha Cartoon @ Youtube

Mary and Martha Hidden Objects @ Lessons 4 Sunday School

Mary and Martha Puppets @ Sunday School Zone

Food:

Prepare a simple meal as suggested @ Catholic Culture

July 31^st: St. Ignatius of Loyola

Spanish saint who helped found the Jesuits.  Read more about him at Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

I is for St. Ignatius of Loyola @ Saints to Color

St. Ignatius of Loyola @ Herald Entertainment

Coloring Page and Paper Doll @ Paper Dali

Activities:

Spiritual Exercise @ Sadlier

Food:

San Ignacio’s Nachos @ Catholic Cuisine

You can find most of these activities on my Liturgical Year - July Pinterest board:

Follow Andrea's board Liturgical Year: July on Pinterest.

Thanks for reading!

Trinity Sunday Family Fun

Coloring Pages:

Trinity @ What’s in the Bible

Food:

Trinity Sundae’s @ Catholic Icing

Tacos for Trinity Sunday @ Catholic Cuisine

Tres Leches Cake @ Catholic Cuisine

Trinity Cookies @ Catholic Cuisine

Tricolor Pasta @ Catholic Cuisine

Trinity Cookies @ Blommi

Activities:

I Believe Trinity Mobile @ Look to Him and Be Radiant

Preschool Trinity Craft @ Catholic Icing

Teaching Kids About the Trinity with Apples @ Catholic Icing

Sign of the Cross Copywork @ Real Life at Home

Thanks for reading!

Pentecost Family Fun

 

Today we celebrate Pentecost, the birthday of the Church!  Did you know Pentecost is more important than Christmas?  Yeah, me neither!  To read more about this Feast, visit Catholic Child and Catholic Culture.

Coloring Pages:

Pentecost @ Catholic Playground
Holy Spirit Dot to Dot @ Catholic Playground
Pentecost @ Drawn 2B Creative
3^rd Glorious Mystery: Pentecost @ St. Anne’s Helper

Crafts:

Holy Spirit Handprint Dove @ Catholic Icing
Gifts of the Holy Spirit Paper Plate Dove @ Catholic Icing
Tongues of Fire Hat Craft @ Catholic Icing
Holy Spirit Pin-less Pinwheel @ Catholic Inspired
Pentecost Spinner @ Christian Crafters
Pentecost Playdough Mat @ Flame: Creative Kids Ministry
A Windsock for Pentecost @ Shower of Roses
Picture Puzzle for Pentecost @ That Resource Site (paid membership required)
 
Educational:
Pentecost Lapbook @ Rosary Mom
Gifts of the Holy Spirit Minibook @ Drawn 2B Creative
Elementary Pentecost Lesson Plan @ The Catholic Toolbox
 
Food:
Pentecost Cookies @ Mama’s Little Ditty
Holy Spirit Crackers @ Catholic Cuisine
Spicy Pentecost Brunch @ Catholic Cuisine
Twelve Fruit Salad (Fruits of the Holy Spirit) @ Catholic Cuisine
7 Layer Dip (Gifts of the Holy Spirit) @ Catholic Cuisine
Tongues of Fire Cupcakes @ Catholic Cuisine
Pentecost Cake @ Catholic Icing
Pentecost Sundaes @ Catholic Icing
Holy Spirit Pancakes @ Family at the Foot of the Cross
Pentecost Parfaits @ Catholic Mom
 
Prayers:
Chaplet to the Holy Spirit @ Catholic Mom
Come Holy Spirit @ Catholic All Year
3^rd Glorious Mystery of the Rosary: Pentecost @ TotusTuus
St. Augustine’s Prayer to the Holy Spirit @ Ana St. Paul

You can find most of these links on my Easter Pinterest Board:
Follow Andrea's board Catholic Kids: Easter on Pinterest.

Thanks for reading!

Family Fun for the Feast of the Ascension

Happy Ascension Thursday!  Am I the only one that's bummed that most diocese, including mine, have moved this Holy Day of Obligation to Sunday instead?  Regardless if you are one of the lucky few celebrating today, or are waiting until Sunday, I have a roundup of fun activities to celebrate our Lord ascending to Heaven 40 days after his Resurrection.

Coloring Pages:

Feast of the Ascension @ Catholic Playground
Ascension @ Sanctus Simplicitus
Ascension @ St. John the Baptist

Food:

Heavenly Assumption Parfait @ Catholic Cuisine

Activities:

Ascension 3D Craft @ Catholic Inspired
Ascension of Jesus Craft @ RE Teacher
Ascension Craft @ Ten Kids and a Dog
Ascension Pull Tab @ Catholic Playground
Ascension Day Worksheets @ Sanctus Simplicitus

Misc:

Start the Novena to the Holy Spirit in Preparation for Pentecost @ EWTN

Most of these activities can be found on my Easter Pinterest Board.
Follow Andrea's board Catholic Kids: Easter on Pinterest.

Thanks for reading!

May Saints and Feast Days

Month of Mary
May is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.  There are so many beautiful ways to honor her this month!

Coloring Pages:
Queenship of Mary @ Waltzing Matilda
Mary Queen of Heaven @ Real Life at Home

Activities:
Paper Vase/Bouquet @ Catholic Inspired (doubles as a Mother’s Day gift!)
30 Minute May Crowning for Toddlers @ Catholic Mom
Preschool May Crowning Craft @ Catholic Icing
May Crowning Craft @ Faith Filled Freebies
May Crowning @ Catholic Icing
Mary Diorama @ Catholic Sistas

Food:

Rice Krispie Crown @ Catholic Cusine
Queenship Cheese and Cracker Crown Platter @ Catholic Cuisine
Edible Mary Bouquet @ Catholic Cuisine
Marian Titles May Crowning Luncheon @ Catholic Cuisine
A Feast for Mary’s Month of May @ Catholic Cuisine

May 1st - St. Joseph the Worker

Coloring Pages:
St. Joseph @ Drawn 2B Creative
St. Joseph the Worker @ Catholic Inspired

Activities:
St. Joseph the Worker Chore Chart @ Catholic Inspired
St. Joseph Memory Match Playing Cards @ Shower of Roses
St. Joseph Learning Packet @ Real Life at Home (minimal cost)

Food:

St. Joseph’s Sawdust Pasta @ Serious Eats

May 2nd - St. Athanasius

Doctor of the church who fought against the Arian heresy.

Coloring Pages:

St. Athanasius @ Sanctus Simplicitus

May 4th: St. Florian

Early Roman martyr.  He was a soldier who was burned alive for his faith.  Patron of Firefighters.

Coloring Pages:
Unfortunately I couldn’t find any!  This may be a project I work on soon as this is one of my son’s favorite saints!

Food:

Flame/Fire Themed Snacks @ Hostess with the Mostess

May 10: St. Damien of Molokai

Belgian priest who volunteered to minister to quarantined lepers in Hawaii.

Coloring Pages:

St. Damien @ Waltzing Matilda

Food:

Hawaiian Luau @ Living Life Simply
Hawaiian Chicken Kabobs @ Catholic Mom

May 12th: Blessed Imelda Lambertimi

Patron saint of first communicants.

Coloring Pages:

Blessed Imelda @ Saints to Color

Craft:

True Prescence Craft @ Catholic Icing
Pool Noodle Monstrance @ Catholic Icing

Food:

Communion Wafer Waffle Breakfast @ Pinewood Castle

Communion Bento Box @ Bentology

 

Books & Media:

Let the Children Come to Me Glory Story @ Holy Heroes
The Bread of Life DVD @ Brother Francis

May 13th: Our Lady of Fatima

Coloring Pages:
The Day the Sun Danced coloring page @ CCC of America
Our Lady of Fatima @ Catholic Playground
Miracle of the Sun Booklet @ Teachers Pay Teachers
OLF Stained Glass @ St. John the Baptist

Food:

Miracle of the Sun Morning Breakfast @ Catholic Cuisine
Miracle of the Sun Liturgical Tea @ Catholic Cuisine
Our Lady of Fatima Garden Party @ Family at the Foot of the Cross

Books & Media:
The Day the Sun Danced DVD @ CCC of America

May 15th: St. Isidore

Food:
St. Isidore Pumpkin Cupcakes @ Catholic Cuisine

Activities:

Plant a garden and decorate w/ garden sign @ Catholic Inspired
St. Isidore Produce Sorting Game @ Catholic Inspired
 
May 20th: St. Bernardine of Siena
Franciscan priest known for devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.  He developed the IHS symbol.
Coloring Page:
Black and White Paper Doll @ David Claudon
Holy Name of Jesus Coloring Page @ Look to Him and Be Radiant

Activities:

Paper Doll @ David Claudon

May 21st: St. Christopher Magallanes and Companions

Group of 22 Mexican priests martyred for their faith by the Anti-Catholic Mexican government in the 1920’s.  This is a difficult story and not a lot of resources for children are available. I add this here, because I feel it is important to expose children to the idea of modern persecution, especially in light of what is currently happening with ISIS.
 

May 22nd: St. Rita of Cascia

Incorruptible saint who experienced a crown of thorns stigmata.
Coloring Pages:
St. Rita @ Catholic Playground

Food:

Fig Newtons and Rose Tea @ Catholic Cuisine

Activities:

St. Rita Diorama @ Catholic Sistas
 

May 26th: St. Philip de Neri

Cheerful priest who revived the practice of frequent Holy Communion.
Coloring Page:
St. Philip Neri @ Waltzing Matilda
 

May 30th: St. Joan of Arc

Coloring Pages:
St. Joan of Arc @ St. John the Baptist
Joan of Arc @ Catholic Playground
Joan of Arc w/ Angels @ Catholic Playground
Joan of Arc @ Catholic Heritage Curricula
Joan of Arc 2 @ Catholic Heritage Curricula

Food:

Quiche Lorraine @ Catholic Cuisine

Books & Media:

God’s Hero on Horseback Glory Story @ Holy Heroes

Moveable Feasts
Ascension @ Homeschool Is Where the Heart Is
Pentecost @ Homeschool Is Where the Heart Is (Coming Soon)
Trinity Sunday @ Homeschool Is Where the Heart Is (Coming Soon)

Follow Andrea's board Liturgical Year: May on Pinterest.
Thanks for reading!