Our Lady of Mount Carmel

It seems life is getting crazier by the minute! It is crunch time for us preparing for this move and we still need to have a garage sale, pack our stuff, clean and million other things. I was disappointed that we were not able to have our scapulars enrolled before today but I am trying to set up a time before me move. If you are interested in enrolling your scapular check out my previous post here. Anyone with tips on how to move into a new state, I would greatly appreciate it. Or if you just want to move my stuff that would be even better!

Today was a quiet feast day as we are getting use to our new schedule with the boys in daycare and me working longer hours. I printed a few coloring pages but the kids fell asleep in the car so they were not colored. Everyone is awake now but I'm sure it will be a late night. We had a meatball sub dinner and ending the night with a warm cup of caramel hot cocoa with the rest of our star marshmallows from the 4th of July. Now to start a movie and relax! I hope everyone had an amazing day!

Prayer to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

O most beautiful Flower of Mount Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in this my necessity. O Star of the Sea, help me and show me herein that you are my Mother.

O Holy Mary, Mother of God, Queen of Heaven and earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart, to succor me in this my necessity. There are none that can withstand your power. O show me herein that you are my Mother.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us that have recourse to thee. (3 times)

Sweet Mother, I place this cause in your hands. (3 times)

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!

Feast of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

What an amazing day! To start the celebration of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, I decided to take the kids on a family field trip to the Indian Temple Mound. It was such an awesome experience and I am glad we decided to make a trip to the Heritage Park and Cultural Center before our move in a couple weeks.

I was extremely disappointed when I discovered our library has NO BOOKS to checkout on Blessed Kateri. The closest book store is over an hour away so I am contemplating making the drive to purchase a book for our personal collection.

My sadness has been greatly lessened when I received an email notifying me that Holy Heroes had a FREE coloring book download for Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Saint Imelda and Saint Juan Diego. I printed the coloring book for our Lily of the Mohawks and Little Man is ready to get started. I love that the coloring pages tell the short story of her life. While he colors with his brother we are going to pray the Litany of Kateri Tekakwitha.

In addition to our field trip today I wanted to make some Native American crafts. I decided on completing some Sand Art. From what I know about the custom, Native Americans would make pictures using colored sand to depict symbols from their tribes. I decided that making sand art would be fun but I incorporated the Chi Rho as our symbol. A turtle or lily symbol would make a great sand art picture as well. The turtle was the symbol of Blessed Kateri's tribe and she is known as the Lily of the Mohawks.

Since we have had typical Florida weather (Pours rain for 20 minutes while the sun is shining, stops and then starts again). I was unable to go to the beach to get sand. I am sure you can buy colored sand from the craft store but why buy it when God has created it for us for free? We have our symbols ready to go so hopefully this project will be finished tomorrow. I am really hoping to have a nice relaxing Sunday as a family since my husband will be off work too!  To the right is a sample of some Native American Sand Art. To complete sand art you need is any color card stock that has a symbol printed or outlined on it. Use white glue and place colored sand over glue. After you leave the picture to dry overnight shave off excess sand and you have a beautiful sand art picture!

For dinner tonight I made chili and Mohawk jiffy corn bread. I wanted to bake some fish instead but I have to admit I never cook fish, so I prefer for my culinary husband to do all the seafood cooking in our household.

The one thing I really wanted to do today was pray the rosary on the beautiful nature trail near my parents house. It was raining so I decided against it. I thought it would be so peaceful and we could make stick crosses to leave along the trail like Blessed Kateri  did. Maybe I should have bought some ponchos and let my children dance in the rain? Hmm...

Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us! 

Indian Temple Mound

Today we made our first visit to the local Indian Temple Mound in honor of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha. The Mound was built sometime around 700AD has been restored and turned into a museum for people to come and learn about the earliest civilizations that lived in our local area. It was fun to show the boys the simple way of life the Indians were accustomed. There were several exhibits that displayed different time periods before and after Explorers and Pirates began to influence the culture of the Indians. There was even information on Billy Bowlegs and how the festival began. You can not actually walk onto the ground where the temple is built because it is so old so you stand and look at it from a pavilion that holds several posts with information about what the temple was used for and traditions of the Indian tribes.

We even got an added bonus of visiting a Civil War Exhibit, Garnier Post Office and Camp Walton Schoolhouse. Apparently it is an all inclusive look into the past with the purchase of your admission to the Temple Mound! What a deal... it only cost $8 for me and the boys!!! I highly suggest taking advantage of such a great and fun opportunity to educate yourself and your children.

The museums were full of hands on activities such as weaving with reeds. I wish we could have stayed all day but an hour was about all Squishy could handle. He is going through the Terrific Twos and teething really bad right now.

Inside the Civil War Exhibit there were old fashioned Confederate flags, uniforms and weapons. Little Man was most mesmerized by the cannons and wanted to find a canon ball so badly. It was so cute but I am glad there were no balls to be found

The Camp Walton School House was a working school from around 1912-1936 for grades 1st-8th. It has been restored and still holds several of the original desks that were used by its students so many years ago. I loved that the desks held small chalk boards with vintage chalk. Little Man and Squishy both enjoyed sitting back in the past and writing with the chalk boards. They looked so sweet "pretending" to be back in school. Little Man is so ready for this upcoming school year to start. And Squishy just wants to be like big brother!

The first thing to catch Little Man's eye was an old checkered board. I wish I could have gotten a picture of him setting up the game board but Squishy was ready to head home. It was past nap time and everyone at the museum knew it!  Although the visit was cut shorter than I had hoped, it was an awesome experience and the perfect activity to celebrate Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, Lily of the Mohawks! It was so eye-opening to see all the richness of life and the advancements we have made throughout history. There are several other family field trips I am hoping to coordinate before the big move!

Saint Maria Goretti

Today is the Feast of Saint Maria Goretti. I have to admit that I didn't learn much about this amazing young woman. Her story of her and her mother's  ability to forgive Maria's murderer is awe-inspiring. It is so easy to say we should all forgive every sin but when something like murder or sexual assault, I am sure it is easier said than done, but forgiveness must be done. I pray that I can be like Maria and forgive all transgressions immediately and that anything I have done to wrong my friends and family, that they can forgive me for my misguidance. I also pray that when my children are older that they cherish their purity and live lives of chastity. These topics are too adult to discuss in full detail with my boys right now but I will be using this story to inspire them when the time comes. Another intriguing aspect of this story is the repentance of her attacker and his conversion that began after a dream he has of Maria  after several years in prison. 

We had a small Italian dinner in honor of the brave, young Maria of Italy. The menu included Angel Hair pasta to symbolize the purity of our Angel in heaven and marinara sauce for the crown of martyrdom she wears. I am hoping to receive this beautiful coloring book about Maria Goretti soon. There is a beautiful resource called the Modesty Pledge that I hope you check out as well. I am also interested in reading the book based on her life titled Saint Maria Goretti: In Garments All Red. 

I have an idea for a liturgical centerpiece involving lilies that I will definitely be making as soon as we get settled in our new home. I am really excited to share it with everyone once it is complete! It will be something my children can help make but can be used for any feast days that lilies are a symbol (Feast of Saint Joseph, Saint Maria Goretti, Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, etc.)

Remember to start your Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel tomorrow!

Prayer to Saint Maria Goretti

Heroic and angelic Saint Maria Goretti, we knee before thee to honor thy persevering fortitude and to beg thy gracious aid.

Teach us a deep love for the precepts of our holy Church; help us to see in them the very voice of our Father in Heaven. May we persevere without stain our white baptismal robe of innocence.

May we who have lost this innocence, kneel humbly in Holy Penance; and with the absolution of the priest may the torrent of Christ's Precious Blood flow into our souls and give us new courage to carry the burning light of God's love through the dangerous highways of this life until Christ our King shall call us to the courts of Heaven.

Saint Maria Goretti, pray for us!

Independence Day!

I hope everyone had an amazing 4th of July! It was extremely hot and humid so we stayed inside and enjoyed a lazy summer day together as a family. I couldn't help but try out my new camera and I had some great models to help me out!

 Look at my handsome men! 

I wish we were able to have more quiet days like these. We have been running around trying to get everything prepared for this move. We have found a new home and now we are in the process of down-sizing since we will be in a smaller place. We have so much stuff!! We are having a garage sale and then donating whatever is left over. We also have a school and daycare picked out for the boys.

A nice lazy day with an afternoon run was exactly what we needed.

I really wanted to make some cute T-shirts for the boys but I didn't think it was a great idea to buy more craft supplies so I am keeping this idea for another time but check it out here!

It was a quiet celebration in our household. We made good ole' American Hot dogs with broccoli and corn on the cob for dinner and we finished our meals with a Star Spangled Ambrosia. The ambrosia was a mixture of strawberries, blueberries, whipped topping and star shaped marshmallows! It was a nice light dessert that the kids enjoyed as much as I did. Little Man really wanted to make white hot chocolate and top it off with our stay marshmallows but I convinced him it was too hot today but I thought it might be a good idea to try next year maybe with cold strawberry milk? Maybe... I will contemplate that :o)

It was overcast as evening approached and we have discovered Squishy is very afraid of fireworks (We know this from New Years). So...Instead of watching the large city display we decided to stay home and watch some neighbors shoot off a display from the comfort of our backyard patio. Little Man lit a few sparklers of our own! I didn't get many great photos of the fireworks because I didn't realize my new camera has no flash. I am still learning how to use it but I think my pictures came out pretty good! Now to start prep for tomorrow's feast day as I make some dinner! I hope everyone had an amazing day with their families!

God bless America,

Land that I love.

Stand beside her, and guide her

Through the night with a light from above.

From the mountains, to the prairies,

To the oceans, white with foam

God bless America, My home sweet home

God bless America, My home sweet home.

Glory Stories Volume IX: {Audio Review}

My children and I were truly inspired by this CD. This story of Jose Sanchez del Rio is apart of the new movie For Greater Glory (Starring Andy Garcia, Peter O'Toole, Eduardo Verastegui of Bella, and Eva Longoria). that recently came to theaters June 1st. I urge you if you have children, especially boys, to purchase this CD. 

Viva Cristo Rey!

This is the true dramatic story of betrayal, courage and triumph of a young boy that stood up against his country for his Catholic faith. Glory Stories Volume IX: The Story of Blessed Jose Sanchez del Rio describes the life of a devote Mexican Catholic during the time of extreme persecution of the Catholic Church in Mexico. This is a great educational tool that discusses a time in history not taught in depth in public schools. Learning about these hard and scary times is critical for all, especially children, so they learn to cherish the freedoms we have in the United States. In addition to the great history lesson, the story of Jose is breath-taking and so are the musical components that are sung and played in the background. The main topics of forgiveness, sacrifice and faith are discussed among the characters illustrating the story beautifully.

I personally like that the story about the Maccabees is explained in detail at the beginning of the audio so the listeners can feel the dramatic irony throughout the story. I have to admit there are several parts in the story that make me tear up in sorrow and joy. The emotions will hit you hard and make this story easy to relate to, whether you are a parent or child. This CD will give your entire family an experience like nothing else l have recieved from a CD before. It makes me proud to say that my oldest son requests to listen to this CD every time we are in the car. I love that he shouts "Viva Cristo Rey!" and understands that even a little boy can do what is right. I know that this CD was created for children but adults will love it too. I hope every child has the opportunity to at least hear this inspirational CD once, they will never forget it. I will be purchasing more Glory Stories for my children.

                   I wrote this review of Glory Stories Vol. IX for the free Catholic Book review program, created by Aquinas and More Catholic Goods Store. Aquinas and More is the largest on-line Catholic bookstore.
I receive free product samples as compensation for writing reviews for Tiber River.

The Brown Scapular

I am so excited I answered my own question from my previous post about enrolling brown scapulars! I found how to enroll my scapular! The Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is July 16th so please get a copy of the enrollment process and if you have not done so, have your scapular enrolled. This special blessing will only need to be completed once. I am hoping Father John can enroll our scapulars on or before this beautiful Feast Day. Below is a copy of the Adobe file on https://www.freebrownscapular.com/. And you can receive free scapulars from the website as well. If you may have other questions about how to wear a scapular there is plenty of information of this website. I am also sure your parish priest would LOVE to hear and answer any questions that you may have and help you plan this special blessing for you and your family.

Procedure for the Blessing and Investiture 

Of the Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel

Priest - Show us, O Lord, Thy mercy.
Respondent- And grant us Thy salvation.
Priest - Lord, hear my prayer.
Respondent - And let my cry come unto Thee.
Priest - The Lord be with you.
Respondent - And also with you.
Priest - Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the human race, sanctify by Thy power these
scapulars, which for love of Thee and for love of Our lady of Mount Carmel, Thy servants
will wear devoutly, so that through the intercession of the same Virgin Mary, Mother of
God, and protected against the evil spirit, they persevere until death in Thy grace. Thou
who lives and reigns world without end.  Amen.

THE PRIEST SPRINKLES HOLY WATER AND INVESTS PERSON(S) WHILE
SAYING:
Receive this blessed Scapular and beseech the Blessed Virgin that through Her
merits, you may  wear it without stain. May it defend you against all adversity and
accompany you to eternal life. Amen.

AFTER THE INVESTITURE THE PRIEST CONTINUES WITH THE PRAYERS:
I, by the power vested in me, admit you to participate in all the spiritual benefits
obtained through the mercy of Jesus Christ by the Religious Order of Mount Carmel.
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
May God Almighty, the Creator of Heaven and earth, bless you, He who has deigned
to join you to the confraternity of the Blessed Virgin Of Mount Carmel; we beseech Her to
crush the head of the ancient serpent so that you my enter into possession of your eternal
heritage, through Christ our Lord.

Respondent - Amen.

THE BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL:
OUR LADY’S GREAT PROMISE

On July 16, 1251, in Aylesford, England, the Blessed Virgin appeared to St. Simon
Stock.  She was dressed in the Habit of the Carmelite Order with her infant Son in her
arms.  Taking the Scapular in her right hand, she gave it to him saying, “RECEIVE, MY
BELOVED SON, THIS SCAPULAR.  WHOSOEVER DIES WEARING THIS SCAPULAR
SHALL NOT SUFFER ETERNAL FIRE .... IT SHALL BE A SIGN OF SALVATION, A
PROTECTION IN DANGER AND A PLEDGE OF PEACE.”

For over 700 years, the Brown Scapular of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel has been one of
the most precious gifts and highly-indulgenced Sacramentals of our Church.  It is more
than that, however; it is in reality a garment, given to us by Our Blessed Mother which
makes us her special children.  Blessing and clothing with the Scapular of the 'Blessed
Virgin of Mt. Carmel' enrolls the individual in the Scapular Confraternity and admits him to
a share in all the spiritual works performed by the Religious of Mount Carmel.
At Fatima, Portugal on October 13, 1917, Mary appeared as Our Lady of Mt.. Carmel,
holding the Brown Scapular in her hand.  Years later, Lucia, the remaining seer of Fatima,
said that “Our Lady wants all to wear the Scapular as their sign of Consecration to Her
Immaculate Heart.”

THE SABBATINE (OR SATURDAY) PROMISE
In 1322, Our Lady appeared to Pope John XXII and made another promise for those
who wore her Scapular faithfully, practiced Chastity according to their state in life, and
said certain prayers known as the “LITTLE OFFICE”*: “I, THE MOTHER OF GRACE,
SHALL DESCEND ON THE SATURDAY AFTER THEIR DEATH AND WHOMSOEVER I
SHALL FIND IN PURGATORY, I SHALL FREE.”

*NOTE:  The ROSARY may be substituted for the LITTLE OFFICE when permission is
obtained from a priest.

REMEMBER, ALL PRIESTS HAVE THE FACULTY TO ENROLL PEOPLE IN THE
BROWN SCAPULAR OF OUR LADY OF MT. CARMEL.
INVESTITURE IS NECESSARY FOR THE SABBATINE PROMISE OR PRIVILEGE.

I am very excited about this opportunity to bestow another grace upon my children and my family. 

I will post when we have completed our enrollment and we will celebrate on July 16th!

Checkout Reconciled To You and Theology is a Verb

Our Lady of Mount Carmel, pray for us!

Planning Life... An Oxymoron?

It feels so nice to sit down and drink a nice cup of coffee right now. Blogging has become an amazing opportunity for me to meet some amazing people, learn some great recipes and crafts, and have an online journal/ scrapbook about my family and our journeys together. All of these things are helping my family to blossom in our faith and I am so great full. I have enjoyed looking back at several posts and seeing how my progression as a blogger. That being said, I find it humorous to read my posts about planning Liturgical Feast Days and family outings, it seems every "plan" is always changed around or some things are omitted from the schedule. This had me thinking how planning life is an oxymoron... especially if you have children! I have perfectionist tendencies so I like to plan things, although, life has taught me to enjoy the unplanned occurrences more and more. I think the unplanned events are an opportunity for us to give special praises to God because the unexpected tends to be a blessing from him to simplify or add some pzazz to the day. 

I know that my plans are not decided by myself alone but I felt the need to go ahead and start "planning" ;o) the upcoming week. I have to admit that I am curious and excited to see what interludes and new adventures will be awaiting me and my family. I would love some ideas and inputs on any and all days please! Movies, books, activities traditions, coloring pages and recipes... 

July 3: Feast Day of Saint Thomas the Apostle

Bake Thomasstriezeln

Build something with legos or building kit... maybe a bird house?  (St. Thomas is the Patron Saint for architects, construction workers and builders)

July 4: Independence Day

Fortnight for Freedom: Special Mass

Firework show

Grill American Cheeseburgers

Sing "God Bless America"

July 6: The Feast Day of Maria Goretti

Spaghetti Dinner: white spaghetti for her purity and marinara for the blood she shed to save it

Watch Movie: Maria Goretti

Make Lily Centerpiece (reuse on July 14th)

July 7: First Saturday

Begin Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel

July 14: The Feast Day of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha

Walk on our Nature Trail 

Make Turtle Craft

** I also want to have my families scapulars enrolled, I am not really sure how to go about it... any help would be appreciated! Thanks and God Bless!**