Christmas in July Celebration

Does the hot rainy weather of the summer ever make you miss the cool crisp winter air of Christmas? I LOVE the Christmas season. The music, food, smells, movies and sweaters! It has become tradition in our household to have a Christmas in July Celebration to help us all beat the heat and get into the Christmas spirit!

We started the day out at Mass. It was Little Man's first time altar serving at our new parish. He did amazing and I love how prayerful he looks. Goalie really wants to be an altar server but he is too young and I am afraid that his ADHD will inhibit him from doing altar server duties for awhile. Checkout 5 Tips to Help Your ADHD Child During Mass.

I am linking this at My Sunday Best at A Blog For My Mom.

After Mass, we headed to the pool! It is still summer time and it is hot outside. We have been experiencing rain quite often in the afternoon so we decided to head out early. It was a little too chilly for me to jump in the water but the boys had a great time.

While I prepare our yummy Christmas Feast, the boys will be able to read some Christmas books, color  and learn about Saint Nicholas all while listening to Christmas music. I think that the music is my favorite, honestly I could listen to Christmas music all year long.

Checkout the St. Nicholas Center, they celebrate Christmas in July too.

This year I decided (last minute) to keep our celebration pretty simple. I made a Christmas Pork Roast and Christmas Cookies!

Here are some more classic Christmas foods you can enjoy with a summertime twist for a Christmas in July Celebration! I have done all of these at one time or another but I just did not have time to incorporate them this year.

Smithfield Pecan Praline Spiral Sliced Ham

You can purchase this at any large grocery store chain. It's wrapped in a bright blue colored foil too! What I love about this ham is it is packed with a pecan praline sauce that is more summery and gives the ham amazing flavor.

Christmas Watermelon

Slice your watermelon into medium slices and use christmas cookie cutters to cut the watermelon.

Frozen Hot Chocolate (1 serving)

6 fluid ounces vanilla coffee creamer (I use creamer made with almond milk)
1/2 cup hot cocoa mix (2 packets)
1/2-2 cups ice
whipped cream (optional)
cinnamon sticks (optional)
shaved chocolate (optional)
sprinkles (optional)

Pour Creamer into the blender. Add cocoa mix and ice with the creamer. Blend until ice is crushed and drink is at a slushy consistency. Don't be afraid to add a splash of peppermint extract while you are blending if you like peppermint cocoa. Pour into a mug or glass and garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon sticks and sprinkle with shaved chocolate and/or sprinkles if you wish. Enjoy!

**This can be made into an adult beverage if you add 2 oz of Baileys and/or Peppermint Liquor**

So last minute I did make some frozen hot chocolate! We will end the day with a Christmas Movie Marathon that will include the classics! Polar Express, A Christmas Story, Silent Night and A Christmas Carol. My most favorite Christmas movies are White Christmas and It's A Wonderful Life. I force my hubby to watch them with me quite often.

A Movie Marathon would not be complete without popcorn and frozen hot chocolate for the boys and a nice big glass of wine for me and my husband. Now to be patient... just another 5 months until the real Christmas season begins. I am sharing this at Talk it Up Thursday.

Children's Prayer to Saint Nicholas:

God Our Father we pray,

That through the intercession of St. Nicholas,You will protect our children.Keep them safe from harm,And help them grow,And become worthy of Your sight.

To keep their Faith in You,

And to keep alive their joy,

In Your creation.

Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.

Give them strength,

Amen.

St. Nicholas, pray for us!

Summer Time Check Up!

Today we are almost to the very end of July and I thought it would be a great time to do a Summer Time Check Up! It's about halfway through the summer and I can't wait to see where everyone stands on the bucket lists and goals you have set for yourselves and your family. I have to admit I am disappointed we have visited the apartment pool more than anything else this summer. Just felt nice to be home and not travel a ton. We have been reading a ton and utilizing a lot of our money saving experiences like the $1 movies, parks and gym.

Cinemark Summer Movie Club:

COMPLETED

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo:

We bought season passes so we can enjoy this amazing zoo year round! There are Halloween, Christmas and other events that we are really excited to check out.

Focus on the Family Visitor Center:

NOT ON THE ORIGINAL BUCKET LIST BUT SHOULD HAVE

Seven Falls Hike:

Strawberry Moon Night Hike:

Colorado Rockies Baseball Game:

Birthday Pie Fight:

Little Man and my husband share the same birthday month so to celebrate we had a huge pie fight! My husband had his face pushed into the cake first then we took the "pie fight" outside and threw cool whip everywhere. It was a really great family memory.

Aga Splash Park:

NOT COMPLETED (YET)

Denver Zoo 

Royal Gorge Train 

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park 

Berry Patch Farms 

Patsy Candy Tour 

Peterson Air and Space Museum 

Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum 

Williams Fire Museum

Canon Balloon Classic 

*Missed this completely so we will have to wait until next year* 

Manitou Springs Cliff Dwelling 

Manitou Springs Incline 

Miramont Castle 

Cave of the Winds 

Aquarium 

Arkansas River Rafting Trip 

Camping Trip

Visit a Lake

OH MAN! That is a LONG list! At least some of these activities are in close vicinity to each other so I can hopefully knock out several in one day. If not, we will get to it eventually. I realized that my aspirations for the summer were quite large to say the least! We have had an amazing summer so far and I'm sure it will continue to be great until school starts. This week we will be celebrating Christmas in July and several other fun feasts. I have already begun working on our Fall Bucket List too! How has your summer been so far? 

Feast of Saint Martha

Saint Martha is the sibling of Saint Mary Magdalene and Lazarus. She is the patroness of homemakers, cooks and those that work around hospitality. This makes Saint Martha pretty important to my family. Both my husband and I work within the hospitality industry over the past decade. Right now he is a restaurant manager and I will be starting a new serving job soon. The service industry is certainly difficult but Saint Martha did it and through her example we all try our best. She is also one of the greatest examples of what I want to be as a homemaker. Saint Martha is only mentioned a handful of times throughout the bible but there is a Golden Legend concerning her and a dragon. This story and more can be found at FishEaters. 

There was that time upon the river of Rhone, in a certain wood between Arles and Avignon, a great dragon, half beast and half fish, greater than an ox, longer than an horse, having teeth sharp as a sword, and horned on either side, head like a lion, tail like a serpent, and defended him with two wings on either side, and could not be beaten with cast of stones nor with other armour, and was as strong as twelve lions or bears; which dragon lay hiding and lurking in the river, and perished them that passed by and drowned ships. 

He came thither by sea from Galicia, and was engendered of Leviathan, which is a serpent of the water and is much wood, and of a beast called Bonacho, that is engendered in Galicia. And when he is pursued he casts out of his belly behind, his ordure, the space of an acre of land on them that follow him, and it is bright as glass, and what it toucheth it burneth as fire. To whom Martha, at the prayer of the people, came into the wood, and found him eating a man. And she cast on him holy water, and showed to him the cross, which anon was overcome, and standing still as a sheep, she bound him with her own girdle, and then was slain with spears and glaives of the people. 

The dragon was called of them that dwelled in the country Tarasconus, whereof, in remembrance of him that place is called Tarasconus, which tofore was called Nerluc, and the Black Lake, because there be woods shadowous and black. And there the blessed Martha, by licence of Maximin her master, and of her sister, dwelled and abode in the same place after, and daily occupied in prayers and in fastings, and thereafter assembled and were gathered together a great convent of sisters, and builded a fair church at the honour of the blessed Mary virgin, where she led a hard and a sharp life. She eschewed flesh and all fat meat, eggs, cheese and wine; she ate but once a day. An hundred times a day and an hundred times a night she kneeled down and bowed her knees.

An interesting aspect of this story is that Saint Martha threw holy water on the dragon to defeat it. There are several other saints that are discussed with dragons like Saint George but she does not "slay" the dragon like Saint George. Saint Martha simply uses holy water to defeat the dragon and the comparison of the homemaker Saint Martha to a dragon really illustrates the strength of her prayers.

Also thanks to this story about Saint Martha and the dragon we learn about a cool connection between her and tarragon, a fresh herb. Tarragon is also known as "little dragon" in Latin, which is an herb that grows in the same region of France that Saint Martha lived.

In her honor it is customary to enjoy a nice tarragon tea but I felt making a good hot dinner of Tarragon Chicken. If you are still interested in making a nice cup of tarragon tea check out The Herb Gardener for a simple recipe and some interesting variations. I love all natural remedies and tarragon has many different uses. Saint Martha is the patroness of homemakers after all! Below is the recipe I used to make dinner tonight in honor of Saint Martha.

Crockpot Chicken Tarragon:

2-3 Large Chicken Breasts

2 Cup Chicken Broth

1 Cup Heavy Cream

3 Cloves Garlic (minced)

8 Tbsp Dijion Mustard

4 Tbsp Fresh Tarragon (chopped)

4 Tbsp Fresh Parsley

2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

2 Tbsp Flour (or a little more depending on your preference of gravy thickness)

Salt and Pepper to taste

Mix the Chicken Broth, Garlic, Dijion Mustard, Tarragon and Lemon Juice Together. Place the Chicken Breasts into the Crockpot and pour the broth mixture over it. Cook Ingredients on Low for 6-8 hours. Remove the Chicken for the Crockpot and pour the broth into a large sauce pan. Place the broth on medium heat and add the heavy cream and corn starch and stir until a slightly thick gravy has formed. Serve the chicken with the sauce poured over it with fresh veggies (Asparagus and carots pair perfectly) Enjoy!

If you are a wine fan, like me I would highly suggest pairing this meal with a nice Sauvignon Blanc wine. France is known for its amazing vineyards so pour and glass and toast Saint Martha!

Prayer to Saint Martha:

O blessed St. Martha, your faith led Jesus to proclaim, "I am the resurrection and the life"; and faith let you see beyond his humanity when you cried out, "Lord I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God." With firm hope you said, I know that God will give you whatever you ask of him, and Jesus called your brother Lazarus back from the dead. With pure love for Jesus you welcomed him into your home. Friend and servant of our Savior, I too am "troubled about many things." (Pause for silent prayer.) Pray for me that I may grow in faith, hope and love, and that Jesus, who sat at your table, will hear me and grant me a place at the banquet of eternal life. Amen.

Saint Martha, pray for us!

National NFP Awareness Week

This week is National Natural Family Planning (NFP) Week. It started July 24th and ends July 30th. All week I have been praying that I would be inspired about what to share about this extremely important topic. I am a little disappointed it took almost the entire week to figure out but I think what I have to share is important and meaningful.

It is no coincidence that this important week includes the Feast of Saint Anne and Joachim. Saint Anne and Joachim were the grandparents of Jesus and were the role models to the Blessed Virgin Mary through their faith, marriage and lives. They were unable to conceive and prayed to have a child for a long time before conceiving and they were in their old age. We all need to be setting an example and holding ourselves accountable to what is an important aspect of marriage and family life. NFP is often something that most do not know much about or may have a misunderstanding about what it is truly about. Here are 5 common myths and the real information about NFP. These myths and more can be found at the website for United States Conference of Catholic Bishops 

MYTH 1:

NFP is based on guesswork: it's what people used before modern science developed contraception.

REALITY:

Natural Family Planning (NFP) is not based on folktales! NFP is a general title for the methods of family planning that are science-based, accurate, natural, healthy, reliable and moral. There are many NFP methods and all can be used to achieve, or to postpone, a pregnancy naturally.

NFP is based on scientific research about women's cycles of fertility. Over a century ago, scientists discovered cyclic changes in cervical mucus and their relation to ovulation. In the 1920s, scientists identified the temperature rise that signals ovulation. But it wasn't until the 1950s, that scientists developed programs to teach others how to observe and interpret these fertility signs.

NFP methods are grouped according to which signs of fertility are being observed and charted. They are as follows: the basal body temperature method (BBT) monitors changes in a woman's temperature when she wakes up each morning; the cervical mucus method ( more commonly called "Ovulation Method" or "OM") monitors changes in a woman's cervical mucus; the Sympto-Thermal Method (STM) combines observations of temperature and cervical mucus with other indicators, such as changes in the cervix and secondary fertility signs; and the Sympto-Hormonal Method (SHM), which is similar to the STM, includes the self-detection of reproductive hormones in the urine with the assistance of an ovulation predictor kit or fertility monitor.

MYTH 2:

NFP can be used only by women with regular cycles.

REALITY:

NFP does not depend on a woman having regular menstrual cycles. NFP treats each woman and each cycle as unique. These methods rely on daily observations of the woman's signs of fertility.

NFP works with menstrual cycles of any length and any degree of irregularity. NFP can be used during breastfeeding, just before menopause, and in other special circumstances. NFP allows a woman to understand the physical signals her body gives her to tell her when she is most likely to become pregnant (around the time of ovulation). Once the woman understands this information, she and her husband can use the information according to their family planning intentions (i.e., to either achieve or postpone pregnancy).

Instruction in NFP provides women with information about their bodies that is specific and observable. The natural methods can be used throughout a woman's reproductive life. These methods teach couples to monitor current, daily fertility signs of the woman's menstrual cycle. When special circumstances occur, (e.g., stress, illness, breastfeeding, post-miscarriage, perimenopause, etc.), NFP instructors can provide additional guidance in interpreting signs of fertility. 

MYTH 3:

NFP is too complicated to be used by most people.

REALITY:

NFP can be used by anyone who learns the method and is motivated to apply the guidelines.

NFP information is easy to learn. In fact, the methods have been successfully adapted to suit the needs of people and cultures all around the world. The key to using NFP effectively is for couples to learn together the information about their combined fertility, and to change their behavior, applying the guidelines according to whether they wish to achieve or postpone pregnancy. This process is learned in NFP education, where the couple can practice observing and charting the wife's signs of fertility. This is not hard to learn, but will take effort. NFP couples say that NFP is worth the effort because many benefits will be gained, including stronger communication, mutual responsibility and greater respect for each other.

MYTH 4:

NFP is not a reliable method of family planning.

REALITY:

NFP is not only reliable, but it is the only authentic method of family planning.

Since NFP methods are not contraception, their effectiveness works both ways—for achieving and postponing pregnancy. When couples wish to achieve a pregnancy they can time sexual intercourse to the fertile window of the menstrual cycle, thereby optimizing the possibility of becoming pregnant.When wishing to avoid pregnancy, studies show that couples who follow their NFP method's guidelines correctly, and all the time, achieve effectiveness rates of 97-99%. Others, who are unclear about their family planning intention (i.e., spacing or limiting pregnancy) or are less motivated, will not consistently follow the method's guidelines and have a lower effectiveness rate of 80-90%. 

Effectiveness of Natural Family Planning in Avoiding Pregnancy

Couples who carefully follow all the rules for avoiding pregnancy all the time: 97%-99%

Couples who do not follow all the rules for avoiding pregnancy all the time: 80%-90%

*Note: these percentages represent the range of effectiveness provided by NFP studies. They are based on the number of pregnancies among 100 couples in one year of NFP method use. 

MYTH 5:

There is no difference between NFP and contraception.

REALITY:

NFP methods are different from and better than contraception.

NFP methods:

• have no harmful side effects
• are environmentally friendly
• are virtually cost free
• cooperate with, rather than suppress, a couple's fertility
• can be used both to achieve and avoid pregnancy
• call for shared responsibility and cooperation by husband and wife
• require mutual communication
• foster respect for and acceptance of the total person
• encourage maturity and the virtue of chastity
• value the child
• honor and safeguard the unitive and procreative meanings of married love.

In other words, there is a big difference between NFP and contraception. NFP, as opposed to contraception, does not deliberately frustrate the procreative potential of sex. So, NFP is morally acceptable while contraception is actually sinful and never morally right. NFP is unique because it enables its users to work with the body rather than against it. Fertility is viewed as a gift and reality to live, not a problem to be solved. Ultimately, NFP respects God's design for married love.

Check out the following links for more information on National Family Planning:

United States Conference of Catholic Bishops  

Sweeping Up Joy: Everything I'm Not: Responsible Parenthood

Prayer Wine Chocolate: God and His Timing 

Under Thy Roof: A Conscience Choice- NFP in the Family Toolbox

Catholic Wife, Catholic Life: What You Can do to Promote NFP & God's Plan for Married Couples

Simcha Fisher: If NFP Works, Why Does She Have Ten Kids?

Another important issue to discuss during NFP is infertility. Personally, I have been blessed with two children but my husband and I have been struggling with infertility for over the past two years. For full disclosure: I was previously married but it was annulled due to domestic violence and other things. If you are interested in my story you can read it in my post My Cross: Surviving Domestic Violence. I am remarried and my husband, Harry, adopted my two children but we have no biological children together. We are still undergoing doctor visits to pinpoint what is medically contributing to our infertility. I am afraid that the abuse and trauma I endured earlier may be a contributing factor. If there is something we can do within the appropriateness of medical techniques, we will discuss our options and we are also considering adoption. Either way we are staying faithful that one day our family will grow but in God's time, not ours.

Adoption is not considered enough in an effort to overcome infertility. In all honesty, I have several cousins that became family through adoption and they are family--nothing less. I would encourage you to read Prayer Wine Chocolate: God Hears Us: A Spiritual Adoption Miracle to see from the perspective of someone who is actively wanting to adopt a child and the heartache that those of us fighting infertility deal with on a daily basis. Infertility is truly a roller coaster. I am so blessed and happy with my two boys but I can not describe the longing I have in my heart for more children. I continue to pray daily that I may be blessed with conception but I am also starting to come to terms that I may not be able to conceive anymore. Maybe God's plan for me includes an adoption or two, only time and prayers will tell. Please take some time to pray for your marriage and your families during this week.

God Bless!

10 Quotes to Motivate and Inspire Everyday {Plus Free Printable}

Whether you are a stay at home or working husband/wife, house work is never really fun. It can often times be a thankless job that can feel redundant and pointless. I will wash the clothes or dishes today to only have double the amount to wash the next day. The boys bathroom is forever covered in toothpaste, toilet paper and other questionable things. My husband will leave his gym bag and work papers scattered across his trail from the doorway to the bedroom. Don't think that I don't contribute to the mess as well. I am also guilty of leaving my gym clothes, books and shoes scattered as well. I also am guilty of throwing clean clothes in a pile on a chair and leaving them for a day...or two or folding clothes and leaving them stacked sky high because I can't bring myself to put them away.

I also am the only one who cooks. My husband puts in many hours at work and I am home more so it is one of my daily chores. Sometimes I really don't feel like cooking but we don't have the option of ordering out (too much money for this frugal family and my boys would burn the house down) Over the past few months I have been trying to reevaluate the negative attitude I have towards these everyday activities. God made us all special and he wants us to be happy and feel accomplished in our lives. I have found that my negativity is dragging me down. It makes my life seem so much more difficult than it truly is and it keeps me blind to seeing the many blessings I have been given. During my soul searching, I came across these quotes that really stirred my desire to be the best homemaker I can be.

"Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love."

--Mother Teresa

When I hear this I think about all the chores I do throughout my day. I may not be doing something that will change the world but completing those duties does matter to my family. I can prepare my family a dinner and do it with a joyful heart because that is what God wants of me. It is the job he has blessed me to do; to provide for my family and I want my family to feel my love through my actions as well as my words. 

"Jesus, help me to simplify my life by learning what You want me to be - and becoming that person."
--Saint Thérese of Lisieux

"Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire!"

--Saint Catherine of Siena

Both of these quotes ask the question: Who were you meant to be? I think I am still answering that question but I do know that I am a mother and a wife. If I am being the best mother and wife I can be, I will set the world on fire. The important thing is learning how to be what I was meant to be and accept it wholeheartedly. When you fight against who you are, you are fighting against God and his great plans for you.

"I am not capable of doing big things, but I want to do everything, even the smallest things, for the greater glory of God."

--Saint Dominic Savio

Washing dishes and folding laundry sometimes seem like big things but in this context if I am doing the dishes and laundry for God, it makes the task seem not big enough. If you were asked to do something for God, you would do it to the very best of your ability. This is how I want to tackle all my chores for the greater glory of God.

"Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies."

--Mother Teresa

Progress is made with baby steps but as long as you are moving forward you have progress. Faith is a constant stream that flows through all aspects of your life, including the tedious tasks of housework, grocery shopping and other activities that fill our everyday lives. We should allow our faith to grow with us in our everyday lives.

"The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for all that He, in his goodness, send to us day after day."
--Saint Gianna Molla

I think this is my favorite quote. It is simple in it's message but reminds us that God knows what we will come against everyday. He loves us and blesses us everyday. Sometimes those blessing are noticeable, others have to be recognized by faith. 

"I know well that the greater and more beautiful the work is, the more terrible will be the storms that rage against it."
--Saint Faustina

"The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness."
--Pope Benedict XVI

We are warriors of Christ. In our daily lives we are called to be faithful servants and followers. He never said it would be easy, but it will be worth it. We should not live our lives in search of comforts but how we can be useful in God's plan. Both of these quotes remind us that our lives are special gifts and we will have to fight for them along the way.

"The future starts today, not tomorrow."
--Saint Pope John Paul the Great

Don't put off your responsibilities until tomorrow, complete them today. You never know what God has planned for your life but he wants you to be successful and happy. Roll with the punches and trust that you are where you are suppose to be in life, in your family and accomplishments. 

"Pray as though everything depended on God. Work as though everything depended on you."
--Saint Augustine

Prayer is our connection to God and being prayerful during our entire day is important and powerful. The comparison of prayer to our work is a strong statement. Imagine how important your work really is, if it is being compared to the importance of prayer and that should motivate you to work hard consistently. 

Here is a free printable if you need a cute little reminder to keep smiling and praying through your daily routines and it will bring you closer to God and a happier life. Click on the link or the picture and it will take you to Dropbox so you can download and use the printable for your personal use. What do you use for inspiration during your day? 

I shared this at Talk It Up Thursday and Let's Get Real

#WorthRevisit: Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity

With the ending of the summer approaching and Vacation Bible School sessions going on all over the place, I felt a pull to share memories from Little Man's first time experiencing this faith strengthening fun. This year our parish was not hosting a Vacation Bible School and I have to admit I was really sad. VBS always seems like a necessary part of our summer. Thankfully Holy Heroes is hosting their Summer Faith Adventure and we start our session August 1st! If you are looking for something to inspire yourself and your children, I highly recommend giving this online program a try and join us on our Faith Adventure. You can find more info and can ask questions through my Facebook Event here. Let's end this summer on a high note and make sure we have enriched our children and families as we head into a new month, a school year and all the new adventures that we are heading towards.

Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity {Day 1}:

Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity Vacation Bible School started today and Little Man was excited to have something to do for the entire week! As I mentioned in an earlier post, it has been raining non-stop this past week (there is a town not too far away that has declared a local state of emergency, so please keep the Gulf Coast in your prayers). I am so thrilled that our church is continuing with their lesson plans from last year's VBS. Last years the theme was Hometown Nazareth: Where Jesus was a Kid and this years theme is Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity. Hometown Nazareth was an eye-opening experience for Little Man. He knows many stories about Jesus and his life but the idea that "Jesus was a kid like me"was a concept that had never entered his mind before. I was relieved Little Man remembered the amazing experience he had last year woke up excited, knowing he had a great day ahead of him. Another reason I really enjoy the depiction of these Vacation Bible Studies is because it incorporates an abundance of arts and crafts while exposing the children to new songs and music.We still have several refrigerator magnets from last year and I hope we have more to add by the end of the week. I wish Squishy was old enough to participate in this religious program, he gets lonely without his big brother around the house for several hours.

I love that Little Man can describe his entire experience and relates it to how we try to live our lives. The first thing he asked me after his first day at VBS was, "Mommy, did you know when things change, God is always with us?!" I thought this was a great lesson for him to be learning at this particular time in his life. I felt like God was truly speaking to him (and our family) because Little Man has expressed some concern about our move. I have to admit I was raised a military brat and this move is already making me a nervous wreck. Finding a new home, school and church from such a long distance with little time... not exactly my idea of fun. Although, the excitement of a new adventure in a new place with new experiences and knowing God has a plan for us helps calm and reassures me that this is the best thing for our family.

Here are a few crafts and original artwork from Little Man today! As you can see... he loves color! I hope he is ready to help create our front door wreath and some Sacred and Immaculate Heart T-shirts sometime this week. We are also attending story time at our local library and picking up some books from our book list. There will also be a celebration in the evening for the library celebrating its 10 year anniversary! I will have some more on those activities tomorrow.I am going to wrap this up so I can get back to snuggle time with Squishy. We are watching The Little Engine that Could, his absolute favorite movie! Little Man is in bed early in preparation of Day 2 of VBS. I hope everyone is finding some great adventures to have with your families during this summer. I will leave you with a cute snuggle picture of me and my Squishy baby.

God Bless!

You can check out the following information on the rest of Vacation Bible School:
Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity {Day 2}
Babylon: Daniel's Courage in Captivity {Day 3, 4, 5}

I have linked this to Theology is a Verb and Reconciled to You

Feast of Saints Joachim and Anne

Saints Joachim and Anne were the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the grandparents of Jesus Christ. Saint Anne's name means "grace." God blessed Saint Anne with many special graces, the most important being that she was the mother of Mary. Saint Anne is the patron of mothers, infertility and children. Because of Saint Anne's patronage to fertility, she is known as a patron of rain for the soil's fertility. In Italy it is said that "rain is Saint Anne's gift" and in Germany it is called "Saint Anne's Dowry." We have had tons of rain this past week during the afternoon, maybe we will be blessed with Saint Anne's Dowery today as well. Saint Joachim is the patron saint of fathers, grandfathers and grandparents. Grandparents should be shown some extra love on this day. Since we relocated out of state, my children will be sending letters and goodies to their grandparents today.

Saint Anne is my baptismal saint as well. It is custom for girls who are named for Saint Anne to wear red and green ribbons in their hair. Maybe I'll rock some cute red and green head pieces today. The day is still young. Thanks to this color combination I think of watermelon, strawberries, and fresh salads for food. I also think of beautiful red roses, lady bugs climbing on leaves and Christmastime. We are already celebrating Christmas in July this upcoming Sunday but today might have been a fun way to incorporate some cool Christmas cheer into the hot summer too.

For breakfast I decided to make a watermelon strawberry smoothie and I felt that it was appropriate for the boys to pick their meal for dinner because that's what their grandparents would do for them. Naturally they chose chicken nuggets and fries. We don't usually eat stuff like that and when we do it is probably once every couple of months. The boys are ecstatic about dinner to say the least! While the boys stuff their faces with nuggets and fries, my husband and I will be enjoying a fresh garden salad and maybe a french fry or two and attempting to stick to a healthier eating menu.

If you check out my previous post about the Feast of Saint Anne you will see it is customary to prepare some type of lobster or shell fish in Saint Anne's honor as well. In the past I have made lobster bisque and a watermelon cake, they were both delicious!

We are so blessed that we are close to the Shrine of Saint Anne. I discussed this shrine in the Ultimate Guide to Holy Places in Colorado. Today we will be unable to drive out to the shrine because Tuesdays are a busy day with behavioral therapy and other things. My little Goalie really has been struggling with controlling his emotions the past few weeks so days when we have behavioral therapy are usually emotionally draining for him. I will be planning a special trip to the shrine to have some quiet prayer time. I am also thinking I will print a couple coloring pages. I just came across this new Catholic coloring page site here too. What do you have planned today? Any fun activities or outings with the grandparents? I would love to hear all about it!

My husband and I have been trying to conceive for over two years and have not been blessed with another child yet. If you don't mind please pray the attached prayer with my special intention to conceive a child if it be God's will. I would greatly appreciate it! 

St Anne Prayer (To Obtain Some Special Favor) 

Glorious St. Anne, filled with compassion for those who invoke you and with love for those who suffer, heavily laden with the weight of my troubles, I cast myself at your feet and humbly beg of you to take the present affair which I recommend to you under your special protection.

St. Anne, please, recommend to your daughter, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and lay it before the throne of Jesus, so that He may bring it to a happy issue.St. Anne cease not to intercede for me until my request is granted. (Here ask for favor you wish to obtain.) 

Above all, obtain for me the grace of one day beholding my God face to face, and with You and Mary and all the saints, praising and blessing Him through all eternity. Amen.Good St. Anne, mother of her who is our life, our sweetness and our hope, pray to her for us and obtain our request. (Three times).

Here is a another prayer that can be said in honor of your Baptismal Saint as well. It has Saint Anne in the prayer because she is my Baptismal Saint but to make it personalized for you and your family, just replace "Saint Anne" with the name of your saint:

Saint Anne, at baptism, my parents gave me that name which was also yours. You are my companion and heavenly protector. You have borne this name honorably before God and men. May your example teach me to do the will of God, to be faithful to Christ, to go my way with the attitude and conduct of a committed Christian so that I may one day share with you the rewarding joy of having followed Christ faithfully. Amen

Saints Joachim and Anne, pray for us!

Feast of Saint James the Greater

Today is the Feast of Saint James the Greater. He was given this name to differentiate him from Saint James the Less, who was believed to be shorter than him. He is the patron saint of Spain and pilgrims. Saint James was one of the first apostles of Jesus. He was found fishing on the Sea of Galilee unable to catch fish that day when Jesus called out to them and asked them to cast their nets once more. The boat the men were fishing from nearly sank because of the abundance of fish they caught in their final netting. Saint James was one of three disciples who witness the Transfiguration and is known for spreading the teachings of Jesus in Spain for over 40 years. Saint James was decapitated by King Herod for his faith and became the first apostle to be martyred for his faith. His remains can be found in the Cathedral of Santiago in Spain.

I thought that making an authentic Spanish meal would be perfect to celebrate Saint James the Greater. I decided on making Gazpacho but with a twist. My kids, especially my youngest, have some texture issues and Gazpacho is actually a cold soup. I decided to add pasta to my gazpacho and not blend the ingredients into a thick soup so it resembled a pasta salad instead. If you checked out my Menu Plan Monday post for this week and looked at the ingredients for my recipe, I am sure you noticed I tweaked my recipe a bit. I didn't feel like running out to the grocery store today so I replaced a few things that I didn't have on hand with other ingredients that I did.

Here is my original recipe

Gazpacho Pasta Salad:

1 lb Rotini Pasta
3 Medium Ripe Tomatoes (diced)
1 Large Cucumber (diced)
1 Green Bell Pepper (minced)
2 Green Onions (chopped)
6 Fl oz Canned Tomato Juice
2 Cloves Garlic (chopped)
1/4 Cup Parsley
3 Tbsp Lime Juice
1 Tsp Tarragon
1 Tsp Basil
1 Tsp Cracked Black Pepper

Bring pot of water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and put aside. Combine the pasta and the rest of the ingredients together and mix well. Chill for at least 2 hours and toss again prior to serving.

***If you wanted to make traditional Gazpacho you would mix all the ingredient together except the pasta and increase the tomato juice to 4 cups. Place ingredients into a food processor and blend until it is a think soup consistency. Chill for 2 hours and serve with croutons***

I substituted Shell pasta for the Rotini Pasta because the shells represent the sea. Saint James is also represented by a cockle shell or a man with shells all around him. Saint James was a fisherman and he traveled the sea to evangelize Spain so the extra symbolism is beautiful. I was also out of tomato juice, tarragon and green onions so I used a half jar of leftover jar of marinara, fennel seed and red onion. All the substitutions made resulted in a delicious Gazpacho Pasta Salad. I have it chilling in the refrigerator now and will toss it with a little extra lime juice before serving. If you aren't into eating pasta or you are trying to keep carbs out of your diet, some kind of fish or scallop dinner would be perfect to celebrate this day too.

We have been enjoying the nice weather here and intend on going to the gym before sitting down to dinner as a family tonight. After dinner, I will read the short summary that is in the Book of Saints Part 8 and say a couple prayers. If you click the affiliate link above, the book is included in a 10 pack for an awesome deal! We own tons of the little books from Father Lovasik and my boys love them.

If we still lived near the beaches, I would definitely consider going for a stroll on the beach and collecting some sea shells. It use to be a common tradition to build a shrine in honor of Saint James from broken sea shells. If you have some shells, placing them on your home altar would be perfect! I am working on a prayer wall in my house that I will update each month to coincide with the liturgical year and feast days. 

Other ways to celebrate are:

Creating a dessert decorated with the Saint James Cross (cake, pie or cookies)

Checkout Catholic Cuisine for some other great recipes

Go on a fishing trip 

Coloring page 

The Way of Saint James Game

O glorious Apostle,

St. James, who by reason of thy fervent and generous heart

wast chosen by Jesus to be a witness of His glory on Mount Tabor,

and of His agony in Gethsemane;

thou, whose very name is a symbol of warfare and victory:

obtain for us strength and consolation in the unending warfare of this life,

that, having constantly and generously followed Jesus,

we may be victors in the strife and deserve to receive the victor's crown in heaven.

Amen.

Saint James, pray for us!