Seven Activities to Celebrate the Epiphany

Christmas is still not over! Nope! Not yet... Today is the twelfth day of Christmas also known as the Epiphany, Little Christmas or Three Kings Day. The day that commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Christ Child. The traditional date is January 6th but the church will celebrate the Epiphany on the Sunday between January 2th and January 8th. This very special feast has some amazing traditions correlated with it and they certainly can make some lasting memories for your friends and family involved. The Epiphany is celebrated world wide and there are many traditional ways to celebrate and unique ways to celebrate in different countries and cultures. Besides completing your Nativity with the Wise Men, here are seven activities that you can do to celebrate the feast of the Epiphany. 

{ONE}

Chalking the Door

Chalking the Door is a great tradition to start with your families! A traditional way of doing this is to use blessed chalk to write above your home’s doorway:

20 + C + M + B + 17

While you write this above your doorway remember to recite:

The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and fifteen years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.

The letters C, M, B have two meanings. They are the initials of the traditional names of the three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. They also abbreviate the Latin words Christus Mansionem Benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs represent the cross and 17 represents the year. 

To bless the chalk prior to "Chalking the Door" recite the following prayer and sprinkle holy water on the chalk:

Loving God, bless this chalk which you have created, that it may be helpful to your people; and grant that through the invocation of your most Holy Name that we who use it in faith to write upon the door of our home the names of your holy ones Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, may receive health of body and protection of soul for all who dwell in or visit our home; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

{TWO}

Sing Epiphany Songs

Who doesn't love a great karaoke number? There are two songs that are quintessential to celebrate the Epiphany: We Three Kings of Orient Are and the Twelve Days of Christmas. For obvious reasons you can see why these songs are so perfect. It is traditional to sing and celebrate the Epiphany with Christmas music so don't forget to add these songs on your Epiphany play list. Don't know the songs? I have attached the lyrics below so you can sing until your hearts content!

We Three Kings of Orient Are:

We three kings of Orient are,

bearing gifts we traverse afar,

field and fountain, moor and mountain,

following yonder star.

Refrain:

O star of wonder, star of night,

star with royal beauty bright;

westward leading, still proceeding,

guide us to thy perfect light!

Born a King on Bethlehem's plain,

gold I bring to crown him again,

King for ever, ceasing never

Over us all to reign. (Refrain)

Frankincense to offer have I:

incense owns a Deity nigh;

prayer and praising, gladly raising,

worship him, God Most High. (Refrain)

Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume

Breathes a life of gathering gloom;

sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying,

sealed in the stone-cold tomb. (Refrain)

Glorious now behold him arise,

King and God and Sacrifice;

heaven sings, alleluia; 

alleluia the earth replies. (Refrain)

The Twelve Days of Christmas:

On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me a partridge in a pear tree.

On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me two turtle doves

And a partridge in a pear tree.

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me three French hens,

Two turtle doves, and a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me

Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me five golden rings,

Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me six geese a laying,

Five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves

And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me seven swans a swimming,

Six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens,

Two turtle doves and a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me eight maids a milking,

Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds,

Three French hens, two turtle doves and a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me nine ladies dancing,

Eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings,

Four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves and a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the tenth day of Christmas my true love gave to me ten lords a leaping,

Nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying,

Five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, two turtle doves

And a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the eleventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me eleven pipers piping,

Ten lords a leaping nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking, seven swans a swimming,

Six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens,

Two turtle doves and a Partridge in a pear tree.

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me twelve drummers drumming,

Eleven pipers piping, ten lords a leaping nine ladies dancing, eight maids a milking,

Seven swans a swimming, six geese a laying, five golden rings, four calling birds,

Three French hens, two turtle doves and a Partridge in a pear tree.

{THREE}

The Three Kings Cake

The Three King Cake is a very special treat that can not be forgotten on the Epiphany! It is eaten in honor of the three kings, also known as the Magi or Wise Men. A custom that I really enjoy is when one slice of the King Cake is set aside for God. There are so many different variations of this delicious treat but all have something hidden inside ranging from a plastic baby that represents baby Jesus to chocolate coins. The traditional custom states that whoever finds the baby Jesus or Chocolate Coin must host the party on Candlemas, which falls on February 2nd. I am doing a similar version of this but with cupcakes placed in a circle and a crown as the centerpiece of the presentation. 

I think it would be completely appropriate for you to allow your children to craft some Crowns to wear during the festivities as well.

{FOUR}

Giving Gifts

In several cultures this night is the evening when they receive gifts! In the Spanish culture, children go to bed waiting with anticipation for a visit from the Three Kings. They place snacks for the Kings' camels under their beds or in their shoes near the fireplace on the night of the Epiphany. The next morning, the children awaken to find that the camel snacks are gone and presents are left for them. Sometimes the camels will leave a trail of the hay to lead the children to where their gifts have been placed.

Have you ever heard of Belfana? I think this custom is so amazing because they leave out wine and an orange for Belfana in hope that she will reward them with gifts for good behavior. She is also known to leave coal for the naughty children. The legend states that the Magi invited Belfana to accompany them to visit the Christ Child but she was too busy sweeping her house at the time. She quickly regretted her decision and went out after the Magi, who were all ready far, far ahead of her. She continues her search to this day, riding her broomstick all over the world in search of Jesus. Want to learn more about this legend? Checkout Old Belfana. There is also a song that accompanies Belfana's legend:

La Befana comes at night

In tattered shoes

Dressed in the Roman style

Long live la Befana!

{FIVE}

Decorate With Flowers

Decorating for events is a great way to set the mood of an event. If you are hosting a Twelfth Night Party or a special Epiphany dinner try including an assortment of "Star of Bethlehem" flowers and/or "Mary's Star" flowers. Both are brilliant white flowers that look similar to a star. They would certainly be a great conversational piece for your friends and family. A little less known fact is that there is a legend involving the Magi and a Mary's Star also known as the Ox-Eye Daisy. Legend says that after the Magi followed the Star of Bethlehem into Bethlehem, they stopped because they didn't know where to go. Saint Melchior looked down and saw an Ox-Eye Daisy blooming. He noticed its resemblance to the Star they had followed to Bethlehem and decided to pluck it from the ground. As he did this, the door to the stable where the Holy Family was staying opened, showing the Magi where the Christ Child lay.

{SIX}

Cheers to the Epiphany

What kind of celebration could you enjoy without a special beverage? There are several drinks that I have come across that are encouraged to share on this night. Hot chocolate variations and Cider drinks are all very popular during the feast day, especially since it is Winter and the air has a bite to it most days. A recipe for a drink called Lamb's Wool is a traditional Epiphany drink. I have shared a recipe below:

6 baking apples, cored

2 tablespoons to 1/2 cup brown sugar, depending on sweetness of cider/ale

2 quarts cider, hard cider, ale, or a mixture of cider and ale

1/8 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Roast the apples in a baking pan at 450 degrees for around an hour, until they are very soft and bursting open. In a large saucepan, dissolve the sugar a few tablespoons at a time in the liquid of choice, tasting for sweetness. Add the spices. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Squeeze all of the pulp from the apples and discard the skins then fluff the puree with a fork and add to the liquid. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and serve immediately. 

I am sure you could make this for children if you simply substitute the hard cider with a sparkling non alcoholic apple cider served in a mug.

{SEVEN}

Woman's Christmas

So although I am in love with all the previous mentioned activities, the next one is definitely my favorite! The Epiphany also known as 'Nollaig na mBean' or Women's Christmas in Ireland is becoming very popular. On the Epiphany the women get the day off and the men do the cooking and the cleaning! Women gather together to meet up to enjoy tea and cakes while their husbands prepare their homes for the Epiphany. I don't know about you, but I don't think my husband would have the time to pull together a Twelfth Night Party with his crazy schedule but I do think it would be a great new tradition to setup a special time around breakfast or lunch to get together with your close women friends and family for some light refreshments. What do you think? Anyone want to come over for some tea and cakes this Sunday? 

Whether you decide to celebrate the Epiphany tonight, this upcoming Sunday or maybe even both nights, remember to create some family memories and traditions! I would love to hear all about your Epiphany celebrations so please tag me in your Instagram or Facebook pictures or comment below with your activities! I will be sharing details about our Epiphany party this Sunday! Now I have a big question for you:

Do you take down your Christmas decorations after the Epiphany or do you leave them up until Candlemas? 

I am going to start a poll on Facebook so please stop by and give me your vote. I am sharing this with This Ain't the Lyceum for Seven Quick Takes.

Have a Blessed Epiphany and God Bless!

Seven Reasons You Should Write and Send Christmas Cards

Advent season is a time of preparation and anticipation of the birth of Christ. Christmas cards are an exceptional way to celebrate the Advent season and can accomplish so much more than you can imagine. Below are seven reasons that you should both write and send out those Christmas cards this season. This is a simple act that will send a positive change into the world.

{ONE}

EVANGELIZING:

As Catholics, we are called to share the important news of our Savior and the promise that his birth, death and resurrection mean to us all. Sending a beautiful Christmas Card with a Nativity portrait and filled with words of hope, love and joy is a beautiful reminder of the real reason for the season and it may be the only time someone you knows gets told of the wonderful gift that Jesus's birth is to their families and the entire world. 

It is a tradition in my home that we send out our Christmas cards on December 17th because it is the first day of the O Antiphons and we celebrate the name of Jesus of O Wisdom on this night. Don't be shy to share your love of Jesus and touch the heart of those that need to learn of his love. 

{TWO}

MEMORIES:

The art of handwriting letters, notes and cards is a dying art. I have a small collection of letters and special mementos from over the years that bring me great joy from throughout the year: Mother's Day letter's from my children, love notes from my husband and words of encouragement from friends. Create a work of art that can be saved and enjoyed over the coming Advent and Christmas seasons. These beautifully written pieces will one day be what you leave behind for your friends and family to remember you and the happiness you brought to their lives.

{THREE}

COUNSELING THE DOUBTFUL:

Depending on your relations within your family and friends, you could be completing a Spiritual Act of Mercy with sending out those beautiful Christmas cards. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you as you hand write a special message to those you love this Advent season. Of the Seven Spiritual Works of Mercy, there are four that I could easily see being accomplished through your Christmas Card:

Maybe you have a friend or family member dealing with a crisis of faith? Your Christmas Card could bring light to them in a time of darkness and help counsel them back to their faith. God works in mysterious ways and you never know when you are being called to do his good work.

{FOUR}

INSTRUCTING THE IGNORANT:

This is another Spiritual Work of Mercy. We all know people that are not taught in the Catholic faith, or maybe have questions about it. A simple card could with an invitation to Mass or Christmas dinner could be the action that opens their hearts and eyes to the love of the Catholic faith. You might be their only link to Catholicism and God is asking you to be their light in the darkness.

{FIVE}

COMFORTING THE SORROWFUL:

The holiday season can be more sorrowful and sad to those that may be dealing with a void of a loved one; whether this be though death, distance or other circumstance. An older widow celebrating their first Christmas without their spouse, a parent who is dealing with an empty nest, a family that is torn by an argument, the list can go on and on. Reach out to someone that has a hurting heart by showing love and compassion for them during this difficult time.

Deployed Soldiers, Wounded Warriors, Nursing Homes, Hospitals, Homeless Shelters and so many other places are always looking for a way to comfort the sorrowful.

{SIX}

FORGIVING INJURIES:

The final Spiritual Work of Mercy you could complete is through forgiving. Forgiveness is hard and can almost feel impossible in certain circumstances. Reaching out to someone that has betrayed you, not only helps show your forgiveness, but can be an amazing gift to offer someone during this season of hope, love and joy. Free yourself of the anger and rebuild relationships that have been broken with the love of God at the center.

There are two sides to this coin: What about asking for forgiveness? If you have wronged someone and not apologized fully or maybe not at all, ask for forgiveness and mean it. Feel sorrow and guilt and attempt to fix your wrong doings with penance.

{SEVEN}

KEEPING CHRIST IN CHRISTMAS

This is one of the most important reasons you should take the time to write and send those Christmas cards this year. The true meaning of Christmas is often overshadowed with the commercialism of gifts, the distraction of shiny new things and to be drawn into the masses of the overwhelming majority that don't celebrate Jesus during Christmas. Take the time for yourself and your family to sit together and pray before you write out your family Christmas cards. Ask that the words you share are ones that help grow your faith and the faith of the recipients as well. Be still and feel the anticipation and longing that is the season of Advent before celebrating the birth of or Savior.

If you are still searching for the perfect place to get your Christmas cards or Holiday invitations, please consider Paperless Post! In addition to offering beautiful and unique products, if you purchase from their RED Christmas Collection, you are supporting the fight against AIDS. Another important aspect of the Christmas and Advent season is charity, so your purchase would help you and help others! This is a special holiday partnership and your support would be greatly appreciated! Remember it is not too late! The Christmas season doesn't end on December 25th, it is only the beginning! You still have time to send out those very special and meaningful Christmas cards.

This is just one of many ideas that you can use to keep Christ in Christmas. I am sharing this with Seven Quick Takes.

{SQT}: The Feast of Saint Martin of Tours and Veterans' Day

Friday was both the feast day of Saint Martin of Tours and Veterans' Day. One really neat thing about these two celebrations coinciding with each other is that Saint Martin was also a soldier. He is the patron saint of soldiers and winemakers. It is said that as a young soldier, Martin encountered a beggar in Amiens. The beggar was unclothed and it was freezing outside. Martin removed his cloak and with his sword, cut it in half. He gave this half to the beggar and dressed himself in what was left. That night, Martin had a dream in which Jesus appeared to him. Jesus spoke to him saying, "Martin, a mere catechumen has clothed me." This dream changed Saint Martin and he ended up leaving his military service to do other good works. The goose became a symbol of Saint Martin of Tours because of a legend that when he was attempting to avoid being ordained bishop. It is said that he had hidden in a goose pen, where he was found because of the loud cackling of the geese. It is also a custom to enjoy a white wine, which is prominent in the areas he lived.

Today is a day to celebrate our soldiers that have gone away to keep us safe. Veterans' Day is often confused with Memorial Day, which is a day to honor those who have lost their lives. You can checkout my post about Memorial Day called In Honor and learn about some friends and family we have lost along the way.

I thought it would be nice and honorable to share about some special Veterans that I have in my life during my Seven Quick Takes. I am from an Air Force family and was raised to have a love for God and Country. We live in an area near the Army and Air Force and the boys school even hosted a Red, White and Blue Day so the boys wore their 4th of July shirts they made. A special day indeed.

{ONE}

My husband is always the one trying to be funny and make people laugh. He served a couple tours while in the Army. I think that he misses the Army at times, the friends you make while in service are truly lifelong friends. We were not married during his time with the Army but he contributes it with making him the man he is today. He is my number one Veteran for obvious reasons. Thank you for being you, I love you always!

{TWO}

My dad served 28 years in the Air Force and was deployed more times than I can count. Most of my childhood he was away and we didn't have a real relationship until I became an adult. My dad is such a special man and he has such faith in God that he often says that it is either through his mother's prayers or God's desire for him to live another day that he survived all the deployments he has gone through. Thank you for everything you sacrificed for us Dad!

{THREE}

My sister-in-law was in the Navy. In fact, her and all her siblings served in different military branches for at least one term. This is a picture of her with my beautiful mother-in-law. We love you sis and thank you for your service!

{FOUR}

My father-in-law was also in the Air Force for over 20 years like my dad. I have not had the pleasure of asking him much about his experience but I know he was deployed quite often and is the reason his children all decided to join the armed forces as well. He is truly an inspirational man and my children are so glad to have him as their Grandpa. We love and miss you Grandpa and Grandma!

{FIVE}

My cousin Mark Jr. was in the Army, like my husband. I really love this picture of him with my Uncle. I am so proud to be in a family that has heard the call to offer protection to their country and dedicate themselves to a higher cause. Love and miss you both!

{SIX}

My beautiful cousin Angie's husband is in the Army as well. We didn't have the pleasure of living close to each other but I always love the big family get togethers where we have seen each other. They have a beautiful family and they are always on the move, as most military families are. We love you guys!

{SEVEN} 

My brother-in-law, Raymond, is in the Navy too. We keep him and his family in our prayers always.

This is not a complete list of Veterans we know. Or even a complete list of Veterans within our family. That list would be extremely long. But I want to make sure that all Veterans know that we appreciate all that they have done and the sacrifices they have made. Although my children are still very young, my oldest son has often stated that he wants to join the Army. I do not know what God has planned for my children but I am so proud that I am raising children that respect the Flag, our Country and the Veterans and their families. Thank you again to all the Veterans out there! May God bless you and your families immensely!

Prayer to St. Martin of Tours:

Blessed saint, You were born under pagan ways but since your childhood you were chosen to be a Prince of the Church and , as Bishop of Tours, many souls were redeemed and liberated from the satanic forces through your prayers, austerities and blessings.

We humbly ask for your intercession before Our Lord Jesus Christ because we want to be worthy of the grace and mercy of the Holy Spirit that lead us from darkness to light into the eternal kingdom, for ever and ever. 

Amen.

St. Martin of Tours, Pray for us!

{SQT}: No Excuses November

October was full of bumps and bruises. I fell off the health and fitness wagon hard. We had a bunch of unexpected happenings. It wasn't all bad. We enjoyed some good times too though. I haven't been able to join in Seven Quick Takes for a bit so here I am with a few highlights over the past few weeks. I will apologize in advance because October has been mushed together in my memory so I'm not sure of dates or anything right now. 

{ONE}

We bought a new car! Well we had no choice in the matter. My old vehicle my husband was using and it broke down on the interstate while he was driving home from work late at night a few weeks ago. We had to get it towed to a mechanic and we were informed that a cylinder had blown and we would need to replace the engine block to get it working again. The car itself was worth less than the cost of the work needed to get it going again so we had no choice but to cut our losses and trade it in at Carmax. Longer story, short: Here is our new car. 

{TWO}

We hit up one of the best pumpkin patches ever! Diana's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze was so much fun! We received free pumpkins with our admissions, got lost in a corm maze, rode on a tractor and played in a pit full of corn! In addition to all the fun we were able to get TONS of great photos, buy some boy scouts badges and enjoy our first candy apple of the Autumn season.

{THREE}

We celebrated Goalie's 6th Birthday ! He had a small get together on his birthday with his friends and then the following weekend we had tons of plans to celebrate as a family. First we had Little Man's Last football game (Quick Take Five) and then headed to Diana's Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze (Quick Take Two). We also attended the Great Pumpkin Festival and had a birthday dinner at Old Chicago's! Goalie and Little Man are in love with the "fancy" root beer AKA root beer in a glass bottle served with a cherry. Goalie decorated the Pirate hat while we waited to be seated and he rocked it throughout the night. Happy Birthday Goalie!

{FOUR}

This picture is a little blurry but such is life... you get good ones and bad ones but they all can bring smiles if you are reflecting on the memory. Well, Little Man finally got his Bobcat Badge for Cub Scouts! He wasn't able to get it due to schedule conflicts during his football season. Goalie received his last month so he was excited to cheer his big brother on when he was being honored.

{FIVE}

Little Man's football season just ended. We ended on a high note too! A great win with lots of dedication and effort given by the entire team. I have been making the banners the kids' ran through before the game and we all decided it would be great for the kids to sign their names on the final banner. I think it came out super cute! In addition to looking great, this was the ONLY banner that split down the middle perfectly! All the others' tore from the hands of the adults holding it. Fall season was amazing we are already looking forward to the Spring.

{SIX}

As I stated at the beginning, I flew off the fitness wagon hard over the past month. I allowed my increased work schedule and other excuses be just that... excuses. Well this month will be No Excuses November and I have been baking some tasty healthy dinners, breakfasts and lunches. I also started running again. I will be hitting the weights sometime this week too. 

{SEVEN}

Who would I be if I didn't mention Halloween and All Saints' Day! Our whole family decided on a Star Wars theme and we rocked it on Halloween. All Saints' Day wasn't exactly as planned because Goalie refused to dress up. He was having a rough day with his sensory-ness so I didn't want to upset him more and just let him be. Little Man rocked a Saint Dominic costume again.

I think that about sums it up. I didn't want to be too much of a negative Nancy so I attempted to stick to the fun and more upbeat events over the past few weeks. I wouldn't mind a few extra prayers for all the craziness if you don't mind though. Thanks for stopping by and I am looking forward to reading about everyone else's celebrations and family fun over the past week!

God Bless!

Seven Best Animated Halloween Movies for Your Family

Last week I shared Seven Ways to Have a Very Catholic Halloween and I am still feeling inspired by the Autumn crisp air to share my seven favorite Halloween movies to watch every year with my family for this week's Seven Quick Takes. This list is not the only list of Halloween movies we get into each year but I figured the animated movies might be the most family friendly.

***This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through the links, I may receive a small commission. This does not change the price of the product for you but would help support the advancement of this blog and my family. Thank you in advance!***

{ONE}

The Halloween Tree

The Halloween Tree is a movie from my childhood. I would watch this movie with my brother and sister every year during the Halloween season and a few times throughout the year. I think what I like most about this animated movie is that it explains the origins of certain Halloween ideas. Witches, skeletons, monsters and mummies are all used as decorations and costume ideas during Halloween but why? This movie explains the history in a kid friendly and eye captivating story. If you enjoy the movie, you should even take a chance on the The Halloween Tree book! There are a few variations from the movie to the book but both are favorites in my house. 

{TWO}

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown!

Is there anyone who hasn't seen this amazingly classic movie?! I am absolutely in LOVE with all the Charlie Brown tales but this one is my second favorite (A Charlie Brown Christmas is my ultimate favorite!) This was the first year my children were able to watch this movie with me and they fell in love with it too. At the pumpkin patch Goalie kept searching for "the Great Pumpkin" and even after choosing a pumpkin to carve wanted to stay in the pumpkin patch. Adorable! 

{THREE}

Nightmare Before Christmas

Honestly, I get a little afraid of some of the Tim Burton films but this one I really enjoy. This has been a family tradition to watch this movie around Halloween for the past several years because while we lived in Florida, we spent the Halloween season with a family that LOVED Tim Burton films and they watched them year round but especially during the month of October because their son couldn't get enough of the intriguing tales. My boys followed suit and always request this classic movie.

{FOUR}

Halloween is Grinch Night

Dr. Seuss had an amazing gift of connecting to children through the adorable and catchy stories he shared with the world. Halloween is Grinch Night is normally run as a Halloween special on PBS or other kid-friendly TV stations. It is included in the Holiday collection of Dr. Seuss and Green Eggs and Ham and Other Stories. I remember watching this cartoon as a child and I still enjoy watching it to this day. Dr. Seuss will always be a part of my families life because he was just an amazing writer and knew how to share a good story. 

{FIVE}

The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad

Disney has always been a pot lock of extraordinary movies to share with your family. The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad is no different! I was lucky enough to get this movie to share with my boys for another first Halloween movie screening this year. It is always so entertaining to watch your children go from moving a mile a minute to being completely enthralled into a movie. I remember watching this film and being afraid of the headless horseman. Apparently my children are way more brave than me because they weren't afraid at all and watched this movie twice in one night!

{SIX}

Hotel Transylvania

This is a more recent film and I love that they just came out with Hotel Transylvania 2. I really enjoy the perception in the film that the monsters are afraid of humans. The backward twist I think makes the scary things of Halloween to become no scare at all. This is a catchy movie so be ready to hear the kids singing songs and dancing while watching this film. 

{SEVEN}

Curious George: A Halloween Boo Fest

Goalie is addicted to anything Curious George and we have probably watched this movie daily since September! The music, the animation and the beautifully written story are perfect for a family movie night! Little Man likes to pretend he doesn't like to watch this movie but he will even ask his younger brother if he wants to watch this film constantly. Check out the story of No-Noggin the Scarecrow and watch how Curious George enjoys the season of Halloween in the country with the Man in the Yellow Hat. You won't be disappointed!

I created a Colorado Autumn Bucket List several months ago and I had to include Halloween movies. This is just a small list of the movies we have enjoyed as a family this year and I hope that you are able to enjoy these and many more with your families while there is that crisp chill in the air so you can snuggle in some blankets, enjoy some hot cider and buttery tasting popcorn!

God Bless!

{SQT}: Hello October

This is the first week of October and man it has been an immeasurable amount of amazing and that's why I am a day late sharing. Here are my Seven Quick Takes of the Week! 

{ONE}

Goalie was Superhero of the Week at school! I am so beyond proud. Goalie really struggles with his ability to stay focused and sit still during class. We even had to add some behavioral goals to his IEP to help him work on these areas so him receiving something like this made me cry happy tears! The principal hand picks the students based on their effort and willingness to do what's right. Goalie had such an amazing week being line leader, getting to share special things about himself to his class and having an extra special treat with his principal. 

{TWO}

Soccer season has finally ended! Monday was our last game. Goalie was really sad because he loves having a team and getting to run, run, and run some more. Cupcakes always make things better and as you can see by the huge smile on his face, the cupcake certainly cut the sting of sadness away. He is also excited that he is almost old enough to start Football though so we will see how things go there. 

{THREE}

October 4th was the Feast of Saint Francis and we did a Blessing of the Animals together. We have three cats and let me tell you: Holy water, kids and cats do not mix! The kids were so excited to "bless" the animals because they knew cats don't like water. Granted my husband only sprinkled the holy water but all three cats flew out of their spots into different rooms. I almost felt bad allowing the blessing to happen but the kitties also received a brand new scratching post, catnip and soft food for dinner. They will forgive us one day... hopefully. 

{FOUR}

October has officially begun and it is a month full of meaning. October is dedicated to the Holy Rosary, Respecting Life, Breast Cancer Awareness, ADHD Awareness, Spina Bifida Awareness and many other things. All of these causes have an impact on me and my life and we are attempting to find ways to acknowledge all this in our family. What do you celebrate this month? Anything that has a special place in your heart? How do you make it special to your family?

{FIVE}

I received my first Little Catholic Box this month!!! I am in love! My dad purchased the subscription for me as a gift and I was blown away by the awesomeness that was packed into this box! I am so excited to see what is to come and to share all the goodies with my family. How many of you have this great subscription? It is definitely worth giving a try!

{SIX}

We are really getting into the Autumn Spirit! To start things off we attended the Apple Day hosted in Penrose, Colorado. It was a great experience! We have two fall festivals this weekend and we have so much more planned before the end of this season. 

{SEVEN}

This is our family's first year joining the Boy Scouts of America and becoming a scouting family. Little Man and Goalie have both earned their first badge! The Bobcat Badge. I am in pursuit of some Scouting uniforms and in the process of creating a binder for the boys to keep their badges together so they have something to look back on if they decide to stick with the Boy Scouts. We just signed up for our first outdoor event for next weekend too! This October and Autumn season is turning out to be a very memorable one!

God Bless!

{SQT}: Farewell September

Am I the only one who blinked and September was over?! I am honestly in complete shock that tomorrow will be the first day of October! Don't get me wrong... we had an exciting month, September but I am looking forward to what October brings. As Anne of Green Gables said best, “I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Let me give September that final farewell with my Seven Quick Takes for this week.

{ONE}

Earlier in the month my husband and I made a commitment to each other to spend more alone time together. We both work in the hospitality industry and we juggle a ton of extra curricular activities so it feels like it is near impossible to enjoy time alone, together, not only as a husband and wife but as a couple that wants to stay connected in faith, hope and love. This week we decided to cross off something from our Autumn Bucket List and go for our first Autumn walk to see the changing colors of the leaves. It was a gorgeous experience! We went to the Rampart Reservoir and walked around 5-6 miles around the Reservoir before we had a little picnic with a glass of Merlot. The rocks and sand around the reservoir sparkled with gold flecks and the gorgeous hues of yellow, orange and red has just begun. As much as we enjoyed this hike, we will be going on another one in a week or two to see the progression of the changing leaves. I will share more pictures later!

{TWO}

I got a flat tire on my way to our first Parish Faith Night. We managed to drive all the way to the church and when I stepped out of the jeep I heard rushing air. At first I didn't think anything about it but when I got the boys out of the jeep and we walked to the front of the vehicle the awful hissing got louder. I reached down to the front left tire and could feel the air rushing out. I ran inside to speak to the coordinator of the Parish Faith Night because I was suppose to stand at the Liturgical Year poster to give information to families about how to celebrate the Liturgical Year at home. I explained the situation and got my boys in the jeep and drove to a Loaf and Jug nearby. The tire was COMPLETELY flat at this point. I tried using the fix-a-flat but it must have been old or mishandled because the side of the can blew out. My amazing dad had packed me an emergency kit so I was able to patch the tire, refill it and get home. My boys learned the importance of being educated in tire repair and other things that don't seem important to know until it's too late. It was a little scary because it was dark, no one offered us help and I wasn't sure the patch would hold. God took the wheel and kept us safe. 

{THREE}

I love this picture of my hubby and Cloudy. Cloudy is like my husband's furry baby. He follows him around and loves on him 24/7 when he is home. My husband loves it because although he loves our children with all his soul, his heart aches for more children. So I wasn't sure I was going to share this or not but I have a pull in my heart that I am suppose to share the start of a new Fertility journey for my husband and I. We made the big leap and contacted the doctors that we have been contemplating contacting to try to find out if we will be able to have children together. Our appointments aren't until the end of October and November but I would greatly appreciate any prayers that you could give asking that God shows us the path to more children that we so desperately want. I would love to be able to carry more children but if that is not what our Lord wants, we will investigate adoption. Let thy will be done!

{FOUR}

I know it is not Halloween, or even October yet but we already have started our fall baking. We enjoyed a Halloween funfetti cake with orange icing and Halloween sprinkles. It was so good! We actually finished off the cake during our Autumn hike picnic I spoke about earlier. We didn't just enjoy Halloween cake but we have already started watching Halloween movies. We have watched The Halloween Tree, Charlie Brown's The Great Pumpkin and a few other Halloween classics. I need to pick out a new one to have another movie night with my boys this weekend! 

What are your favorite Halloween classic movies? What about treats? We do all of our feasting now because Halloween is actually a day of fasting before the All Saints Day Celebration begins!

{FIVE}

We received this banner from Mass last week regarding proposition 106. I am not a politically active person because I think politics are way too messy and most things are not what they seem but I felt it was important to show that I do not support proposition 106. I hope that the banner inspires others to stand up against this proposition too. We live in an apartment complex and I was almost 100% positive the management would remove the sign but it is still standing. I am hoping to keep it displayed as long as possible. 

Prop 106 would allow Colorado doctors to write a suicide prescription for a consenting person who has been diagnosed with a terminal illness with six months or less to live. But as 9 NEWS in Denver points out, the measure “requires the patient to self-administer the drug to end their own life.”

{SIX}

Little Man and Goalie have been LOVING their experiences with Lion/ Cub Scouts. Tonight the boys completed a booklet to receive their first badge! The Bobcat Badge! We also learned about an opportunity to go on our first Family Campout with the Boy Scouts of America. Anyone else have experience of this great group? I would love to hear all about your thoughts!

{SEVEN}

Today is the feast of Saint Jerome and he is the patron of Librarians! It was only fitting that I take the boys on a trip to the library and stock myself with some thriller books to start the month of October! The boys were excited to stock up on some Halloween and All Hallows Eve Books and a few movies for the weekend. We have always been a book loving family but I feel like the boys love for the library has grown excessively over the past few months. I am a little ashamed to say that this is our first visit to the library since the summer! We have been swamped with the Back-to-school routine, sports, altar serving schedule, CCD and the many other things we have been juggling. Seeing the smiles on my boys faces today reminded me about how important these short but sweet family outings really are to me and my boys. 

{SQT}: Marriage, Sports and Much More

I have been MIA from several of my favorite linkups, including {SQT}, because of an overwhelming amount of extra activities that were added to our schedule. This past week was no different but I am doing my best to get back on track with everything that has been pushed to the side. 

{ONE}

My cousin Serina's wedding was this past Saturday! Congrats Serina and Jesus! They have such an extraordinary love story. They have actually been together for 12 years already. They have endured so much and have supported each other through all the good, bad and the ugly. I have no doubt that they will have a long, prosperous marriage and will live happily ever after.

The wedding was in Liberal, Kansas so it was only a 6 hour drive from where we live. We have most of my dad's side of the family living in Kansas so we were able to see a large amount of them at the wedding too. It was a beautiful wedding and a gorgeous reception. Little Man was given the opportunity to altar serve during the wedding. I know he was scared and nervous because he had never served for the priest or at the location the wedding was being held but he was brave and accepted the invitation to honor his family during the Mass. I was and still am so proud of him for stepping up.

{TWO}

We completed our Halloween decorating this week too! My boys love to decorate the house and do seasonal crafts to celebrate. I am working on a post right now about Halloween and being Catholic. I read an article several years ago about how to keep the "scary" in Halloween without losing the important concepts that are the important aspects of All Saints and All Souls Day. Halloween is a day of fasting to prepare for All Saints and All Souls. I think it is also important to discuss purgatory on Halloween and that allows us to have a scary Halloween. 

I even received the boys costumes in the mail this week so now I only have to figure out what my husband and I will wear. This will be the first year we have done a family dress up. The boys are REALLY into Star Wars so they are dressing as a Flame Trooper and Captain Rex. My husband really wants to be Darth Vader and I have absolutely no clue what I will be. Maybe I'll just be a storm trooper too? Suggestions are welcome!

{THREE}

We have TWO football games this week! We normally only have one so it was a FULL week of football. I am enjoying that there is no practice today so I using this time to catch up on old, new and late blog posts! Little Man has really missed having a banner to run through the past few games so I found some banner paper and created a banner for his team. Little did I know that when I bought this paper that there would be over 75 feet of paper!!!! Needless to say, I will be making banners the rest of the season. I might even make one for Goalie's soccer team. 

Painting the banners was actually pretty calming and relaxing until I saw that my cat Lemon was drinking the water I used to clean the paint brushes! I had a mini-stroke reading the labels on the paint to make sure it was non-toxic. Lemon was mad at me for yelling at her so she ignored me the rest of the day. Oh the price we pay for loving animals. 

{FOUR}

Goalie started Dino School this week. I think I may have mentioned once before but it is essentially a group therapy that is held to help teach children with developmental delays about socialization, dealing with tough emotions and learning how to control anger outbursts. 

{FIVE}

Yesterday was the first official day of Fall and I am so glad! I love Autumn! We celebrated with Spiced Apple Pork Chops with Sweet potato and zucchini. Everyone loved it. The pork fell apart so easily from slow cooking all day and the amazing spices made my house smell amazing. We had a football game yesterday too so it really was the perfect way to start the beginning of Autumn. 

{SIX}

We had Soccer pictures this week! Goalie plays for the Memorial Blizzards and he was smiling extra hard this year! I love that my boys love playing on teams. I love his "Shark fin" hair that he requested special for picture day.

{SEVEN}

To end this week, I decided it was best to have a Halloween movie night! This will be one of many because my boys and I love movie nights and we have a list of Halloween movies that MUST be watched before October 31st! We are starting tonight with The Halloween Tree. This was one of my most favorite movies that I watched with my brother and sister every Halloween season. We will be enjoying pizza, popcorn, Halloween ice cream floats and cupcakes! I am finishing up preparations as we speak. I honestly might be more excited about this than my kids! This will be their first time watching this cartoon and it has been years since I last saw it! I love Autumn and all the amazing family activities that come with it!