Five Kernels of Corn and Other Thanksgiving Plans

We're wrapping up school this week for Thanksgiving.  Today will be filled with a combination of our typical studies as well as a few extras tied into our study of Colonial America, which culminates with the study of the Plimouth Plantation.  Make sure to visit their site this week for a great, interactive program on life as a Pilgrim.  After learning about the struggles of the colonists--particularly of the Starving Time-- we're planning to add the tradition of the Five Kernels to our holiday celebration.

In Math, a few fun Thanksgiving word problems (yes, my children, too, think it odd that I refer to word problems as "fun".)  We'll also be planning a Thanksgiving menu for 12 (any arbitrary number will work, but this requires the doubling of most recipes).  The big girls will create their guest lists and select their menus.  Then, using the grocery store circulars--and a budget of $75--we'll see if we can make our planned feast happen or not. 

We've also acquired several favorite DVDs (and one VHS tape) to view between now and Thursday.    From the Inspiring Animated Heroes collection, we'll learn about William Bradford and the character traits of sharing, gratitude and leadership.  From the Dear, America series we'll watch the movie that corresponds with the diary Journey To A New World, which the big girls and I read this month.  And, of course, it goes without saying that we'll watch the classic A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, but did you know that there is a wonderful version of the journey on the Mayflower also starring the Peanuts cast?

Tomorrow, we'll be joining with several other families for a Thanksgiving prayer service and luncheon.

Wednesday is reserved for preparing the house, stringing cranberries, making butter, last minute shopping and a few favorite Thanksgiving stories:

Run, Turkey, Run
Mousekin's Thanksgiving
Cranberry Thanksgiving
Saying Grace

and a final school project using a favorite family book, 'Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving.  Each of the children will receive a plain, paper cut-out turkey with the instructions to disguise their bird before he becomes dinner the  next day.  Their clever ideas always make me chuckle. 

Then, finally, on Thanksgiving (which this year is also The Boy's 15th birthday!) we'll rise early to attend Mass and begin the day with a sense of gratitude and thankfulness for all our Lord has done for us. 

Wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving!

Advent Adventure

Did you sign up for Advent Adventure last year? We did and we LOVED it! Just fill in your email address and they'll do the rest--everything is delivered right to your computer. It just doesn't get any easier!

El Dia De Los Muertos

Tell me how you die, and I will tell you who you are...To the inhabitant of New York, Paris or London death is a word that is never uttered because it burns the lips. The Mexican, on the other hand, frequents it, mocks it, caresses it, sleeps with it, entertains it; it is one of his favorite playthings and his most enduring love.

-Octavio Paz, The Labrynth of Solitude

Time to Remember

A new friend reminded me of this approaching anniversary. Recollecting that the date still brings me to pause, and I reminded myself to remember, how important it is not to forget.

As We Remember Those That Protect Us, On Memorial Day And Always...
Dear Heavenly Father, We gather together this day to remember, reflect upon, and honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for America and for us. Bless all who have fallen in the cause of freedom and liberty, and grant them eternal rest with You. We remember also our brave men and women now serving in our Armed Forces, who are defending us from harm and injustice both at home and abroad. Please bless them and bring them safely home to their families, their loved ones, and to us, whom they have served so selflessly. Please bring Your peace and mercy to our world. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
Take a Moment to Reflect and Pray: To help re-educate and remind Americans of the true meaning of Memorial Day, the "National Moment of Remembrance" resolution was passed in December 2000 asking all Americans at 3 p.m. local time "to voluntarily and informally observe in their own way a Moment of remembrance and respect, pausing from whatever they are doing for a moment of silence or listening to 'Taps'."	Other Ways to Observe This Day: Visit cemeteries and place flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes. Visit local memorials. Fly the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon. Fly the POW/MIA Flag Pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen soldiers, and to aid the disabled veterans.
Greater love than this no one has, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. –John 15:13 Wishing you all a Blessed Memorial Day! Image and Prayer courtesy of Living Grace

A Mother's Day Prayer

Loving Father,

We thank You for the love of the Mothers in our lives, who cared for us when we were helpless, who comforted us when we were hurt, and whose love and care we often took for granted.

When they are down, give them comfort; when they are discouraged, give them hope; and when they feel as though they have no patience left, give them strength. May they feel Your love in their hearts, Your peace in their minds, and Your joy in their spirits.

Bless all Mothers, that their love may be deep and tender, that they may lead their children to know and do what is good, living not for themselves alone, but for God and for others. Most of all, our caring Father, we ask You to give Mothers the grace they most need and desire today.

We ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me.
They have clung to me all my life.
--Abraham Lincoln

H/T Living Grace

Free Divine Mercy Materials

Prior to Lent this year, I was mulling about with ideas for enhancing our daily prayer life aboard the Ark. There were a few prayers I really loved, but had not committed to memory. We have a pretty solid weekly scripture memorization routine, but I was hoping to add to it.

The Divine Mercy is such a powerful prayer with such amazing promises, it seemed a perfect fit for us. Plus, the girls (even the little ones) love the tactile sense of smooth rosary beads between their fingers. And even the smallest ones can stay attentive during this much-briefer-than-the-rosary prayer.

And, since we are often on the go during the apres-school hours, it is a blessing (and a convenience!) that Relevant Radio prays the Divine Mercy every day at 3pm! We are gearing up to begin the Divine Mercy Novena this Friday and I was thrilled to hear that Relevant Radio was giving away a FREE packet of information to help people countdown to Easter and to Divine Mercy Sunday.

Easter Logic

Two ladies, dressed to the hilt in their Easter finery, were making slow progress in the crowd trying to get into the entrance to the church...

Finally one of them burst out impatiently, "Now wouldn't you think that these people who do nothing but go to Church Sunday after Sunday would stay home at Easter and leave room for the rest of us."

While this is all in good humor, there is a shred of truth to this little anecdote.

And it doesn't only come from the Creasters. There is impatience on both sides when churches are standing room only on these highest of holy days.

Rather than heeding the advice of the woman in the story and staying home this Easter, why not plan to leave a few minutes early for church? Then you'll be comfortably settled in when the not-so-frequent-fliers arrive. And better able to extend a welcoming hand to the new faces around you. Who knows, the impression you leave may be the only impression that person has of what a "Christian" looks (and more importantly, acts) like over the course of an entire year.

"Preach the gospel at all times, when necessary use words." -- St. Francis of Assisi

Lenten Pretzels

For a fun multi-age, interdisciplinary Lenten activity, we made Lenten pretzels. We learned the religious history of the pretzel, made our own homemade pretzels (recipe and pictures below), and did a little Lenten reading to make a well-rounded activity.

(From The Year of the Lord in the Christian Home, The Liturgical Press, 1964)

"Pretzels were made in the fifth century as a Lenten food in Austria, Germany, and Poland. People began to make them on Ash Wednesday to prepare for the very first day of Lent. During this time, the faithful kept a very strict fast all through Lent: no milk, no butter, no cheese, no eggs, no cream and no meat. They made small breads of water, flour, and salt to keep with the fasting and abstinence laws. To remind them that Lent was a time of prayer, they shaped these breads in the form of crossed arms since in those days they crossed their arms over their chest while praying. Therefore, they called the breads "little arms" (bracellae). From this Latin word, the Germanic people coined the term "pretzel."

Thus, the pretzel can be an important food symbol in Lent. It still shows the form of arms crossed in prayer, reminding us that Lent is a time of prayer. It consists mainly of water and flour, therefore proclaiming Lent as a time of fasting and penance."

Bread Pretzels

1 1/4 c. warm water
1 T dry yeast
1/2 t. sugar
4 1/2 c. flour
1 egg yolk
1-2 t. water or milk
coarse salt

Let yeast and sugar dissolve in water for one hour. Add flour to yeast mixture and beat until smooth. Knead mixture for seven to eight minutes. Place in a greased, covered bowl and let the dough rise until double in size.


Divide the dough in half; then divide each half in to smaller pieces of equal size.


Roll each piece in your hands to make pencil shapes twelve (12) to fifteen (15) inches long.

Shape each length of dough into pretzels. Place on a greased baking sheet. Brush with egg yolk and water or milk mixture. Sprinkle with coarse salt. Bake at 325 degrees until lightly browned on top. (Ed. Note: As long as they are cooked through, they will be done in about 20-30 mins depending on your oven)


Before you eat, say the following prayer together:

Dear God, we ask you to bless these pretzels, which remind us that Lent is a sacred season of penance and prayer. Each time we eat a pretzel, may we be reminded that this is the season of Lent, a time of prayer. Help us to remember to pray for those who need our prayers each day. Keep your loving arms around us, O God, to protect us. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.

Feast of Saint Joseph

As a child, I always associated this feast day with the festival of San Giuseppe at the Catholic high school my dad worked at of the same name. Now, as an adult, but especially as a wife and mother, St. Joseph holds more meaning for me than the cannoli-laden plates of my youth.

What a role model our sons and husbands (and fathers) have in him. Given a culture that belittles the role of authentic fatherhood, St. Joseph is a beacon for those men, young and old, trying to find their way. Two wonderful articles are over at the Catholic Exchange. You can read one article here, and while you're at it, this is an oldie (from two years ago) but a real goodie!

Blessed Joseph, we come to you in our troubles and humbly beg you to help our family in our needs.
Watchful Guardian of the Holy Family, protect us from every worry and difficulty.
As once you rescued the Child Jesus, so now protect us. Shield us by your constant care so that we may be able to live with peace of mind and obtain eternal happiness.
Amen.

Veni Sancte Spiritus!

Confirmation Day

Sharing the day with the sisters. The other little ones were home with a favorite babysitter (who even came while Naomi was sick!)

The Boy and his good buddy from Arizona--these boys have been friends since preschool!

The Boy with his sponsor (who is the dad of his friend, Candace's godfather and an all around good-guy!)

Confirmation Day March 8, 2009

Breathe in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my thoughts may all be holy.

Act in me, O Holy Spirit,
that my work, too, may be holy.

Draw my heart, O Holy Spirit,
that I love but what is holy.

Strengthen me, O Holy Spirit,
to defend all that is holy.

Guard me, then, O Holy Spirit,
that I may always be holy.

Amen.
Saint Augustine of Hippo

Last Minute Valentine Fun!

I smiled to myself as I read Barbara's recent post (chock full of great Valentine ideas, by the way) that this year, she was posting a little closer to the holiday than last year. I could certainly relate. Last year, I shared this post of Valentine's Day activities in late January--a full 3 weeks before St. Valentine's Day!

But, with my early posting I never found the time to actually do any of them!

This year, however, there will be no new Valentine activity post.

There will be a last-minute link to last year's ideas and then there will be pictures.

A few random shots of the supplies used for the Heart Hunt, Love Match and a new addition Roll-A-Heart!
(Just a simple game where a die is cast and players collect the corresponding number of hearts for each number rolled...up to a predetermined number. Could even be mathematically modified for older learners)

Because this year, we're spending more time celebrating Valentine's Day and less time blogging about it.

Happy Valentine's Day!

**Oh, and I'll let you know our high school decision over the weekend!***

Home Another Way



We're getting ready to celebrate Epiphany on the Ark tonight. Big hands will hurry to be the first to light the incense and to bless the first room in the house. Little hands will fumble with the hefty chalk pieces as they inscribe the blessing on the slate tile which hangs near the entry way of our home. And we will start the year anew together.

Sitting in the cry room with a quiet Baby Girl this morning, I listened to our beloved pastor preach on the wise men, the three kings, the magi who were sent to do King Herod's bidding. But amazingly enough, in a dream, they were warned of Herod's scheme (shouldn't we all be so lucky?!?) and made their way home another way.

I couldn't help but hum this James Taylor song as I listened to the rest of his sermon. This isn't a story told once, long ago, about three really intelligent, wealthy old men. No sir. It's a yearly reminder to us all of the very real, very present, constant struggle between good and evil. And it's a sign of the power wrought by the Incarnation. If there's one thing I'd like for my children to know, to really understand, and to always remember, it's to follow that "lucky star." There are no shortage of Herods out there, waiting to take "take a mile" if we give an inch. Don't be afraid, I'll assure them, to stand up to your Herods and go home another way. It's as simple as following the Star.

Safe home, friends. Safe home.

New Year's Greetings

From Baby New Year and the rest of the Ark crew...
May God bless your 2009 and grant you much happiness and good health in the New Year!

New Year's Eve Traditions

There's been a lot of talk over at Faith and Family Live! about how people celebrate the New Year holiday. Anyone who's spent time aboard the Ark on New Year's Eve knows that we usually go all out with parties, games, food and friends. This year, our celebration has been scaled back about as far as it can go. We'll still be celebrating, but this year it will just be the nine of us. (We are our own party in some books, I suppose) We're still planning to do a few of our favorite traditions from the previous years' parties, though. One of my favorites is the Ten Year Predictions we all fill out. They are fun to read that night, but even more fun to read a few years later! Here is our list of questions:

Ten Year Predictions

1. In ten years, I will be _______________ years old.

2. In ten years, I will be living in __________________________________.

3. In ten years, my job will be ____________________________________.

4. In ten years, the people in my family will be

_____________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

5. In ten years, I will _______________________________________ for fun.

6. In ten years, I will drive a _______________________________________.

7. In ten years, the president will be _________________________________.

8. In ten years, the newest invention will be ____________________________.

9. The best thing about being 10 years older will be

_____________________________________________________________.

10. The worst thing about being 10 years older will be

_____________________________________________________________.

*BONUS* What will your mom and dad be doing in ten years???

(Yes---Mom and Dad, make sure you fill one out. We're all interested what you'll be doing---or more precisely where you'll be doing it--- in ten years!)

Muppet Family Christmas

If you have never seen this touching--and funny (how can you not laugh at the "icy patch" every.single.time...even when you the joke has been played to death?) Muppet Christmas special, here is the sing-along scene (nobody does a sing-along like the Muppets) with my favorite song at minute 5:28 (skip ahead if you must, but make sure you see it. It's from another Muppet special called The Christmas Toy) Jim Henson, who even makes an appearance in this special, hits the nail on the head with this one. There is something so special, so intangible, but so powerful about Christmas celebrated with those you love gathered close together.

Come To the Party

My mother-in-law sent me an invitation to a Christmas party you don't want to miss. Now, I am passing it on to you. May your Christmas be filled with much joy and peace!

Fourth Sunday in Advent Reflection

from the ark-ives

Advent and Giving

Mrs. Testosterhome has a beautiful post about her work with the Poorest of the Poor alongside Blessed Teresa of Calcutta's Missionaries of Charity. Her blog is worth reading anytime, but today, it's a must.

Her story reminded me of our Women's Scripture Study last month. We'd been discussing the virtue of Justice, which wound around to the topic of charity and the beatitudes; of following Jesus' command to care for those in need. As Advent was nearing, we discussed how many of us choose this time of the year to "clean house" and donate toys, clothes or other *stuff* to local shelters. Someone offered to be a drop-off location for donations as the St. Vincent DePaul truck was scheduled to pick-up donations at her house the following week.

I shared with the group how my own love of donating to charity was a bit jaded by the guilt I feel when said charity pulls up in my own driveway and (sometimes) even loads my boxes and bags of excess onto their truck for me, leaving me to simply stand aside and accept the tax-deductible receipt for the following April.

As we moved on to the final portion of the study, to read the story of "The Widow's Mite", suddenly a great spiritual fog lifted for me. Jesus commended the Widow for her giving because it came not from her excess, but from her need. Of course, my giving was charitable, but it was also a little selfish, if I was being honest with myself. True charity, real generosity, as illustrated from Mrs. Testosterhome's powdered donut story, must come from giving fully of ourselves--even to people whom we decide "don't deserve" it, just as God gives freely to us.

Third Sunday in Advent Reflection

from the ark-ives

Advent and Perseverance

Another mile on the bumpy back of a barnyard donkey.

Another knock on the door of an occupied inn, followed by further rejection.

Another cry into the darkness--My Lord, my God, where are you? This can't be Your plan--or can it?

How different would the story of salvation be if the Holy Family decided to pack it up 10 miles shy of their holy destiny? Faced with obstacles, uncertainties and disappointments could you honestly blame them? Certainly not by today's standards, which say--Don't wait...Have it all...Hey, why not have two...right now.

Fear and doubt may be the Devil's two best known tools, but he's got another trick up his sleeve that requires less perspiration on his part and gets the job done just as well. The Devil's not stupid. Why do something to us that we could ultimately do ourselves? Using our human tendency to need instant gratification, he has but only sit back and wait for us to give up and throw in the towel admitting defeat. Saves him time and effort and the end result is the same--a change in God's holy will for us.

This week in Advent, take a moment to think about those things that aren't going as smoothly as possible, that might be taking a little longer than previously planned or that might be requiring some extra effort. Then, think about what the implications might be if you abandon it because it isn't happening just as you had thought. It may be something small or it, like the actions of the Holy Family on their journey to Bethlehem, may have eternal consequences far beyond your wildest dreams. We need only to look to the example of the Holy Family's journey to help us stay the course.

Bonum certamen certavi, cursum consummavi, fidem servavi.
I have fought the good fight. I have completed the course. I have preserved the faith.

2 Timothy 4:7

Second Sunday in Advent Reflection

If there was ever an Advent when hope was first on my wish list, this one would be it. Hoping for a miracle end to Baby Girl's sickness, hoping for a doctor hand chosen by God to greet us tomorrow at the doctor's office, and all the while holding myself up on the hope that God will provide and see us through this.

From the ark-ives:

Advent and Hope

On the first Sunday in Advent, my husband and I were treated to an impromptu nativity play, performed by the Ark's own junior thespians. At showtime, we were escorted to a quiet corner of the playroom, where two seats had been reserved specifically for us. We sat front and center while the narrator/director/producer cranked up the Christmas Cat Chat CD kicking off a rousing rendition of O Come, O Come Emmanuel.

CB dressed as an all-purpose angel took her stage direction well. Suffice to say that N and Baby T performing the roles of Mary and Joseph might have benefited from an additional dress rehearsal or two. As the music morphed into an uptempo version of Gloria In Excelsis Deo, we-in the audience-noticed that Mary had taken off her serene covering revealing (big surprise here) her much worn cheerleading dress. Joseph, meanwhile, was alternately trying to turn a bright blue bowling pin into a Louisville slugger and getting down with his bad self to the new song. The angel persevered, but it wasn't enough to keep the play's creator from having an artistic "moment" before calling the troupe back together for a retake.

After a few false starts, Mary re-cloaked. Joseph stopped dancing. And the narrator was able to lead the audience through the final words of St. Luke's version of the first Christmas to the ebullient shouts of the whole cast as Joy to the World played on. At that very moment, watching my children dance and sing around the tiny baby in the makeshift manger, under the computer desk serving as a stable, I smiled.

For with all its flaws and errors, with all its imperfections and miscues, the show went on and the Savior arrived. It was the essence of the Incarnation played out in my basement. Regardless of our sins, despite our weaknesses, our failings and foibles; He came anyway.

Hallelujah! Today we can rejoice---He comes anyway.