FEAST-ivities continued...

My favorite month of the year is NOVEMBER.  It is a time when I feel things slow down, even for just a bit.  The nights get longer, the air is cooler and the sun is toasty warm...not scorching hot.  Here in California, the sun can be merciless.

It is also the month that I celebrate my birthday. :o)

This year, my daughters and husband made me the most wonderful Birthday Brunch to go with my Birthday Extravaganza.

This is the spread they prepared to help me celebrate the day...

It was a day of jollity!  Nearly festivity overload.

Everything tasted delicious.  Everything was done with such love.  Every detail in the presentation was exquisite and I was most appreciative.

Goodbye November...you've been feastive. 

XO,

Little Women's Hospitality & Little Flowers Girls' Club

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~ Capturing the context of contentment in everyday life ~

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I am starting up a Little Women's Hospitality group, and I will be implementing all the virtues learned in the Little Flowers Girls Club.
The Little Flowers & Little Women's Hospitality Girls' Club:  Teaching young girls from the ages 5 and up, virtues through scripture and classic literature, using the Saints virtuous lives as an example, centered around the Catholic Faith.

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This has been on my heart for some time, and since my youngest daughter has just turned twelve, I am motivated to make it happen.  I thought I was done organizing or hosting any Girls' Club.  But, I was truly inspired by Jennifer over at Catholic Inspired, and after much prayer, I decided to give a another go.
I have found a lot of pretty crafts, and ideas for our meetings.  I cannot wait to share them!

We had our first meeting to discuss and plan, and I am happy to say that our group will officailly begin in 3 short weeks!

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The family helped my mom celebrate her 85th Birthday!
She requested a white cake with pineapple filling and whipped cream icing...
Butterfly created this yummy cake to specification.
I suggested she use crushed pineapple, lemon curd and whipped cream for the cake filling.  It was PERFECT!
HAPPY 85TH BIRTHDAY MOM!
I LOVE YOU!
Thank you for all that you have done for me and the family.
I hope to honor you always.

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Big brother finds little sisters creation...some mild teasing ensued...the glove-hen-head was popped shortly thereafter (and not by big brother).  I love Little Lamb's creativity.

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I have been doing a lot of research, planning and PINNING.  What ever did I do before Pinterest???...and I accompished so much more before Pinterest!!!  It can be a useful tool, or disadvantageous.  Anyway, so many great and wonderful ideas are being compiled for our Little Women's Hospitality group meetings.
I am going to be checking out this tool for teaching Communication Skills and Etiquette ideas.

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Tea for Twelve

My Little Lamb has turned Twelve!  

So what do you do for a sweet girl of twelve years?

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Her sister and I thought a Tea Party would be fun...

and so did her friends.

Happy 239th Birthday America!

"GOD BLESS AMERICA,

LAND THAT I LOVE,

STAND BESIDE HER

AND GUIDE HER

THRU THE NIGHT

WITH A LIGHT 

FROM ABOVE"

~ Irving Berlin, 1918

Have a safe and blessed 4th of July

Sweet Sixteen

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My sweet girl turned SIXTEEN!!!  I love you my dear, what a beautiful young lady you have become...I am so very proud of who you are and all that you do, for the glory of God.  You are sweet, and fun, and (so very, very) smart, and talented.  You are an angel in my eyes and one of my greatest and most precious treasures.  Happy Birthday...with all my LOVE.  XOXOXOXO

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Fifteen was just a blink away... ;o) 

Fourteen was two blinks... ;o)  ;o)
Thirteen was three...;o) ;o)  ;o)

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My Sweet Sixteen decided to make a day of fun, with her sister and me, at the salon for a mani & pedi...it was fun, fun, funny!  We sat three in a row and were pampered with fun girly stuff - not to mention, very relaxing.  We walked out of there with fabulous feet & fingers!

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My teens had their friends over for a soccer game...I remember having lots of energy and a voracious appetite as a youth...I am happy to report:  things have not changed much in that area.  It makes this mama's heart happy to take care of our guests; I certainly inherited the love of hospitality from my mother.

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Advent 2014: Week Three

+ Preparing our souls to receive Christ worthily +

"We should love and feel compassion for those who oppose us, since they harm themselves and do us good, and adorn us with crowns of everlasting glory."

                               -St. Anthony Zaccaria

With our parochial vicar's prompting, my son and I have been working on gifting our altar boys & acolytes, with a modest 'thank you' gift, for all the wonderful service they have given to our church.  Every year our pastor has gifted them a little treat, which they always appreciate.  

I think they will like this year's treat, as well.

Preparing for the Celebration
I woke up to find, on my desk, a wooden peg nativity set.  It was lovingly colored by my Little Lamb.  We are all looking forward to the coming of Our Lord.

A bonus was the mini-celebration of our Papa Francis ( who shares my confirmation name sake).  Son Dulce de leche was in order, as was a splash of Frangelico.  I will have to re-purpose this bottle after its contents have been used...

The Jesuscaritaest blog reinvigorated me to pull out our Ero Cras O Antiphon House; which we were inspired to make many years ago.  Even though I brought it out on time, we have not had a moment to do the readings with all the other activities going on:  from choir to ice skating to a trip to the ER...  

My children took this picture on their own, to thank me for their gift...I think they were happy with their slippers/socks.

                                             Sharing Family traditions, reflections, activities & crafts over at 
                                                                             Catholic Bloggers Advent Link up

Happy Birthday Papa Francis

Fresh eggs from the coop...just what I need to bake a simple cake for such an occasion.  It seems that Dulce de Leche is one of Pope Francis' favorite desserts.  An Argentinian delight, I found a recipe in a cake version - Dulce de Leche Layer Cake with Frangelico liqueur.  Perfecto!

~ Good Habit, Bad habit ~

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Rite of Imposition of the Habit

Carmelite Sisters of the Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

We were blessed to attend the Rite of Imposition of the Habit and Mass at the Carmel.  My son has served a 'Rite of Imposition' at the Carmel once before.  It is an absolutely beautiful ceremony.  The nuns' angelic voices, in chant, can be heard behind the grate.  I wish I could share more photos, but the contemplative Sisters are situated behind the grate...in cloister.

Soon the Sisters will be moving to another location, a traditional monastery, that is in dire need of repair.  You can read a short history about them here, with links for additional information.  We are SO blessed to have them in our diocese.

Perhaps you would like to help the Sisters with the construction work at the Carmel?  View the progress and plans on Carmel of Jesus, Mary and Joseph blog. To the right of the article, you can find out how to donate to the Carmelites if you feel so called.

It was such a joyous occasion, as one of the Sisters received her Holy Habit.

"Hearken, O Lord, Almighty God, unto our prayers and deign to bless this your handmaiden, whom we have clothed in the habit of our Holy Order in Thy Holy Name; and grant that by Thy generosity she may remain faithful in the Church and may merit eternal life.  Per Christum Dominum nostrum.  Amen."

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Because you can never have too much chocolate & strawberries

Little Lamb turned a happy ELEVEN.  She asked for this chocolate cake with fresh strawberries and our delectable ganache icing.  We adjusted the cake recipe, yet again, substituting the unsweetened cocoa powder with some (melted) bittersweet chocolate chips.  I didn't have any cocoa powder on hand, lucky us.
And I thought this cake could not get any better.  

This year, instead of our traditional treasure hunt for birthday gifts, we decided to go on a mom & daughter clothes shopping spree...my girl is growing and so she needed a new (simple) wardrobe.  We had a really fun time and (thankfully) found some really cute and modest pieces of clothing.  

I love you, my Little Lammy, you are so smart and wonderful.  You are growing into such a lovely young lady - mommy and daddy are SO very proud of YOU!  XOXO!!!

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Who knew?!?

This is not what Little Lamb chose, but I just had to take a pic...it reminded me of the pope's mozzetta.  

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Am I the only one that has this problem?  

I can neither find the right color, nor part with the wrong.  (Do I think that one day they will somehow 'work'?)  I look at this and see...a waste (of money).  However, I cannot seem to throw them out, because, that would be...a waste (of money).  I am in a quandary.  I think I'll put them back into my makeup drawer and forget about them...until I stumble across them, again.  My bad habit.

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~ Back-Blogged: AHG, Blue Mass, Birthday, Action...September ~

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LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION...

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The crew looked {pretty} & handsome as they attended a movie premiere gala event.  Our friends' daughter produced, directed & filmed a movie that included several children in our home school & church friend circles.  
It was a super fun afternoon.  Cast members (siblings & parents, too) brought snacks, desserts, drinks to watch the completed film.  The families enjoyed watching the youth laugh and enjoy themselves.  

Movie Premiere

VIPs

The Event included:  The Walk of Fame; Special Movie Premiere; Luncheon with the Stars. 
All the cast dressed to the occasion.
Everyone enjoyed the afternoon.  Good wholesome fun and entertainment.  
Rated G for GREAT! 

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AHG & Trail Life have been bringing many {happy} events and memories.
A lot of badges and service hours have been accomplished through meetings, camping trips and home activities.  Little Lamb even took the initiative to personalize her new tote bag that each girl received to hold their AHG book & projects.  She embroidered the American Heritage Girls initials onto her bag.

American Heritage Girls

Conductor has turned SEVENTEEN.  Wow.  TEMPUS FUGIT.  

He requested his favorite side dish with bacon, and this fruit torte.  

Happy 17th!!!!!!!!!

We are so proud of you, son, and 

WE LOVE YOU SO VERY MUCH!!!

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Fresh eggs

After a good wash, I lined up the eggs in a safe spot so they would not roll away...I love having fresh eggs every morning.  Love it.


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We attended the 2nd Annual Blue Mass at our Cathedral to honor our police, fire fighters and first responders. 

Blue Mass

Eighty years ago, the first Blue Mass took place in  Washington, D.C. at St. Patrick's Church.  Since 1934, the Church has been asking for special blessings for those that work in public safety, protecting and caring for our communities; and to pray for those who have given their lives.
We take time to honor those that gave their lives in the line of duty.  This particular Mass was special in that a family friend, a police officer, was killed in January of this year.  Our bishop mentioned his name during the intentions.

Credit:  SFgate
Funeral Mass of Detective Sergeant T.S.

Bishop Barber celebrated the Mass along with ten chaplains, and three deacons; The mayor, 3 chaplains from the Episcopal church and two from the Baptist church were also in attendance and praying together with the law enforcement officers, firefighters and other first responders.

We pray for those living, especially my brother.  

Please offer up a quick pray for all those that serve and protect us.   

St. Michael, Patron Saint of  Law Enforcement Officers
St. Florian, Patron Saint of Firefighters

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2014 Link Up Blitz
~ Family Journal ~

~ Back-Blogged: A Thankful for...Edition ~

With Thanksgiving just behind us, I'm reflecting on the small blessings of life...

Our olive trees gave a bit more than last years harvest.

Our Myers lemon tree just keeps on giving, which allows me to give to others.

The giving tree.  Fresh lemons are expensive...I'm thankful for this tree.

Our new orange tree is now producing lots of delicious fruit.

Thankful for the warm California sun...

I'm thankful for our bishop and his work in our diocese...and the honor of having him to dinner at our home with my family.




Altar Boy Training.  Noon.  My son is leading the boys in the Angelus.

Lunch follows shortly...I'm thankful for hot ('n ready) pizza to help me feed the troops.

Teen Talks.  I began these Teen Talks last year with our first talk on the Cristeros.  A few times a year speakers come to our parish and give a talk to our youth.  Big Blessings...

I'm calling this my mid-centennial extravaganza celebration...

Sweet (& bubbly) gift from my dh,
beautiful floral bouquet,
complete with love note (on fancy paper) :o)

  Five-Oh!

 

 

I am thankful for my Husband, my children and most of all,

His Love.

 

 We give you thanks, Almighty God, for all Your benefits, who live and reign, world without end. Amen. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.   (GRACE AFTER MEALS)