~ Final Rosebuds ~

Our final Rosebud meeting ended this past May. 
We had the annual May Crowning ~ so lovely...

Followed by a talk on a virtue and lesson in the Catechism.  Then the girls had a wonderful time creating these versatile bows

Some girls used them in their hair...or to transform their flip flops ~ very cute.

Little Lamb made several...in several different colors.

 

It was another wonderful year!  Deo gratias!

~ Giving thanks to God for those graces received ~

~ Weed-Eater ~

Last month we hired someone to come out and cut all our weeds.  He did a fantastic job.  It's hard work on somewhat of a steep terrain.  We were very thankful to have the help.

This month...as I was just about to ask my son to get out the weed-eater...along came this helpful and beautiful creature

natural weed-eater

Beautifully efficient (and with minimal clean-up).  :o)

~ The SKINny ~

Little Lamb:  "Mom, why do you wear make-up? (pause)  It's kind of like a tatoo; you're destroying yourself.  You're covering up your skin."

Me:  (what I am silently thinking "wow, this child has insight" and "because I'm vain...") (what I say in response, aloud) "Well, mommy's skin isn't as young as it used to be, and I need a little help to look my best...(a lame excuse???)" lol

~ The Joyful Rose ~

There are so many different kinds of roses.

I love all roses,  ...but I think my favorite is the yellow rose.

So sunny and bright. 

Very charming and cheerful.

Red roses are beautiful...and Pink roses are pretty...but a yellow rose seems to smile - or at least bring a smile to one's face.  :o)

" A rose by any other name would smell as sweet..."
~ William Shakespeare

~ The Nativity of St. John the Baptist ~

Sundaes on Sunday

This is a favorite feast day for our family...





We thought we would celebrate the occasion with a few of our favorite things....ice cream, chocolate, and celebratory dishes (not so much the last item mentioned, but I'm trying to watch my sugar/fat intake - although they do add to the fun) :o)


Ordinarily the Church observes the day of a saint's death as his feast, because that day marks his entrance into heaven. To this rule there are two notable exceptions, the birthdays of Blessed Mary and of St. John the Baptist.

I cannot remember when this Feast day landed on a sundae Sunday.  Can you?



HAVE A BLESSED FEAST DAY....


St. John the Baptist...PRAY FOR US.

~ Come, Holy Spirit ~

Just a tiny peek into a very BIG day: Conductor's CONFIRMATION

Cake toppers ~ Hand-made with love

The entire day was energized and filled with all the wonderful emotions.  Joy.  Happiness.  (some happy tears)
Almost surreal, but most certainly ALIVE.  Powerful.  Euphoric.  Beautifully Amazing!!!!!

There are so many lovely elements to the Confirmation Mass. 
These young souls are indelibly sealed to the Holy Spirit ~ also know as the Sacrament of the Seal.  Receiving sanctifying grace...infused with sanctifying grace!

They become true soldiers of Christ!

Confirmation imparts the Seven Gifts of the Holy Spirit on them (us) ~ where Christ lives within us:
Wisdom
Understanding
Counsel
Fortitude
Knowledge
Piety
Fear of the Lord

Helping them (us) to live a Christian life, becoming the Church Militant - strengthening them (us) spiritually, so that they (we) may defend the Holy Church.

The Confirmand

The Confirmand and his sponsor!  (tears of joy & happiness here)

" (Confirmand's name) I sign thee with the sign + of the Cross, and I confirm thee with the chrism of salvation; in the Name of the Father + and of the Son + and of the Holy + Spirit."

The Mass was said in Latin, so it went like this:

 "(Confirmand's name) signo te signo crucis + et confirmo te chrismate salutis, in nomine Patris + et Filii + et Spiritus + Sancti"

 

The "slap"

The Confirmation Slap:  Reminding them of the persecution they will have to suffer for Christ.









We celebrated with not one, but two receptions...why not!?  It was a pretty SPECIAL day!





Then why not make that two cakes...?

Cake #2

Can I hear three...?

 BTW, those are not ants on top of this beautiful round cake -

It was my sorry attempt to try and cover Conductor's name (LOL).

 I'm not too paint shop saavy (obviously). I couldn't figure out the "blurry" tool.



Amazingly delicious and expensive cake #3

The cake was beautiful, and tasted heavenly.  The cake toppers were created by Little Lamb and I...I found the creative idea here.    Caution:  scroll down to the bottom, the cake is named: "Crisma".  And beware to view some of the most beautiful designs, ever.  There were so many beautiful cake ideas it was really hard to choose - not to worry, because next year Butterfly will be Confirmed.  Except, I think I'll have just the one cake at home (lol).  The simplicity of this cake just struck me.  So sweet and simple.  It reminded me of the First Holy Communion cake at Little Lamb's reception.  Beyond Beautiful.

Cake #4

  OK. Four cakes and that's final!

I did mention that we had two receptions that I planned, remember?I will say that it was worth every ounce of energy and planning....and I would do it all over again!! (but maybe with one less cake - lol). The baker of this cake made a mistake and used blue icing, instead of red...so I place three fresh RED roses to rectify the error.  Three for the Holy Trinity.  (and I just love fresh flowers on cakes).

Dessert Table (like we needed one) :o)

"Veni, Creator Spiritus,
mentes tuorum visita,
imple superna gratia
quae tu creasti pectora..."

Amen.

~ For the greater glory of God ~

Dusting off this  very old post from the vaults...

to join the O Most Sacred Heart: 

 

 

      June 15th, was the Feast of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

One of the works that gives me great joy and happiness (besides spending time with my children and family & working in my garden) is arranging flowers for the sanctuary at my parish. 

Flowers hand-made with love for Him!

Flowers on the High Altar

It's another labor of love -

It takes time and patience...

...Some creativity and vision...and a lot of prayers.  Prayers to St. Anne for her intercession and help, and prayers to the Holy Spirit for guidance and inspiration.  +AMDG+

On the High Altar, for Him

Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam = For the greater glory of God






There is a group of terrific ladies that have been arranging flowers for the church for years...they are very talented and inspirational.

They create beautiful bouquets and arrangements, working quietly and diligently...

all for the greater glory of God.

At the foot of the cross altar

This week I arranged the flowers...using RED for the SACRED HEART, PURPLE for HIS MERCY on our sins and WHITE for his GOODNESS, GLORY and TRIUMPH.

+AMDG+