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Feast of St. Nicholas, Catholic Bishop

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With all the pre-Christmas “christmas” hype, it’s really easy for our children to loose focus on what really matters during this season of Advent as we prepare for the coming of Christ as a baby.  Just yesterday in the van, one of our children asked, “so how is it that Santa is going to bring us gifts this year if our fireplace is blocked off?”  (Our fireplace isn’t in working order so we have it blocked off, actually it’s been blocked off for some time know but I guess now it’s when our five year old is able to verbalize this – makes me wonder how long she’s been thinking about this?).  Although, we do not celebrate nor promote the secular version of St. Nick, it’s hard for our kids not to be drawn to that version instead of the real one because of all the things around them.  They have been bombarded for the past two weeks with everything Christmas, at stores and on the TV.  While I must tell you that I grew up with the jolly old fella, I want my children to have a more authentic version of the saint.  I want them to learn the truth of who St. Nick really was.

Could the REAL St. Nicholas stand up?
This is why I SO love that the feast of Saint Nicholas is on the 6th of December!  It gives me the opportunity to take my “secret weapon” in battle for my children’s souls from secularism….it’s a simple weapon really and a lovely one at that, a book.  Yes, a little book I picked up at the Daughters of Saint Paul Bookstore when my eldest was around five.  It is called the True Story of Santa Claus, written and illustrated by Paul Prokop (Publisher: Pauline Books & Media (August 1, 2000).

I love the way this book explains why the focus should be on the birth of Christ and not what our world makes of Christmas.  It’s the perfect little book to bring the children back to focus on the real and important facts about this time of year.

In addition to reading this book we also watch the CCC of America DVD, Nicholas, the Boy Who Became Santa.

“Nicholas was still a young child when he discovered a very special secret that changed his life forever. It was the gift of giving, by which he brought happiness to many people; but in sharing this gift Nicholas had to face many dangers.

Here is the fascinating story of the boy whose love and care for others make him one of the most popular figures of all times, Today, more than sixteen centuries later, the entire world celebrates the kindness and generosity of the man we call Santa Claus.

Base on historical facts and traditions, Nicholas The Boy Who Became Santa, is the beautifully animated film worth watching all year long.”

Celebrating the Real Saint Nick Resources:


1.  Printable Story found at the Saint Nicholas Center website.
2.  Write a letter to the Christ Child on the Feast of Saint Nick instead of a letter to Santa. (the letter is found on page 3 of my Advent packet, which is free)
3.  The Life and Miracles of St. Nicholas: The Wonder Worker (online podcast)
4.  Tons of Ideas for Celebrating St. Nicholas at the Saint Nicholas Center
5.  St. Nicholas DVDs & Videos at the Saint Nicholas Center
6. St. Nicholas Hymns & Songs
7.  Holy Cards
8.  How to Draw St, Nicholas
9.  St. Nicholas Clip Art
10. Ready-to-Print Handouts

The Blessing of Saint Nicholas:  In the Spirit of Nicholas, beloved Bishop and Saint: I bid you now go forth in peace, remember the poor, be kindly affectioned one to the other; these three things I pray be granted unto us this day, and always, and in all ways. Amen.

Blessings,
Mama Erika

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

CCC of America is passing along 3 DAYS OF SAVINGSto you, our Friends & Family.  This will be our only special this season, so here’s your chance to SAVE 25% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE!  
Promo code: MERRY4ALL   Valid December 7th through the 9th, 2011
Promo code can be used online or with orders placed at 800.935.2222   

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Advent Journey with Mary and Joseph a Book for the Family

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I have such exciting news!  My friend Christi just finished (yes hot off the press) her newest book entitled Advent Journey with Mary and Joseph.  She has it available for immediate download and has set up a blog with activities to do with the book.  This project she did with her daughter Gabriela who illustrated the book.  Here is the information on the book:

 “The is a work of historical fiction that recreates the journey Joseph & Mary made from Nazareth to Bethlehem The book is ideal to be used as a family Advent activity or can be read as a bedtime story. “Mary & Joseph had just finished their early breakfast when they heard a commotion outside their courtyard. Mary recognized ten year old Jarib’s young voice, shrill and angry amidst the cries of a dozen or more bleating goats. They both hurried outside to see what was upsetting him. Jarib’s halug flapped in the breeze as he angrily flung himself about, trying to free himself from the strong grip that a Roman soldier had him in. Jarib glared as the Roman laughed at his futile efforts to free himself. Suddenly, catching sight of Mary’s shocked face, the Roman sheepishly let the boy go… causing him to sprawl in the dusty road…” Learn why the Roman Soldier is there and then join Mary and Joseph as they cross the 80 miles of dessert with its many challenges and dangers.”

Christi is a Mama to 13 and a grandmama to four little ones.  She and her husband Hugo have been married for over 30 years.  They are a beautiful Catholic family we met on the Feast of the Sacred Heart.  They are so lovely!  That same day we met at Church and hit it off so well, they invited us over for dinner at their home and we’ve been friends ever since.  Yes, I did just say we met them at Church and went to their home in the same day.  You know when you meet another Catholic family and you just hit it off and feel like you’ve known each other for always?  It was like that with them!  I was fascinated by their family, it was like an orchestra when I saw them in action.  I ONLY have five kids and most of them are small so it was lovely to see a large family with teenagers and little ones and how they worked together to make a home.  Now this lovely little (well not so little) family has written this great book for their family and offering it for our homes to enjoy.  She is offering only digital editions of the story but in the future hopes to be able to sell printable copies of the story.  If you are looking for authentic Catholic stories to share with your family this Advent, this is the book for you!


Many Blessings,
Mama Erika

About the Author: Christi L Gareis

Author Image
Christi resides in North Carolina, with her husband of more than thirty years. They are the parents of thirteen children, grandparents of four. They have been homeschooling since the early ’90s and are looking forward to at least another 15 years of homeschooling.

Christi has been published in various media forms and was the author of the chapter “How to Prepare Your Children for Reconciliation” in ‘101 Stories of Reconciliation’ sold through Amazon. 

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Advent Wreath Prayers Second Sunday

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The 2nd Week of Advent

The head of household or leader says the following prayer.

Father, help us to prepare the way of Jesus, the Light of the world. May we who believe he will come again always serve you. Let us proclaim this mystery of faith: Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again. Amen.

The eldest child then lights the first candle and a candle next to it; they remain lit during the meal. The same candles are burned each day of the 2nd week.

Suggested reading: Luke 3: 1-6

The Proclamation of John the Baptist

LUKE 3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius, when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod was ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip ruler of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias ruler of Abilene, 2 during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. 3 He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of the prophet Isaiah, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth;  6 and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.’ “

Thanks be to God.

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On Raising Saints: Mama Mission for December {and November Accomplishments}

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Welcome to On Raising Saints: Mama Mission!!!  I am setting monthly goals for myself and posting them here.  A couple of mama friends have also joined up in hopes of living a more authentic Catholic life.  If you missed my introductory post On Raising Saints: Mama Missions, please go there first before continuing and especially if you want to participate as well.

November Mission Update:  November was my first month doing the Raising Saints: Mama Mission.  November has come and gone and now I get to let you all know how I did, lol. {hear the lack of excitement in my voice?}  Looking back, my November Mission was VERY ambitious (don’t say I told you so, but one of you told me so, lol).  Here’s my list from November:

These are my missions for the month of November:

1.  Get up at 6:30AM.  {Epic fail!  I think I did this maybe 5 of the 30 days in November, I’m so not the early bird!  *sigh*}

2.  Get to bed by 10:30PM.   {Another Epic fail! Of course, I am totally an night owl, this is something I’ve been trying to work on for two years now, so I have to cut me some slake and not think I can accomplish this in 30 days, lol (Why?  see epic fail above in no. 1)}

3.  Update the Chore Chart now that the kids are ready for new jobs (smaller kids ready for more responsibilities).  {I started this and not finished, I’m analyzing whom will do what and testing out before printing so, I’ll say this is half done}

4.  Finish reading Raising Real Men for Timberdoodle.  {Still reading the book, love it, but I’m also reading 3 other books, I have to stop reading more than one at a time, lol, add to December mission?}

5.  Keep up with reading and using Magnificat on a daily basis to start and end my days with prayers.  {I did pretty good with this one, LOVED the Magnificat and posting about how awesome it is and what a great Christmas gift this would be from your hubbys *hint* *hint*}  

6.  Go to daily Mass.  {This got squashed because our Parish went from two Masses daily to one Mass and alternating mornings and evenings.  My hubby did better than I on this one, and since we are ONE in Christ through Marriage, I’ll give this one a half accomplishment as well, lol}

7.  Get to Co-Op in time for the Rosary which isn’t mandatory so I use that time to get there instead of being there :(.  {This didn’t happen but once, Co-Op is over.  I did, however prayed the Rosary on the way there if we knew we weren’t going to join the group.  Half accomplishment!}

8.  Purge toys and clothing by giving the good things away to those who need them.  DONE!  Yay, this felt so good…I got two huge garbage bags full, also got a still usable but not needed monitor and donates all to Goodwill.  I need another toy purge though and deciding on becoming a minimalist in this department, more later.}

9.  Stick to my daily schedule with the kids as much as possible (I know things happen but I really need to be more in this).  {With some wiggle room, this was accomplished, except not at the desired times, see #s 1 and 2 above!}

10. Catch up with all the reviews I need to do for this blog (I have a box full of goodies).  {Reviews are in the works, for some reason (maybe because of Christmas) a bunch of them came in the door all at the same time}

While I did make progress in some of the items, I didn’t get most of it accomplished so for November I’ll have to say that:

My On Raising Saints Mama Mission for December 2011:  I’m going to go lean this time and not set myself for some future failure, rofl, and considering we are busy with Advent and preparing for Christmas, here is my mission:
1.  Get up at 6:30AM &  Get to bed by 10:30PM.
2.  Update the Chore Chart now that the kids are ready for new jobs (smaller kids ready for more responsibilities).
3.  Finish reading Raising Real Men for Timberdoodle.



What is your December Mama Mission?  If you participated last month, how did you do?

Blessings,
Mama Erika

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St. Andrews Christmas Novena (another free printable)

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I just love the St. Andrews Christmas Novena because of it’s simplicity!  My kids learn it super quick too and the non-readers pretend to read it.   This prayer is called a Novena but differs a little, it’s not for the usual nine (9) days, it commences on November 30th and ends on Christmas.  Here’s the page I made for them to use this year.  Enjoy!

St. Andrews Christmas Novena for Kids – PDF

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New Year – New {Blog} Look

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We have decided to change the “look” of the blog to go with the Liturgical Season!  So we are dressed in purple and rose for Advent as our family prepares for the birth of our Savior.

Blessings to you all,
Mama Erika (and DH who did all the technical work)

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Veni Emmanuel – Happy New Year!

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Today is a historical day in our Holy Mother Church, it is the first day of Advent and the first day of the Liturgical year. It is also the first day every parish will be using the “new” Missal (English speaking parishes that is). This is my favorite season of all, it is the time when we look in anticipation forward to the birth of the Lord of Lords and King of King on Christmas. The weather is cooler is some parts of the world and it makes the home come to life! I love the lit fireplaces, and when outdoors the smell of the wood burning as the cool air gently caress your face. It is a time when we see family more and our homes are full of warmth and a hospitable nature. For me, this time is full of new beginnings, not just liturgically but also for each person spiritually. For me, this is when I make resolutions for the new year, a time to look back, analyze how we’ve spent our days this past year and an opportunity to start over! Isn’t that lovely?

Our little family wants to first focus on preparing for the birth of Christ by remembering his past and heritage by using a Jesse tree. Also, by meditating on his coming by reading the daily scriptures and attending Mass as often as possible to receive Him the the Holy Eucharist. Jesus is the King of King and the judge of all, preparing for his birth will also prepare our homes and hearts for His future coming at the end of time.

So how exactly will we be doing this?
1. Refraining from participating in what we call, the “Christmas frenzy” which really isn’t very Christ-like at all. (if you missed the news of all the misshaps on “black Friday” – don’t Google them, take my word for it, they were NOT how Christ would want us to act in preparation for His birth).

2. Decorating our homes in purple and rose ONLY! Putting out our Advent wreaths and making crafts with the children to decorate our mantle turn Family Altar. On our front window of our house we put Advent Candles on the window each Sunday. We get lots of questions from the neighbors (another little way to evangelize).

3. We do not put any Christmas decorations up until we get closer or even one year we did it on Christmas Eve after dinner, half of us spent the day cooking the other half decorating. My DH and I share a birthday on the 20th, so that is the day (as a tradition in our family) that we set out to hunt for a Christmas tree. No we don’t panic that we can’t find one but instead know that the one we will find is the one Christ would love.

4. This is our first year using the Jesse tree and we will be doing this every day of the Advent Season. This will help our family recall the entire history behind the coming of Christ.

There are so many wonderful ways to prepare for Advent, every family has his own. If you’ve never observed this beautiful season, my family and I invite you to try at least one thing new this year and you will receive Baby Jesus with a prepared and humble heart.

Happy Advent Everyone!

Blessings,
Mama Erika

PS: if you blogged about a neat Advent idea, don’t forget to link up with us.

PSS: if you are still looking for ideas for your kids take a look at our little packet full of fun and educational Advent activities for little hands.

Oh I almost forgot, we are also participating in Holy Heroes’s Advent Adventures:
Holy Heroes
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Preparing for Baby Jesus – Advent Link Up

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To help each other keep the focus on the Birth of our Savior, I am creating a link up for Advent.  If you have a blog post that you’d like to share on ideas to celebrate Advent with kids or as a family, please add your link to the bottom of this post.  🙂  I only have TWO RULES:

1. Please visit the links of other Mamas that have linked up and leave them a sweet comment!

2. Please Grab the button/picture below and add it to your post, say something like:  “I’ve shared/linked up this post on RLS’s Preparing for Baby Jesus Advent Link Up!”

Thanks for participating!

Blessings,
Mama Erika 🙂

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Celebrating the Liturgical Year with Children: Advent (FREEBIE)

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Happy New Liturgical Year, my Catholic Friends!

I love that our new Liturgical Year is only days away.  My family is very excited to start using the new Missal.  We love collecting old Catholic books and have tons of Missals from the past, the new one closely resembles the 1965 one we own (which is post-Vatican II, btw).  We love the new and rich language and since we love Latin as well, the new translation is going to bring so much to the beautiful Mass!  As we prepare to use the new Missal, lets not loose focus on the newness of it and continue to focus on what counts, being prepared for the birth of our Savior, or Baby Jesus as my children love to refer to Him during this time of preparation.

I’ve created another set of activities for my kids and making them available to you for FREE, of course. These are fun activities the teach our children what the true meaning of Advent and Christmas really is. By observing Advent you are preparing your children for the birth of Jesus Christ. We will be using these activities throughout Advent in addition to making ornaments for our Jesse tree and making a new Advent wreath.  I’ve attached a link to the two wreaths I’m favoring this year.

Feel free to share a link to this blog post with your friends.

Advent Activities for Kids
Looking for some neat Advent wreaths to make at home?  Here are two of my favorites:


(Grand)Mama Birgid over at Catholic Sistas, made this easy to make and super toddler safe (just watch the candles ladies) Advent wreath:

ADVENTuresome Family Fun

My new friend, Mama Lindsey over at Happier Than a Bird Quilts, made this beautiful Advent Wreath out of felt, she created an easy tutorial.  Hope on over to her lovely blog and tell her how clever she is!  🙂

Advent Wreath Tutorial
REMINDER: Since the New Missal this year will coincide with Advent, don’t forget to visit Mama Lacy over at Catholic Icing and grab her new Mass Response book for kids!

Free to Download and Print!
Hope you like them and enjoy!

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