http://www.tammileetips.com/2011/06/4000-facebook-fan-celebration-giveaway_12.html

awesome give away!!!

Sucess!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our fair was a sucess. Here are a couple pictures. I will put more up soon and give more info.

quick note

We have started the task of bagging up each of the supplies needed to teach the kids how to make sacrifice beads. I didn't think 200 Ziploc bags of 10 beads each would be so, I don't know, therapeutic. All the separating colors, counting beads, cutting the cording has really been a good experience. The kids and I have been doing this together. We talk about St. Therese and other saints, as well as other mother/child things. We can't wait for the fair and to share our beads.


On another note, we are also working on our Saints costumes for the All Saints party. Mamie will, of course, be Our Lady of Guadeloupe. Daniel will be her Bl. Juan Diego. Alicia has chosen St. Faustina holding the Divine Mercy print. Elizabeth will be St. Elizabeth of Hungary. We haven't picked one for the 1 yr old Johnathan.

St. Therese and her Sacrifice beads

This year for our Annual St. Francis Academy Country Craft Fair our family is going to show others how to make "sacrifice beads." These small chaplets are made up of 10 beads, a crucifix, and a medal. Any color pony beads can be used and any medal. We, however, are going to use St. Therese medals if I can find enough. While showing the children how to make their own beads, we are also going to teach them a little about St. Therese.


As a child, St. Therese had “sacrifice beads,” which was a small string of beads to help her count the “presents” she offered to God. Each time she would make a sacrifice such as letting someone else have their way, St. Therese would secretly reach into her pocket and “pull a bead” to Jesus on the Crucifix.


I will be sure to post pictures from our booth at the fair and maybe some of our preparations.

Some of my faves

I wanted to pass on some of my favorite links to other blogs. Some are Catholic, some are Christian, and some are just on subjects I like to read about.



This one I like to read and see what another Catholic mother thinks and does.

I like how this woman and her family live.

This here's a local homeschool gal!!

This one is a blog by a friend of my husbands.

And I love the crafts and sewing this one teaches.

Hopefully you guys will enjoy these as well. Send me some that you like. I think bloggers are a great way to gain and share information. Real people talking to real people.

All Saints 2010 Part 1

We are once again preparing for our schools annual All Saints party that we attend on October 31. It takes place of the pagan tradition of trick or treating. This year we have locked down 2 of the kids costumes.

Mamie will be "Our Lady of Guadalupe" and Daniel Jr. will be "St. Juan Diego". I am thinking I will try to create the rays coming off of her back with material and wire and give her a crown of stars. Daniel's should be easy. Simple pants and shirt, with a brown poncho and sombrero.

I am really looking forward to making this!! I will add pictures soon!

Boy oh Boy am I busy

As the busy summers comes to a close, I think about all that has gone on. I kept some wild and crazy fun loving kids and my kids, well, lets just say the word "energy" couldn't completely describe them. We have begun the year here and the key work this school year is "budget". Some say green, others say thrifty, here we just say "saving money."

For one, our crafting is all about recycling and reusing. All of our 4H projects will be made with as much "thrift" store finds and we can muster. The girls are making purses, bags, and hats out of old clothing. Daniel will rewire a lamp and make it new.

Cleaning is another thing we are trying to turn around. We won't be tossing out what cleaners we already own, but we are not buying things we can make a lot cheaper at home. For one is homemade laundry soap. I got this idea a few years ago from the Duggar family. We talked about it for a while and now have decided to give it a shot. Also, all purpose cleaners and glass cleaners can be cheaply made.

I am also toying with the idea of not buying a school curriculum this year and doing it myself. This will save us loads. I am a bit nervous though. But, I know with God all things are possible.

I am hoping to have the time (HAHAHA) to write on this blog more often. It's hard. I wanted to write a blog for the the busy Catholic mom, and ironically, I am one of those and don't have time to write it.

email me with any questions or ideas. shanealaina@gmail.com