Five Favorites of the Day

Moxie Wife  hosts a five favorites link-up every Wednesday....this week I thought I'd join in. So, here it is...a list of my top five favorite things of the day.....

1. The Duggars

Love this family....they are truly blessed. What an exemplary model of a family that defines what it means to have a servant heart. 

2. Egyptian Licorice Yogi Tea

A nice way to unwind from a long day....love the way this hot sweet tea slides down your throat....yum :)

3. Twistable Crayons

What? Crayons that don't break....what more could you ask for.....awesome!

4. Froggy Books

These books are great....it seems like Froggy is always forgetting something! Better yet, they always make my kids laugh each time we read them!

5. Gymboree Play and Learn Book

Great book that breaks down activities for different ages of your children.....from baby to age 5. Lots of good stuff in here!

5 Things I've Learned So Far As a Young Christian Mother

I'm getting there....never will be perfect in my parenting, but I've learned some things, so far, along the way....Today, I reflected on 5 important things I've learned in my short time as a young Christian mother....

1. Never scream or yell. This is a hard one. When one kid spills their kool-aid on the floor and skates around in it....and then your son joins in the fun, all while the baby is screaming...it's hard to keep your composure. I try to keep in mind at these moments that Christ wants us to keep "a still, small voice." This calm composure will show children how to respond to stressful situations they have to deal with in the future....remember, your kids imitate everything you do! I also keep in mind to use the same tone of voice with my kids as I would anyone else; a priest, pope, stranger, boss, etc.

2. Pray, pray, pray! From the moment you wake to the moment you shut your eyes for the night, never cease praying. Pray for your children, your husband, neighbors, strangers, non-believers, sinners. Pray for wifehood and motherhood. Start your morning with an offering and the Lord's graces will do wonders for your life and your vocation as a mother.

3. Be consistent. Another hard one....kids love consistency. It's the #1 key to learning. If you read a chapter from the bible one morning, keep on doing it daily. Soon the kids will get up, grab the bible, and meet you in the living room for morning bible time.

4. Do everything in Christ's name. "As often as ye shall do things, ye shall do them in remembrance of me." When you eat....pray and thank God for your food. When you watch TV....watch a clean show...religious or with good christ-like morals. When you dress....dress modestly. When you read....read good, clean stuff. When you listen to music....listen to beautiful songs that praise God.

5. Nothing will ever be perfectly clean....not your house, your car, or your own clothes. This is a good sign...a sign that you're living in your house.....a good mother. Toys splattered across the floor means that your kids are having fun, not sitting in front of the TV. A lot of dishes in the sink means your kids are eating good, a dirty car means you have fun road trips, and throw-up on your shirt means the baby is getting fed and burped. So, if your house is messy along with your clothes.....keep up the good work...you're a good mom!

If I Was Rich, I'd Still Shop at Thrift Stores!

For those people who know me quite well, they know that the only place I shop is the thrift store ...except for food of course!

There are many reasons I shop at the thrift store:

1. It saves the family money, big time. A $20.00 shirt versus a $1.00 shirt. I'll take the $1.00 shirt and it usually looks just as nice. We also buy wonderful Christmas presents here! And, usually shop on half off week.

2. Most of the proceeds go to charity. I feel happy that my hard earned money is going to a good cause...Haiti. Plus, my kids are getting clothed. I'd rather support thrift stores than put more money on the big Target executive's table.

3. You can get creative with thrift store finds. A different coat of paint on a frame or a blanket turned pillow will spike your creativity!

Vintage 1960's Dress~ Just $2.00

4. For those passionate about vintage, it's a treasure hunt! This is me, I love old things...and decorating with old things...which is nice, because it's also cheap!

5. It's teaches your kids a valuable lesson. Showing your kids that they don't have to have brand name clothes is priceless. Name brands don't matter, as long as your warm and clothed.

I thought I'd share some of my treasures I find here...this week I found this super cute vintage 

60's dress for my daughter!

 Stay tuned for more frugal

finds!             

                  God Bless

                    +JMJ+

                     Jenny

5 Ways to Celebrate St. Lucia Day~ December 13th

St. Lucia Day, December 13th is a day that renders close to my heart~ for it is my daughter's name. St. Lucia, a martyr born in Sicily, brought food to Christians who practiced their faith in dark tunnels to avoid persecution. In order to see in the dark tunnels, she wore a wreath of candles on her head. On her feast day, we celebrate by dressing in white (with a red sash around the waist), wearing a wreath on our head, and making a feast of bread. 

Here are 5 ways to commemorate her feast day and make the day unforgettable for your children.

1. Make a Saint Lucia Crown to wear on her feast day. Here is a super easy tutorial on my website on how to make a authentic looking St. Lucia crown.


2. Role play with St. Lucia Paper Dolls. Available from Paper Dali. Show your children how Lucia brought food to Christians so that they may better understand the act of charity. 

3. Dress as Saint Lucia and make braided bread. There is a wonderful braided bread recipe from Catholic Cuisine. 

4. Pray the Saint Lucia Prayer together. Prayer from Family-Prayer.org. Say this beautiful prayer before eating your braided bread that morning. 

5. Read about the life of Saint Lucy. 
There is an array of books available on this martyr's holy life. Click on the book for more information. 





Our family partook in these activities last year, and it was an unforgettable day! May God Bless

~Jenny

5 Ways to Commemorate the Feast of St. Therese of the Little Flower

1. St. Therese Little Flower doll and book set available through the website Catholic Child. Book is 32 pages long and is appropriate for ages 3-8.

2. St. Therese Coloring Page/Paper Doll available through the website Paper Dali. This is so neat because you can also download the paper doll's accessories through the website. Accessories include a crucifix and a bouquet of roses.

http://paperdali.blogspot.com/search/label/Saint%20Therese%20of%20Lisieux

3. My Catholic Family: St. Therese of Lisieux DVD available through the website Catholic Child. 30 minutes. Ages 3-9

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4. Pin the Habit on St. Therese Game available through the website Under Her Starry Mantle. 

                         http://starrymantle.blogspot.com/2009/10/pin-game-for-all-saints-party.html

5. St. Therese DVD available from www.amazon.com. Click on picture below. This is a well made movie, but more for adults.