Exciting News from Catholic Icing: A New Preschool Curriculum

I just wanted to send you a very quick note:

If you have preschoolers, you will want to check out Catholic Icing's new book, Catholic's ABC (The Book), a preschool curriculum. I'm a big fan of  Catholic Icing, and I'm sure you are, too, especially if you are a teacher, a CCD instructor, or a Catholic homeschooling mom (or dad) of little ones.

Catholic Icing's founder and producer, Lacy, has put down all her tricks and talents into book form and produced a curriculum that is both engaging and edifying. As soon as I saw it, I thought, "Oh, I wish the boys were little again." If anything, little children are tactile learners, so Catholic's ABC (The Book) might be a great way to ease your little students into home school, with its 26 lessons based on the alphabet.

For a peek inside the book and to pre-order, click on the link above. And please tell Lacy that Kathleen's Catholic sent you!

God bless!

A Piece of Plywood and An Afternoon: A Day in a Life



Plywood, caulk, stain and paint equals a nifty craft, on
her maiden launch.

 by Kathleen Blease

That piece of plywood was stored in the garage for a good five years. Our thirteen-year-old son, Max, eyed it the other day. Hmm. He had an idea.

He spent a few afternoons planning and building, sketching out his idea, then measuring and cutting. Next came the trim, then the sanding, caulking, and painting...and a few prayers from his old Mom, as I watched him from the kitchen window. Please let it float. Please let it float. I saw a second or two of the YouTube video that inspired Max, and the boatmaker well in his 30s was slowly blessing himself right before "putting in."

Yesterday, just before dinner, Max decided it was time for the maiden launch. Max secretively made plans on how he was going to pull it out from the muddy bottom of the pond should it sink, but his dad and I didn't ask. I wouldn't be surprised if he had supposed that he would employ his father and his Jeep Wrangler that's equipped with a tow strap--a driver and kit that has had plenty of experience at Jeep Jamborees. We even joked about turning the little boat into a flower box, and Max suggested what we could plant in it.

The moment fnally came. He carried it to the water's edge with his brother's help and slipped it off the bank. His dad and I were watching from inside when we saw him flip off his socks and shoes. Oh, we just had to see this! All kidding was put aside, and the four of us held our breath as the boat slipped into the water. Max wiggled into the tiny craft, got himself situated...Don't lean back, Max! Don't lean back, Max! we called out as the boat's bow reached sky and the stern dipped into the water. Working his way into the center, he jammed his knees against the sides and found his ballist.

It took a little practice, but once he got the hang of it, he was able to zip around the pond and show us how the boat could be nimble--in the right hands and with the right touch.



Knees against the side and steady as she goes!
 Max would normally wear a PFD (life jacket) but the pond
is only a few feet deep these days.



Getting the hang of it.

As I watched my son put his water craft to the test, I couldn't help but think, What a great way to spend an afternoon!

But to Max, well he's a builder, so it's all just a day in a life, albeit he is riding high on adrenaline. Of course, he's planning another afternoon excursion on the little boat he has yet to name, while improvements on the design will surely be buzzing around in his head.



What a great way to spend an afternoon!



Design A Scarf for A Friend or Loved One: Secrets from the Experts

It's not too late to design a scarf for a friend or a loved one.

Your kindness is always welcome. Spring yarns, winter wools, mohair, cotton, laces, ribbings, and cables are surely the stuff of comfort! Just a skein or two will do.

Here's a great article from Lion Brand Yarn to help you beat the "roll" that inevitably takes over your design--if you don't know the secrets! It's all here. Lion Brand article.  Have fun, and keep your needles clicking!

God bless!

Blind Quilter: To Ask God for His Will

How God blesses us when we follow His will, feeling the Holy Spirit. A wonderful witness!

A Little Something For Mom and Grandma

from http://www.artistshelpingchildren.org/

Here's a little post for all you moms with small children who are still enjoying the "crafting years."

Wouldn't this make a lovely little gift for Moms and Grandmas and Great-Grandmas on Mother's Day? And it's easy to make. For several children, you might want to write their names in the center of the flowers. My Grandma Rose would have loved to have hung this in her room to show to her guests, then to have talked about all her great-grandchildren.

I'm tempted to make one just to brighten my kitchen. Spring is in the air!

It's from the Artists Helping Children website. Click here for complete directions.

God bless!

For similar posts, click on a label below.

Catholic Icing: Catholic Saint Valentine Craft

Okay, I can't help it. As I told Lacy at Catholic Icing, her crafts bring back lots of wonderful memories of working at the kitchen table with our boys, now in their teens. Those were hours I will never forget or regret, despite glue in the rug and paint on the wall.

Check out Lacy's adorable St. Valentine paper bag puppets. If you have small children or grandchildren, they are perfect for spending a fun afternoon together. First make the puppets, then put on a puppet show. The back of your sofa would make a great puppet stage. Don't forget to take photos and videos! While you're at Catholic Icing, you might want to print out a few recipes for St. Valentine snacks, too.

Catholic Icing: Catholic Saint Valentine Craft: "There's not much that we're certain of about Saint Valentine, but he might have been a bishop and he is often depicted that way. Since makin..."

My Newest Writing Projects--Exciting!

My-oh-my, this has been one crazy year. Between my husband being sick, my son being couch-ridden for two months, and homeschooling, it seems that my writing projects have had nothing but little fits and starts. It's no secret, really, that even this blog hasn't been very focused, and I'm grateful that I have a handful of readers who are willing to stick with me. Thank you!

But what I'd like to tell you today is that despite my crazy life, Our Dear Lord has placed a few projects right in my hands, and I'm so excited about them!

I can't give you the exact details yet, but let me tell you about them in less than exact terms.

First, The Catholic Writers Guild, whose conference I visited over the summer, has asked me to serve them in a very special and honorable way. It's a role I cannot tell you about as of yet, in this public forum. To say the least, I am very humble that they invited me to take on this role. Of course, I accepted right away! Well, maybe after saying a few prayers, because (to be honest) I didn't think I was up to the task. But the Lord said, "I am giving this to you because I KNOW you can do it." So how could I refuse? I am indeed looking forward to it! And I will surely tell you more when I can.

Second, a well-known Catholic publisher contacted me about writing a book about observing Lent at home. It will feature prayers, crafts, recipes, devotions, and essays of encouragement from one Catholic mom (that's me!) to another. I'm truly looking forward to starting the project this Spring. Again, this is also in its infancy, and a contract has not be drafted yet, so I'm not able to divulge the details (publisher, price, etc.) as of today. But as soon as I can tell you more, you can count on lots of info forthcoming.

Phew. Suddenly, the year ahead looks very exciting. Will you give thanks with me? Just as I was thinking that my aspirations were too high for this time in my life, Jesus gave me a few opportunities to encourage and edify me. Praise the Lord!!

God bless!

P.S. I just might be asking you in the near future, dear Readers, to help me with my Lenten book project. Put on your thinking caps and brainstorm: Do you have any special traditions or devotions you would like to share? They can be prayers, crafts, recipes, or any other form of Lenten devotions. I would be delighted to offer you credit in the book's text. Or...perhaps you might have some questions about Lent, which I can answer in an essay. Feel free to contact me at krblease@hotmail.com. Put "Lenten book" in the message line so I don't delete it by accident.

About Rose and Yarn

There was something special about Grandmom  Rose and her knitting needles.

by Kathleen Blease

I was sitting in the breezeway, pushing the glider back and forth. I was just eight years old, full of energy, and bored.

"Kath-a-leen?!"

"Yeah, Grandma."

"I have something for you." Grandmom was making her way out her kitchen door, with a few items in her hands. With a line or two of introduction of materials, and a little lesson on patience, Grandmom began my first crochet lesson--the chain stitch. She then taught me to count, count, count my stitches, to hold the needle correctly, to keep my "hand" even...and how to read a pattern, which isn't always easy. And so it began. I was "hooked," so to speak.

The proprietor of Charles' Yarn Shop in South side of Allentown, Rose Charles taught literally hundreds of women to crochet and knit. She was also an accomplished seamstress--truly the daughter of a tailor and seamstress making their living in Brooklyn.

Today, knitting and crocheting takes me right back to those days of perusing her display of pattern books and leaflets, of examining her selection of needles--some almost as thick as my arm, and some so tiny their hooks seemed microscopic--and ah-ing over the crocheted jewelry in the glass case. I think of Grandmom whenever I work on a project, and I remember how most of our conversations took place over the clickety-clack of her needles.



My mother is also an accomplished knitter and crocheter, and so I feel I belong to something like a very special sorority whenever I pick up a pair of needles--or even when I just daydream about doing the gorgeous projects I see in knitting and crochet books. I am transported right back to the hospitable surroundings of Grandmom's yarn shop.

When our boys were little, I had a hard time working on needle projects, but now that they are teenagers, it's time for me to return to the enjoyment! I think lots of needlework will be in my future.

Here are a few pillows I just finished knitting. The herringbone (right) and the honeycomb (left) patterns can be found at Lion Brand Yarn. Click here for the free herringbone pattern. While I was downloading the pattern, I also visited Lion's stitch encyclopedia and found the honeycomb cable pattern, which is just a swatch. For the honeycomb pillow, I simply used the same number of stitches the herringbone called for, then made the pillow front from there; I then used the same back from the herringbone pattern.

Here's a sweater that I started to crochet (get this) twenty years ago! Before I even met my husband of 17 years, I managed to finish the front and back, which are both festooned with cables. Although I lost the pattern, I still had the wool, even after moving from three houses. This summer, I thought it was time to get it done, so I improvised the sleeves, cuffs, and waistband. It needs a little blocking to help straighten the stitches, and then it's ready to wear--after all those years! And, yes, it still fits. By the way, Lion Brand also has tons of crochet patterns and a crochet stitch encyclopedia. You can also learn various techniques (for beginners on up) at their website.

God bless!

Pool Noodle Rosary

For CCD teachers, vacation bible school instructors, and Catholic moms

Here's a quick post about a terrifc project from Lacy at Catholic Icing.  It would work well for the classroom, vacation bible school, or your little ones at home.

This GIANT ROSARY is crafted from three pool noodles and some clothes line. If you plan to make it for the school year ahead, you might want to shop for your noodles now, while they are still available in the dollar stores.

(photo source: www.catholicicing.blogspot.com)

Click here to visit Catholic Icing and get complete directions and how-to photos. Thank you, Lacy!

God bless.

Praise God He Has His Art!

My son has been out of commission for more than a week now, after tripping over a garden hose and dislocating his knee. I'm so grateful he has his art! During this time, he's been developing ideas and sketching new characters.

Ben has been drawing since he was 18 months old. Sounds creepy, I know, but it's true. When he wanted to draw a train, it was truly a train...on railroad tracks with trees around and clouds in the sky. By the time he was 3 years old, he would sit at the kitchen table for three hours at a time drawing and painting. I would make him get up from the table--sometimes a struggle--and play, or at least do some jumping jacks. We have boxes and boxes of his first efforts, even moved them from house to house.

Is he a prodigy? Goodness sakes, no. I don't think so. He just loves to draw and paint. And I think he's quite good at it. In my opinion, everyone should have just one thing that he enjoys doing with all his heart. No doubt, Ben has found his. And God bless him!

Just for fun, here are a few random pieces from his comic book, Star Wars: The Elites.

Well, now...let's all pray that Ben gets back on his feet real soon.

God bless.

Handmade Clay Rosaries

I thought you might enjoy this blog by Sarah, a stay-at-home mom who makes gorgeous clay rosaries. To visit The Clay Rosary Girl, click here. I've also listed Sarah's blog on my page Catholic Links for the Family, where you can find lots of resources about living the Catholic life, including homeschooling curriculum, Catholic radio, and even adult catechism on video by Fr. Barron.

Lamb of God beads from The Clay Rosary Girl

Lacy's Easter Link-Up

Over at Catholic Icing, Lacy has organized her latest link-up. Catholic bloggers from all over are invited to feature their posts about Easter. You will find reflections, meditations, and ideas on how to celebrate the entire season (fifty days!) with your family and friends.

Click here to visit Catholic Icing.

While you're there, don't forget to page through all of Lacy's blog, not just the link-up. If you're a teacher, mom, or grandmom, you will find it particularly helpful with lots of craft projects, recipes, and printables that will help bring the Easter story to life for children...and for you. Check it out and have fun!

But before you go, you might want to read my "Easter Joy Inside and Out," a funny little Easter story, which I include in Lacy's link-up. I posted it yesterday. Scroll down or check my archives in right column. Look for the Easter Bunny costume.

Be sure to leave a comment for Lacy and tell her that you came from Kathleen's Catholic!  Happy Easter!

Letter from the Easter Bunny

I have been saving this for years--an adorable letter written in script and signed by the author in ink. When our boys were small, they asked lots of questions about the Easter Bunny. As they anticipated receiving a basket filled with sweets, books, and toys, they couldn't help but wonder and ask about this generous being.

So, I gave them a little advice: Why don't you leave a letter for him and ask him to tell you about himself? And so they did.

On Easter morning, they found two beautiful baskets and this letter, sealed with his pawprint. Our cat, Honey Bun, and I thought it looked an awful lot like a cat's pawprint.

                                               Easter Sunday

Dearest Ben,

Wow! What a question. Thank you for asking about me.

You see, I am very old. Long before Jesus was born, Pagans held festivals to celebrate the beginning of the Spring season. The cold sleep of winter was over, and the plans of planting a crop and enjoying fresh food made everyone happy. They noticed that new life was everywhere around them: birds were hatching chicks, lambs were being born, flowers were blooming, and fruit trees were budding. And rabbits--bunnies, like me--were having lots and lots of brand new babies! So, the Pagans made me the symbol of new life.

That was my beginning. Once the Pagans learned about Jesus and His Resurrection, of course, they didn't celebrate their Spring festivals for pagan gods. They turned all their traditions into a celebration for Jesus! Even the Easter egg is for Jesus. It is also a symbol of new life, like me!

I hope this answers your question. I have been all over the world and have seen many, many children celebrate the Resurrection. It is a wonderful time of year. Enjoy yourself today. I hope you like what I picked out for you. I am very happy to know you and Max.

Love,
The Easter Bunny 

May your Holy Week be blessed as you await the Resurrection of Our Loving Savior. God bless!

Busy, Busy Bee!

Here's something I think you might like. It's been long known that the bee population has been declining, and we depend on them for our crops. Would you like to be a citizen scientist this summer? At The Great Sunflower Project, you can help determine what's happening to these busy and necessary workers. Grow the sunflowers, or others flowers the Project lists, and count bees for just 15 minutes per day. The Project will send you the seeds. It doesn't matter if you live in a city, a suburb, or out in the country. Plants in fields. Plants in pots. Plants on balconies. Plants on patio. They are all important to the count. What a great project for you and your kids! Click here to learn more and sign up!

Thanks to homeschooling moms DeDe and Laurel for bringing this to our attention.

God bless.

Lenten Bouquet and Lenten Link-Up 2010

It's time for the Lenten Link-Up at Catholic Icing again! Visit Lacy's blog for a bucket load of ideas for observing Lent and making this season-in-waiting meaningful for your entire family--you'll find everything from crafts for the kids, to books, prayers, and observances, to Lenten recipes.

Let me add one more idea right now: I call it my Lenten bouquet, and it's a great way to "mark" your Domestic Church during its observation of this unique season. This bouquet is a symbol of waiting and the promise of new life. It is simply a collection of twigs placed in a large glass vase that is surrounded by a plain violet or purple cloth. Spring-flowering twigs brought in from the cold will gradually open their buds and bloom. Choose twigs from shrubs or fruit trees, such as lilac, dogwood, cherry, peach, or apple. Cut the ends of the twigs at a sharp angle, or slice them up the center, to allow water in. At first, the display seems very stark--it's beautiful simplicity is perfect for Lent! If you keep the water plentiful, the twigs will gradually open their buds as Lent proceeds and as we get closer to the Resurrection. The progress is very slow, so I have had many visitors ask why I have "those twigs" on my dining room table. The perfect conversation piece! It gives me a great excuse to explain Lent.

By the Easter season, the blooms are open and they are beautiful. On Easter Vigil, I change the violet cloth to a white cloth our children decorated with glitter pens. They painted on Easter eggs, crosses, and the word "Allelulia." Give this a try. And feel free to leave a comment and let us know how you "mark" your Domestic Church.

And please don't forget to visit Catholic Icing for lots and lots of great ideas!

St. Valentine and Our Priests

by Kathleen Blease

I interrupt this countdown to St. Valentine’s Day for a special report.

Headline: Priests worldwide are in need
of St. Valentine greetings!

(photo source: http://www.priestsunday.org/)

St. Valentine’s Day this year falls on a Sunday. St. Valentine was a wonderful priest, who gave his life for the conferring of the sacraments. On his feast day this year, give the priests of your parish a special valentine. Pray for them!

Let’s not forget that their love is deep and abiding. It is their love of Christ that makes our Lord a spiritual and physical reality for us. They bring Christ to our weddings, through their consecrated hands. They baptize our children and bring them into the Light of the Family of God. They consecrate the bread and wine and bring Christ Himself to us at every Mass, so we can have Christ in us and with us; we needn’t go through life without Him. Our priests bring Christ’s compassion to us in the sacrament of Reconciliation, to lift our burdens and cleanse our souls. They bless our homes. They pray for us. They anoint us when we are sick. They bury our loved ones and pray for their happy repose. They educate us. Provide for us. And tell us what we need to hear and know. Because of them, we are God’s people! Just what would we be without these shepherds? What would our hearts be?

After Mass this weekend, spend some time with the Lord and thank Him for our priests. Don’t just leave after the recessional hymn. Walk up to the front pews, or the kneeler in front of the tabernacle, and spend some time with Christ, offering Him your heart. Thank the Lord for your husband, who a priest has bound to you. Praise Him for your children, who a priest welcomed into the parish family. St. Valentine was devoted to marriage and children! And so are our priests!

Dear St. Valentine,

What a wonderful priest you were. Even imprisoned, you healed the blind and gave hope to hearts in love. How those hearts sought you out! You then gave your life for the sake of the sacraments. Pray for our priests today, St. Valentine. Pray that they realize how much their parishioners love them! Help them find comfort away from their homes and families. And may they feel the joy of your feast day! Amen.

Upon leaving the church, be sure to say to your priest, “Happy St. Valentine’s Day, Father!” Perhaps you can ask your children to make a valentine for him, with a prayer card of St. Valentine placed in the center. Or you could present him with a goodie bag of valentine cookies.  Something to show him how much you appreciate his love of Christ! You might want to visit Lacy's Catholic Icing for some terrific baking and craft ideas.

(craft from Lacy's Catholic Icing)

Now…our countdown continues. Four days left until St. Valentine’s Day! God bless.