The Big Picture Archives | Page 29 of 46 |

A Simple Pentecost Sunday with Kids

June 6, 2009 By Laura 4 Comments

Our Pentecost Sunday this year was really quite simple. Not quite the more elaborate occasion we made it last year. But it was nice anyway. Acknowledging it was the most important thing to us, starting with Mass. But the kids (6, 6, 6, 11) spent the morning, before leaving for Mass, trying to remember and name all 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit, the 12 Fruits of the Holy Spirit, and the 12 apostles.

But when we got home, we did decide to make some Holy Spirit cupcakes.

We added orange and yellow food coloring and attempted to make the frosting into peaks, to resemble the fire of the Holy Spirit that descended upon the apostles, of course. Our technique and the outcome may have been a little lacking, but the kids had fun, and thought it all was awesome!

They wasted no time taste-testing one themselves, and you can bet Daddy and I joined them! They were indeed delicious! Such a light frosting that we whipped up.

We spent a good part of the day outdoors. But later on in the day, as I came out from my computer cubby, I found {J} right there in his chair, intensely reading a Bible story. Guess which one?

I just love these signs, that they truly are listening, and taking it all in. : ) When we discuss a Bible story, or get home from Mass, one or other of the little ones often go grab one of their Bibles, knowing just where to find that story in the pages, to read again. So, as if seeing him do this wasn’t enough to please a mother, I look up, and just look at what I see happening across the room……….

{O} giving {S} a foot rub! He looked quite relaxed, reading some Bible stories himself. It almost brought a tear to my eye. Not only because it was an incredibly loving sight to see, but because I was jealous!! ; ) I love foot rubs. Or foot squeezes. Probably much more than the average person, and my kids are really good at giving them.

I’m wondering: Are you actually still thinking about the cupcakes as you’ve been reading along here, wishing you could have one right now? Be truthful now!! It’s o.k. – I understand! I would be doing the same thing!

Well, your in luck! Because we saved you one!!

ENJOY!!

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Snails

June 4, 2009 By Laura 5 Comments

Snails. Disgusting?

Or just part of God’s beautiful creation?

I’m telling you….I am all about marveling in God’s wondrous works.

And I’ve grown to have great appreciation for A LOT.

But this one? Well…this one just gives me……pause.

The way it moves. Those antenna eye things. The way it always leaves behind that suspicious wet trail.

What’s up with THAT?

Here. Have a closer look:

What do YOU think?

Creepy? Or Cute?

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Chalkin’ It Up To FUN! – Kids Sidewalk Chalk Art

May 28, 2009 By Laura 5 Comments

Took the kids sidewalk chalkin’ the other morning. Except in a big empty lot at the playground. They were having so much fun, but we had to get back home by a certain time that morning, so we went back later that day so they could keep going. Had my camera of course, both times, so you know what that means….. = lots of photos, and boy did I have fun too! Here’s 1/2 of them.

I’m curious….which is your favorite photo?

Mine is my boy’s back-pocket of chalk – but don’t let that influence your choice.

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When Little Catholic Kids Can’t Wait to Make Their Holy Communion

May 21, 2009 By Laura 7 Comments

We just wanted to share with you today, what can happen when little Catholic kids can’t wait to make their Holy Communion!

Our triplets (6 year old) have just flat out had it. They have been waiting to make their Holy First Communion, fully aware of all it means and how very special it is, for at least a couple of years now. At every Mass, they have watched us parents and their big sister go up to receive Jesus in the Eucharist. When we get back to the pew, and kneel down in prayer, one or the other often wants to whisper about how much longer it will be, before they can go up too.

First Holy Communion seasons are especially torturous for them. For every Sunday Mass we have attended throughout the month of May, and sometimes the end of April and beginning of June too, for years now, they have watched child, after child,.. after child… receive Communion for the first time. And they sigh, exercising all of the patience they can muster.

But this past weekend really did them in. Two little girls in our extended family, received their First Holy Communion. And it’ll be a whole year, before it is their turn. <sigh>.

They have had many Mass services here in our living room. They have alternated being alter servers, readers, and the priest himself. With tall candle sticks made of legos, toy colored strings tied around their waists as ropes, and their Bible, they’ve got it down.

But lately, Mass has evolved into their own First Holy Communion, and it has only grown more elaborate, as their need ‘for the real deal’ has set in. I finally took photos of their service.

So we welcome you, to one of their ‘Pretend First Holy Communion’ Masses…….

The Procession
–

The boys found the only navy blue attire they could come up with – their running suits. {O} had a fine white dress on hand, and a brand new shoe-lace served as her head piece.

Before the Liturgy
–

Listening to the the Homily
(in this case….silence. Lol)
–

* NOTE: Holy Communion – *It is important to note, that it was decided among them, that it would be rather disrespectful, to actually refer to their pretend Communion, as the ‘Body and Blood of Christ‘. When in actuality, it is their toys. So they have come up with alternative language, as to not be irreverent:

The Body of Christ: “Chips”

The Blood of Christ: “Cup of Water”
–

This is it!
Holy Communion line….

Thankfully, Daddy was on hand, and agreed to distribute Holy Communion, as the priest.

Some personal prayer, following Communion.
–

The Recession.

Thank you for joining us.

Go in peace, to love and serve the Lord. 😉

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My Mother’s Day in Photos

May 11, 2009 By Laura 4 Comments

We hope you had a lovely Mother’s Day too!

Please share with us a little about your special day!

Edited to Add: It occurred to me, that not all husbands /children/families, may be thoughtful on such days as these. Not every family does things the same way, either. So with that being said, I would just like to say that I hope & pray every one of you mothers felt the love and honor from your loved ones, on this Mother’s Day. If your day was less than you hoped, know that you truly are worthy of all you wished it was, in your heart.

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ENJOY!!

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