Lena {JOYfilledfamily}

Orate Pro Nobis

October 31, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: All Saints Day, Mother Teresa of Calcutta 3 Comments

“A missionary of Charity is a carrier of God’s love especially to the poorest of the poor, setting all on fire with love for HIm and one another, a healing touch of God that cures all diseases; a soothing smile of God that warms all hearts; God’s own language of love that all hearts understand.” ~ Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

I hadn’t planned on making any new costumes this year. I was just going to alter what I had on hand from the previous years. When I realized how much altering would be needed, I decided to see if someone wanted to be a Missionary of Charity – Mother Teresa. I’ve always wanted a lil’ Mother Teresa for All Saints Day. I didn’t have any takers so I ~~bribed~~ offered a nice incentive. Sparkles took me up on the offer, of course. She said that she is saving for presents and could use the incentive. Sweetie followed suite.

I intended to make both the girls a Missionary of Charity outfit. However, my boys and I are sick. I only managed to put one sari together.

I put my twist on a combination of techniques taken from Melody and Lacy. My intention was to sew the complete costume but my sewing machine would not cooperate – definitely not user error!

It was a no sew costume made from pillow cases purchased at the thrift store. I always look for nice linens to recycle for our embroidery projects. I had all the supplies on hand.

Sparkles designed her costume for St. Elizabeth of Hungary.

Rose took charge of the other children’s costumes. Papi will be St. Dominic Savio. Rose will be St. Gianna Molla with baby (Dragonfly). (to be pictured later)

I love that my children set their hearts and minds on faithfilled things at this time and are not consumed with worldly ways. Deo gratias!

I had a pleasant and timely surprise waiting for me when I returned home from my photo session. A dear friend sent my husband and I a great spiritual read. Sweetie was thrilled with surprise, too. She can’t wait to read them!

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, St. Dominc Savio, St. Gianna Molla, …. – Orate Pro Nobis

All Saints Party

October 30, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: All Saints Day, Crafts 7 Comments

We are anxiously awaiting All Saints Day, a time to give thanks and praise for all of the Church Triumphant.

We plan to attend our parish’s Annual All Saints Eve Party. It’s wonderful to celebrate the feast days at church.

Hopefully, I’ll have their saint costumes ready by this evening and I won’t have to pull off an all-nighter.

I did find time early this morning to create hand-painted goody bowls for a friend who will also be hosting a fabulous All Saints Eve party. I can’t wait to ~~have some candy~~ share this feast day with our parish community and friends.

Painted Pumpkins

October 30, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: All Saints Day, Fall, Pumpkin Patch 5 Comments

We decided to forgo pumpkin carving this year. The girls want to make pumpkin pie with their pumpkins and I’m a bit under the weather at the moment. We plan digging into the pumpkins at a later time, when all are well. For now, I pulled out the paint.

Sparkles decided to paint the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sweetie chose St. Clare, of course.

Rose played it safe with her favorite JMJ design.

Papi took to a camouflage cross.

Check out Catholic Cuisine for more pumpkin creations.

Dessert & Prayers

October 30, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Recipe, St. Crispin

St. Crispin & St. Crispian

Oct. 25

Sparkles eagerly requested that dad make an apple crisp in honor of St. Crispin’s feast day. She loves all apple desserts.

We used Charlotte’s recipe since Rose’s favorite apple crisp recipe calls for oats, which we did not have.

St. Crispin is a patron saint of leather workers and is often depicted with shoemaker’s tools. Thus, we found it only fitting to offer prayers for our dear old friend, Pietro a shoemaker. He is in his 90s and is still making shoes in his little factory. He made Mother Teresa of Calcutta’s sandals. God bless his humble soul.

Time Flies

October 20, 2010 by Lena {JOYfilledfamily} Filed Under: Dragonfly

Dragonfly is already 5 months old. We’ve enjoyed every second but would like the time to slow down.

He loves being outdoors.

He’s two bottom teeth are prominent and his two top teeth are swollen, ready to break through, soon.

Sweetie is our go-to girl for helping with Dragonfly. Her specialty is putting him to bed. She bounces him to sleep on the exercise ball or on the couch. She is a pro!

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