Saints for September Calendar

September Saints

As usual, this month's pieces were made using the calendar published by the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter as a guide. If I have made any errors, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Summer Daybook

Outside my window...

The sky is blue and the sun is shining. We have been having a beautiful summer. (I began writing this a couple of days ago and today is actually cloudy for the first time in a long time.)

Godetia and Geranium 'Rozanne'

In the kitchen...
Ice cream has been on our menu this summer. My husband and I gave each other this ice cream maker for our wedding anniversary and the whole family has been enjoying the taste of homemade ice cream. We have also been enjoying pouring over the recipes in these two books. My favorite ice cream recipe is a simple one made with cream, milk, sugar, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and strawberries. Brendan made a great tasting lemon sherbet. We haven't tried any of the recipes that use eggs yet.

I am listening to...

the children getting breakfast and chatting about their plans for today.

I am wearing...

a skirt and t-shirt.

I am praying for...

my baby. I am 13 weeks pregnant. My family and I are very excited to hold this little one come February. Elizabeth knows that she has to wait until Christmas, two of her siblings' birthdays and their baptism anniversaries before this baby is born. She asks me fairly regularly, "How many days until Christmas? How many days until..."

I am thankful...

that I had another ultrasound last week. My husband and I saw the baby moving, waving his arms and little fists, and his tiny feet.  I always find the miracle of life so awe inspiring. I hope to add an ultrasound picture once we have had a chance to scan it.

In the learning rooms...

The older girls have been sewing. I am slowly preparing for the upcoming school year. Some of the children have already started working and others will be doing so soon. With this baby due in February, I wanted a little jump on the school year; however, with the weather being so good and me experiencing all the symptoms that go along with pregnancy, it has been hard to motivate some of the children.

Living the Liturgical Year...

I have been listening to and thinking about the various sermons about the Feast of the Assumption that are found on Audio Sancto. If you type "Assumption" into the "Search Sermons" box at the top of the page, the sermons will come up. I am looking forward to going to Mass on the Feast of the Assumption. I will thank Our Blessed Mother once again for interceding for us with Kieran. He brings so much love and joy to our family.

'Peace' Rose and Love-in-a-Mist

I am pondering...

this talk that was addressed to homeschooling families and posted on Audio Sancto. I listened to it a couple of weeks ago and plan to do so again. I found the talk worthwhile and good.

I am reading...

I have been reading a lot of books this summer. The ones that I have enjoyed or am enjoying are:

The Family that Overtook Christ by Fr. M. Raymond, OCSO
I am currently reading and liking this book. The book would work as a read aloud and/or gift for older children too. The author provides much to ponder about St. Bernard of Clairvaux and his holy family.
Jesus, Our Eucharistic Love: Eucharistic Life According to the Examples of the Saintsby Fr. Stefano M. Manelli, O.F.M.
Sunshine in the Shadows: Mama Margaret, Mother of St. John Bosco by Peter Lappin
I had a hard time putting this book down. I highly recommend it.
ten ways to destroy the imagination of your child by Anthony Esolen

Plans for the rest of the summer...

• Championship banquet for summer swim team
• Boys camp, followed by girls camp
• And more...

A picture thought...

Future Badminton Champion