Christmas – Prayers Over The Kitchen Sink

What’s that supposed to be? The body of Christ?

“What’s that supposed to be? The body of Christ?”

He said it in a mocking tone through a half-smirk, half-scowl, as he held up a round water cracker. He had plucked it off the slap-dash charcuterie board I set out for our Christmas house guests—him and his family.

He was Christian, like me, but made sure to let me know how he felt about my Catholicism right there in my own home. He preached his version of the truth, pulling up conspiracy websites and videos in the cracked-screen phone he shoved in my face.

He ruthlessly spouted lies and misconceptions about my faith but refused any healthy debate or reasonable discussion. He was too caught up in his ego trip, raining down fire and brimstone in my parlor, telling me to repent and follow Jesus.

If only he could understand that Jesus is everything to me–to us.

“Mama, can you wash my foot?”

A Little Lent Reflection

Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast brought perfect praise.-Matthew 21:16

It was a typical busy morning with my kids. I had just finished slinging pancakes, slipping a whole one through my pre teen’s door before cutting the rest up into little bite-sized pieces and leaving a dollop of maple syrup in the smallest wedge of the divided plastic plates.

With the calvary distracted by breakfast, I finally had my chance. I grabbed my coffee and my copy of that month’s Magnificat and headed to the dining room. I settled at the table, out of the splash-zone of the eat-in kitchen table where my toddlers dipped their morsels and slurped down milk.

The readings contained the story of Mary Magdalene who showed her love for Jesus by using her hair to bathe his feet in her tears. Magdalene has always held a special place in my heart. Not only is she often misunderstood, but she believed in Jesus’ power to forgive and to heal.

3 Easy Advent Paper Crafts for Kids!

Paper candles, a scripture Chain and a paper bag snowflake are easy ways to welcome in the season of Advent (Even at the last minute!)

In this post I’ll tell you the how-t0, the everyday materials we used and list all of the passages of Luke we used for the chain, for your convenience!

*I’m also sharing some videos and pics on my Instagram: @prayersoverthekitchensink and TikTok: @prayeroverthekitchensink

These crafts were so fun and easy to make with the kids. The first craft I’ll highlight is the paper Advent candles. Advent is a time of penance, reflection and preparing our souls to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmastide. While the rest of the world is well into cookie parties and full decor, Catholics should slow down to embrace this beautiful time of anticipation. It always makes me think of the last four weeks of pregnancy and what Mother Mary may have felt as she awaited the birth of the Newborn King!

This theme of joyful waiting is articulated by the penitential purple of 3 of the candles as well as the pink of Gaudete Sunday. The weeks, colors and themes are as follows:

Week 1: Purple representing, Hope

Week 2: Purple, Peace

Week 3: Pink, representing Joy (Gaudete Sunday)

Week 4: Purple, representing Love

Christmas: White, representing Christ

I’ve done this project with my kids in the past and it’s great because crayon scribbles, fingerpaint and haphazard glitter all look cool when they’re wrapped around the tube. In years past, I wrote the theme of the week on the side of each candle with black permanent marker and it’s a fun way for children to become familiar with the tradition.

Natural Christmas Garland DIY + Kid’s Craft!

It’s funny how certain things come back into fashion. When I was teaching my oldest daughter to string popcorn garland years ago I referred to it as Old Fashioned Christmas. I suppose it goes along with the 2020 vibe of quarantine and sourdough starters that handmade holiday decor is back in a big way.

I’ve always loved a rustic aesthetic for the Holidays here in the forest. This year I knew I wanted even more handmade elements included in my decor and gift wrapping-a natural tree deserves as much!

I knew I needed an activity to entertain the littles while we strung the garland, so I included their activity here as well.

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Advent Reflection

We had the first snow of the season here a couple of weeks ago and this year I am determined to change my perspective on the cold and darker months. It really was a lovely snowfall.

My family baked, snuggled and went to bed early. I laid in the dark wrapped in my blanket, basking in the incredible silence that accompanies the flurries. I listened to the flakes piling up and the sound of a plow scraping down the street. The next day I decided to make my Advent wreath and cheerfully clipped and gathered the beautiful things that grow and dwell alongside us in our little woods.

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Yarn Feather Ornament Craft

Looking for a fun craft project for kids to do that will actually make a nice gift? This Feather Ornament is a fun and easy craft for your tree or a handmade and personalized gift for your loved ones if your on a shoestring (or yarn!) budget.

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St. Joseph and the Blended Family

I was managing a small chiropractic office and the doctor I worked for was talented and nice but also eccentric and quite a talker! The only two employees in the small home based practice, we chatted all day between patients. With his kids running in and out, family was a common topic of conversation. At the time I was expecting my second daughter, the first child that my husband and I would share biologically.

One day during a lull while discussing my growing brood the doc asked, “So, how does your husband feel about the new baby on the way?” I smiled and responded that naturally, we’re both excited and a little nervous. “Our oldest is in 3rd grade already,” I said. “It’s like we’re starting over!” He laughed in sympathy, then said “This will be a whole new adventure for him though since this is his first child.”

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Peace On Earth

I know I am a little..okay, a lot.. late to be writing about the theme of Advent Week Two: Peace but, this week has been hectic! #Momlife am I right? But I digress… Jesus is called the Prince of Peace. He desires that we find peace with him not only in Heaven but also while we live out our lives here on Earth.

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