A Blessing for Our Parish!

By Jen Reed The Catholic Witness The historic Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Lancaster, the fourth oldest Catholic Church in the original 13 colonies and the mother church for several early missions in the Diocese of Harrisburg, has been granted a special spiritual bond to the Papal Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome. The bond was granted in Rome on Feb. 5 and received by Bishop Kevin C....

Amish Dalia Square

Here it is! The pattern I used is here. I pretty much followed the directions as they are written.  The petals were a little fiddly but not too bad.  I ironed a scant edge around them and the center piece, then hand stitched them to the block from underneath.  It really was not difficult just a little time intensive  but with a nice outcome I thought. One thing I didn’t anticipate with this VQB was the...

VQB – February block

Here’s a sneak peek of the block I made for Theresa.  I’ll post a picture and details of the whole thing once she’s received it. Yes I know it’s March –I’m a bit behind but I’m working on Melanie’s block for this month so there’s hope I might catch up . . .for now anyway.  Once planner season hits full swing all bets are off.  Which is why I am behind ...

Virtual Quilting Bee update

If you haven’t checked the Crooked Seams Flickr site recently, do stop by —there are several new pictures of more beautiful blocks!  I am almost done receiving all my squares and cannot wait to see how my quilt comes...

Saint Patrick’s Breastplate

This prayer is often called “St. Patrick’s Breastplate” because of those parts of it which seek God’s protection. It is also sometimes called “The Deer’s Cry” or “The Lorica”. I arise today Through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, Through the belief in the threeness, Through the confession of the oneness Of the Creator of Creation. I arise...

Ideas on Education

Many of you have commented in answer to my questions via “What is Education“.  I didn’t really mean for the questions to be answered specifically or in a list —I was just throwing ideas out there— but it’s been really interesting to read the answers and I am happy to see so much interest in this topic. Thinking about it these last few days I have had many thoughts I want to share...

What is Education?

Seems to me the best place to start is in discussing what education is. This may not be what you were expecting but I want to know what education is to you. What have you read?  What’s your experience? How have your ideas about education evolved and changed over time (if they have). Why did you choose to homeschool? What’s working?  What’s not working? What are you aiming for? Yes, I really want...

Tea and Sympathy

Back in September — shortly before Matthew was diagnosed with diabetes– I posted on a CM (Charlotte Mason) type book study I was in.  I had hoped to post on it regularly and have some discussion, but life intervened and it’s only just now that I am posting in that direction again.  I say “in that direction” because I didn’t get to continue with the book study, but yesterday I...

Friday sewing

I managed to whip up three tops for myself on Friday evening.  These were very simple and I was quite happy with the result. I apologize for the poor photo –it’s always difficult to photograph dark colors.  The first top is a silky, slinky brown knit, the second a wrinkly woven with just a tad of stretch (I wasn’t sure it would work but it did)  and the last is a heavier bumpy sort of knit.  I...

Simple Woman’s Daybook ~ March 2nd, 2009

For Today… Outside my window. . . snow, snow, snow.  It’s coming down in buckets and we’re on a winter storm watch all day! I am thinking. . . that a snow day is a welcome reprieve after a long weekend. From the schoolroom. . . it’s been a long winter (as always) –I’m thinking today might just be a snow/no school day. I am thankful for. . . my very sweet and loving 12 yr. old dd...