Winter Book Wonder

I always love good book recommendations!

Therefore, I just had to share a few that I recently "stumbled" upon.

We are working on a Winter Unit (K-3)here at home.  

These are a few of our "new" favorites that we were able check out from 
our local library.

I just loved this one and its sweet rhythm.
It reflects a large family in a joyful light
and ends with a gentle spiritual touch.


This book can be set to the "Twelve Days of Christmas" tune!
(Perfect right after Christmas)
The story centers around all the things you can use to build a snowman...
Some good ideas and fun counting.

I just love author Lois Ehlert.
Her books are great for art projects as her illustrations are often created using shapes.  We read this one and got some great ideas!

This site called Kinder Korner has some great learning extension ideas for Lois Ehlert books and other winter themed books, to include a  wonderful Jan Brett author study!


This is a true story about a boy who was homeschooled!
Fascinating fit for kids.

Wilson A. Bentley developed a technique of micro-photography
to reveal to the world the grandeur and mystery of the snowflake!  He followed his dreams, using the gifts God gave him...Great for after-reading conversation!


This was just a precious little story and great counting fun!

I enjoyed the watercolor illustrations.

Our absolute favorite is one that I already mentioned in another post about the virtue of Charity.  This was the cutest darned book with a wonderful lesson!  It ended up being a new purchase for our  book shelf.

So these are a few of our recommendations...
How about you?  We would love to hear about your favorite winter stories!


Almost forgot to mention this "Through The Looking Glass" link .  It also gives some great reviews on winter books and others.  I like that it shows a little picture of the book cover.


And one final recommendation for Mamas!
I am loving this easy little book of reflections, new from Karen Edmisten.
~Through The Year With Mary~365 Reflections~

I find these snippets of soul food to be perfect prayer aspirations for my day, keeping me focused on All For Jesus, Through Mother Mary.
Ave Maria!

St. Agnes Flowers

Happy Feast of St. Agnes!

January 21, 2011

Some people refer to snowflakes as St. Agnes flowers because she holds a winter feast day.  I first read about this in our Big Book of Catholic Customs and Traditions.  Since then, I have seen some really cute crafting ideas around the bloggy world, though her primary symbol is the lamb.

Today we made these fun St. Agnes Flower Brownies with a snowflake stencil and powdered sugar.

Making these stencil designs is my new favorite way to decorate dessert!

Lacy at Catholic Icing has a neat post for St. Agnes.  She found a glittery paper plate craft by Sun and Candlelight that inspired us on this feast day (below).  Be sure to stop over and check out Catholic Icing's post on snowflakes too.   

Joyfilled Family also has some wonderful resources to share for St. Agnes as well.

We rarely get snow where we live so it has been fun doing a winter theme unit to include lots of reading and studying about snow!  Next week, we have a science project planned to make our own snow crystals.

Until then, we closed out our week with some snowflake projects, dedicated to St. Agnes.

Our family loves the story about St. Agnes, the brave and lovely 13-year-old martyr, who gave her life TO Christ and FOR Christ, her bridegroom.  You may read more about her at Catholic Culture.

We also painted a few snowflake rocks, using the colors of white and blue to represent purity.

Then we placed them at the feet of our Sacred Heart of Jesus, who welcomes visitors to our 

front door.

I am also looking into these St. Agnes "Snowflake" or Snowdrop Flower Bulbs for next year!
Tomorrow, we are making paper snowflakes to decorate our windows...We can pretend there's snow outside, right?

All-powerful and ever-living God,

You choose the weak in this world to confound the powerful.

When we celebrate the memory of Saint Agnes, may we, like her,

remain constant in our faith.

Amen.