Bye Bye Blogger!

This is quite possibly my most important post yet! We're moving, we're changing our name. No, we're not in the Federal Witness Protection Program... We've decided to change to Wordpress so that we can host everything ourselves and make the blog function better. So, without further ado:

Come on over, pull up a chair and have a nice mug of tea at Simple Gifts!

Let me know what you think of the new look and layout! We're still working out a few major bugs, like where did Father Augustine go? and the blogroll, and the niggly bits like "About Me"... But you already know about me...

Blessings,

Nissa

Would You Go? Update!

Let me begin by thanking everyone who responded to "Would You Go?". The overwhelming concensus of the messages I got (both online comments and individual emails) is that one week is too long for a retreat for Mommies. Fortunately - the price seemed right. So for a three day, we'd be shooting for $150 pp.

I've also had some excellent suggestions such as taking the retreats on the road, and mother/daughter retreats. Those led me to consider: one-day seminars that travel, longer-mother/daughter retreats
even something for the Papas and their sons, which led me to think about full-family retreats with the entire program for Mamas, as well as programs for Papas and kids. That would allow for longer time frames and some extra fun!

So, having said that... Would any of those appeal?

Please leave me your comments and spread the word, the more feedback, the better!

Blessings,

Nissa

Father Augustine's Daily Homily - St. Jane Frances de Chantal

For more information about St. Jane Frances, visit her page!

Father Augustine's Daily Homily

This one is a tad late - Father is having some computer troubles, but we've made it in before midnight! Enjoy!

Blessings,

Nissa

Christmas Cookie Swap

Today I'm getting ready to make up some gingerbread cookie dough to make a gingerbread house with my children. I got to thinking about how important cookies/biscuits are to Christmas time in so many cultures. I want to make a variety of cookies for our Epiphany celebration, so I'm calling for a cookie swap! Deadline for recipes is NEXT SUNDAY December 17th, to be posted on Tuesday December 19th - just in time for everyone's Christmas baking!

Please send your recipe to nissa*at*gadboisfamily*dot*com with "Christmas Cookie Swap" in the subject. Please tell me a little bit about your recipe - it's origins, your memories... The recipes will be collected for use in an upcoming cookbook to be published by Partridge Hill Media! (Your submission constitutes permission to use your recipe).

Blessings,

Nissa

Your Opinion: Religious Education

A friend on one of my email lists was wondering about sending her child to Church sponsored CCD classes.

I think the answer to the question depends largely on how you feel about your Parish. I would advise you to get to know the teacher(s) first - as well as the curriculum they use. Our kids attended CCD up until First Communion, Cate went beyond that to age 11 or 12. There were several factors involved in our decision to discontinue. Jack and Carrie became mind-numbingly bored because we had covered all the material and more at home. When Cate was in "EDGE", they started talking about s*x and drugs - we pulled her out pretty sharpish. In addition, the teachers were abominably ignorant of their own Faith and passed along various and sundry erroneous tidbits, ranging from minor to major.

The teachers, however. loved our kids in their classes. They were polite, well-behaved, and knowledgeable.

Catherine is now back in the program - Life Teen. We felt that she was at an age and level of discernment that we can talk through things that come up. She is amazingly adept at spotting errors in teaching and isn't afraid to politely point them out. Her group leader is a dear friend of ours and understands our desire for preserving Cate's innocence. We feel safe having her there. If Mimi wasn't there, we probably would not have sent Cate...

How do you handle Religious Education?

Your Christmas is Most Like: The Muppet Christmas Carol

You tend to reflect on Christmas past, present, and future... And you also do a little singing.

What Movie Is Your Christmas Most Like?

Feast of The Immaculate Conception

My friend, Father Augustine has prepared a beautiful homily today and I'm so pleased to be able to bring it to you! It has been quite a challenge to make this work, and I hope you enjoy listening!

Tune in daily for Father Augustine's Homilies right here on Family Centered Living!

Blessings,

Nissa

For Him or for Her...

Custom hand-made rosaries! They've been made with 6mm Swarovski crystal pearls and sterling silver findings. Engraved monogram on crucifix. These are very special keepsake rosaries and would make lovely gifts on Epiphany. The ones pictured above were made as First Communion gifts. These are available in white, pink, peach, light green, pale grey (silver), black and midnight blue. When you email (link in my profile), let us know your color preference, recipient's gender and initials.

Allow up to 3 weeks for delivery. $75 postpaid (US and Canada).

Something for Your Stocking

We have six copies left of 'Therese'. It is a beautifully done independent film about the life of St. Therese de Lisieux. Makes wonderful family viewing. If you'd like a copy, they're $24.95 each postpaid (US and Canada).

Drop me an email (link is in my profile) with your name and address and we'll pack it up for you!

Blessings,

Nissa

Found Among the Papers...

This little prayer that Jack wrote last year:

"Thanks to God"

Dear God,
Thank you for my family,
Thank you for the lovely food you give us,
Thank you for the shelter of this roof,
Thank you for my parents that help me,
Thank you for everything. Amen.
+

Kinda makes all those bills seem insignificant, eh?

Would You Go...

On a week-long retreat for Catholic women designed to celebrate your feminine calling to marriage and motherhood through fellowship, prayer and workshops on the womanly arts like:

Sewing and Needle-arts
Floral design
Decorative arts (using your own style to make your home contemplative, warm and joyful)
Childrearing (including Faith formation, homeschooling and etiquette)
Cooking and Baking (with a focus on using healthful, organic ingredients and marathon cooking)
Household Management

Would you travel (assuming you need to) to Massachusetts?

Is $300 a fair price for such a retreat?

Would you recommend such a retreat to your friends?

Please leave your comments below and pass the word. I’d like as much feedback as possible.

A Christmas Meme

Oh I've succumbed to the pressure. I saw this on Dawn's blog and again on MaryEllen's and could resist no longer...

1. Hot Chocolate or apple cider?

Both! I love my cider hot, and a peppermint stick in my cocoa (or Schnapps after the children are in bed)

2. Turkey or Ham?

Ham! We only have pork rarely and Christmas dinner makes a special treat. I’ll have to see if I can get Dawn’s mother’s recipe for DelMonico potatoes…

3. Do you get a fake or real-you-cut-it-yourself Christmas tree?

REAL!! Gosh I love the smell of balsam (same scent used in Chrism oil, BTW). I also love the imperfection of real trees.

4. Decorations on the outside of your house?

Wreaths with BIG purple bows until Christmas, when the red ones go on… As long as the weather is fine ;-)

5. Snowball fights or sleddin'?

Both… There aren’t many hills that are safe to use near our home, so it’s snowshoeing while pulling a sled of little ones. Snowballs fights are bound to break out without notice – often started by a, uh, responsible adult… :D

6. Do you enjoy going downtown shopping?

NO. I have an aversion to most shopping. I prefer catalogs and online shopping. Terrible, I know, but true.

7. Favorite Christmas song?

O Holy Night – Josh Groban’s version is wonderful.

8. How do you feel about Christmas movies?

I love them! There are some that totally miss the point and I don’t enjoy that, but there are lots of good ones. We always watch “It’s a Wonderful Life” right after Thanksgiving dinner.

9. When is it too early to start listening to Christmas music?

Before December 1st.

10. Stockings before or after presents?

Before!

11. Carolers, do you or do you not watch and listen to them?

We’ve never had them here, sadly. I have, however, been one on several occasions in my youth and it was WONDERFUL!

12. Go to someone else's house or they come to you?

We celebrate Christmas here. Sometimes we have company and sometimes not.

13. Do you read the Christmas Story? If so when?

Yes, on Christmas Eve.

14. What do you do after presents and dinner?

Enjoy each other’s company, munch leftovers, watch, Christmas movies, nap.

15. What is your favorite holiday smell?

Several – scotch tape, cranberries, oranges, glazed ham, and woodfires.

16. Ice skating or walking around the mall?

I’d a whole lot rather ice skate.

17. Do you open a present or presents on Christmas Eve, or wait until Christmas day?

Presents at Grandma’s house.

18. Favorite Christmas memory?

The year I gave Brian his HP calculator – the look on his face was priceless. Same year I got my promise ring – a beautiful pearl ring. It’s when we knew that we would be planning our lives together and what a wonderful one it has been so far!

19. Favorite Part about winter?

The quiet after a heavy snowfall, the sparkle, soup for lunch, cocoa anytime!

20. Ever been kissed under mistletoe?

Cheeky!

So, if you've managed to make it through this post - YOU'RE TAGGED! Merry Christmas!