Enjoy an Edible Chair of St. Peter Building Challenge on February 22!

It's no secret: My family enjoys celebrating faith through food. We also like design challenges. 

So, last year, inspired by Tracy at A Slice of Smith Life and Jessica at Catholic Cuisine, my family spent time learning and chatting about the feast of the Chair of St. Peter the Apostle  before having fun with an edible chair design challenge!

If you are looking for a tasty and engaging way to share about the feast of the Chair of St. Peter and its significance with kids, I recommend trying a similar challenge!

Preparing (Physically) for Our Chair of St. Peter Design Challenge

For two years, my children participated in Destination Imagination and I managed their team.  So, I got fairly good at preparing Instant Challenges and thinking about items that could be used as extenders (to achieve length), connectors (to fasten things together), and controllers (to define, confine, contain, or carry things) as well as things that could be used for decorative purposes.

Applying D.I. concepts to a food challenge, then, I gathered and set out:

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• extenders: GF graham crackers, and GF granola bars, plus dye-free mini-marshmallows

• connectors: raw almond butter, roasted almond butter, natural peanut butter, hummus, dairy-free "cream cheese" and dye-free gummy candies

• controllers: again, the gluten-free pop tarts, GF graham crackers, and GF granola bars, plus cashews

• decorative items: raisins, blueberries, raspberries, and pineapple chunks and dairy-free whipped cream, raisins and cashews. 

Then, I set forth these simple rules:

Within five minutes, use the food items provided to create a self-standing, 4-legged chair with arms and a back.  For bonus points, also create "iron rings" set into the legs and/or add something ornate to your chair.

Of course, my children were eager to create - and eat! - as soon as they saw the array of goodies on the table, but, first, their was learning and conversation to be had.

Preparing (Spiritually) for Our Chair of St. Peter Design Challenge

Once we were seated at the table, we talked about what feast day it was, why we celebrate the Chair of St. Peter, and what its significance is.

To help us, we looked at photos of the Chair of St. Peter as it now is on our KindleFire.

Then, we read about the feast day in our copy of In His Likeness and - connected to a portion of the reading - discussed how human failings have ramifications, but God's plan for salvation prevails. We also prayed for our current pope and that "nothing divide our unity in faith and love".

We also talked some more about the feast day and took a look at what the original Chair of St. Peter looked like.

Ready... Set... Go!  Create Your Edible Chairs!

With plenty of background in mind, we set a timer and set forth the meet our design challenge!

The children worked with great focus.

And even Daddy joined in.

When the timer went off, each of us had a chair.

Most looked similar, with the same basic parts made out of similar materials.

Although some had a a couple missing legs...

Or no legs at all!

And only one had "iron rings", and, thus, was declared the winner!

A Story to Close the Challenge

In reality, however, everyone won, because we all learned about or deepened our understanding of the feast... and we all enjoyed eating the fruits (and treats) of our labor!

While we ate, I read Follow Me: Peter Lays Down His Net, a book which uses beautiful illustrations and child-friendly text to retell the Gospel stories about Jesus' death and resurrection as framed by the relationship between Jesus and Peter, and, thus reminds us that Jesus loves and forgives each of us and wants us to be with Him forever.

Some of my children also watched a Youtube video with me that provides an excellent talk on St. Peter as "the rock:

 

It was a fruitful, fun, faith through food celebration!  We hope to repeat the design challenge this year (using more plant-based food along with treats for the kids) and hope that, by sharing about our experience here, you might be inspired to celebrate the feast day of the Chair of St. Peter in your domestic church.

A Prayer for the Pope

Before closing, may I ask that you join me in prayer, using a prayer from Catholic Culture:

Lord, source of eternal life and truth, give to Your shepherd, the Pope, a spirit of courage and right judgement, a spirit of knowledge and love.By governing with fidelity those entrusted to his care may he, as successor to the apostle Peter and vicar of Christ, build Your church into a sacrament of unity, love, and peace for all the world.We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

For more ideas for celebrating the Chair of St. Peter feast day, see the 10 ideas I previously shared:

Get more ideas!

St. Peter, pray for us. 

For the Temple... and For the Modern Day, Too {A Heirloom Audio Productions Review}

Our family has come to absolutely love Heirloom Audio Productions and were so excited to receive their latest release - For The Temple by G. A. Henty - just after we had finished re-listening to an old favorite (In Freedom's Cause).

In fact, as soon as my children brought the package containing our copy of For The Temple into our house, a little ritual unfolded: They ripped the package open and cheered, and, then, we immediately began listening to the audiodrama during driving time and laundry time, eagerly immersing our imaginations in history and adventure!

An Old Story for a Modern Time

By the time we had finished For The Temple, I was thinking, Such a wise selection for these times, Heirloom Audio Productions! Of all the G.A. Henty stories you could have adapted for your award-winning audio theater productions next, you truly chose a relevant one!  For today's world seems wrought with in-fighting in politics, among Christians, and more - and it also is easy for people to get so caught up in a cause that we can miss truth if not looking for it. 

In my opinion, For The Temple dramatically tells a tale set in history, but, at the same time cautions and inspires us for the current day - making it a fantastic addition for pleasure listening, history studies, character inspiration, and faith-building. 

When Ancient History Speaks to Children

All three of my children love listening to G.A. Henty stories produced by Heirloom Audio Productions for the sheer excitement and adventure of them. They also "get" the stories on a deeper level - sometimes on their own and sometimes with help.

When I asked my eight year old for his thoughts on For The Temple, he said:

When I saw For The Temple, I was excited, because I like Heirloom Audio Productions CD's. (A note with the CD) said it was the best yet. I didn't think it was. I think either In Freedom's Cause or the Dragon and the Raven are the best, but this one is very good, too.

For The Temple is about the Romans and the Jewish people battling. The story focuses on John, a young Jewish farmer who turns into a soldier and leads other young men to protect the temple. I liked the battles, especially the one with the battering ram smashing down walls.

In the story, some Jewish people were fighting each other. That wasn't smart. They could have had more people to fight the Romans if they were not fighting each other.

Then, when I asked him if what was happening in the story is still happening today with anyone and if he could tell me a lesson the story taught him, he said:

Today, Christians fight each other sometimes. That's not smart. We should focus on faith not fighting, not focus on earthy stuff, but the heaven stuff.

My eleven-year-old had a lot to say when I asked her for her review of the CD-set:

I enjoyed For The Temple.

For The Temple takes place in the time when Jewish people and Romans were fighting.

This story is about a young man named John from a grape farming family who goes on a boat ride. When a storm hits,  he is saved by a galley ship.  He is invited to go fight the war, and he does.

Later, he ends up making his own force of young, unmarried Jewish men to antagonize Roman soldiers. He becomes a legend as he tries to protect the temple.

This story throws you into the past - an exciting adventure. Will a young man have to choose between being with his family or fighting for the temple? Will a Roman leader who  makes a promise to a Jew keep his oath? Will the Jewish people continue to fight amongst themselves or will the ban together to fight the wrath of Rome? I guess you'll just have to listen to find out.

When I asked her if the CD made her think about anything nowadays, she said:

When I listened, I wondered, will we, as believers in Christ continue to quarrel amongst the different branches of believers or will we choose to put away our differences and preach the gospel through our actions?

I liked this CD set, because it's an exciting adventure.

My thirteen-year-old enjoyed the story a lot - and related it to a hot-button current events topic:

For The Temple is another exciting tale brought to life by the talented people at Heirloom Audio Productions. It tells the story of one of the wars between the Jews and the Romans shortly after Christ's death and resurrection.

John, a grape farmer's son, who is played by Joseph Reed, decides to join the fight against Rome. He forms a band of young, unmarried men who harass the Romans, striking them fast and hard when they least expect it.
For The Temple is probably in my top five Heirloom Audio Productions CD's, because it is fast-paced, filled with battles, and set in a time period I like.  Also, many of the characters show vigor and honor. In fact, there are honorable (and dishonorable) people on both sides.

This CD-set teaches a few things:

(1) To fight against each other is sometimes worse than not fighting against a common enemy.

(2) Sometimes, things you believe all your life are not always true.

(3) Sometimes, those you are fighting against may be better people than those you are fighting with.

Today, in this time, it is a time when we all must unite - Catholic and Protestant, Christian and Jew, against the evils of the modern world.

When I listened to this CD-set, even though it had nothing to do with abortion, it made me consider how we need to stop fighting among ourselves and stop this horrible thing. Abortion is against the will of God and always will be. We need to ban together to fight for the will of God.

I just love how For The Temple sweeps you away with top-notch voice acting, sound effects, score, and storytelling while also moving you to apply the lessons of the past to the modern day!

 

There's a Study Guide, Too!

In addition to the physical audio CD-set we received, we also got a link for a downloadable study guide.

We've never been ones to use a study guide as written as we tend toward a more relaxed and eclectic homeschool style than a super structured and bookish one, but, I still appreciate the careful thought and design of Heirloom Audio Productions study guides and find them helpful to browse and to share parts of with my children.

The For The Temple study guide is well-designed and user friendly, with sets of "Listening Well" comprehension questions that can be used with younger children and "Thinking Further" ones that can be used for writing assignments with older students. 

There are also well chosen lists for "Defining Words" to help you focus your children on vocabulary that may be new or unfamiliar, helping them to learn what the words means after hearing them in context.

Also included in the guide "extras", like a brief history of the historical character Josephus and a description of typical foods in Ancient Jerusalem, a Bible Study, and a bibliography.

In my family, we read the brief articles in the study guide and chatted about them, plus I sometimes pulled ideas from the questions to pepper organic conversation with.  I also browsed the vocabulary lists and discussed some of the words I was not sure my children already knew. 

I can see other families using he guide in a more formal way for journaling, formal discussions, reports, papers, unit studies, etc.

Learn More

If you'd like more takes on For The Temple, click on over to read reviews from the 80 Homeschool Review Crew families that were blessed to listen to it!
 

Find all the reviews!

Connect on social media:

 

• The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty series FB page
• Heirloom Audio Productions social pages
  • Facebook
  • Twitter @HeirloomStories
  • Google+
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Discover other audiodramas that can help you "live the adventure".  We've happily reviewed all of the Heirloom Audio Productions to date and encourage you to check them out.  They are all top-notch historical adventures told from a Christian perspective.

Find our review.

Wulf the Saxon

Enjoy a Salt-, Oil-, and Sugar-Free Strawberry Vinagarette on Your St. Valentine Feast Table

"The best part is the dressing!" my youngest child said as helped me taste test a simple salad that I will be serving my family on St. Valentine's day. "Can you put more on?"

"Of course," I replied pouring more of our SOS-Free Strawberry Vinaigrette onto the mixed greens and herbs that he was digging into.

"I think it would be good with some more of these, too." I was rewarded by a big smile from my son as I sliced more strawberries onto our salad.

"I think so, too." My son took another bite and affirmed, "It IS good!" 

I grinned, thinking, And good for you!

Our SOS-Free Strawberry Vinagarette

I created our Vitamin C-packed SOS-Free Strawberry Vinagarette salad dressing with items that I had in our fridge and cupboards and it came out yummy. 

SOS-Free Strawberry Vinagarette 

Ingredients
1 cup sliced strawberries
1/4 cup water
3 T mixed vinegars (balsamic, apple cider, and red wine, because we were down to the end of the bottles on all three)
1 clove of garlic
1 T tahini 

Procedure
Place all ingredients in Magic Bullet or blender and blend until smooth.

Moving Towards a More Plant-Based St. Valentine's Day

Why the SOS-Free Strawberry Vinagarette and Salad?

My family has long enjoyed putting together Saint Teas and celebrating Faith through Food. However, as you might imagine, our menus on such days are often filled with rich foods and treats.

Recently, I have decided to change that.

Due to personal health concerns, I am moving myself to a plant-based diet free from salt, oil, and sugar (SOS-Free). While doing so, I am also aiming to increase my husband and children's intake of nutrient-dense foods to balance the animal products, salt, oil, sugar, and processed ingredients that they still enjoy at times. 

Thus, I am trying to build new, plant-based family recipes to enjoy as traditions on holidays and feast days.

This was easy to do for St. Valentine's Day.

In the past, my children and I have discussed how St. Valentine was an Italian priest and doctor.  As a doctor, he likely ground herbs to make poultices and medicines.  Thus, it seems fitting that on St. Valentine's Day we serve up a large salad of greens and herbs.

Likewise, St. Valentine was known for planting seeds of love for Christ in people's hearts and for performing weddings for engaged couples during a time when marriages were outlawed by Ancient Roman law.  Thus, it seems a fruit dotted with seeds and easy to shape into hearts - a symbol of love - is a perfect salad addition.  Strawberries, it is!

A Few More Details about St. Valentine (and Our Salad)

Herbs and greens, then, can help us remember St. Valentine's vocation as a priest and doctor, while strawberries remind us of the seeds of Christ's love that St. Valentine planted and of the young couples he married.  The SOS-Free Strawberry Vinagarette, in turn, is both sweet and sour, calling to mind how St. Valentine was willing to suffer death (a very sour thing) for love of Christ (an eternally sweet choice).

St. Valentine, of course, is known as patron of love. In third century, the Roman Emperor, Claudius, outlawed marriages because he wanted young men to be soldiers without the distraction of women and marriages.  St. Valentine, however, who had a heart for God, also had a heart for young engaged couples. So, he secretly married them.

When this was discovered, St. Valentine was arrested, and, while in jail, St. Valentine, continued to reach out to people with the love that he said Jesus Christ gave him for others.

As St. Valentine did so, his jailer, Asterious, became so impressed with St. Valentine's wisdom that he asked him to help his blind daughter Julia with her lessons.

St. Valentine agreed and became friends with Julia when she came to visit him. 

Emperor Claudius also came to like St. Valentine and, it is said, he offered a pardon to St. Valentine if the beloved priest and doctor would renounce his Christian faith and agree to worship Roman gods.

Of course, St. Valentine refused to leave his faith.  He also encouraged Emperor Claudius to place trust in Christ.  This enraged Emperor Claudius, who, then, sentenced St. Valentine to death - a sentence that was brutally carried out on February 14, 270.

Before going to the executioner, however, St. Valentine is said to have written a note to encourage Julia to thank her for being his friend and to encourage her to stay close to Julia. It is also said that upon opening the note, Julia's vision was miraculously restored and she was able to read it all the way down to its signature: "From your Valentine."

The story of this note may have inspired the exchange of valentines, and the story of St. Valentine as a whole - especially the memory of his loving service to young couple - has continually inspired people.

By 496, Pope Gelasius designated February 14 as St. Valentine's official feast day.

Over time, secular celebrations merged with Christian ones to make St. Valentine's Day a popular celebration among people of many faiths.

Enjoy more St. Valentine ideas and traditions like making Love Buckets by clicking through to past posts.

Love Buckets!

St. Valentine, pray for us.

10 Ways to Celebrate St. Josephine Bakhita with Kids

If you're looking for a more modern saint who rose above great odds to embrace faith, St. Josephine Bakhita is one!  Her memorial day is February 8.

Born in Sudan in 1869, St. Josephine Bakhita was kidnapped and sold into slavery as a young girl.  After being traumatized and traded many times, she landed in Italy and found her way to both freedom and faith.  Her story is an incredible one, that, when told with enough delicacy for the sensitivities of the children you have, can truly inspire.

Quick Background on St. Josephine Bakhita

Before teaching your children about St. Jospehine Bakhita, you may wish to listen to a brief biography about her from Franciscan Media or to watch this brief overview of her life from Catholic Online.

{Disclosure: Some links which follow are affiliate ones.}

10 Ways to Connect Kids with Saint Josephine Bahkita

Source: Amazon

1.  Read a child-friendly story about Saint Josephine Bakhita in Stories of the Saints. Alternately, use the story on a free pdf from Immaculate Conception Parish.  (As a grown up, you may also wish read a longer biography about her at AFROL.com or on the Vatican website.)

2. Pray in honor of St. Josephine Bakhita using a prayer found on Catholic Culture.

Loving God, rewarder of the humble, you blessed St. Josephine Bakhita with charity and patience. May her prayers help us, and her example inspire us to carry our cross and to love you always. Pour upon us the spirit of wisdom and love with which you filled St. Josephine Bakhita. 

By serving you as she did, may we please you by our faith and our actions. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.

Also, pray for the people of Sudan and - if your children are at an appropriate age - for all who suffer trauma like St. Josephine Bakhita did as a child.

3.  Watch the EWTN cartoon: My Catholic Family: Saint Josephine Bakhita.

Source: Amazon

4.  Enjoy a "Snack Time with the Saints" by borrowing an idea from A Circle of Saints and serving up apple slice crescent moons, a clementine or orange slice sun, and star shaped snacks, too, remembering how St. Josephine Bakhita said:

Seeing the sun, the moon and the stars, I said to myself, ‘Who could be the Master of these beautiful things?’ I felt a great desire to see him, to know him and to pay him homage.

6. Go on a nature walk to spy other beautiful things created by our Master and, as you do, chat about other saints who came to know God through nature.  Perhaps also draw parallels to other saints who were kidnapped and enslaved before they fully knew God but found themselves praying out in nature, like St. Patrick.

7. Share some quotes from St. Josephine, chatting about them or using them for copywork.

The Lord has loved me so much: we must love everyone… we must be compassionate! 

I have given everything to my Master: He will take care of me… The best thing for us is not what we consider best, but what the Lord wants of us!

I received the Sacrament of Baptism with such joy that only angels could describe… 

O Lord, if I could fly to my people and tell them of your Goodness at the top of my voice: oh, how many souls would be won! 

If I were to meet the slave-traders who kidnapped me and even those who tortured me, I would kneel and kiss their hands, for if that did not happen, I would not be a Christian and Religious today…

Mary protected me even before I knew her! 

When a person loves another dearly, he desires strongly to be close to the other: therefore, why be afraid to die?
Death brings us to God!

The suffering caused by illness is more meritorious than any self inflicted mortification.

8. Color or paint free coloring pages of St. Josephine Bakhita, such as the ones offered at Snowflake Clockwork, Catholic Playground, and Waltzing Matilda.

9.  Sew, cook, or embroider in memory of the fact that St. Josephine Bakhita supported her faith community by cooking, sewing, embroidery, and being a doorkeeper for 45 years.

10. Make a Sudanese-inspired dish.  Our family may try Sundanese Spinach, Peanut, and Sweet Potato Stew or Sunday Sudanese Lentils.

Just for Grown Ups and Mature Children

You may also wish to view one of the films available about St. Josephine Bakhita:

Source: Amazon

(also free with membership on Formed.org)

Source: Amazon

St. Josephine Bakhita, pray for us.