Serve Up Super Simple Eats for the Exaltation of the Cross

Some days, liturgical year celebrations in your domestic church can be in depth, and other years. not so much.

If this September 14 is one of the latter, her'es a super easy way to celebrate the Exaltation of the Cross with simple eats.

Simply grab a box of your favorite gluten-free or other toaster waffles, cook them up, take some kitchen sicssors, and cut them into the shape of a cross.

Place five raspberries, strawberry pieces, or any other red food on the cross to symbolize the wounds of Christ.

Then, serve the cross with your favorite toppings.

While enjoying these simple eats, talk about the feat day and its significance.

Easy. Low stress. Perfect for a quick breakfast or simple snack.

If you want more detailed or indepth ideas for eats, reources, and more, check out our Feast of the Exaltation of the Cross archives.

O God, who willed that your Only Begotten Son should undergo the Cross to save the human race, grant, we pray, that we, who have known his mystery on earth, may merit the grace of his redemption in heaven. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

~The Collect

Keep Current with Trusted News Delivered Daily for Your Family {A WORLD Watch Review}

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

This world just seems to be getting crazier and crazier, and, as it does, trying to find a safe source for news to share with kids is an increasing challenge.

The balance between keeping kids current on world events and protecting them from the crazy is not always an easy one. That is where WORLD Watch can help!

WORLD Watch does a commendable job of sharing family-friendly news in ten minute episodes. 

Each episode pairs the weightier current events of the world with feature stories that focus on fun and engaging educational information. Thus, kids come away with a clear understanding of current world events, as well as new knowledge of topics involving economics, government, history, language, science, technology, world cultures, and more, like a sweet story of an 100 year old vet making a jump...

A Biblically-based company that began reporting in 1981, WORLD Watch has proven itself to be a positive, uplifting newsource for students and families. Through combining headlines, news briefs, and feature stories that break everything down without the discouraging, disheartening, and sometimes downright twisted and spun aspect of some other news outlets, WORLD Watch offers a refreshingly safe and sound option for families to keep current and learn.

WORLD Watch is presented by host Brian Basham and a team of reporters dedicated to bringing viewers factual stories from a wholesome, professional perspective.

Brian Basham spent 15 years as a news anchor and meteorologist for stations in El Paso, Tucson, Memphis, and finally Charlotte, NC where he currently resides with his wife and children. His industry experience shows, and, together with his team, he ensures that WORLD Watch offers well composed video reports with timely footage and professional editing.

Awesome for busy homeschooling families, WORLD Watch is easy to use as well. 

With a membership, you can log on to watch full episodes, back epsidoes, or even just segments from episodes. 

You also get an email in your inbox each weekday morning which includes a short outline of the topics covered in that day’s segment as well as a convenient link that takes you directly to the video.

Plus, the WORLD Watch site offers a powerful search engine that allows you to type in keywords to find every video segment containing your chosen keywords.

All this adds up to a newsource that is convenient, clear, and offered from a Christian perspective.

In our home, my 11 year old has been a big fan!

When I asked him for his feedback for this review, he said:

My mom told me to come watch the news. I was very confused at first, because we never watch the news, since it's awful and, sometimes, untruthful. So, I went over to the computer and she turned on WORLD Watch.

 

At first, I thought it was hokey, but, then, as I watched it more, it stopped seeming so hokey and I liked it. I asked to watch every single segment.

 

I wanted to watch it every day, but, it was summer and we were busy and sometimes away. So, we would not watch it every day and then not watch it again until we could watch many episodes in one day. Later, I would tell my dad about some of the things I learned.

 

In each day's broadcast there are several segments. Usually there is a current events story, a crazy, interesting, or humorous story, and a hokey thing about where words and prhases come from or something like that.

 

Some stories that stood out for me were the ones about Afghanastan, giant rodents, and a snake in the supermarket.

 

When my mom said it was time for us to write our review, I asked if we could watch more segments instead of reviewing. I also asked if we were still going to get to have WORLD Watch. I like it and want to keep using it.

 

I would recommend WORLD Watch  to families with kids ages 6 and up. It's important to know what's going on the world and interesting to find out new things.

 

WORLD Watch is not awful like regular news.

I agree with my son. WORLD Watch is not awful. In fact, it is engaging, sometimes entertaining, and always chock full of solid reporting. More than once, my older two children have been drawn in when my 11-year-old and I have been watching episodes, and we all have appreciated the way WORLD Watch presents solid news in a safe way.

If you'd like to check out WORLD Watch, head on over to their website to find an opportunity to stream free for 30 days, receive a full-length video direct to your inbox, or get a sneak peek behind the scenes to find out what it is all about.

If you are like my family, you will appreciate how WORLD Watch makes news literacy easy for families and, in doing so, encourages critical thinking, clarifies current events, and divs into various topics from a Biblical worldview. 

Visit WORLD Watch on

Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

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Plus, for more thoughts on WORLD Watch, click through to find over 20 video, social media, and blog reviews from members of the Homeschool Review Crew.

Enjoy Waffle Sundaes for Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary!

Busy days get the best of us at times, but days are rarely too busy to slip in celebrating the liturgical year with simple eats!

One way we have done so many years on September 8, the Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary is with waffle sundeas.

When all the kids and I were all eating gluten-free, casein -free, this was such a quick an easy treat.

I'd just run to the store and grab some gluten-free toaster waffles, a container of casein-free vanilla "ice cream",  some blueberries, and some "golden sweetness" (honey).

I'd toast the waffles and stack them up like a cake with a candle on top so the kids could sing "Happy Birthday" to Mama Mary.

I'd also set out a bowl of "ice cream" and one of blueberries (blue and white for Mary's colors). 

Some years I'd get cocowhip, too.

Then, after singing, the kids would build their sundeas, we'd chat about Mama Mary, and we'd pray a decade or more of the Rosary.

A delight for the kids and simple for me.

These days, not all the kdis are still eating gluten-free, casein-free, so sometimes we get real ice cream for some as a treat. Plus, now that my daughter likes to cook more, seh sometimes makes us belgium waffles instead of using the toster ones.  

Still easy for me. Still enjoyed by the kids. Still pausing to pray and celebrate in our domestic church even when life is busy.

Simple traditions are ones that last. Do you have any for the Feast of the Nativity of th Blessed Virgin Mary?

Impart to your servants, we pray, O Lord, the gift of heavenly grace, that the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin may bring deeper peace to those for whom the birth of her Son was the dawning of salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.

~The Collect

Win 4 Tickets to King Richard's Faire!

Disclosure: In exchange for this honest promotion, our family received complimetary tickets to the Faire. We cannot wait to return for this 40th anniversary season!

Hear ye, hear ye! Kings and Queens, Lords and Ladies, Children of All Ages, King Richard’s Faire has opened for its 40th anniversary season and YOU have a chance to win a 4-pack of tickets right here (at the bottom of the post)!

 So, step right up (or rather, read right through), to enter for your chance to win a 4-pack of tickets to the 40th anniversary season of the longest running and largest Renaissance Fair in New England, which is open 10:30-6 weekends, September 4th-October 24th, 2021, including Monday, September 6th (Labor Day) and Monday October 11th (Columbus Day). 

***

 

New Englanders have never been so eager to go back to a gentler, happier time and escape reality. You can do just that at the Faire’s enchanting 80-acre wooded site (235 Main Street, Carver, Mass. 02330).

During what is sure to be an exciting 40th anniversary season, King Richard’s Faire offers some of the region’s best live entertainment, beloved rides and games of skill, and, my kids'; favorite - jousts!

 As you enjoy a full day of “escaping YOUR reality”, you can be dazzled by acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, fire-eaters, minstrels, dancers and puppeteers and more who perform on eight vibrant stages and stroll throughout the realm.

 

Acts include new performers - “The Captain’s Canines”, a specialty dog act with amazing feats of skill which will tickle the dog bone; The Unicycling Unicorn, a talented juggler who can juggle while sitting 14 feet in up in the air on one wheel; El Zappo, zany circus comedy; Kilted Colin with juggling acrobatics and bagpiping; the Picts Pipers offering Highland Tribal music (9/4-10/3), and the “Unspun Tails” aerial show - as well as returning acts - the joust and Hammyln Hyper Piper, The Sturdy Beggars “The Mud Show”, Jacques Ze Whippeur and his dashing danger and whip stunts, The Torture Show, the Washing Well Wenches, the Wonder Show (magic), Meraki Caravan (10/9-24) and of course, King Richard’s Faire’s own spectacular original musical in two acts on the King’s Stage at 1:00 and 3:30 p.m.

At the Faire, you can also enjoy epicurean pleasures suited for the whole royal family, from giant spit-roasted turkey legs, ringlets of fryes, boules of chowder or stew, onion blossoms and dragon wings, and many more delicious delicacies, including gluten-free, vegetarian and lactose-free options. For sweet treats,you can choose from baked goods to ice cream treats, including Root Beere Floats and Brownie Sundaes, and adults may quench your thirst at any one of eight locations throughout the realm that offer champagne, specialty cocktails, wine, hard cider, mead, or beer.

If you like shopping, you won't be disappointed. Talented artisans offer beautiful handspun pottery, sparkling crystals and jewelry, artistic face painting, period clothing, leather and moccasins, armor, dancing wings, fresh floral garland hair wreaths, hand-carved bows, arrows and quivers.

You can watch as blacksmiths demonstrate the forging of weaponry; revel in scented oils, perfumes and apothecary; and particpate in themed events.

If you win our family 4-pack of tickets, you won't need to hit the box office. If you don't, you're encouraged to skip the box office line - where cash only is accepted - and pre-purchase tickets online at kingrichardsfaire.net.

Please be aware that pet animals are not allowed unless they are legally identified service animals , and no outside food or beverages are allowed into the Fairgrounds.

More Information

Visit King Richard's Faire online for a site map, FAQ's, event schedules, ticket sales, and Visitor Information.

The Faire is at 235 Main Street, Carver MA 02330. 

Parking is free!

Tickets: $37 adult (12+); $35 for seniors ages 65+, $18 for children ages 4-11; and free for children 3 years of age and younger.

Please email info@kingrichardsfaire.net for group discount tickets.

Instagram/Twitter: @KRFaire #KRFaire; Facebook

Win Free Tickets!

You can enter to win two tickets good for September 11, 12, 19, 25 or 26 now through Wednesday, September 8 at 12 p.m. EST using the Rafflecopter below.

Please note: Giveaway ends September 8 at 12 AM EST and is open to Legal Residents (18 years of age or older) of the US only who are able to attend the Faire on the dates mentioned. Winner will be randomly selected and notified by email.  Winner will have 24 hours to respond or other winners will be selected.  Final winner may request tickets be mailed to them or may choose to come pick up the tickets directly in person one town over from Carver.

The winning tickets are offered free of charge, no purchase necessary. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Notes and Disclosure: All fair images are courtesy of and credited to King Richard’s Faire.

I received free tickets for my family as well as the four I am giving away in return for this honest promotion and I am excited that I did. I cannot wait to experience the Faire with my family again this year and feel blessed to give you and yours an opportunity to experience it, too.

Enjoy Simple Eats as You Celebrate St. Padre Pio

St. Padre Pio's feast day is coming again in a few weeks, so I thought I'd share the simple eats we enjoyed last year in case you and yours would like some inspiration for living the liturgical year in your domestic home.

Sometimes the kids like dessert with the meal - and this was the case on St. Padre Pio's day when gluten-free donuts remind us to "pray, hope, and 'donut' worry."

Treat #2 was gluten-free, casein free pizza, which reminded us that Padre Pio is from Italy.

Alongside that, because we have both vegetarians and meat eater in the house, there were Italian sausages of both kinds.

Then, to balance out the treats, we had a "stigamata salad".

{Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.}

The table was simply decorated with a peg doll and two books.  We used the St. padre Pio page in the frist of these, Boy Saints for Little Ones, for me to draw quick saint trivia question ideas from.

Then, we reread the St. padre Pio story in the other book, Stories of the Saints.

It was a simple celebration, easy to throw together and enjoyed by all!

What simple - or more extravagant - eats do you and yours enjoy on Saint Padre Pio's feast day? what other traditions, stories, or resources do you tap into? We always welcome new inspiration and ideas!

 

May you have a beautiful St. Padre Pio day when September 23 rolls around.

St. Padre Pio, pray for us.

Enjoy Super Simple Eats for St. Therese's Feast Day

 

Our local homeschool group is called Little Way Home Educators and is under the patronage of St. Therese.

So, more years than not, we celebrate St. Therese's feast day with others - sometimes "all out", sometimes simply.

Last year, we stuck to simple, gathering with just a few friends, where we enjoyed praying, sharing simple eats, chatting, reading together, and more.

For our celebration, we covered an outdoor table with a floral print tablecloth and had a bouquet of little flowers atop it all, of course, pointing to The Little Flower and her way of doing small things with great love.

Our simple eats consisted of French bread (to remind us that St. Therese is from France), plus produce and chickpeas arranged in "little flower" patterns.

{Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.}

The book Girl Saints for Little Ones became both a table decoration and a jumping off point for a chat about St. Therese.

Then, the St. Therese reading from Around the Year Once Upon a Time Saints prompted thought and discussion as I read it aloud to the children while they devoured snacks.

It was a simple, enjoyable celebration.

Perhaps it will inspire you in living the liturgical year with your own children or homeschool group.

St. Therese, pray for us.

The World Needs More Logic... Start Teaching It at Home {A Homeschool Review Crew Review of The Fallacy Detective}

Disclosure: I received this complimentary product through the Homeschool Review Crew.

Woah! Propaganda. Coercion. Social media memes. Mob mentality. Personal attacks. Lack of common sense and reasoning. These days our world seems plagued by such things which make uncovering - and arguing for - truth difficult. That's where The Fallacy Detective by Hans Bluedorn comes in. 

A handy 250+ page softcover workbook edition of The Fallacy Detective can easily help you learn to spot common errors in reasoning so you can arm yourself against the lack of logic in today's world and suss out truth in conversations, news reports, social media posts, commercials, and elsewhere - including your own arguments.

Plus, if you are like me, the book can become  inspiration for an upcoming co-op course.

What is a Logical Fallacy?

"What is a fallacy?" you might ask.

If you are unfamiliar with the term "fallacy" it simply means an error in logic - a place where someone has made a mistake in his or her thinking.

Fallacies include:

• avoiding the question (red herrings, special pleading, ad hominem attack, genetic fallacy, tu quoque, faulty appeal to authority, appeal to people and straw man)
• making assumptions (circular reasoning, equivocation, loaded question, slipper slope, part-to-whole, whole-to-part, either-or)
• statistical fallacies (generalization, analogy, post hoc ergo propter hoc, proof by lack of evidence)
• propaganda (appeal to fear, appeal t pity, bandwagon, exigency, repetition, transfer, snob appeal, appeal to tradition, appeal to hi-tech, etc.)

How Does the Book Teach about Fallacies?

In its 38 chapters, The Fallacy Detective introduces you to to the faulty tactics of avoiding the question, making assumptions, statistical fallacies, and propaganda using a clear, conversational tone, engaging illustrations, comic strips and witticisms, multiple exercises, summary pages, an answer key, and even a game.

The exercises present bits of conversational snippets, newspaper articles, advertising samples, and short headlines. 

The game has you making up your own fallacies and winning points for creating the best ones.

The summary pages act as a quick reference and review.

Together, the content of the books help you strengthen your skill at sifting through a barrage of bad reasoning and falsehoods so you can better discern truth in today's world.

My Approach Thus Far...

Shortly after receiving my review copy of the book, I admit, I did something I do not usually do with materials I am reviewing: I hid it!

Why?

Because as I began reading the material I knew immediately that I want to use it for a co-op class I will be teaching this fall, and, thus, did not want my youngest son (who will be in the class) to see the book, get curious, and read ahead. Nor did I want my older two children to spoil the fun their little brother will have debating the exercises with his buddies in co-op by pre-debating them at home.

So, instead of having my kids use the resource  before writing a review on it, as I often do with resources, I, instead, secreted the book away in my bedroom and snuck it out in the early mornings and late nights to read through, appreciating that it could be read in short snippets - due to chapters being only a few pages long, quizzing myself with the exercises, enjoying how the included comic strips get points across, and deepening my understanding of informal logic before I set about teaching it to a group of 10+ year olds. 

I am now excited to present the brief, conversational, yet to-the-point lessons to my co-op students this fall and, even more so, to engage them in discussing the exercises and related examples of fallacies that we find in every day life and media. 

I also intend to offer the book to my older two children to use as part of their high school credits. For, I believe The Fallacy Detective is a solid tool for  teaching kids (and adults!) how to recognize bad arguments, propaganda and falsehoods - an increasingly necessary skill in today's world! 

Final Thoughts

I love the ease and appeal of The Fallacy Detective and am excited for the conversations that will develop from it in our fall co-op and home studies.

I would recmmend The Fallacy Detective for:

• middle schoolers, high schoolers, and adults who seek to better understand sound reasoning as they seek and share truth.
• students who wish to work independentally. (As I have experienced, the format is conducive to self-study and self-checking of answers. It could also count for 1/2 to one credit for logic or critical thinking, depending on how it is used by higschoolers.)
• families who like to learn and discuss together. (The short lessons and easy to read aloud exercise format would make this resource wonderful for reading aloud and discussing thoughts as a family.)
• teachers of co-ops and classes. (Lessons are dsigned for both private and classroom use.  I, personally, cannot wait to share this resource in an upcoming critical thinking and speech class at co-op!)

All that said, I would not recommend this book to you if you are looking to learn about ins and outs of formal logic - such as syllogisms, scientific reasoning, argumentaion, etc. For, these things are not within the aim of the book. Rather, logic as seen and used on an everyday basis is.  In my opinion, the world needs more of that! 

Sound daily reasoning. This is a logic course that promotes it.

Discover how other homeshcool families are putting this book and another by Hans Bluedorn  to use by clicking through to find 20+ video, social media, and blog reviews from the Homeschool Review Crew!

You can also connect with Hans Bluedorn and The Fallacy Detective :

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