Oh, I Can't Resist.

You may have seen my serious post on St. Joseph yesterday.   I do love St. Joseph.  Husband.  Father.  Leader.  Guide.  Protector.  Model of virtue and holiness.  Patron.  Carpenter. Provider.

And Dreamer.

St. Joseph was a hard worker, and a man of few words.  God chose to speak to him through dreams, much like his Old Testament Joseph counterpart.

So in the spirit of dreamers, how about some funny dream stories? :)

I tend to have the strangest, most vivid dreams, and I often remember them in great detail.

Sometimes they are realistic and easy to explain.
-Opening my classroom door and finding that it leads directly to my apartment.  (A sign I spend too much time at school, I think.)
-Being late and lost and unable to find any help. (Didn't need to be a dream to be true)

Sometimes they are scary.
-Being chased by Nazis in war-torn Germany because I am Jew/am hiding Jews/my husband is a Jew. (This is a reoccurring one, and the plot changes.)
-Demonic possession of someone that I know.  (Don't even want to think about how scary that was.)
-Zombie apocalypse.  (In one version of this dream I was saved by a holy water wielding Bishop.)
-Witnessing the coming Angel-of-Death-Green-Mist while being stuck outside with no chance of making inside a safe door.  (I can thank the bad special effects from the Passover scene in the Ten Commandments for this one.)

Sometimes they are hopeful and about the future.  These tend to be the least vivid.
-Jesus' second coming.  (I always dream that this is happening on a beach, and even though there are millions of people, Jesus comes and walks with me personally. Also, everyone can walk on water after their personal judgement.  Pretty cool.)
-Waking up the day of my wedding- only I didn't know it was suppose to be my wedding and I don't remember anything about it.  I have a dress, and a venue, and friends and family who convince me the guy is stellar and I should go through with it.  Usually the best man is the one who makes me realize it will be ok, so I walk down the aisle, and the groom turns...and I wake up. (An indication that I am either in for an arranged marriage or a bout of amnesia?)

I know that they are just dreams...most of the time.  God can speak to us in anyway that He chooses and we are open to, so I am not going to throw all dreams out as meaning nothing.  Sometimes they could be a gentle nudge, or a reminder, or in the case of St. Joseph, a flat out sign.

These following dreams, however, are not anything but funny.  My sisters and I are close, so being in each other's dreams is nothing new.  However one day last week BOTH of them sent me these versions of dreams that they had the night before- the same night.  They are more than a little wacky.  The dreams, I mean, not my sisters.  However, you may have to wonder after you read these:


From Stephanie, via email:

I must tell you of the dream that I had last night. 

We were starting out on a road trip.  We were in the middle of nowhere, I really have no idea where this was to be honest.  Anyway, we were on a four lane and there was a bad storm.  As we were turning on to the highway, a plane landed just behind us. I think we thought it was because of the weather, but you kept driving like it was nothing. Then we approached a flooded bridge, you said it was perfectly safe and drove on it, then off the side of it. You jumped out of the car to save yourself. I was in your car and somehow pushed it out of the river onto a wooden bridge-like walk-way next to the bridge.  Then we kept driving like it was nothing.  I don't know how to feel about this.

I just don't know if we should continue with our plans for this adventure (note- we are going on a roadtrip to Colorado this summer), I fear you will be recklessly careless with my life.

From Emily, the same morning, via text:
I had the most trippy dream about you last night that involved a talking bear and Rob Lowe being your soul mate.  Your first date was a polo match on horses and you had a surprise for him which was introducing him to your talking teddy bear who was a 10 foot tall Pooh bear that was falling apart from old age and dirtiness.  A single tear ran down Rob Lowe's cheek as he softly whispered, "Muffin?"  You had befriended his childhood giant man bear and it was in that moment you both knew you were soul mates.

What?
Apparently I should load up my 10 foot tall living Winnie the Pooh bear, drive cross country avoiding bridges and planes, and meet my soul mate while playing polo.
Seems reasonable.

Got any wacky dreams you care to share? :)

Happy St. Joseph Day!

Happy St. Joseph Day! 

(Or more formally, Happy Solemnity of Saint Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary) :) 

My fondness of St. Joseph, while a strong devotion for many years, has grown stronger while working at a school whose patron is St. Joseph.  I'd love to share with you how we celebrated this special day.

My class was charged with creating an activity/assembly/prayer service that would bring the whole school together.  The other teacher and I who made the plan tried to think outside of the box a bit.  On Monday, we had a brief assembly saying that we would be celebrating St. Joseph this week.  We reminded the kids of his role as Mary's husband and Jesus' foster father, his virtuous life, and his work as a carpenter.  Each class was sent back with a set of wooden popsicle sticks (the wide kind).  The kids had to write a word (or sometimes words) that gave a title/role for St. Joseph or a word that described him. 

We collected all of the sticks, and then my students had to plan how to incorporate all of the the students' words into one mural.  We had to keep it simple, and had to decide between many different symbols to represent St. Joe.

This was the final result, and all of us were pretty pleased.  The kids then wrote a script explaining their ideas and the symbolism in the mural.  You can read their words below.

For St. Joseph Day, our 5^th Grade class created a project in honor of St. Joseph.  This mural is made out of the wooden popsicle sticks that you wrote words about St. Joseph on.  Remember that he worked with wood as a carpenter.  Some of our favorite words that you wrote were virtuous, Terror of Demons, protector, servant of God, and faithful.

We used these wooden sticks to create symbols that stand for St. Joseph’s life.  On the left, there is a house because St. Joseph built a home for the Holy Family.  The heart represents that St. Joseph loved his family and provided for them.  The JMJ inside the heart stands for Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.

On the right, we created a church because St. Joseph is the Protector of the whole Catholic Church. The shield inside the church represents that St. Joseph protects the church with his prayers.  The cross inside the church shows that St. Joseph helped take care of Jesus here on earth so that He could die on the cross for us.

St. Joseph is important to the whole Church, but is especially important to us at St. Joseph School.  As we end this Feast Day of St. Joseph, please join us in prayer.

 

In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

St. Joseph, you protected Jesus when He was here on earth so that He could die for us.  Thank you for protecting the Holy Family and the Church.  Please pray for us and help protect us and our families as well.
Jesus, help us to be more like St. Joseph every day.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.

For a copy of the students' script, click here.


My class also celebrated with the school by planning and having special jobs at Mass this morning.  We colored and passed out these St. Joseph Holy Cards to everyone in attendance:

When the students walked back into school, they were greeted by these posters that matched the holy cards.

(our school colors are blue and white...)

A school tradition is to share bread on St. Joseph's Feast Day, reminding us that he provided for Jesus and Mary.  The ladies in our cafeteria work hard to bake some delicious bread.  Each class has a large loaf that we passed around after Mass.  Each student broke off a piece and shared something that they were grateful for about St. Joseph School.  Every child is also given a mini loaf of the same bread to take home and share with their families.

O God, in your ineffable providence you were pleased to choose Blessed Joseph to be the spouse of your most holy Mother; grant, we beg you, that we may be worthy to have him for our intercessor in heaven whom on earth we venerate as our Protector: You who live and reign forever and ever.

Saint Joseph, pray for us.
Prayer from EWTN's Litany to St. Joseph 

Keeping Kids Up-to-Date on the Sheen Canonization Process

2026 Update! Click here for the most up-to-date resources on Fulton Sheen:

I hope that you heard the exciting news last week about Fulton Sheen's Cause for Canonization.  I also hope that you are keeping the kids in your life apprised of the news.  This is big, people! Sheen may very well (God willing) become the first American born male Saint.  If you are from central Illinois, all of this is happening right under your nose!  Take advantage of the teachable moments- if you don't know where to start, go here, we've got everything that you need!

UnFortunately for my students, not only do I share the latest news with them about the cause...but I also give them homework about it :).  I like to work in lots of non fiction text reading skills in every subject area, showing the kids that reading is important in all parts of our lives.  For this project, we use copies of our local diocese's Catholic newspaper, as well as some non fiction note taking sheets.

This activity fits right in with the non fiction notetaking activities that I already have posted here.  Those two sheets focused on articles about the opening and closing of the tribunal which investigated the alleged miracle.  The skills that were being developed were main ideas/details and cause/effect.

This recent article covered the Vatican Medical Board giving the alleged miracle a "thumbs up" to move on to the next step in the process.  The skill I chose to focus on was sequencing. 

First, you need to provide copies or access to this article found in the Catholic Post:
Medical Ruling a 'Significant Step' in Sheen Beatification Cause
Most of my kids preferred to view it online (especially the "e-edition" with real pages that turn), but I also had print editions available for those kids that wanted the text in front of them.

Then discuss the skill of sequencing.  We talked about how the events that we read might not have actually happened in the order that we read about them.  We practiced finding clue words and info about dates that we could use to determine time order.  Next you can give the students the notetaking sheet to use as they read the article.

Click here for a copy of the non fiction notes:

And in case you are interested, here is a copy that is already filled out:

Seven Quick Takes: Throw(Way)Back, Edition 1

As I struggled to come up with a topic for this edition of quick takes when writing today (Thursday), the only thing that popped to mind were the fun Throw-Back-Thursday pictures that people like to post.  Those kind-of-old-pictures made me think of really-old-pictures, which I happen to have a lot of.  Most people don't know this about me, but I am really into genealogy.  I haven't made as much time for it recently, but I started collecting bits of family history 12 or 13 years ago.  It began with a box of forgotten pictures, which led to stories, which led to research, which led to more pictures...and I was addicted.

I am more into scrapbooking the pictures than anything else, but I do love finding a treasure in the form of a story that goes along with the picture.  I was fifteen or so when I found a stash of hundreds of OLD pictures that I had never seen before sitting in a box in my Grandma's basement.  My family sat around that Christmas digging through them, reliving memories, hearing tales of the past, and igniting a desire to share and preserve everything.  Cue a 4-H project for me, and I started scanning pictures, talking to my grandparents, and visiting libraries and graveyards.

While I have loved the journey that my family history has taken me on, I can look back and see that my peaked interest as a sophomore in high school (certainly not a typical hobby) was due to the movement of God's hand.  I was able to spend quality time hearing these tales from the mouths of my grandparents, recording their memories, and asking questions about the past with enthusiasm as part of my new quest.  What I didn't know was that I would lose two of my grandparents within six months of each other during my freshmen year of college.  I am so grateful for the intentional time that I got to spend with them in those few years and the precious memories that won't be lost for future generations.

So, with that sentimentality in mind, I would love to share with you some Throw(way)Back photos of my family, starting with my mom's side (only because I have more Wilkinson readership).  Stay tuned for the Bogner side next week. :)

1.

A little appropriate music to read by...

2.

We'll start with this boy:

That's my handsome Papa.

And this girl:

That's my stylish Granny.  Check out the jewelry, and those pin curls!

Who had this family:

Yup, seven kids.  My mom's the little one.

 3.

 My Papa with his six kids, chillin' on the tractor...my mom didn't come along for a few years...

...but she was very loved.  This picture of her and her dad is one of her favorites, and she still has his hat.

4.

I have pictures going back to some of my great-great-great grandparents, which is awesome.  This particular picture has four generations: The baby is my uncle Jim (my mom's oldest brother, who is 20 years older than her), holding him is my grandpa Harold, the lady is his mom Vota (my great grandmother), and in between them is her dad Charles (my great-great grandfather).  Pretty amazing.

5.

The story of the family on my grandmother's side is tragic.  She was an only child, and her parents were accidentally electrocuted after a storm left a downed wire in their yard.  She was only nine at the time, and was then raised by her aunt and uncle.  I have several formal shots of her parents, William and Edna, but this is my favorite. 

6.

One of the best parts of the old pictures is the fashion.  What was popular, what has come back into trend, and what I wish I owned :)

We've got the ever exciting matching dresses.  These were 4-H projects that they made.

My Granny on the left and her cousin Ardis.

 And bathing suits...

 And prom dresses:

My Granny on the left

 Sailor pants and ruffles...

My Granny is the cute one in the middle :)

 And clothes for school...

My Granny is on the left in the back.

I would totally wear that sweater set.

7.

My grandmother used to say that my mom and I looked so much alike, that the only way she could tell our baby pictures apart was that my mom's were in black and white.  I can see her point.

My mom on the left, me on the right.

My mom on the left, me on the right. Hairbow and all.

My mom on the left, me on the right.  We both like flowers, but she likes dogs more than me.

It doesn't help that she sometimes dressed us all alike.  Red polka dots, anyone?

There is no denying that my mom, my sisters, and I all look alike.  My mom is just eating up all the times that she and I are mixed up by people.  I have stopped correcting others when they call me Becky.  More and more, people are introducing her as my sister.  She loves it.  I just hope that it means I look as young as she does when I am her age. :)

~~~

So, while these pictures probably don't mean anything to you, they mean the world to me.  Photos preserved to keep the stories of people, people who matter, remembered and shared.  I am privileged to have taken up the challenge of collecting the treasure of these memories, and know that sharing them is a tool that can be used to speak of the faithfulness of God.  And so, my gathering will continue.

“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” ~Psalm 78:4

Check back next week for the Bogner throw-way-back pictures, and in the mean time, go visit Conversion Diary for more Seven Quick Takes!

Lent Word Cloud

Along with our Lent Foldable, I took the words that the students listed about Lent and turned them into this Lent Word Cloud.  You could have your students do the same on their own with a similar list, or use Wordle or Tagxedo to create one digitally.  You also could print out the black and white version below and have the students color it with various shades of purple crayons, highlighters, markers, etc.  A great addition to a notebooking project!

Lent Notes Foldable

This is the Lent foldable we used to take notes over our discussion of Lent from the past few days.  It will make a great addition to a notebooking project or could be hung up as a simple Lent decoration.

Each of the four flaps unfolds to allow space to take notes, or to draw a picture for younger ones.  The four topics we took notes on were "What is Lent?" "How is Lent Different?" "Important Days During Lent" and "Scripture About Lent."

Some kids chose to color their notes, including purple letters for the liturgical color, green Palms for Palm Sunday which is towards the end of Lent, and a gray cross in the middle for the ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday.

 Here are a few of them displayed in our room:

Click here for the blank printable.  Copy double sided (we used lavender paper), fold short ends to the middle, and cut on the line between the sections to the fold.  You could also just use the L E N T side and create your own topic/assignment for the inside.

 If you would like a copy of our completed notes, click here.

7 Quick Takes- Lent Finds Me

~1~

Why this song today?  The line "Oh, my stubborn soul" summarizes what Lent is going to be tackling in me.

~2~

I bet JP2 and FJS are up in heaven high fivin'

But before we get into the sacrifice and penance of Lent...let's take a minute to celebrate!
Venerable Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen is one step closer to Beatification!  Yesterday, it was announced that the Vatican medical review board could find no medical reason for the alleged (yes still alleged) miraculous healing of James Fulton Engstrom.  Next step, theologians, then the Bishops, and then...Pope Francis will decide if this indeed is a miracle and if Sheen will be named Blessed.
While we wait, might I suggest you start reading up on Fulton Sheen, both about him and books that he has written?
And also, start teaching the kids in your life about him?
This is big stuff, people.  Seize the moment! :) And keep praying!
You can read the press release from the Sheen Foundation here and the Catholic Post Article here.

 ~3~

And one more thing to celebrate: Behold was a great success!  Lovely women, inspiring talks,  connecting with friends, great food, awesome details- everything was something to behold.  You can read the Peoria Journal Star's nice article about the conference here.  I'll save some words and just show you a few of the pictures of the conference from my perspective:

I love Edith Stein.

And Joan of Arc.  And lots of purple.

And hundreds of purple bags, in Peoria just in time for their debut appearance on Saturday.

 Behold, where the men's restrooms are women's restrooms for the day.

 ...and those bathrooms are filled with fancy things.

I loved the decorations!

And I love this lady.  My mom is awesome.

Speaking of moms, this is one conference where changing tables and diapers are on the set up list.

Remember how I said Marie Miller and I are BFFs?  Look closely, and you will see that she and I hung out on Saturday.  Well, she might be on stage.  And I might be in the picture on the screen.  But look at how close we are!

~4~

Going to see this on Saturday!  Very excited :)

~5~

My Lenten resolution for the coming weekend (besides seeing this movie)?  Cleaning my pigsty of an apartment.  I think that physically cleaning, organizing, and throwing things out of my home is a great way to start the cleansing season of Lent.  I also am getting a little tired of the "creative" outfits that I am coming up with because I have so few clean clothes.  Oh, how I miss having my own washer and dryer...something else to offer up, I must remember.

~6~

Attention Snow: You finally broke the record.  Last Saturday.  I think you were just showing attitude yesterday with that extra couple of inches.  Enough already.  Winter is done.  I am finished with wearing that heavy coat.  And driving in your mess for an  1 1/2 hour everyday.  We. Are. Through.  I AM SO TIRED OF WINTER!...and we have yet another thing of offer up.  Thanks, Lent.

~7~

Memo to me from the pot in my sink:

I beg you Katie, stop reading while trying to cook dinner.  Just don't.  It never ends well for me or for you.  I know you were just trying to cook some rice for a simple meal on Ash Wednesday, and were making extra so that you could eat the leftovers on Friday.  Killing the waiting time with a few minutes of reading probably didn't seem like a bad idea, but you forget that I know you too well.

Your creation of a basic, meatless meal in the spirit of Lent was well intentioned.  But then you walked away from the stove for too long.  And put a lid on me.  And turned up the music too loud.  And your next indication that you should get your nose out of chapter 8 was your nose detecting a lovely charcoal smell coming from my general vicinity.  

It may have been Ash Wednesday, but I don't really imagine that the Church expects me to be turned to ash as well.   You certainly tried.  So now instead of a simple meal, you get to scrub me out as penance.  Good job.

Sincerely, 

Your Almost-Brand-New Pot

Happy Lent to you all!  Visit Conversion Diary for more Quick Takes!