Happy St. Patricks Day!!!

Happy St. Patricks Day

So, I have no cards to share with you today, but I do have a cute & funny story to share with you. You see, my kids think St. Patricks day is a national holiday (they wanted to know why they had school today). They think St. Patricks Day is all about leprechauns. Yep, that's right, even though I have tried to explain that there is no such thing as leprechauns, they continue to believe. Their school has convinced them that the leprechauns come to the school and cause a ruckus and then leaves treats. So, for the past 2 years, on the night before St. Paddy's Day, they come up with some kind of trap hoping to catch a leprechaun. Then while they are sleeping, the leprechaun (me) comes and leaves then gold coin candies, and some quarters.

Well, this year, they set their traps, and colored some pictures to leave for the leprechauns, with hopes that if they didn't catch the leprechauns, at least the would butter up the leprechauns with some colored pics, with hopes of MORE candy and cash.

Well, at 4am this more, my son woke us up to let us know that the leprechauns came and what they left, but they didn't fall for the trap. He also tried to wake up his sister (Argh)......needless to say, we have all been up since then, but the kids were thrilled and we are EXHAUSTED!!!!! So, I hope you all have a FABULOUS St.Paddy's day!!!!


History of St. Patrick (which I will be telling my kids :)

Saint Patrick was born to Catholic parents about 385 in Britain. His father was a nobleman and a deacon. But Saint Patrick's privileged life came to an end at age 16 when he was captured by slave raiders from Ireland. With a large group of prisoners, Saint Patrick was transported to the then pagan island.
Sold as a slave to a king in the northeast, Saint Patrick had the lonely task of tending the pigs and sheep. In the midst of these harsh living conditions, Patrick's faith flourished as he turned to God in prayer.

After being held captive for six years, Saint Patrick heard a voice in his sleep say, "Soon you will go back to your homeland." A short time later, he heard the same voice say, "Your ship is ready."

Trusting in God, Saint Patrick set out on a 200-mile journey through unknown territory. When he arrived at the ship, the captain at first refused to take him. But Patrick prayed to God for help, and the captain changed his mind. Then began a lifetime of dedicating his life to becoming a priest. He envisioned returning to Ireland to teach the Irish about Christianity.

During his 30 years in Ireland, Saint Patrick founded more than 300 churches and baptized more than 120,000 people. Yet he still encountered much opposition, "Daily I expect either murder, robbery, or enslavement," he wrote in his Confessions. He escaped from 12 attempts on his life. Saint Patrick died a natural death on March 17, 461.

By the end of the 7th century, many legends had developed about Saint Patrick. One, of course, says he charmed all the snakes in Ireland and led them to the sea to drown. Another, probably the most popular, is that Saint Patrick used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity to unbelievers. This is probably why shamrocks, now Ireland's national flower, are worn by the Irish on St Patrick's Day.