• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Prayer Wine Chocolate

a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

  • Home
  • Wine and Chocolate
  • Faith
  • CSMI
  • Adoption
  • Life
  • Prayer Journaling
  • Resources
  • About
  • Contact
  • Be Yourself!: A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Donate a Be Yourself Journal
  • Coloring Pages from BE YOURSELF A Journal for Catholic Girls
  • Shop

Aug 15, 2016
Catholic Influencers· The Little Things

7 Reasons Why It’s Okay for Mommy to Color

Walking onto the beach the first day of vacation, I sneezed.  I don’t remember if my husband said God Bless you, but I do remember that he looked at my son and said,

“Mommy’s allergic to vacation – there are no lists.”

*this article contains affiliate links, your purchases help me to continue writing – thank you!

I cracked up.  You know how when jokes are based on truth, they really are funny?  Once in awhile, my husband tells a joke that’s not super corny and cracks me up 😉

writelist.jpeg

But here I am, back from vacation and I have already written one list and thought about three others I need to make.

My life is driven by lists.  They help me focus.  They make me feel productive. They remind me of my responsiblilties.

And now we even have a picture schedule for my son.  A list that my son can read so he can point out what we didn’t do or need to do – which he does -often.

I love that he keeps me on task.  But ya know what, I need down time.

“Back in the day”, some moms would watch soap operas.  I have no desire to watch a soap opera.  BUT, maybe the down time is something that must be scheduled . . .since Mommy never really “punches out of work”.

sipandscriptdecorate.jpg

It’s okay for Mommy to color because:

1. It’s Meditative

Taking care of our health is so important! As mothers, we need to do so much preventative care, because we do so much for our families! Meditation has been shown to lower stress and blood pressure and boost your immune system! Meditation can also help manage chronic pain and even help with infertility and breast feeding.  And for those mommas who are taking a class or pursuing a degree; studies have shown that students who meditate earn higher grades than students who do not meditate. When we meditate, either by saying the Rosary; repeating a short mantra, like saying the name of Jesus; or by coloring – we clear our minds of all the noise.  We stop thinking about our lists and everything that’s on them – and what we need to add!  That clearing of the mind is so beneficial to our whole self! It’s a healthy exercise!

2. It shows children that relaxing does not need to be in front of a screen

ipad-tablet-technology-touch.jpg

So many times I catch myself taking a “time-out” in front of my computer and looking at my phone.  It’s more times than I’d like to admit.  My son sees everything and is learning by my example.  Being aware of that, I would really like him to see that down time does not have to be equivalent to screen time.

3. It can be done with your children.

Whether you start out with your child, or your child decides he or she wants to join you, coloring can provide an opportunity to talk to each other, compliment him or her and spend some quality time together. In my case, it’s also practice in exercising patience, because inevitably a little one draws over my “masterpiece”.

4. It can be done WITHOUT your children.

sipandscriptenjoy1

Coloring alone can be so relaxing!  I love that I can do it with a cup of coffee – or a glass of wine.  Sometimes I include it in my prayer journaling (8 Ways to Pray Using a Journal).  Other times I find it is a great way to spend time with friends and combine faith and fellowship (How to Host a ‘Sip and Script’ Party: Prayer Journaling with Friends).  And still other times, I just want to enjoy it – just because it is fun.

5. There is a feeling of being productive when you are finished.

In fact, you may even want to hang it up somewhere and add to your home or office decor! The new coloring book, Color Happy features removable 8 x 10 and 5 x 7 designs, printed on thick paper and perfect for framing.  Even if you choose not to frame it, it’s so great looking at something that you made, admiring it’s beauty and being a little proud of your work!

Purchase Color Happy here: Color Happy: An Adult Coloring Book of Removable Wall Art Prints (Inspirational Coloring, Journaling and Creative Lettering)

enjoylittlethingscolorhappy.jpg
A page from “Color Happy”.  This photograph is used with permission from illustrator Lindsay Hopkins

6. It’s cheap!

Seriously, the biggest expense are your pencils – but they will make you so giddy, it’s totally worth it!  Prismacolor Colored Pencils are AMAZING!  I sat down with my sister-in-law (who is an artist) on vacation to color.  I was so excited she brought coloring stuff with her too.  I pulled out my Crayola, and she had the Prismacolor Pencils. She has me sold on them – easily! They feel like butter going on the paper, and I felt like I had to sharpen my Crayola’s so often – I think I saw her sharpen a pencil once. There are lots of trends to go out and paint while you sip wine, but coloring is definitely more affordable!

*You can buy Prismacolor Colored Pencils on Amazon – click here to purchase them: 48 pack or 72 Pack

7. It Makes Mommy Feel Young!

coloringfeatureimage

There is such a feeling of nostalgia when you get a chance to color! I don’t know about you, but it just makes me happy!  Something simple that brings such joy is so awesome.  I love when I see my son enjoying a simple toy or game – it’s nice to get back to that place where something simple can bring about happiness.

Do you color?  Do you find it an opportunity to pray or relax?  What reasons would you add to the list?

Share76
Tweet
Pin
Share
76 Shares
Previous Post: « Saint Rita and Saint John Neumann: Praying for Healing, Peace and the Impossible
Next Post: 10 Lessons I Learned From the Queen of Heaven »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. [email protected] says

    August 15, 2016 at 11:21 am

    I can relate to the lists… that made me laugh too. Perfect.
    This was such a nicely written article about adult coloring. Great.

    • Amy says

      August 15, 2016 at 11:22 am

      Thank you Barbara 🙂 Have a wonderful week!

  2. Kristen says

    August 15, 2016 at 7:04 pm

    I LOVE this post! My daughter and I color together all the time- it’s so ‘mindless’ and relaxing.
    Would it be terrible of me to plug my Mommy and Me Catholic coloring pages? You can see them here: http://www.drawn2bcreative.com/product/mommy-catholic-coloring-pages/

    • Amy says

      August 15, 2016 at 9:32 pm

      Very cute! Thank you for sharing!! Not terrible at all!!

    • Alicia says

      August 15, 2016 at 11:35 pm

      Your coloring pages look lovely! 🙂

  3. Catherine says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:21 pm

    I love #2! I try to be cognizant that my own down time isn’t always in front of a screen. Now I can just grab that coloring book I keep ignoring…

    • Amy says

      August 15, 2016 at 9:33 pm

      Haha – yes – stop ignoring that coloring book!

  4. Kate Ski says

    August 15, 2016 at 9:27 pm

    Love this! Hadn’t really started coloring again until I was coloring with the babes and then I remembered how much I loved it. So I got an adult design book and a new box of colored pencils (love school supplies!!!) and try to take a break to color whenever I can. So relaxing! Glad to know its good for me too!

    • Amy says

      August 15, 2016 at 9:34 pm

      I LOVE school supplies too 🙂 I hope you enjoy it more now that you know it IS good for you!!

  5. Alicia says

    August 15, 2016 at 11:40 pm

    With all the busyness of the day, it’s nice to sit down and do something creative. I just wrote about how much I love coloring pages using http://looktohimandberadiant.blogspot.com/2016/07/mother-teresa-quote-coloring-pages.html. So relaxing. 🙂

  6. Alicia says

    August 16, 2016 at 8:23 am

    Hey! There is another Alicia here 😀 I am not a fan of the adult books as they are too tiny detailed, I like more the kids ones that are fun, but right now my colouring is limited to restoring the nativity figures for the church. I do love the colouring pages I have found here! Thank you for sharing, I can use them in my pyrographic work 😉

  7. Brittany says

    August 16, 2016 at 9:16 am

    I haven’t gotten on the adult coloring book craze but I completely understand its appeal. Frankly we have so many paw patrol coloring books I normally just use one of those when I color with the boys! 🙂

    • Amy says

      August 16, 2016 at 10:41 am

      Haha, my son LOVES PAW PATROL! I honestly like the kids ones better – they are more my speed haha. Inevitably, whatever I color, gets drawn on by a little one! I was so proud of my Cookie Monster last year . . . then . . somebody got to it haha!

  8. Kristina says

    August 16, 2016 at 2:22 pm

    I’m gonna pick up my pencils!! My coloring books have been collecting dust for a couple of months. Thanks for the sweet reminder! And its free!!!! The BEST part!

    • Amy says

      August 16, 2016 at 3:21 pm

      Enjoy!! And totally show it off on social media when you finish haha 😉 I’m serious though 🙂

  9. Lis Luwia says

    August 22, 2016 at 10:33 pm

    Great pointers, Amy! I’ve been doing calligraphy while my kids color and they LOVE having Mommy participate with them! 🙂

    • Amy says

      August 23, 2016 at 7:30 am

      Calligraphy – that’s not easy! You go my friend!

Primary Sidebar

       

Amy is the Co-Founder of CatholicsOnline.net

10 Free resources

10 Free resources

10 free resources for subscribers!

10 free resources for subscribers!

prayerwinechocolate

Dear Lord, help me to be who you want me to be and Dear Lord, help me to be who you want me to be and set the world ablaze!!!
#CatholicScripture #Catholicreels #Catholicprayers #quickprayer #Jesusandcoffee #Morningprayer #Showmetheway
On vacation; just happen to be staying in a house On vacation; just happen to be staying in  a house next to a church that organizes an incredible celebration for the feast of the Assumption every year! 

My mother once mentioned to me that being near the ocean on this holy day is extra special.

And the day was extra special because I ran into an old friend… Sister Lisa!

20 years ago I went on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic with Sister and a lovely group of high school girls. I hold those 2 weeks in a very special place in my heart.
God is good.

Have you ever done anything like this ? Tell me in the comments!!!

@yellaphant I mentioned you and Sister says hi!!!

#MotherMary #Oceancity #Blessingofthesea #Catholic #starofthesea #praymore #believe #godisgoodallthetime
#GoodmorningJesus #Catholic #Sunday #RomanCatholic #GoodmorningJesus #Catholic #Sunday #RomanCatholic #catholic
There is so much I’d love to tell you about the There is so much I’d love to tell you about the 12 year old girl who colored these pictures. 

But, I hear in my heart those moments in Scripture where “Mary pondered these things in her heart”. 

What I was assured of this week by the example of more than one “junior high student “ is this…. 12 year old girls still love to color.

I mean, let’s be honest… I still love to color.

In honor of these young souls… coupled with the belief that every seed of faith we sow matters… 

the 20 coloring pages from the girl’s Be Yourself Journal are on sale this week!
I hope they bring you and others joy and hope!!!
Post pics when they are done and tag me!!!!
I’d love to see them!!!

#catholiccoloringpages #Catholicjuniorhigh #Catholicmiddleschool #ClassicalCatholic #Catholicyouth #youthministry #Catholicart #Catholicquotes
Even Jesus had a rough day when He was 12! Meet yo Even Jesus had a rough day when He was 12!
Meet your child exactly where he or she is with the Be Yourself Journals!!!!
Link in bio!
#tweengirl #parentingtweens #CatholicChristian #Catholichome #catholicinstagram
You and I both know that the Rosary is not just fo You and I both know that the Rosary is not just for white haired Grandmas… but how do we convince our friends and loved ones to embrace this powerful prayer and meditation on the life of Our Lord Jesus?

Honestly, with me in my 20’s… it started by being a gathering of broken hearts.

I was lonely, another friend was going through infertility, another was stuck in the past so much it affected her daily life… another found herself facing an unplanned pregnancy.

When you hit rock bottom, you grasp at anything that could possibly pull you up.

For us, that was the Rosary.
How? One friend suggested it because her Mom had a rosary group she attended for years. Another (me) said “yes, let’s do it”.

If you have a friend who is deep in sorrow… go to her with a Rosary and offer to pray with her.

If this is a person who may be reluctant, bring wine. Offer one glass and two listening ears.
The Lord and His Mother will do the rest.

If you want more guidance, check out my Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide! Link in bio 🙏🍷🍫.
#Rosary #PraytheRosary #prayerwinechocolate #bissisterhood #Catholicfriends #Catholicprayer #Catholic #Catholicmom #Catholicmother #Catholicwoman #Catholicwomen
Saint Padre Pio, pray for us! #prayhopeanddontworr Saint Padre Pio, pray for us!
#prayhopeanddontworry #PadrePio #servegodwithlaughter #Catholicmeme #Catholicmemes #Catholicwife #Catholicmom
Do you have dietary restrictions but would like to Do you have dietary restrictions but would like to attend the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat?

In the past I have received messages inquiring about the food that is included in the registration cost of the retreat.
This year, I’m happy to announce that the vineyard serving our lunch is extremely accommodating for those who have strict diets.

Here’s what’s on the menu for the 2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat:

The 'standard' lunch is a duet of sandwiches -- half turkey wrap with lettuce, tomato, muenster & honey mustard, and half a baguette sandwich with tomato, mozzarella, and basil oil. 

Accompanying the sandwiches is a seasonal mixed greens salad with dried fruit and cheese (and sometimes nuts are included as well). 

If anyone has an allergy to nuts or cheese we serve their salad without it of course. 
Also, for dairy allergies, they would receive a full turkey wrap WITHOUT cheese (and none of the tomato-mozzarella baguette).

Gluten-free guests receive tuna salad on a bed of greens.

Vegetarian guests receive a full tomato-mozzarella baguette (and no turkey wrap).

Vegan guests receive a roasted vegetable and hummus wrap.

Still have concerns? Don’t hesitate to reach out!
Limited spots are available! Register soon before the event sells out! Link in bio!

#Catholic #Catholicretreat #Catholicwoman #SaintGianna #ourladyofczestochowa
2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat registration op 2022 Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat registration open…
#prayerwinechocolate #Catholicretreat #Catholicdayofreflection #dayofreflection #Catholicwoman #Catholicmotherhood
God created so much for us to enjoy! How amazing i God created so much for us to enjoy!
How amazing is it that all of creation was created for us?!

I hear “God loves you” often. 

I believe that God loves us more than we can imagine.

However, sometimes I forget to contemplate the magnitude of that truth.

When I was writing the first Be Yourself Journal, I came across this in the catechism and I had to include it in both the girl’s and the boy’s journals:

“God created everything for man but man in turn was created to serve and love God and to offer all creation back to him…

the heavens and the earth, the sea and all the rest of creation exist for him.”

This summer, our family is taking time to indulge and embrace just a sliver of this incredible gift.

In what ways do you enjoy God’s creation? Share your favorite ways to enjoy nature in when comments!
#Allofcreation #Catechism #Catholicteaching #Catholicteacher #Catholicinspiration #InstaCatholic #bissisterhood #Liturgical #Catholicmom #beyourselfjournal
Rejoice in God’s creation today!!! Share what yo Rejoice in God’s creation today!!!
Share what you are rejoicing in below!
#Catechism #Catholic #Biblequotes #readyourbible #bibleinayear
God's love for each of us is unimaginable. It's so God's love for each of us is unimaginable.
It's so intense.  It's so real.  It's just as much for you as an individual as it is for any other person.

When I was in my early 20's, I would often to go a neighboring parish for daily Mass before I went to work as a camp counselor.

The old priest would constantly remind us of this verse and express to each person in the pew how much God loves us.

It touched my heart.
I want it to touch yours too.
#Godsloveisreal #Scripture #Biblequotes #Catholicblog #Catholicspeaker #Catholic #Catholiccontent #CatholicChristian #instainspiration
Just sitting here laughing at my own jokes 🤪 Al Just sitting here laughing at my own jokes 🤪
Always remember Rule #6: Never take yourself to seriously! 
#Catholicblog #Catholiconline #prolife #Catholic #Catholicsocialmedia #Catholicwoman
The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat was held i The first Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat was held in 2016.
That year participants visited the place where Saint Katharine Drexel lived, worked and prayed for most of her life. Shortly after that retreat the property was sold and Saint Katharine Drexel’s Shrine was moved into Philadelphia where it continues to be today.

Since 2016, Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreats have been held almost every year. We’ve visited the National Shrines of Saint Gianna, Padre Pio, Our Lady of @czestochowa_shrine and have participated in an out door Mass on the grounds of a vineyard.

In the past, we have visited one shrine and two vineyards.

This year, we will visit two shrines and one vineyard.

So far, each person who has registered has been to a previous Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat.
I’m so grateful that this event has become a day women look forward to!

Space is limited! The Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat has sold out each year!!!

Feel free to ask questions in the comments.
Reserve your spot today!
Link in bio 🙏🍷🍫❤️
#Catholicretreat #prayerwinechocolate #Catholic #Catholics #Catholicfriends #Walkingwithpurpose #praytheRosary #Catholicmass #Catholicshrine
So excited… REGISTRATION is now open for the Pra So excited… REGISTRATION is now open for the Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat!!!!
🙏 🍷 🍫 
Link in bio!!!
#Catholicretreat #Catholicwomen #Catholicfriends #bissisterhood #Catholicfellowship #prayerwinechocolate #Retreatinpa #visitbuckscounty #Catholicmom #Catholicblog #Catholicwife #ourladyofguadalupe
Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys is a grea Be Yourself: a Journal for Catholic Boys is a great way to encourage your son to write this summer!!
Link in bio; also available on Amazon, at @osvcatholicbooks and @barnesandnoble online!
#Saintquotes #Catholicmom #Catholickids #catholicyouthministry #CatholicChristian #Catholicbooks #Catholicjournal #Catholichome #catholiceducation #catholichomeschool
My husband Matt gives each of our children a bless My husband Matt gives each of our children a blessing before they go to bed at night.
I asked him if his parents did that … and he said, “no”.

He said that his father would bless him with holy water in church, so he was doing that with our son one day and the priest who said Mass saw him do it. The priest then told Matt, “you know, a parent blessing his or her child is one of the few blessings a lay person has the authority to give.” 

Since then, he has given them a blessing almost daily.
The words he uses as he makes the sign of the cross on their foreheads are:
“God bless and protect my son (daughter)
Keep him (her)safe, good and holy and protect him (her) from all evil, Amen.”
I might have to ask him or the kids what I’m missing or if I messed that up a little… but you get the idea.
Bless your children!

I read that a blessing realigns our world with heaven by acknowledging all is a gift.

Do you bless your children? Did your parents bless you?
#blessing #Catholic #Catholicmom #Catholicparenting #gentleparenting #Catholicchristian #prayerwinechocolate #Catholicdad #hallowapp #coffeeandprayers
Type the next line of the prayer in the comments! Type the next line of the prayer in the comments!
#praymore #praywithoutceasing #prayalways #Catholicprayers #Catholicsaints
Hi there!!!! I am so happy you are here and we ar Hi there!!!! 
I am so happy you are here and we are connected on “the gram”!

My name is Amy Brooks… and I started the Prayer Wine Chocolate blog with the intention to share how my husband and I grew our family through adoption-without signing up with an adoption agency.

I also wanted to create gift guides that had Catholic gifts on it.

I share this today because my word of the year is “laugh” and when I thought of posting a “Friday introduction “ I immediately recalled the saying:
“Want to make God laugh? Tell Him your plans!”

What starting this blog has led to- through the grace of God- has been amazing!
I realized that I had what @jenniferfulwiler would call a blue flame inside of me - writing.
Once again, I have to laugh because my English grade in 8th grade was so bad my dad pulled me off the soccer team and when I started college I had to take a remedial English class. God has reminded me over and over again that through Him all things are possible!

One of the greatest experiences in this journey has been meeting incredible people who love the Lord and who are truly kind and compassionate. It was through meeting @windhovering Jerry Windley-Doust that motivated me to write the Be Yourself Journals that our now published by @osvcatholicbooks . I also have been extremely blessed by the community of Catholic Social Media now known as @catholicsonline . If you are trying to evangelize or minister with the help of social media, I invite you to join us! 

I’m the oldest of 5. I asked my brother to give a speech at my wedding reception because I think he’s so funny that he truly could be a stand-up comedian. He ended up giving a speech so touching, I published part of it one boy’s Be Yourself Journal. He also cracked everybody at the wedding up 😂.

Somewhere in this group of pictures there is a picture of my parents. In that picture, my dad has his face painted. One of my siblings overheard him talking about him having this done as a “once in a lifetime experience “! 😂 He’s 72… apparently last weekend was his first opportunity to have this done.

Ps. My younger son recently asked me if I had water when I was a kid. He then asked me if soap was invented yet.
SUMMER JOURNALING can be fun!! I have 2 Be Yourse SUMMER JOURNALING can be fun!!

I have 2 Be Yourself: a Catholic Journal for Girls in stock and only a handful of the boy’s journals in stock!

I’m jumping on the #smalloverprime specials and anyone who purchases (or donates) a journal in the next 24 hours will get the coloring pages download for free!!!
That’s 20 inspirational quote coloring pages!!!! And trust me- they are fun for all ages!

Plus… this is the last day you can get the Plan Your Own Prayer Wine Chocolate Retreat Guide for over 40%off! 

Links are in my bio!
Happy Summer 😎🍉🕶🌻☀️!
#Catholiccoloringpages #Catholicinspiration #shopCatholic #Catholicjournal #boysjournal #kidsjournal #booksfortweens #Catholicwoman #Catholicfellowship #Catholicretreat
Load More Follow on Instagram

Footer

Catholic Ads

       
a spiritual journey to motherhood & beyond

Copyright © 2022 · Cultivate Theme theme by Restored 316