Tres chic new tray

Yellow, chevron pattern on the inside, $12??? Sold! Just wanted to show my little tray I found last week at Superstore. It looks cuter than in my pics, and I'm excited it'll add some fun colour to my house!

Pope Benedict's 3 Steps to Holiness

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I've been thinking lately of Pope Benedict's recent guide to living a life of holiness. As usual the Pope's advice is simple and beautiful and hits at the heart of the matter-our goal in life. In his April 13th address he spoke of the goal of sainthood for everyone, and here were his "essentials" for holiness:

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"Essential is that no Sunday be left without an encounter with the Risen Christ in the Eucharist -- this is not a burden but light for the whole week."

At first reading, I've gotta admit that I thought-"Hey at least I've got one down!" Of course, given even a little more thought the Sunday Mass where we encounter Christ in the Eucharist is life changing and grace giving every single time, as is every Mass. There is so much that the Mass gives us, but it is both the basis and pinnacle of Faith. The habit and gift of each Sunday centres our week, our spiritual routine, and then our whole lives. 

But in the eyes of someone completely unaware or removed from any faith the idea of every single week seems strange, unnecessary, and inconvenient. To gain faith and ultimately holiness requires even the smallest level of commitment; and going to Church once a week is the first step for sure.

Since having kids the importance of routine and order in one's life has become more than obvious to me. Children thrive on routine. As adults we still need need routine, and need for routine in the spiritual life is huge! A once-a-week encounter with Christ sounds like a perfect anchor. Making Sunday Mass a priority and habit in our busy lives opens the door to a relationship with Christ.


I know I've had a lot of Masses where I'm so distracted by kids to only pay attention to what feels like a few minutes, or I'm full of judgements towards the people in Mass my mind is so far away that I forget that it is "an encounter with Christ". 

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"Never to begin or end a day without at least a brief contact with God."

When you think about the lives of the saints you could swear they're probably in constant communication with God. And they probably are/were! But you've gotta start somewhere, so starting the day with a simple prayer and ending it in prayer seems beautiful, simple, and connective. 

I'm an awful morning person. Theres always a baby up way before me making all kinds of noise. I usually wake up to soothe the starving little guys in a flurry of breakfast activity and then the day continues with hardly a moment of silence ever happens! But even if I can't get silence, or long periods of time I could give "at least a brief" moment to God in the morning.

I've also experienced times where praying at night is difficult. I think it stemmed from the day preceding involving my actions or choices that I didn't feel comfortable talking to God about. But falling short happens every day to every person, even saints. The ability to conquer discouragement by praying at night, whether for forgiveness or grace, must set a foundation for constant communication with God.

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"And, in the journey of our life, to follow "road signs" that God has communicated to us in the Decalogue read with Christ, which is simply the definition of charity in specific situations."

I really love how the Holy Father puts this. Its sometimes hard to defend any sense of morality in today's society, and this description of following the Ten Commandments sums it up perfectly. We follow because it shows us how to use love in specific situations. The Commandments seem to get a bad wrap, usually they're too simple, but God gave them to us for a reason, and saints follow them still! This also shows how Benedict is speaking to people who don't have faith or aren't Catholic. I think he's always speaking to them, and I hope his words open more people to faith.

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I found these words so encouraging, "the true simplicity and grandeur of the life of holiness." Maybe if I can concentrate on these and I could make some serious headway. I love how the Pope's words are relatable and inspiring at the same time. 

Rustic Kitchen lovin'

I think its crazy that I love this kitchen picture so much! When I saw it over at Design*Sponge it really jumped out at me. I'm a sucker for this crazy rustic feel, gorgeous colours, pinch bowls of salt and pepper and kickass enamelware and cast-iron! And of course those little birds and vintage tins! That said, I usually love the super glam white kitchens where I'm sure little to no cooking ever takes place.

A little Easter.

Look out! Here's some pictures from our Easter. Pardon my bad camera skills. I also had a ton of egg dying pictures but they turned a little dark so I couldn't post them. They don't do justice to Dominic's unbridled enthusiasm towards dying eggs. Seriously, he loved it so much he has asked to do it everyday since.

 

Here's the best family shot we could muster. Your welcome.

I love getting pictures of their little feet. They're precious.

Dom despises being forced to pose. He takes after his father. But Gemma and Luke look enamoured with whomever they're gazing at. 

I like little Luke's face here. Tell him to stop growing! He also had to hold his hockey stick to participate.

And here is the post egg hunt shot where we tried desperately to put some real food into them. Its also the only time I could get them to all wear their bunny ears at the same time, later I would wear them to bake some Easter cupcakes. It was a great Easter.

Easter Monday!

via pinterest from thedecorista.tumblr.com

I love this dreamy room! I wish my house looked like that right now, but alas there is a heck of a lot of Easter grass strewn around, and dirty dishes from some Easter cupcakes in the sink. Easter was a wonderful time, the kids had ridiculous amounts of fun, and I had fun seeing the excitement in their faces and hearing their funny little "Alleluias"! Hopefully I'll be able to get some cute little pics from our weekend posted tomorrow. Until then, I'm off to try and get some dishes done!

Easter greetings!

via Martha Stewart

The beautiful Easter weekend approaches and I hope yours is filled with graces, chocolates, and fresh flowers! We'll be spending time with family and preparing three little babes Easter baskets. Gemma said yesterday: "Easter's on Sunday!" And I'm pretty sure this is her first mention of the days of the week, so its gotta be pretty important! 

Most importantly, today is Holy Thursday the first day of the Holy Triduum. I love this time and the beautiful liturgy and meaning of the next three days. Have a holy weekend!

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A Killer G.K. quote for the Day...

"Let no one flatter himself that he leaves

his family life in search of art, or knowledge;

he leaves it because he is fleeing

from the baffling knowledge of humanity

and from the impossible art of life."

- G.K. Chesterton -

The Man Who Loved Books Too Much

 

Since I was lying on the couch the last week or so wallowing in my own sickness I got a bit of reading done! The Man Who Loved Books Too Much caught my eye when it promised an intriguing look into the world of rare book collectors and thieves! The idea of such rare and old books surviving and being sold for thousands of dollars seems so exciting. The book tells of how books become more valuable than others, how the wealthy are willing to pay hundreds of thousands to add to their collections, and also how someone is willing to ignore all moral inclinations to amass his own collection of valuable books. It also looks at the small booksellers who operate their businesses for love of books but fall victim to theft and often face a difficult and almost impossible road to bringing those responsible to justice. Although I share the great love of books that these collectors are described as having, I most definitely would only be willing to spend money towards authors I loved and not just those trendily popular or rare. But since I don't have a giant pile of monopoly money to spend I guess its not really an issue! I enjoyed this book for telling an interesting story of crime for the love of books, and now when I'm book shopping on ebay and see outrageous prices I'll wonder if someone is trying to rip someone off or make a profit from stolen goods!

Monday musings...

                                                    via pinterest and my garden space by Kathy Hackman Hutchison

Good morning Monday! 
Here's to me feeling a bit better, I've had some sinus plague the last long 5 or 6 days so I've been at minimal production level. Husbands come in handy sometimes. Like when you can't get off the couch and kids need to eat. 

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These serene and springy images are my goal for this week. Theres not too much hope for pretty green-ness outside, but I'm hoping to scour the house clean so we can decorate and celebrate Easter peacefully and cleanly(?)! 

                                                     via pinterest From deardaisycottage.typepad.com


And here are some beautiful words to contemplate this Holy Week from Pope Benedict's homily yesterday:


"We need God: he draws us upwards; letting ourselves be upheld by his hands - by faith, in other words - sets us aright and gives us the inner strength that raises us on high. We need the humility of a faith which seeks the face of God and trusts in the truth of his love."

Etsy Nature Inspired Jewelry

 

I just got sucked into Etsy-which is bad because I could randomly shop for days there! For some reason, I guess Spring, I got a little sucked into these nature/animal inspired jewels. I have an affinity towards little bird necklaces in general because they always feel a little quirky and almost Victorian in feeling when I wear them. So hurray for all of these little beauties!

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7. 

Thinking about Easter...

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via pinterest from wunderweib.de

I'm starting to think about getting ready for Easter! It seems pretty far away as today its snowing and blowing out once again. But Palm Sunday is this Sunday so I feel I can start thinking about pretty eggs!

via Martha Stewart

via Martha Stewart

I was hoping to make those little tissue carrots for the kids if I get crafty enough, which is looking kinda doubtful since this morning I could barely make them porridge. The said porridge went over so well this morning that my three year old proclaimed it to be "Not cool, Mama!" We're also going to set up an egg hunt for the kids for the first time this year, they might be a little young, fights may ensue.

via Martha Stewart

This is my favourite Easter table from Martha, tulips and baskets and so fun and the colour is wonderful! One day I will have to have a beautiful brunch and have a civilized Easter day with cloth napkins and less chocolate smears and sticky marshmallow hands. Actually that doesn't sound too fun, maybe I'll just have to make my perfect tulip table for kids full of chocolate and with seven layers of stick on their little faces. Life's too short to not indulge in some marshmallow peeps before 9 am! 

Louis Vuitton trunks

I've gotta admit that I've never wanted to die over a piece of Louis Vuitton before, until now. This vintage bookcase trunk is absolutely amazing. 


Image from Home Design with Kevin Sharkey.

The Lentan prayers of a three year old.

As my oldest baby has started to talk more and more its been such a treat to hear what her little thoughts are on a daily basis. But what's even more amazing is hearing her small prayers.

For the last couple weeks every time we pray together, at meals, before bed, etc, Gemma chimes in at the end with "And help us get ready for EASTERTIME!" Its a pretty simple prayer, but its said with much excitement and enthusiasm, and of course, sweetness and pure innocence! I hadn't exactly been preaching the importance of Lent or the theological implications of Christ's Resurrection to the kids on a daily basis, just little snippets of Easter coming soon, so I thought the fact that she even thought about Easter so often was pretty impressive. 


But as her dedication to her little prayer has continued each meal and bedtime I thought more and more about it. Its pretty succinct. It gets right to the point of Lent. We're getting ready for Easter. Thats what its all about, but how often does thinking about Lent and what we are/aren't doing really come from the goal of Easter? I know I've gone quite a few days in Lent without thinking twice about the actual meaning/fact of Easter. Also, when I compare the simple petition to my own mental prayer throughout Lent its like comparing a shooting arrow to puddle jumping. I feel as if my own lofty approaches to prayer in Lent have become vaguer and vaguer as Lent has gone on. Most importantly though, Gemma's prayer is filled with joy and enthusiasm. And even though Lent's a time for sacrifices, giving, fasting, it doesn't have to equal seriousness, or a morbid moroseness. We should always look to Easter with joy, Easter is the reason for our faith and joy. What better example of faith and Christianity than joy? 


So I've found myself praying along with Gemma, asking for help getting ready for Easter, and thinking about her prayer often during the day. Her little brother has even started chiming in with the prayer, even though I'm not too sure if he even remembers much from his two past Easters! Now I wonder what prayers she'll teach me after Easter!

Kate Spade favs of the week...

This bracelet is so much fun, I'm pretty sure I'd wear it...

This "Mrs" necklace I would definitely wear. Probably all the time! Even though I've been married almost 5 years, I still like it. 

I wish I didn't love all this jewelry!

This bag makes me laugh, but at the same time its very Duchess of Windsor. I think she would approve.

An "I Married Adventure" book clutch?! I love it! I wish I could have a bookshelf full of Kate Spade book clutches! 

Sunny weekends

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Our weekend has begun but unfortunately it still includes babies who don't feel 100% so we'll be hoping tomorrow will involve time outside enjoying the sun and warmth and happier children! We're sticking around home and I'm going to try to bake something(??), read something, and maybe play something with the husband! 

A little fabulous...

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I have to say that a little Marilyn can really brighten your day! 

Unplanned by Abby Johnson

A director of a Planned Parenthood clinic quitting and joining a pro-life group sounds impossible but Abby Johnson tells this near miraculous story in Unplanned. The book chronicles her beginnings in Planned Parenthood, which initially began as volunteer work during college, up to the point where she was running a clinic and privy to Planned Parenthood's push to raise abortion numbers to increase revenue. Her dramatic conversion to the pro-life position came after being present during an ultra-sound guided abortion, however, after reading the book it is amazing to see how God began working towards her conversion from much earlier. 


I think this book is a must read for everyone no matter which side of this divisive issue they find themselves. Both sides are presented fairly, both with the good and bad, but are shown to be much more than the stereotypes that they are often perceived. As I've always been pro-life, I appreciated the telling of what people who work for Planned Parenthood think. Mostly, Abby writes of her former co-workers and herself, as wanting to help women and families in crisis through the Planned Parenthood clinic they worked for. Often thinking that abortion was the worst case scenario, but a necessary alternative. The real power of a peaceful and loving witness found in the pro-life protesters outside of Abby's clinic are a testament to how powerful this kind of pro-life action can be. Through love and prayer the truth does reach hearts. I believe this book will continue to do great things for the pro-life movement.

On lying in bed; or a luxury while raising 3 little babies!

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This weekend was a muddle of babies and us parents feeling fairly ill, but we were lucky to be able to steal away a quiet dinner out together just me and the husband! My parents took the kids home after Mass and kept them overnight giving us the amazing luxury of sleeping in on Sunday morning! 


Its such a glorious gift to have a day off, together with my husband, from jumping up and dealing with a morning of three little munchkins and everything that goes with them! The diaper changing, breakfast making, potty trips, and of course breaking up of a few morning quarrels, all happens within 15 minutes of getting them out of bed. Lately, as the kids get a little older and more vocal meals become part digressions into diplomatic force to get certain food groups eaten. But this is all very business as usual to us now, and we've got it down to a science.


But given the morning off we relished laying in bed-awake! We read some books leisurely before going to the kitchen to scrounge up some tea and coffee, and most unusually weren't awoken by a very loud 1 year old before 7 am! It reminded me of the very Cherstertonian version of bliss; simply lying in bed! 

"The caution is this: if you do lie in bed, be sure you do it without any reason or justification at all." - G.K. Chesterton

Penguin Embroidered books!

I can't believe how amazingly beautiful these book covers are by Jillian Tamaki! I know these pictures have been making the rounds lately but I had to post them because I'm a complete sucker for a beautiful book. I think I may have to own every Penguin edition of Emma! And what an absolutely knock-out talent is embroidering book covers?! Head over to Jillian's blog to see her at work! 

All pics from Jillian Tamaki.