Apparently, there are these notebooks floating around. I saw them in Target the other day and was entranced by them. Their texture. Their aesthetics. Their smell.

I purchased one and knew exactly [...]]]> I’m working on two new projects. One is a surprise (don’t we all love surprises) and the other involves a $12 notebook.

Apparently, there are these notebooks floating around. I saw them in Target the other day and was entranced by them. Their texture. Their aesthetics. Their smell.

I purchased one and knew exactly what I wanted to put into it: Scriptures.

But, more specifically; Scriptures organized into topics. Much like a topical Bible study, but including topics I’m interested in or want to learn more about or whatever. I’ve been including pertinent quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, quotes from Saints – and using pretty pens and making my Moleskine Scripture collection beautiful.

The very first page in my notebook deals with adversity. I want to be able to reference this page when things get difficult, because we all know difficulties will come. I’ve found a wonderful quote by St. Alphonsus Liguori that rattles around in my head so many times throughout the day:

Those who love God are always happy, because their whole happiness is to fulfill, even in adversity, the will of God.” 

That quote, combined with Scriptures about adversity and what the Catechism says gives me a well-rounded view into adversity – I don’t have to act like I’m getting a massage when the world is falling down around me, but I know that nothing happens that isn’t the will of God, and therefore trusting in Him gives me hope to get through the struggles of life.

Or like I so diligently wrote:

It’s been wonderfully relaxing for me, the few minutes I get a day to take a topic and research it – write it – ponder it – chew it – and apply it.

Project #2 is more long-term but will be unveiled soon.

It hasn’t been easy – waking up early means going to bed early. It [...]]]> I like to think I’m not totally insane for deciding that 0530 is a good time to wake up. In fact, I end up getting a lot accomplished. And, I’ve been faithful to that wake-up time for two weeks now.

It hasn’t been easy – waking up early means going to bed early. It also means getting out of bed – which is usually quite warm and into the day – which is usually not as warm as our bed is.

The coffee maker helps, as long as Greg or I remember to get it ready to brew at 0520. Greg, the always early bird, is usually up before my alarm goes off; and begins to unload the dishwasher while I drag myself out to the kitchen.

The best part of waking up (besides Mystic Monk in my cup)? The time with Greg. We’re (relatively) awake, and can discuss things that need to be discussed without virgin ears in the presence. Or we can pray Morning Prayer together. Or just sit and watch the sunrise. By the time the kids get themselves out of bed, I’m fed and watered, dressed, the kitchen is ready for the kid’s breakfast, I have a load of laundry in, bonded with my husband sans kids, I’ve prayed, read the daily Mass readings, and whatever else needs to be done. I have gotten a lot done, and I can focus on the kids totally as opposed to trying to multi-task.

It works for me. I don’t feel trashed in the evening, like I thought I would. I do admit, I “sleep in” on the weekends … usually up around 0630 or even (*gasp*) 0700.

There’s been a couple other posts about waking up early floating around the Blogosphere: one by Jen and the other by Brandon. I agree with both posts and the points they raise.

Waking up early works for me. It may not for you, and that’s OK. But, if you think you’d like to get up early – give it a shot. I’ll even send you a reminder email if you want, once I peel myself out from under my luscious down comforter.

Farmer John arrives at the Nativity on January 5th, announcing the arrival of the Wise Men on January 6th.

A most blessed Epiphany of the Lord!

Our jewels waiting to be jewel-i-fied.

Elise helping by making sure [...]]]> Lacy over at Catholic Icing posted this very cute, very simple “jewel cake” for St. Basil’s day. We had a lot of fun assembling it and of course, eating it! Elise was especially thrilled with the jewels inside!

Our jewels waiting to be jewel-i-fied.

Elise helping by making sure all the Jell-O is out of the box.

She also helped me put the jewels into a dish.

After some time in the fridge!

Ta-da! Pretty!

I found a can of spray whip creme in our fridge, and that’s what we used for our frosting. Tasty, fun, and different! We talked about St. Basil and learned a little bit about him, as well.

St. Basil, pray for us!

It involves boxes.

And many trips in the car with said boxes full of stuff.

And eventually emptying said boxes into our beautiful new house, and repeating the process.

The City re-inspected our house this morning and signed off at about 0915. Major Dad told me at 0920, [...]]]> Guess what I’ve done all day.

It involves boxes.

And many trips in the car with said boxes full of stuff.

And eventually emptying said boxes into our beautiful new house, and repeating the process.

The City re-inspected our house this morning and signed off at about 0915. Major Dad told me at 0920, and I think the first load of stuff + babies was in the house by 1000. Apparently we didn’t need an Engineer to view the house, he just did a drive-by to check sidewalks and curbs. And who knows about the Water Department, but we have the piece of paper saying we can legally move in, so I’m not worried!

Deo Gratias!

Now, the fun part is here: making our house, our HOME.

My personal preference is that we celebrate both St. Benedict’s days – the Death of St. Benedict in March and then his feast day -today – on the revised calendar. In [...]]]> Hooray! It’s the feast of St. Benedict today! Being a Benedictine Oblate and having a Benedictine son, it’s a very happy day today!

My personal preference is that we celebrate both St. Benedict’s days – the Death of St. Benedict in March and then his feast day -today – on the revised calendar. In March I made a delicious (gluten-free from a box) chocolate cake with “Ora et Labora” on it and the Medal of St. Benedict. Today, I was planning on doing something like that but Elise got over some weird sickness (fevers of up to 104*F and a mild sore throat, what fun) and Benedict is teething up a storm (I think he has five coming in at once, also giving us plenty of fevers and fussiness). So, we’re scrapping Major Cool Plans and just having Minor Cool Plans: Coney Dogs for dinner, along with baked beans and delicious corn on the cob. A cool treat of ice cream for desert and access to Elise’s favorite: Nutella. Nutella only comes out on Special Days.

We also paid a visit to the Church today to obtain more holy water. Even if we don’t need more holy water, I think I need to take the babies to Church outside of Mass weekly, to practice things like Church Manners. And of course, to pray! Elise ran over to the Tabernacle and blew sweet kisses to Our Lord inside, how much she loves her dear Jesus!

If you don’t know much about St. Benedict, I strongly recommend you read up! Read his Holy Rule (the Doyle Translation is particularly fabulous), wear his medal, and most importantly; PRAY for our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI!

I just so happen to have a copy of the Holy Rule and reflections (not written by myself) on my website (courtesy of my Monkle), so please click over to the Holy Rule of St. Benedict, and you can read today’s reading from the Holy Rule.

God our Father, you made St. Benedict an outstanding guide to teach men how to live in your service. Grant that by preferring your love to everything else, we may walk in the way of your commandments. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

St. Benedict, pray for us!

Benedict’s Baptismal anniversary was April 11th. I didn’t have a chance to light his Baptismal candle, but we did light a candle and had a lovely treat to celebrate his anniversary.

My Confirmation anniversary [...]]]> I’m trying something new – writing what we did for feasts as opposed to what I wanted to do.

Benedict’s Baptismal anniversary was April 11th. I didn’t have a chance to light his Baptismal candle, but we did light a candle and had a lovely treat to celebrate his anniversary.

My Confirmation anniversary was on the 15th, as it was a Friday there wasn’t an awful lot of partying but rather gratefulness for my Confirmation, looking at pictures from then, and prayers that I can continue to be worthy of such great graces.

Triduum ran April 21 – 23, we managed to make it to the Good Friday Mass and that’s about it. Our Easter vigil began at 10pm and so I knew there was no way I was making it. Some day (as in, when the kids are adults) I’ll be able to. On each day of the Triduum I read to Elise from her children’s Bible what was going on. I think she really enjoyed having it read to her in Kid-Language. She spent the first part of Easter saying “It’s not Easter, it’s Lent!” We had to do some convincing to prove it was Easter – the white vestments, unveiling of statues, flowers everywhere.

Easter Sunday my parents came down. We had a nice dinner with Greg’s parents and mine, as well as Greg’s sister. Elise had a little Easter Egg Hunt with Greg’s parents, and treated my Dad to her version of a hunt later in the day. Dad also treated us to a pictoral tour of Israel (he did let me download all his Israel pics, so yay!).

There were also birthdays to be had (my aunt, my mom, Greg’s sister). We’re entering a birthday drought, at least until August.

I wanted to make paper shamrocks with Elise but that did not happen, due to the broken washing machine. But, I did get the food done!  We didn’t do corned [...]]]> I like to think we had fun, despite overtired babies and a broken washing machine (which has been upgraded to a shiny new MAYTAG).

I wanted to make paper shamrocks with Elise but that did not happen, due to the broken washing machine. But, I did get the food done!  We didn’t do corned beef and cabbage, but we did include hamburger pie (with green food coloring) and Good News Popcorn in our eats. It was all so delicious, although we did have to cut ourselves off of the Good News Popcorn, lest we have a massive sugar high. We’re going to scale back the sugar next time, but it was still absolutely delicious.

We also had a brief story of who St. Patrick is (and why our food is green).

St. Patrick, pray for us!

14 – Greg’s birthday. It’s entirely up to him what he wants to do, so I’m not going to put anything here!

15 – Benedictus turns ONE! Since my Dad is overseas, we’re not even thinking of a party until he returns. But, I’ll whip [...]]]> 9 - Ash Wednesday. We’ll be receiving our ashes.

14 – Greg’s birthday. It’s entirely up to him what he wants to do, so I’m not going to put anything here!

15 – Benedictus turns ONE! Since my Dad is overseas, we’re not even thinking of a party until he returns. But, I’ll whip up some cupcakes for his birthday!

17 – St. Patrick’s Day. Still looking to see what we can do.

19 – St. Joseph: Greg and Major Dad’s nameday. We’ll most likely be working on the house this day, but I’m going to try and set up a small St. Joseph’s Altar with Elise. I need to ask Greg what he wants for food this day.

21 – The Death of St. Benedict: Also still looking for ideas. This day is a Solemnity for Benedictines, and it’s also Benedict’s nameday (which is why we named him Benedict instead of Dominic). I was thinking of a cake, but I know from all the birthdays I am going to be cake-d out.

25 – The Annunciation. Our statue of Our Lady will be relocated to the table. I kind of want to do an Annunciation candle, but I don’t see that happening. I think what we will do though, is collect baby items and donate them to our local Crisis Pregnancy Centers. (I also like this A is for Angel craft over at Catholic Icing*, perfect!).

I think our Lenten plans deserve their own post, no?

* = Lacy is a finalist over at the About.com’s Reader Choice Awards and if you’re like me and think her site is awesome, please go vote for her! No registration is needed and I was not paid to endorse her. I just think that her site should be recognized – it’s one of my “go to” sites for ideas.