Childbirth blessing

Did you know there is an official blessing for before childbirth? I was happy to find this out and happy to receive it last Sunday after mass.  Among other things, it asks for a "happy birth". Let's do this baby...! 

Nesting 1

What does it feel like to finish a project that took two years to complete? (I blogged about it a year ago!) Okay... it was like an hour every six months. But still, it took forever and I almost quit about 372 times. Now it feels like... a relief! 

Introducing my piano cover, embroidered by... moi! 

Ideas for Lent on IgnitumToday

Five Ideas for Lent

March 5, AD 2014 | Julie Machado

In case you are still needing some inspiration for Lent, here are some ideas you could find interesting. Lent isn’t only (or even mainly) about “doing things”, but I do think it’s good to plan and prepare such an important season.

Keep reading at: 
http://www.ignitumtoday.com/2014/03/05/five-ideas-lent/

Crown of thorns tutorial

1. Collect or buy long sticks and soak them in hot water for 30 minutes for easier bending/breaking. I soaked mine in the bathtub and they hardly softened, but it helped a little. 
2. Tie them together in circles and overlapping each other. 

3. Arrange them as desired and tie them again to each other where needed. 

4. Use toothpicks or break off the ends of skewers, like I did. 

5. Paint them. I "mass painted" mine in a cup: rubbed them around in paint, then laid them out on a paper towel to dry. 

6. Arrange the toothpicks in your crown. It helps to have a plate underneath so you can move the crown afterwards. 

 

7. Admire your work of art! We are using ours this Lent as a sacrifice crown: we take out a thorn every time we consciously make a sacrifice, thinking of Christ. 

Three at the pool

We've started a new family tradition of swimming on Sunday mornings when we can. My swimmer husband is my coach. We are trying to prepare. He keeps saying, "come on, keep going.... labor will be 24 hours!" Scary. 

I am excited about how in a short while I can walk around in the kiddie pool (behind me) with our baby. I think baby swimsuits are the cutest ever.