Seeking Stillness // Advent 2017

The bright autumn colors are fading. Colder winds are blowing these days; leaves fall softly to the ground. The earth seems to slow as winter nears. My soul feels it, too. I need to slow down.

This is the refrain I hear God speak to me: "Be still and know that I am God. . ." (Psalm 46:10). I need to seek quiet as the noise regarding all the things that have to be done to make the holidays a success crescendos. I need to step away from the harsh brightness of my iPhone screen and spend time with the One who is true Light. I need to breathe deeply of the Lord's presence and be filled by Him. 

The good news is: Advent is coming. This time in the Christian year when we are called to refocus our gaze, to prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ, is such a gift. And I really need it this year.

Have you thought about what you might do to celebrate this Advent season? Might I share my simple plans with you?

// FAMILY ADVENT WREATH //

Of course: the Advent wreath. Ours is somewhat non-traditional with white candles, and purple + pink ribbons. I usually end up making it with some branches trimmed from our Christmas tree, or from the tree stands around town. (Side note: One of my favorite things about city life are the pop-up Christmas tree stands on any given street corner at this time of year. Sometimes I go out of my way just to walk through one and take a deep inhale of that blessed pine smell.)

// IN THE BEGINNING // THE BLESSED IS SHE ADVENT JOURNAL //

I am so looking forward to diving into God's Word with the Blessed is She community this Advent. My friend Laura Kelly Fanucci – one of my very favorite writers – wrote this year's Advent journal. I mean it very sincerely when I say her words never fail to touch my heart. The Advent journal is a way for me to keep myself centered and focused on what matters in the days leading up to Christmas. They are bound to get a little crazy, and I know this will help me stay close to the Lord. In the journal Laura writes,

"There is nothing to achieve this Advent. There is only ourselves to surrender."

That's exactly the kind of Advent I am hoping for this year. If you'd like to join me, you can purchase your copy here.

// A CHRISTMAS TREE //

This may seem like a given, but we actually have not had a Christmas tree in our apartment since 2014. Between having a baby crawling around, lack of space (hello, NYC living), and traveling for the holidays, we just haven't done it. This year, however, we have freed up a little room to have one. We can hardly wait for the joy we imagine it will bring our toddler. I mean, is there anything quite like twinkle lights on a fresh pine tree?

// NATIVITY SCENES // 

We have a couple nativity scenes that we will set up around our home, waiting to put the Christ child in the manger until Christmas morning. (The set pictured above belonged to my late grandmother, and we also have this beautiful one, which we received as a wedding gift.) My son also has the Fisher-Price Little People nativity set, which he adores.

And that's really it! Of course, there will be Christmas gift shopping to do (gift-giving is one of my love languages) and holiday baking (of course!), but overall we hope to keep it pretty simple and just seek the JOY!

While the world shouts that we need to do more this holiday season, the Lord says otherwise. May we spend this Advent season seeking His presence in the stillness, and may we quiet our hearts enough to hear His voice. For then we might hear Him whisper just how deeply we are loved.

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A Baptism Party for our Precious Boy

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It's high time I shared the sweet details from the celebration of our son's baptism. I figured the anniversary of that special day would be the perfect time, so without further ado, here we go!

"Children are a heritage from the Lord, 

they are a reward from Him. 

Like arrows in the hands of a warrior 

are the children born in one's youth."

// Psalm 127: 3-4 // 

The art print is a printable from Lindsay Letters. We also displayed his baptismal candle in a crystal candlestick holder (a wedding gift from my grandfather).

We decorated with all white flowers for the celebration - beautiful hydrangea, pictured below.

One of my favorite elements of the party were these prayer cards. The cards gave guests a place to write their prayers for our son on his baptism day. When he is older he will be able to look back and know the prayer intentions of his loved ones who were there for this sacred event.

The white afghan above and the booties below were knit with love by my husband's granny for the occasion.

The love is in the details...

We decided to serve all-white snacks and desserts for the party, too.

// M E N U //

powdered sugar mini donuts

freshly-popped popcorn

yogurt covered pretzels

sugar cookies with white icing

cake

I used this recipe for the sugar cookies (using this cookie cutter) and this icing recipe. Delicious!

"Peter said to them, 'Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ

for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"

// Acts 2:38 //

It was such a special day celebrating one of the most beautiful moments in our son's life. Keeping the party simple kept the focus on the Sacrament, and the reason for our celebration.

Praying today that the graces of baptism may continue to be nurtured and lived out in the lives of all Christians, for the greater glory of God.

Blessings to you...

7 Quick Takes {no. 38}New Mom edition & a GIVEAWAY!

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Well, friends, it's my first seven quick takes as a new momma. You can count on some updates, some pictures of my sweet boy, and a little giveaway of this print at the end.

Thank you so much for being here as I try to get back into the swing of blogging a bit more regularly. I really miss this community!

{2}
First of all: I am soooo far behind on all my blog reading. What are the best posts you've read lately? What have I missed from you? Fill me in!

{3}

In case you missed it, I shared Peter's birth story on the blog earlier this week. Though it admittedly took me several days and many nap times to finish, I really enjoyed writing it all out to commemorate this most momentous occasion in our lives.

For those of you who read about and are praying for our boy's ASD - thank you. We received good news at his checkup yesterday! The hole is now half the size it was at birth, and the doctor anticipates it may close completely on its own. Either way, he should be able to live a healthy life. So many answered prayers! Please join us in praising God for his goodness and in praying for his heart's complete healing. We appreciate it more than I can say.

{4}

Life as a mom is...well...so hard to put into words. It's truly something that no one can prepare you to experience. All at once it is the hardest thing I've ever done and the most wonderful. Those first few weeks were brutal. Especially the sleep deprivation combined with postpartum hormones combined with the steep learning curve of first-time parenthood. YIKES. Eight weeks in I feel like things are finally starting to even out a little bit. The warm spring weather is a welcome change, too. I find it's always nice to get outside, even just for a bit.

I can hardly believe just how fast Peter is growing and changing. Case in point:

4 days old.

1 month old.

Just shy of 2 months old.

Ahh! It's already going by too quickly. My prayer is that I am able to be really present and savor every second. Goodness, do I love that boy.

{5}

Amidst all the craziness of life as a new mom, I did manage to put together a little celebration for the feast day of one of my favorite saints, St. Gianna Beretta Molla. You may have seen on instagram that we celebrated with an Italian dinner & dessert, which included bruschetta, spaghetti & meatballs, the best cannolis, and gelato. Yum! 

{6}

And speaking of liturgical celebrations - happy Easter! So glad the Easter season is still going strong so I can say that to you all without being completely belated. Peter's first Easter was a special day. We dressed him up in his Sunday best, and he slept like a little angel through the Easter Mass. 

Once we got home from Mass he was ready to eat (as pictured below), and also promptly had a blowout and spit up all over his Easter outfit. At least he waited for us to take some pictures!

{7}

Last, but certainly not least - a little Mother's Day giveaway for you!

I am giving away a "Blessed is she who believed" downloadable printable in the color of your choosing {available in pink, eggplant, crimson or black} from my etsy shop, {with joy calligraphy}. This 8x10" printable would make a lovely gift for the special mother(s) in your life {think: mom, grandma, mother-in-law, godmother, one for you, etc.!}. Download may be printed up to three times. This giveaway is open through the end of Thursday, May 7, 2015 and the winner will be announced and receive their prize on Friday, May 8, 2015. Good luck, dear readers!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Linking up my takes with many more lovely bloggers! Thanks for hosting us, Kelly.

And thanks again for being here. Wishing you a beautiful May weekend!

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Happy 1st birthday, dear blog!{a gift for YOU + a giveaway}

I can hardly believe it. Today is my blog's first birthday. When I started my blog and sent my first post out into the wide internet world, I really had no idea what to expect. I had been reading blogs for a while and felt a tug on my heart to participate a little more actively. Oh, I am so very glad I did.

Blogging has been such a gift to me. It has blessed me in many ways I could never have imagined. You prayerfully supported me through a most difficult season and rejoiced with me in times of delight. But there is no question in my mind what the very best part of this whole blogging thing is: It is the gift of connecting with so many wonderful, beautiful women {bloggers and readers alike} who are on this journey, too. And for you I am so very thankful.

So let's celebrate!

First, I want to give a gift to each and every one of you, dear readers, because you help make this place special. So here is an Advent printable calendar, designed with love, especially for you!

You can download and print a copy (or three) for your own personal use by clicking here. And feel free to share it with your friends & family, too! As you can see in the photos above, I plan on using my calendar as a meal planner for the season. You could also use it to keep track of your schedule, to make a special plan for your Advent prayer life, or if you're a blogger, to plan your posts for the season. I do hope you enjoy your gift!

Secondly, I am hosting my very first giveaway! The winner will receive three gifts:

{No. 1} your choice of a print from my etsy shop, {with joy calligraphy} // Pick one of the designs in the shop or have a custom design made just for you.

{No. 2} Advent pendant banner // just a little something fun to hang in your home
as a reminder of this beautiful church season

{No. 3} Blessed is She Advent Journal // such a special way to prepare your heart and soul
for our Lord's birth on Christmas Day

There are many ways to enter the giveaway via the Rafflecopter at the end of this post. It will be open for entries through the end of the day this Saturday, November 22, so the winner will be sure to receive her (or his!) Advent treats in time for the season. Good luck!! I wish each of you could win!

*    *    *

As you may remember, "in endless song" is part of a lyric from one of my favorite hymns, "How Can I Keep from Singing?" As I reflect upon my first year of blogging and look forward to the future, I know this verse will always hold true:

The peace of Christ makes fresh my heart,
A fountain ever springing;
All things are mine since I am His—
How can I keep from singing?

Happy first birthday, dear blog.  Here's to many more!

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Stay in touch! {bloglovin'} {instagram} {twitter} {pinterest} {etsy}

St. Elizabeth Scones // liturgical living {yum}

Happy Feast of St. Elizabeth! Today is my feast day (did you know my name is Elisebeth?), so we had a little liturgical living celebration here at our apartment.

We don't know too, too much about St. Elizabeth, but we do know she was John the Baptist's momma, and Mary's cousin. {We learn about Elizabeth in Luke 1.} Elizabeth and her husband Zechariah conceived when she was "advanced in years." Mary came to visit and stay with Elizabeth when she was newly pregnant with Jesus.

"During those days Mary set out and traveled to the hill country in haste to a town of Judah, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the infant leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth, filled with the holy Spirit, cried out in a loud voice and said, 'Most blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And how does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For at the moment the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled.'" {Luke 1:39-45}

How amazing this experience must have been for Elizabeth! I cannot even begin to imagine.

In celebration of this beautiful saint, I'd love to share a new recipe with you:

St. Elizabeth Scones

{with cherries and almonds}

{ingredients}

4 c. plus 1/4 c. flour (I used 2 1/2 c. all-purpose and 1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour)

1/4 c. sugar

2 Tbsp. baking powder

2 tsp. kosher salt

rounded 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, diced

4 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten

1 c. cold heavy cream

1 1/2 tsp., plus 1/4 tsp. almond extract

1 c. dried cherries

2/3 c. toasted sliced almonds, chopped

1 egg beaten w/ 2 Tbsp. water for egg wash

1/2 c. confectioners' sugar

3 tsp. milk

{how to}

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Mix 4 cups flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon in the bowl of an electric mixer, using a paddle attachment.

Add cold butter and mix at the lowest speed until butter is pea-sized. In a separate bowl, combine the eggs, heavy cream and 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour into the flour mixture. Mix until just blended.

In a separate bowl, combine the dried cherries with 1/4 cup flour. Stir toasted sliced almonds into the cherry and flour mixture.

Add the cherry/almond mixture to the dough and mix on low speed until blended.

Pour the dough onto a well-floured surface and knead into a ball. With a rolling pin, roll the dough to 3/4-inch thick.

Flour a 1 1/2 inch circle cutter (or the top of a jar or juice cup work great, too!) and cut circles of dough. Collect the scraps, re-roll them out on the floured surface, and cut more circles until all the dough has been used.

Place scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash.

Bake in preheated oven for 12 minutes, or until the tops are browned and the insides baked. They should be firm to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow scones to cool about fifteen minutes.

While the scones are cooling, whisk together the confectioners' sugar, milk and 1/4 tsp. almond extract to make a glaze. Drizzle over scones. 

Enjoy in honor of St. Elizabeth, or just as a special treat. These go great with your morning coffee or an afternoon cup of tea. 

Also! This recipe makes about 42 scones. Feel free to freeze some! To store in the freezer, wrap each scone individually with plastic wrap, and then place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to enjoy, remove the number of scones your heart desires, and allow them to sit at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes. Unwrap each scone and place on a baking sheet. Warm scones in the oven at 350 degrees for about 8 minutes. 

St. Elizabeth, pray for us! 

P.S. Coming soon! A final update on our birthday gift for Thomas Gianna, and sharing about our babymoon to Vermont {preview pictures on instagram}.

{recipe inspired by this one}

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7 Quick Takes {no. 31}inspiration series, gifts that give twice, and giving glory

Wow, Friday - am I glad to see you! It's been a busy week around these parts. (I typed that sentence and wanted to delete it after writing this post earlier this week, but I'll leave it to keep things honest.)

{1}

Last week I showed you some sketches of a new series I was working on for my etsy shop. This week I am delighted to share the finished products with you! Here are some of the new pieces available:

{2}
I designed this prayer inspiration series in hopes that these pieces will jump start prayer in your life:

{prayer inspiration series}

{3}

Here are two close-up shots of a couple of my favorites from the series:

{glory be}

{bless us, o lord}

{4}

I also designed two quotation inspiration prints with quotations from two of my favorite saints:

{the things that we love}

{love is the most beautiful sentiment}

St. Thomas Aquinas and St. Gianna Beretta Molla. Gotta love them.

{5}

Speaking of St. Thomas and St. Gianna - as you may know - we named our first child, whom we lost to a miscarriage, Thomas Gianna after these two saints. You also may know about the birthday gift we are giving to the Gianna Center for Women in honor of our child. For one week only, all the proceeds from the sales of this new inspiration series will be going to the Gianna Center for Women as a part of our birthday gift fundraiser. So! If you are looking for a gift - whether it be for yourself, a birthday, a hostess gift, a baptism, (dare I mention) Christmas - you'll be giving twice when you purchase one of these prints. Thanks for visiting my shop and taking a look.

{6}

And, of course, I owe you an update on the birthday gift fundraising. Last week we had raised $715. Here's where we are this week:

Sing it with me! "Ooooooh, we're halfway there! Oooh-OH! Livin' on a prayer!" Thanks to a few generous donors we are now over halfway there. We are so grateful. Only one week left to reach our goal! We need YOU to help us get there! Thank you, as always, for your prayerful consideration.

{7}

I just want to leave you all with this beautiful song that I can't get out of my head lately. I'm sure my long-time readers will be shocked at who is singing:

To the Father, to the Son,

and to the Spirit be,

blessing, glory, honor, power,

might and majesty...

Amen. Amen, amen, amen.

Linking up with Jen at Conversion Diary and many more - click over to read more takes.

Have a beautiful weekend, dear readers...

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