After I posted last week and some of you commented/emailed me, having counted up children in our Thanksgiving photo, I realized I hadn't posted the announcement of Deirdre's new baby!
Here she is: Veronica Maeve Aurea (Deirdre says: Veronica is for the woman who wiped the face of Christ during his Passion. Aurea means ‘golden' and is for St. Aurea of Ostia, martyr. Maeve is for her godmother, Sister Maeve Nativitas, S.V. [Sister of Life])!
She was born at home on Monday, Nov. 7, at 11:25 pm. She weighed 8lbs 9oz. Everyone is doing so well, and it was wonderful to have them for the holiday! She is truly just so lovable and squooshy. We will try to get more pictures soon.
I'm not actually writing this from the fireside, because the wifi in my kitchen is not that great. But I did start this fire this morning and we really do have so much to chat about!
I'm sewing and knitting and it's really remarkable how slow my knitting is.
In theory I know how to do it and in practice I have to rip things out all the time. I will be making mistakes while giving myself a lecture about not making that particular mistake!
I'm glad I'm now old enough for Christmas gift joy not to depend on me. That kind of stress is for moms; I'm a grandmother now, and if you get your measly little crafted gift late, well, you probably won't even notice.
There are other changes in our lives from when there were children here. One of which is that I can admit and act upon my preference for not having Advent colored candles. I get the significance of the colors; I just actually am not a fan of three purple and one pink candle! This is my liturgical dissent! Another year I might get them back out, but I just don't want to this year, and I won't really scandalize anyone (other than perhaps you) if I don't.
But then we also don't light them. We light that other one for our meals and don't seem to have had the energy to go for it. But I think tomorrow, on Gaudete Sunday*, I will ask The Chief if we can pray Vespers or at least the Collect of the Mass, and light three of those candles.
*This link goes to a lovely reflection from Jennifer Gregory Miller, the Catholic Culture site's repository of all liturgical year wisdom. I recommend that you give it a click! For a really nice O Antiphon printable that the children can make into a little prayer book or ornaments, go here. Older children could copy out the verse on the back of each one, and that will help them learn it.
For the ones I have shared in the past (but now the links are broken), go here — these you can print out and show the children how to copy by making an O and then drawing two lines within the O that are like parentheses — ( ) — and then the three little horizontal lines on each side. It's amazing how good they look, right away! The little symbols within are easy to copy and give opportunity for meditation. Remember that the O Antiphons begin on December 17th, at Vespers. Mary Ellen Barrett has these helpful pages for dates and songs.
The only regret I have about getting rid of the Pile of Bricks in the kitchen is that I no longer have a nook (with lighting!) for my kid-friendly nativity. But I have relocated it to my little yellow hutch:
When we are decorating for Christmas, it's good to remember to have a child's point of view. It's all too easy to imitate photos we see in influencers' content or in ads, which often amount to simply amassing a lot of things. (As I said last week, it used to be that even the biggest department stores had children in mind for their Christmas window dressings. They were charming and religious.)
I'm trying to think of what to put inside that cupboard… wouldn't that be magical and fun, to open it up and find something Christmassy in it? We'll see…
A little gift guide:
A reader, dear Sarah, sent in a recommendation for a book for the Library Project, that might be one for gift-giving. She says”
“We have this complete collection of Thomas the Tank Engine stories, with lovely illustrations. Some of the engines do play pranks, but they always get their come-uppance appropriately. Clergy are depicted respectfully, as are senior railway officials and elderly ladies. I think it seems ‘of the race that knows Joseph.' If Pippo is still railway age, or any of the other little ones, he just might enjoy it.”
I'm pretty sure that Rosie's older kids have thoroughly perused their volume and would add their endorsement here!
For those hard-to-buy-for men, don't miss our one-and-only gift guide. (I mean, the struggle is real; this is the best we could do, Well, one update that your man would love: Diogenes Unveiled: A Paul Mankowski, S.J., Collection, edited by Phil Lawler.)
For ideas for children: My sewing for children board; my “uncrafty mom stuff kids like” board (is there a better way to put that? probably not).
The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life!
bits & pieces
- A reader asked me my thoughts on supplementing 100% breastfed babies with vitamin D and iron. I saw a good post about this issue but can't find it now — if you have something, let me know! Here is a study saying that if mom gets enough vitamin D, baby will be fine.
- Also remember to take your baby out in the sun! I realize that nearing winter solstice isn't the best time to say this, but even 20 minutes can be helpful, and the fresh air will do everyone good. (Remember, the northern peoples who do this also wrap their babies in sheepskins; be practical!)
- A priest writes: Focused Protection Is Embedded in our Calendar. “As I celebrate the liturgies of this season of preparation for Christmas, it occurs to me that part of the irrationality of the panic which broke out in March 2020 was a basic denial or forgetfulness of the natural rhythms of life which find their expression in the liturgical year… “
My only additional comment is that the link between the liturgical year and the seasonal year is universal, not just for the West. Ratzinger, in his Spirit of the Liturgy, takes up this question of what to think about the antipodes. He concludes that the connection to history is paramount — the events in salvation history are real events, happening in a certain place and time. Keeping our connection to this earthly and transcendent reality is what will keep us sane! So even for those in the Southern Hemisphere, the liturgical year will be health-giving — even if we can't quite work out the practicalities in the way he is discussing in this excellent piece.
- Floriani: sacred music school!
- A local scientist had found (before the lockdowns) that wormwood can help with the covid virus. Yet another reason I will continue cultivating my medicinal herb garden. Well, in the spring!
- I once listened in horror to a Catholic dad say he would not tell his daughter she is beautiful for some terrible reason about keeping her from being vain. No! Dad must tell his daughter that she is lovely in his eyes! You, wife, can encourage your (awkward? reticent? incorrect? tongue-tied?) husband to affirm your daughter with your gentle encouragement and provision of the actual script (<whispering> “tell her ‘you are so beautiful'”). Have him read/watch this post.
- The Decline of Higher Education: Thoughts on a generational takeover by the Left, and what options remain
from the archives
- Scroll down for some of our favorite Christmas cookies
- This post has some cookie updates (including my recent obsessions, springerle and babka), and also shows how we hang our stockings even though we have a marble mantel.
liturgical living
Our Lady of Loreto, St. Eulalia of Merida
Tomorrow, of course, is the Third Sunday of Advent, Gaudete Sunday. Now is a good time to get the kids doing crafts, but have them be something people will really want.
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My book, The Summa Domestica: Order and Wonder in Family Life is available now from Sophia Press! All the thoughts from this blog collected into three volumes, beautifully presented with illustrations from Deirdre, an index in each volume, and ribbons!
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The boards of the others: Rosie’s Pinterest. Sukie’s Pinterest. Deirdre’s Pinterest. Habou’s Pinterest (you can still get a lot of inspiration here! and say a prayer for her!). Bridget’s Pinterest.
Darby Fitzpatrick says
Congratulations on the addition of baby Veronica to your lovely family! I’ve known Sr. Maeve Nativitas since she was a little girl. Her parents are very dear, longtime friends of ours. Couldn’t ask for a better godmother!
Emily says
Re: dad not telling daughter she is beautiful! Ohhhh yes, fathers, please do this! My dad is a man of few words, but even now when he tells me I look pretty or beautiful, it just means more coming for him. (And I am definitely not a teenager anymore!)
Liz says
That item struck me, too, for the opposite reason: my mom had a policy of never complimenting my appearance because she was raising me to be “smart” and career-minded, and didn’t want me to think that my appearance mattered at all beyond looking professional. Now that I’m 40, I look at my daughters and can’t understand it at all. And I wonder what my youth/young adulthood would have been like if I had thought that I was even remotely pretty. All’s well that ends well, I guess, but I won’t be following that policy with my girls.
Emily says
Oh Liz. 🙁 I’m sorry! I’m glad you will not be following that policy!
Marilyn Heller says
First of all, congratulations on the beautiful addition to your family!
I don’t believe that I’ve ever left a comment here, but the subject of Advent candles prompted me to do so. Coming from a German background, we always used red candles in our Advent wreaths (and we did this even before Vatican II introduced the Advent wreath at Mass). When the Church introduced the Advent wreath , it was a little jarring to this German American girl to see purple and pink candles! In any case, I continue my red candle Advent wreath and take some comfort when I see pictures of Benedict XVI doing the same in the privacy of his cozy apartment
A blessed Advent to all and thank you for your wonderful commentary and insights
Leila says
Oh, thank you! That helps me get over my struggling candle conscience haha!
Toni Graham says
Oh my goodness, yes! I agree on the Advent candle colors! This year I am using all white ones for the first time. We always have white ones on hand, which makes everything easier!
Congratulations on the darling granddaughter!
Emma says
Wonderful post! For our advent wreath growing up, we always had white candles. My mom would then tie some purple and pink ribbon around the correct candles. It definitely made things a bit more elegant!
Mrs. Bee says
Congratulations on the latest granddaughter (to the parents as well, of course!) – I’ve lost count of how many you now have, it’s a good sign you’ve entered clan territory!
Well over a decade ago I saved a set of O Antiphons coloring pages made by Michele Quigley, who used to be fairly well-known in the Catholic homeschooling world back then. Very sadly, after wondering why her printables have become seemingly impossible to find, I just learned that she and her husband left the Church two years ago. But her beautiful O Antiphons can be found through the Way Back Machine here: https://web.archive.org/web/20121201225710/http://michelequigley.com/blog/o-antiphons/
On that page there is also a still-working link to her stained-glass style Jesse Tree ornaments, which are also very beautiful. I are really deeply saddened by the news of people leaving the Church…
I like the connection between the advent wreath and the colors of the Mass vestments (even though the wreath most definitely should have no place at Mass or in the sanctuary) – it reminds us of where we are. That said, I doubt the candle colors are a hill to die on!
I need to find time for your podcast on teens… I did listen to the one on chastity – just the words “ministry this” “ministry that” make me run away fast!
Cristina Reintjes says
Congratulations! I would have agreed with your Thomas the Tank Engine recommendation a few years ago, but then I found a recently published complete set of books that are Beatrix Potter sized with all the illustrations like they were originally printed and they are one thousand times better! Tiny books for tiny hands forever 💕
Sarah says
Oh how lovely! I haven’t seen the small sized set in person and worried that the illustrations wouldn’t be sized as they should be. I will keep an eye out for these. Thank you!
Leila says
Can we not get both??
I have to admit, though, that those little Beatrix Potter books were the bane of my existence. Nowhere to put them… I do like my big versions… heresy, I know!! Sorry!!
BridgetAnn says
I keep (some of) my little Beatrix Potter books as a quasi decoration on top of a high bureau in the girls’ room. I also have the box set which I scored at a thrift store & so those stay in their box on top of a bookshelf. (*Love* Beatrix Potter….we also have a big book collection of her stories, haha.)
Cristina Reintjes says
The set came in a box which is now of course in a sad state of disrepair and packing tape. They do get everywhere!
Nicole says
We also have the HUGE Thomas book, but you know what I hate about those big collections?? The spines just CANNOT withstand reading by preschoolers, which sometimes (ahem) involves being dropped on the floor. The spines can’t hold the weight of so many pages. I really wish some publisher would fix this issue; it drives me crazy, especially when the lovely collections fall apart and even strong tape cannot hold the thing back together. (this has happened to our beloved Thomas, our giant compilation of all the Narnia series with color illustrations, etc etc…)
Cristina, I also found the smaller version of the original Thomas series, at a used bookstore a couple months ago. These ones are not tiny like the Beatrix Potter but more like 5 x 7 size…. perfect!
Cristina Reintjes says
The spine of our original Thomas book was held together with thick black electrical tape 🤣
Dixie says
Thomas is not my cup of tea. My husband and I get the attraction, but don’t like the utilitarian morals. It’s always about whether or not you’re a “very useful engine.” Granted, the kids probably don’t notice that part! It’s not the worst but we generally think there’s better stuff out there. Like the lovely video versions of Beatrix Potter (the ones that are just animations of her drawings), for example!
Annie says
Ugh yes, I feel the same way about the big collections, but didn’t realize it until we had Winnie the Pooh, Beatrix Potter, AND Madeline! I’m trying to find a good way to tell my mom that they’re more trouble than they are worth (I think we got all of them from her) but she recently bought another big collection for a cousin’s baby shower so I didn’t want to immediately diss her gift choice by mentioning it 😂
Emily says
Oh gosh yes the Madeline books are SO BIG. There IS a board book version of the first book but none of the others that I know of….(my niece is named Madeleine so of course she must have all the books!)
Nadege says
Congratulations on your new and lovely granddaughter. I didn’t realize Deidre had such a beautifully large family. My goodness – where did the time go? You are one very lucky, blessed & fufilled grandmother. 💖👶🏼
Sara-Louise says
Congratulations to Deirdre and the whole family on the arrival of beautiful Veronica!
Carol Kennedy says
Congratulations on the growing clan! Thank you for the article on universities and their downfall. Our son is enrolled online in a local junior college and I have been shocked at how insidious the indoctrination is even in a somewhat rural Texas junior college. His undergraduate required communications course is filled with propaganda (especially from the text book) in the way of jargon, examples given for definitions and just the scope of the textbook itself—which is practically half interpersonal communications baloney (including the difference between “friends with benefits” and friends with romantic activity involved — I am softening the language). He is being inundated with all the language he is not supposed to use (its no wonder we have young people who can’t handle disagreement!) as with frequent examples of popular victim groups he is supposed to be concerned with. I am so thankful he is at home facing this stuff so we can help him navigate it and not feel alone. But it does make you wonder how a young man can pursue a professional career (like engineering) without navigating this. The small Catholic colleges seldom have those degrees and are so expensive that these young men enter their careers deep in debt and not able to support a family. The article seemed hopeful about the future of colleges, but this interim time is very difficult.
Carol Kennedy says
Okay, sorry, back again with another comment…I read the Brownstone Institute article on the Liturgical Year and it was really good! I love how he ties in the Liturgical year with the living of the seasons (modern life sometimes insulates us too much from the seasons and we forget their symbolism) as well as with the natural and supernatural attention to life and death, sickness and health. And tying it all to the weird inhuman response to covid! My one issue—which is really just a comment—the author brings up Trumps plan to reopen on Easter, which he ultimately backed off from. In his defense, where were the bishops of the world in support of this very Catholic plan from a weak, non-Catholic, secular leader who had a glimpse of what should be done, but couldn’t carry it through. If the bishops had come out with a resounding YES! then maybe he wouldn’t have backed down.
Mary Helen says
Exactly right.
Leila says
If you will remember, Trump said at the end of March or the beginning of April, that “we would definitely be open by Easter” — and of course, a total cessation of activity was an incredibly bad idea in itself. Never has any government moved to quarantine the well, those who are not sick. Even two weeks of it was disastrous, let alone 18 months.
But we were NOT open by Easter. Yes, Mass was part of the shutdown, but not all; but I don’t think we can say that Trump followed the bishops — the bishops were clearly following regulations, and deeming the church “inessential” (which the state, at least here in MA, did NOT say).
At that time, Trump said that Fauci was a good expert in these matters and that he would follow his recommendations. This decision is the worst one he made as president and he has only ever doubled down on it in subsequent interviews.
I understand that many admire Trump and think that he was a good president. There are actions to his credit, including the immensely important judicial appointments. But the covid response is not one of them, sadly.
Carol Kennedy says
I actually agree with you. My point is that, when it comes to choosing a symbolic reopen day he had a correct instinct, but failed. However, if the Bishops had not been so weak, perhaps he would have had more incentive to push through. Covid, especially vaccines, were his biggest failure. I just think the lack of spiritual leadership in the world is so overwhelmingly influential, it is hard to blame weakness in many world leaders. The Bishops shut down Mass worldwide, for, as far as I know, the first time in the history of the church (it had been done regionally for short periods before—but world wide!) not to mention abandoning those close to death and denying the the sacraments! I just can’t get beyond that! So, my defense of Trump was merely a response to the criticism that he missed that major liturgical moment to reopen.
Leila says
I mean we don’t disagree. As you know, my husband wrote a book about just this (Contagious Faith), and I yield to no one in blaming the bishops! They were wrong and they need to repent.
It was actually odd to me that Trump used Easter as a deadline. Then I watched him cave, to Fauci of all people.
What a terrible mess that was and continues to be.
Ellen says
Wait what is wrong with the advent wreath in mass? I have never known anything different. We are just learning through our wonderful young priest how much there was before 1962
Ellen says
Also i wanted to let you know that we are starting a SD book study in January with our homeschool moms. Im so excited to have other ladies to talk to about your blog! My husband is very interested in my thoughts on these deep and some not so deep matters of home and education but it will good to talk to other moms about the nitty gritty too.
Victoria says
There’s nothing wrong with having an Advent wreath in the church/at Mass. The wreath is not an ancient tradition of the Catholic Church–it was pulled in from Lutheranism, but I don’t think that’s a problem in any way. I think it’s a part of mutual liturgical enrichment. The Advent wreath is a wonderful tool that can help tie what is done at Mass to prayer in your home oratory for your kids. It also helps them cool their jets about “when will it be Christmas?” a little.
The most essential thing about Advent is the prayerful preparation of the heart for Christ. Traditions vary in times and places. Their purpose is to help anchor us to the truths of our faith, but they aren’t our faith. Jesus is our true anchor, meeting with him each day and having a relationship with him is the main point.
corina says
Congratulations for the new beautiful baby! The family photo is really lovely!
Donna L. says
Congratulations to you all! What a blessing to have children and grandchildren about~ May God bless you all and keep you!
Diana says
Congratulations on the new grandbaby!! Beautiful!
I finally – yesterday! – found two candle holders to replace the ones in our set that the toddler had broken, and thus got our Advent wreath put together last night. And within 24 hours, said toddler has broken two of the Advent candles themselves. Note to self: THIS is why the wreath should be suspended from the ceiling, and not on the kitchen table! Now I am off to search “how to fix broken taper candles,” and have already decided that I’ll be doing jar candles at least until we don’t have toddlers in the home.
Love the articles – thank you! Happy Advent!
Blayne says
Congratulations on a sweet new grand baby!
My family and I currently attend a Maronite rite Catholic parish. The Maronites do a season of “announcements”; there is NO advent wreath at all! I’ve been keeping the tradition mainly to keep alive the Latin rite rituals in our home, because we won’t be attending this particular parish or rite forever. Anyway, I think their advent traditions are very beautiful. So, it doesn’t *have* to be a wreath!
Abigail Heaton says
Congratulations on the birth of your beautiful granddaughter, Veronica!
Enjoyed reading through your post today. My daughters and I appreciate the cookie and babka links and we are looking forward to trying those recipes!
I wholeheartedly agree with the Beatrix Potter series recommendations. I received the set as a gift when my oldest was born. We always called these little treasures our “special books”. Another set we love (more for little girls, though) is by Elsa Beskow. Her illustrations are lovely.
Totally different book recommendation category for families with much older kids… have you ever read Jerome K. Jerome’s, Three Men in a Boat, or the sequel, Three Men on the Bummel? These are uproariously funny read alouds.
Lastly, I’m about halfway through your chastity ministry podcast. This is so helpful to me. Thank you!
Leila says
Thank you!
I have read Three Men in a Boat! It’s so funny! I haven’t read the other one, though. Have you read Connie Willis, To Say Nothing of the Dog?
Abigail Heaton says
I haven’t read that. I just looked it up on Goodreads and plan to order it. Thanks so much for the recommendation!
Diana says
Thank you for the Jerome and Beskow recommendations! I have requested both from our library!
Em says
It’s always so tough for me to fine nice Advent candles that are pure beeswax, affordable, and pink-purple… the ones I got this year were the “ombré” style set from the Be A Heart shop, but for some reason they’ve been burning SO quickly! Our first candle is essentially a nub after week 1. The previous set we bought lasted us 3 years somehow! We like to light them nightly for evening family prayers of the Rosary and Vespers. Since that time can really add up over Advent, maybe I will take the cue from some of you and stop stressing about the colors so much and just make sure we have some nice beeswax candles. Being born in the 90’s I just assumed the 3 purple/1 pink were essential. Perhaps I’ll just switch it to the easy to find non colored beeswax candles. We’ll see what the husband thinks…
Leila says
In the past, if I had not gotten the pink/purple ones, I have used pillar candles with ribbons in the colors wrapped around them. Especially when the fourth week of Advent is long, as it is this year, that is really helpful. Of course, that arrangement probably can’t be hung from the chandelier.
It’s not easy to find long-lasting tapers!
Laura P says
I had an idea about this very thing!
I too want beeswax, and while I prefer the “plain” yellow color of beeswax…my kids do not.
This winter I suggested to grandparents that they get my kids the Magic Cabin beeswax candle kit (Amazon) for Christmas…I plan on helping them (oldest is 5) make all sorts of candles, including some to fit in our Advent wreath. I know that pink and purple beeswax sheets are going to be HOT STUFF with my girls, so we’ll probably just do pink/purple accents on a plain color.
I’m also planning on making the extra effort to take the kids and their ‘creations’ to Holy Mass on Candlemas to a parish that always blesses peoples’ candles that they bring in.
Liturgical living win!
I know not all families have kids interested in this sort of thing…but I’m not saying that I wouldn’t have fun with this all by myself…
Nicole says
Ok, once we have made it through our giant packs of pink and purple… maybe I will go to the lovely cream pillars, but I am not sure my little children will let me!! 😀
Baby Veronica is a dear. I am also an old-time friend of Sr. Maeve, and we our third daughter is a Maeve as well.
Where do you get those fun baskets for your needlework supplies?? I have 3 very crafty young daughters (well, crafty to me, who is 0% crafty!), and I admit that I get really overwhelmed by the detritus left behind by thread snippets, yarn snippets, the occasional needle-in-the-carpet… eek. I have really tried to get them to “clean as they go” etc, but the struggle is real. They supposedly each have their own sewing bin but everything does get tangled. Would love anyone’s advice on organizing these supplies for younger children: thread, yarn, fabric scraps! Thank you!!
Mary Keane says
I second this! Now that we have multiple crafters in the house I feel that keeping all the STUFF in order is an impossible task!
Leila says
I have gotten them in various places (local orchard store, Marshall’s a few years ago), but they are available on Amazon. Here is an affiliate link: https://amzn.to/3BFt5cF
They come in different designs and I really love them so! They are super sturdy and don’t crack when bonked into, unlike willow baskets, nor do they have spiky stems sticking out to catch yarn.
I keep my “live” projects in them to keep the den tidy and be able to carry them from room to room. My craft supplies are in many different places in various states of disorder, awaiting final organization LOL
Victoria says
Congratulations to you and your family on the most recent addition! What a gift!
Mary Keane says
Congratulations Deirdre and John and Habibti! (Did I get that right?) Beautiful baby with a beautiful name. I feel like their wedding with those dreamy bridesmaid dresses was such a short time ago. Now they have six kids and so do we? How did that happen?
lisainmaine says
Congratulations to Deidre and family! I love how you can see the play of genetics in all those adorable children. And such a great family picture with 6 children (well 5 I guess) looking at the camera and not in tears? A Christmas miracle indeed! Hope you are getting some sleep, Deidre.
Nancy says
Congratulations…beautiful family! Always enjoy your posts and pictures. Our TLM community enjoyed Dr. Peter Kwasniewski lecture and Vespers this past week in Jacksonville. I know you have mentioned him.
Lisa G. says
What an excellent group shot of Deirdre’s family – she’s gaining on you, Leila!
Leila says
I would be over the moon for any number of grandchildren! I would be happy to “fall behind” in the count!!
Sarah says
What a beautiful picture of Deidre’s family! Congratulations to all the family. I second lisainmaine – it’s a beautiful miracle that everyone’s looking at the camera and none are scowling or in tears. Or hopefully that’s a more common occurrence in their family where kids pose occasionally! Our Christmas family picture is a funny mix of backwards heads and scowls, but it’s definitely a fair depiction of us. I loved the location under the cross.
Such beautiful, sunny pictures of your home, Auntie Leila! And those beautiful surfaces – shiny and just un-sticky! After fall rounds of colds, un-sticky seems extra precious. Your cloths under the advent wreaths, both of them, are lovely.
Thank you for the reminder to decorate with a child’s perspective in mind. I need to put more things at two-year-old level. The tree ornaments are the sort that won’t hurt anyone if they’re bumped, and the Swedish straw stars all over it still sparkle in the light. The peg doll nativity stays up until supervision is available, because those three kings just insist on wandering under sofas otherwise. But it’s too easy for me to just try to keep everything out of tiny hands, and that just doesn’t work either. Thanks!
It’s quite true that the Thomas binding at our house is in pieces. I don’t think I’d like chasing many small books – and the boys seem to use and enjoy the big volume anyway – but I also wish for a better binding. I never guessed that motherhood would involve so much book tape and book binding! I’m rotten at archival quality fixes, but those would never survive here anyway. I do like archival quality tape for pages of nice books, but duct tape has its place too. Each Peach Pear Plum has survived four small ones. Round 5 coming up!
Ashley says
Congratulations on the new baby! And I agree – the picture is beautiful.
Also, I wanted to mention that I never saw pink and purple Advent candles when we lived in Germany. Even seeing a circular wreath was rare. Most of the time there were four matching candles in a straight line. Most often the candles were red, maroon, or cream.
Oh, and we enjoyed your husband’s recitation of Lepanto. My daughter had been walking around with the Benedictus all month reciting it, so it was a fun treat.
Have a fruitful last week of Advent and a Blessed Christmas!