How Does a Mother Spend Good Friday?

How I think I should spend Good Friday (with more clothes, perhaps)

Eugene Delacrois - Saint Mary Magdalene at the Foot of the Cross

Since my conversion, I have traditionally spend the day almost entirely in silence. I was fasting, of course, and would mostly pray and do light housework. After the liturgy, I would watch the Passion of Christ, and then pray a rosary. I'd go to bed early with a rumbling belly. 

But not now.

"Mama, uppy!"

There's no shushing a sweet toddler, is there? I can't tell Zuzu not to shout "BUN-EY" with abandon, or to stop smiling because "Jesus died today!" It'd be a bit harsh, wouldn't it?

The ever-popular one shoulder look...

So instead, I'm trying to create our own traditions...hot cross buns at snack time, with 'eeee!' (tea) No upbeat music to clean to, and mostly quietly reading books. Early nap to prepare for the liturgy at 3pm. Preparations for tomorrow's meal and of course, Sunday. It helps that the weather has complied - overcast and rainy. It gives an appropriate feel.

Good Friday feels like a day I should be sad - a day I should just sit and think about Christ's Passion. But there are other ways to call to mind this ultimate sacrifice...showing Zuzu how to kiss Jesus' 'boo-boos' (showing her the five wounds of Christ on every crucifix we pass, and letting her touch and kiss each). 

So I dress for a funeral and try to convey to Susannah that today is that we think about Jesus even more than usual, that we think about his 'boo boos,' and offer what we have. Even our choice of clothing is an offering - she's wearing red and I'm wearing black. For reference, I'm wearing an outfit similar to the picture below, including the babywearing (although I'll probably opt for the Boba over a ring sling and lets be honest, 30 minutes in, I'll be barefoot in the back row because my feet hurt):

Good Friday by martij featuring black leather shoes
The great black hat is from Jen for my birthday, the dress is a similar one from Dillard's (on sale), the shoes are from Nordstrom Rack, and the purse is only in my dreams (I am almost always carrying this one instead - a lovely Christmas gift from my Uncle Chad and Aunt Paula).

Hope everyone has a peaceful Good Friday - however you can. 

Five Favs

Excited again to tell you what's been churning my buttah this week, joining of course the inestimable Hallie and her gang of loyal gal-pals for another link-up of loveliness...

-1-

Coconut oil.

Just $6 per 16 oz jar at Trader Joe's...which is pretty darn good. 

It's true, I've jumped on yet another hippie band wagon and am totally in la-la-love with coconut oil. So far I use it as: lotion, diaper rash ointment, baby lotion, ointment for cuts/scrapes, massage oil, facial moisteurizer, and oh yeah, cooking. I adore it. 

 BIG PLUS: it does NOT make me smell like a pina colada (which was a not-so-secret fear) 

-2-

Running. 

This is NOT what I look like running, but it IS a pic of the course I ran (Disney Half)

courtesy of wiki commons

God help me, it's back. Several years ago, I was...well, ur, I guess I was a runner? Maybe? I don't want to go making any grand claims. But I started last week and haven't stopped since. Even though today my knees hurt (need new shoes, need to stop running my regular route cause the sidewalk is slanted) and I said I was going to walk...I ran instead. 

Runners high is real. 

-3-

This grill: 

Master Forge Stainless Steel 4-Burner

It's pretty and shiny, thanks to be all stainless steel, which means it will not rust in our monsoon-like rainstorms. Hooray! So far we've made two meals on it and it's sososo great not to have the oven on in the house (it's 80 degrees or higher out). 

Huge thanks to all those who contributed to the Mr. Oram birthday fund so that he could play with this awesome thing all summer! 

-4-

This skirt. 

hexprint maxi in blue

My darling husband enjoys indulging me so when I got a coupon from the Anthro for my birthday month, he say "Better use it, it's the only way I'll ever let you spend money on that over-priced hipster crap" (paraphrasing). So I did! I went into the dressing room with 7 million items that all cost over 50 thousand dollars and this is the lucky one I chose...even though I wanted everything. 

-5-

This cake: 

From the lovely Sweetapolia

I have already decided I want Zuzu's first birthday to be French-themed 

Short break for a tangent, because it brings to mind: does anyone ever do American themed parties? If so, what does the theme consist of - Budweiser, top 40s, and some scandalous behavior? What else are we known for that's party-appropriate?? No one's going to read the constitution out loud at a party...except maybe law students.

I want this (decidedly not French) cake to be the center piece and I have decided this now so that I have six more months to practice making ruffles and such things. I can make delicious food, but not pretty food. Although my husband doesn't care, I'm starting to wish I were a bit more up on my presentation... 

Hope you all are having a grrrrreat week (a la Tony le tigre) and that you share your favs with Hallie too!