Good Monday morning, my friends! Welcome to March, where the bright sunshine tempts us to get up off the couch and get outside, but the winter weather isn't ready to give in yet. So, even while the sun shines, the cold air reminds us that we can stay inside, cozy by the fire, for just a bit longer.
We can pretend, however, like I did with an iced coffee my son brought, who knows my Starbucks order even if I don't. For the record, it is a vanilla sweet cream cold brew, and it is delicious.
The weekend was fun and quiet. And fun. Friday, Kyrstin treated us to an underrated Lenten staple, in my opinion: McDonald's Fish Filet-O-Fish sandwich. I know it isn't healthy or packed with protein or whatever is popular this week, but it is good, and everything in moderation, right? Saturday, I did laundry, and then we went to mass. After mass, Steve, FLynn, and I went out for pizza and then to see this at the theatre...
This is who we went to see in concert last fall, and this movie was a behind-the-scenes look at this incredible band and their love of making music. I must say that I learned a very valuable lesson about judging and preconceived notions when Flynn started listening to Twenty One Pilots a few years ago. Suffice it to say that I won't be judging based on appearance any time soon. I absolutely love their music and its message, as well as the values of these two young men. And did I mention I love their music?
I don't have any more photos from the weekend, but if I did, they would be absolutely fascinating: Me folding laundry and attempting to carry folded laundry to my room. Me refolding laundry after it falls on the floor, me enjoying actual phone calls with two special people, me playing Spades on my phone, me giving in and washing the Dutch Oven that sat in the sink overnight while Steve and I played mental Stratego, waiting to see who would cave and finally wash it. Me, taking a Sunday afternoon nap, which is indeed a form of self care.
Today, Flynn and I will homeschool, and that is all that is on the schedule. Not sure about dinner yet. Steve is doing a lot of the cooking, and I am so thankful. Steve does not meal plan quite as religiously as I do, so I am learning to go with the flow, which is not a bad thing. And I greatly benefit from his newfound interest in cooking, so there's that.
I will close by acknowledging the global developments that occurred over the past weekend. While I choose to remain silent here, please know my heart is heavy, and I join so many others in praying for the one thing I believe is necessary in our world today: peace. I pray for all our leaders and decision-makers, as well as for our active military and their families.
Have a lovely Monday, my friends. Allow yourself some grace. Do something for you today. Eat the cookie. Take the nap. Call that friend. Bake that cake. Take the walk. Treat yourself!
Billie Jo
Oh, isn’t that the truth about 1975 seeming like yesterday. I’m glad you had such a nice weekend, Billie Jo! We have to make it happen and take care of ourselves. That is the lesson I’ve learned as I get older. That’s so great that Steve is enjoying his new cooking hobby. It’s such a treat when someone else takes over the kitchen. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteHappy March, Billie Jo! We had sunshine and 60s over the weekend and today is gloomy with snow showers. Go figure! My husband does the bulk of the cooking and I generally do the cleanup. Works for me as I am such a noncook! My favorite McD's sandwich is that fish sandwich minus the tartar sauce. I am going to take your advice by eating a cookie, writing a couple notes (instead of phone calls), and treating myself. No naps though 'cuz I want to sleep tonight.
ReplyDeleteI am going to listen to Twenty One Pilots. I have never heard of them except here. I have written down your Starbucks favorite and am going to try it. It looks and sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteOh Billie Jo my sentiments exactly.
ReplyDeleteMy son was wearing his 21 Pilots jacket this past week in North Carolina and we had quite a few people ask us if we had been to see the movie yet... we haven't in case you were wondering.
ReplyDeleteOhhhh... lol! I was reading the last part of your post and I was like yes, lord, yes, peace and then I seen the meme... I died out laughing. Yes....man, when you put it like that...it seems so long ago doesn't it? Hah!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. I am glad you had a cozy fun and quiet weekend. :)
My youngest son dresses quite different. It was not my preference as a parent. I will say I used to worry people would feel the same way we both have thought when we see certain styles similar to that band... and my son. But he has a heart of gold and is a very hard worker. So.... I just have to go with it. :) I love him. I know his heart.
Oh my goodness... I relate to that meme! I enjoyed your Monday Morning Coffee chat. I've not heard of this group, but I can remember when my boys were teens and worrying a tad about who they were listening to. When I really listened, I actually began to enjoy the style of synthesized music that was different from anything I'd heard before. Five Iron Frenzy comes to mind. And yes, I appreciated the human beings behind the music - in some ways much more admirable than the artists behind the music I listened to as a teen. Going now to check out Twenty One Pilots...
ReplyDeleteOh yes....I remember 1975 well.. Our first daughter was born that year. at the time, I didn't realize how truly awesome the 70's were. I join you Billie Jo in praying for our leaders and for this nation as well as Israel. I also pray for our military men and women. Wishing you a happy March and want you to know that I am very grateful for the space we share in the blogging world.
ReplyDeleteThank you Billie Jo for praying for our military. We have an extended family member stationed in Kuwait.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on Twenty One Pilots, I learned that same lesson. ;-)
xx oo
Carla
Yes, time certainly moves along at top speed. 1975 I was living in Scotland. Doesn't seem 50 years ago!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a relaxing weekend, my friend. In 1975 I was enjoying our first child when she was two years old. Wow...how time flies.
ReplyDeleteYes, to your last words!! Amen!! I always love your pictures, and even your words which paint pictures in our minds. Time does go way too fast. Wishing you many blessings in the coming days!!
ReplyDelete1975. The year I met Dennis. It was a wonderful year. But 50 years ago?! That's crazy.
ReplyDeleteYour weekend sounds so relaxing and wonderful. We pray. A lot. And then we let God handle all of it. Have a wonderful day my friend.
Blessings and hugs,
Betsy
Not necessarily about 21 Pilots, but several years ago (ok about 15 years ago) I used to cater for rock bands that were in town. I was in the kitchen one after when the front band (no idea now who they were) was getting ready to have lunch. In walked 5 of the most tattooed, pierced (I'm talking multi safety pins through the cheeks along with many eyebrow and nose piercings) young men.
ReplyDeleteAt first I did judge them by their appearance. In a setting like that you are up close and personal with everyone who is eating, and everyone one of the guys started engaging me in conversations and were saying "yes Ma'am and no Ma'am to any questions I asked. I learned a lot that day about judging.
I've just finished my Tuesday morning coffee. Yes, time flies. Have a lovely week, Billie Jo. Xx
ReplyDeleteBillie Jo, I was 10 years old in 1975 :) and listening to all kinds of music, from pop to country, singing along and not knowing what any of the words meant, but I knew them all by heart :) When I got older and realized what I had been singing to all those years...yikes! Happy Tuesday, my friend!
ReplyDeleteB and I play mental stratego too. However, I almost always win. B says its because I am more stubborn. Where did he get that idea? :) B does a lot of the cooking around here because to be honest, he is a much better cook than I am.
ReplyDeleteI lose mental stratego with my husband all the time. I cannot tolerate dirty dishes in the sink for very long at all! Nice that your husband is taking a interest in cooking. Mine will cook but does not meal plan at all! He will cook what I plan! Enjoy your week!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like a really nice weekend except for having to refold the laundry. Been there and done that. Have a great week.
ReplyDeleteIt’s funny how everyone assumes your heart is heavy because of American lives lost, rather than the literal thousands in Iran. I’m with you though: peace for the world, peace for all people.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to be catching up with blogger recently! How fun that your hubby is interested in cooking- I certainly wish Stephen would take up that interest lol! But alas, its still me in the kitchen, which is okay too.
ReplyDeleteIt may not seem fascinating but I do LOVE doing housework. I know that's crazy, it grounds me though. Home really is my favorite place lol. My heart is heavy as well, and I agree, its easier to just pray for peace than to take sides, we all just want peace! Have a great week friend!
Wonderful post Billie Jo and I can so relate to that last image. What a cute Mickey Mouse coffee mug you have there. That winter weather is still hanging on, but warmer temperatures are on the way thankfully. How lovely that your son brings your coffee as you like it. I will have to try yours when I feel warmer. Right now, it’s a venti vanilla latte no foam hot. Well, we have had our own order yesterday from McDonalds and yes, everything in moderation. Going out for pizza and a musical movie experience afterwards sounds very nice :) How sweet you have Steve who cooks meals while you and Flynn are homeschooling. I also am very sad about what is going on in the world and praying every day for peace. We still have friends in the military and pray for them and their families too. You ended with great advice. I wish you and your dear family a continued wonderful week. Hugs, Denise
ReplyDeleteHello my Lovely! Catching up now that we're back from AZ. I agree with McDonalds fish and have to have it at least once each Lent. 😋 And maybe it's something with Steve - as my Dad and Bro are both Steve's and do most of the cooking too. :) Twenty One Pilots are great and I love that you share the music with your kiddos too. Blessings 💗
ReplyDeleteOh, I love that last picture and words, and will send it to my best friend. This is her birthday month, and that's the year I met her. My heart is saddened by what's happening in the world too, Billie Jo. A cute picture of you and Flynn, and how wonderful she got to see a movie about the making of a favorite band of hers. McDonald's filet-0-fish sounds really good, and just right for Lent Friday. Have a blessed week, my friend.
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