Top O The Morning To You!

How we celebrated St. Patrick's Day 2026

 

I set the table early in the afternoon. I have a cupboard where I keep seasonal napkins, table runners, and candles, so it is always easy to put together a little something special. I ordered the little treat bags from Etsy, and they were really cute.

Madison came over and helped me with the cottage pie, while Kyrstin made a Caesar salad. Seasoned fresh green beans rounded out our special meal.

While some of us, myself included, stuck with our traditional green drink, green Hawaiian Punch this year, others branched out and tried Rhett's favorite Guinness. Two things: When did they start making green Kool-Aid so hard to find? And secondly, Guinness is an acquired taste that I have not yet acquired! 

After dinner, we watched a short video with a special prayer attributed to St. Patrick. If you are interested, I put the link down below. Then we played some fun games I found on Etsy that had us all laughing so hard we were crying! So much fun. 

We missed Peyton and Christopher, but she shared their dinner with us, and I was so happy to see they enjoyed a festive evening too. Peyton sent a picture of the sugar cookies she made, and told me she was keeping the tradition going. I always made St. Patrick's Day sugar cookies with the kids when they were little because Christmas has so many other cookies and Valentine's Day has chocolate, so it was the perfect chance to mix, roll, cut, bake, and ice cookies for a special day. So when Peyton said she was keeping that tradition going, I was so happy, and actually, if I am honest, a little teary-eyed. How does it all pass so fast? I remembered pushing Peyton on the swing in our backyard and how she liked me to tell her, with each push, which holiday would come after the next. I am so thankful I can pull out those precious memories anytime I need them. Here are her cookies.

And her cottage pie with homemade soda bread!

Well, Mocha and I need another cup of coffee! Thanks for visiting! 

Billie Jo

Cottage Pie

St. Patrick's Breastplate

Monday Morning Coffee

Good Monday morning, my friends! Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day; therefore, I am enjoying my coffee in my favorite mug to celebrate. So, how was your weekend? Our weekend was quiet and cozy, and I am not complaining. We attended Mass for the Fourth Sunday of Lent, and I lit the pink candle marking the midpoint of Lent, a reminder that as we go through this time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, we will rejoice on Easter morning.

This is the view we had as we drove over the bridge to Mass, with the wind making the water choppy. When the weather is windy and rainy, I sometimes like to bake brownies. So I did just that.

And shortly after, Madison texted me a picture of this.

Because sometimes she and I are on the same wavelength! 

Cosmo likes homeschool so much that he likes to sit in our little schoolroom on the weekends.

So, for him, I sat in there and updated my planner for the upcoming week. Who could say no to that face? 

Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day, and we will celebrate with Shepard's Pie and a special Irish dessert that Madison is making. I think maybe a Guinness cake?? But I will let you know!

I'll leave you with these...

Ok. I'm done. But, no. One more.

How does Pinterest know so much about me?

Have a great Monday, my friends!

Billie Jo

A Busy Week With Lots Of Good Food

Hello! And Happy Friday, my friends. This week was a departure from my usual, consistent routine. Most weeks, I find myself happily home, planning, cooking, tidying, homeschooling, and reading, among other things. When my kids were younger, I was on the go, as moms often are. Now, I find comfort at home, in my little space, content to watch the world go on around me. I have been criticized and made fun of because of this, and although I used to be bothered by it, I am no longer. That is a perk of aging, I suppose...Finding comfort, peace, and strength in owning who you are. 

Here are a few moments of the past week around our world. One day, we had sun and warmth that made it feel like June. I dug out a pair of shorts, and we even put the air conditioning on. We spent some time outside, enjoying the view we had missed all winter.

Steve spotted these two in the tree right next to our deck. They are beautiful! We homeschooled with an extra student or two who didn't seem too interested in quadratic equations or the different methods for solving them.

And yes. I am wearing a housedress and slippers. Homeschool perk. Now, let me tell you something my dear momma used to say. She always said that if we wanted our children to spend time with us when they are older, we needed to create a place they would want to return to. I think of that often, as I am blessed that all my children do indeed enjoy spending time here with us as much as they can. Case in point: dinner on a random evening in March! I decided to make some enchiladas, and although the recipe is not difficult, it is a bit time-consuming. Well, that evening was one of the most ordinary fun nights ever. We all worked together in the kitchen, the new Harry Styles album playing, cooking, and laughing together. I cooked the meat; Madison filled the tortillas; Flynn and Rhett rolled them; Rhett sauced them; and Kyrstin set the table and helped me with clean up. I was able to do my thing: go behind everyone and pick up any assorted pieces of silverware, plastic wrappers, or paper towels. It was so fun, and the enchiladas were AMAZING!

While I did enjoy all the cozy comfort of being home this week, I also spent some time out and about during two events I had scheduled. First, Madison, Kysrstin, and I attended an afternoon tea at a local hotel we absolutely love. It is old, charming, and beautiful, and every so often, it offers an opportunity to attend an afternoon tea. 

It was so fun! And everything was delicious. Afterward, we enjoyed the beautiful weather and walked around the sweet little town we now call home.

On Wednesday, our parish held the Lenten Penance Service, and we attended to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation before Easter. Always a good feeling! Afterward, we all went to dinner at one of my favorite places for one of my favorite things: Crab and Shrimp Salad.

It has jumbo crab, shrimp, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and this delicious remoulade dressing. So good! And then, Steve and I shared this delicious dessert. They call it Pie in a Jar. It is peanut butter mousse, chocolate cookies, and whipped cream. A whole lot is going on in this one! 

By the time we left, the weather had changed, as March weather often does, and the cold returned. As soon as we were home, I greeted the pups, headed upstairs, washed my makeup off, applied my nightly skincare, and put on my jammies. I grabbed my book and a throw blanket and settled in for a cozy night at home. My happy place. Oh, and we played more Boggle, too! If you have Netflix, just go there, go up to the top after you sign in, and click games. Then you will find Boggle, and everyone just uses their phone to play. It is so fun! 

I will finish with a tiny corner of our kitchen, where I set out a new piece of Easter decor I picked up after the tea party.

Have a lovely weekend, my friends. Enjoy whatever makes you happy!

Billie Jo

I Went For A Walk

From the files of things I never thought I'd say: I was so happy to resume my early morning walks yesterday! I love winter, being cozy, being home, being inside. You get the idea. However, when the sun begins to shine, the air feels warmer, and the mornings have a semblance of light, I am ready to slip on my shoes and resume my morning walks. Monday was that day this year, and it was glorious. Mind you, I walk for relaxation and mental health. I am more of a leisurely-stroll kind of girl, as opposed to the more committed step counters. Just a reminder to do you, without comparing yourself to anyone or any method. So, let's see what my first morning walk of the season looks like, shall we?

At the end of the road is this beautiful spot, where the dock and the boat launch are located. It is where I stop and say good morning to my Mom and Dad. You can see our condo building from here, too. It is right across the bay.

A little further down the road is this spot where the ducks seem to congregate.

The early morning fog was beginning to lift just as I rounded the corner for home.

And then I was back home, shoes off, coffee made, snuggled on the couch, knowing I had done something good for myself. And that I was home.

Have a happy day, my friends!

BillieJo

( Pinterest for the cuteness. )