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
