From Mardi Gras Into Lent

Hello, my friends! Well, even though it feels to me like I just took down the Christmas tree, I find that Lent 2026 is here. Before the fast, however, comes the fun, right? Yesterday, after homeschool, Flynn and I set the table for our Mardi Gras celebration. I truly believe the Mardi Gras party supplies I purchased from Party City almost fifteen years ago were the single best purchase ever. These beads and coins are almost as old as Flynn! The plastic tablecloths come and go, but the beads and coins? Treasures! 

I printed off some fun name tags and games and made sure to send Peyton a picture to let her know I was wearing her beads! 

We had the easiest and most delicious Jambalaya and corn muffins for dinner.

And Madison and Flynn made our version of King Cake...MonkeyBread...for dessert...

Peyton sent us a picture of her homemade cinnamon rolls! 

Today, Mardi Gras is packed up for another year, and we move into the holy season of Lent in our home. Last night, after I wiped all the King Cake crumbs from the table, I set out the Lenten display I chose for this year. ( Still missing is the beautiful purple cloth I usually put under the crown of thorns. Must have gotten lost in the move. Which, by the way, is my excuse for anything I can't find these days! ) Sitting here this morning, I am struck by the symbolism of that small task. Wiping the table is like wiping my heart before I begin this prayerful time of year. Just as I wanted my table to be clean before I set out a new display, I want my heart to be wiped clean as I begin my Lenten journey. The fact is, however, that this table will not remain spotless. We use it daily for meals, schoolwork, and games. Things will get messy, just as they do in life, but each time, I can wipe it clean and tidy it up. Lent is like life, I suppose. It is long and messy at times. But totally worth it at the end.

Have a cozy Wednesday, my friends. 

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo