Really Random Friday Photos

 

Good Friday morning! I hope you had a good week and are ready for an even better weekend. I have some random photos on my camera roll, so let's get started! I made some coffee cake this week to put in Rhett's lunch, and then I inexplicably cut it and put it on this pretty cake stand because I thought it would be nice if anyone stopped by. In the old tv shows, doesn't the woman always have cake displayed just in case her neighbor drops in for a visit? It looks so nice, doesn't it? The hilarious thing is that no one would just pop in here for a visit! Everyone knows I require a phone call or text first! 

I was back in the kitchen this week. I made a delicious beef and broccoli recipe I found online. Madison was here, and I was so glad for her help. This was a hands-on recipe of chopping, stirring, mixing, and seasoning simultaneously, so I was glad she was here! We even put Steve to work! 

We have a regular visitor these days. He comes around a couple of times a day to check in. I call him Bill, after my dad. And I am always happy to see him!

I got nothing for this one. Maybe, as Flynn says, it's just "Vibe."

Our weekend looks lovely and full of family and fun. Tonight some of us are going to see the new Guardians of the Galaxy movie. I need to get caught up on the first two. Either I have yet to see them, or I completely forget what they are about. Both are possibilities. The non-Marvel-movie people, Madison, Nicolas, and Steve, are going to have a lasagna dinner cooked by Nicolas and a nice evening walk. Me? I'll be watching a movie with popcorn and a large Dr. Pepper. Saturday, we have mass, and then, weather permitting, our first fire of the season, complete with s'mores. Sunday is Mother's Day, and I hope to visit my beautiful Mom in the early afternoon. Then we will have dinner here, my choice! What have I chosen for Mother's Day dinner? Hor Dogs on the grill! Yep! Hot dogs, macaroni and cheese, and deviled eggs! Peyton is making dessert too!

I told the kids I needed nothing on a Sunday in May to honor me as a mother. Every day I am reminded of how blessed I am to be their Mom. Several moments occurred that solidified this feeling, and I would like to share some of them with you here.

Flynn was due for a hair trim; Madison took her and made a day of it. They got their hair done, went for an iced coffee, and went shopping for shoes for summer. Flynn spent the night with Madison and Nicolas too! How amazing is this love between siblings? It isn't new, either.

Peyton sent me these texts yesterday as she was going through some things in her house.

Did I tear up? You betcha! I remember thinking that the precious little one who worked all afternoon on that sticker picture couldn't possibly grow up. But she did. And she is amazing.

Rhett sent me this yesterday. I have been making him lunch lately, and he took the time to thank me. That little cutie who used to eat the lunch I made him in his room with watching The Sandlot on a portable DVD player is all grown up. But he still appreciates his Mom.

Here are my people...minus Kyrstin, who was at work but was there in spirit right next to Rhett. These are the ones who bless me every single day and allow me to be what I always dreamed of being. Mom.

Speaking of Mom. Here is mine. She is the absolute best person I will ever know. She taught me everything I know about love, patience, joy, grief, vocation, and home. She taught me how to be the very best me I can be. She is selfless, caring, kind, and beautiful. She has lived her life caring for the people she loves. And I get to call her Mom. 

Google

Finally, to all the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, those waiting to be, and those praying to be, Happy Mother's Day.

The Sweetest sounds to mortals given

Are heard in Mother, Home, and Heaven.

William Goldsmith Brown

Billie Jo

Wednesday Vibes

(Motivation app)

Billie Jo

Monday Morning Coffee Talk

 

Good Monday morning. My friends! How was your weekend? I hope it was happy and productive, cozy and quiet, whatever you planned. Saturday morning, I was up at 4:50 and had enough time to make some coffee and snuggle on the couch before the Coronation of King Charles began. While waiting for it to start, I recalled a summer day in July years ago when I also woke early and climbed onto my mom's bed to watch my first royal wedding on tv. I have followed the Royal Family ever since! The coronation was a beautiful, fascinating event, and I was so glad I could witness something that hadn't happened in seventy years. Watching the coronation unfold, I could not help but think of how amazing it is that the traditions and ceremonies remain unchanged through the years. I thought about how quickly time passes and how our lives are a small chapter in the unending book of life. 

I enjoyed coffee and a delicious fresh strawberry scone Madison made for me while I watched.

Another perk to getting up so early? Watching the world awaken right outside my window.

Today I will slowly begin some things I let go of while I was sick together. Steve and the kids did a great job, so I have a minimal amount to do. I have some laundry...don't we always...and some lesson plans to rearrange, and that is about it. The weather is turning more springlike here, so I plan to sit outside for my afternoon coffee. The lake is glistening now, and the grass is green. Some boats are back in the water too. Another lake season begins. 

Have a cozy day, my friends. I am going to catch up with you today, and I am looking forward to visiting!

(Motivation app)

Billie Jo

(Google for the images.)

Random Photo Friday

Hello! And Happy Friday! Before we get to this weekend, I must share my photos from last weekend. The guys were on a weekend trip, so the girls and I had our own weekend! We ate McDonald's...the Fish Filet is highly underrated...watched a favorite movie...Signs with Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix...went to dinner after Mass, and had a delicious brunch at Madison's house. 

Madison made the most delicious Belgium waffles for Sunday brunch.

Oh! We got Dairy Queen too!

My baby girl is growing up!

These are the only photos I have of this week. The guys brought back a little something extra in the form of a stomach bug and were kind enough to share it with me. I have spent time on the couch with a warm blanket, some of Madison's chicken noodle soup, and my pup. It isn't horrible, and I did have this for a view, so it was alright.

Have a wonderful May weekend, my friends. I am looking forward to watching the Coronation of King Charles tomorrow! And to the scones that Madison is making to enjoy as we do. Grown children are the most wonderful blessings, aren't they? 

Thanks for visiting!

Billie Jo

Wondering Why On A Wednesday

Morning, my friends! Happy Wednesday! I was looking for something in the kitchen last night, and I realized that, for some reason, I don't buy certain things for myself. Ever. For example, I do not own a rubber spatula. I have never thought to put a rubber spatula into my cart in all my Walmart grocery orders. I buy them for other people as gifts, but I don't have one myself. This got me thinking and wondering about other quirky things. Which, of course, I will share with you now.  

Why does an ice cream cone from an ice cream place taste better than the one you make at home?

Why do I want to weigh what I did five years ago when five years ago, I wanted to lose weight?

Why does coming home from somewhere seem to take longer than getting there?

Why do I still have checkbook registers from 2003?

Why did they stop making Vanilla Cream PopTarts but still have Lemon Cream Pie ones?

Why do the winters pass quickly now, but three months of Physics class in 1986 lasted ten years?

Why do I love swimming but absolutely hate being in a wet bathing suit?

Why am I surprised that actors from my favorite old shows are, in fact, old now?

Why are there several half-empty containers of the same condiment in my fridge at the same time?

And why do I buy more because it is on sale?

Do you have any thoughts on these most intriguing questions, my friends? Do you have any of your own? Or are you simply shaking your head in disbelief that I actually hit "Publish" on this one?!? In any case, I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday. Thanks for visiting!

(Motivation app)

Billie Jo