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Well, hello there. Nice to see you again. I’ve had a wonderfully refreshing break – so thank you. (What, like I gave you a choice in the matter?)
What I loved most about my break was the chance to enjoy homemaking and schooling my kids without any pressure to squeeze blogging work in and around all the crazy. It was refreshing to check that off the to-do list for eight entire days. I missed writing, no doubt. But really…I didn’t. I needed to rest my fingers and my head. I’m thankful the Spirit prompted me to rest. I’m thankful I listened and obeyed. I’ve learned much.
So what have I been up to during the past week? I did some cleaning. I looked through piles of pictures for Asa’s upcoming graduation reception. I spent extra time in the Word. I sat in the sunshine. I got caught up on history lessons with Elias and Malachi. I did some baking…
I made a double batch of our favorite Poppy Seed Bread with Orange Glaze (recipe in {Healthy} Make-Ahead Meals and Snacks eBook). Yum! We ate two loaves and froze two for another day. I also made a double batch of cookie dough balls for the freezer. The boys were excited about that, for sure. (I especially like this because they can get out a few balls from the freezer and bake them without any help or mess.) It was just really fun to piddle around in the kitchen – stirring, baking, and singing praise songs along with the radio.
Over the weekend we drove to Kansas City for the annual Leadership Training for Christ convention our kids participate in. This is Asa’s final year – he’s been doing this since 3rd grade! He was blessed to receive a scholarship for his efforts, which is a huge blessing! Our kids participated in a Bible Bowl, dramas, choirs, and much more. It was a very full weekend with all four of our boys in a variety of events, but we love joining over 100 people from our congregation and many hundreds of people from all over the midwest at this event! Here are some snapshots of our boys:
This was Asa and Justus’ high school choir. I may have cried during the entire performance. It’s a “my son is a senior” thing. Plus, they sounded gorgeous.
Justus is front right – Asa is in the back, second from the right.
Here’s Malachi’s choir. He’s standing front right.
This is Elias’ crew right after they performed their middle school drama. They were awesome!
Elias is in the black striped shirt – the handsome dude with glasses.
We came home in time to celebrate Easter along with several college students we invited for the day. We put out a big spread of ham, green beans, asparagus, corn, rolls, cantaloupe, and pineapple. Then we followed it with a brownie sundae bar. Here’s part of our buffet:
It’s been a delightful week. I’m thankful for the rest. I’m glad to be back.
A bit of encouragement for us all: If the Lord prompts you to do something – listen and obey. He knows what He’s talking about. :)
So now you’re turn: What have you been up to? What are you thankful for this Gratituesday?
Welcome back!! We’re so glad you’re back :) You are so right, ALWAYS obey the Lord. After all, He does know what he’s doing ;) The Easter spread looks wonderful! We had ham, roast chicken, creamed corn, potato salad, green beans, colored “angeled” eggs, and a completely homemade, from scratch, banana pudding :) The bread looks amazing! I’m definitely going to have to try making extras to freeze. I’ve never done that before. What do you wrap it in? I can’t imagine it would fit in a ziploc bag, LOL. So glad you took a break. I know you’re extremely busy all the time. I don’t know how you do it all!! God is good, ALL the time, ALL the time, God is good!
I freeze it in gallon sized freezer bags. I can get two loaves in…barely. :)
Welcome back, Laura! I missed you but am so glad you had a refreshing time enjoying your family and time with the Lord.
I so affirm taking a rest from work to do things for your family and for your own refreshment. I’m thankful for a great evening we had last week when a friend and I drove to our kids’ college and cooked dinner for about 40 kids. Then we all sat around, played games, laughed and visited together. On a highly secular campus, it’s great to serve these great young adults!
I so affirm taking a rest from work to do things for your family and for your own refreshment. I’m thankful for a great evening we had last week when a friend and I drove to our kids’ college and cooked dinner for about 40 kids. Then we all sat around, played games, laughed and visited together. On a highly secular campus, it’s great to serve these great young adults!
Miss having you at my house on Easter weekend. Love you all
We missed it too and thought of you all weekend! :)
This year we had the blessing of enjoying Easter at a family from church’s house. They refused to let us bring any food since I am ready to pop (one day over our due date) anytime now. It was very relaxing. We were even able to go home and take a nice nap afterwards. :) I am grateful for last weekend being so relaxing. I feel like God is allowing us to rest up before the sleep deprivation hits!
Welcome back! Sounds like a fun time!
I need some help! I have the same silicon baking sheets you have but we made homemade pizza on our red one and now its stained! How can I get the stains off? ????????
I’m glad you enjoyed your week off. It’s great to have you back!
We traveled to spend the weekend with my family. Our 2 yr old had a blast hunting Easter eggs and then dragging his Papaw around the house and yard all weekend.