This weekend was good.
Full of good things.
As you know, it’s been a rocky few weeks. And Bray still went and spent the weekend doing hurricane clean up with his dad at the farm. But the kids and I stayed home so they could get some rest. Moving from absolutely nothing during a global pandemic, to going back to in person school, long weekends of hurricane clean up, and football and cross country practices, wiped them all out.
This weekend held lots of good recovery and joy.
The kids largely got along, something I think that them all being in separate classes at school for the first time is helping.
Saturday morning was pleasant weather, for Houston in September, and held our first football game of the season. The boys are playing 7 on 7. We debated going back but this is their first chance to play sports since basketball wrapped in February and these are TEAM SPORT kids! The baby played quarterback and the eldest played center (much to his chagrin, since quarterbacking is his lifelong dream, ah sibling competition). They made quite a nice duo. That pairing alone led to a touchdown and two conversions. The boys won their first game 34-7 with their grandfather, uncle, grandmother, and mom/dad/sister all there to cheer them on. Gracious, it felt nearly “normal!”
Little bit had a playdate with one of her favorite people at school. This friend just joined our school and the two of them have already become fast friends. She enjoyed a virgin strawberry daiquiri poolside – quite the life!
Then, she and the baby put their combo of organizational skills/hard work through the paces. Little bit’s favorite pastime these days is watching “Mom Hacks” and then trying to implement them in our home/life. Saturday, she and the baby completely cleaned out my car (praise hands!) and organized it. This picture features her work (the bag contains a blanket, water, snacks on the go organized in a pencil case, tissues, wipes, and a trash bag). She gave us strict instructions over the kitchen table as to all of our individual responsibilities of keeping it up!
Sunday dawned and with it our FIRST morning back at church in person. I serve as an elder at my church and all our business and worshiping has been virtual since March – I remember watching the first live stream while on our Spring Break vacation in Arizona! Six months!
Since there isn’t currently any congregational singing because of the virus (and we pre-register and wear masks, I felt really safe), my good friend and our talented worship director found ways to really connect us in community and to God. So following the worship service, everyone broke into small groups, spaced out, and applied the sermon to the week ahead. From seniors to young families, we had an incredible time of inter-generational sharing. When my son talked about what the Lord’s Prayer meant to him and how he applies it in his life, I couldn’t help but tear up at this gift of time to grow in our faith together.
Then little bit went at it again. While I cooked, she decorated our entire house for fall. Yes it was 95 degrees outside but inside our house is cinnamony and full of crisp fall sentiments! I’m trying ALL these new recipes from a new favorite food blogger find called Half-Baked Harvest. I cannot recommend this super yummy chicken meatball and lemon pasta carbonara enough. Last night I also served HBH’s slow cooker carnitas, tonight is her Mediterranean salmon, and tomorrow night is one pot lemon rosemary chicken.
When I go in, I go ALL IN! (Don’t you worry, I’ll be back Pioneer Woman – my true recipe touchstone!)
I am so utterly grateful for these small life moments. I recognize them more now than before. I’m thankful for laughter and fall decor and sports (on t.v. and in real life) and friends and a place to call home.
Here’s hoping your September weekend brought you overdue rest and joy as well! Onward!
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