The last two weeks have been especially FULL for our household.

This fall season in general has held many activities and plans adding to ‘extra’ fullness for our schedule.  Good times, just very full times.

Right now, much swirls in my mind (ideas, ideas!), my heart (reflecting on our life/lifestyle) and my spirit (thinking and discerning life decisions) that the day to day activity and needs of family life often blurs those processes.  Can you relate Moms? 🙂

Intentionally carving regular space and time for enjoying family relationships and just to BE, think, pray and process continues to rise on my priority list!

A Peek into Last Week

Last week I moved one more year into my 40s!

I had hoped the weather would be sunny and bright, but instead the day ushered in wet and dreary.  Plans for walking trails and spending time outdoors were ditched for another day.

I awoke to breakfast time with the family, complete with cards and gifts.  Then I spent part of the day with my Mom who lives about an hour away.  She made me my favorite fish, red snapper, in spicy Haitian style — a delicious lunch!

The many texts, emails, ecards, Facebook messages & posts, birthday cards, AND phone calls….were all such a treat!!  Birthdays hold special place in my memories — and I have kept almost every. single. birthday card since I was about 10 years old.

Yeah, maybe just a wee bit sentimental?

Last week, we also deep cleaned and decluttered the house some in preparation for guests, especially a few areas in dire need of attention.  I read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up a few months ago and found it incredibly inspiring (though also too ‘Zen-ish’ for my tastes).

I plan to ‘tidy up’ much, much more around our home as my energy allows!

Speaking of the guests we prepared for:

This past weekend I hosted my sister and three cousins for a Girl Time retreat in our home.  My husband and children graciously left the space for us to enjoy, and we had SO much fun!!

We snacked on our favorites, cooked and cooked some more, shopped, ate out, watched a movie and talked (and debated) into the wee hours of the night.  These girls are the real deal with shopping the mall and outlets — two places I usually avoid. 🙂

As a group we enjoyed the extended family reunion last June, but wanted more time without distraction to catch up and connect.

I am grateful we made this weekend a priority!

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Hopefully the week ahead will feel more routine. 🙂