In the winter kitchen...
During the snow storm, I decided to make these Magical Meyer Lemon Bars. I had been wanting to try them ever since I saw the recipe at Delightful Repast. I was intrigued that you use the entire lemon(s), peel included. These were a perfect snow day dessert: sweet and sunny and special.
I cooked up this hearty bean soup using what remained of the Christmas ham. I suppose the Christmas season is officially over now.
Some precious little ones gathered 'round my kitchen table. We had hot chocolate with special snowflake marshmallows (Thanks, Gammy!) and the sweetest conversation.
Also in the kitchen...
I won this red TimeStick timer over at Delightful Repast in October (but you know how our October went). I am just now getting around to saying "thank you" for this handy gizmo! All kitchen times are not created equal, and TimeStick is certainly a cut above. It is sturdy. It counts up. It counts down. It sticks to most metal surfaces (I keep mine on the side of my microwave). But you can also put it in your pocket, or use the lanyard to hang it around your neck if you need to go upstairs to make your bed while your cake is in the oven and don't want to miss hearing the beep. :)
Thank you Jean for hosting the giveaway and for my new red (love red!) TimeStick.
And speaking of time...
Time is something that has eluded me these past months. Focus has eluded me even more!
Oh certainly, life has settled down considerably. Ron is healthy and back to work, Baby Macie is here, and Ryan and family have moved. We are immeasurably grateful for all of these blessings!
But my schedule has not returned to normal. We are in a very busy season of homeschooling.
My mindset has not returned to normal. After all of the changes of the past months, I have not easily fallen back into my routines. Time management is a lifelong struggle for me...even when things are going smoothly.
We are also in a season of making decisions and that has taken quite a bit of my time and mental energy.
All that to say...
Please understand if this blog is a little quieter than it used to be. I have thoughts swirling around up there, but not always the time or the focus to gather them together and do something grand.
Please offer grace if my commenting on your blogs is hit-and-miss. It may be because I have been too busy to visit, or it may be because I am too tired or distracted to put words together cohesively.
This weekend. I have been looking forward to it all week! A little celebration for Nora's 7th birthday today. A big Sunday dinner together tomorrow. For the first time since Ryan has moved back and Macie has been born. For the first time since there have been eighteen of us. {{Joy!!} And Kati is having some friends from work over to play Scrabble tomorrow evening.
Yes, we're busy! But we're busy with good things...and that's the best kind of busy!
Blessed be the Lord, Who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!
Psalm 68:19
You are loved even if you don't blog! Of course, we'd miss you terribly, so don't get any ideas!
ReplyDeleteYour season of decisions caught my eye and I'll be praying for you.
I know your heart is full, savoring these precious family times!
Love you, friend!
Good morning! Let me start by saying that soup looks SOOOOO good! lol Haven't made a good bean soup in quite a while. That pic may have inspired me to whip one up. And trust me do I ever get the mind always planning ahead, organizing time, etc etc. Don't worry about blogging or commenting...so long as you don't just disappear altogether, [I have when that happens, lol] because boy would I ever miss you. ENJOY your week-end family gathering...do I ever envy you that. Nothing better. Many blessings to you!
ReplyDelete"Time management is a life long struggle" - I can certainly identify with that statement! I can tell that your heart is full and the love for your family is of the upmost importance. Enjoy each and every day. BTW - The bean soup looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteYes...grace will be given as we have received! I can relate to the management issues. My management has all been the tyranny of the urgent. It's no wonder with all that happened in the fall that things are still settling down to a new normal. I'm wondering if we are in a season where there is no normal. Makes me think of the song " Day by day, and with each passing moment,
ReplyDeleteStrength I find to meet my trials here;
Trusting in my Father’s wise bestowment,
I’ve no cause for worry or for fear.
He, whose heart is kind beyond all measure,
Gives unto each day what He deems best,
Lovingly its part of pain and pleasure,
Mingling toil with peace and rest.
I'll have to post that song for my Sunday hymn now...
Have a wonderful time enjoying your 18 and celebrating together!!
Cheryl, your soup looks so yummy as well as the lemon bars. Your photos always entice me! I know that different seasons of our lives are full to the brim. Your heart knows what is best for you, dear one. Enjoy your family times this weekend as you all gather together! xo ♥
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing quite as lovely as a family gathered together. Enjoy your time.
ReplyDeleteIf ever you thought of downsizing now is not the time. How wonderful to have such a lovely lot of family to gather in for Sunday dinners! Oh I do understand the commenting thing...no worries. I am not able to comment as much as I once did myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to write a post and hit the publish button. :-)
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful family dinner today.
Don't worry at all about commenting on my blog. I don't always comment on each post that I read either.
Love, hugs & prayers for you and your dear family ~ FlowerLady
I've been having the same problem as of late, every time I think things are settling down, there's a shake up again. I've been just as negligent in reading and commenting on other's blogs as I have in publishing posts. It's a season, enjoy these precious time...BTW the lemon bars look delicious!
ReplyDeleteThe scripture at the end of your post sums up your writing so well! I can understand you haven't settled yet after all that is going on, with homeschooling very much on your front burner. I don't know how you do it all but I do know you must receive energy from family times together on the weekend, and you are greatly blessed, and you know that and are grateful!
ReplyDeleteLife has certainly been a roller coaster for you of late, Cheryl. Congratulations on the timer. Jean has the most interesting things! And BTW, lemon bars are another thing I absolutely cannot resist. Starting in about February, I tend to crave lemon everything. These bars look fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI have never home schooled anyone so I can only imagine what goes into it....no need to apologize for being attentive to your family's needs! The lemon bars look amazing and I see you made the bean soup that I didn't get a chance to make a couple of weeks ago...it looks absolutely heavenly...hmmm...maybe this weekend since Jim is off :) Enjoy the rest of your week, Cheryl!
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy your posts, Cheryl. I've not been able to blog or comment as much as I once did, so I understand. The soup and lemon bars look so yummy. And congrats on winning the timer...it looks like a very handy one to have! Have a great week!
ReplyDelete♥ lifting you in prayer...
ReplyDeleteand: i once owned a similar style timer thingy until i accidentally dropped it in my coffee and poof* went its power. woe was me. but now? there's a link i can follow for a new timer thingy. thank you kindly. :) i'll keep it away from the liquid life this time.