I spent most of the weekend cleaning, organizing, and working on projects because that is exactly what I wanted to do. There is always some major renovation project going on around here, but sometimes I need to have a couple days to immerse myself in my own smaller tasks. All the work gave me a tremendous feeling of accomplishment, and that’s what I needed.
Our air conditioning is out of order and it’s been on the hot side. I’m drinking tons of water, but also a lot of my favorite drink (I make a big batch): four cups boiling water + two Tulsi tea bags, juice of one grapefruit and one lemon + honey to taste. The recipe is from The Oh She Glows Cookbook
I spent Mother’s Day morning in bed, finishing up Something Other Than God while Job did his best to grab it away from me. I’ve been a fan of Jen’s ever since she and I discovered each other’s blogs about seven(?) years ago. Back then, my blog was called “Musings of an Ex Punk Catholic Homeschooling Mom” and hers was “Et -Tu?” My blog title has gotten much shorter (thank goodness) and hers a little longer since then. Over the last five or so of those seven years she was writing a book, the story of her conversion from atheism to Christianity. Jen is clever and she’s honest (and funny!) and her memoir makes that all the more apparent. I’m so proud of Jen, and I loved her book so much that I want to buy a copy for one of you. If you’re interested, mention it in your comment and I will randomly choose a winner later this week. The winner(s) have been selected and notified. (I am sending out more than one copy!) Thanks! (U.S. winner would receive the hardback book, outside the U.S. I could do the Kindle or Nook version)
While I was in bed reading, Jonny, dearest man of the last minute, was out shopping with the kids. Gabe bought me flowers with his own money without being prompted. I’m predicting a great future for him. (The other boys made me cards, one of them just past the stroke of midnight last night. No comment on his future. Ha!) The girls got started early, and in fact Beatrix made me a card on Saturday and couldn’t wait to show me the “perfect M’s” she had drawn all over it. So, I got a little sneak peek before she gave it to me “for real” on Sunday. But the most adorable thing ever: At the gift shop Jonny carried the kids to, the girls picked out little painted eggs for me, each purchasing one to go with their cards. Silas wanted to get one for me too, so Jonny bought it, had it wrapped up in tissue paper and bagged separately so that Silas could give it to me. Of course, I didn’t know any of the details when they arrived home shouting excitedly about my gifts. Silas’ loud sobbing quickly became the dominating sound and I wondered what had happened. He eventually made it upstairs and I saw that he was holding a wad of tissue paper. I tried to comfort him, not understanding why he was upset. With great difficulty he handed me the wad, but then the sobs began again and he snatched it away before I could unwrap whatever was inside. This went on for some time, Silas making very brave attempts to give me that wad of tissue paper before changing his mind and taking it back. I realized that he had a gift for me, one that he wanted to keep for himself. The girls were becoming impatient and couldn’t wait any longer, so I unwrapped my gifts from them one at at time: a pretty little egg from each. Silas perked up seeing my happiness over the two eggs and deeming that two was obviously plenty for me, said something along the lines of “You can keep those, and I’ll have this one!” Best Mother’s Day gift drama EVER.
that book sounds good!
Your friend’s book sounds really intriguing. I’ve been on a long, long spiritual journey and am hoping this book will give me some guidance and insight. I’d absolutely love a chance to win a copy. Thank you for sharing your days with us. I adore your blog.
Hahaha Silas! That’s so cute. I was afraid he’d broken his egg and was crying. His reason was much more selfish (and adorable). 🙂
I’d love to read Jen’s book! Also, your old blog title was awesome.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Thanks for the opportunity. I’d love to read her book!
I’d love the chance to win a copy of Jen’s book, and I will be checking out her blog! Thanks! Love your blog with all your everyday life photos. And I’m going to try out your recipe!
I would love a chance to win the book! It sounds like you had a lovely mother’s day. 🙂
Ooops, forgot to mention I would love to be part of the book drawing. 🙂
Oh, my, Silas is so adorable. What a cute story! Happy Mother’s Day a couple days late!
Thank you for the book review. I’m always looking for a good book to read and this title sounds perfect right now. If I don’t win your copy, I’ve added it to my wish list 🙂
You have a beautiful family…looks like you’re doing things right by them and therefore yourself .
Have a wonderful day. I’m going to try your tea recipe too!
~Lori
I would love to read the book; it sounds inspiring.
Poor little Silas, it’s so hard to learn to give.
Sounds like a great mother’s day to me, but I didn’t get anything and even cooked my own mother’s day dinner… I would love to read “Something Other Than God.” Enter me, please!
I’ve heard such good things about this book. Thank you for the chance to win a copy! Happy Mother’s Day!
Would love to read Something Other Than God
I’ve been meaning to read that book! I would love the chance to have one sent to me.
Thanks so much for the chance at the book. I read another of your suggestions, Shirt of Flame and lent it to a friend. It was a great Lenten read! Thanks so much for the chance.
Would love a chance at the book! You didn’t mention meals, did you have to cook on mothers day? I always look forward to a day I don’t have to deal with feeding the kids!
You perked my interest. ..I would love to read the book 🙂
Sort of against my will, I am pretty interested in reading the book. Also, Job looks so much like Larkspur to me. Super cute. c:
Sounds like an interesting book. Your post reminded me of Mother’s Days of old.
I’d love to win a copy of the book. Thanks!
I would love to read that book you’ve been raving about. Maybe I’ll check out her blog, too! Thanks.
Love.Your.Blog!!!
Happy Mother’s Day, Ginny! Please enter my name for the book giveaway!
I love to read, but always have a hard time choosing what to read next. This book looks very interesting and probably not something I would have picked up on my own. Thanks for the chance!
I love Jen’s blog! Would love to win her book to read this summer 🙂
Happy Mother’s Day! I’d love to win the book!
I saw her book while picking out a Mary statue for my mom’s yard …I did not buy the book but put it on my goodreads list. It does look like a good story and I have heard compliments of her writing.
ps – love the Avett Brothers – on Jonny’s t-shirt I think.
I’d love to read the book! I live abroad but have a Kindle. Thank you so much.
I love the story, the introduction to a new blogger, and the description of Jen’s book. Yes, please, do enter me into the drawing.
I love the photo of you and Job holding the book! And what a great book giveaway-I’d love to win!
I never have the time to read your blog between taking care of my kidOs, homeschooling, gardening and whatever else comes my way. I’m always sad to have to pass them up but tonight I finally read one and I’m so glad. It’s so good to get lost in someone else life and words for a moment. Your friend Jen’s book sound so good and I would love to have my name be in your drawing.
Thank you for your simple words that can take my mind off my crazy life 🙂
I never have the time to read you blog between taking care of my kidOs, homeschooling, gardening and whatever else comes my way. I’m always sad to have to pass them up but tonight I finally read one and I’m so glad. It’s so good to get lost in someone else life and words for a moment. Your friend Jens book sound so good and I would love to have my name be in your drawing.
Thank you for simple words that can take my mind off my crazy life 🙂
Gift giving is such an important lesson for the kiddos. And sometimes traumatic. 🙂 I have Jen’s book on my to-read list. Love having a chance to win a copy!
Just read about the book on Amazon. Would love to read it! Put me in for the drawing!
happy mothers day love bug. precious adorable photos(as usual). so glad you had the kind of weekend you needed. i saw you were watching ysoldas video, are you almost done with the mkal? silas hee hee. and jonnys shirt. LOVE. and coffee is good for you 😉 really!
yes please for the book. thank you!
What sweet Mothers Day memories!!! The book sounds interesting especially since I grew up in the Bible belt(GA) and have always been in church – it would be interesting to read her story.
I’d love to win a copy of Jen’s book – it sounds wonderful! Glad you had a great Mother’s Day.
Sounds like a great book — I’d love a copy — and I love the longer title of your blog past, although I am smitten with *Small Things* as it not only indicates our moments in life as mothers, but all those *Small Things * are what makes up our lives
I would love a copy of the book.
I’ve been having trouble sleeping so I’ve been trying to do a bit a reading…and would love this book to read for myself and then pass on. Such a sweet Mother’s Day at your house! Thank you!
Great post. That drink sounds yummy and I just want to dive into that book now. How generous of you to give a copy away! I would love to be the winner.
so glad you had a wonderful Mothers Day…such a sweet family you have!
Job is getting big, he’s so adorable…I know exactly what you mean about
getting some projects done and organizing and just needing a few days to do it
and Oh, how good it does feel! I always feel better when I get things accomplished
and scratched off my ‘to do’ list. I would love to read Jens book. I love reading or hearing
peoples testimonies! Thank you for sharing her blog with us!
Corinne
Would love to win a copy of the book…thanks for hosting a giveaway!
I am crossing my fingers and really hoping for a copy also!!
Would love to win a copy of Jen’s book- thanks for the giveaway!
I don’t want to be int eh running for the book, but I just wanted to commiserate with the no caffeine. Ugh! I just love coffee so. But I like sleep more.
would love to read this book! My favorite genre, memoir. That tea sounds delicious also.
sounds like a good book and how nice you were friends from beginning blogging days. My weekend was work filled, since our son moved back from his dorm. I did a never ending amount of laundry. What is up with “dorm smell”???? Happy mother’s day, Ginny!
Would love to read the book! So glad you had a wonderful Mother’s Day!
Please throw my name into the hat for this book giveaway. I’d love to be able to win a copy of Jennifer’s book. Thank you, Ginny. 🙂