Easter week end

 I had a really wonderful Easter ! We got up and went to sunrise service at Saint Andrews church , where my sister and parents go,and we had an amazing breakfast afterwards! Then we came home did some last minute preparations for the cookout .. Even with the weather, on again off again rain, it turned out really well!  The food was great the people were wonderful and I really enjoyed myself. Afterward   Mom got to see her ballgame and we had a fire in the fire pit ,Dad,and Hollie,Catie,Jonathan,Ric,and Ryan were there..it was so nice and relaxing!  Shannon , Chris and the kids were the only thing missing, I cannot wait til we have them all here too! When we all are together,I always love it, its truly the best way for me to spend my time.    I think everyone really enjoyed it. This is the first time I went in to a get together without as much stress.. and it was the best time I have had in a long time, I have proven to myself attitude is everything,lol. Most of the time we get together  I get so stressed trying to make sure everything is clean, the food is just right, and everything's getting done.. I don't have time to focus on  visiting and talking with everyone. This time I made a decision ,to really relax and visit with my family ,even if everything wasn't just right , and I am glad I did, things went better, and I think overall everyone enjoyed it more! After most everyone was gone, I was talking to Mom and she wants to get together, more often than just holiday,just simplify things a bit. I love the idea,I love the fact we are close, and I agree we don't make enough of an effort to see each other unless its a holiday! I hope everyone had a great Easter, and that we all remember what we were celebrating! He is risen!

Prep Work!

 Well, its been a long day,but we got a  lot done! After work, I came home and Ric and I worked on the yard to get ready for the Easter Cookout. We picked up the yard a bit, and  fed the chickens and gathered the eggs,watered the plants in the greenhouse and cold frame. We  decided where to put the fruit trees we ordered ,when they came in.. our own little fruit orchard! Yay! Then we lit a fire in the fire pit ,made chicken foil pockets with veggies and seasonings threw them in the fire to cook and chilled a bit. It was a delicious supper after the yard work.. and really made me miss my camping trips! I am ready for some Morrow mountain tent camping! There is nothing like sitting by a fire in the woods  listening to the sounds of the night,seeing deer approach so close to your tent and just letting the rush of everyday,pass you by!But until I can get there My fire pit will definitely do! Now tomorrow will be another busy day,work,shopping for the cookout,house cleaning,yard cleaning,and maybe helping my nephew and his family move to their new house! Everyone have a great night,help someone when you can,and take a moment for yourself!

Holidays!

   I am  blessed to have a very close family. Every holiday we all get together, share a meal and conversation. The menu seldom varies, same stuff, turkey, roast, sometimes ham, mashed potatoes, baked macaroni and cheese, deviled eggs, potato salad, green bean casserole, squash casserole, congealed salad just to get started, along with a variety of desserts. Everyone comes to my house, and even though sometimes its frustrating and a bit stressful, I have to admit I wouldn't have it any other way! That's not even talking about Richards family, even though we aren't together anymore, we still have get together's and I love and claim them all as my own! As hard as it is now a days to get everyone together, I think its awesome that we all still do, and that we all enjoy doing it! There is not enough of families doing this anymore!

 So Easter my family is having a cookout at my house, I am praying the weather will be nice, so we can setup  the screen-house outside maybe some badminton. And as the evening sets in, a nice fire in the fire-pit with s'mores, marshmallows, and good conversation! We will have the usual, the last minute stress of preparations the grocery shopping, the cooking, baking, cleaning and the forgotten items we have to go back to the store for. Then the day arrives with the usual variety of folks, the gossiping, the whispering, the reminiscing all, the laughing and the giggles! A solemn prayer before the meal, a reminder of the REAL reason we celebrate, and in a few short hours its over. Nothing left but a pile of dirty dishes, a bag of trash, a disheveled house and some very tired family members! Is it all worth it,? the time, energy and cost? You bet it is!!! Family is so important, enjoy them while you can, even while you have your differences, no one is promised a day, enjoy your Easter, and don't forget the real reason we celebrate..He is risen!