cold spring

We drove home in sleet, from our little spring break getaway. It was a getaway, but it was cold. SO TIRED OF COLD!!!!

BUT, spent some much needed time with my sister and mom, and the littles all running around everywhere. It was chaos, but the kind that is mostly sweet. and exhausting.

Beach vacations where you read and sip drinks are for when the kids are grown or more grown than mine. For now, it is chaos. and it's supposed to be. sweet, exhausting chaos.

I feel like the writing has been a bit dull around loveintheruins. Winter starts to feel like a cave one might never escape- which is why I am so thankful the last two weeks have been spent with family. My kids are grateful. I am grateful.

Holy week starts this Sunday, and it's hard to believe that its been one year since we wandered our way into the Catholic Church.

I wish I could say its been all that I had dreamed, but though the peace remains, the pilgrimage that seems to characterize all of our days in Tulsa, still remains.

Tulsa, my refiners fire.

This year I lost two very dear friends to TEXAS. Oh Texas, I have words for you.

But the story keeps moving, the pages keep turning, new chapters pop up when the one I am in seems to never end.

It is fitting that I enter Holy Week with this ragged feeling in my gut.

The short temper. The sighs. The impatience.

The cross is where all that finds reconciliation. and hope.

where all sad things come untrue (lord of the rings reference)- or at least the promise of that is paid for.

For now, it's Friday. Spring break. It's raining, and we won't even see 50 degrees today.

That's ok, we'll hunker down.

As they say, " it's friday now, but sunday's a comin"

daily dish

I am not even unsure what that means??

How about some odd and ends?

Let's talk about candles....

I have searched high and low for candles that work.

I have used Voluspa candles in the past, you can get them here.

They smell really good and last a long time.

BUT, I have to tell you, I just discovered these little beauties.

Tyler Candles

These really work! I just bought the french market scent- and I went ahead and went for the big jar because they had such great reviews.

Let's see, how about some smoothies?

We've been having one a day around here.

Smoothie Recipe a la Jared:

Frozen, pineapple, peach and mango frozen fruit (you can get a big bag of this combo at target or walmart)

Simply Orange with Mango

Greek Yogurt- non fat plain or vanilla

water

* I typically fill my blender 3/4 fill with fruit, dump 2 big spoonfuls of yogurt, pour some OJ, maybe a cup or so, and fill the rest with water. I have found if I almost cover the frozen fruit with liquid, it blends up beautifully. This makes enough for the whole family, or freeze the leftovers for later!

lent, and spring peaking through

It's been quiet and kind of boring around here the past few weeks. It's been cold, for one, which has almost sent me to crazy house a few times. Small kids and coughs and cold weather make for lots of indoor time and blue's clues.

That, coupled with our lenten fasting of meat (for josh) and sweets (for me) has made for lots of down time with no comfort food! Which is good, actually, as it seems to suit its purpose.

I have actually never practiced lent in the fasting sense, and not sure that it should really even be talked about (that whole, fasting in secret, brush your hair, etc part in the gospels...) I imagine that its because fasting should never be a source of pride, but more of private practice, not drawing attention to it. I get that, but I'll be first to say- I need me a brownie!!!

Seriously, though, its been a good practice, and maybe I will gather some thoughts about that sooner than later.

I mostly just wanted to check in. Happy Monday.

snow!