Sweet Saturday Pleasures

The children don't get to see their Papa much during the week. He is often gone, or just about to go, by the time they wake up. They have stories at night which ties them over, but they, and he, and I (!) really look forward to their special outing on Saturdays. Saturday is now called "Papa Day" in this house! And their 2 hours out has slowly turned into 3 or 4, and no-one is complaining about that. :) After many years of craving this sort of weekly break, I don't take any minute of it for granted.

I love that he doesn't tell them - or me for that matter - where they are going. Such suspense! There are usually a few 'jobs' to do in town, then something fun that only he would ever do with the children. Papa Day has truly become a highlight for everyone, and I cherish that he cares enough to invest such precious time for them. And me.

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Some pleasures I have enjoyed this morning:

* Catching up on the washing. All done!

* Reading several chapters of Good Wives. In the sunshine, on the windowseat.

* Utter, total, complete peace and quiet.

* Reading more old posts on my favourite blog right now, Pleasantview Schoolhouse. Slowly reading through Anna's posts from 2006 onwards has been so enriching!

* Printing out 2 new recipes to try today. Homemade Granola Bars are in the oven, and Straightforward Asian Soup will be in the pot in a few hours time.

* Spending a bit of time watching the chooks after feeding them. Collecting 3 more warm eggs to pop in the basket with the other 30. Still getting 4-6 eggs a day! Somehow managing to eat them all, giving a few dozen away here and there.

* Relishing a full hour practising at my piano. That will be the highlight of this day. I am desperate to play more and being realistic, Saturday mornings is just the best time to do it.

* Knowing my family will be home soon, full of stories to tell me.

Late Saturday night.....

I got that nap, just a little 20 minute one but oh so good. There's just something wonderful about climbing into bed in the day-time isn't there?!

After the troupe returned I planted carrot seeds in the garden, had a cup of tea with a friend, spent time with my little ones, took a long walk with William to buy tomatoes at the road-side stall near town, and worked on some homemade pizzas for tea (Elijah's order). The dough rose nicely though was a little thick. I'll need to make a bit less dough for the bases next time!

After settling the small people I headed over to Cathy's home with a couple of other ladies for a night of prayer and fellowship in preparation for her impending birth! Only a few more weeks to go now. It is getting exciting. Lots of good conversation, pampering of Cathy, cuddles with baby Hannah and the eating of chocolate-coated strawberries......... a very good night. :)

I know Cathy would appreciate your prayers in the coming weeks........ I'm just so looking forward to holding this new baby!

And now, off to bed for me.

Saturday mornings

Saturday mornings have lately become a sacred time for me.

We have fallen into a happy routine of Stuart and the children heading out on some grand adventure while the house and I spend some rather quiet time together.

I miss the activity, their chatter and cuddles and conversation........ but this time in my week is quickly becoming precious! I move more slowly, can think clearly- and stay in my pyjamas if I want to. Today I have pampered my little home and changed some bed sheets, washed some laundry and loaded it into the dryer as it is threatening rain outside. I have done some reading, tidied some toys, made a few phone calls.

And I *was* going to mop the floors. As satisfying as that would be, I think I may instead go and nap between my fresh, clean bedsheets for awhile. Also satisfying. :)