read my weekend notes

Weekend notes.

– Vacation –
In less than two weeks our family will be leaving for our annual week vacation to the lake with my extended family. It’s a joyous time of family, fishing, swimming, playing games, doing nothing, and eating. I’ve gone every year since I was either eight or nine – this is a huge deal and is a tremendous defining moment of our summers. My father is proposing a media free week up there. I’m mulling that over. I mean look at this view – high def naturally.

Any vacation plans for you?

– Elijah –
He’s doing better since his boy meets captain’s drawer incident. Besides having quite the shiner he’s been a bit more tired – so we’re encouraging that four year old of ours to rest as much as a four year old will. Which, in case you forget, is almost impossible. I’m still watching him carefully to make sure that he mends up and gets back to his incredibly precocious state.

– Momma’s Heart –
Somedays the reality of  Samuel never ever eating for gluten hurts my momma’s heart. Last night, after coming home from our sweet neighbor Emma’s baptism I stopped to grab Grace a treat. One fry remained on the table. One fry with just a bit of wheat starch in it. Gluten. And Samuel came downstairs, holding that lone fry and looked and big sister Hannah. This gluten free, Hannah? And she told me she hated telling him no. As much as I try to make his world gluten free the reality is that he lives in a very gluten full world and will have many of those no moments – birthday cakes, food at the coffee shop, potlucks and not being able to try – and that is hard.

I know in the scheme of life that there are greater sorrows and harder trials. I know to be grateful for all that he can eat. But, sometimes, my friends, I will tell you that it simply hurts my momma’s heart. Or his sister Hannah’s heart. It is not fair. Short and sweet.

But, despite it not being fair I will not sit in it. I will rejoice for all he can have and only buy him fries that are gluten free. And I honestly will pray that he continues to retain his amazing strength — he is two years old and knows to ask if something is gluten free or not and then he is content when he hears the answer. Was he a bit sad? yes. But did he sit in it? No. I don’t know if I could be that strong.

That boy is amazing.

– BEECH –
For the last several months I have been working behind the scenes on something amazing. That awesome thing? The BEECH Retreat – Blogging to Encourage and Equip Christian Homeschoolers that will be taking place next year in beautiful South Florida at the South Seas Resort on Captiva Island. Yes, island. Yes, Florida. In the winter. You simply must check it out – and be prepared to be blown away by the absolute beauty of this setting. 🙂

– Sponsors –
And some closing housekeeping. If you are interested in sponsoring/advertising on finding joy I am now working on wrapping up sponsors for July and the third quarter {can you believe that? I had to check twice}. I am truly grateful for each sponsor – thank you.

– Recap –
Go to the BEECH site and do not pass go.
Share with me your favorite vacation destination.
Tell me iced or hot coffee. {random,  I know}
Sometimes auto-publish is not reliable. Like today.
Have you joined Finding Joy on Facebook? If not, today, when it’s 13 from 2000 would be a great day. 😉
Gluten free pizza with pesto, roasted veggies, and fresh mozzarella is amazing. {just had to add this}

And thank you for praying for Elijah.

– Linking –
With my lovely friend, Carissa. Who I am so delighted to call my friend. Blessings, indeed.