Happy Friday, sweet friends! How was your week? While our week was pretty mellow, it flew by. Not that I’m complaining. I welcome all weekends with open arms. After a lot of holiday traveling then both boys’ birthdays and an out-of-town meet in January followed by our big Disney trip earlier this month, there’s been a lot of hoopla in our life for quite a while. I’m ready for several weekends in one place. I love traveling and adventuring, but I also love the slow, easy pace of weekends at home. I do well when life has ebbs and flows. It’s been a while since I’ve written a Friday 5 post, so here goes. When reflecting upon this week, these thoughts and photos came to mind.
5 Thoughts
1). We’ve had spring-like weather all week. On one hand, it weirds me out because it’s February, but I’m wearing short-sleeves and the daffodils are blooming. On the other hand, sun and warmth are good friends of mine, so this surprising weather has done wonders for my mood.
2). I’m trying to re-introduce reading into my life. It’s such a simple, beautiful pleasure that I miss. I’m trying to make a habit of reading several times throughout the day. When Brooks (our second grader) reads his book for homework, I sit down and read mine. We’re both reading Walt Disney biographies which is fun. Then at night, I try to read for at least ten minutes. Then instead of turning the TV on right before bed, my husband and I have started reading the unabridged version of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. He reads it aloud, and I usually fall asleep after about 10 minutes, but it’s a fun new ritual.
3). Tomorrow evening we’re going to a Mardi Gras party which will be super fun. These same friends hosted it last year, and it was a blast. They are great hosts and always play up a theme, so there will be plenty of masks and beads. Also, there’s an authentic King Cake involved. How fun is that? Last year my eight-year old got the piece with the baby. Whoever wins the baby one year has to buy the cake the next year, so we’re picking up a King Cake this afternoon from a local bakery in Asheville.
4). Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday. The season of Lent is meant to be a quiet, preparatory time leading up to Easter. A time for reflection. I’m looking forward to it. I’m also looking forward to talking with the boys about this time of year and what it means for a person’s inner growth and spirituality.
5). I had three fun girlfriend dates this past week. THREE! That’s huge, and I feel so grateful to have had that time. Monday I spontaneously met a friend for a quick coffee date. Tuesday night, two friends and I went to dinner and Wednesday, I met a good friend (and fellow blogger) for breakfast. With family, work, and other obligations, it’s hard to find time to spend with girlfriends, but this week reminded me how important it is to make it happen.
5 Photos

I’m having so much fun sharing my love for and usage of Young Living essential oils. Monday Mojo is one of the diffuser blends I posted this week on my essential oils Instagram page. If you use essential oils or want to learn more about them, click the photo to visit that Instagram page.

With the weather being so nice, all the Barbee boys hit the links this week.

I was at my dad’s house this past week and stopped by this adorable little coffee shop in Weaverville, NC. It’s fun to watch my little hometown grow and thrive.

The boys finally got haircuts yesterday. Brooks wouldn’t let her cut his too short. He wanted it “shaggy.” He’s growing up way too fast.

After haircuts, we met my dad for dinner at Mellow Mushroom. He’s so good about engaging with the boys and playing Tic-Tac-Toe. Love him so much.
That’s my week in a nutshell. It was a peaceful, meaningful week. While I didn’t get as much work accomplished as I wanted (what’s new?), it was still a very good week. Hope yours was as well and hope you have something fun planned this weekend! I would love hear about your plans.
What a wonderful week! Glad you are getting back in the swing of things!!!