Waving Goodbye to Winter: Our Little Loves

Oh my... it has literally been SOOOOOO long since I've done one of these, but I have missed recording the silly little details of our weeks... the little ordinary bits and bobs that together make each week have its own unique feel and memories. There is the day to day routine... the hooks we hang our week on, but really the vibrancy of life is made of the details surrounding those repeated responsibilities... the little spots of sunshine.

So here's what we got up to over the past four months...


READ

The Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
The girls and I have slowly been working our way through the full set of the Chronicles of Narnia. If you've only ever read The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, I highly recommend going back to the beginning and starting with The Magicians Nephew. We are now finally reading the final book "The Last Battle" and seeing the incredible breadth of CS Lewis' creative mind, the connections from story to story and the reflections of the gospel (which were no accident by Lewis who was a Christian) has been utterly mindblowing and deeply helpful. It has been wonderful to not just enjoy the story, but for the girls to be able to form parallels and connections between each story, and with the Gospel. We are on tenderhooks every night and have to exercise great control not to read more than one chapter at a time! This season and series has been such a gift to us!

The Cross and The Switchblade - David Wilkerson
I wrote about this in my post a few weeks back. Just an incredible story of the brutality of life in the fighting gangs in New York in the 50s, and how God broke in to bring utter transformation. A truly remarkable read!

Gracelaced - Ruth Chou Simons
I am loving working through a chapter of this every other Sunday in my own time. Each new chapter has a new focus and theme and I'm loving having time to stew over it, enjoy the artwork and reflect on the impact of each truth on our family life. If you haven't discovered Ruth's work, give her a follow on instagram @gracelaced

WATCHED
Les Miserables

It was harrowing, but actually my favourite depiction of this epic story to date... enjoyed is probably the wrong word, but it was a very well made adaptation which we really appreciated at the beginning of the year. It feels like forever ago now, but it was a really moving version of an incredible story!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

This is such a lovely story! Currently free on Amazon Prime! It has its roots in history, but has all the elements you want in a story, and I might have watched it twice... or three times! Both lighthearted, and moving, it uncovers the impact of World War II on the Island of Guernsey which was occupied by Nazi forces, and the complex relationships that ensued.

Far from the Madding Crowd - BBC

This was on the BBC in the New Year and I really enjoyed the story. I love a good period drama, and this one certainly didn't disappoint! I think it's still on iPlayer if you have a chance to watch it!

LISTENED
JJ Heller

I discovered this artist through Jennifer Naraki who lost her battle to cancer a week ago (please remember her family in your prayers). She was a beautiful and inspirational soul who shone with joy in Jesus in her final days. Heller's song is a beautiful tribute to her and feels particularly poignant now. All Heller's music is calm and relaxed with beautiful music and rich lyrics, and we love playing it in those moments where we need some calm in our home.

Josh Garrels

I've been really enjoying his "Enclosed by You"... just really chilled music with great lyrics... reminding me of the epic truth of God's faithfulness and presence as I do remarkably un-epic things like folding laundry!

WORE
Diffuser Necklace
Dave got me this for Christmas, and its been lovely to wear day to day as an alternative to perfume... I just pick the scent I fancy each day from my essential oils collection and drop a drop on the lava bead and off I go!

MADE
Antipasti

This is now a regular in my meal planning and is possibly the children's favourite meal ever this month, and we had great fun putting it together! They love picking their way through salads and breads and cold meats and chatting away while we do it!

AND FINALLY...
I'm not going to go on about how much I miss this space. I do... like crazy. But it has felt so good and so right to take a step back. The Lord has been challenging me and stretching me and it has been such a rich season of learning and leaning that I really have absolutely no regrets.

But I still live in hope to resurrect this place sometime soon!

So, bring on springtime - I'm ready for full on daffodils, and spring buds, Easter and sunshine and even that dreaded pollen!