Tortoise Tuesday - Sometimes You Have to Keep it Simple

Welcome to Tortoise Tuesday!  Here is where I try to be more slow and steady like the Tortoise and less frazzled and frenzied like the Hare. 

This has been a whirlwind week.  It seems like the end of the school year is always like this... end of the year celebrations, field trips, tests, projects... and the list goes on.  In the midst of this flurry of activity, sometimes you have to keep things simple.  Our son was confirmed at church on Sunday and we had a celebration at our house after.  Confirmation is a wonderful time in our church where after two years of study, a teen confirms his or her faith in Jesus Christ.  Big milestone for sure and one worthy of great joy!  And, a gathering for us must ensue.  

Now,  I love parties, decorating, hospitality, and all these  parties entail.  But sometimes, well in order to keep my sanity, simplifying in the way to go.   I would have loved to make amazing decorations, scoured Pinterest for a plethera ideas, and craft to my heart's delight.  And, the seeing my plans come to fruition... oh, the joy in that.  However, the reality is this...  had I done that for this party, I would have been super stressed.  This is not always the case; in fact, sometimes the planning and implementation of hosting gatherings like this often relieve my stress and feed my inner creative streak.   So, setting my priorities in order, some things had to go and some had to stay.  Creative party prep lost out.

Sunday we worshiped together, and then come home for my son's celebration.  Here is the list of what it did not contain:

~ lots of cool decorations

~a diverse menu of fruits, salads, cute little finger sandwiches, many yummy desserts

~ a spread that was both visually creative and pleasing, as well as, delicious

~a creativly wrapped gift

~meaningful party favors to commemorate the day

Here is a list of what the day did contain:

~store bought meatballs simmering in sauce in the crockpot

~ rolls to make meatball subs

~ a plate of American cheese (yep, no assortment of fine cheeses in pretty dishes)

~ice tea, lemonade, soda, and wine (brought by a dear friend)

~four kinds of chips

~ice cream bars for dessert

~ paper goods all in the same color

You know what?  

The joy and fellowship were just as sweet.  There was storytelling and laughter... and love.   Kids' play was spontaneous (yep, no activities planned except eating).  Joy abounded.

Okay, I couldn't let the day go without getting a little creativity out... 

this is one of the centerpieces that I made for the confirmation students at church...

 we used our son's for the centerpieces for our table outside as well... 

Sometimes, you just have to keep it simple!

Praying you have many blessings and much joy!

Kristen