1.
Alleluia! This has been a week of events starting with the greatest celebration of all, the Resurrection of our Lord. We woke up on Easter morning to gorgerous spring weather, then beat the crowds by attending an early mass in the gym at our church, and hosted a no-fuss potluck lunch with family. My girls enjoyed hunting Easter eggs with their cousins and loaded up on chocolate. I sat with my husband in the backyard, and watched them play. It was a perfect day.
Tuesday was my husband's 49th birthday For his special dinner, I made Jumbo Gumbo and paired it with his favorite beer, Sam Adams. He really liked it, however my coconut cake was a disappointment. Does anyone have good coconut cake recipe to share? I need a "re-do" to redeem myself!
3.
At the suggestion of my blogging friend,Sharon, I just finished reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. The subtitle describes the book quite well "A dare to live fully right where you are. " I read about the tragic death of her baby sister, and thought about my crisis of faith when my mother died when I was twelve. Then I read the following, " To the wrestle to get it all done, the relentless anxiety that I am failing." and "the sin of ingratitude", I knew this was the book I should reading right now. It is extraordinary book, filled with inspiration, honesty and hope.
4.
Speaking of books, I have been listening to an audio recording of Ellen Foster by Kaye Gibbons. Beautifully narrated by Ruth Ann Phimister, this book tells the story of a young southern girl who after the death of her mother is abused by her father and later her grandmother. You would think it would be depressing and dishearting, however it is also filled with inspiration, honesty, and hope. I was first introduced to Kaye Gibbons by another blogging buddy, Julie. When I was sick and needed a break, she suggested Charms of An Easy Life also written by the same author. I will be reading more of Kaye Gibbons soon.
5.
Next week, my six year will be taking the California Achement Test (CAT) for Kindergarten . The package includes six different tests in three basic content areas: Reading, Language, and Mathematics. After she completes the tests, they are sending off for independent scoring and results. For our state, the kindergan tests are not required, however I want her to become familiar with standized test taking and also see how she performs in a test envinment and ranks aginst her peers.
6.
Speaking of home school, Ladybug started her first grade math curriculum two weeks ago, and it is going well. However, it is a lot more work than kindergarten math. Bumblebee is joining in on the fun, and is learning her left from her right as well recognizing more of her numbers.
7.
So, did any of you wake up to watch the Royal Wedding?
For more quick Takes, please head over to Jennifer at the Conversion Diary Have a great weekend, everyone!
I'm so glad you liked it so much!!! Also, you need to read your girls Ella Enchanted. Happy Friday, Mary!
Posted by: Julie @ The Corner With A View | 04/29/2011 at 10:43 AM
I am so glad you enjoyed Ann's book. Yes it is heavy and not one you can just 'sit and casually read' it is in small increments that I am reading it, taking notes and thinking on her words. She is gifted and I believe has a message for us all.
Gratitude is a life change, a change of heart. Even in the hard places of life there is good to be found. Blessings to you~
Posted by: Sharon O | 04/29/2011 at 11:52 AM
I found your blog from Jen at Conversion Diary and just wanted to say that Gumbo looks awesome! I don't think there is any redemption necessary...
Posted by: John Flynn | 04/29/2011 at 02:36 PM
Thanks John! The Gumbo was pretty good, at least my husband and I enjoyed it. The girls thought it was TOO spicy
Posted by: Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith | 04/30/2011 at 10:44 PM
Sharon,
One Tousand Gifts is definitely a book to reflect on and ponder, many of Ann's words I could really relate too, and felt they were written especially for me.
Posted by: Mary @ A Simple Twist of Faith | 05/02/2011 at 10:51 PM