The Non-Laborious Days

I have to tell you...this past weekend was l.o.v.e.l.y.

Lovely.

We didn't go anywhere. For the most part, we didn't really do anything. Nothing blog-worthy {though you'll notice it's not stopping me from writing a possibly-too-long post on it anyway}. But oh my goodness. How truly lovely.

Last Friday, I only had to work a half day, and Lynne was out the whole day, so I had the opportunity to work from home! And that was a joy. My hour-long commute was reduced to approximately .0005 seconds, while I walked into the office.

It was heavenly. I nearly worked up a sweat cranking out all the work in half the time...breaking only to refill the coffee cup. {Which, thankfully, did not break.}

And I actually got to enjoy the sun from my desk...which was an exciting treat!

I realize this is not everyone's cup of tea, but one of my greatest joys on the days I happen to get to be home - for whatever reason - is the chance to be Ryan's wife, first and foremost. So that afternoon, I did just that, working on chores around the house...cleaning up, doing laundry, and getting a chance to really work on my exercise and my devo time in the quietness of home. Strange as it may sound, I treasured those opportunities!

Another happy thing that afternoon was the chance to get together with one of my friends for frozen yogurt. We spent a couple hours just catching up on life, and I appreciated the time to enjoy and savor that!

Friday night, I had a date with my handsome husband:

Dinner at Noodles and Company...coffee at Starbucks...and a giant tie-up on I-69. Of course. Because it would not be a trip for us if we didn't spend twice as much time as necessary on the interstate.

And then it was Saturday...and sadly, Ryan had to work. :(

But while he was gone, I knocked the scrapbooking out of the park. I did an entire 60-some page book IN ONE DAY. I just couldn't quit working on it once I started!

And I would just like to say that I really appreciate the way Ryan supports my scrapbooking habit. How he understands that not only is this a good creative outlet for me, but he also appreciates the way it preserves our story. As we looked through the book on the computer after I finished it, he mentioned that some of the things, he'd already forgotten, and he thanked me for my hard work in putting it all together to have for always.

It wasn't all play and no work...I did manage to work out, do a pedicure and go grocery shopping. 

And then it was Sunday...and it was our one day together in the long weekend. We so enjoyed our church service. I was a note-taking fool during the sermon. And because I got up early enough to put lunch in the crock pot before we left, we could start eating about 35 seconds after walking in the door! :)

We had a Sunday afternoon like it should be: naps, Duggar marathons, hours of Pinteresting, and I made a Texas Sheet cake to honor my grandma's life. Sunday would have been her 100th birthday.

That night, we went on a walk...and it was perfect walking weather. We had a great time, and nothing is more beautiful than this chapel lit up in the almost-darkness.

We rounded out the day by becoming possibly the last people on earth to watch God's Not Dead. {Loved it, by the way.}

And then it was Labor Day itself...and again, Ryan had to work. I got up early, dyed my roots, packed his lunch, did my devos, worked on a plan for an anniversary trip, spent more time with the Lord, and the whole time, THIS girl was my number one "helper."

Since there was a threat of rain, I thought I should take advantage of the sun to read for a while in the hammock.

And then I proceeded to be very productive. I cooked. I cleaned. I shopped. {Only for necessities, you understand.} And when Ryan got home, we headed to the gym, where I proceeded to head straight for the arm weights. I've noticed {ahem} the beginning stages of the "Bricker Swing"...a hereditary arm flab condition that plagues the women of the family. I'm determined to at least give it a run for its money.

And I finished off the night with a manicure...fully ready to re-enter the commuting work force on Tuesday with decent nails.

I loved it. I loved this weekend. I was sad that Ryan had to work so much, but I loved the ability to do the things that bring me such fulfillment at home. It was a gift, this weekend. The rest and the work were a gift...dancing in rhythm...and I appreciate them both. My heart is full and grateful.