I have a lot to tell you about April. It was a full, fun, fast month. Pull up a seat on my porch, and let’s swap our stories before this month ends. Yes, I know we have five more days, but I’m taking some deep breaths and reflecting now while I can.
Highlights
We started the month with Spring Break, which is a great way to begin! I used to get nervous about breaking out of our routine but now that is exactly what I long for. That alone is true testimony to how far God has brought my Type A, perfectionist-striving heart. The kids and I spent a couple days in Louisville, visiting with my mom and some longtime friends.
Spring Break ended with some snow. Yeah, weird, because another day this month was 80. I’m definitely ready for the warm side of life. And, yes, we’re opening our pool soon. Speaking of which, Rachel is in her third month of swim lessons.
And then I got to spend a weekend with some of my best girls (who I happened to meet on the internet). I really do hope you get to have a community in your life serves as a shelter.
Earlier this week, Greg turned 40, so we celebrated that with a big outdoor party on what turned out to be a perfect spring day. Sporty Forty included target shooting, kick ball, go-cart and ATV riding, hot dogs, and ice cream cake.
Favorite things
StrengthsFinders – I love personality tests and profiles. (Hello, Enneagram 1! And, yes, I’m an ESFJ.) But I had never taken the StrengthsFinder. I finally did at the writers’ retreat I’ve already raved about. These are my top five strengths: Communication, discipline, responsibility, strategic, and developer. None of this is surprising. Of course, I always see where everything can improve, so I do kind of wish I had something more meaningful like compassion.
“Dream Small” by Josh Wilson – This song is speaking the truth about God’s great love right into my life. It echoes so many things God has been teaching me.
From the bookshelf
“Picture Perfect” by Jodi Picoult – Although it’s emotional, it didn’t feel like other Jodi Picoult books I read. I enjoyed reading it, but I was worn out when it was over.
“The Great Alone” by Kristin Hannah – This was an emotional story but an excellent book. I think I liked it even better than “The Nightingale,” which I loved. And perhaps I really do like historical fiction.
I had to put a call out for fiction reads that weren’t quite as heavy as those two, which both involved domestic violence. They were good stories with redemption but the heaviness stayed with me for a while so I moved on to some lighter reads. (You can see my recent book recommendations.)
On the screen
“Jane the Virgin” – This fourth season was slow going, in my opinion, but it picked up as the season progressed and ended with a cliffhanger that prompted all kinds of emotions.
“The Resident” – I’m really loving this show so I hope stays around.
“Survivor” – We’re longtime fans, but I’m especially enjoying watching the current 36th season with my oldest girl. I get the feeling she may be going back and watching more on Amazon Prime.
“The Voice” – This may be the 14th season, but it’s the first time I’ve watched. I love it so much. One of the contestants grew up near me and we share some mutual friends, so that’s a fun element. I also really love the coaches’ interactions with each other and the contestants. Plus there are some talented singers.
How was your April? Are you
ready for those May flowers?
*****

Sounds like a wonderful month in spite of the prolonged company of winter 🙂 There is something so very special about enjoying your favorite shows with your kids. Survivor is a favorite at our house. May Cate enjoy it!
I probably shouldn’t talk about prolonged winter to you … 🙂 I hope you’re enjoying a break from the snow! Thanks for your faithfulness on the porch, my friend. xo
You had a great month! So glad that it involved time with friends.
I’m curious about Strength Finders, so I need to do some more reading about it!
I want to read more about Strength Finders. I’m still really into learning about the Enneagram. 🙂 Thanks for being on my porch, Michele!
I am so grateful for warm weather!!!! I have watched a few episodes of The Voice too (I am also a noob). Love reading your updates. Still wish we could see you in May but I totally understand crazy schedules. I pray you have a good week!
Surely we can figure out another way to meet up because we’re really not very far from each other. I wish I could come in May too, but we have something every weekend and that day includes my son’s soccer game as well as helping our best friends move. Enjoy the spring weather that hopefully stays around! Thanks for being here. xo
I like sitting on your porch and catching up. You and your peeps live a full, blessed life. My love to all of you.
I’m looking forward to the day you’re on my real porch. Until then, I’m glad to have you here! xo
Happy birthday to your husband! Our weather has been back and forth as well. I hope spring is fully settled in now. Our highlights in April were the 4th birthday of my grandson and the visit of my oldest son who lives out of state.
Sounds like a fun visit and celebration! Hope you’re getting real spring too!
Such a fun recap! Hope you found a lighter read 🙂
I’m reading Dani Pettrey’s latest, and it’s really good so far!
My sister got me hooked on both The Voice and American Idol. They truly are talented individuals. 🙂 Fun post friend! I wish I could gather on your porch with you.
I wish you could gather on my actual porch too, but I’m glad you’re faithful here. xo