I do believe I’ve *nearly* recovered from Easter weekend :-) We had plans to spend the weekend in Auburn until John called at the eleventh hour and said he would rather come home because nothing would be going on at school. So, I spent my Thursday afternoon menu planning, grocery shopping, fluffing his room and ordering a ham for Easter. I also invited Sister’s family to join us. Friday morning, I called John for an update on his ETA and he asked to bring three friends who live too far to travel to their homes for just two nights (MA, NE, NJ). I was SO proud of him for thinking to include these kids and enthusiastically said YES! Two minutes later, I was panicked that I had three more to feed, house and entertain… and that they were arriving in three hours. I made a mad dash to the store and bought literally everything I could fit in the buggy and rushed home to make up more sleeping spaces.
On their arrival I had a loaf of (my!) sourdough and some chip and dip options. Honey and I immediately adored the young men John carried home and my heart felt so full getting this peek inside his social circle. We snacked and sat down to supper together. Honey had already heated the pool for the season so John invited a bunch of his high school friends over to join them for a night of dice, hot tub, swimming and watching the Auburn baseball game. They stayed up WAY later than me and seemed to have a fantastic night.
Saturday they boys slept in and Honey made them brunch out back on the Blackstone. They spent the day swimming, joined by more of John’s high school crew. That evening Honey dropped them off at The Battery for the Braves game. It was one of the boys’ first MLB game and he was beyond excited! They reported back a good time was had by all. I heard them come in late and it sounded like a commercial kitchen downstairs. Pots banging, water running, microwave dinging. They basically ate everything in sight and I was just laying there half asleep thinking “I hope they don’t devour the deviled eggs before I get one.” LOL.
Sunday morning we were up bright and early for mass. I didn’t really know how to approach this, so I asked them on Saturday if anyone was interested in attending. There was a resounding YES and I promise I almost cried tears of joy. Turns out two of them are Catholic and the third is not but went to Parochial school :-) And so, I was off to mass with not just my two, but with five handsome chicks in tow. :-)
After mass they boys put back on their swim suit and enjoyed the pool while Honey and I got lunch ready. Sister’s family joined us for a full house. We sat down under the bluest sky and brightest April sun and broke bread on this joyous day! Around 3PM, the boys packed up and pulled out. Sister’s family stayed to swim. Honey passed out from exhaustion in the cabana.
It was my favorite Easter yet and my honor and privlege to love on these boys like the mommas would.
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This just makes my heart burst and my eyes leak. it reminds me of when my daughter was at Ole Miss and those extra “chicks” were always welcomed. As the Lord teaches us, there is always room for one more. What a blessed Resurrection Sunday! thank you for sharing.
Amanda, I love how you and Honey always welcome John & Whits friends so gladly. You both deserve much praise for putting all this together so nicely at the last minute (no easy feat) and making these young men feel so welcome. I am sure their Mommas appreciate the kindness and love you expressed to their sons as well.
While I am not of the Catholic faith, two of my co-workers were and I will never forget them inviting me to go with them to The Cathedral in Richmond, VA after the horror of 9/11 for a special service. It was a beautiful service, and I appreciated being welcomed.
Why do I think this is a new Easter tradition for your family? So welcoming and just the restorative break the college kids needed.
I’d love it to become one <3
What a treat! An exhausting one, but the best kind! Can you tell me about the colorful church art that’s in the background of the Eater basket pic? Also – what’s that you have your butter in? Thanks!
Yes! The painting is of the Cathedral in Savannah where we were married. It is by Brandon Thomas. The butter is in a crock – you can find them on amazon!
I love this so much!
HS senior chose college 5 hours away & I don’t think freshman are allowed cars so – while I’d love to be the house that hosts – I sure hope he gets an invite from someone like John!
We always have room for our sons one, two, three…friends for holidays but SO ADMIRE you that you can have it “so together” to make personalized bows, baskets, beautiful table settings! We often just have a buffet and hope for the best!!!
Love this! It was always so much fun when our kids brought their friends home from school!