Saturday, I hosted Ladies Brunch for my church. This is something that started years ago, initially held at a restaurant, once a month. I love feeding people, creating menus, and hosting. I felt it in my heart the call to host the ladies and in July 2023, it happened! A few weeks prior, I researched recipes to create the menu. I’m a seasonal cook. I love combining the flavors to create a well rounded and “everything goes together” menu. Sweet, savory, veggie, fruit, coffee, and a refreshing non caffeinated drink. What fun it would be to paint the menu! So I did ( and have done for each brunch I have hosted). The flavors of summer included blueberries and tomatoes, and classic brunch favorites like bacon, cinnamon rolls, and quiche were included. I think 12 ladies showed up (the biggest group yet) and it was a joyous time. Something special happened. It’s not just the homemade food or seeing friends. Gathering around the table, being able to see each other, and hear the deep, meaningful conversations (something that is sometimes missed in a restaurant)–that is what community is all about. After that brunch, we created a Facebook Group for the ladies in the church to be “in the know” of events and happenings.
It had been a year since the last time I hosted the brunch. I felt ready to host again, post giving birth. I have a process for how I plan the menu and prepare for the brunch. I’ll share more on this process in the follow up posts: Menu Planning, How to Host Ladies Brunch, and Hosting Essentials. It’s the week of the event and I hadn’t quite narrowed down the menu. I knew I wanted to have the flavors of fall like apple, pumpkin, nutmeg, cinnamon, sweet potato.
PRO TIP: When you can’t decide, ask those who will be joining! I did and then it all came together.
My son is now 5 months old and at the stage where I can't get anything done. He wants to always be moving, loves to watch my every step, and can also get bored easily. He'll laugh at our dog, Kobe, while he plays. He's growing and seeing so much!
The day before brunch, I was feeling so tired after an exhausting week. All I could think was that I just wanted to rest tomorrow. But I had been looking forward to the brunch and knew I would enjoy it. A friend came over and helped play with Lonnie, while I started brunch prep. That helped tremendously! It was so nice to visit and bake at the same time. We set the table and did a couple chores. I was not preparing the usual amount of menu items, which helped for my first one back. I finished the prep, painted the menu, and wrote my to do list for the morning of ( I didn’t want to forget anything). It’s the morning of, and I get started on my list: turn on the oven to warm up everything, my husband unloaded the dishwasher, I rearranged a few things, made the frosting for the cinnamon rolls, and the ladies arrived. My husband and son were going on their first outing together to a birthday party.
We fixed our plate, made pumpkin spiced lattes, and shared laughs and tears around the table. We were led by these questions: “What emotion are you feeling today?” and “What is stealing your joy?” While also thinking about the fruits of the spirit. I shared how through my husband and I’s exhaustion, we are working on being kind and patient with one another. Sometimes I feel overstimulated, touched out, not because I lack love, but because I’m poured out in every way. My hands and heart are constantly tending, holding, feeding, and comforting. I realized my joy was being taken and I needed to take a moment each day for quiet and reflection, so I can show up with gentleness again. The joy on my son’s face whenever my husband comes home from work makes me so happy.
Thank You for the gift of our little one and for the strength You've given us in this new season. Lord, You see how full our days are--remind us both that tenderness can take many forms: a kind word, shared laughter, or just being still together. Bless him, Lord, for working so hard for us, for his patience, and for his love even when I'm stretched thin. Teach us to give each other grace in the small moments, to reach for connection even when we're tired, and to remember we're on the same team. Help me rest in Your peace and refill my spirit so I can love freely again. Amen.
Choose joy even in the midst of your exhaustion. Hosting the Ladies Brunch was something that I needed. It fueled my spirit and in turn, fueled others with yummy food.
Gathered and Growing 
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