A Tuesday Update

 There was no update from me last week on the blog.  I was busy and I was also mentally exhausted.  It's been rough.  

It's been rough because there are certain things going on at school and my son has been personally affected by it and that is something we are in the midst of handling right now.  I won't go into specifics but this situation has left me feeling so hurt, fearful, and frustrated.  I told him that I believe the Lord is allowing him to go through this to prepare him for whatever is to come.  He's going to school for ministry and that is a position met with a lot of adversity.  Even though I often question if sending my kids to public school was the correct decision I can see how the things that have been happening to them, as rough as it can be, is definitely preparing them for life.  Even so, I'm still stuck with that regret.  I wish I would have chosen better for them but the one thing I am learning is the importance of not being focused on the could've/should've/would've.  This is God's plan, not mine.  

On a positive note, I can see how the buds of the trees are trying to make their appearance and that is a good sign that spring is on its way.  

How many of us could use some spring right now?

With the warmer temperatures and the rain we got this weekend the snow is FINALLY beginning to melt.  I can see grass!  I never thought I'd be excited over grass but here I am.  

The weekend was a nice break from the reality of what has been happening.  The kids had a 4 day weekend because of a teacher in-service on Friday and President's Day on Monday.  Friday night the church hosted a Valentines Day dinner for couples so we went.  I was reluctant to go but it was a nice evening, I'll admit.  Saturday was Valentine's Day but we went out of town for the day.  We visited my son's future college.  My husband and son had been there quite a few times but this was the first time his sister and I were able to take a tour.  It's a small private college and I could definitely feel the presence of the Lord there.  Everyone we met is super sweet and I know he's going to fit right in.  As much as I don't want to rush time, I cannot wait until he can be done with PUBLIC school and onto something that will be so much more fulfilling for him.  We also walked around the town.

When we made it home in the evening my husband ordered a pizza.  A simple, quick meal because none of us had the time or energy to cook.

And we exchanged gifts.  I didn't take pictures of the kids or husband with theirs but I did take a picture of all the things Rob bought me.  So cute!  Can you see a theme here?  

Since there was no time on Saturday I prepared a heart-shaped cake on Sunday.  Chocolate cake with strawberry icing.  I have yet to have a piece, trying to be healthy.  On Monday I made chocolate covered strawberries, requested by my daughter.  My apologies, I lack the ability to remember to take pictures of everything.  

On Monday, as much as I wanted to spend the day resting at home, I decided to take the kids to an old fashioned arcade.  The arcade fills with games from the past and I had my own fun with Space Invaders, Pacman and one wall that was filled with several different pinball machines.  We walked over to an old fashioned candy store, as well.  As tired as I was, it was needed.  

Now today is Tuesday, the first day back to school for the week and my first day back driving my van students to school.  The air was foggy and warm.  Today is also Fat Tuesday but here in this part of Pennsylvania it's known as Fastnacht Day.  

A Fastnacht is a donut-like cake that has been created in Germany and currently is celebrated among the Pennsylvania Dutch.  The intention was to get as much fat and certain other ingredients out of the house before Lent.  This may be the only PA Dutch thing I celebrate because, well, it's a donut.  Ha!  

I don't even celebrate Lent.  I'm not even sure anyone in my Catholic family has ever followed on that tradition.  But I'll most certainly take that donut!

Even though life can feel so frustrating and uncertain at the moment, I intend to focus on the little things that bring joy.  

Five For Friday

 

Good morning!  I thought I'd bring Five For Friday back for this week.  As we wrap up the first week of February I thought I'd pick five questions from February Questions For Social Media.  That's right, I asked Google for some suggestions.  

Valentines Day Question

1.  What's Your Favorite Valentines Day Tradition?

When the kids were smaller we would make crafts together.  Usually using my heart shaped cookie cutters they would cut out hearts from construction paper and color them or write something they loved about our family.  I made heart shaped pancakes and sometimes a heart shaped cake.  Maybe even a heart shaped sandwich for lunch or heart shaped homemade fries for dinner.  Whatever I can make heart shaped, you get it.  I don't get so much into all of that nowadays but I do set some decorations out around the house and I do buy my husband a gift and include the kids on the gift giving too.  They each get some chocolates and something else too.  I love my husband and kids every single day of the year but I love taking this special holiday and doing a little extra.  

American Heart Month Question

2.  What's Your Favorite Way to Stay Active?

On these cold winter days I like to walk/run on the treadmill.  I'll do some stretches or weights.  Maybe some cardio, depending on the day.  When it's nice outside I enjoy taking a walk around the neighborhood or hiking at a nearby park.  My goal is to do more walking this year and maybe get myself into better shape for running.  

Superbowl Sunday Question

3.  Do you watch the game for the football, the halftime show, or the commercials?

I only watch the game because my husband and son are into it.  I don't care so much for football but I try to find the joy in it.  The halftime show has been awful for the last several years and this upcoming one is definitely not one we'll be tuning into.  The commercials seem a bit weak lately, too.  So, what is it I enjoy the most about the Superbowl?  The snacks.  Yes, I'll pick the snacks.  Also, the quality time with family.  

End of Winter Questions

4.  What's One Thing You Love About February?

After a long, slow moving, cold January I look forward to the shorter month of February.  It's still cold outside but the calendar gives us a lot of little days to look forward to ... Groundhog Day, Fat Tuesday, Valentines Day, the Superbowl and this year it's the Winter Olympics.  It's those little things that will make the month a bit more enjoyable.  

5.  How Excited Are You For Spring to Arrive?  

Very excited!  I've learned to enjoy the slower paced, quieter days of winter but I look forward to warmer temperatures and sunshine.  The sunshine seems to improve my mood.  I also can't wait to get started on the outside garden and spending time outdoors.  Spring also means we are inching closer to summer.  

All pictures copied from GOOGLE 

Groundhog Day

 It's February!   A new month and another chance of starting fresh.  Soon we will be celebrating Valentines Day and I do have some home decor for that but today ...

It's a silly little holiday.   Our famous Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter.  I also saw my shadow on the snow covered ground today, too.  The sun is bright but the air is bitterly cold.  I don't think I'll see the green grass for awhile.  

I got a text from my nephew this morning of my great niece ready for school today.  

I guess our joy for this day runs in the family.  

Truth be told though ... 

Spring comes in 6 more weeks no matter what he says.  

6 weeks!  Ahhhh, I'm ready for it.  How about you? 

Just One Thought For Friday

  Today, I'm skipping the Five For Friday, although I haven't been consistent on it anyway.  

Today, I only want to share one thought.  Just one.  Just one regarding a recent struggle of mine.  

The Holy Spirit has been working overtime with me lately so I'll give Him a break and log off of Instagram and Facebook for awhile.  I'll come back here next week to talk about how I better occupy my time.