A Sunny March Monday

 What is this I see?

Sunny skies and warm weather!  After many days of rain last week I am so happy to see the sun shining.  

The weather will be warm in the next few days before dropping again.  I'll take what I can get.  The back door is open and the dog is sunbathing.  Time to let those winter germs out of the house.

The weekend was busy.  On Saturday we went to my parents' house where my sister and her family visited from Long Island.  We met my nephew's girlfriend from Bangladesh.  She's really sweet and seems to fit right in with us.  I do hope this lasts.  My nephew looked really happy.  

On Sunday we went to church for Sunday school, service, lunch together in the church cafeteria, and then another service.  My son had to stay for orchestra practice and then he took his sister to the movies to see I Can Only Imagine 2.  They really liked it.  While they were out I vacuumed the school van and then relaxed.  

Today we are back to Monday.  I picked up the three teenage boys to take to their school and then received a text that my elementary school girl didn't need picked up because she's staying home with the flu.  I took my son to his chiropractor appointment and then went home for some morning housework while listening to the Bible app.  I'm putting my feet up for a moment while writing this and waiting for laundry to finish.  It's going to be a busy week of work, more homemaking, and waiting for my kids to get home from track practices after school.  What is so great about having a child that drives is not having to rush around to pick them up.  He's got it now.  

And look at my basil plants.  They are growing nicely.  So is my mint.  The oregano has failed and I'll have to start that over.  

Enjoy the second week of March, friends!  Time is flying by fast.  

March Goes In Like A Lion ...

 "March goes in like a lion and out like a lamb"

Happy March everyone!  Yes, we are experiencing both the lion and the lamb of March and it's only the second day.  We've had days this weekend of pure sunshine and warmth and it was wonderful.  This girl loves sunbathing on the back deck.  

I even cooked dinner on the Blackstone griddle.  Smashed burgers, anyone?

But today it's cloudy, dark skies and chilly air.  Rain, freezing rain, snow is forecasted for the rest of the week and then sunshine and 70+ degrees for Saturday.  It's a long month ahead of us but we will put one foot in front of the other and get through it.  

My daughter participated in the high school's musical this year Annie.  I loved the movie Annie when I was a child, so much that I drove my family crazy with how much I watched it.  I was excited to see the school was doing this musical this year.  Brianna was in the ensemble so she had a small role here and there of being a homeless person, NYC dancer, and a chef for Mr. Warbucks.  The play was great.  Even my son enjoyed it and he does not like musicals.  Bri isn't sure if she'll be participating in anymore school plays but I hope she does.  It's a lot of work.  4 shows - one Friday, two Saturday and one Sunday.  Daily practices beforehand.  Her feet are sore and she's tired but she made it to school today.  

Today starts track season and both kids are participating in that.  It will be bittersweet watching as Matthew enjoys his last season at the high school level.  Bri is giving it a try.  I'm proud of them both.  

We're winding down on the colder days that are keeping me indoors and there's so much on my list of indoor projects still to do.  I guess a rainy week makes a good excuse for getting it done.  Today is dishes, laundry, grocery shopping and vacuuming the school van but now is a good time for a quick lunch break and a blogger hello.  

Enjoy the week, friends!

I saw a reel online today with a guy that said for this week let's challenge ourselves not to complain about anything this week.  I'll give it a try ... let's go! I'll let you know on Friday how I did.  

Five For Friday: Bye-Bye February

It's the last Friday of February so I'd decide to do a Five for Friday with questions that will talk about the month and what I look forward to in the next.  

 1. Favorite moment from the month.

Attending the Elevation concert in Hershey with my son last Tuesday.  It was so spirit-filled and a great opportunity to get my son around like-minded believers and an escape from what he's been facing in school.  

2.  A challenging moment from the month.

Helping my son navigate through some of the things that have been going on in school.  There's a group of kids who have been spreading rumors about him.  Even though he shows kindness in return, I know it's been weighing on his heart.  It elevates my regret of sending them to public school.  

3.  Something God taught me this month.

In these circumstances, God reminds me that He is in control and will lead where He wants us to go.  In my son's situation at school I can hear the Holy Spirit tell me that He is allowing this to help him for what He has planned in the future.  I'm trusting that.  

4.  One thing I love about February.  

I love that it is a short month with Valentines Day thrown in the middle.  

5.  What do I look forward to in March.

Hopefully some warmer weather and sunshine as we get closer to welcoming Spring!  

A Noisy Hodgepodge

 Joining in with Joyce for her Wednesday Hodgepodge questions.  Let's go!

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Willimasburg-Yorktown Virginia. 

Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American what's one place in the US you'd like to see? 

Never for the 4th of July but I have visited New York, DC, Philly, Virginia and South Carolina.  I used to live on Long Island, that counts as New York, right?  I'd pick DC as a place to see fireworks since that is our capital but that doesn't seem to be in our plans.  I have never been to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore but I do believe that would be an incredible site to see.  What would I recommend for anyone outside of the country?  New York, for sure, although that's a city that doesn't seem very safe anymore, sadly.

2. Three sounds you love to hear? 

Laughter from my children, birds chirping, worship music.  

3. Three sounds you hate to hear? 

Screeching, nails on a chalkboard type stuff, negativity.

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips? 

Yes I am a fan of tortilla chips and I prefer them with salsa and also my husband's buffalo chicken dip.  I do like nachos but I do no like the cheese that comes with it.  Sometimes I will add tortilla chips to my taco salad.  

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile? 

Spring.  Yes, that's right.  March 20th!!!  Looking forward to turning the chapter to a new season.  March also means track season and I can't wait to watch my son in his last season with the high school and my daughter's first.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Last night my son and I went to Hershey to see Elevation Worship and it was amazing.  If you like a modern style of worship music I recommend music by Elevation.  It was a great night but not getting home and to bed until midnight showed me that I am too old to be out that late.  I was grateful for this quality time with my boy.