Christmas

 It's amazing how we spend so much time decorating, shopping and planning for the most magical day of the year and then with the blink of an eye it's over.   The gifts have been opened, the messes have been cleared and we are back to normal, as if the holiday never happened.  

On Saturday we hung out with Rob's side of the family at his sister's house.  Christmas Eve was spent peacefully at home until we went to the evening candlelight service.  We were home in time to see Santa drive by on a firetruck.  Brooke's first time seeing him and she was freaking out. 

Then we set milk and cookies out and the kids went to bed while mom and dad got busy making the magic happen.

Christmas morning came all too fast and Brianna was up early waking us all up.  Matt remained in bed for awhile.   I guess the teenager isn't as impatient as the little boy had been.  We opened gifts and treasured our time together before my parents came over.   I opted out of making the traditional ham and baked a lasagna instead.  

As Christmas ends I'm feeling sad but I'm also very grateful.   Grateful to God for giving us the gift of eternal salvation through His son Jesus.  Grateful for being able to gift my children with things they wanted.  Grateful for family time.  Just grateful.   

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas as well.  

It's A Yes For Me

 

So, tell me.  Do you like eggnog?

I like it.  Always have.  It's one of my childhood traditions, spiked for the adults and regular for the kids.  I still prefer it without the alcohol.   My husband and kids don't like it so I never bother to buy it.  My husband and daughter surprised me with this small bottle and it was enough for me.  Very delicious.   

Maybe you aren't a fan.  It's OK, a lot aren't.  More for me, then.

Thursday Thoughts

It's been difficult waking up at 5:35 in the morning to quickly get ready for an early start of defrosting the van on these cold mornings.   I drive fourteen miles in the pitch dark before the sun begins to rise, nearly blinding me.  I'm entertained by both the radio and conversations with my students.  By 9am I'm home where my dog begs for my attention as I try to navigate through all the housework.  Then by 2:15pm I'm out the door heading to the high school for my first pick up, then to the elementary school.  Back home by 4pm where I'm greeted by my own two children.  The evenings are jammed pack with rushing to get dinner ready, splitting ways as we take both kids to where they need to go and then finally showering and crashing into bed by nighttime.  That has been my recent weekdays in a nutshell.

Last night we watched our girl perform in her winter chorus concert.  She did great.  At the time our son was across the street at the high school doing his off season work outs in the weight room.  He has such a thin frame like his dad but he's formed quite the muscles.  His goal is to gain more and possibly try out for the wrestling team next year, his junior year.  Both kids are facing certain struggles in their lives and it's been difficult figuring out how to help them through it but I've been focusing on just how incredibly awesome they are.  They are both talented, both continue to want to serve and honor God and keep their heads focused on that faith, and they are amazing friends to others.  I came across this quote on Instagram and feel it so much.  

Isn't that the truth?  As much as I enjoy my children as they are now I'm really missing the little ones they used to be.  Just to hear my son run into my arms saying, "Mommy I love you, you're my best friend."  Now when I talk to him his words are few and it's been months since I heard him even say he loves me.  It's the age, I get it.  My daughter is still as affectionate as always and promises she won't stop, though I know the teen years are quickly creeping in so I won't hold my breath.  I'm just going to enjoy what I have here as it is and hold onto the memories of what was.  Motherhood is also a mix of joy and sadness.  I'm grateful.  

What A Week

 

Halleluiah, it's Friday!

This week was a doozy.  First of all, and for some unknown reason, I had trouble falling asleep and staying asleep every night this week.  It's been difficult because I have to get up at 5:30am for work.  A reason unknown to me, they removed me from having to take the 12th grade boy to his tech school.  Immediately, I was given a different route.  I have to pick up a girl a half hour away in her temporary foster home and bring her back to this town for school.  She's in 10th grade like my son but they don't know each other.  She's a super sweet girl.  I enjoy our conversations and getting to know her.  It should only be for a few weeks until she's returned to her biological family.  I don't know the story behind it and I dare not ask but I do wish her well.  This long trip has made me late to the elementary school in the afternoon where I pick up two girls.  The school and their parents seem to be super understanding.  I really do love this job but I worry if it's financially enough for us.  

My kids were both sick with bronchitis and currently taking an antibiotic.  My daughter missed three days.  They are missing so much this year and I'm grateful for doctors notes that help us to not reach that dumb 10-day parent excused absence rule before the fines start rolling in.  Ugh!  They are both on the mend and back to school today.  In just a few hours we will have entered the weekend and I'm looking forward to it!  

We also experienced some snow yesterday morning.  Nothing that accumulated but it was a sample of what's probably to come.  I hear Pennsylvania will see a snowy winter this year.

The best thing of this week was my husband was sworn in as school board director.  I went to my first board meeting and it was pretty cool to see my man behind the desk.  Congratulations Rob!  Go do what God has called for you!  

As we're moving closer to Christmas I'm trying to keep myself from feeling too stressed.  This is a time of year that should be joyful and happy but I find myself scurrying and panicking that all the gifts haven't been purchased yet.  Then there's the planning on having family over.  One day with my parents, the other day with the in-laws.  Time with extended family should be fun and happy but for me it's a stresser, especially the in-laws who I can't seem to get along with.  I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around them because whatever I do and say will be judged.  It's been that way for over twenty years.  But I try to focus on what's truly important in this season, which is the gift of Jesus.  I also focus on making sure my children are happy and fulfilled.  Waking up early on Christmas Day watching as they open gifts is so magical and wonderful and I know time with them like this is dwindling down.  Someday they will leave, probably with their own spouses and kids, and I will no longer have Christmas mornings like this.  The older my kids get the more I realize this and it kind of hurts but I also realize these changes are what makes the circle of life keep going.

Well, that's it.  It's been a sleepless and hectic week but it's almost over.  Wishing you all a restful and blessed weekend.  

It's That Time Of Year

 Last weekend the Christmas boxes came down from the attic and decorating began.  My husband is responsible for the outside while I tackle all the inside.  I like to keep things simple and memorable.  

Our tree, which displays a few ornaments from me and Rob's childhood, our kids' first Christmas, their homemade ornaments and ornaments we've collected each year along with some that have been gifted to us.  My decorating skills aren't as fancy as many trees I've seen from others but it displays our family and all we've collected for our artificial pre-lit tree.  Keeping it simple is my joy.  

Our stockings are hung by Santa and snowman holders my mother gave me and I also displayed the angel and nativity scenes my mother-in-law gave us.  

And here's another nativity scene also from my mother-in-law.  I'm not sure Jesus, Mary and Joseph were originally dressed in gold trim but it's pretty.  

And a candle I was only able to enjoy when my son isn't home since the scents trigger his migraines.  

I have so much more decor but it's all piled on my coffee table for now while I figure out where to put everything.  I better hurry because before I know it it'll be time to put it all away again.  

This Tuesday Feels Like Monday

 The kids and I had six long days off for Thanksgiving break.  It was much needed for the kids but this morning as they woke up to prepare for heading back to the grind it seemed to be quite a struggle.  

The break was a mix of relaxation, Thanksgiving feasting with my parents, celebrating Matthew's 16th birthday and ended with a two day, one night trip to an indoor water park in the Poconos.  Now we are back to reality.  Back to work, school and an endless amount of laundry waiting to be finished.  Taco meat is cooking in the crock pot and the rest I'll prepare at dinner time.  

Let's talk about Thanksgiving.  I only had my parents this year.  No in-laws.  We always invite both sides but last year it was only my mother-in-law and sister-in-law since my parents were sick.  So, this year I wanted it to be just my parents.  Keep it small and simple.  It was a nice day of cooking while watching the parade followed by the dog show.  We filled our plates with turkey and all the trimmings and tried to fit some dessert.  After dinner we watched The Cowboys crush Washington with a Dolly Parton show in between.  Does anyone notice how amazing that woman looks for age 77?  How does she do it?  Well, aside from all the plastic.  Kudos to her!  

On Friday my oldest turned sixteen years old.  Sixteen?  It baffles me that we got to sixteen so quickly. He wanted to be part of the Black Friday experience and use a gift card that was given to him a long time ago.  The stores weren't as crowded as they used to be and he picked Arby's for lunch.  We went home and gave him his gifts.  One was a watch he had wanted that tracks his steps and does many other things.  

Our town was having a tree lighting ceremony that night and my daughter performed with her dance studio.  My husband invited his mom and sister to come watch and then head back to our house for cake.  

Saturday was a rest day and Sunday we dropped the dog off at a dog resort before heading north to the Poconos.  Matthew had once mentioned wanting to go to a water park and we decided to surprise him with a trip to an indoor one.  We heard this was the best one in the Poconos, located inside Camelback Resort.  It was a lot of fun and I highly recommend.  

Aside from a few moments of bickering and arguing, which is what it seems to be whenever we go anywhere, it was a good vacation.  We all needed it.  On the way home we picked up the dog who seemed excited to see us but very tired at the same time.  

The rest of the week will be busy but I'll try to give another update soon!  

And Just Like That He's 16

 It amazes me how we went from this:

To this:

In the blink of an eye.  

16 seems like a scary time (for mom) as he's preparing to take his driving permit test.  I can't imagine having a child on the road.  I'm confident he will do well but it's the others on the road that concerns me.  

I so badly miss the tiny baby, the toddler and the little boy.  But I enjoy the young man he is now and look forward to seeing what his future will be.  He's a God loving, level-headed, smart boy who has come out of that shyness and has a lot of friends.  He seems to be a good friend too, always helping them when they endure a breakup or need someone to listen to for any other reason.  He has a sense of humor and is talented.  I'm so thankful that God picked me to be his mother.

He still deals with migraines that sometimes makes it hard to get out of bed.  He is looking forward to getting back to his seasonal job at the ski resort.  

I'm not going to lie, he can often have an attitude.  The teen years are remarkably hard.  I do believe that if I keep pushing through, constantly reminding him of how he should behave, that we will come out of this phase alright.  

Brooke's 1st Birthday

 Yesterday we celebrated Brooke's 1st birthday.   We treat our dogs birthday like the kids birthday, sort of.  

I made her a peanut butter and banana pupcake, recipe found on Pinterest.   She didn't waste time devouring it.  

Then topped it off with Frosty Paws dog ice cream.  

And big human sis helped open her presents.  She didn't understand what was going on but enjoyed the treats.  

She completed the night by chewing on her new bone.  

It was a good day for our husky pup.  

November Days

My daughter's chalk writing at the end of our driveway with leaves from the neighbor's tree covering the grass.  We are a few weeks into fall but sometimes summer still peaks through.  Temperatures as high as the 70's have graced us several times lately.  Is that normal for this time of year?  We turned our clocks back last Sunday and as much as I enjoyed that extra hour of sleep it's been disappointing that by five o'clock it's pitch black outside.  

The days are so busy.  I dislike rushing around but I also enjoy it at the same time.  Does that make sense?  I struggle to figure out what to make for dinner each night.  Pinterest used to be by go to but I'm having trouble finding new recipes, or anything that would be appealing to both of my kids.  They are so picky and what one likes the other doesn't.  

Last Sunday after church the kids asked if I could take them to the playground of their elementary school.  They reminisced on those good old days and wished for those moments back.  I'm not going to lie, I wish for it back too.  Their younger innocence, an easier schedule, not worrying about fitting in or having too many responsibilities.  Neither are enjoying the middle and high school years.  My two just seem to not want to grow up.  I love that they are holding onto their childhood but that immaturity holds them back from the friends they had that now are rushing to grow up.  

This week is observation week at dance.  I get to pop in for ten minutes of each class to see how much the girl has grown and matured as a dancer.  She's the small one in the black sweatshirt and dance shorts.  

And this week also brought us amazing news as yesterday was election day.  A long time ago my husband felt the calling to run for school board.  He teamed up with four others and they all won.  He stood in front of the polls for thirteen hours and his joints are paying for it today.  Regardless of what the outcome would have been, I'm proud of him.  I really stink at showing it because of fears that I have but I truly am proud of him.  He's hard-working and dedicated, ready to serve as God has called him to do.  Now let's clean up the schools.  

Brooke's Day Out

 Today we went to the next county, where my parents live, and met them at a park they enjoy going to.  I thought it was a good idea to bring the dog.  She's not used to going places and being in the car for very long.  She's still filled with puppy energy and was uncontrollable when we first arrived.  She had her sights set on the ducks but they were out of her reach.  

Look at how cute my parents are.  

My mother still has good moments but it's become very clear that she's entering that final stage of Alzheimer's.   So, these moments with her are precious.  

After spending a few hours at the park we headed home.  On the way we stopped at a pet store.  Another first for Brooke.  

I'm sure she will sleep good tonight.   Thankfully we have an extra hour.  Don't forget to turn your clocks back!

Halloween Recap Into November

 Halloween has now come and gone!  Before I get into it here are pictures of some of my cute decorations.  

I've noticed this year there has been so much more outdoor decorating than previous years.  Large skeletons and an assortment of blow up characters.  We don't do anything outside of our house for Halloween but I might change that next year.  

I got this idea on Pinterest.  Orange soda and a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a plastic cup that I turned into a Jack-O-Lantern with a Sharpie.  The kids enjoyed it after school.  

The kids both dressed up as clowns this year.  My son said this will be his last year trick-or-treating.  Since he's just a few weeks away from turning 16 he's already hit the cut off but that did not stop him from enjoying an extra year.  They aren't too picky when it comes to age around here and I don't understand the need to stop.  If a teenager wants to trick-or-treat let them.  They aren't hurting anyone by doing so.  I'm sure my daughter will want to go a few more years.  It's amazing how quickly these years go by.  I'll miss this tradition when it comes to an end.  My daughter's friend Addy also joined us and that made her very happy.  

She did her own makeup.  So cute!

Now we are in November and what a cold and windy start it is.  My car is in the shop so I drove my husband to work so I could have the car.  On the way home as I was skimming the radio there was one station playing Christmas music.  Normally I would scoff at the idea of Christmas music being played THIS early but I decided to listen.  There is just so much joy in the season and with the things going on lately I could really use some joy.  The kids have an early dismissal and then I have a parent-teacher conference for my daughter.  Tomorrow there is no school for elementary and middle school so my daughter will have off and then on Friday both kids have off and so do I.  November's calendar is filled with the usual after school events, a dance show for my daughter and lots of doctor appointments.  It will end with Thanksgiving and my son's 16th birthday.  

I wish you a November filled with blessings!  

Washington, DC

 Hello everyone!

It's difficult to believe we are at the end of October and the cold weather is finally rearing it's ugly head here in Pennsylvania.  Saturday was an unusual mid eighty degrees and I was not mad about it.  We joined our church on a bus trip to Washington, DC.  A two hour drive in a very uncomfortable school bus made my butt feel pretty numb and sore but once we arrived to the nation's capital the fun started.  

We first went to the Museum of the Bible, which was a first for our family.  Six floors filled with a lot to see we didn't even have time to see most of it.  We learned history of the old and new testament, saw some old Israelis artifacts and even saw Elvis Presley's Bible.  We also took a virtual ride that took us on a journey through D.C that showed us where Bible verses can be found.  It was quite an experience.  

Then we walked a half mile to the Capitol Building.  We all took a short tour through the building and enjoyed the beauty of its history.  There were many things about the Capitol that I did not even know, or at least remembered if I ever learned it.  For one, there was a tomb area built for the remains of George Washington but he died before construction finished.  He had wished to have been buried at his home in Mount Vernon and his family honored that wish.  The State of Virginia refused to dig up his remains and relocate him, which was a good choice.  At the top of the Rotunda is a beautiful picture that is the size of a basketball court.  In it you see a picture of Washington, the only one looking down at everyone.  I'm not sure if my pictures are large enough for you to notice.  

When we left the building we all gathered outside and prayed for our nation, the president, and all leaders.  I believe in prayer and our nation certainly needs it.  It was a wonderful experience for the kids and I'm glad we had this chance with them.  They seemed to enjoy themselves.  We have been to DC before on our own and we plan on going back.  Hopefully we'll be able to see more of the museum and some others as well.  

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord" -- Psalm 33:12