Last Day of Break

 

Welcome December!  As much as I am a lover of summertime I do feel as though this is my favorite time of the year.  It's filled with the good memories of my childhood when family would gather at my grandparents house with all of the aunts, uncles and cousins.  My grandparents loved Christmas and made sure to make it special for all the grandchildren.  Then we would arrive home really late and Santa's gift was already under the tree for me.  My dad couldn't wait until morning and insisted we all stayed up to open all of the presents.  My parents made Christmas extra special, too.  As I got older Christmases began to look different but it was always special.  Then once I had children it was so incredible to be able to see the holiday through their little eyes.  We filled the tree with a lot of gifts for them and were woken up very early on Christmas Day to their impatience with wanting to open them.  

Today is the last day of Thanksgiving break but they are calling for about 2"-5" inches of snow starting late tonight into tomorrow morning so that could mean a two hour delay or closing for school.  We will see.  The break was good.  A mix of busy and relaxing.  I'm still working on the decorating but the tree is up.  In the first year of marriage Rob and I both had off work on Black Friday and neither had any desire to be part of the shopping rush so we stayed home and decorated the apartment for Christmas.  Then we decided to make it a Black Friday tradition every year.  Setting up and decorating the tree seems to take up most of the day.  Having to fluff the branches, fixing broken lights and doing my best to strategically place each ornament is a challenge but I love when I can look at it's finished beauty and feel thankful.  My mother had always been good at getting the branches moved in perfect position and she was particular with making sure the balls were evenly placed, she refused to have the same colors too close to each other.  I don't know how she did it but that's a struggle for me.  My mother also liked changing up the theme each year.  For me, I keep it simple and it's covered in store bought ornaments and handmade ornaments from the kids.  It's a tree filled with memories of our family through the years and it's exactly as I love it.  

As I wrap up the last day of Thanksgiving break there is a lot to do.  Laundry, meal planning and grocery shopping, and hopefully finishing last minute details of the decorating so all the boxes can go back up to the attic.  Last night my husband and son drove down to DC to watch the Commanders/Broncos game.  The Commanders is their team and this is a tradition for my son's birthday.  It seemed like a good game where Washington fought hard but unfortunately lost by 1 point.  Since it was a late game they stayed at a hotel and will be coming home today.  My daughter is currently at the school for swim practice.  So, as of right now I'm taking a moment to enjoy the quiet house with a cup of coffee.  I also plan on starting December by reading and studying the book of John in the Bible.  

I hope you have an amazing December filled with good cheer, joy, and happiness!!!!

18th Birthday/An Unconventional Thanksgiving

 The week started by celebrating a very special boy's 18th birthday.  I cannot believe how quickly these years have gone and now my boy is officially an adult.  When he gives us attitude, which happens more often than it should, I remind him how I can now kick him out the door ... but I wouldn't.  I couldn't.  He's certainly not ready.  I'm not ready.  I remember going to prayer and asking God to allow me the blessing to be a mother, promising Him that I will raise my children to know Him.  Very quickly those two lines appeared on the test and everything from that point on changed.  I hold tightly to all the memories, feel a lot of regret over the mistakes I have made as a mom, and cherish the current moments.  Matthew, you are a gift and I am so grateful for you.  

On Tuesday we went to a dinner in Hershey to celebrate all of the recent Eagle Scouts in the area.  It was a nice event with delicious food and recognition.  

And of course, it wouldn't make sense to have an event in Hershey without the best chocolate scattered as the centerpiece of each table.  

A thought had come to mind recently about an idea to do something together as a family instead of having our traditional Thanksgiving dinner at home.  We usually host with my parents and in-laws in attendance.  I gave Rob and the kids the choice and they all agreed in wanting to do something outside of the home.  My kids don't even like turkey and all of the sides (they are weirdos, I know) and after some issues of last and previous Thanksgivings I wanted a break from family drama.   Eye rolls from the mother-in-law and sister-in-law, insults from my father ... yeah, I'll admit to having to deal with those things.  As much as I enjoy the food, I felt it was a good idea to just get away.  Why not?  Do we really need to do things the traditional way all the time?  I think not.  

The day began with the kids running in the nearby Turkey Trot.  My son medaled; second best time in his age group.  Our original plan of the day was not going to work out so we headed into Philadelphia, which is a few hour drive from us.  None of us have ever walked around this city and we wanted to check it out.  It was amazing to see how many people were still walking around, even though many stores were closed for the holidays.  Sadly, there were a lot of homeless, either sleeping on the sidewalks or begging for money.  

We saw tall buildings.  

The Liberty Bell

The famous LOVE statue.  It's much smaller than I thought it was.  

The Christmas tree is now set up.  We did not stay long enough to see it lit up, though.  

And ate dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe.  Cheeseburgers took the place of the turkey.  

We promised the kids we would take them back on a warmer day when all of the stores and museums are open.  Philadelphia is mostly what I thought it would be and I would have no problem going back. 

Maybe that's not your idea of a good Thanksgiving but for us it was enjoyable.  Don't ever be afraid to step away from what everyone considers the norm.   

It Was a Hectic Tuesday Night

My husband had asked if I could go with our son to the next scout meeting because he was going to receive an award from the firehouse and they would also be serving dinner as well.  My husband, who was the one who was always involved in scouting, had a board meeting and could not attend.  I agreed to go, of course, I would have anyway.  Since my son already earned his Eagle Scout achievement and will turn 18 next week this would be the last meeting he could attend.  I was excited for it.  My husband assumed it began at 7, which was always when these meetings started.  I sat on the couch watching my son play his video game while chatting with my husband who was getting ready to leave for the board meeting.  One of the scout leaders had sent a reminder email earlier that day and I had only glanced at it but for some reason I decided to check it again.  Dinner started at 6.  I looked at the clock and it was 5:35.  I shouted that we had to be there at 6 and told my son to get ready immediately.  He rushed around, making a scene while trying to find his scout shirt, and then found it hanging in it's appropriate spot in the closet just minutes later.  We rushed out the door and made it on time.  My son and the other recent Eagle Scout were given their awards, prayer was said and instructions on getting dinner was given.  At that time I received a text from my daughter that she was finished with play rehearsal so I had to sneak away to get her from the high school and bring her back to the firehall, in time for her to get a bite to eat as well.  Whew!  That was a lot of rushing and running around.  

That's just an example of what my life is like sometimes.  A lot of rushing around and trying to be at two places at once and not being able to get my dates and times correct.  As exhausting as it is I'm embracing these moments.  With having a senior and freshman I'm realizing just how quickly time is going by and it won't be like this forever.  

On This Veterans Day

As the bitter coldness of the outside strikes with wind causing the leaves to fall from the trees, I'm inside nestled under a blanket with a hot cup of coffee while writing up this post.  I woke up a bit later than usual, started a cup of coffee and then spent a little time with my husband before he headed to work.  I watch as my poor husband stresses about our finances, which often consumes his mind.  I'm blessed to have a man who works so hard and I pray God releases all of that tension from him.  As for me, I'm off work today and that's all thanks to the veterans of the United States.  The school I drive for has off but my kids' district does not so my daughter left for school and my son is starting his online college classes and will head to high school later this afternoon.  

My son is now a licensed driver.  An extra worry for this mother.  Yesterday he drove himself to school and work for the first time and I've never felt a level of anxiety quite this high before.  The dog and I watched from the window as he pulled away and my eyes began to fill with tears.  Just as it did when I watched him ride off on the school bus for the very first time in kindergarten.  This, of course, feels much more different.  

Mothers of older children, how did you do it?  How did you let them go?  I know, I know, it's just part of parenthood.  We raise our children to become independent and self-sufficient but when that time comes, wow, it's difficult.  He'll be 18 in a few weeks and months away from graduating high school.  He's been looking at a few colleges; one is two hours away and that's the one he's most interested in.  No matter how old he gets I will always picture that little boy with a content smile and innocent mind who constantly said "I love you, Mommy" with little arms wrapped around me.  

Now he's apparently too much of a man for that.  

Okay, now that I've gotten myself emotional.  Moving on.  

The plan for today is to stay at home and take advantage of my extra time to clean as much as I can.  Maybe do a little baking too.  So many parts of my home get neglected and it's taking a toll on me.  I'll have dinner ready by the time my husband gets home and then he's off to do his duty as director of the school board.  My son and I will be joining for part of the meeting as they are giving recognition to the runners who qualified for districts.  I'll be out of there quickly after and before they do the public comment period because some of those speakers are ... well, let's say it's better if I not share a room with them.  They can get very mean towards the school board.  I'm a bit overprotective.

I guess that's it for today.  Enjoy your Tuesday and if you are or your spouse is a veteran I just want to give a huge THANK YOU for your service!  This is my grandpa, who would have turned 102 in October but died at the age of 80.  He fought in both Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge during World War 2.  Both of his parents came to the USA from Poland and he was proud of that Polish heritage.  Once he finished his time in the army he became an aircraft mechanic and raised 6 kids (my dad being the second oldest) with my grandmother.  I miss you, Grandpa!  

Shorter Days of November Are Here

Hello ... and welcome to my first post of November.  It's hard to believe the year 2025 is coming to a close and Christmas is around the corner.  Daylight Savings has ended and as much as I enjoyed that extra hour of sleep last Sunday I really struggle with the pitch black darkness at 5pm.  By 8pm I feel absolutely done with the day and all I can think about is crawling into bed.  

Halloween came and went.  My daughter dressed up as a cow and went trick-or-treating with a group of friends.  This is the first year I did not join her and I was actually okay with that.  I do miss when they were little and everything was new and exciting for them.  The teenage years are filled with other newer experiences and an independence they are ready for.  My son and his girl friend (not sure if they are official but I'd like to say they are) had dinner with us and then watched a few scary movies together.  I opted to stay in my bedroom while watching a non-Halloween television show.  I grew up being forced by family to watch scary movies and now as an adult they aren't appealing to me at all.  

Now that marching band and cross-country has ended we are adjusting to a new routine.  My son got a job at a shoe store, his favorite place to buy running shoes.  My daughter joined the swim team; which took us all by surprise, and she is also acting in the fall play.  Yesterday was election day and in my town the results were in my favor but I'm questioning the decisions made in other areas of this country (I'll keep all that to myself).  Regardless, I will always stand by knowing that God is the One in control and He is who I lean on.  

My kids have an early dismissal today and my son has work this evening.  I've been spending the dark evenings relaxing at home.  What more could a homebody like me enjoy?  If only humans had the ability to hibernate, I would definitely be asleep in shelter until spring.  

Catching Up

 

Good morning on this chilly Tuesday morning!  I do hope the autumn season is treating you well.  I woke up to a dark morning, did my school van run, came home and started some laundry and had breakfast.  Now I'm just taking some time to relax but I think I've done enough relaxing over the last three days and it's miserable.  

From Friday night until Saturday morning I had trouble falling asleep as I began to experience some intense chills.  I tried bundling up with extra blankets and moving to different positions but nothing was working.  On Saturday the chills continued but then also came body aches and a fever.  It was a busy day of my son's championship cross-country race and I did not want to miss it.  This was the last race with the high school team.  As rough as it was I made it and watched him with pride.  Then went home and took a nap.  Later that evening was the marching band show, which both my kids are part of.  This was another last for our son and something else I refused to miss.  On Sunday I missed out on church and stayed in bed.  Thankfully, my husband was kind enough to help out with dinner and other things.  On Monday I was still miserable and took off work, something I don't like to do and they don't even like when we do it but I was not in any shape to drive.  I stayed in bed.  Last night my head was pounding so badly that it caused my eyeballs to ache.  I took Tylenol and headed to bed early.  This morning I woke up feeling better and was able to do my van run.  So far, I'm okay and need to make up for all the housework I couldn't get to but I'm still going to try and take it slightly easy.  I did not get a professional diagnosis but I'm certain it was the flu.  One of the boys in my van had the flu last week so I'm guessing that's the culprit.  It was miserable.  I cannot remember the last time I felt that sick.  

Today my daughter is home sick.  We can never seem to get through one month of the school year without a sick day, it seems.  I'm praying November is kinder to us in that way.  

I hope you are staying healthy.  

Random Thoughts For Friday

 Happy Friday!  Friends, we made it!

This picture is from a walk I took around my neighborhood.  I'm trying to become more intentional about walking daily and also getting into a good exercise routine.  I lost that motivation a long time ago and need to get back on track.  Not for vanity but for health.  These horses are across the street from my neighborhood and I love when they hang out near the fence.  

I actually wanted to do a Five For Friday today and include five pictures of what fall looks like in my area but I did not have time to snap many pictures so maybe that will be done next week.  I lack in consistency when it comes to this blog but I'll give myself the excuse that I'm a busy lady.  

Yes, it's been a busy week.  The weather is changing into the cold season and I've had to make some extra time in the morning to defrost the windows in my school van.  The four boys in my van are good at entertaining themselves but they can be quite wild.  I constantly hear them chanting, "siiixxx seevvvven" and it's the most annoying thing ever.  Have you heard about the 6 7 craze among teens lately?  If you haven't, I'll just say you're quite lucky.  I don't get it but I don't think they get it either.  

Tonight is the last high school football game of the season and I'll get to watch my two kids perform in the band and tomorrow night is their final band show.  Tomorrow morning my son will be running in the championship race and it will be the last time he runs for the high school cross-country team.  On Sunday the band will be in a Halloween parade.  My son is opting out of doing it but my daughter is excited to join in.  The problem is she is going to have to miss church and I'm not exactly happy about that.  Missing church for a Halloween celebration just does not seem right with me.  But I told her we will be going to the evening service, for sure.  Forgive me, Father, for I don't always know the right thing to do and even when I do know the right thing to do I struggle to follow through with my convictions.

My daughter has been struggling emotionally and it's affecting her relationships with people.  I'm trying to reach out to a Christ-centered therapist for her.  As much as I try to help her it just isn't enough.  So there's that.  

I look forward to a fun weekend of watching my kids in their activities.  Maybe, just maybe, I'll find time to rest.  

Have a good weekend, friends!  Thanks for visiting with me today and putting up with my rambling.  You are appreciated and adored.  

I Don't Prefer This Type of Sandwich

 On Saturday I spent the day with my parents.  Because of my busy schedule I don't get to see them as often as I should.  I'm in what is called the "sandwich generation" where I'm raising a family of my own but also having to take care of my aging parents.  Its not an easy place to be but it is necessary.  My three siblings live on Long Island and their lives are pretty hectic too.  They don't get to visit often and, sadly, they don't bother to call my parents often either.  That bothers my father a lot.  Jumping in when needed is left up to me and as much as I'm willing to do it, it's not always easy.  I was supposed to watch my mother while my dad went to Long Island for his best friend's funeral but his sciatica pain has been acting up and he was not able to make the trip.  I still went over to the house to help clean and made dinner.  My mother is in her final stage of Alzheimer's.  She can no longer walk, can barely speak, and often needs help being fed.  My father insists on keeping her at home with him instead of a nursing home but it's taking a toll on him.  Saturday was the worst I had seen my mother.  She has also been choking on her own saliva and it gets bad.  Her neurologist warned my father that her time is coming to a close very soon.  This has weighed heavily on me and I don't know what to do.  They need me.  My husband and kids need me.  I'm torn in between.   

Friday was senior night at the football game.  They honored all of the senior football players, cheerleaders and band members.  We escorted Matthew on the field as they talked about his future plans.  I've been able to hold myself together but at the end of the game as the band played "Sweet Caroline" in the stands the tears began to flow uncontrollably.  That was the last home game my son would perform in and it felt bittersweet.  More bitter than sweet, honestly.  

I've been trying hard to keep it all together but feeling unsure if I'm mentally equipped to handle all of it.  That's when my faith kicks in and I ask God for guidance, strength and clarity.  He certainly gives it to me and I'm grateful for that.  Even in this season of trials I still remain thankful.  

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.  Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

-- James 1:2 -4

Seasonal Energy Loss

 What is better than being belly up on the couch while it's chilly outside?  

Previously, I listed all the reasons why I like autumn and those are very true; however, my body can't seem to adjust well to the change in weather.  I'm not sure why but it feels as though my body wants to shut down for the season.  I just don't do well in colder temperatures.  It is also when I start feeling lazier and more down-in-the-dumps.  All I can think of is bundling up under a blanket and relaxing. 

Last night my husband and I headed into our bedroom early and watched Twisters.  Have you seen that movie?  It's pretty good.  I actually like it better than the first Twister movie, and I'm not one who usually likes sequels and remakes.  Although, I'm not even sure if this is even considered a sequel.  It definitely felt like a movie all of its own.  The story is about a retired tornado-chaser and meteorologist who returns to Oklahoma and reluctantly joins a new team to begin the tornado chasing again.  Now, I'm not quite sure why anyone would want to risk their lives chasing tornadoes but it was a good action packed movie.  It did have some bad words but no inappropriate love scenes/nudity and plenty of country music in the background.  My son wants to see it and I would definitely watch it again.  

How are you doing, my friends?  Are you enjoying autumn where you are?  I see I have a lot of views on each post and I know quite a few are from all over the country.  Here in Pennsylvania we experience all four seasons - from the rainy spring, to the blistering hot summer, the crispness of fall and bitter cold winters with occasional snow - I should not complain.  But this time of year, blankets and sweatshirts become my go-to companions.  

We did manage to go to the pumpkin patch last Sunday.  It was a pleasant family experience where we walked around comparing one big pumpkin to another.  My daughter and I came up with an idea to buy a bunch of smaller pumpkins as an activity that could be done during our time of hosting the cross-country team's dinner on Monday.  We did manage to buy 11 pumpkins and then headed to the dollar store for new paints and paintbrushes.  

The dinner was a pre-celebration for Tuesday's county race.  My nerves were high before the dinner.  My social anxiety often sets in and I struggle with being around people.  There was rain in the forecast so we had to scratch the idea of having it in the backyard and spent the weekend reorganizing and cleaning the house so everyone could fit inside.  The dinner went well and everyone seemed to enjoy the time together.  All praise goes to my husband who cooked the spaghetti.  Surprisingly, we did have some left over, which served as dinner for the last two nights.  

After work on Tuesday I made it in time to watch the race.  My son and three others from the school advanced to the championship race, which will be next Saturday.  I'm so proud of him.  He is having a great senior year so far.  

I'll leave you with this adorable squirrel and a message I'm beginning to relate to.  Have a great Thursday, everyone!  

Purpose Through Depression

 Sometimes people from my past just randomly pop into my head and, to be honest, I may do a random Facebook search to see what they are up to these days.  Curiosity gets me sometimes as I do wish the best for everyone.  The other day I began thinking about an old boss.  This man owned an insurance company and I began working as his receptionist sometime in the year 2001.  It was just the two of us in the office and my job was easy.  Things started out great and then suddenly he stopped showing up for work.  He was the only one with the key so he would come by to let me in and then leave for most of the day.  He told me he was having marital problems and needed to be present to handle those things with her.  I did my best to manage things around the office but eventually he stopped showing up at all.  I waited in the car for him but gave up after a few hours.  I then gave up after a few days of waiting.  He never called to tell me what was going on.  A few weeks later I emailed asking for my last paycheck.  He responded and told me it was in the mail, apologized for what had happened and told me he was working at restoring his marriage because he felt that was right.  No explanation as to why he just let me go like that but I did get the impression that his wife did not like the fact that he had a young girl working for him.  I was in my early twenties, engaged and needing employment.  I hadn't thought about him since, until just a few days ago.  His name popped into my head and I was curious to see if  he was still in business.  After a Google search I came across an obituary from December of 2014 and then another article that talked about how he had intentionally jumped from the top of a hotel building.  

I'm not sure why he popped into my head and I'm not sure why it happened 11 years after his death but I do feel bad for his family and all who knew him.  This news has weighed heavily on my heart since finding out.  Tim seemed like a nice guy and by our conversations I could tell he had a very conservative lifestyle and was a man of faith.  He was always talking about his children.  That goes to show that depression can get to anyone. 

I think back to my own story of battling depression.  I feel as if I had experienced it for as long as I can remember.  I was always different from everyone around me - not caring about fitting in and not concerned at all for my future.  I couldn't even see myself in a future.  By the time the teen years came I was cutting myself with a knife and trying to figure out ways to die.  My emotional pain was so high that I couldn't even put a smile on my face if I tried.  I did have to go through treatment, years of therapy and anti-depressant medication.  I made bad choices in hopes to find relief from the pain but it was not until I gave myself fully to Christ at 19 that I started feeling hope for a future.  Even now I still wrestle with some heavy thoughts but I find some of these things help:

😃 Stepping outside under the sunshine

😃 A hot shower

😃Physical exercise

😃Connecting with a friend

😃Journaling 

😃Going to church

😃Studying God's Word

😃Praying 

And more importantly, I remind myself that being born into this world meant God wanted me here.  I have purpose for being here, even on the days when it feels like I don't.  He knows me.  He loves me.  He guides me.  He created me.  He created you, also and with a purpose and a plan.  Maybe you are filled with feelings of confusion and sadness to the point of not being sure if you can live another day with it, but I beg you to hold on and I assure you with time things will get better.  As Annie said, "The sun will come out tomorrow."  Maybe not even tomorrow, but eventually.  If you can't bear to get through, seek help.  It's there.  Hang on, even if it's just by a thread.  The world is a better place because you are here. 

I think back to the girl of just 14 years old, sitting on the bed with a knife to the wrist, not understanding what purpose I had in life and feeling so much pain for what I had been put through.  Now, here I am, on my 47th birthday with a house, a husband and two awesome kids, and a desire to help people in need through writing.  

Maybe it's not you, but I do feel like someone needed this today.  Keep holding on!  You are worth it!

College Touring

Mondays can be tough but I'm always grateful for another week.  This morning had a foggy and cool start to the day but we are supposed to see temperatures reaching to the 80's again and possibly for the last time this season.  Rain is expected tomorrow, which will bring seasonal temperatures.  

On Friday I took a day off work and escorted my son to one of the colleges he has been looking at and was accepted to.  They were having an open house and we got to meet some of the staff and students and see dorms and classrooms.  He even met the coach and some of the runners and was offered a spot on the cross-country team.  It's a beautiful campus but his heart seems to be set on the college he toured with his dad the week before.  Both are Christian colleges, something that is important to him.  

That morning started with an early wake up as I had to get my daughter awake so she could get ready for school.  I made a cup of coffee and slipped back under the blankets with my coffee and devotional book.  I'm usually in such a rush in the morning so it was such a nice way to spend the start of the day.  I had wished that could be my routine every day.  As much as I love working and need to work I also dream of being back to those stay-at-home mom days.  I know it's not fair to my husband because he does need the financial help but I can wish for simpler days, right?  

The campus is in the next county so it was not a far drive and the open house lasted five hours but it felt long.  

I was so happy to have had a day spent with my boy.  That little boy who ran into my arms for a hug and depended on me for everything is now almost 18 and preparing a future of adulting.  It's an experience all parents have to face and I'm not ready for it.  I'm just glad he's still really close to us and I hope that relationship continues.  

Welcome October

 Hello October ...

Scream the ghost and Beastly the bat welcome you as we've turned the page to another month.  October entered with sunny skies and mid-60's temperatures here in Pennsylvania.  I'm wearing jeans and a t-shirt but it won't be long before I'll have to dress in sweatshirts and sweaters and that's okay with me.  

October is my birthday month.  I don't look at birthdays with as much excitement as I used to.  Instead, I see it simply for what it truly is: a blessing.  A blessing to have made it another year.  Even though my eye sight is worsening and my muscles don't move like they once did I appreciate all that I can do, still.  I am going to enter the forty-seventh year with gratitude.  

October is also the month when my kids' fall activities begin to wrap up.  These will be the last weeks of marching band practices, performances and cross-country practices and meets.  Yesterday was their first and only home meet of this season and Senior Night.  I'm glad my parents were able to be there and watch as Matthew set the school record.  They changed the course direction this year and he is the first for the record.  This is my daughter's first year and although she is always taking up the rear with her races I'm proud of her effort.  Last night, with disappointment in her tone she said, "I feel like I'm letting everyone down."  I assured her she wasn't but the goal would be to just work harder.  What I love about cross-country is the kindness that everyone shows - the coaches, teammates and even those on other teams.  It's so much different than our experience with baseball and dance.  I do hope she sticks with it with a willingness to work harder and improve.  Nevertheless, I'm as proud of her as I am my son.  

To kick off a new month I decided to put the scent of Sweet Apple in the essential oil defuser.  That probably would have been more suited for September but it is what it is.  The house is smelling so sweet.  

My goal for October is finding time to do some apple picking before it's too late.  That probably would have also been better to do in September but our busy schedules haven't allowed for it.  We also need to get some pumpkins.  It may also be time to tear down my garden, even though the tomatoes are still growing.  I'm sure the cold weather will appear soon enough and without warning and so it's better to get out there and prep for the winter that's soon to come.  Ugh!  I was actually staring at the garden today while planning all of the changes I want to make to it next year with eagerness for that season.  I'm going to take this time to do a lot of studying on how to improve my gardening skills.  I would love to expand and add more vegetables but that will have to begin with time, money and building.  

For you, my readers and friends - I hope October welcomes you with many, many blessings.  Thanks for stopping by.  

Five For Friday: Favorites of Autumn

 As much as I am a lover of summer I do have a high appreciation for fall.  I thought for today, I could list 5 reasons why.  

1.  I love, love, love the changing colors of the leaves.  The yellows, reds and orange make everything look so beautiful.  Unfortunately, the changing of colors means those leaves are going to end up falling to the ground.  It prepares us for the new things to come and I can appreciate that.  

2.  Fall is a time when my husband begins reminding me that it's soon time for me to start making pumpkin rolls.  I do love the taste of pumpkin rolls but I do not enjoy pumpkin pie.  I can also enjoy the taste of pumpkin spice coffee.  I actually prefer apples, though.  September is the time we purchase apple cider and it's enjoyed by all four of us.  If we can squeeze in the time, we also spend quality time picking apples at a nearby orchard.  

3.  Autumn is the season of my birthday.  It also ends with my son's birthday.  

4.  It's the start of football season, and although personally I'm not a big fan of the sport I appreciate that my husband and son are.  Just seeing the joy in their faces as their team wins.  Now since our kids are in marching band we have been spending every Friday at the high school stadium watching the game and seeing them perform on the field.  

5.  Going from hot to cool is a little difficult for me but I do enjoy having the chance to snuggle under a soft blanket and wearing sweaters and pants.  Sweat shirts are my absolute favorite.

What is your favorite thing about Autumn?

God's Promise

 

I snapped this picture last night after a thunderstorm came through the area.  The rainbow was actually much brighter than the picture shows.  To the right is our American flag, half mast in honor of the 3 police officers senselessly taken from my community last week.  The strategic placement was not intentional but I look at this picture and am reminded that even through the hardest of times we can still rely on the promises of God.  Many have taken these colors and used it as a symbol of their pride but I will always see a rainbow for what it is.  

This also reminds me of something else - we can see beauty after the storm.  

Beginning of Autumn

 Happy Monday everyone and welcome to the first official day of autumn.  On the radio this morning they were talking about whether or not these seasons come sooner than the calendar says.  Many agree that fall begins in the beginning of September after school begins and those leaves begin to change colors.  I know I'm a stickler for waiting until the official calendar date to get everything ready because I don't want to rush anything.  Today the new season began with brisk, cool temperatures.  Hoping to get the lawn mowed before the expected rain comes in.  I also have yet to pull out that orange tub filled with fall decor down from the attic.  Maybe today.

This morning the boys in my school van were quiet and a few even fell asleep.  Monday mornings are difficult.  I'm sure they will be filled with energy later, as they always are on the way home.  

The weekend went by quickly.  Friday was the Homecoming game where we won.  They also had a nice tribute to our local police officers.  On Saturday we traveled far for the kids' cross-country invitational.  They both did well.  Then we stopped for a quick bite of Popeyes before going home where they had to rush to get ready for Homecoming.  As they were at the dance my husband and I enjoyed a few hours outside under a dark, cloudy sky with a fire and some cooked marshmallows.  

Yesterday we went to church and then I spent all 6 hours watching the memorial service for Charlie Kirk.  Such an amazing tribute filled with speeches sharing the Gospel.  Erika's speech was .... wow!  She is the epitome of a Godly woman.  

Last week our community was hit with a devastating loss of 3 police officers while serving a search warrant.  This tragedy has made national news.  This is something we always see on television but never think it could happen in our own backyard.  It was so close to my backyard that I even recognized the faces of the officers when they showed the pictures.  I love how this community came together to support them.  I'll never understand the evil that is in this world and there seems to be so much of it lately but I also see how so many are coming together in a spiritual revival unlike anything I had ever witnessed.  If you are confused about who Jesus is I encourage you to find a Bible-focused church, read Scripture and pray.  You may also reach out to me and I will be happy to pray for you and share words of encouragement.  

FOUR FOR FRIDAY

 FIVE FOUR FOR FRIDAY because I didn't seem to have a fifth picture worth posting.  I'm going to do my best to no longer add pictures with my children's faces, something I should have already done for the sake of safety.  They are at the age where I should be asking permission but there are also a lot of crazies in the world.  I notice I've been getting a huge amount of visitors (all welcomed, thank you) but I need to be careful.  There are so many wonderful people out there but there's also those who cannot be trusted.  

In the midst of all the craziness going on in our nation and in the extremely busy schedules of our personal lives, my husband and I found some time to check out a new ice cream shop close by.  I got a caramel apple flavor and it did, in fact, taste exactly like a caramel apple.  

A sample of my daughter's homecoming dress.  I cannot believe she is old enough for homecoming.  

Just two siblings awaiting each of their turns at a cross-country meet.  My son did awesome and my daughter hit a personal record.  

The humans are faced with busy schedules but this dog gets to enjoy full days of laziness and relaxation.  

That's it!  Thank you for visiting and I wish you and your loved ones an amazing weekend.  

It's Not A Time For Silence

 I often wonder if I should sometimes use my blogging platform, and also social media, as a way to speak on the controversial side of things.  I understand that when people come to a blog they just want to receive some freedom from the noise they hear elsewhere and I have often felt the same.  Then again, I realize that when we stay silent against evil then evil will prevail more.  Unfortunately, there is no escaping the evil that goes on in our world.  We can no longer be immune to it.  

As Christians, we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus.  We are to do the work He has called us to do.  We are also supposed to share the Gospel, even with those that don't want to hear it.  Charlie Kirk did just that.  He was a man who loved God, loved his family and loved this country.  He sincerely loved the youth of our country and wanted to offer them an open dialogue so they could express themselves but then hear something from a different point of view.  A point of view that went against the vile things that are being taught today.  A point of view that supported religious freedom, traditional marriage and family, and teaching the youth to figure out how to love themselves for who God made them and not what the rest of the world wants them to believe they are.

I'm always hearing people fearing that we will end up in another Civil War but I believe we have already been in one for several years now.  When a man is shot for free speech we are no longer the country we are supposed to be. 

I am sad for the Kirk family and all who knew him personally.  The coward behind the gun, and all others involved, did not silence him yesterday, they only woke the sleeping bear in the rest of us.  I will not stop speaking the name of Jesus and I will not be silenced for my beliefs; religious and political.  

Charlie Kirk was not just a "right-wing activist" as the mainstream media calls him.  He was someone's husband and the father of two precious babies who will have to grow up without him.  I will be keeping them in prayer.  

This is also a day to remember the tragedy that occurred twenty-four years ago.   I will never forget sitting in my parents' living room watching some television on my day off of work, planning out my wedding that would take place eight months later.  Then my television show changed to the news and everything from that point on changed.  My sister's friend, Ralph Licciardi, was working in one of the tower's and never made it out.  Many people lost loved ones.  Many were in the presence of the attack and have those images etched in their minds for a lifetime.  Those of us who watched from our television screens will forever remember the fear and uncertainty of that day.  Never forget and teach it to the younger generations.  

A Chilly Start To The Week

My trees are giving a hint that the autumn season is creeping in.  The weather this morning is a chilly 65 degrees and I'm not sure how I feel about having to put a sweater on.  I confess, I do like this time of year but I do not look forward to the season that comes after fall.  I won't get into that now, though.  

I've been notified that I have to change pick up times for my three boys because a forth one was added and he lives a bit out of the way.  Starting tomorrow I will have to leave the house earlier to do my school van run.  I'm not sure how I feel about that either.  Still, it's a job I'm grateful for and less stress than I've had to deal with before in many, many other jobs.  

I told my daughter I may be pulling the fall decorations out of the attic this weekend and we can get a head start on getting things out but I like to keep all the patriotic things around for September 11th.  I prefer waiting until the actual first day of fall but never before Patriots Day.  

My son is still dealing with a cough, my daughter ended up getting sick but seems to be recovering faster than her brother has and now my husband is sick, too.  What is going on?  I often feel my throat getting scratchy but I can also feel my body fighting it.  A mother cannot get sick.  

This week will be busy with cross-country practices and a meet, band practices and a football game on Friday and this weekend will be even busier.  I should also get to yard work when time allows.  

Have a great week, friends!  Thanks for taking the time to stop by my little blog.  

Eagle Scout Celebration

 It's official.  We have an Eagle Scout.  Last night was the Eagle Court of Honor held for our Matthew and it was a great event.  I am so, so proud of how far he had gone with scouting and I feel a mixture of sadness and relief that this chapter is closed.  Relief because it's one less thing we have to worry about but sadness because being a part of scouts has been his life since the age of 6.  He did a lot and learned a lot.  Scouting has taught him many things I would have never thought of teaching him myself.  

We had many in attendance, including a representative of the Marine Corp, someone from the Sons of the American Revolution, our county commissioner and state representative - all who gave wonderful speeches.  One of our pastor's came along with his wife and started the night with an incredible opening prayer.  We ordered a ton of pulled pork from a man from our church who has started his own barbecue business and my husband made a ton of mac n cheese.   

I am so proud of the young man he is and I congratulate him on this great achievement.  I wasn't sure if he would have gone the entire way but he wanted to and did.  

They say the days are long and the years are short and that is absolutely true.  Here is a picture of where it all began, my six year old Tiger Scout.  Where did this little boy go?  

And to give an update on his sickness, I was worried he wouldn't be able to attend the event but in the last few days he's only been dealing with congestion and cough and also a rash.  During our second visit to the doctor, with a different doctor, he thought maybe it could be Hand, Foot and Mouth, which has been going around.  Things seem to be getting slightly better aside from a cough, which may be lingering for awhile.  Sickness always hits this poor guy hard.  

Five For Friday: Summer Memories

 This post is going up late today.  I should be at the football game watching my daughter perform in the marching band.  My son has been sick all week and this evening he spiked a fever so I'd rather be home keeping watch over him.  He's been feeling terrible.  I took him to the doctor and they cancelled out it being the flu/covid and strep.  I'm worried this may turn to pneumonia.  Please keep him in prayer.  

I haven't been consistent with the Five For Fridays but today I wanted to do one on five memorable things of this summer.  

1.  Summer vacation started with my daughter's dance recital.  Oh, how I'm going to miss seeing her dance on stage.  This was her 10th year of dance.  

2.  Our trip to Chincoteague Island, Virginia.  

3.  Seeing Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham and Josiah Queen perform at Hershey, PA.  If you have never heard of these singers, they perform Contemporary Christian music.  The show was phenomenal.  

4.  It is a difficult process being able to get tickets to see the Savannah Bananas so it was exciting when we were able to get 4 for the Baltimore game.  

5.  Most of the summer was spent at home relaxing.  My favorite thing to do.