On This Date

 12 years ago!  Can we please go back?  When my kids were little and parenting for me was fresh.  My kids were easy going and went along with everything, cheerfully embracing every experience with excited eyes and big smiles.  

Sandy Point Beach, Maryland.  Laughing as the waves from the Chesapeake Bay crashed into their feet.  The thrill of how they can turn sand into sandcastles and other fun shapes.  Picking up seashells as if they found treasure.  Oh, yes, take me back to simpler days.  

One thing I love about Facebook is the "Memories" feature where I can see what I posted in previous years.  

That long bridge you see in the background is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  We went across that a few weeks ago on our way to Chincoteague, Virginia.  4 miles of my husband having his hands tightly embracing the wheel as we silently prayed our way to safety.  I'd say it's much better to look at from afar than to be on.  Whew!

I laughed, smiled and then felt a lot of aching and longing for those days back when looking at these pictures.  

Senior Picture Day

 Every one of my children's milestones have always left me with a mix of pride and heartbreak.  Watching as they grow up is part of life but why does it hurt so much?  Parenting is so bittersweet.  

This milestone seems to feel more bitter than sweet.  It's the last one of my son's childhood.  SENIOR YEAR!  He's excited for it but I'm an emotional wreck.  

This morning he went in for his senior pictures.  One casual, one formal for the yearbook and then the cap and gown.  That's the moment it all felt so real.  I can remember that anxious feeling in the pit of my stomach when it came to preparing him for kindergarten.  Now, here we are into the 12th grade year where he's trying to figure out what college to attend, what major to study and how he's going to afford to do it all.  

Not only will he be a senior but my daughter will be starting her high school journey as a freshman.  Just a heads up, prepare for many upcoming emotional blog posts from me.  

You may be growing up, Matthew, but you'll always be my little boy.  

Waiting for the bus on the first day of kindergarten.

"You Reap What You Sow"

 The apostle Paul knew what he was talking about when he gave wisdom to the Galatian church by saying, "Whatever one sows, that will he also reap."  (Galatians 6:7)  

In the context of gardening, I decided to take a shortcut this year.  What I mean is, I did not use fertilizer, and I did not plant as many tomato plants as I usually do.  I did not plant marigolds around the plants, which keeps the aphids from attacking and I have not been consistent with pulling weeds.  I could have and should have done better.  I've been getting some grape tomatoes but there has not been one big tomato in site.  

Some green beans have sprouted and came to full size but some of those plants were eaten away by some critter.  

I've seen plenty of peppers but some of them are beginning to rot before turning the red color they are supposed to be.  

I dream of having a big garden filled with lots of vegetables.  I also dream of having land for chickens and other livestock and even some goats for entertainment purposes but that all may just be a pipe dream.  How cool would it be to be able to have our resources of consumption right on my own land.  I envy those that have the patience, time and skills to do so.  In today's economy it becomes so helpful to grow our own food.  How great it could have been if I had that passion and commitment from the very beginning of being a homeowner.  I'm not sure if I ever will.  In life, I've certainly been reaping what I've sown and it's not very much and it's not all good.  But it certainly is something to learn from.    

Random Things Of This Week

 

Rescued this Praying Mantis who tried coming into my house.  

Spotted a visitor on our Lavender Butterfly Bush.  

Enjoyed spectating a fun and competitive game of kickball my husband and kids played with the church family after Sunday service.  

I love when this pup lays her head on the pillow in such a humanly way.  

Summer Worship Nights 2025

 There is just something amazing that happens in my heart and mind when listening to praise and worship music.  I began listening to Christian music at the age of 19 with a mix of secular.  Now worship is all I listen to.  It brings me peace.  

Last year my husband and I went to Summer Worship Nights in Hershey with Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake.  This year we got to enjoy it again, this time with the kids.  We were among over 30,000 people outside the Hershey Stadium.  It was truly a fun, spiritual time.  

Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake really do know how to put on a show.  

We hope they come next year so we can make this part of a family summer tradition.   

Chincoteague, Virginia

When you've lost count of how many skin cancer spots you've had removed and currently have you go to the beach with a huge hat and a ton of sun screen.   

Last week we took a few days and headed down to Chincoteague Island, Virginia for a little getaway.  This was the second time we've gone to this beach.  The drive down was long and frustrating at times and then the place we stayed turned out to be not quite what we expected but once I stepped onto the sand and looked into the Atlantic Ocean I felt the presence of home.  I was born on Long Island so any time I'm at the ocean, no matter what state, I feel a peace rush over me.  The smell of salt water, the sounds of the waves crashing into shore mixed with the squawking of seagulls as they dive into the sand looking for a bite to eat I become mesmerized with God's beautiful design.  

I'm so glad my family loves it, too.  

We spent hours at the beach, did a hike along a trail that left us all covered in mosquito bites, ate lots of food, did some shopping, splashed in the pool, and spent the evenings playing board and card games.  We spent the last few minutes of the trip walking to the light house.  

I'm glad we took this trip but I was also glad to have made it home.  

A Little Friday Hiking

 Good afternoon on this hot and sunny Friday.  At least we've been free from rain for the last few days.  

This morning we decided to get some of our hiking done for the Get Outdoors program.  First, my son caught eye of the Amish donut truck that comes into our area every Friday.  He bought himself a donut.  Such a grown up, I know.  

2 of the hikes were in the same location, a park that has a lake and a lot of trails.  Each hike was measured at 1 mile.  

A straight rocky path with some mud and sounds of birds rustling in the trees.  

Posing with the instructional book and the rubbing sheet.  They each have their own sheet.  It was hot and miserable but we made it.  My daughter's smile in this picture was forced as she was not in the mood to hike today.  She woke up complaining of not feeling well but since last night she's been pretty down after finding out that her group of school friends have been hanging out together and excluding her.  She's felt them distancing themselves from her for a long time.  Raising a teenage girl is not for the weak, I'll tell you that.  My heart has been breaking along with hers and I just don't know what to do to help.  

There was a third hike we did today at a smaller park and the post could be seen easily from the parking lot.  It was amusing to watch the kids run to the playground and enjoy a moment as they did when they were smaller.  Oh, I miss those days.  Less drama in that time, for sure.  

As of today we've accomplished a total of 10 hikes so far this summer.  20 more to go.  There's been no excuse for us moving slowly since we have had a lot of free time but I am determined to get them all complete before the end of August.  

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

 The rain we've been getting lately has been so unbelievable.  It's hard to see in this photo but the rain was coming down hard yesterday while we watched from the living room.  Poor doggy wanted to be outside.  

The rain poured down so fast and flooded the yard.  Not only did we have a mess on the outside but we also had water come into the basement too.  My poor husband spent the evening sucking it up while having trouble keeping up.  Other neighbors have been having the same issue.  It's frustrating.  

But as the rain kept coming I kept thinking about those poor people in Texas.  This last week has been difficult for them.  So many lives lost in the flood, including innocent girls who were attending a church camp called Camp Mystic.  I cannot imagine the grief their families are going through or the pain of what the survivors are going to be mentally dealing with from now on.  My heart aches for them.  My prayers are with you, Texas.  

We also had a special visitor yesterday morning from the same living room window.  This is a cicada.  They look like large flies and make sounds quite similar to crickets but much louder.  My kids laughed when they saw this thing looking in on us.  He/she stayed for quite awhile.  

I hope you are having a fantastic week.  Can you believe tomorrow is Friday already?  July is 10 days in and I'm already seeing back to school stuff in the stores and school emails have started coming in.  Please let us just savor these summer days.  

America's 249th Birthday

 

I hope you and your family had a great and safe Independence Day.  I can't express just how grateful I am to be an American and having the privilege of raising my kids in this nation.  It's not perfect but I can't think of another place I'd rather be.  

Our 4th of July was mostly relaxing, at least for me.  I had painted my dad's deck the day before, which left me with severe back and leg pain.  I was reminded that I'm too old to be doing the twisting and bending I was doing but I am happy the job is done.  

The day started by watching our boy run in a 5 mile race.  He finished at 32 minutes, better than he had expected.  

It was worth getting up early to watch him do what he loves.  Then we stopped by our church on the way home for some coffee.  Our pastor's daughter runs a coffee stand in the parking lot and it's so good.  I recommend the vanilla iced coffee.  

We went home and didn't leave for the rest of the day.  I plopped myself on the couch with a heating pad and my wonderful husband cooked dinner.  Brianna made patriotic chocolate chip cookies.  

In the evening we watched the Capitol Firework show on television while neighbors were setting off their own.  As much as I can get annoyed by people who think it's OK to set off fireworks so close to other homes I was reminding myself of how wonderful it is we get to celebrate such freedom.  So, go ahead and light those fireworks.  We have so much to be grateful for, especially this year (in my opinion).  

I felt bad not doing more for my children.   As neighbors were having parties we were at home just the four of us.  I'm truly content that way but my kids desire more.  They deserve more.  But there was no better friend to me yesterday than that heating pad.  

And this snuggly girl beside me.  

Happy 249 birthday, America! 

From June to July

 The month of June flashed by like a bolt of lightning.  Speaking of lighting, we had a pretty bad storm last night.  The weather for June has been very rainy and also extremely hot.  It's impossible to step outside without suffocating.  I love summer but this is a bit much, even for me.  The start of summer vacation has been pretty relaxing.  For a homebody like me it's been wonderful but for my energetic kids they really don't enjoy boredom, even if it's just ONE day with nothing to do.  As a kid I remember always having to entertain myself.  These kids have a rough time figuring out how to keep occupied on their own.  Times have changed.  

As I type, I hear thunder begin again.  My goodness.  I think it's time to start building that ark again.  

Before we get into the hustle and bustle of what July will bring I wanted to do a recap of some of the things we did get a chance to do in June.  On the first day of June and the official start of summer vacation my daughter had her violin recital.  For four years she had been taking violin lessons online from a teacher who used to live in our town but moved to Virginia.  It seemed Bri lost her desire to continue so this was her last "concert" and time spent with Miss. Elizabeth.    

Then she had her dance recital.  She made a decision to take the next year off of dance and focus on more school related things since she'll be starting high school.  I'm not sure if she'll ever make her way back to dance but I know her and I will both miss it.  

For Father's Day Rob and Matthew were asked to speak at the church service.  Rob shared about his journey with having arthritis since childhood and how he has kept his faith in God through it.  Matthew spoke about what it's been like growing up in a Christian home and how his father has help him learn how to keep his faith through challenges and temptation.  They both really impressed me.  

And Matthew ran in a 5K for Alzheimer's in Lancaster County and won 1st place.  His first 1st place win.  We are so proud.  He said this one was for his grandmother.  

And with summer comes hiking for our county's Get Outdoors program.  They set up 30 different hikes where we have to read through the directions and find our way to a wooden pole that has a plaque where they can rub onto paper.  We strive to do this every year but have sadly only had accomplished all 30 once.  We had a late start to it this year but we are aiming to get it all done.  

Last Sunday was our church's patriotic service, which ends with an awesome firework show at night.  I look forward to this every year.  This picture doesn't do justice but I'm going to say it's the best firework show I've ever been to.  They do a really great job.  

One experience I do not have pictures of is my kids one week trip at church camp.  They really loved it and it gave them an opportunity to make new friends and keep themselves busy.  This homebody mother enjoyed the peace and quiet, although I did miss them tremendously.  They hope to do it again next year.  

And here we are on the first day of July.  I'll be doing more hiking with the kids and hopefully can squeeze in a last minute vacation before it's time to focus on back to school stuff.  The kids have already been joining the cross country team with morning practices and will soon have two weeks of band camp.  We also have a professional baseball game and a concert on the schedule.  The month will end with Matthew's senior pictures.  Let's just hope this month moves a little slower.  

Answered Prayer

 "Lord, every morning you hear my voice.  Every morning I tell you what I need, and I wait for your answer," -- Psalm 5:3

    This verse was in my Jesus First For Women devotional and it made me think of a specific time I had prayed for something, and even though it took quite a few frustrating years, it was answered in a way I'm so thankful for.  

I believe whatever we deal with becomes part of our testimony.  I've been witnessing how my son's struggles are turning him into a young man God is going to use for good.  As he's entering his senior year of high school and just months away from turning 18 he's been focused on what college to attend and what major to study as he envisions what his future as a man is going to look like.  It's a very challenging, confusing and overwhelming time for anyone of his age and with these decisions he's been focusing on building a relationship with God and allowing Him to lead the way.  Since coming home from church camp, I've seen such a difference in his attitude and his ambition.  Every night he studies the Bible, pushes us out the door when it's time to go to church and has even been excited to attend the extra church services and Wednesday night Bible study/youth group they have.  Last Wednesday night he joined the pastor and some other members of the church to do some door knocking, inviting people to attend this Sunday's patriotic service.  He's spent several months searching for the perfect college to attend while getting a degree in forensics where he can also run cross country but in just the last few weeks I can see a call he's receiving to serve in ministry.  I'm excited to see where he goes with this.  

For Matthew, things haven't been so easy.  Since being a very small boy he was always very shy and had an issue with his speech, not being able to properly say anything with the letter C, S or TH.  After receiving speech therapy and wearing braces it seems to still be a struggle.  Then, at the start of middle school, where we were coming out of the Covid lock-down, he began getting terrible headaches and motor tics.  Every day when I'd pick him up from school he would tell me how hard it was for him to get through the day.  We made the choice to allow him to do school from a quiet, peaceful home while attending a neurologist and trying to figure out what was going on.  The testing showed nothing, every medicine tried ended up failing and my poor boy was suffering.  I can admit, I was getting frustrated through it all and did not always properly handle myself at times.  My baby was suffering and I was not okay with that.  In those days I prayed hard.  I even yelled and screamed at God, asking how he could allow such a thing to happen to such a precious, innocent child.  When he entered high school we wanted him to go back to in person so he could have some normalcy, hoping that the migraines would have settled by then.  Both 9th and 10th grade was difficult for him and most days it was a struggle to get him out of bed.  Both years he made it through the first half of the year but by the second half we allowed him to work from home through their cyber school.  Their cyber school is awful and it only made things more stressful for him.  My angry shouts to God continued and so did endless tears.  I believed it would have been better for him to just be at home learning in the quiet of the house but there were pressure from others to keep him in school, where he needed to learn how to navigate through the noise.  I felt bad, it was awful, but I kept encouraging him the best I could.  I also kept praying, even when my prayers to God were filled with those shouts of anger.  He understood.  Then came 11th grade and my son found an interest in running as he joined the cross country team.  He also told me he wanted to join the marching band, which was confusing to me because being in the band meant dealing with noise.  But something very strange and wonderful happened suddenly.  His migraines went away.  He went to school every day and completed the year, being one of the best on his cross country and track team.  His grades went up and he even began coming out of that shy shell he was living in for so long.  I still have yet to understand why he went through that kind of pain but now I can see how he's been delivered from it and I am so thankful.  I'm also understanding why the push to keep him in school was happening.  God is using all of this to make Matthew into the man he is to become.  

I am grateful for answered prayers, even if it comes in a way I wouldn't have preferred.  God knows better.  

Brooke's Not So Fun Adventure

After getting harnessed and put in the car it was time for a fun morning adventure with human Mom.  

Or so she thought.  Where did we end up going?

The vet!

Brooke usually likes her yearly visit with Dr. Rick but today seemed a little different.   She was as energetic as usual but she also gave the nurse a run for her money when she refused to settle for the blood work and vaccines.  It took a muzzle, a doctor, 2 nurses and me to hold her down.  Then she left a little present on the floor while waiting to check out (yes, I did clean it up).  

Ah, Siberian Huskies are quite the breed.  My husband always wanted one.  I, being used to smaller dogs, wanted to experience having a large dog at least once.  I'm not sure the husky was the right pick for us, especially when it comes to neighborhood walks and outings or when visitors come over.  At home with just us she's fine.  In fact, she can be pretty chill most of the day.  I'm just still not completely convinced we selected the correct breed for us.  But she is ours and I love her despite all the chaos.  

Vet check up for the year: COMPLETE

Heat Wave

 Last Monday the weather was unseasonably cool with scattered showers and heavy wind.  Today we will be reaching temperatures of 100 degrees with threats of potential danger from the heat.  Here in Pennsylvania we go through one extreme to another, without much time in between to adjust.  

Because of all the rain and mixed temperatures my garden isn't doing the best it should.   I was late in planting but there seems to be life happening with the pepper plants.  No sign of tomatoes yet and the green bean plants have a ton of chew marks and no sign of harvest.  

I've never been a green thumb but seem to do well with gardening so I hope to see plenty of life soon.  I also hope to see consistency in weather.  

I've always been a lover of summer and the heat was never a big deal to me but as I'm getting older it's starting to become a little difficult.   Also, with my genetic disorder of constant skin cancer it's best to stay indoors, anyway.  

Last week my kids had fun at church camp and came back with a strong desire to serve the Lord.  It warms my heart to see the love they have for God.  I just pray that they continue to hold Him close, especially as they navigate through school and life.  

If you're in an area that's experiencing this extreme heat I hope you find ways to keep cool.  Crank up the a/c and drink plenty of water.  

I'll leave you with a picture of my daylillies.  

About The Rapture

 

I decided to take some time this morning next to the sunshine and a cup of coffee to begin reading through the book of Revelation.  I've read this book before, which left me feeling a bit confused.  Revelation is a hard one to understand but I do believe it's a very important book to read and I've been getting this feeling that it's time I truly dive into it.  

With certain things going on in the world today it becomes evident just how close we are to the coming of Christ.  Now we'll never know when exactly that will happen, whether it be today or in another 100+ years, but I do believe it will happen and the best thing we can do is to live each moment as if it's about to.  

I've also decided to take another social media pause.  I've been reading some things people write about how Jesus would think of certain things (that are happening in our country) but as I've read and studied who Jesus is I know He would not be okay with these things.  People are quick to say Jesus is loving and compassionate, and although that is true, He has also spoken very clearly on the importance of not sinning.  As I read what people write, I feel this strong desire to leave a comment.  Then I stop myself and ask, who am I to correct them?  Is it even for me to do?  Would it even help if I did?  Would they even listen?  Would God prefer I do say something?  We believers are called to be witnesses to help others, not to hide our beliefs inside us for no one to find.  The Great Commission calls us to spread the gospel so others may hear it and be saved.  Even though others call me weird and say they don't want to hear it I must abide in Christ.  I'm just now sure how equipped and ready I am for doing so, or how to do so.  

Going back to Revelation, when I hear about the current events happening in Israel it had struck an interest in me.  I once heard a pastor say, if you want to know how close we are to the Rapture keep your eyes on what happens in Israel.  Israel, God's chosen people.  I've been praying for them and I pray for the other side, as well.  

My kids are coming home today from their week-long trip at church camp.  I'm excited to see them and hear about their time.  I'm so grateful my kids, like my husband and I, want to invest their time in learning more about Jesus and how to serve Him.  This life isn't about us, it's about Him.  

Wow!  I'm not sure where all of that came from.  I allowed my fingers to do the talking today and this is what happens ... LAUGH OUT LOUD ... 😊 

Why Summer Is My Favorite

Can I get an Amen?

What is my favorite thing about summer?  As someone who works only during the school year with children who are of school age with a hectic evening schedule afterwards, I appreciate the slow and unstructured days of summer vacation.  I wake up when I want and move slowly as I sip my coffee while still in my pajamas.  There's no set time of waking my kids up either.  I'm without a set routine but will take the time to water the garden and pull weeds and I've been making it a habit to read and study my Bible.  We also get to enjoy this thing called boredom.  I'm not sure there's any time to be bored during the school months so I'll take it when I can.  When we do anything it's usually for fun.  

I can celebrate that I made it an entire year as a school van driver without any accidents.  I can celebrate that both of my kids passed their grade and will be on to the next one.  We can rest from the stresses of keeping those grades up.  It's a much needed break.  

These summer breaks will not always be as they are now.  There will come a day when I will be back to work full-time year 'round.  When my kids are grown and finished with school they will be in the working world that will most likely fill their schedules in the summers as well.  This is why I feel so fortunate to have had this opportunity to be home with my kids.  If only I had a chance to go back and start over, this time with a much bigger appreciation for it.  

I may not enjoy the sweltering heat, or even all this constant rain we've been experiencing lately, but I do enjoy summer the best.  

Summer Vacation Time

 Today I turned in my keys, paperwork and the white minivan into my boss and am officially on summer break until a new school year begins.  I asked my dad if he could follow me to the bus garage and then take me home, in return I made them lunch on the new Blackstone.  I'm loving this Blackstone griddle but standing outside and cooking in a mid-80 degree day is probably not the best idea but I got it done and everyone seemed to enjoy the food.  

I'm looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow and not having to rush out the door.  Year two of my job as a school van driver is complete.  It's been a good two years and I'm grateful for it.  I love having a way to help financially while also still being home in the middle of the day and on weekends and holidays.  Being at home with my kids has always been important to me and I know a lot of women have not been able to do that and I know some who would prefer not to.  

Every evening this week is being spent sitting in a high school auditorium while my daughter rehearses for her upcoming dance show.  Monday and Tuesday were rehearsal, Wednesday and Thursday are dress rehearsals and Friday night and Saturday afternoon will be the shows.  I've been sitting in the auditorium chatting with other moms, watching as they run through some parts over and over, keeping watch of the time as they are running later than scheduled and trying to take some videos and pictures.  I'm soaking in the moment unknowing if this will be a last for her.  In the last few months she's talked about losing the joy for dance and not wanting to go back but suddenly as the June show is coming together I see the spark again.  The shows are amazing but the classes take up a lot of days and time, leaving her little room for other things.  As she's about to enter high school she's trying to explore other options and is feeling confused as to what to do.  

But for now, it's summer vacation time and I want us to enjoy slower paced mornings, laid back days, some fun events already scheduled and hopefully we can squeeze in a vacation or two.  This is the last summer before my son is officially an adult *gulp* and I want to make the best of it.  

Happy Summer, friends!