Let's Talk About The Weekend

 On Saturday my son had a track invitational that was called "Arctic Blast" and it was the perfect weather for such a title.  We were all freezing and the morning rain did not help.  My son ran in the 4 x 800 and the individual 800.  Watching as he pushes himself gives me so much joy.  Running in both cross country and track has been the thing that has helped him come out of his shell.  He's always had social anxiety and it's nice to see he's learning how to work through it.  

After struggling through that miserably cold day we spent the rest of the evening resting.  I'm thankful for my husband who offered to make dinner.  

Sunday was spent at church.  The kids wanted to run our school's cross country course so Brianna could see what it's like.  She has a desire to join the cross country team and as much as I believe in her I know it will be tough for her.  She barely gets through one mile so if this is something she wants she's going to have to work hard for it.  I know she can.  Then I had to drop them off back at the church for orchestra practice.  Then we came home to another dinner prepared by my wonderful husband.  We spent the last few hours of our weekend by the fire eating s'mores.  The dog may or may not have enjoyed a few marshmallows.  

Now we are back to Monday and it is Holy Week.  I plan to spend the next few days cleaning the house and hopefully the weather will cooperate so I can get the lawn mowed for the first time this season.  It needs it.  

I pray you all have a blessed week!  Thanks for visiting.  I appreciate my blogging friends so much.  

April Showers Brings ...

 Muddy paws!  

This dog is a typical husky when it comes to digging holes and she's made some nice ones in the back yard recently.  Today it's rainy, which means I really shouldn't be leaving her outside alone because she comes inside as a total mess.  Before I could wipe of those paws she ran through the house creating muddy tracks all over.  That just adds to my housework, thanks a lot Brooke.  

I still love her.  Huskies are known to be cold-natured, athletic dogs but in this case we have a big fluffy low-energy whiner.  I especially love her in the evening when she's ready to snuggle up on the couch and take a little snooze before bedtime.  

This picture was taken yesterday during an afternoon nap while we watched church service from home.  

We don't typically enjoy watching church from home and like to be in person but since our son wasn't feeling well we stayed home.  He began to feel sick on Saturday and on Sunday morning told me he kept waking up sweaty and feeling dizzy.  His throat was also hurting and he thought it was closing up.  I rushed him to Urgent Care and it was a quick appointment.  He was tested for strep, covid, flu and rsv and all came back negative.  Apparently, it's just a bad cold.  He's home from school today.  I feel bad.  Matthew has been working so hard this year and is currently doing two spring sports - baseball and track.  I guess his body is telling him it's time for a break.  

We did get to enjoy watching him in two relay races at a track invitational last Friday evening.  The team placed fourth both times but I'm still so proud of him.  How could I not be?  

This week is starting off rainy and will remain cold for awhile.  I'm sure this back and forth weather isn't helping to keep any of us healthy but I know we need the rain.  Last fall they called for a burn ban because of the lack of precipitation.  We are still a few inches shorter than what it should be.  So, the rain is welcomed but I'd rather not deal with muddy paws anymore.  

"Whatcha talkin' about, Mom?" 

Five For Friday: Favorite Bible Verses

 To add a little change around here I decided to come up with a post called Five For Friday, where I'll pick a category and add five things pertaining to that topic.  I thought a great subject to start things off is five of my favorite Bible verses.  Although the Bible has many amazing verses and stories these five have had special meaning to me at some point in my life.  

In no particular order:

FIVE FAVORITE BIBLE VERSES

"The Lord is the strength of my life of whom shall I be afraid?" -- Psalm 27:1

This verse in this context is found in the New International Version, the version I received at a church at twenty years old after giving my life to Christ.  I have since switched to the King James version but I remember the first time reading this verse.  I was still living at my parents' house, sitting on my bed reading through the Bible and praying for God to forgive me for my past mistakes.  I don't speak about my past much but I was once suicidal and depressed, having no hope I'd ever have a future.  In my teenage years I tried several things I thought would bring me relief through the pain but when I saw these words it was the first time I realized that the only way I could get relief from the pain and strength to go on was only through the Lord.  Psalm 27:1 has since been my life verse and it reminds me who carries my strength.  

"In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart!  I have overcome the world" -- John 16:33

Whenever I read this verse it brings me chills.  Life is difficult but the thing that helps me get through is knowing Who is in control and Who has already won the battle.  

"Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  It always protects, always hopes, always perseveres, LOVE NEVER FAILS" -- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8

These verses were spoken at our wedding and is written on the wall above our bed.  Before marriage, Rob and I decided to use 1 Corinthians 13 as a reminder of the most important gift God has ever given us:  Love!

"Cast your anxiety on Him because He cares for you" -- 1 Peter 5:7

Much like how Psalm 27:1 has helped me through my depression 1 Peter 5:7 definitely helps me in those moments when my anxiety wreaks havoc.  

"For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only begotten Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life" -- John 3:16

Oh my!  This verse not only tells us the only way into heaven but it is a reminder of what God did to save us through His son, Jesus.  I'm so, so thankful.  

I hope you enjoyed this post today.  Please let me know what is your go to verse when life feels tough.  

(pictures from DuckDuckGo)

Things I Love About Spring

 We have two of these trees on each side of our driveway.  I don't know what kind of tree it is but they blossom these beautiful white flowers in early spring that only last a few weeks.  

Birds love it for nesting.

Saying hello to a squirrel in a tree during an evening walk.

Nothing says springtime like seeing the daffodils in full bloom.

Bright skies as our flags move around in the breeze.  

Easter decorations are on display getting ready to celebrate the most important holiday of all.  

What are your favorite things about spring? 

My Eagle Scout

As we enter into another week I wanted to take a moment out of my busy schedule to give an update worth sharing.  

My son began his journey as a cub scout in the early elementary school days.  His father unexpectedly took on the role as one of the scout leaders because there weren't enough parents willing to help.  From Tiger, to Wolf, to Bear and Webelos and then receiving his Arrow of Light he crossed over to the boy scouts.  Because of sports he was not always able to attend every Tuesday evening meeting but that did not stop him from earning a total of thirty-six merit badges.  He spent years working hard and pushing through.  Now we are proud to say that as of last Tuesday ...

He's an Eagle Scout!

We waited as he privately interviewed with the Eagle review board.  I knew he had it but was also nervous.  I could tell he was nervous as well.  His sister skipped her dance classes to be there and we all felt pride when hearing the announcement that he had made it.  It takes a lot to earn the rank of Eagle Scout and I'm glad he never gave up.  

Now it's time to plan for the ceremony!  

No matter how many years go by and how much he grows I will always think of him as my little Tiger!  

Windy Spring Day

 Today I have realized that my two year old Siberian Husky would not last one minute in Siberia.  Today is a very windy day and when I opened the back door to let her outside she just stood there in fear.  She flinches and jumps every time the wind blows.  

Oh, Brooke!  You amuse me.  

And Happy Spring, everyone!  We have made it through winter.  Living in the middle of farm country means this is the time of year when the smell of cow manure permeates the air as they begin getting the field ready for the season.  It's gross.  I wish there was a way I could put that smell on this post just so you know just how bad it is.  It's a smell I'll never get used to; however, I can appreciate it because this means we will be blessed with plenty of vegetables to eat.  Thank you, farmers!  

I hope this season of Spring brings you many blessings!

March-ing On

 Hello, friends!  We have now begun another week and like the months before, March is moving very quickly.  In the last few weeks I've sat staring at a blank page on my laptop wondering what I should type.  I feel my blog is lacking in any purpose and it is definitely without some sort of routine.  I feel stuck in a rut and unable to share anything that's outside of my typical day to day life - which is very monotonous and repetitive.  I also tend to go all over the place in my writing but that's exactly how my brain works.  So, I thought about itemizing my thoughts, just as I've seen many other bloggers do.  Maybe it will help keep things going in a more organized way.  

Daylight Savings:  This time of year meant we had to move our clocks one hour ahead which caused us to lose sleep but it also means the sun stays out a little later in the evening.  In Pennsylvania we experience all four seasons and sometimes it seems we experience all four seasons in one week.  One day it's a brisk 40 degrees and the next day it reaches into the 70s.  We've been blessed with the 60s and 70s in the last few weeks with sunny skies and a reminder that winter is soon ending.  Then again, in the past we've experienced intense snow storms in the middle of March so I'm not holding my breath that this warm weather will last.  But I'm hoping.  She's hoping too ... 

A not so typical husky sunbathing on the back deck.  

Back to Baseball:  Oh, yes, this is my favorite season for sure!  Not only are the professionals gearing up for another season ahead but here in my hometown I get to sit at the field watching my own son play.  This year he made Varsity and on the first game of the year he was the one who made the first run for the season.  He's been playing ball since the age of 5 and although he hasn't been the best on the team he's worked very, very hard and that's more than enough reason to be proud.

And Now Track, Too:  Last summer Matthew found a love and gift for running when he joined the cross country team.  Some of his teammates tried talking him into joining track for the spring season and he really wanted to but he also did not want to give up baseball.  After talking to the athletic director and coaches they agreed to allow him to do both.  The only one in his school to be a dual athlete in the same season.  I've been nervous that it's going to wear him out but he insists he'll be fine.  So far, he is.  In his first meet his team got first place in the 4x800 and he got second place in the individual 800.  Unfortunately, I was not there to see it because I had to take Brianna to her dance classes but I do plan on being to as many as I can.  Rob was there and he was able to get video and pictures.  

March Unofficial Holidays:  Fat Tuesday is traditionally celebrated by Catholics and some Christians as a way of preparing for Lent.  Some know it as "Mardi Gras" which is French for the words Fat Tuesday.  Some call it Shrove Tuesday, which in German means "the eve of the fast" or "fastnaught."  There are different ways of celebrating Fat Tuesday but the idea is to eat as much food as possible before Lent begins the next day.  Where I live we traditionally celebrate it the PA Dutch way, which is called Fastnaught Day.  A Fastnaught is a donut-like dessert, which is usually but not necessarily made from mashed potatoes and other things that can be found in the pantry.  I have never made fastnaughts but I do buy them from the local grocery store and it's something we all enjoy.  In our home we don't celebrate Lent but that does not stop us from indulging in a little Pennsylvania tradition.  

Another thing we amusingly celebrate is on March 14th.  Can you guess what it is?  Since 3.14 is the first three digits of Pi someone came up with the idea to make it National Pi Day but even to those, like me, who are not even close to being math scholars can find enjoyment in turning it into PIE day.  Every year I make pie and it's usually a chocolate pudding pie because that's the only pie the kids will eat.  

Brianna wanted to recreate the picture I took five years ago.

Pi Day 2025

Pi Day 2020

St. Patrick's Day:  Today is our favorite official holiday of March.  It's when we wear green and the kids wake up to find an individual container of Lucky Charms and their own package of Skittles and chocolate coins.  When they were little I would pretend they were left from the leprechaun but they have now reached the age of knowing better.  I still enjoy keeping up with these silly traditions.  It is my hope that my children will look back on their childhood and remember these little traditions I gave them.  My mother always made corned beef and cabbage America's signature St. Patrick's Day meal.  As much as I like it my husband and kids don't so I go with an authentic Irish dish called "Bangers and Mash," which is sausage and mashed potatoes.  Since I'll have to go from watching Matthew's baseball game to running Brianna to her dance studio there will be no time to prepare the meal this evening so I'll have to figure out how to get it done ahead of time and everyone will have to heat it up when they are home.  It's the life of having children with after school activities!  

Wishing you a bright and happy week ahead!  3 days until SPRING! 

It's March

 I spy with my little eyes some Saint Patrick's Day decorations ... 

My husband and I both have some Irish in our ancestry, although we don't usually make a big deal about it -- except for Saint Patrick's Day.  Now that it's March all of my Valentine's Day decorations are put away and all the green stuff comes out.  

March also means it's time for high school to get back into spring sports and my son has his baseball tryouts after school.  This weekend most states, including ours, will turn the clock ahead one hour.  We are on the countdown to spring and it's going to be a busy one.  This week, particularly, will be filled with doctor appointments for the kids.  Today is a typical Monday where I'm cleaning up weekend messes and menu planning for the week.  Between busy evening schedules and having picky eaters meal planning is never fun but it's an important job and someone has to do it.  I've just really been struggling with it.  On Friday my husband asked what was for dinner.  I really was not in the mood to cook.  My depression was kicked into high gear and I was struggling more than most days.  My husband did not seem like he was in the mood to cook either and after a long day of work I wasn't expecting him to.  Then an idea hit me.  We were given a gift card to a diner for Christmas so I asked if he wanted to go on a date.  We could order pizza and snacks for the kids and allow them to have an evening to themselves.  He, obviously, agreed.  Date nights for us have been few and far between since having kids.  Having a chance to get out of town and have someone else cook for us was a real treat.  The bad blogger in me has no pictures of the meal to post.  

On Saturday I watched as Rob and the kids ran in another race.  It was the last of the winter series and both my husband and daughter ran the 1 mile while my son did the 5k.  Again I say, I'm so proud of them.  They are amazing.

Then my daughter and I spent the afternoon visiting my parents.  With our busy schedules we don't get to see them very often.  It's been difficult knowing how much they are struggling physically as they age and I don't know what to do.  I'm caught between having a job and raising two active kids while having parents who can use as much help as possible.  The rest of the family lives on Long Island and, they too, have busy schedules and can't easily make a trip to visit.  It has made me question God many times as to why my parents made a choice to move to Pennsylvania years ago.  In that time they were younger and healthier, unaware of the what the future was going to hold.  My grandparents (dad's parents) were also here in Pennsylvania too.  While we were there my dad asked if we could clear all the pinecones from under his tree.  

Sunday was church, lunch at the church after service, and home to enjoy the rest of the weekend.  Sundays are phone free days in our house since it's something we all could use a break from.  

It is my hope that March brings you a lot of sunshine and blessings!  

Goodbye February

Happy Friday!  Not only have we made it to the last day of the week but we also made it to the last day of February.  

Last night we attended the middle school benefit concert and watched both chorus and band put on a wonderful performance.  Bri gave up on chorus midway through this school year because she wanted to focus on band.  She traded in her clarinet for the french horn and has been doing great with it.  She is already signed up to join the marching band in high school.  High school?  My baby is going to high school?  Whoever came up with the term "time flies" obviously was a parent.  

I hope everyone had a great February.  I know I complain a lot about the cold weather but I have also learned it's a good excuse to stay inside pretending to be a hermit crab.  Recently my husband asked me how many times I have gone through the Gilmore Girls series.  Admittedly, I don't know but this has been a good series for me to keep on during the cool fall and winter days when I'm home alone getting housework done.  I'm almost on the last season and then it will be time for warmer days spent outside and less television watching.  

And while another episode is playing on my living room television (thank you Netflix) I'm getting through some more laundry and housework until it's time to leave for my afternoon van run.

I hope February was great for you and I pray March brings you lots and lots of blessings!  

Oh, Hello Sunshine

Well, well, well ... someone must have heard my complaining and sent the 50 degrees and sunshine.  

It's so nice that I opened the back door to let the winter germs out and some fresh air in.  The dog knows how to push open the screen door with her nose to let herself in and out but she has yet to learn how to shut it behind her.  She's enjoying the vitamin D as much as I am ... and I'm sorry if I complain too much.  I really do believe each season has its beauty and I am luckier than a lot of people but sometimes those thoughts pop in my head that it becomes hard to control.  But today, it's sunny and warm and there's no desire in my mind to complain.  

Saturday morning was still a bit bitter but that didn't stop any of us from traveling to another part of the county so Matthew could run in the second to last race of the winter series he signed up for.  That boy has made me proud with how hard he's working and he loves running.  Rob has also began running and has joined in on some of the (1 mile) races.  For an older man who deals with a lot of pain from arthritis the fact that he goes out there running and challenging himself is amazing.  Then there's Brianna, who has only taken dance classes as an extra curricular activity, but has now taken up an interest of being a runner as well.  She has yet to do a 3.1 mile run, which is required for cross-country but she did want to join in on the 1 miler as well.  I knew she could do it but I was nervous she'd have trouble and give up.  Well, I'm so proud of her!  She made it to the end with a smile on her face.  I couldn't have been more proud as I have been for all three of them.  As for me, I just stayed back and snapped pictures at the finish line.  I don't think I've ever ran a full mile in my life and although I had tried many times I have yet to accomplish it.  Maybe one day.  For now, I'm happy to be the photographer.  

And Saturday night ended with game night in the living room.  It had been awhile since we played Phase Ten and it took some time to recall how to play this card game but it was fun.  

Sadly, a terrible thing happened on Saturday morning at a hospital near my house.  It's all over the news and social media as more and more details come out.  It's always sad when hearing of incidences such as this but it's even more terrifying when it's close to home.  I hope the officers and hospital staff who were injured make a full recovery and I hope the witnesses can mentally heal.  I also pray for the family and friends of Officer Andrew Duarte who made the ultimate sacrifice that day.  Thank you for your service, Officer Duarte.  Our flag is half mast, which was ordered by our governor but it was something we are willing to do.  The least we could do.  

It's moments like this that remind us how precious life is and how it could end at any given time.  I'm not saying this to depress anyone but just want it to serve as a reminder to enjoy each and every moment.  

Sunday was a day of church, lunch served at church, and I got to take this pup on a drive to drop one of the cars off at the mechanic since we have no time to take it on Tuesday.  She loved having a chance to get out.  We also had dinner at Chili's and spent the evening attempting another card game and some family time before another week of school and work begins.  

Now here we are, Monday.  I have been busy with housework and enjoying the sunshine.  Here's to the last week of February!  A warm week expected.

Winter Blues Through A Cold February

 Last night while sitting in the waiting room at dance I was talking to a few mothers on how we seemed to have been spoiled with mild winters over the years but this time we are feeling what an actual winter is supposed to feel like.  I know there are people who complain about the heat in the summer and wish for the colder temperatures.  Now that we have them I hope you are all happy.  The cold, bitterness, wind and snow is just not for me.  One of the mother's talked about a seasonal depression she goes through this time of year where she just wants to stay inside and hibernate and finds it hard to even want to leave the house and see people.  My eyes widened as I listened to her say the same things I had been feeling.  I am not a secluse but I do prefer being at home in warmth and seclusion and only go places and talk to people when needed.  It's not an exciting way to be but with everything going on in the world and around me it feels better to just stay in my own lane, protecting my peace.  

And nothing is better than quiet mornings with a cup of coffee, Scripture reading and a lazy husky beside me.  

She must feel as I do, too.

Right now as I type this I can hear the wind whipping around outside.  I have so many things to get done and it's getting done slowly but surely.  

As much as I don't like the bitterness of winter I'm thankful for it.  Thankful because it will help me appreciate the warmer weather that's to come.  

I'm not sure much excitement has happened this February except last Friday's Valentines Day.  The kids had off school for a teacher in-service day and all three of my Valentines (I treat my kids too) got a bag of goodies from me.  

I also made this heart-shaped chocolate cake with white icing and silver and pink sprinkles.  I purchased the heart-shaped cake pan from Dollar Tree.  The bags also came from the same place.  

We are heading into the last weekend of February and I am feeling grateful that we will then enter the month where we see FIRST DAY OF SPRING on the calendar.  It's on its way, friends!  It's on its way!

Inside and Outside

This girl will beg to go outside, then will eventually cry to come back inside, then outside again, and inside ... and so on.  I spend most of my day opening and closing the back door.  When she's inside she's either eating, napping or looking out the living room window wishing to be outside.  To live such a life!

It's very windy outside today.  I can hear the patio furniture blowing around on the back deck.  My son wanted me to drop him off at a friend's house this morning and my daughter and I did a little shopping on the way home.  I was glad to get back into the warm house but I'll soon be out the door again taking her to those evening dance classes.  

It's Presidents Day and there's no school.  It was nice to get to sleep in just a bit.  Tomorrow it's back to the grind and there's something expected in the forecast for Wednesday night into Thursday.  Can we be done with winter yet?  This one has been brutal.  I'm ready for sunshine and warmer air.  Are you?

Hang on, I gotta go let the dog out...

Wacky Wednesday

 It began snowing yesterday afternoon and kept going all night into later this morning.  It was lightly falling and left just enough to cover the ground but not the roads.  A two hour delay had already been called for today and as I laid in bed I was expecting my cell phone to ring with the school letting me know they had switched to a virtual day.  Well, it remained a two hour delay and that was okay since the roads are fine.  The kids I take in the school van were not too thrilled, as they were really hoping for a day off.  

I may not be a fan of the winter season but I will admit the snow covered trees are beautiful.  My favorite snow is the kind that sticks to the grass but not the pavement.  

Then when I came home from my morning van run I realized I forgot my house key, totally forgot where we keep the hidden spare, and made my husband leave work so he could let me in.  That was quite a morning.  Maybe, just maybe, a virtual day would have been better.  I'm sure Rob and I will one day laugh about this but today I feel really, really bad I made him drive all the way home to rescue me from my stupidity.  He's a good man.  

I will soon have to leave for my afternoon run and dinner has been simmering in the crockpot all morning.  I look forward to an evening of no plans and relaxing in the comfort of my own house.  Nothing, to me, is better than being at home ... inside the home ... not locked outside in the cold.  

Some February Things

 

The groundhog was not kidding when he predicted six more weeks of winter.  Last Thursday we woke up to an icy ground, which called for another virtual day.  Snow is in the forecast beginning tomorrow and probably lasting until Thursday.   

I got all the grocery shopping and Valentine gift buying done today in anticipation of this pending storm.  I have household projects in mind ready to start in case I become stuck inside but those things can and should get done regardless.  

I've also been in a baking mood and my kids loved these chocolate chip brownie bars.  When I don't feel like baking from scratch I rely on my good friend Betty Crocker to help get things done.  I feel no shame.  

And my sweet husband surprised me with flowers reminding me that we don't have to wait until Valentines Day to celebrate our love for each other.   

I can't believe we have started the second week in February already.   January felt so long but this month is moving along and I cannot wait for warmer days.  This seasonal depression is no joke and I'm doing what I can to fight it.  

Last night we ended the weekend watching the Superbowl, although we did not care for either team or the halftime show, it's nice when we can relax together as a family.   Now that the football season is over, a sport I really don't care for as much as my husband and son do, I'm ready for baseball.  Baseball is my sport, if I have to pick one.  Maybe because the weather is so much better between April and October.   I'm so ready!

As Life Goes On

 On Saturday afternoon I took my daughter to a funeral of a beautiful twenty year old young lady who danced at the same studio.  It was requested that guests wear florals, something Amelia loved.  We sat among a crowded church in our floral dresses watching what  was the most precious and Holy Spirit filled funeral service I have ever attended.  This one was a first for Bri.  A few pastors and her family shared heartfelt memories in their eulogies, we sang a few songs and a group of girls from the studio even danced.  It was a remarkable celebration of life; a life gone far too soon.  

In December the studio put on a production called Messiah, which was about the life of Jesus starting with creation and ending with Jesus ascending into Heaven.  Amelia played the Holy Spirit and we all, unaware at the time of what was to come, saw a glimpse of her in Heaven.  She is there now.  I only knew her because of that production and Bri knew her from being a substitute teacher in her class before.  Being that this is her first year, Bri still hasn't had a chance to get to know many people yet.  However, the church was filled with people who knew Amelia, either from the time she was small or, like us, most recently.  One thing I learned is just how much this young woman had accomplished in just twenty years, which also included spending a few years living in Hawaii with her twin sister, Sophia.  Sophia was also in the accident, but managed to survive with a broken femur.  

It's really sad to think of how one moment could change so much.  I imagine the three sisters, as they were driving home that Friday evening from a dance rehearsal, singing along to their favorite music as they laughed and talked about what the day had brought them.  I'm sure they even talked about the plans they had for the next day.  Then within a split second, with no time to react, a car coming from the other lane swerves into their lane causing the driver to swerve so she doesn't hit that other car but instead slams into a tree.  They still have yet to find who that other driver was and we aren't sure if they realize how their inability to follow proper driving procedures cost the life of one young, sweet woman.  

This accident can give us all a reminder that the next day is not promised to us.  It doesn't matter how old we are or how healthy we are.  Our time can even come when we least expect it, when we are not prepared for it.  

{picture of Amelia taken and created by Lovefusion Photography.  I do not own the rights}

I did not know Amelia personally and I never had a chance to talk to her or hear that contagious laugh her loved ones kept talking about.  All that I know are the things that were said about her.  A kind, loving, always happy but quiet girl who lived her life loving and serving God.  She even made sure when she danced she did it for Him.  It was remarkable seeing how many people she touched with her kindness and how much light she gave to those around her.  I'll never understand how God could take a person like her from this world so soon while her loved ones live out the rest of their days grieving such a loss.  A life like Amelia's is a life God calls us all to be.  As my life continues to go on, and until I'm called home, I will do my best to live for and serve God the best that I can.  Because I, too, want to hear those words, "Well done good and faithful servant."  

Last Week of January

Tell me about it!  Why does the first month of the year always seem to be the slowest?  I've never enjoyed January, to be honest, and this is usually the height of when my depression hits ... but I'm doing okay with it ... well, pushing through.  I have to use a lot of mental strength just to get out of bed in the morning and before my feet hit the floor I'm already thinking about how I can't wait to crawl back under the covers that night.  Throughout the day I feel like I'm just going through the motions as I get everything done.  But I'll get through it, I always do.  At least this week has brought us some sunshine and a little bit of warmth.  After dealing with single digit temperatures last week, which started with mornings of being below 0, it's been pleasant now being back in the 40's.  

The year is off to a slow start and that may be my favorite thing about January.  After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season I can now relax a little as we wander back into a regular routine.  My daughter was back to her dance schedule for one week until the studio decided to take a week off to mourn the loss of one of the dancer's.  She passed away in a tragic car accident on January 17th.  Her sisters, also dancers, were also in the car and survived with minor injuries.  Brianna knew them from dance and Amelia, the girl who passed away, filled in as a teacher.  She also played the Holy Spirit in last month's production of Messiah.  The show was breathtaking and Amelia was beautiful in it.  This week the studio opened up so the schedule is back to normal.  

Today school had an early dismissal so my kids are home.  The boy I drive to school has been sick so far this week.  It's been nice not having to rush out the door either early in the morning or in the afternoon.  I do love this job and the money is needed but it's nice to get more and more of a break, too.  I do hope he's feeling better and said my prayers for him.  It seems there's a lot of people fighting the flu right now.  Matthew had his routine doctor appointment today and all seems well.  The doctor seemed impressed with how well he's doing.  I'm proud, too.  He shared the news yesterday that he made honor roll.  After a rough few years with migraines and trying to push through life while dealing with migraines, he seems to really be improving and trying so hard.  As for Brianna, of course I'm proud of her too, but she's been giving us quite a struggle.  I'm not sure I can blame it on the fact that she's a 13 year old teenager because she's always been one who has given us a run for our money.  I know that God will use her and her circumstances for a purpose.  We just have to help her along.  

I'll close with a picture my husband took last week of a snow covered Lake Codorus.  He past by on his way to a doctor appointment.  This lake holds a lot of special memories for us.