Happy 14th Birthday!

 I had a moment on this Saturday evening to add a little updated post on what has been going on in the last few days.  

First off, yesterday our Brianna turned 14 years old.  It was a simple day, most of which was spent at home aside from a girls trip to the mall in the morning, cross-country practice in the afternoon and Taco Bell for dinner.  Yes, she picked Taco Bell.  She had also asked to get her hair highlighted, which we did a few days earlier.  It's really hard to tell in these pictures but she does have some blonde added to her  hair.  

What can I say about Brianna?  Well, while she may be small in stature she has a pretty big personality.  Or should I say attitude?  Oh my!  She's definitely been my greatest challenge and it's probably because in a lot of ways she's just like me.  That's not to say I don't enjoy being around her.  She makes a great shopping buddy and doesn't mind snuggling up with me to watch something on television.  I'm envious of her in many ways because she isn't afraid of being herself and also stands her ground when it comes to her belief in God.  While some girls are into all the popular things she's quite content in her own style.  

Today we packed a picnic lunch and met my parents at a park near their house.  It was a nice few hours with my parents.  I failed to snap a picture of them but I did take a picture of someone we adopted for the afternoon.  

My son kept feeding him chips and he enjoyed every bite.  I'm not quite sure if squirrels can have potato chips but this little buddy was enjoying the feast.  When my parents left we headed to the mall next to the park in an attempt to do some last minute back to school shopping.  My children are so difficult to shop with because they can't seem to find anything they like.  My daughter did leave with a few new tops.  

Now we are home and going to enjoy the rest of the evening relaxing.  Nothing beats being at home.  Tomorrow will be church and getting things ready for the first day of school on Monday.  I have another week before I start back at my job.  I'm trying to hang onto the last moments of summer vacation we have left.  

One More Week

Well, we have made it to the last week of summer vacation.  Cross country practice has officially started for the kids and also band rehearsals.  If you haven't noticed my kids like to be busy.  Both of their school schedules came today and they seem eager to start the year.  I get my van schedule on Thursday during my meeting.  Tonight my daughter goes in for high school orientation.  It's all happening so fast.  

The week will end with my daughter's 14th birthday.  Then will be my dad's 78th birthday over the weekend so I'm planning some things for him.  On Saturday my oldest sister and her husband came to visit them from New York so I went over to see them.  It was nice to see them but it's also not easy.  My family are loud, vulgar, judgmental and have views about things that are oppositive of mine.  This makes it difficult being around them but I do try.  I leave my parents' house with a tension headache and regret of not standing up for myself.  All I want is peace.  I no longer want to focus on the past, as my father always seems to do, and I just want to live a life honoring God and focusing on my own little family, which already has it's own little challenges.  

With the school year beginning will come a set routine again.  Every day will be busy and I'll be glad to start making money again.  I'm going to embrace these last few slower paced days and try not to think too much about what's to come.  The introverted me got used to not having a routine.  

I'll end with the picture I took this morning of another butterfly on my lavender butterfly bush.  I'm not sure it's true but I heard the Monarchs will soon be extinct.  I hope not.  We need more of this beauty in the world.  

Summer With A Purpose

 Good morning, friends!

We are in the final stretch of summer vacation and in two weeks my kids will be back to school.  Summer started off slow and I was embracing how much time we had and then, just like that, we are in the last two weeks and everything seems to be hitting us at once.  My kids are at band camp this week; which means 10 hours each day of learning footwork and music under the blistering sun.  It's day 3 and my son is ready to be done.  My daughter seems to be enjoying it.  I'm glad they are doing something together.  As they are at school I'm attempting to get as much housework done as possible.  Yesterday I was supposed to have my mammogram but it was cancelled and I need to reschedule.  Ugh!  I was really hoping to get that over with.  So, once I get my work schedule for the school van I'll proceed with rescheduling so it doesn't interfere with when I'm supposed to be on the road.  Today I have to pick my son up from band camp and take him to another location for pictures the newspaper is taking for cross country and then back to band camp.  My parents wanted to stop by after.  

It's been busy!  Too busy!

Next Monday my daughter goes in for freshman orientation and they both will have the official start of cross country practice every day.  Then the following week is back to school.  Summer vacation went by in a blur but I'm thankful for this time we've been able to kick back and relax.  We had one vacation to the beach, a very special concert in Hershey and last Saturday took a trip to Baltimore to watch the Savannah Bananas play some baseball.  Have you ever heard of the Savanna Bananas?  I'd say, they are like the Harlem Globetrotters of baseball.  A lot of dancing, back flip catches and even one guy who pitches on stilts.  If only all baseball was that entertaining!

A big part of this summer was watching as my children's faith grew immensity.  After they spent one week in June at church camp I have noticed a big change in their commitment to God.  My son has been spending every night before bed reading Scripture and taking notes.  He feels as though God is preparing him for some type of ministry.  Our church developed a calendar filled with events for this summer and called it Summer With a Purpose.  I definitely do believe our summer did have purpose when it came to drawing closer to God.  I'm grateful for that.  

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 onto 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