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.