Day 100

 Did you know that this is the 100th day of the year.  I only realized that because it said so on my Bible reading in a year app.  

My word for this year has been DETERMINED and I've been silently successful in that.  I say silently because this blog is the only place I share my word of the year.  It's not discussed in my home or with friends.  No reason for that, it's just something that's between me and God and shared on this blog for the sake of remembrance and reflection.  Have I been successful at staying determined?  I'd say slightly so.  I've been determined to get better in my faith, in my commitment to family, and to getting healthier.  As for my health I've let it slip but I'm getting right back up.  I may have added a few extra pounds since the beginning of the year but it's not the end.  For me, it's not about the numbers on the scale, it's about trying to prevent those generational curses.  It's about learning how to protect the body that God has given to me while I live on this earth.  Ugh, it's not easy.  Not easy at all.  But I'm determined.  

It's also National Siblings Day!  I already wrote about them briefly on Wednesday but here's another picture.  The one from Christmas of 2019.  The last time I was on Long Island for my sister's Christmas Eve family party.  I'm grateful for them and I pray for them.  I'm the youngest and was always known to be very different from them.  My sisters were always the stylish ones surrounded by a ton of friends.  My brother has always been the chill one.  I'm the weirdo of the bunch and that's okay with me.  

It's a nice spring day outside, reaching the mid 70's today.  I may go out and pull some weeds and maybe get started on the lawn mowing, the first one for this year.  My mind is prepping for next month's gardening and I cannot wait for that.  

I stepped outside and caught the dog and her muddy paws sunbathing on the deck.  She's a silly one.  A perfect match for my weirdness, for sure.  

Enjoy the weekend, my friends!  Wishing you many, many blessings!

G It's the Hodgepodge

I haven't been consistent with this but here we go!  Joining in with Joyce at From This Side Of The Pond  Grateful to have found something that helps keep this blog going.  

1. Egg on your face, putting all your eggs in one basket, a good egg, walk on eggshells, nest egg, or a tough egg to crack...which eggy idiom currently applies to your life in some way? Explain

Hmm?  I could say I can relate to all of those expressions.  Depending on the moment.  

2. April 7th is National Beer Day...are you a beer drinker? If so do you have a favorite? Beer battered fish, beer bread, beer can chicken, beer brats...which one sounds good to you? Have you made any of these? 

I am not a fan of beer.  Growing up my family were always Budweiser kind of people, never do they have a get together or party without it.  I've also grown up seeing the effects of alcohol in a very negative way so it's never appealed to me much.  Although there have been times when I've met up with a friend for a drink ... pretending to like what I was tasting.  

I cannot remember ever trying anything that is made with beer.  

3. Do you have siblings? What's the best thing about being your sibling? If you don't have siblings, what would you say are the pros and cons of being an only child? 

I am the youngest of 4 - one brother and two sisters.  My brother, the oldest, is sixteen years older than me.  My sister is 14 years older than me and my next sister is 7 years older than me.  They are far apart in age from me.  My mom started young and was in her thirties when I was born.  As I was growing up they were already grown and into different things but once I became an adult it felt as though we could relate so much better to each other.  However, the sad thing is they all stayed on Long Island when we moved to Pennsylvania so we aren't close.  I do love them with all my heart.  

What's the best part about being my sibling?

I'm their prayer warrior!  

4. How do you feel about floral scents in products? Do you have a favorite?

I think the only floral scent I like is lavender.  Lavender has a pretty scent and it also helps with relaxation.  That's a win for me.  

5. What's one thing in your home that begins with the letter G that you would say is a keeper, something you'll hold on to? Tell us why. 

I guess I'll say glasses.  These were gifted to us on our wedding from my mother-in-law and they are so pretty.  We have only used them a few times on rare occasions.  It's also a miracle with my clumsiness I have yet to break any.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

There are two trees in the front of my yard that sit on each side of the driveway.  They were already here when we moved in and it's taken 21 years to find out what they are.  With the help of my husband showing me how to research things on my phone, by taking a picture and asking Google herself ... we discovered that these trees are Star Magnolias.  

He Is Risen

 Good morning and welcome back to another Monday.  I am sipping on my second cup of coffee, which is odd because I usually only drink one.  Today feels like a two cup day, what do you think?  

Easter is now behind us but the reminder of what Jesus did for us on the cross stays in my heart forever.  

It was a blessed day for us yesterday.  We were awake early and arrived at church as 6:00am for the sunrise service.  It was foggy and misty so we didn't see the sun but the sky did get lighter as we were there.  Watching it go from dark to light, knowing this was about the same time our Savior rose from the dead was just an amazing experience.  We sang songs and listened to the pastor give a brief message on the resurrection.  We went home for a little bit of rest and then back to church for a breakfast (in place of Sunday School) and then regular service.  

My kids played in the orchestra during the service.  My boy on the trumpet and my girl on the French horn.  They did a beautiful job.  

My parents joined us for a ham dinner at home and we ended the night painting eggs.  Well, just me and my girl painted eggs.  

I was so thankful to have time at home with family.  I'm also forever grateful and blessed for the gift of Salvation.  Thank you, Jesus! 

It's Not Just April Fools

 While everyone is all about pranking each other today, I'm thinking of my grandma on her birthday and it's no joke that I miss her terribly.  Growing up she was indeed my second mother and best friend, or "best buddies" as she would say.  I am not sure if I've shared these pictures on the blog before but the first one was of her holding me, the second is of us when I was in my twenties, and the other was the last time I had seen her and the only time she saw my son.  

She had left Long Island and moved to Pennsylvania with my grandpa before we made the move.  We made the move because of them.  My grandfather died first, before my son was born.  After her cancer diagnosis, my grandma moved in with my aunt in Connecticut for awhile and then spent the end of her life back on Long Island with my other aunt.  I didn't get to say goodbye.  I knew her time was coming and the phone call from my dad that she had passed was not a shock.  

In my childhood she was my rock.  She was the one I went to for advice and we always hung out together.  I wish she lived long enough to have met both of my children and they would have had a chance to know her.  She was the kind of person who would tell you exactly how she felt, even if it hurt, but she could get away with it.  She also gave the best hugs.  I miss her.  I miss her so much.  

Holy Week

 It truly feels as though we were celebrating Christmas yesterday and here we are preparing for Easter.  

My daffodils are in full bloom and it makes me happy to see.  

And so are the two trees that stand in front of my house on each end of the driveway.  I'm not sure what kind of tree it is because they were already there when we moved in but I just love the white flowers.  

My son purchased the entire Left Behind series and I decided to join him.  These books have been out for years and I did read Left Behind a long time ago.  I finished that one and almost finished with this one, Tribulation Force.  I think my son is working on book 5 so I need to catch up.  It's a fictional story but it does give a lot of Biblical information and insight on what will happen during and after the Rapture.  It's very interesting and well done.  

Yesterday was Palm Sunday and we went to Sunday School, regular service and the evening service.  Our pastor talked about what Palm Sunday was but unfortunately our church doesn't hand out palms.  That was one thing I looked forward to getting at church when I was growing up and my mother taught me how to turn them into crosses.  Fun memories.  

The house is decorated for Easter.  There are plenty of bunnies to be found around here but we do celebrate the one, true reason for the season.  Jesus!  We will be going to a special service on Thursday, then a sunrise service on Sunday and then back again for a breakfast and Resurrection service.  My kids will be playing in the orchestra.  I'm excited for it.  I just hope the rain holds off for the sunrise service.

I can't believe how quickly March has passed through.  There's only a few days left and then it's April.  How does time move so fast?  As a child I remember it feeling like it was dragging on forever but now, even my children notice how time zooms by.  

I started the day with the usual housework and it's always the same - laundry, unloading the dishwasher, straightening up the mess from the weekend and so on.  I need to plan the meals for the week; which seems to be a difficult task.  With a husband who has a diet restriction and two kids who are picky, meal planning has it's limits and it can be frustrating.  I love cooking but I do not like trying to figure out what to make.  I need to do better.  My husband always tells me I need to take time for myself, and what he means is time for me to exercise.  I've been lacking in that area lately.  Now that the weather is finally getting nicer I will start getting my butt outside for walks.  The treadmill is alright but it does get boring.  I'll usually do that while listening to the Bible app or a podcast and that helps.  

Well, friends, happy Monday and Happy Holy Week!  

Hello SPRING!

 

We did it, everyone!  We got through winter.  To see the sun shining and the birds chirping makes me happy, happy, happy.  I do love all of the holidays and events that fall brings but spring is my favorite season.  The snow has melted, my daffodils are starting to bloom, and I can feel that winter depression leave my body.  

Spring is a time where new life blossoms and I'm ready for it!

I was going to do a 5 for Friday listing 5 things about my winter but, honestly, I just want to quickly put that season behind me.

Not because it was terrible, it wasn't, but because I'm ready to embrace this new season.  Did I get through all of the things I said I was going to do this winter?  No, not all.  And that's okay.  

Even my made-for-winter Siberian Husky is excited for spring.  

She was having a blast running through the yard this morning.  

So, what is on the agenda for spring?  Today Rita's is giving away free Italian ice so when everyone is home from school and work we'll be getting one.  It's our yearly tradition.  Track season has started and yesterday was their first meet.  Both of my kids did great.  

Of course, it's time for spring cleaning and I can't wait to get all of the winter dirt, dust and germs out of this house.  I tried keeping up with it the best that I can but there's just something about a good deep cleaning in spring that just feels appropriate.  The end of the season will be a high school graduation for our boy and I'm not ready for that at all so I'm trying not to think of it too much right now.  

Oh, spring, I'm just so happy you're here!  

St. Patrick's Day Traditions

 Growing up my mother always made corned beef and cabbage every year for St. Patrick's Day.  It was a tradition that I enjoyed.  Unfortunately for me, my husband does not like corned beef and cabbage and I'm sure my kids wouldn't eat it so that's a dish I haven't had in many years.  My husband introduced me to an Irish dish called 'bangers and mash' which is sausage and mashed potatoes.  Instead of mashed potatoes I will just use diced up potatoes and mix it in with the sausage.  This year I found a recipe for cheesy kielbasa and potatoes on Pinterest.  Not quite Irish, but a similar concept.  Did you know in Ireland they do not eat corned beef and cabbage?  That is an American meal.  In Ireland they eat stew for St. Patrick's Day.  Others here in America will opt out of corned beef and cabbage and make a Sheppard's pie (which I also love but my kids do not).  I do not have pictures of the meal because, well, I'm not a good blogger in that way.  

When the kids were little the leprechaun would sneak into the house early in the morning and mess everything up but he would leave behind a bowl of Lucky Charms, some Skittles and gold chocolate coins.  This year, even though the kids have outgrown all of those silly traditions I still set out some gold chocolate coins and Skittles.  They know it's me but I still blame it on the leprechaun.  

I do decorate the house for the occasion.  Why not?

Yesterday was a busy day.  I had my usual school van run in the morning and then picked my daughter up for school to take her to the orthodontist.  After a few years of braces she finally got them removed and has now moved onto retainers.  She insisted on stopping at McDonalds for a Shamrock Shake so I did oblige and got her one before returning back to school.  I was home just in time to leave for my afternoon van run.  Then to the grocery store and then home to make dinner.  The recipe lied when it said it would be done in a half hour.  Potatoes take much longer to cook.  My husband had to leave for the school board meeting and I spent the rest of the evening with the kids.  Oh, it was only fair that I took my son out to McD's so he could get a Shamrock Shake too.  We are not McDonald's people but they asked to get this celebratory shake.  I didn't get one.  I regret some of my more recent choices of junk food and grew mad at myself last time I stepped on the scale.  So, I'm trying to do better.  

This will be my last post in winter.  Hurray!  We are two days away from spring.  This weather has been back and forth crazy.  Last week we were enjoying sunshine and 80 degrees.  Today it's cloudy and 30's.  My daffodils are trying to wake up but I know they are probably now regretting that decision.  

It's time to put away the St. Patrick's Day decor and bring out all of the Easter stuff.  I cannot wait for you spring!!  

Trusting in God

 This beautiful piece of wall art hangs above the entrance to our kitchen.  

Someone had gifted our church with a bunch of handmade wooden pieces and the church had a sale for anyone to purchase.  We browsed the display and my husband pointed to this one and said he really liked it.  I wish I knew who to give credit to but they were kept anonymous.  So, we have a new piece of art for the dining room and a good reminder to trust in God, even in situations I do not understand.   

I've really felt a conviction lately to focus on my faith and the best way to do that is spending time in God's Word.  My pastor gave everyone in Sunday school this book called God's Got This by Paul Chappel that works with our current lesson in the book of Esther.  Each day there is a devotional and a page of questions for us to answer.  I really like how this helps me to stay intentional.  

Yesterday's page was about the importance of forgiveness and today was about the importance of not getting even with the people who hurt us.  Such a wonderful message and reminder for someone like me; a person who was once taught it's okay to be angry and retaliate against the one who did me wrong.  Instead, the Lord has taught us it's better to turn the other cheek, show kindness back and allow God to be the one to do the judgement on them.  

I also felt a conviction to get back into journaling in my notebook.  Starting with a Bible verse and explaining what the Holy Spirit is teaching me through that.  A friend once read this blog of mine and said she was given a feeling that I should write a devotional of my own.  At first I thought I'm not one capable of doing such a thing but the more I write in this journal and feel God speaking to me the more I feel the urge to do so.  I've been working on a fictional book for quite some time and have even gone back and forth with other story ideas that pop in my head, but to be able to use my own experiences and lessons to help others is all I've ever wanted to do.  

I love my time with God and it's even sweeter when He reveals something that increases my wisdom and faith.  

Oh, but then I take a moment for a bathroom break and my seat gets stolen.

It's okay.  She's upset about the rainy day outside.  Also, she's cute and gets away with anything.  

You know, it feels as though this world is going crazier and crazier by the day but the Bible does warn us of that.  The uglier life gets the more I feel compelled to consume myself into the Word and I believe that is one of the reasons why God does allow bad things to happen - to draw us closer to Him.  I trust in that.  

And now that I look at the time, I have to get ready for work.  I spent the entire morning studying and wanted to take some time to write this up on the good ol' blog.  Thank you for allowing me to share my journey with you on here. 

A Sunny March Monday

 What is this I see?

Sunny skies and warm weather!  After many days of rain last week I am so happy to see the sun shining.  

The weather will be warm in the next few days before dropping again.  I'll take what I can get.  The back door is open and the dog is sunbathing.  Time to let those winter germs out of the house.

The weekend was busy.  On Saturday we went to my parents' house where my sister and her family visited from Long Island.  We met my nephew's girlfriend from Bangladesh.  She's really sweet and seems to fit right in with us.  I do hope this lasts.  My nephew looked really happy.  

On Sunday we went to church for Sunday school, service, lunch together in the church cafeteria, and then another service.  My son had to stay for orchestra practice and then he took his sister to the movies to see I Can Only Imagine 2.  They really liked it.  While they were out I vacuumed the school van and then relaxed.  

Today we are back to Monday.  I picked up the three teenage boys to take to their school and then received a text that my elementary school girl didn't need picked up because she's staying home with the flu.  I took my son to his chiropractor appointment and then went home for some morning housework while listening to the Bible app.  I'm putting my feet up for a moment while writing this and waiting for laundry to finish.  It's going to be a busy week of work, more homemaking, and waiting for my kids to get home from track practices after school.  What is so great about having a child that drives is not having to rush around to pick them up.  He's got it now.  

And look at my basil plants.  They are growing nicely.  So is my mint.  The oregano has failed and I'll have to start that over.  

Enjoy the second week of March, friends!  Time is flying by fast.  

March Goes In Like A Lion ...

 "March goes in like a lion and out like a lamb"

Happy March everyone!  Yes, we are experiencing both the lion and the lamb of March and it's only the second day.  We've had days this weekend of pure sunshine and warmth and it was wonderful.  This girl loves sunbathing on the back deck.  

I even cooked dinner on the Blackstone griddle.  Smashed burgers, anyone?

But today it's cloudy, dark skies and chilly air.  Rain, freezing rain, snow is forecasted for the rest of the week and then sunshine and 70+ degrees for Saturday.  It's a long month ahead of us but we will put one foot in front of the other and get through it.  

My daughter participated in the high school's musical this year Annie.  I loved the movie Annie when I was a child, so much that I drove my family crazy with how much I watched it.  I was excited to see the school was doing this musical this year.  Brianna was in the ensemble so she had a small role here and there of being a homeless person, NYC dancer, and a chef for Mr. Warbucks.  The play was great.  Even my son enjoyed it and he does not like musicals.  Bri isn't sure if she'll be participating in anymore school plays but I hope she does.  It's a lot of work.  4 shows - one Friday, two Saturday and one Sunday.  Daily practices beforehand.  Her feet are sore and she's tired but she made it to school today.  

Today starts track season and both kids are participating in that.  It will be bittersweet watching as Matthew enjoys his last season at the high school level.  Bri is giving it a try.  I'm proud of them both.  

We're winding down on the colder days that are keeping me indoors and there's so much on my list of indoor projects still to do.  I guess a rainy week makes a good excuse for getting it done.  Today is dishes, laundry, grocery shopping and vacuuming the school van but now is a good time for a quick lunch break and a blogger hello.  

Enjoy the week, friends!

I saw a reel online today with a guy that said for this week let's challenge ourselves not to complain about anything this week.  I'll give it a try ... let's go! I'll let you know on Friday how I did.  

Five For Friday: Bye-Bye February

It's the last Friday of February so I'd decide to do a Five for Friday with questions that will talk about the month and what I look forward to in the next.  

 1. Favorite moment from the month.

Attending the Elevation concert in Hershey with my son last Tuesday.  It was so spirit-filled and a great opportunity to get my son around like-minded believers and an escape from what he's been facing in school.  

2.  A challenging moment from the month.

Helping my son navigate through some of the things that have been going on in school.  There's a group of kids who have been spreading rumors about him.  Even though he shows kindness in return, I know it's been weighing on his heart.  It elevates my regret of sending them to public school.  

3.  Something God taught me this month.

In these circumstances, God reminds me that He is in control and will lead where He wants us to go.  In my son's situation at school I can hear the Holy Spirit tell me that He is allowing this to help him for what He has planned in the future.  I'm trusting that.  

4.  One thing I love about February.  

I love that it is a short month with Valentines Day thrown in the middle.  

5.  What do I look forward to in March.

Hopefully some warmer weather and sunshine as we get closer to welcoming Spring!  

A Noisy Hodgepodge

 Joining in with Joyce for her Wednesday Hodgepodge questions.  Let's go!

1. America celebrates turning 250 years old this year. Primary cities set to lead the celebrations on July 4th are Boston, Philadelphia, New York, and Washington D.C. Other significant locations for celebrating will be Charleston SC and the 'historic triangle' which includes Jamestown-Willimasburg-Yorktown Virginia. 

Of the cities listed how many have you seen in person? Of the cities listed which would you most like to visit this year? Any plans to do so? What's one place in America you think everyone should see? If you're not American what's one place in the US you'd like to see? 

Never for the 4th of July but I have visited New York, DC, Philly, Virginia and South Carolina.  I used to live on Long Island, that counts as New York, right?  I'd pick DC as a place to see fireworks since that is our capital but that doesn't seem to be in our plans.  I have never been to South Dakota to see Mount Rushmore but I do believe that would be an incredible site to see.  What would I recommend for anyone outside of the country?  New York, for sure, although that's a city that doesn't seem very safe anymore, sadly.

2. Three sounds you love to hear? 

Laughter from my children, birds chirping, worship music.  

3. Three sounds you hate to hear? 

Screeching, nails on a chalkboard type stuff, negativity.

4. February 24th is/was National Tortilla Chip Day. Are you a fan? With salsa, guacamole, queso, or just plain please? Do you like nachos? With what on top? Is there anything (besides nachos) you make that calls for tortilla chips? 

Yes I am a fan of tortilla chips and I prefer them with salsa and also my husband's buffalo chicken dip.  I do like nachos but I do no like the cheese that comes with it.  Sometimes I will add tortilla chips to my taco salad.  

5. We March into March with next week's Hodgepodge...what's one thing on your March calendar that makes you smile? 

Spring.  Yes, that's right.  March 20th!!!  Looking forward to turning the chapter to a new season.  March also means track season and I can't wait to watch my son in his last season with the high school and my daughter's first.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Last night my son and I went to Hershey to see Elevation Worship and it was amazing.  If you like a modern style of worship music I recommend music by Elevation.  It was a great night but not getting home and to bed until midnight showed me that I am too old to be out that late.  I was grateful for this quality time with my boy.  

Having Another Snow Day

 

Rob took this picture on his way to work and sent it to me.  As soon as the snow from the last storm melted another one came and blanketed the ground.  The kids are in their room doing their school work virtually today and that means I don't have work.  

25 days until spring!

The snow is still lightly falling and the sun is shining.  My family who lives on Long Island got hit really hard, with about 12 inches and more expected.  Yikes!  

I made the family some bacon and pancakes for breakfast.  I enjoyed having the time to be able to do that.  The mornings usually feel rushed.  To be able to take the time and do something special for my family and then take some time with a cup of coffee and my devotions helped set the tone for my mood.  There's a lot of housework to be done and some shoveling to do outside but I'm handling it with patience and giving myself grace.  It will all get done.  

Indoor Herbs

 First, I wanted to thank you wonderful ladies who left comments in my last post.  When I found out someone was spreading some pretty awful lies about my son I had to make sure it stopped immediately, and it seemed to have.  All thanks to the district for stepping in quickly.  My son seems to be better now.  These high school years are such a challenge.  

In other news, I wanted to share one of my new projects.  I decided to start an indoor herb garden.  Right now I only have basil, oregano and mint and if I'm successful with this I may add some more.  

I decided to place these on a shelf we have in the corner of the dining room. Unfortunately the back door doesn't bring in too much sunlight so my awesome husband hung up one of those plant lights underneath a shelf where our beloved cockatiel's cage used to sit.  I'd like to add a plant or two there but for now I have kept a basket with some of our bird's belongings and artwork my daughter drew for him and also a painting she made of the sunset (or sunrise, I'm not sure).  

And I hung this diamond art picture I recently finished with a bunch of birds.  I love diamond art.  If you are a crafty kind of person who has a bit of patience I recommend trying diamond art.  It's fun and relaxing.

And here's her little painting on a canvas.  

I'll continue giving an update on the progress of the herbs.  I am not much of a green thumb like my father and grandfather were but I am trying.  Since it's not time to get that outdoor garden started this is going to keep me occupied.  If you have any advice I'd love to hear it.  

A Tuesday Update

 There was no update from me last week on the blog.  I was busy and I was also mentally exhausted.  It's been rough.  

It's been rough because there are certain things going on at school and my son has been personally affected by it and that is something we are in the midst of handling right now.  I won't go into specifics but this situation has left me feeling so hurt, fearful, and frustrated.  I told him that I believe the Lord is allowing him to go through this to prepare him for whatever is to come.  He's going to school for ministry and that is a position met with a lot of adversity.  Even though I often question if sending my kids to public school was the correct decision I can see how the things that have been happening to them, as rough as it can be, is definitely preparing them for life.  Even so, I'm still stuck with that regret.  I wish I would have chosen better for them but the one thing I am learning is the importance of not being focused on the could've/should've/would've.  This is God's plan, not mine.  

On a positive note, I can see how the buds of the trees are trying to make their appearance and that is a good sign that spring is on its way.  

How many of us could use some spring right now?

With the warmer temperatures and the rain we got this weekend the snow is FINALLY beginning to melt.  I can see grass!  I never thought I'd be excited over grass but here I am.  

The weekend was a nice break from the reality of what has been happening.  The kids had a 4 day weekend because of a teacher in-service on Friday and President's Day on Monday.  Friday night the church hosted a Valentines Day dinner for couples so we went.  I was reluctant to go but it was a nice evening, I'll admit.  Saturday was Valentine's Day but we went out of town for the day.  We visited my son's future college.  My husband and son had been there quite a few times but this was the first time his sister and I were able to take a tour.  It's a small private college and I could definitely feel the presence of the Lord there.  Everyone we met is super sweet and I know he's going to fit right in.  As much as I don't want to rush time, I cannot wait until he can be done with PUBLIC school and onto something that will be so much more fulfilling for him.  We also walked around the town.

When we made it home in the evening my husband ordered a pizza.  A simple, quick meal because none of us had the time or energy to cook.

And we exchanged gifts.  I didn't take pictures of the kids or husband with theirs but I did take a picture of all the things Rob bought me.  So cute!  Can you see a theme here?  

Since there was no time on Saturday I prepared a heart-shaped cake on Sunday.  Chocolate cake with strawberry icing.  I have yet to have a piece, trying to be healthy.  On Monday I made chocolate covered strawberries, requested by my daughter.  My apologies, I lack the ability to remember to take pictures of everything.  

On Monday, as much as I wanted to spend the day resting at home, I decided to take the kids to an old fashioned arcade.  The arcade fills with games from the past and I had my own fun with Space Invaders, Pacman and one wall that was filled with several different pinball machines.  We walked over to an old fashioned candy store, as well.  As tired as I was, it was needed.  

Now today is Tuesday, the first day back to school for the week and my first day back driving my van students to school.  The air was foggy and warm.  Today is also Fat Tuesday but here in this part of Pennsylvania it's known as Fastnacht Day.  

A Fastnacht is a donut-like cake that has been created in Germany and currently is celebrated among the Pennsylvania Dutch.  The intention was to get as much fat and certain other ingredients out of the house before Lent.  This may be the only PA Dutch thing I celebrate because, well, it's a donut.  Ha!  

I don't even celebrate Lent.  I'm not even sure anyone in my Catholic family has ever followed on that tradition.  But I'll most certainly take that donut!

Even though life can feel so frustrating and uncertain at the moment, I intend to focus on the little things that bring joy.  

Five For Friday

 

Good morning!  I thought I'd bring Five For Friday back for this week.  As we wrap up the first week of February I thought I'd pick five questions from February Questions For Social Media.  That's right, I asked Google for some suggestions.  

Valentines Day Question

1.  What's Your Favorite Valentines Day Tradition?

When the kids were smaller we would make crafts together.  Usually using my heart shaped cookie cutters they would cut out hearts from construction paper and color them or write something they loved about our family.  I made heart shaped pancakes and sometimes a heart shaped cake.  Maybe even a heart shaped sandwich for lunch or heart shaped homemade fries for dinner.  Whatever I can make heart shaped, you get it.  I don't get so much into all of that nowadays but I do set some decorations out around the house and I do buy my husband a gift and include the kids on the gift giving too.  They each get some chocolates and something else too.  I love my husband and kids every single day of the year but I love taking this special holiday and doing a little extra.  

American Heart Month Question

2.  What's Your Favorite Way to Stay Active?

On these cold winter days I like to walk/run on the treadmill.  I'll do some stretches or weights.  Maybe some cardio, depending on the day.  When it's nice outside I enjoy taking a walk around the neighborhood or hiking at a nearby park.  My goal is to do more walking this year and maybe get myself into better shape for running.  

Superbowl Sunday Question

3.  Do you watch the game for the football, the halftime show, or the commercials?

I only watch the game because my husband and son are into it.  I don't care so much for football but I try to find the joy in it.  The halftime show has been awful for the last several years and this upcoming one is definitely not one we'll be tuning into.  The commercials seem a bit weak lately, too.  So, what is it I enjoy the most about the Superbowl?  The snacks.  Yes, I'll pick the snacks.  Also, the quality time with family.  

End of Winter Questions

4.  What's One Thing You Love About February?

After a long, slow moving, cold January I look forward to the shorter month of February.  It's still cold outside but the calendar gives us a lot of little days to look forward to ... Groundhog Day, Fat Tuesday, Valentines Day, the Superbowl and this year it's the Winter Olympics.  It's those little things that will make the month a bit more enjoyable.  

5.  How Excited Are You For Spring to Arrive?  

Very excited!  I've learned to enjoy the slower paced, quieter days of winter but I look forward to warmer temperatures and sunshine.  The sunshine seems to improve my mood.  I also can't wait to get started on the outside garden and spending time outdoors.  Spring also means we are inching closer to summer.  

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