My Butterfly Bush

 Good afternoon and welcome to the second day of September.  Even though we are inching closer to the official start of fall the weather in my area has stayed hot.  I guess that's how September always begins.  Right now I'm sitting on the couch next to my dog while the sky outside gets darker and thunder can be heard pretty close by.  I hope the rain passes before I have to leave for work and I especially hope it's all clear by the time my daughter runs her cross county race this evening.  Dinner is in the crockpot and I've been spending the day exercising and cleaning.  Last night we had a pretty violent storm that scared our pup.

Lately, there's been so much devastating news that I catch on social media and I just want to step away from it.  My goal as of the last few years has been to avoid all the outside noise and focus on creating a peaceful home.  I pray for this world but I know we will not experience true peace until Jesus comes back.  I pray that happens soon, too.  

So, instead of focusing on the violence of the world and the loud crashing of the rain I can hear right now, I wanted to show you my favorite thing in my flower bed.  It's called a Lavender Butterfly Bush and it has spread so tall and wide that it's taking up so much space but it offers a place for us to receive some beautiful visitors.  

We get bees, moths, small butterflies and my favorite Monarchs.  I've seen orange and I've seen yellow.  

My husband snapped this picture for me.  

I've always loved flowers and butterflies so getting the two to mix is so fun.  

Are you excited that the Ber months have started?  You know ... SeptemBER, OctoBER, NovemBER and DecemBER!  I'll admit as much as a I love the summer season this is also my favorite time of year.  We are preparing for slightly cooler weather and the holiday season.  What I don't like is the season that follows fall.  I just don't.  In those months this bush will be dead and there will be no visitors to it.  But I know it will come alive again in late spring.  

Well, I hope you enjoyed my little post about my butterflies and I hope even more that September is good to you!  God bless!

Those First Few Weeks

 

This school year has started off quite odd.  At first, we lost one of our bosses to a terrible car accident.  She was a lovely woman, just days away from turning 74, who loved the Lord and every person she came in contact with.  One of my students who I take to elementary school has been rerouted to a different van company and that has her, her mom, her nurse and I very heartbroken.  Today is my last day with her.  On Monday the other school I drive for will begin and I will be waiting for them to give me a new elementary student(s) at some point.  Being a van driver means who I take to school is ever-changing.  My son has been doing well with college and bonding with the cross country team.  His classes officially start Monday.  I know he's having fun and doing well but I am missing him a lot.  I have never gone this long without seeing him.  

This week we attended the fall meet the team night.  Brianna and the marching band gave a preview to the show and then she joined in with the cross country team so they could announce their names.  We listened to the athletic director give his usual chat about making sure all students have their grades passing or they cannot participate in the sport, they ran through each team and then we headed home.  This is going to be a busy season of attending Friday night football games to watch our girl play her mellophone on the field, then run in cross country and then head to whatever town my son will be running in his collegiate invitationals.  It will be busy and it will be good.  

The temperature here in Pennsylvania has consistently been hot with another heat wave expected next week.  With having the days to myself it's been giving me a chance to get a lot of reorganizing done throughout the house.  It also gives me a chance to kick back and do some reading.  I set a goal of reading 50 books by the end of the year.  I just finished book 20.  That's not looking promising.  

Yesterday my husband had a minor surgery on his thumb so he's been home and currently resting.  Tonight is the first football game of the season right here at home so our evening will be busy.  I'm going to take a guess and say we don't win this one.  

I guess that's all there is to update as of now.  Enjoy the weekend! 

First Time College Mom

 "They grow up fast!"

I've heard that so much in these eighteen years of raising kids.  I've felt it too.  I remember putting Matthew on the school bus for the first day of kindergarten and aching to have the little baby back.  I remember helping to get him settled into a new routine of middle school and aching for that little baby back.  Then when it came time for high school, the aching felt a lot more intense.  By graduation, it hurt more.  

But nothing, NOTHING, had ever felt more excruciating than this.  

We spend 18 years teaching our children how to be independent and self-sufficient adults and when that time comes it feels like a gut punch.  I knew it wasn't going to be easy but I did not expect just how much it would hurt.  Then again, I know that it is time.  He's ready.  I cannot hold on forever.  You know, that umbilical cord needs cut at some point.  He's going to do just fine and I'm going to continue being proud of the man he's destined to become.  

I love being a mom and if we can be honest I loved being a mom to little ones.  I miss the little ones.  The teenage years and young adult years have been quite trying for me.  Some mothers ease into each stage just fine but I am struggling.  Yet I know, it's all going to be okay.  

So, there he is - my theology major.  The biggest part of my heart.  Always.  

School Has Begun

 Hello on a Tuesday!  I thought I would give a little update since a lot has happened in the last few days.  As I'm in the middle of house cleaning and figuring out dinner plans, I thought I'd stop in to catch up.

Today was the first day back to work as a school van driver.  This is year number four and it's gone by quickly.  For these first few weeks I will only have to pick up one student for elementary since the other school doesn't start until the 31st.  That gives it a slow start to the school year and I'm thankful for that.  Unfortunately, my little one was refusing to get into the van this morning so her mother took her in.  I'll see her at school pickup, and hopefully, she'll behave better for the teacher putting her in.  In sad news, one of the owners of my company passed away tragically in a car accident last Friday morning.  She was the mother of my boss.  Just one day before, I had seen her at the work meeting.  She prayed over us and I know that prayer will continue to carry us bus and van drivers throughout the year.  I was sad at the news and sad for the family.  They are a very close family and she was the light that carried them.  

My daughter Brianna turned 15 this weekend.  She could not think of what to do aside from going to Cain's for dinner.  Have you ever had Cain's chicken?  I did not get a picture of her from there but I did get one of her with the birthday cake at home after.  

And those boxes in the background are filled with things for Matthew to bring for his dorm room.  

For him, he moves into college on Friday.  I am not ready but he is.  Well, he's mentally ready.  He still has so much to pack and we have a few more things to buy.  He's not going far and will be close to my parents so we'll still get to see him often.  Today Brianna started her sophomore year of high school.  She was not ready but I told her the first day of a new year means it's a clean slate.  She can start with a good attitude and a determination to work hard.  We'll see.  She's a lot like her momma was with school.  Hard to find that motivation.  

So, here we are.  A new school year of 180 days, new challenges and opportunities, and room for more growth.  I pray the year goes smoothly for all teachers, school staff, drivers, and students!  Whether they attend public school, private school or homeschool I wish many blessings upon your children/grandchildren.  Let's go!  

I'll also add, yesterday was my dad's 79th birthday.  We stopped over with a cake.  He insisted Bri help him blow out the candles since her birthday was close to his.  

Days Like These

 One thing I've loved about summer vacation is that most mornings are slow moving with no reason to rush.  I spent a lot of those mornings on the back deck reading, praying, and listening to birds chirping.

This might be the last morning like this as Monday will be a morning doctor appointment and a visit to my dad's for his birthday.   School starts on Tuesday and my van is parked in front of the house and ready for another year of driving students to and from school.   

Yesterday morning was the back to work meeting.  It was nice seeing everyone again.  I'm blessed by this company and the wonderful management.   I'm looking forward to getting back to the routine and earning a full paycheck again but I'll miss my lazy mornings at home.  

I return from the morning run by 9am so that does give me the opportunity to relax a little before daily chores begin but it's not the same as waking up a little later and staying in pajamas a little longer.  I guess not everyone can be so lucky.  

The Graduation Party ... Finally

 We did it!  We survived Matthew's graduation party.  

The early afternoon started off very rainy, which had me worried but one hour before party time it cleared up and we were able to go with the original idea of having it in the backyard.  I did not decorate as much as I would have liked to.  Some who were invited could not make it and that's what happens when you plan a summer party.  My daughter wanted to do the inviting and forgot some, too.  But there were enough who showed up, including many of his friends.  Good friends.  Friends I'm glad he has.  

I am thankful for the friend who asked to take our family picture.  We all just happen to wear a school running shirt and did not even try it.  

It was a great day, perfect weather, plenty of food, and good conversation.  

Next week Matthew will be heading to college exactly 31 miles away, which isn't far but he'll be living on campus.  My daughter will also be starting her sophomore year of high school and I pray it will be a good one for her.  She's really been struggling with friendships and finding her way.  Oh, Lord, help her to find her way.  

Anyone want pizza?  We have plenty left over.  

Happy Friday

 Hello and Happy Friday!  Another week is just about over.  It goes by fast, I can't say that enough.

On Monday I took my dad to the hospital to have a procedure done for his spinal stenosis.  I sat in the waiting room with my mom and it took a few hours.  When we got back to their house I hung out with mom some more while he took a nap and I stayed until after dinner.  I thought I'd have to stay a few days with him but he insisted he'd be fine so I went home.  I felt bad letting him heal on his own while taking care of my mother but he's the toughest guy I know.  

My mother's Alzheimer's is slowly declining but she still can carry a conversation, knows who I am, and laughs more than she ever has.  

I'm so happy that my butterfly bush is in full bloom and it's always fun to see the visitors that stop by.  

Yesterday we went to the college my son will be attending ... two weeks from today ... and made sure things were being transfered from the other college he was supposed to attend.  It's been stressful on my husband and not at all stressful for Matthew.  He's excited to go and I'm excited for him.  I will miss him.  It won't be the same around here.  He'll be in the next county, just 40 miles away, but he wanted to dorm and get a full college experience.  

I know Brooke will really miss him.  

Tomorrow we are finally having a graduation party for him and something to get family and friends together before heading to college.  It was supposed to rain but now looks like it will be a clear day.  I've been working on getting the house clean and still have to get the yard mowed and set up.  I can't wait to celebrate Matthew.  

Summer is winding down fast.  It's hard to believe next week will be the last full week of vacation left.  

Visiting Steel City

 It's been 33 years since coming to Pennsylvania and I had never been to Pittsburgh.   I once mentioned to my husband that I would love to see the city and he made it happen.   

We arrived on Wednesday and stayed at a hotel that sat in between the Steelers and Pirates stadiums.  The first stop on the itinerary was watching a Pirates game.  We all love baseball.  

It's probably not a surprise that the Pirates lost.

Then we checked into the hotel and toured some of the city.  It's a beautiful city.  I haven't explored many but this is my favorite one.  We walked over yellow bridges, ate some food and admired tall glass buildings and the water.   

On Thursday we went to a museum and saw many historical things and, of course, Mr. Rogers himself.  

It wouldn't be a legit trip to Pittsburgh without visiting the man who shaped my childhood.  

Then we went to the Pittsburgh Zoo.  Many of the animals were sleeping and some looked completely bored.  I feel bad for them but as I heard one of the zoo keepers say, they get free food and free healthcare and don't have to worry about predators.   

Then it was back to the hotel for swimming and pizza.  My son was excited to see many people running around the park so he joined in a few times.  It was scary allowing him to go off on his own to do that but I have to remind myself he's 18 and moving more towards independence.   

My husband was really excited to ride the Duquesne Incline and as much as the thought gave me anxiety I sucked it up the best I could and we went on the last day.  

He spent a lot of money on this trip and I knew it was the least I could do but I was really struggling.   The 1 mile walk from the hotel to the incline in the heat reminded me that I can no longer handle the heat.  I also struggle with anxiety and if in a situation where I have no control or escape freaks me out.   Needless to say, I did suffer some panic attacks along the way.  But we made it.  We went on the incline, saw some beautiful views of Pittsburgh, and made our way back down.   

And honestly, we can't seem to get through a trip without arguing.  I started the trip feeling positive and hopeful that it would be a drama free vacation but it didn't happen.   I don't know why we can't get along and it's frustrating.   I'll spare the details of what happened as there is no sense of complaining. I want to remember the good moments.  Despite that, I'm glad we took the trip.  I'm hoping we can go back in winter to see a Penguins hockey game.  I've never really paid attention to hockey but one year while my husband was watching the Stanley Cup the Penguins won and I thought to myself, well Penguins are cute that's a team I'll cheer for.  

Pittsburgh, you stole my heart!  Thankful for the trip.

In other news, while we were there, the email came in from The University of Valley Forge that they had made the decision to suspend academic operations at the end of summer.  We had been waiting on this decision since the news of their financial struggle was told to us.  We prayed and fasted, hoping for a miracle but one was not granted to them.  Matthew seems to be in good spirits and is ready to attend the other school he was accepted into.  The cross country team is excited he's joining them and I'm excited that the school is closer to us.  He is strong in faith and understands that his ways aren't always God's way and he's willing to go wherever the Lord leads.  I'm so proud of him for that.  We do feel sad about the closing of UVF, especially since Matthew felt called to go there.  We may never understand why things turned out like this but we all know that God is faithful.  

It was a good trip but this homebody is glad to be home.  

In a Field of Sunflowers

 

Sunflowers are a favorite for both my daughter and I so when I saw they were in full bloom at a nearby orchard I knew we had to go.  My son went along too so I treated him to ice cream after for being such a good sport.  We also picked blueberries and blackberries while we were there.  I tried to come up with something fun we can do to get out of the house today.

Brianna has been feeling really down in the last few days.  Girl drama.  Friend problems.  It seems to always be the case for her.  Who said raising girls was easier than raising boys?  She found out a friend lied to her about something and it wasn't the first time this has happened.  Now she's questioning if the friendship, one that has been with her since the early days of elementary school, is worth continuing.  It hurts.  It always does.  To see the pain in her eyes and her inability to even fake a smile just breaks my mother heart to pieces.  I wish I could heal this for her but all I could do is try very hard to make a day that was special for her.  Friends will come and friends will go but mama is here to stay.  

For Brianna, she's always been emotional.  She struggles with depression and finds comfort in friendship but lately she feels as though her friend group doesn't want to include her anymore and that's tough to deal with.  She's also bullied by the popular girls and that doesn't make anything easier.  This girl marches to the beat of her own drum, doesn't care to fit in, will wear whatever is comfortable instead of what's popular and isn't afraid to wear her faith on her sleeves.  Teenage girls don't like that, I guess.  They'd rather worry about their reputation than being kind.  I know my daughter isn't perfect but she does have a heart that breaks easily.  

Seriously, boys are easier, but I do love my girl.  I pray that the right people come along for her and she will grow to understand her worth.  I try to help as much as I can but often find myself at a loss for what to do.  She sees a therapist and I'm not sure if that is helping but it gives her some kind of outlet.  One thing I know, that these struggles will one day turn into her testimony.  

A Lemon Hodgepodge

Go follow Joyce and add your answers here.  

 1. Do your goals and dreams energize or exhaust you? Elaborate. 

I was always a dreamer.  As a child I would dance and sing to music on my record player (yes, I'm that old) and imagine myself on stage performing in front of a large crowd.  Of course, that never came true.  I always dreamed of being somebody that I never became.  One dream that has been very realistic, was becoming a writer, and even though I have been writing something for a long time that dream of becoming a published author has yet to be a reality but I'm determined.  Dreaming is exhausting.  Having goals just turns into disappointments, so I've learned to just be content with what I have.  My only goal now is to live a life that honors and serves the Lord so I can one day hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

2. July 23rd is national lemon day. Are you a fan of this flavor? What's a favorite dish or beverage you enjoy that calls for lemons? 

I love lemonade or lemon tea.  I prefer putting lemon in my water rather than just drinking plain water.  Too much lemon is not good, in my opinion.  

3. "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade"...is this something you're pretty good at managing? Have you had to do this recently? If so tell us about it. 

Making something good out of something bad is a challenge but I'm working on it.

4. Something you love that is lemon yellow in color? 

5. How would you describe your attention to detail? 

Oh, I notice details very much but I don't always care to fix it.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Next week we should get more details on the future of my son's college.  Will they be able to stay open for one more semester?  Will they be able to stay open for good?  Will have have their accreditations taken away immediately?  He's all ready and set to start his freshman year at this particular school and he's been so excited for it but now the future of what's to come is uncertain and it's frustrating for all of us.  I feel so bad.  Being in the waiting is difficult and I continue to pray to God to relieve the college of this mess and allow them a chance to continue.  

World Cup and Waffles

 Congratulations to Spain for winning the World Cup.  We are not a soccer family but my son wanted to catch some of the games.  As you can see here, during one of the USA games he's proudly wearing our flag around his body.  Because, why not?  Sadly, they did not make it to the finals but that's okay.  I have never paid attention to a soccer game in my life except for the tournament my nephew played in nearby a few years ago.  I don't understand the rules.  But it was fun to see how the world came together.  No politics.  No hate.  Well, I think there was a little politics trying to sneak into the final game but did anyone notice?  

He also displayed two of his new USA soccer players POP figures as you can slightly see on the shelf on top of the television.  They can go back in my son's room now.  

The end of July is slowly creeping in and summer vacation is one month away from being over.  How does it go by so quickly?  At first, it feels like we have so much time to spare and then all of a sudden we are counting the days to back to school.  I'm ready for my paycheck again but I'm not ready to see my son off to college and I'm not ready for my daughter to become a sophomore.  Today is her first day of band camp.  I remember band camp from my days of colorguard.  I know she'll make the best of it.

Today was off to a rough start but everything worked out.  After my husband left for work and I dropped Bri off to band camp I came home and made some waffles for my son.  He prefers waffles but I'm more of a pancake person.  Which would you rather have?

Then I began housework and some time outside listening to the Bible app.  The daily reading reminds me of what day of the year we're on.  Day 201.  It won't be long before we'll be celebrating Christmas.  My goodness, time slow down!  

Well, that's all I have to share.  Tomorrow I'll have fun things planned for me and Matthew and it will be a week of enjoying more of the lazy days of summer.  I am thankful that, for me, life is mostly peaceful.

Harpers Ferry, WV and Wild Fires

 Happy Friday!  We made it through another week.  I was supposed to be with my parents right now while my father has spinal stenosis surgery but it was rescheduled because he had to start taking an antibiotic for another issue.  As much as I feel bad for him having to wait, I'm actually glad to have this time at home.  There are massive wild fires in Canada right now and the smoke has reached down to Pennsylvania, causing us to be in Code Purple (VERY UNHEALTHY).  We can see and smell the smoke.  Apparently, breathing in this smoke is equivalent to smoking a pack of cigarettes in a day.  So, I'm glad my parents don't have to be outside in this while taking Dad to the hospital.  I'm also thankful I can sit inside with my kids.  It's terrible but my heart breaks for those in Canada and other areas where fires are extreme right now.  So many have lost their homes, their lives, their animals.  Everything.  So, I won't complain about having to be trapped inside the safety of my house.  Praying for relief for those truly affected.  I can't imagine.  

Yesterday, we took a trip to West Virginia to explore the tiny, historic town of Harper's Ferry.  It was the first visit for all of us.  Though it's a place of important history from the civil war with beautiful scenery it was a very, very hot day.  Not a good day for hiking and exploring, especially for this 47 year old who felt like she was going to pass out.  If it was 10 or 20 years ago I would have been fine, but I've quickly come to realize that hiking on a 90+ degree day is unbearable.  I can't do it anymore.  

Our first plan of the day was to hike the Maryland Heights trail, which was supposed to be quite a climb but offered a breathtaking view of both the Shenandoah and Potomac River and also give us an opportunity to be in three states at once.  However, that did not work out.  I begged my husband to make sure he knew exactly where the trail was before we started and instead we continued to walk straight on the long Appalachian trail for 2 miles before he realized we were on the wrong path.  Then we turned and went 2 miles back.  Was I upset about this?  Yes!  Did I complain and yell at my husband for not knowing what he was doing?  Yes!  I was sweaty and hot and very frustrated.  This seems to happen at every trip we take.  I feel bad about being frustrated but it is what it is.  This was not my idea of a fun time.  Instead of trying to figure out how to get to the right trail we just walked around the town.  

Despite being on the wrong path, it did make for some nice scenic photos, though.

My husband told the kids he would take them back without me so they could do the proper hike.  I'd be okay with it if it was a cooler day.  For a girl who always loved summer, I'm really struggling to enjoy it this year.  

A Lazy Wednesday Hodgepodge

 1. "Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability." Sam Keen

Do you feel less guilty relaxing in July than you do in January? Elaborate. 

Not really.  It's my summer break and I have more than enough time to relax and enjoy the stillness of the season.  Also, I never feel guilty about relaxing.  It's important for the human mind.  

2. What's a telltale sign you're upset? 

I shut down.  I don't talk.  I stay to myself.  I cry far too easily.  If I'm upset, you'll know.  

3. July 16th is National AI Day. What are your general thoughts and/or experiences with AI? Have you purposely used it? Does it excite you, scare you, or worry you? What do you see as a benefit? How about something relating to AI you see as a negative? 

I guess AI can have it's benefits but I don't see it as a good idea.  It's making doing life way too easy.  It gives children the opportunity to cheat on school assignments rather than using their brain.  It's giving all of us less need for brain power.  I don't think it's beneficial but it is pretty neat how we've come that far in technology.  

I hear people are using AI to write books and I think that may be in the same category as plagiarism, is it not?  I actually played around with an AI story generator just to see what it was like but I won't use it for my own publications.  The stories we write should come from our own hearts and minds.  AI takes away creativity and self imagination.  

4. You're invited to a summer pot luck and are asked to bring an appetizer, salad/side, or dessert. Which category do you go for and what are you bringing? 

Probably potato salad.  My mother gave me a recipe that everyone seems to love.  Or cookies.  

5. It wouldn't be summer without the blistering heat that makes my skin feel like it's going to melt off my body. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Our air conditioner stopped working last night and it was 90 degrees in the house.  We all suffered with a horrible night's sleep.  We slept with the windows open and fans running.  Today my husband is working from home while the a/c guy came and fixed it.  It's working now but slowly cooling off.  My poor Siberian Husky who naturally has two coats and was not made for this weather.  She's miserable.  

Monday Musings

 Hello on this 83° Monday here in south central Pennsylvania.

I started the day early, woke up while my husband was getting ready for work.  Matthew had already left to go for a morning run.  I took my usual summer morning spot outside with a cup of coffee and the Bible.  

When my daughter, who prefers using these summer mornings to sleep in late, woke up we went to a nearby park where we walked a mile to break in our new trail shoes.  Getting ready for our upcoming trip to West Virginia where we will be hiking.  

Then came home to laundry and housework.  Pulled some weeds and found the first lunchbox pepper of the season is ready.  Isn't she cute?  Brianna ate it and said it was good.  So far there is no success to the bell peppers and I think I'll just continue to grow just the lunchbox ones in the future because they do so well.  Then I can add more tomato plants, which are also growing slowly but surely.  

I will be another heat wave this week.  I guess that's what summer is all about.  I'm drinking as much water as possible.  

Over the weekend we stopped at my parents house.  This is my mom eating ice cream straight from the container.  It wouldn't be like her to do this normally because she was always one who had strict manners but my dad told her to just eat out of it since there was a little left.  She asked for a bowl.  My mom, despite her Alzheimer's, seemed to have a good day.  It's difficult watching her go through it.  

Trusting Through Uncertainty

 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -- Philippians 4:6-7

At last Wednesdays Bible study at church, the pastor gave us a homework assignment of reading all 4 chapters of Philippians and then getting in contact with the group we were put into and describe what we got out of the context.  The point was to show that even though we are reading the same Scriptures, the Holy Spirit can speak to us differently.   Aside from this assignment, I found some things within this book that helped with our current trial through the uncertainty pertaining to Matthew's college.  I don't like uncertainty.  The unknown of what the future will bring gives me anxiety but in just those verses in Phil 4:6-7 I'm reminded to give those feelings to God.  

The book of Philippians was written by Paul while he was in prison.  I can sense the joy and thankfulness of his heart, even while held captive and not knowing the future outcome.  He knew that God was with him through life and in death.  I desperately needed that reminder.  

Today I'm wearing my UVF t-shirt.  One of the things my husband and I both thought about was the money we already spent on all of this college gear.  I'll still wear it, regardless, and even if my son never gets the opportunity to earn a degree here UVF will still hold a special place in our hearts.  

I still remain hopeful, but the more I learn about the college's predicament, the more I'm realizing that there is no easy way out of it.  It's going to take a big miracle.  Like a multi-million dollar miracle, and even that may not be enough.   

He was accepted to another Christian college and they are ready and eager to take him on.  This was his second choice and it's a great school but it's not what he originally wanted.  Sometimes God has a better plan than we do.  Trusting in his provision and guidance.  

Blueberry Hodgepodge And Fasting

 1. What's something you enjoy now that your younger self would never have appreciated? 

Getting up early.  As a child I stayed up late, even if it was laying in bed because of my early bedtime - I was still awake and thinking of how I couldn't wait to be an adult where I can make my own rules and set my own bedtime.  Now I enjoy going to bed early-ish and waking up early.  The morning before the sun comes up offers a gentle quietness that I once took for granted.  

2. What was peaceful about today? 

I woke up early and sat outside with my Bible, prayer journal and spoke intentional prayers to the Lord.  We have found ourselves in a tough situation and today I am joining others in prayer and fasting.  The sounds of the birds chirping as the sun rose from behind where I was sitting and hearing gentle whispers of assurance from the Lord was absolutely peaceful.  

3. It's National Blueberry Day (July 8). Will you celebrate?  You can have one of the following right now-a slice of blueberry pie, a warm blueberry muffin, or a stack of blueberry pancakes...which do you choose?

Oh goodness!  What a wonderful time to be fasting (sarcasm).  Blueberries aren't my most favorite of fruits but I do enjoy a blueberry muffin or blueberry pancakes.  No pie, no thank you.

Last night I made this Blueberry Cake I found on Pinterest.  

We had some for dessert, as you can see, and it's delicious.  Unfortunately, due to fasting, we won't be enjoying it today.  I'll indulge tomorrow.  

This or that-blueberries or raspberries? blueberries or strawberries? Strawberries

4. Do you need a break? From what? 

I am in the midst of a work break right now, all thanks for being part of a school district and having summers off.  The break is much needed as it gives me that opportunity to wake up when I want and move slowly through the day.  It also gives me quality time with the children.  

5. What has surprised you most about getting older? 

The fact that it's not as thrilling as I thought it would be.  As a child I told my mom I could not wait to grow up and now at 47 years old I realize that adulthood isn't all it's cracked up to be.  I mean, there's so much good in it, yes, but there's also a lot of stress and unpredictability.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today I am joining my son and the staff and students of the University of Valley Forge in a day of prayer and fasting.  My son is enrolled and ready to attend next month.  When he visited months ago he felt the Spirit moving in the place, immediately found a connection with the cross-country team that accepted him, and found the staff to be incredibly kind and filled with wanting to serve God.  He already has many friends, met his roommate, saw his dorm room and a schedule of classes ready to go.  I have been so happy to see him moving in this direction.  But maybe it was all too good to be true?  We have recently found out that due to financial reasons they may be forced to shut down.  As of now they are open and moving towards finding a way through it.  In this time of uncertainty, we are asking for God's provision.  If you are a believer, I ask if you could please say a prayer - even just a quick one.  I believe God is the God of miracles and UVF definitely needs a miracle right now.  

Thank you Joyce for this week's Hodgepodge 

Celebrating 250 Years of America

 I hope you all had a fun and eventful Independence Day but more importantly, I hope you were able to take some time to reflect on how amazing this country is and how lucky we are to have so much freedom.  I thank God for allowing me to be an American every single day.  To be an American is not a right, but a privilege - and a privilege I will never take for granted.  

Sure, she's not perfect and it's easy to get wrapped up in all of the things we hear surrounding us that feel as though we are quickly being divided but it's also easy to focus on the fact that, even in those moments, we are still the best nation around.  We have the freedom to live as we do.  We have the freedom to feel as we do.  This country is what it is because of the men who believed the importance of being one nation under God.  I am grateful.  

Our Independence Day started with the kids doing a 5-mile run.  I'm not sure how they did it but they did.  My son, along with my husband and I, have been fighting a bad cold for over a week now.  Yet, he still insisted on running.  With the sickness and the heat he did not do as well as he knew he could but he still made the top 10.  I'm proud of them both.    

We opted out of having family over for a barbecue this year because, well, three of us have been sick.  But Brianna made us these yummy cookies to celebrate.  

Then she went next door to celebrate with her best friend and family at their party.  We heard the fireworks until 11pm.  I stole this picture from her friend's Instagram because it's too cute.  I'm glad she had a good time.  

While she was next door I suggested we take a drive to Gettysburg to give Matthew something to do.  It was just the three of us and right before making it to the battlefield it started to pour so we took the auto tour.  The storm moved in quickly, causing a lot of down trees and power outages in the area but thankfully, the rain broke the terrible heatwave.  

Then we stopped for some ice cream.  

On Sunday we headed to church to hear our pastor give an awesome patriotic sermon.  Ever year our church puts a lot of emphasis on celebrating our country for Independence Day.  Then we were back for the evening service and a firework show after.  The church's firework display is the best I've ever seen.  Unfortunately, it was raining and storming so we had to wait a bit before they started the show.  The pastor was determined to make it happen, despite the weather.  So we stood in the rain and watched the fireworks.  It was still beautiful.  Grateful to be part of a church that refuses to let the enemy win ... but we do think of the rain as a blessing because we were drying out to the point of a burn ban.  

I wish we could have done more celebrating for the big 250th year but it was enough.  With the three of us fighting something terrible there really wasn't much that could be done.  

Now we are back to Monday and a week ahead that may be filled with more rain.  At least it's a break from the excruciating triple digit heat.  I've always been a summer girl but the older I get the harder it is to be in this heat for a long period of time.  That makes me sad because it was always my favorite time of the year.