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.