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.  

All pictures copied from GOOGLE 

Groundhog Day

 It's February!   A new month and another chance of starting fresh.  Soon we will be celebrating Valentines Day and I do have some home decor for that but today ...

It's a silly little holiday.   Our famous Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow predicting 6 more weeks of winter.  I also saw my shadow on the snow covered ground today, too.  The sun is bright but the air is bitterly cold.  I don't think I'll see the green grass for awhile.  

I got a text from my nephew this morning of my great niece ready for school today.  

I guess our joy for this day runs in the family.  

Truth be told though ... 

Spring comes in 6 more weeks no matter what he says.  

6 weeks!  Ahhhh, I'm ready for it.  How about you? 

Just One Thought For Friday

  Today, I'm skipping the Five For Friday, although I haven't been consistent on it anyway.  

Today, I only want to share one thought.  Just one.  Just one regarding a recent struggle of mine.  

The Holy Spirit has been working overtime with me lately so I'll give Him a break and log off of Instagram and Facebook for awhile.  I'll come back here next week to talk about how I better occupy my time.  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

 Wednesday Hodgepodge - The Year of The Cabbage 

Me with Fred and Alberta, my two favorite Cabbage Patch dolls

1. I live in the south so we're pretty much only talking about the weather right now. Give us a weather report from where you live. Does the kind of weather you're having today affect your mood in some way? 

I live above the Mason-Dixon line in south-central Pennsylvania and it's been bitterly cold and snowy.  We had about 10 inches of snow on Sunday and school went virtual on Monday and Tuesday and then a two-hour delay this morning.  I try to keep a positive attitude about it and I love that extra time at home but I also enjoy routine and warmth.  I'm a summer girl, always have been, so it's difficult ... but ... I ... am ... trying to find the good in this season.  

2.  Avocados, kale, cauliflower and cottage cheese have all had their time to shine. 2026 brings us the year of the cabbage. Is this a vegetable you like? If so, what are some of your favorite dishes that call for cabbage?  

My mother always made corned beef and cabbage for St. Patrick's Day and there were times when she would make cabbage with other meals.  I also remember eating red cabbage.  I don't mind it at all.  My husband can't eat it but he doesn't like it, anyway.  I'm not sure my kids would like it.  Hence, why I do not cook cabbage.  

Oh, I do love coleslaw!

3. Was a Cabbage Patch Doll a part of your childhood? Or maybe your children's childhood? What's a toy trend from your childhood you remember wanting for your own? 

Oh, yes!  In fact, I think my dad was more obsessed with Cabbage Patch dolls than I was.  Every year for my birthday and Christmas he would buy me one or two.  During the year of the Cabbage Patch obsession when stores were sold out my dad took a ride to upstate New York at the factory, only to find out they did not sell directly there.  I loved my dolls.  I only have one now, and this one was my grandmother's.  Yes, my dad bought dolls for everyone including my grandma, although I can't remember what his name is.  I guess, before my grandmother passed away she gave it to my parents to hold for me.  During my pregnancy with my daughter, my mom handed it to me and I cried my eyes out.  My favorite was Fred (in my hand) and Alberta (the blonde haired one on the left) but my dad got rid of them all when we moved.  I would have loved to have kept them all for my own daughter.  

And here she is with five of her own (the one on the back right was my grandma's).  The one in the left and the one of the right in the yellow dress were given to her by my dad, of course.  

4. Something you've spent a lot of time doing lately? 

In the month of January when the weather is cold outside I spend most of my time inside.  I finished this awesome diamond art canvas my husband bought me, read a total of 4 books and working on the 5th, which kicks off my goal of 50 books for the year, walking/running at least 1 mile on the treadmill (though I've missed a day or two) and impatiently waiting for warm weather and bright sunshine.  

5. Somehow it's the last week of January...sum up your month in just three sentences. 

Surprisingly, January has moved very quickly and because of that I have not suffered through seasonal depression as in past years.  I have felt rested and determined to continuously find peace in my current season of life.  Finding enjoyment in the down time.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

It's no secret that when we watch the news or jump on social media there's a lot being said about the things going on in Minnesota right now.  There's a lot of other issues that just seem to be too much for my brain to handle or want to involve myself in.  I've found that an occasional fast from Facebook is the best way for my mental health and I'm starting that today.  My husband would rather me get off Facebook completely.  I joined as a way of easily keeping in touch with family and friends.  Most of my family lives in New York and it's the easiest way to keep in touch.  I also got connected with friends from high school and it's awesome to see how much their lives have grown and changed since then.  I love when someone posts a Biblical quote or an inspirational message.  I love seeing pictures my nieces post of their children.  So much good can come out of it.  But lately, there haven't been many updates.  There haven't been pictures of cute little smiling faces.  It's been mostly posts from sites I don't even follow, AI generated images, propaganda, news stories and, if it is coming from an actual friend or family member, it's usually political.  I have very strong views, yes, but I would much rather log onto Facebook to see something good.  A little break from the chaotic normalcy in our world.  It's just too much.  Too much hate!  I inspire to make my blog centered around good things, though I've occasionally given my opinion a time or two, I just want this to be a place where people can escape the real life drama.  

Thank you for setting this one up, Joyce.  I enjoyed walking down memory lane with my dolls.  

Winter Storm Fern

 The winter storm we anticipated had arrived.  I'm hearing this storm's name is Fern.  Well Fern did do what they said she would do.  I believe we totaled about 10" where I live.  

I shared a picture of our backyard from the other day and this was what it looked like Sunday morning.

The snow fell for most of the day and then turning to sleet and then back to snow at night.  I shoveled while Rob used the snowblower but we'll have to go back out today since more snow has fallen since.  My least favorite part of snow is having to shovel it away.  

And the Siberian Husky has been spending time outside, then back inside for a nap, then outside again, and back and forth.  

We watched church online.  At first they couldn't get the sound to work and I could see how the enemy was trying to keep us from having church at all, but thankfully God is bigger, and the sound began and we were able to enjoy the service from the comfort of our couch.  The pastor shared a story of a girl from Nicaragua, who he had met during a recent missions trip.  This girl was being abused by her father.  After listening, I began thinking of some of my own issues I've been having.  It's been years of prayers and asking for direction but I believe my question of what I should do was answered by that sermon.  I love when that happens.  We watched the Sunday night service online, this time the pastor had closed church and recorded from his own house.  It was, again, a great message and had another one of my questions answered.  

My husband, who makes a great homemade pizza, prepared us each our own personal pizza.  He took a picture and texted it to me and I think was hinting that I should post it on my blog.  As my Italian ancestors would say, "Deliciouso!"    

Today, school is being done virtually and Rob is tucked away in our bedroom doing work from home.  I'm trying to keep the house quiet for them as I type this up and sip the last of my coffee.  But soon, I will work towards house cleaning and finishing up the shoveling outside.  I also have a dessert to make for everyone later.  A day off means a day I'm not getting paid but I do enjoy another day of being home.  

"Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire; it is the time for home." -- Edith Sitwell  

The Calm Before The Storm

 Right now my backyard looks like this.

But by Monday morning that ground will be around 8 - 14 inches deep in snow.  Well, that's what they are calling for.  Who knows what will really happen.  Starting on Saturday night and all day Sunday the snow is supposed to fall and there may be some sleet too.  Schools are preparing for a virtual day on Monday and I'm guessing it may be so for Tuesday too.  

Everyone keeps asking if I'm ready for the snow and my answer to that question has been - I'm ready for summer.  

Yesterday I did some much needed grocery shopping.  I would have gone regardless of the weather but it's crazy to see how many people are rushing to the store and emptying the shelves.  If we get the amounts they are calling for we'll be stuck for a few days but once the snow stops the plows will come through and do their jobs.  There's no need for the panic and commotion.  My only concern is the possibility of losing power.  That would not be good at all.  

This morning I went for my six month check up at the dermatologist.  It seems every visit I have a few more basal cell spots.  That's what Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome is all about.  He's concerned with some spots around the eye but will have me continue to monitor it until the next appointment in the summer and will remove them then.  I try to keep a positive attitude while going through this rare genetic disorder but deep down inside it's tough.  I try not to admit my true feelings.  Looking in the mirror and seeing more and more skin cancer spots and several scars from previous surgeries is enough to bring anyone down but I remain thankful that it is not terminal.  Just ugly.  

Anyway, after the appointment I went across the street to Maple Donuts.  A local family favorite.  I purchased six donuts to get us through the storm.  Not the healthiest choice but a good treat every once in awhile ain't so bad.  I'll only have one and will save it for Sunday morning when I'm more than sure we'll be watching church online.  

It looks like a big chunk of the country will be experiencing this upcoming storm with either heavy wind, snow or ice.  If that's you I pray that you remain safe and warm.  Don't travel unless absolutely necessary.  

I'll be out there shoveling often but also plan on enjoying as much time as I can inside a warm house and pray that the power does not go out.  If that's the case, we have plenty of blankets and flashlights.  

Stay safe!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Greetings everyone!  I'm on a roll with keeping up with these Wednesday Hodgepodge questions brought to us by Joyce.  Here's another round of wintry questions for mid January.  Can you believe we are almost through January already?  The month is speeding by quickly and I'm okay with that.  Okay, here we go.  Thankfully she adds these questions in the beginning of the week so I have some time to think.  

SKIING INTO THE HODGEPODGE - mid January edition

 1. Ice skating, skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, playing in the snow, or a snowy walk...which winter activity do you choose? Have you done any of these activities so far this winter? 

I've tried ice skating a few times and was on my butt more than my feet.  I don't know why I just couldn't get the hang of it.  I used to enjoy sledding as a kid but haven't done so in many years.  Playing in the snow most certainly is a favorite past time, as a child myself and also when my kids were little.  So far this year I've done nothing aside from a little driveway shoveling and scraping ice off of the car whenever we have snow.  I'm sure my kids would enjoy doing something but I am just not a be outside in the winter type of person.  Snuggling up on the couch under a blanket reading a book while the fireplace is on is my type of winter activity.  

2. Everyone is posting pictures from ten years ago on their social media sites so let's jump on the bandwagon too. Share one photo and one thought to go with said photo from the year 2016. And maybe everyone isn't doing this, but many are and we're going to be part of the fun. 

Summertime 2016 when we visited a zoo in Maryland.  This bird looks just like a parakeet we used to have named Sprite. 

3. What's a trend you hope disappears in this new year? 

The current way of life where people will hear something said on mainstream media or read something on social media and take it as facts instead of doing their own research and thinking, which ends up causing a lot of unnecessary chaos in the country right now.  

4. 'They' say there's a day for everything and January 21st proves it. National Granola Bar Day. Do you like granola bars? How about just regular granola? Do you like bars of other kinds? 

I do like granola bars.  Peanut butter or chocolate chip are my top two choices.  I've never made homemade granola bars but it's on my list of things to try.   I've also enjoyed putting granola in yogurt or granola cereal.  

5.  A frozen lake, a trickling stream, a raging river, or a deep well...which one describes something about your life right now? Elaborate as much or as little as you like. 

This is a great question.  To say it literally, life right now feels like a frozen lake because of how cold it's been and there's a blizzard in the forecast for my area this weekend.  Although, if we're speaking hypothetically I'd say my life can sometimes feel like a raging river but I try very hard to focus on the trickling stream.  For example, there's so much going on around me that has me instantly feeling the need to be angry but then I take a deep breath, pray to the Lord for guidance and then become someone who can slowly control the flow of my emotions.  I'm trying, at least.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Here in south-central Pennsylvania and other parts of the country are forecasted to recieve a large amount of snowfall this weekend.  I'm getting a mix of information in regarding how much.  I've heard anywhere from a few inches to 2-feet.  Time will tell.  Tomorrow is pay day for both my husband and I so a trip to the grocery store is needed.  No, I'm not one of those that has to rush to buy bread, milk and eggs whenever a snow storm is upon us, but we are really in desperate need of food no matter the weather.  I'm going to keep a positive attitude through the storm but will certainly be dreaming about the warmer seasons to come.  

A Few Random Things

 Here we are, more than halfway through January and winter reminds us she's still very much here.  

On Saturday we woke up to a few inches of snow.  Fearful of the unpredictability of the day, my sister cancelled her plans to visit from Long Island.  They were going to stay at a hotel and we were all going to meet up at my parents.  So, instead, I spent Saturday at home doing a mix of cleaning and resting.  

There is no greater joy in wintertime than being able to snuggle up with a good book.  

And my girl, as you can see, has her hand in a brace.  On Thursday at midnight she woke me up to say she was getting out of bed to use the bathroom and fell, landing on her hand, which resulted in a sprained wrist.  She was off of school on Friday so we went in for an x-ray to check for a possible fracture but she's all good there.  

It was a weekend of snuggles.  

Today there is no school all thanks to the wonderful Martin Luther King, jr.  I still woke up early since Bri had to go to swim practice.  My son drove to the coffee shop to sit and study the book of Job and I worked on my book while getting some laundry done.  You know, for a family of four we sure accumulate a lot of dirty laundry way too quickly.  My husband is at work and sadly caught a cold, which started yesterday.  He's feeling miserable.  I made homemade chicken noodle soup last night but still deciding on what to make tonight.  I really, really need to get my act together and come up with a weekly meal plan.  It's so difficult to decide each and every night what to cook, especially with picky children and a husband that can't eat certain things.  I suppose I'll figure it out.  

Have a great week ahead, friends.  Stay cozy and warm!  

Wednesday Hodgepodge

Okay, here I go with my second Wednesday Hodgepodge.  This one is about winter and I'm trying to keep a positive outlook on a season I have always found most dreadful.  

1. What kind of winter person are you-snow lover, fireplace snuggler, winter adventurer, or indoor hibernator? Elaborate. 

INDOOR HIBERNATOR!  Absolutely.  Of course, since I work part-time and have two very active children who have schedules filled with sports, band and theater I am not at home all the time but there are hours in the day and evening when I am home and I love every single moment of it, especially when it's cold outside.  I don't like the snow but when we do get it I enjoy the fact that I'm stuck inside.  

2. The Pantone color of the year is cloud dancer, described as a gentle, billowy off white shade. The color symbolizes 'peace, clarity, quiet reflection, renewal, and a soft reset'. Of the terms just listed which do you need most in your life this winter? 

I'm always searching for peace but that seems impossible so I will say I enjoy those moments when I can sit in quiet reflection.  Praying, planning, thinking.  I believe we are given the season of winter as a time to rest and reflect.  

4. Coconut, cauliflower, cottage cheese, mayonnaise, onions, ranch dressing...of the white foods listed, which would be the hardest for you to give up? Do you like all or any of the foods on the list? 

Well, I'm not so much a fan of coconut and I certainly don't like cottage cheese but the rest on the list I'm good with.  When my husband was diagnosed with IBS he was given a list of foods to stop eating and onions was one of them.  He and I both love onions so having to omit onions in recipes has been challenging and sad.  I can still eat them but I don't bother since he can't.  

5. Thomas Wentworth Higginson is credited with this quote-

"How many lessons of faith and beauty we should lose, if there were no winter in our year." 

Agree or disagree? Tell us why. 

I can agree; in believing that winter is a time where everything in nature dies away we too have an opportunity to give ourselves rest, and all the bare ugliness of winter can help us to appreciate the beauty in the seasons that are to come.  We'll get there eventually.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Winter has always been my least favorite season.  The cold weather makes it hard to enjoy being outside.  The lack of sunshine is depressing.  My seasonal depression sets in each and every year.  This year; however, I am focused on seeing the good in this season.  Using this time to be intentional on the things that need done inside.  Cozying up and resting more.  Diving deep into Bible reading and learning how to be a better Christian.  Making use of my treadmill and weights.  With my new outlook on winter I may end up liking the season, afterall.  We'll just see.  

Tuesday Thoughts

 Hello, friends!

The outside air is cool but the sun is shining and I'll take every ounce of vitamin D I can get.  I've been out all morning driving the school van and then going to the grocery store for some needed items.  Now I'm inside, doing some cleaning and taking a break from the outside world until it's time to leave again.  I'll be heading out at 1pm for the afternoon shift and then off to the high school to watch my daughter's swim meet.  All I can think about is being back home to shower and slip into pajamas and relax with a book before bed.  

It sounds like I'm lazy and I often feel that way but I can't help but enjoy being at home and I love relaxing after a day of chores.  Mentally, I feel drained this time of year and it can be exhausting just dealing with that.  I've been enjoying spending late evenings plopped on the couch switching between my diamond art and reading the current book.  I set a goal on the Goodreads app to finish 50 books by the end of the year.  That's doable, I believe.  

Also, who wants to be out in the world in this day and age?  It's impossible to turn on the news or scroll through social media without seeing videos and pictures of the streets filled with hate, anger and crime.  There are protests being held just miles from my house.  I'm confused by it all.  We are living in a time when good is considered evil and evil is considered good, just as the Bible warned us would happen in the end times.  I believe we are getting closer and I choose to be ready for it.  There might not be much I can do to help what's going on in the world but I wonder if there is something, just something, I can do.  I wonder if it could be justified to say for me it's better to just be at home and not interfere.  Is it selfish or is it just the fact that I'm not called to do anything major.  Edmund Burke once said, "All that is necessary for evil to succeed is for good men to do nothing."  My husband saw the flaws that were happening within our school district and so he became a director on the school board.  I realize maybe I'm not called to do anything as big but just driving teenagers to school could be meaningful enough.  Conversing with them and trying to help them move towards the right path in life.  I pray that if there's more for me it will be revealed to me.  Until then, I will be at home cleaning, cooking, raising my kids and loving my husband.  

And enjoying the simple moments like this.

Five For Friday: Redirecting My Thoughts in January

 We made it to Friday and the end of the first week of the new year.  January can feel like such a difficult month but we get through it each and every year, don't we?  It won't be long until the sun begins rising earlier and staying out later, the air feels warmer and the ground covers with flowers in bloom.  Until then, I will hunker down inside taking care of the home and making most of what winter can offer.  What is it that winter can offer, you ask?  Rest, peace, hope, preparation and anticipation for the busier seasons that will follow.  In last Sunday's sermon our pastor said we need the evening (darkness) to appreciate the morning (light).  That's so very true and we can say the same in regards to wintertime.  In the past I've talked about how much I dread this time of year but now I'm learning to embrace it a little better.  So, in this week's Five for Friday I'd like to add five things I will do in order to make it manageable.  

REDIRECTING MY THOUGHTS IN JANUARY 

1.  Spend time inside cleaning/reorganizing:  This seems to be an ongoing task but my house is filled with toys the kids no longer play with, papers that need filed or tossed away, parts and pieces of random things scattered all over.  A pantry that can use reorganizing.  A bathroom closet that can use reorganizing.  So many other areas that can use reorganizing.  What better time to do this than now?  Spring will be for outdoor yard work but winter is fully dedicated to the inside.  

2.  Plan for the garden:  I have a very small garden in my backyard where I've been growing tomatoes and peppers.  Last year I was lazy when it came to weeding but this year I plan on making it bigger and more efficient.  This would be a great time to do some research and figure out ideas on how I want to make that garden better and also learn how to do some canning for tomato sauce and also growing cucumbers to pickle.  A better garden means less money spent at the grocery store.  

3.  Reading.  So far I've only read one book and that's the one I had written about before, After Auschwitz.  I'm only a mile away from the library and there's no excuse for me not to stop in to borrow some books.  

4.  Crafting.  Something I found fun to do years ago was diamond art.  It pretty much took the place of my desire to do jigsaw puzzles.  Our last trip to Walmart I spotted this cute Snoopy house and I mentioned how it was cute and my husband convinced me to buy it.  It's something I've been doing in the evening before bed while sitting in the living room with my family.  Things like this help to relax my mind.  

5.  Bible study:  I often feel like having too much to do keeps me away from what is most important and what should be first priority.  Now is a better time than ever to be in the Word.  As a family (minus my daughter because she doesn't have the app) we have been holding each other accountable for doing the Bible in the Year on the Bible app and so far we've been doing well.  I do enjoy using my actual paper Bible, too.  Growing closer to the Lord is what it's all about.  

Are there 5 ways you can think of to stay occupied against the winter blues?  No matter what you do, I hope you can find rest and peace during this time and warmth through the cold.