Oh My Goodness!

It has been insane 

in these parts!

My poor house and laundry pile.

Thank the Lord for such a wonderful

husband who knows how to make clothes

get clean.  I found clean jeans in my drawer

yesterday and was so thankful!

Chelsea washes her own clothes but for 

the most part we spoil the boys and do their

wash.  But laundry is just one part of my life

in which I am slacking.
I wrote a love note to Warren in the
dust on the TV screen in our room.
Seriously!
It is still there!
:-)

Those things that just have to be done are

happening....

1.  The making and delivery of
hundreds and hundreds

of candles on Monday evening.

With more to go out on Thursday 

and a new Fundraiser Kick-off
on Saturday.

2.  Childcare for a local MOPS group...
where I found a 

mysterious lump on a baby's back.
Please pray that it is

"nothing".
Little Victoria is sooooo sweet
and we would all

be crushed if she is ill.
Her mother had not noticed it so it

was a scary moment for her.

On the way to this yesterday
morning we dropped off

the baked goods order
that Chelsea has been working

on this week.
Sharing the kitchen with candle making

insanity was a challenge
for her but she rose to it and made

three dozen muffins,

six dozen cookies,

a huge Caramel Apple Trifle

and a large

Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting.

Yay!  That job is done.

She wasn't working when she committed 

to do this.  

It ended up being a
challenge with scheduling

but was good experience for her,
in any case.

3.  The painting project at church.
Our little nursery is getting

to be very cute!
I must get back over there
and put the border

up and take some pictures to show....
I was grateful for help from

my Chinese friend, Jenny,
and her mother.
Neither knew how to 

paint but were eager to learn.
It was the perfect project for learning.

Not too big and not too visible.
Jenny's mother was so eager and

made me smile because she neither speaks
or understands much

English at all but she dug right
in and we had a great time. 

4.  A shopping trip with Chelsea....
yes, it was necessary.  

Some members of our
family are going to Williamsburg, VA

Sunday night through Wednesday
and we are planning to 

take some senior photos of our girl.
She just "had" to have

clothes that no one has seen
yet for this project.  I am not 

sure I understand completely....
but I definitely get it from the

female perspective.
Yep!  Had to be new and different.

Her "case" was helped by the
fact that she is beating the anorexia

and new sizes just plain fit better....
PRAISE GOD!!

No....she is not getting big,
like she often thinks....
in fact the saleswoman who
had no idea about the
anorexia was making
comments about how we would
all love to be as tiny as
Chelsea....sigh...

but our girl is getting

closer to a normal weight.
She is sooooo beautiful!!!

5.  Today is this week's first trip to
Hershey for Chelsea's appointment

with her doctor.
Hoping for good news.
Tomorrow is another trip

to Hershey to see her nutritionist.
Usually we can see both in one 

day but scheduling just didn't
work for us this time.  

6.  Getting Chelsea to and from the
bakery/cafe job which she LOVES!

I have to admit having help in this
department from my darling mother!

She has bailed me out at least twice
lately which has given me time to either

work on candles or go driving with Jonathan.
He continues to work toward

getting his driver's license.
I don't know if I told you that
Mikey got a truck

so this frees up our car for Jonathan.
He is eager to get his license and we 

are eager for him to have it....
so we have to squeeze in some drive time.

Scary....but necessary.
I can honestly say that this is
the one part of parenting

that I would gladly hand
off to someone else.
I am a horrible passenger under

any circumstances....
a learning driver just makes me
a puddle of nerves.  

That doesn't really help them...
but I try to be calm, really I try.

7.  Dealing with the owner of the dog
which we are fostering.
There are so 

many phone calls during the day as her
life works toward coming back into 

focus.  Please pray with me that
she will have a home soon.
Mister needs to 

be out of our house by Saturday,
at the latest, as he hates the family members 

who are not going to Williamsburg
and bites them when possible.
It will NOT 

work to leave him behind with them......

8.  Tomorrow is our final day of
homeschool co-op for 2010.

I will be so glad for that
Thursday afternoon back into our 

time bank....but I will miss "my" kids.

They make me smile!

So...that is just a taste of what is keeping me

busy these days.  One never knows what will be

next but you know I was snapped to reality and 

into perspective when I read this post by Tracy.

Praising God with her that her dear husband will be

o.k. after this horrible accident.

Then I did a happy dance when I read 

this post by Brittany Ann.  

A week of the "stomach flu"

was sooooo much more!!!

Yippee!

So....I'll see you when I see you.

Maybe as soon as tomorrow...

maybe not.

But know that we are

hanging in there and

are looking forward to 

a quiet Thanksgiving Day 

with dinner at Georgia's and a 

highlight of smashing pumpkins.

Yep! 

Those very pumpkins that 

I posted earlier.

They were purchased with Thanksgiving

Day in mind....tee-hee!

We look forward to some very strange 

things around here.....

Hugs!

Things to Do Today....

I've been pretty quiet this
week. Chelsea has really
stepped up and been a big
help.

She has been the primary person
to feed and care for the dogs,
done some laundry, more than
her usual share of the dishes,
and she planted flowers
yesterday.

However, since she can't drive she
has not gotten the groceries, gone
to the dairy, picked up the movie
we need for this evening, or gotten
the key copied that we must have done.

Therefore, I must spring into action
today.

I will take a quick trip to
the Amish Grocery.

As it is supposed to be sunny it will
be bright and cheery inside.
Without electric lights this store
relies greatly on skylights.

When necessary they will light the
kerosene lamps but daylight is the
preferred source of light to shop by.

The coolers are walk-in. Just
imagine walking into your forty
degree refrigerator.
The freezer is walk-in as well
and makes for a very shocking
experience at about zero.
All of this cold is
made possible by the biggest
generator system I have ever
seen or heard.

I like to look for cheese, sour cream,
butter, fruits, cereal, meat, and snack
type things at this store.

We will visit our local dairy.
The milk is as fresh as it gets
and buying from local farmers makes
me happy!

Our local Mennonite-owned dry goods
store will make a duplicate key for
us. They are one of the last hold
outs from the big box store.
From a huge selection of fabric to
hardware this is our first stop when
looking for that little something.

Our local video store is a confusing
place but it holds a special place
in my heart. When we first moved into
the community we opened an account there
at which time the owner showed us around
explaining that the VHS on the top shelf
is the new release...second shelf a three
day rental(on certain days it is five days)
...all of this in a really
wild floor plan.
But you know what?
If I can't find what I am looking for
the couple of employees
or the owner can find it in a heartbeat.
It blesses my heart to find a young man
with Down's Syndrome working there very
diligently and with full concentration.
Small town...service and smiles.
So...while we have a Netflix account,
which I love,
I will not stop using this local
store when it suits our needs.

Mikey works at a locally owned Garden
and Feed Store. What a blessing for
him to have this opportunity.
Getting to know the community while
learning about the things that he
will carry with him for life.

Today I will purchase
layers pellets for our four mature
chickens who are eating and laying
like crazy. When I do this I know
I am supporting the people who are
blessing our son's life.

It is so personal...this thing called...

Community...we live in it...support it...
and highly recommend you do the same where
you live. Visit your locally owned stores
whenever possible. These are your neighbors
with incentive to treat you well.

Its a Beautiful Life when you make connections.
Know the people who serve you.
It is good for everyone!

Just one of my pet causes...






Have a look at other beautiful life
posts by visiting Melissa at
The Inspired Room.
She is featuring a Outdoor living
space today. It is so pretty.
I haven't yet seen what other bloggers are
up to but I am sure it is worth the look.
So...leave me a note and then pop over, if
you have a few minutes.

Have a wonderful Friday!

♥♥Becky K.♥♥

A Busy Week Serves as a Reminder

Busy Day in Dollville

We are having a busy week this
week as used to be normal to us.

Sometimes events all fall into
the same week of the month.
Such is the case this week.

Saturday morning was a homeschool
related breakfast.
Sunday was special
in that we installed our Elders and
Associate Pastor at church, had communion
and a fellowship meal and then had a
Congregational Meeting after which we
sat and chatted until 6pm.
Brought some friends home with us and
later went over to the Rabe's so Warren
could get their wireless working with
Deanna's new laptop.

Last night was another Homeschool meeting...
tis the season, I guess and then tomorrow
night is book club. There is a church
event on Friday evening. So...that leaves
tonight and Thursday without formal plans.

However, today is bowling and Thursday is
Homeschool Co-op...the last one for this
school year. I am making special plans
toward this for my classes.

There are obviously school days to complete
and candle orders to fill. One son to take
to work and another to Physical Therapy.

A meal to make for a very dear friend.
Sooo happy to do this. I even hope to
take them some of my newly conquered
French Sweet Bread to go with the lasagna
and Salad.

For this week these are our chosen
activities...next week will be back
to the sanity.

I cannot believe we used to live like
this all of the time.
What were we thinking???

Have you made any changes in your schedule
to save your sanity?

We have found our
communication with teenagers is much
better when we are not gone most evenings
of the week. They seem to appreciate the
stability.

So...once we are through this craziness...
back to the quiet life we have come to
enjoy.

Mrs. Rabe and I were talking about this
on Saturday as we went to an event together.
It is so easy to continue to pile on
responsibility of things that are good.

However, just because it is a good thing
doesn't mean that it is something that
should obligate us to it or take us away
from our families in the tender years.

It is so easy to see a once a month commitment
as no big deal and then end up with five
separate monthly commitments. Sigh...how
well I know this one.

So...anyway...this week is my object lesson
in keeping my commitments under control and
not returning to that craziness we once called
life.

That is the encouragement to be found here.
It is possible to let things go.
If we can do it...you can do it.
That is for sure.
Then, when you have the occasional week like
this, you can smile and say to yourself...
"Next week...back to the calm life."

Have a wonderful day and a peaceful week.

♥♥Becky K.♥♥

New Week!

Well, today begins a very busy week
for us. One Mom leaves for Florida
while another returns from an interesting
time in Florida and the Bahamas.
Let's just say that due to some
missing paperwork Mom almost got an
extended vacation....yikes!
Thankfully, it was able to be remedied.

I have a Co-op Committee meeting,
Mikey has an interview for a possible
Summer Internship at Longwood Gardens.
It is a stretch, they have never taken
students outside of two nearby school
districts...but they are interested in
Mikey. Please pray with me that if this
is for him that it will be obvious and
that everything would work out.

It is scary because Mikey doesn't have
his driver's license yet,
but should be by then and the reality of
letting a new driver take on a 45 minute commute,
one way, is starting to set in.

Thankfully, it is all country or
low traffic roads.
So, I think he would be ok.
As far as I know he would only be on
the road in daylight. So that is good
too. But still...

So, how about that football game last night?
Wow!
We were kind of casual
about it until the second half and as that
went on we were on the edge of our seats...
some of us literally. What a fun game.

My apologies to the Cardinals fans...but they
did the same thing to themselves that my
Penn State did in the Rose Bowl.
Lost because of Penalties.
Some of you would disagree with that...
you go right ahead. lol

We are getting ready for some kind
of snow here. I'll believe it when
I see it!
Right now everything outside is just
glossy from the ice over the little
bit of snow.

Yesterday was gorgeous. It was about
40 degrees and no wind.
Sun and blue skies.
We went on our traditional Sunday walk.
I had stopped going along because of the
pain in my hip and side...however, I went
part of the way yesterday and loved it.
I'm going to attempt to work through the
pain. It wouldn't be good to give in to
it entirely and let my heart go bad...now
would it?

Chelsea just bought a Wii Fit and I am working
on it. I know, it doesn't sound like you could
get a real workout...but you can!

So...Tylenol and I will work together to lose
some weight and get my heart healthy!

Those of you who post about your health and exercise
goals get me moving...so keep it up!

Well, have a great day today!

♥♥Becky K.♥♥

Greetings!

Just stopping in to wish you a peaceful
day and a lovely week.

I have lots and lots to accomplish with
many projects and a son who wants to go
get his driver's permit one day this week.
I am fearful!

Where does the time go?

Weren't we just potty training?




Next year two will
graduate from High School.






That is just crazy!

Crazy good!!!!

Well, I had better go and figure out
how to deal with this busy week.

I'll pop in as much as possible.

If you smell something that reminds
you of candles...it is probably my
candle scent coming through the computer
keyboard.
My house reeks of it!

Lady Jane, your package is being mailed
today. I am slow...

Thanks for stopping by!!!!

Love Ya!

Becky K.

A Much Needed Break

Thursdays are always crazy!

Just insane, really!

For another couple of weeks
Jonathan and Chelsea will work
Thursday mornings and then I will
grab them and head for co-op.

This means that we stop for a
bite to eat on the way. We have
just enough time to drive through
and get there on time.

Yesterday, I got the brilliant idea
to use a coupon from the coupon book
that came in the mail recently...that is
important...the book came recently, to
go to Dominos for a buy one get one free deal.

Great! They all love pizza!
The location closest to our co-op was one
that participated...miracle of miracles.

I went a different way to make sure I did not
miss the Dominos. But, upon getting to the
address listed on the coupon...there was a
Metro Pizza...not a Dominos.

Hmmphh!

Now we are certainly going to be late!

What to do.

Thank the Lord for cell phones.

I called the number on the back of the
coupon. Mr. Man who had taken the order
answered. I asked him where he was.

Oh, he was about 8 minutes the other direction.

I told him what was on the back of the coupon.
"Well, we haven't been there for about 3", (yes
that was THREE"), "years!"

I was so frustrated that I took a wrong turn and
ended up in what the kids call a "perfectsville".
You know all of the manicured lawns and all of
the houses look exactly the same.
All of the roads had the word Oak in them and they
all go in circles....endlessly!

Finally after much aggravation we passed the house
with the castle in the back yard once again and knew
we were about to be freed from this torment.

On to the next Road on the right with the word Oak in
it and off to the Dominos.

The pizza was cold and we were late.

This was sooooo much fun!

Co-op went pretty well.

I love my friends!

They are just so accommodating to my
every frame of mind.

What? You are a little stressed?
Why are you sitting there all alone?
You must need to talk.

So, we chatted away all first class
period when I suddenly heard the thunder
of many feet changing classes on the
stairwell and realized my next torture
was about to begin.

Actually, it was fun.

The 7-up choir learned a new song

They are doing so well with it.

Then we went back to In Christ Alone and I
glanced into the hall to see the original choir
director...the professional one...standing there.
This woman moved to Nebraska. I was never to have
been humiliated by having her watch me not know what
to do with my hands while "directing" a choir.

She was safely days away. Oh, no! There she stood.
Smiling....what did that smile mean?????

I waved and smiled real big!

I'm not going to let her see me sweat!

Finally, that class ended and in came my
45 4th-6th graders. I must say the change in
them has been dramatic. They went from mumblers,
fidgeters, complainers to real honest to goodness
singers. I have real hope for them in this concert
now. I even thought they had come far enough to teach
the altos a new part. And some of them got it!

My poor helper who has offered to play the piano held
her sweet baby boy in one arm and played with the other.

We must have looked hysterical...and the whole time I kept
wondering where that former choir director was....
was she standing in the stairwell...where I stand when I want
to hear what the other choir director is doing? I like to
"glean" ideas from the experts in the field. I am such a
faker. The only thing I have in common with the professionals
is my love of music, knowledge of notes and ....guess that's about it.

I just wish I knew what to do with my hands....I can do that thing
they do... but it is so not me!

Oh well...

Now you are still wondering what the break was that is promised in the
title of this post?

We went out to dinner with the Moms.

We had a nice time.

It was not the first choice of restaurant because that one would not seat us.
It wasn't that they didn't like us...because they never met us. They simply were
too busy to come over to the little podium and say, "We will be with you shortly".

SO...we meandered over to the little restaurant beside it and then ordered Mikey a
pizza to go from the take out of "the most desired place". If you are counting, yes, that made two meals of pizza for him yesterday. So what! lol He has a cold and was cranky. I am feeding his cold.

Did I mention that at this second restaurant... the default choice...one of the Moms from our co-op was working...I did not know she worked there...but she happened to point out that some of our boys had broken a branch from a pine tree at the church we meet at? Well, that was the first I had heard of that. One of the boys being my own Mikey... this necessitated a call to our building coordinator who assured me that those trees are scheduled to be torn down so all is well....but...those boys had better not be in that tree again!!!
Thus sayeth the Mommy and the Co-op 7-up Coordinator who are one and the same.


I came home and did NOT work on candles.

I went to bed and began to read the book written by the two families who had their daughters switched after the tragic Taylor University Van crash, "Mistaken Identity".

I read until my eyes would not stay open any more. From the first sentence I was pulled into this book. It is an unbelievable mistake that was made. Unbelievable.

So...today it is back to real life. I just hope that I have to wait somewhere, for someone, so I can read more of that book!

Blessings!

Becky K.

Today...

I bet you thought I was going to stay
political?
Well, today I am not.

I may get to see Sarah Palin on Saturday
so if that happens...maybe the Politics will
come back out. Just because that would be
awesome!

The last time I tried to see a major political
figure, it was President Bush in 2004. He was
at the Lancaster Airport and I walked over a
mile one way, went through security and then
stood cross-legged in a port-a-potty line while
he spoke. I could see him from such a distance
that he looked like one of those Little People from
Fisher Price.

So...I am thinking twice...but it would still be
very cool!

But, today is our usual Thursday to take kids to
work, pick them up and run to Co-op. Afterwards
we may go bowling with another family, or two.

What is unusual about today is what God is doing
with the Thanksgiving Program.
It is crazy.

We struggled so hard to find music. Then we ordered
it. It did not come in for the longest time.
Like, I got it last week.
Problem is the accompaniment track
for one of my 4-6th grade songs didn't come. We called.
Out of print for 6 months. We are welcome to call back
and order it then....nice.

Now the concert is just 4 weeks away and I am beginning a
brand new song with that choir.

The song the other choir director chose for the 2/3rd grade
choirs did not work out either so she began working on a new
one last week.

I would be troubled by all of this but I absolutely love what is filling in those spots. The 2/3rd graders will be doing Come, Ye Thankful People Come as one of their pieces and my 4/6th choir will be doing Count Your Blessings! I think we will be having some fun with this song.

This has been a very hard class.
Lots of boys who have an attitude about singing.

I nearly lost it with them last week and literally stopped to pray aloud in the middle of the class. We always open with prayer...but stopping to pray because things were not going well...that was a first.

I talked with them about how I totally understand that singing isn't every one's favorite thing to do, but that they are to do all to the Glory of God. I told them
that if I were in their class, I would hate gym, which is a mandatory class like music. I admitted that I hate to sweat!
The incredulity on those boys faces was funny.
They LOVE to sweat.
We connected.

Then we sang our Thanksgiving Medley again, and it was amazing the difference in attitude and volume.
They really sang!

As soon as we finished the song one young man very enthusiastically shouted,
"See, God is answering your prayer already!"
Thank you, Lord!
I so needed that.

I decided since we really only had the one song to work at to go ahead and play a rhythm game with them. I know that was Inspired. The kids had a blast and their attention and involvement was 100 percent.

This makes me look forward to our Spring Semester when I teach fundamentals of music in fun...and often corny...ways.

So, God is reshaping my vision for this concert. It is becoming more "Me" anyway. I love the hymns and I love having our young people learn them. The words of these songs come back to you in the best and the worst of times.

Long post today....

Hope you made it through....

May God Richly Bless You as You Go About This Day.

Becky K.

Catching Up - The Weekend

Update on Pastor Mike's brother and sister.
They are both fine.
His brother near Houston said they had
80 mph winds for hours.
His sister was spared the flooding that
others in her area experienced. She had rising water
from Lake Pontchartrain but it did not reach
her newly reclaimed from Katrina home.
That was such a relief!

The Moms got home from their
huge trip just before Midnight
Saturday. It is so good to know
that they are safe and that a wonderful
time was had by both.

They shared stories over a typical
Sunday Dinner yesterday. I made roast,
Potatoes and carrots in the crock pot.
Yum!
I hope to get some pictures from both
of them of the things they saw and
share them here.

We heard about the jeep ride that left bruises,
the trail ride with the man who was in his
70's and had never ridden a horse(He got the one Mom
refused to ride...no wonder he kept saying "Mamma Mia!"),
the burro ride down into
the Grand Canyon, the stone arches, climbing Mesa Verde,
the hot springs, the Durango Train ride...

Adventures aplenty...at least one per day.

Meanwhile back here in little 'ole PA...

Saturday Chelsea was a babysitter for
two little friends of ours. These guys
are beyond adorable. They were so good.
Check out the ketchup on this sweet face.
We didn't notice it until looking at the
picture.

I love this one of the two of them...

And then with their great babysitter.


I tried to stay out of their way and let her handle
the boys herself.
She did a wonderful job.

I have to run off this morning and get Jonathan to work.
This is a big week on the farm...He will be working
most days. It is unusual. But Thomas the Tank Engine is
in town and this is a very large attraction in our area.

This means many, many tourists so extra hours for nearby
attractions.

Have a blessed day.

Becky K.

An Enjoyable Commute

We are now on our fourth day straight of making the twenty minute drive through the countryside to drop at least one child off to the tourist laden farm at which Jonathan and Chelsea work. One would think that I would resent this trip.

Oh no!

I love it.

There are a bunch of little country roads to wander through.

It is an adventure every time.

All week I have told myself that if I just had my camera with me I could pull over and get the neatest picture of those grape vines loaded down with awesome looking fruit...maybe today. There is a sign that peaches are available for sale there today. I am sure they wouldn't mind if I took some pictures of their grapes...I will ask, of course, if I get the nerve.

Tuesday as I came across my very favorite road, the Lord and I were having a wonderful time. I was thanking Him for all of His Creation and for allowing us to live in a County that is flowing with milk and honey...really!

Pretty soon, way before I was ready, I came to the main road. There is not a lot of interest on this road normally. This week there were only delays from construction equipment. I was bemoaning the fact that this was like returning to the real world. All of a sudden in the field to my right sat a horse. Honestly! It was sitting like a dog. Then it threw its head back and got to its feet. I have never seen anything like it but I laughed so loud and long and thanked the Lord that He even added interest to my drive on that boring main road.

By now you are thinking that I have lost it, aren't you?

Sorry, no.

I am just enjoying the world the Lord has created for us and the things that I so often just take for granted.

Moseying down country lanes, waving at my Amish neighbors. Seeing the tobacco being harvested, one plant at a time. Getting behind the tobacco racks being pulled by mule and driver. And it is not stressing me a bit.

Must be a God thing.

Yesterday, I took the camera.

Here are some drive by shots...

You may remember this barn. I took this last week.



On the other side of the road are three wonderful buildings.

The first is this one. It sits close to the road and I have almost totally ignored it in my interest in the next one I can almost show you. Remember I was probably going 25 - 35 when I snapped these. I hope one day to get the courage to stop and just ask permission to take lots of pictures.
This is a dreamy spot!
It would be so fun to live there.



Back a lane is a tiny little cottage. Can you just barely see it?


You will want to click on this picture to make it larger but this building appears to be the main living quarters, although all you can see here is the tiniest window that is nearly always open when I go by. Can't you just imagine the fresh air and the sound of the birds singing that the owner enjoys all burrowed in the greens of the bushes and trees.



A little while further on this road I scared the sheep. Poor things. So upon my return trip, with camera in hand, they were farther up in the field. If you click on the picture you may see their horns.


This guy was drinking in style from his teal water bucket.


I so wish I could have captured these images as I see them. Without stopping and framing each picture you do lose a lot in the translation.

But suffice it to say that this has served as my quiet time this week. The Lord has met me in my car and we have enjoyed sweet fellowship! His creation, His provision for our every need, His presence. All are wonderful blessings to ponder.

I would love to read about your unexpected times with God.

Blessings on this day.

Becky K.

Did I Do That?

Remember Erkle, that kid on TV who would break things or cause a problem then ask in the most irritating of voices, "Did I do that?"

Well, I made a mistake this morning. I woke up when I should have been leaving for a dentist appointment. Oops.

I hate getting my teeth cleaned but I did not do this on purpose. We had a huge weekend and I was exhausted! It is cloudy and therefore comfortably dark for sleeping.

The receptionist at the dentist's office gave me the opportunity to come right in...up the road a half an hour...I wonder what they would think if I came in like I am right now.
It is not pretty!

Maybe it is time to find a dentist a little closer to home....

Miss Paula has honored me with an award.
Check it out!

Thank you, Miss Paula!

The rules for receiving this award are:
1) Put the logo on your blog
2) Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3) Nominate at least 7 other blogs.
4) Add links to those blogs on yours.
5) Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs.

So I want to nominate some favorites of mine:

Given that some have already been nominated I will skip over them and nominate these fine friends:

Robin, at Bittersweet Punkin, is another homeschool mom who shares bits and pieces of her day. I love Robin's blogging generosity and friendship as she often mentions others or is caring for her blogging friends.
Deena, at Can I Be Pretty in Pink, is winning a battle against cancer. This blog is about so much more than cancer. It is the story of a woman who is strong, loving and joyful.
Terri, at Lakewood Manor, was one of the first bloggers to encourage me when I started nearly a year ago. As a school principal Terri is a busy woman. Check out her blog to see her new furry family member.
Melissa, at Elijah's Adventures just moved to Ireland. From Florida to Ireland, in one crazy day. So glad this "internet thing" works across the pond! Love seeing what you and that sweet Elijah are up to.
Bethany, at Red Yarn is one of the most talented artists I have seen. She can draw people so well. My brother who is an artist says that people are the hardest to draw. I enjoy Bethany's blog and love that we live in the same county even though I have never met her.
Gayla, at Oatmeal and Whimsey has seen a lot of change in her life this year. She is adapting. Keep writing and showing those great holiday pictures. I love how you embrace even the smallest holidays. Love it!
Lady Jane, who will have to remain Private...but... love ya! You are an inspiration and are so creative in your writings.

Thanks friends for your awesome blogs.

Looks like I might get to go along to Mom and Chelsea's riding lessons. Should be very entertaining. Since I'm obviously NOT at the dentist. So... better get ready to head off to Creekside Cottage for some good clean laughs....oops, Did I say that?
Have an awesome day!!

Another Trial/Challenge for Georgia

Saturday, Shelley and I returned from
"the hunt".
We had been to many, many
yard sales.
There were quite a few bargains
to be found. Probably the best was a
set of Pfaltzgraff Stoneware...16 dinner plates,
serving bowls, mixing bowls, casserole dish,
salt and pepper, napkin holder, cereal bowls...and more!
All for $20.00.
Shelley was looking for just such a set. This was
better than she could have imagined!
While it wasn't the exact pattern she wanted
how could she pass this up. So, we loaded the
5 boxes of dishes into the car and considered it
the equivalent to a hunter's 6 point buck!
Success!!!

We came home all excited and wanted to ask
Georgia about another item that she would have
information about...we drove directly to her
driveway and went in chattering and happy.

Georgia let us do this and as we finally
paused in our conversation she directed us
to the back yard where there appeared to be
a problem.

Water was bubbling up from the ground.

Not good!

I quickly got Warren on the phone.
As he is still away on business,
there was no way to have him take care
of this one in person.
He talked me through turning the well pump off
and turning off the water.

We tried to figure out what was wrong.

It is definitely related to the well because
when the proper switches were turned the water
ceased it's spontaneous attempt at creating
a water feature in Georgia's back yard.

Our neighbors Ellen and Jim got involved
at one point.

This picture shows some of the process of beginning
to dig. We all took turns.

Ellen would not give up!
She really went to town digging and then
she and I broke the well cap getting it off.

There were many, many
roots to cut through. We have a theory that this
pipe was broken when a tree in the vicinity was cut
down and the stump was ground up in
15 - 20 degree weather.
Most likely the plastic
pipe could not withstand the
vibrations it had to endure.
We believe that this pipe
has been leaking for a while now.
What a shame.
My Mother-in-law did not need this!
She is not a happy camper!

We were not successful in digging to
the pipe and will need
to get a backhoe in here Monday or Tuesday.
However, after
much effort, I went to stand up
and slid into the hole that we had
managed to dig.
My dear friends Shelley and Ellen found it
very funny to see me lying on the ground.
I was laughing hysterically and could not get up.
They took these pictures and made me promise
to post them.

If you look closely you will see that I am on the
phone. I am sooo good! I did not drop the phone when
I fell nor did I even get hurt...which is pretty amazing
given the tools that were all around and the shovel that I
landed on.





So, Ellen and Shelley.
I truly hope you are happy.
This is humiliating!

I had mulch everywhere!
Too funny!

Sorry Georgia!
We will get it fixed!

I got Nothing! But You Tube had these...

Make sure you turn off my Sonific Music before you listen to these.



Well, I don't have pictures for you. I wanted "perfect" pictures...hence, I got none! Well, we did get a shot of the bus as we left the parking lot. Let me know
if you want to see it and I'll post it...just a generic white bus...nothing special.
That is all I got...really! I took the camera out a couple of times but we were just too far away. I think I was one of the five people under the age of 60 there yesterday. Crazy! With the talent these guys have there should be a larger blend of ages! Hmmm...I told Mom that I need to come to these more often because 40 felt mighty young there!

We were in the 2nd to last pew in the church so I figured I'd go talk to the guys afterwards and get good shots...they headed out straight away to get back to Nashville for a recording session. Oh well!

Oh, this was too easy! Here is another one!


And just one more:


Well, much to do today. Finishing up tax details, finding out some info for a client, packing the hubby onto a plane for more time away. I need to visit the post office, bank, local dry goods store.

Then I can begin preparing for a visit from my friend, Shelley! Yee-haw! That will make Warren's time out of town go faster!

Like I said, much to do!

Hope your day is wonderful.

Oops!

Two posts today...

I forgot to tell you the
funniest things that happened
yesterday.

I don't even know why I think they
were funny...truly.
They just cracked me up!

We had a crazy agenda yesterday that
involved us leaving at a certain time
to get Mikey to work, Chelsea to a Co-op
swim event and Jonathan and I out to spend
his birthday money and just hang out
together. At the same time we remembered
that we were responsible to get Mom's dog,
Bear, out since she was at work.

Mikey took our dogs out...Jonathan headed for
Mom's after placing his very full CD case on
the top of the van because the doors were locked.

Our dog, Kimmy, took off after Jonathan and we
ran out of time. So, I had Mikey get Chloe into
her crate and he and I jumped in the van figuring
I would just come back for the other two and all
would be well.

As I backed out of the driveway I saw something
pass by the window as if it were falling from the
top of the van. I commented on it and Mikey
casually said, "Oh, that was Jonathan's CD case."
Just about that time...
I ran over the whole thing!!!

Now Mikey wasn't casual anymore as he said
" And you just RAN OVER IT!"

You have to understand that Jonathan is nearly
always attached to a music source. He loves it!
This was bad. I was picturing little CD shards.
Many, many sad little pieces!

Mikey jumped out and gathered everything up off the road.
We were in such a hurry to get him to work that we never
looked at the condition of the case or the CD's.

Upon returning from the drop off, Jonathan and Chelsea
hop into the van and it is confession time.

Me: Uh, Jonathan?

Him: Yeah?

Me: I ran over your music...

Him: What?!?

Me: I didn't mean to! It was on top of the van.

At this point he slammed the door harder than he intended
to and the rear view mirror fell from its place and onto
the floor.

I don't know why but I began laughing hysterically.
Laughing and laughing.

He was so upset.
I don't blame him!

We had to change to a different vehicle.
I NEED that mirror.
I proved that later when I was switching
the cars around in the driveway and backed the
van into the car because "objects in those side
mirrors are closer than they appear!"
I need the rear view mirror.
There was no damage to either vehicle!
Thank the Lord!
Just after I had written a post about
relationships with our husbands.
That would have been
a negative...I think!

As we drove to complete our
mission poor Jonathan was inspecting
the damage done to his CD Case and CD's.
Amazingly, Most of it is ok. There were
some losses and his case will never be the
same.

What really struck me was how he beat himself
up over leaving it on the top of the van.

In older days...he would have blamed me for
pulling out of the driveway when he wasn't
ready. Hmmm....Me thinks he is growing up!

Yippee!

We will be having a Memorial Service for the
fallen CD's any minute now...not!
I would not be able to stop giggling...
and it is not that funny!

What is wrong with me?????

I think it is this crazy thing called life!

The day did not stop there... but this post
is too long already.

I drowned my sorrow over the CD losses and
detached mirror over green tea, broccoli cheddar soup
and a half a sandwich at Panera Bread...while
Jonathan spent his birthday cash at Target.

We are feeling much better now.

A therapist would find so much cash potential
in this silly post.

Matilda Retires!

Warren got in safely from Missouri yesterday afternoon while the kids and I were at Co-op. He was able to get onto an earlier flight since there was a big winter storm headed that way. It was good that he did that and was able to get a little bit of rest before the family descended on him.

I realized how much I had missed him when I saw him. I think that we can block out certain emotions for a period of time when they are too hard. So, I kept busy while he was gone for nearly two weeks and am so thankful for his return.

While Warren was gone his mother, Georgia, was on a cruise through the Panama Canal. She will be home today and just called from Florida to say they have safely returned. We had heard nothing while she was gone. It is good to know that she is safe and happy.

Co-op was crazy yesterday! The kids were dumbstruck by my costume. Some boys actually said I was scary. My helper, Bev, played her part so well and we had fun!
There were pictures taken by the yearbook editor...they had better not show up in the yearbook! I looked absolutely terrible. Sooo much makeup and my big pink robe!
Since the class was on Opera and classical singing, I closed the class by singing "The Lord's Prayer" Acapella. It must have been hard to take me seriously in all of that makeup because bless their hearts some of the boys up front were really laughing and I could tell they wanted to stop...at least a couple of them were trying to stop.

My other helper asked if we were going to continue this next week and I emphatically told her, "No!". One week of Matilda was enough. To figure out what I am talking about see the previous post called Thank You. That was enough of that craziness for now.

I had another Dr. appointment this morning. This time with my regular family doc. He is very thorough and I feel he has a good idea of what is causing this pain. Apparently that cyst is sizable but I have also pulled some ligaments or muscles near my hip in all of my climbing around to paint the bathroom, etc. Oh, well. We will see how it heals over this month.
He also understands that I cannot take the anti-inflammatories that the other doctor recommended so has kept me on the tylenol. It is good to know these things about your health for yourself because sometimes well intentioned Docs don't know your whole history and can get you into deeper problems. I am very glad that I did not come home and start taking ibuprofen. It would have really messed me up!

Well, we are off to study Airships. We love the two books by Kenneth Oppel...Airborn and Skybreaker. There are study guides available on line and it has been a great experience to work on these as a class of four...I count me because I enjoy it too. One note: I am reading these aloud and there have been a few edits on my part so far due to Language and situations relating to the romance between Matt and Kate.
We got a video on Airships from the Library and will watch it on this rainy, icy day.


Small group is at our house tonight so life continues to be one thing to the next!

Blessings on your day!

A Week of Many Projects....

This is an incredibly full week that follows a very full weekend. Here are, in no particular order, the things that need to be accomplished this week:

1. Make Valentine Candles for two fundraisers.Done for One!
2. Paint the bathroom. This is started!
3. Clean out our Master Bedroom of the accumulated papers and "stuff" that just
keeps finding its way into the room. Make room for the Scrapbook Organizer.
4. Teach 5, Now 4,Now 3, days of school to my favorite kids on the planet.
5. Be at the hospital with a friend while her husband undergoes a medical procedure.Done! Joe made out just fine...
6. Take two dogs to the vet...one of which gets extremely car sick. Done!
7. Go Bowling with the co-op friends.Done
8. A shopping trip to Reading with my Mom - because we want to!
9. Co-op afternoon - teach 4-6th grade music.
10. A Co-op planning meeting.Done!
11. Prepare bulletins for Church on Sunday.
12. Host the Youth Group to dinner on Friday.
13. Dogsit for our neighbor friends one more day. Done!
14. Blog for the fun of it!I must! I am addicted!
15. Catsit for my Mother-in-law.Currently...
16. Work in my part time job and see to client needs there.Daily
We will see what else comes up. There will be very little down time...but if all of these things get done, I will be doing a "happy dance" and relaxing next week.

IF I happen to be a little bit scarce this week...this would be why!

Have a wonderful day today!

Your Friend,

Snow!!

It is so pretty outside our home. From mid morning until sometime after we went to bed last night it snowed off and on. The roads got pretty slick and taking Mikey to work was kind of interesting. I slid past our road on the way home and then had to come a different way that meant coming down a HUGE hill. I do not like that feeling of losing control when the brakes lock up and the car keeps moving!!!

The weather made for a much more peaceful Wednesday evening than we usually experience. Youth Group, Awana and music practice were all cancelled.

Mom made a scrumptious dinner of Roast beef, mashed potatoes, corn, carrots and salad. I contributed fresh from the oven cinnamon bread muffins and Georgia brought brownie sundaes and pumpkin pie. Since we didn't have to rush to all the usual places we were able to linger around the table and enjoy each other's company.

I hope the roads are better this morning. Sometimes the main road into Lancaster drifts pretty badly. But I am so excited to see all of the trees with thier little snow coats. I think that is one of the prettiest sights in the world.

You have a super day, wherever you are and whatever you are doing.