Elementary School Graduate

Well, the last day of school is here and it's the last day of elementary school for my first born.  My heart is heavy and my eyes are filled with tears.  I know he's pretty sad too.  This chapter in his life has closed but he's onto bigger and better things. 

These years went by so fast.

I remember him stepping on the bus for the first time as if it was yesterday, and year after year he's had amazing teachers.  Even though the thought of homeschooling has crossed my mind, I'm so glad to have sent my kids to this particular school.  No regrets there.  He's loved it too, even though he's quiet and shy.  In third grade he learned how to play music by using a recorder and in 4th grade he electively started playing the trumpet and he still plays.  He can also take what he's learned on the trumpet and play it on the piano.  He can solve math problems faster than I can and sometimes instead of reaching for the calculator I'll just ask him and he's so quick to answer.  He was part of a math competition a few months ago and even though he didn't finish big I still couldn't be more proud of him.

When he started kindergarten he had the desire to become a police officer when he grows up.  Then it turned into a professional baseball player.  Now when I ask what he wants to do, he has no idea.  I'm sure whatever it is he will be successful at it.

As far as sports goes he started t-ball in preschool and worked his way up to 12U.  Unfortunately, he hasn't had a spring season this year, and even though the league is holding onto hope I doubt it will happen.  This year he also joined the school's basketball team and this was a first for him.  It was hard because he was playing with and against boys who had played for years but he handled it well.  I'm proud of his achievements, and even if he doesn't accomplish something he set out for he still tries and tries with every bit of his heart.

He also completed all the years in cub scouts and just completed his first year as a boy scout and wants to keep working to become an Eagle Scout.  In cub scouts we've watched as he laid the wreath at the Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery three times.

 So, there you go, he may be small in size but he has a big heart.  He is a wonderful gift from God and I cherish being his mother. 

In kindergarten he brought home this teeny tiny pine tree and we planted it in our front yard.  It's growing with him.

I cannot believe I have a middle schooler now. 

Things I'm Missing

The things I'm missing so much right now ...

Not only seeing friends but being able to give them a great big hug!

Getting to see my girl dance in the June recital 

Watching my boy play spring baseball

Family gatherings

Celebrations

Band concerts

 My job

Scouts

Amusement Parks

Eating at restaurants 

Vacations

There's so many more things and people I'm missing right now but I know we will get back to all of it again.  Life as we new it might be different as we'll have to adjust to a new normal but I cannot wait until this is all over.  I don't understand why it had to get this far but I know it's not going to be permanent.  We will get through this!

Life Right Now

I finally know what my dog feels like.  

We are on our fourth week of having to be "socially distant" and staying in our home.  The only time we can leave is for essential reasons like grocery shopping.  We are pretty well stocked up except when we need perishable items such as milk, break, orange juice, fruit, etc.  I've only run to the store once since all of this happened and it's crazy at the grocery store.  I hate being out.  My husband usually goes out for us.  

My husband has been working from home, using the computer downstairs and one of our laptops.  He does accounting so it's a job that can be managed at home, but, with permission, he goes into his job once a week to get the things he can't do at home done.  

The kids have started online learning.  They use their school iPads and stay connected with teachers on Zoom and have plenty of assignments to complete.  They get through it pretty quickly but really miss being at school with their friends and seeing their teachers in the classroom.  This is a new experience for teachers, students, and parents.  I'm so grateful for the teachers and the hard work they continue to do.  As of now school, the president has required everyone to continue social distancing until the end of April and our governor called for schools to stay shut down "indefinitely."  I'm hoping that by May 1 they can go back but I'm doubting that will happen.  

I cannot wait until  life can get back to normal.  This time of uncertainty has been really tough, but I know that God will carry us through and when this is all over we'll be able to continue life feeling more grateful and taking less for granted.  I really miss being able to go places and see people.  I'm also missing my quiet time.  

We've been going for lots of walks around the neighborhood and I'm so thankful the weather here in PA has been beautiful lately.  The kids enjoy riding bikes and playing outside.  I started taring up my front flower bed in hopes to get some new plants and mulch … but I'm holding off on a trip to Lowe's for right now.  

My daughter offered to help a little.  

We've also been baking a little.  

The start of baseball season is unknown at this point but thankfully there's a field within walking distance of our house.  

Life is most definitely different right now.  I haven't been updating this blog much because I'm working on building up the other one.  I have future plans for that one.  But I do have more followers on this one.  I still read the blogs of those I follow.  I also started working on writing a book.  Writing books is something I've wanted to do since I was a little girl and I finally felt the push and the gentle whispers from God telling me it's time.  One night I laid in bed and I could hear an idea come to mind, from start to finish.  I even have the title and the purpose of the book.  It feels as if it's all been laid out for me.  It's become a slow process.  Even though I'm stuck at home I'm still keeping busy and the kids constantly need my attention.  

I hope everyone is doing well.  We will get through this.  Hang in there!  

Hi!

Hello everyone ...

It's been quite a week, hasn't it?  We certainly are trying our best to keep busy but the uncertainty of what the future is going to be like is really frustrating.  I wish I knew when we can go back to living a normal life again.  Well, I haven't been updating this blog much and I've been focused on keeping the other one updated.

If it's no trouble to you I'd love to get more followers and feedback over there.

https://dawnmariewrites.blogspot.com

Even though I'll still keep this one updated once in awhile I have more plans for the other one.

Hang in there, everyone!

A New Season

Having to set the clocks one hour ahead definitely messed with us this morning as we all tried to get out of bed and start a new week.  The kids took more time than usual waking up and spent the entire morning needing to be corrected for their attitudes.  As difficult as it is to lose that one hour it's exciting to know what's to come.  The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and my daffodils are starting to make an appearance.  According to the calendar spring doesn't officially start for another 10 days but it's already here and I'll take it.  The Farmer's Almanac says a big snow storm is coming, but I'll choose to ignore that.  Snow and winter are not my thing!  I love the season we are entering and I can't wait for more sunshine and warmth.  My recent mood tells me I'm in need of some Vitamin D!

Solomon reminds us in Ecclesiastes that there is a time for every season we are faced with.  Even though the upcoming spring and summer months makes me want to dance with joy there are situations appearing that make me want to weep; admittedly, I've been doing a lot of weeping lately.  Even though I'm currently faced with some hard times there is so much good to enjoy.  

My son's baseball season has started, my daughter is preparing for her June dance recital, my son was picked to be in a trumpet trio for a school concert and my daughter will be performing her first solo dance in the school talent show.  This is the time when we're busy, busy, busy and the pride I have for these two overshadows any obstacles I'm facing.  

I gave myself a chance to mourn in sadness over my recent diagnosis and some other things going on, but now I'm ready to focus on all the good God has placed in my life.  Granted, it's not as easy as I make it seem and it's been quite a process but I'm ready to enter this new season with a better and more upbeat attitude.  

HAPPY (early) SPRING!  

Happy Homemaker Monday - 2/17/20

Wow … I've been MIA for a little bit.  Life has kept me busy and finding time to sit down to blog hasn't been easy but here I am.  Happy Presidents Day!  I have so much to catch up on and I will do that in time but for now I'm joining Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom with this week's Happy Homemaker Monday.

(I couldn't get the HHM picture to work for some reason)

The Weather:
Currently 39 degrees and sunny.  This winter has been pretty mild so far with the occasional freezing cold temps.
Monday - 48 degrees, sunny
Tuesday - 51 degrees, rain
Wednesday - 45 degrees, partly sunny
Thursday - 35 degrees, partly sunny
Friday - 37 degrees, sunny

How I am Feeling This Morning:
It seems lately my depression is trying to kick my butt.  I've been feeling really down in the dumps.  Last week I was diagnosed with a genetic disorder called Basal Cell Nevus Syndrome, also known as Gorlin Syndrome.  That explains why I keep getting skin cancer and could possibly for the rest of my life.  I know it could be so much worse but I've already had 3 surgeries and I fear more will come.  I do have faith in God and know that He has this.  I go to the dermatologist in March and then we can further discuss my options but until then there isn't anything I can do.  Also, my brother-in-law's father passed away on Saturday and he was such a sweet man.  It seems there's a lot going on, not just with me, but with loved ones around me.  It's been a tough season for sure.

On My Mind:
Ooops … it seems I answered that in the last question.  See above.

On The Breakfast Plate:
I had a weak cup of coffee and a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch.  I need to go shopping.

On My Reading Pile:
I just finished a book called Get Out Of Your Head by Jennie Allen.  It's a Christian based book which discusses how to keep toxic thoughts out of our head and focus on a Christ-centered mindset.  It was really great.

On my tv:
Currently I have on Amazon Music through the Roku and listening to Hillsong United music.  I've been in need of worship music lately.

On the menu this week:
Oh boy, this one isn't complete.  I have yet to sit down and think about what I want to make this week, even today's menu plan is a blank.  I really need to do this and I really, really need to go to the grocery store.

From The Camera:

These are some of the votive jars my daughter and I worked on this weekend.  These three are going to a friend of mine who has been there for me through my skin cancer issues, and even went with me to my genetics appointments.  I love how these turned out.  I'll have to do a separate post on how to make these.

Looking Around The House:
I'm currently sitting on my bed in my bedroom as I'm typing this.  The television in front of me displays the music from Hillsong that I'm listening to on Amazon Music.  The room has piles here and piles there of things I need to go through.  I am consistently on my kids about keeping their rooms clean but I should be taking my own advice.

Chore I'm Not Looking Forward To Today, Or This Week:
I've been trying to get our rec room cleaned for some time now.  The rec room is where we keep all the kids' toys and they have soooooo much.  I'm trying to figure out how to keep it better organized but it's become so much of a chore.

To Relax This Week, I Will:
Lately, I've been listening to a lot of Contemporary Christian/Praise & Worship and just spending as much time as I can in deep prayer.

On My Prayer List:
Healing over my skin cancer
My sister and her family as they prepare to lay my brother-in-law's father to rest.
A friend who is currently going through a very ugly separation
Just being thankful for the people God has put into my life
Our president, this country, this world … that's always in my prayers

Devotional/Bible Verse:
Plain and simple … "He is faithful" -- Hebrews 10:23

Winter Wonders 2020

Last night Brianna performed in the winter show "Winter Wonders" with her Praise 1 class.  This is her second year taking Praise and she loves it.  She danced to Lauren Daigle "Trust In You."

TRUST IN YOU

Lauren Daigle

Letting go of every single dream

I lay each one down at Your feet
Every moment of my wandering
Never changes what You see
I try to win this war
I confess, my hands are weary, I need Your rest
Mighty warrior, king of the fight
No matter what I face You're by my side

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You

Truth is, You know what tomorrow brings
There's not a day ahead You have not seen
So let all things be my life and breath
I want what You want Lord and nothing less

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You
I will trust in You

You are my strength and comfort
You are my steady hand
You are my firm foudation
The rock on which I stand
Your ways are always higher
Your plans are always good
There's not a place where I'll go
You've not already stood

When You don't move the mountains
I'm needing You to move
When You don't part the waters
I wish I could walk through
When You don't give the answers
As I cry out to You
I will trust, I will trust, I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
I will trust in You

A Snow Day And A Hockey Game

I haven't logged onto Facebook yet this year (and I know, this year has only been 10 days).  I decided to lay off of it for awhile, or indefinitely.  It's where I go to get updates from family and friends but in the last few years it has been used more as an outlet for political opinions and president bashing than it has been on updates on personal lives.  I'm losing interest in it.  I do have Instagram and enjoy that so much more.  So, lately I've been updating Insta and spending more time blogging.

On Wednesday morning we woke up to the phone call that it was a 2 hour delay.  It made sense since the roads were icy and snowy from the snowfall the evening before.  My son still woke up at the normal time but I allowed my daughter to sleep in.  She's hard to wake up in the morning.  Then we received the phone call that the school was closed.  Closed?  I looked out the window and from what I could see the sun had naturally cleared the roads by 10am.  My husband said the roads on the way to work were clear too.  So, I had the kids clean their rooms, clean the toy room, and read.  After all of that I allowed them to play video games and relax.

Dinner was ready when Rob came home and we ate quickly and headed out the door and traveled to Hershey.  We're only about 40 miles from Hershey so we go there a lot.  Wednesday night we were there to watch the Hershey Bears game (ice hockey) and that night they were giving away free tickets to Hershey Park.  Tickets to Hershey Park are currently $74 each.  That's crazy!  So getting free tickets was worth going to the game and we look forward to a trip to the park this summer.  I actually do enjoy the games.  In 6 months my daughter and I will be back to the same arena to see Lauren Daigle in concert … I'm more excited about that!

It's only 10 days into the new year and time is just moving by fast, as usual.  Since it's the end of the marking period today is an early dismissal day and our weekend starts now.  

Have a great weekend, friends!

The First Snow Of 2020

We are currently experiencing the first snow of the year.  Here in south central Pennsylvania we're in the valley and don't get very much snow.  I'm not really into it.  Winter and snow are not for me.  But as I'm sitting here on my laptop, listening to a podcast and sipping on a cup of coffee I look out the window and appreciate the beauty of the white fluffy stuff.

I already put in my time in the cafeteria and all evening activities are cancelled.  Which means my son doesn't have basketball practice.  The kids will complete a regular day of school and my husband will head home at his normal time, which is when they are calling for the snow to get harder.  I'm looking forward to an evening of all of us relaxing and hanging out together.  For now, I'm praying everyone gets home safely.

The dog thinks this white stuff is a snack.

Happy Homemaker Monday - 1/6/20

This is going up a little late because I had such a busy morning, but I definitely wanted to get it done today.  Joining in with Sandra at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.  

THE WEATHER

Today it's sunny, warm but a bit windy.  

HOW I AM FEELING THIS MORNING

Well, for me, it's currently late afternoon.  I wasn't able to fall asleep last night until about 2am and was awake at 7am.  Since then it's been rushing around to get things done and 3 hours of work in the cafeteria.  There is so much more to be done and I'm feeling quite energetic considering my lack of sleep.  

ON MY MIND

With the new year I haven't set any resolutions but I have been determined to let go of everything worrying me and just give it to God.  I've been spending more time in prayer, listening to worship music, and just keeping my mind focused on the positive.  

ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE

I had a cup of coffee and some eggs.  

ON MY READING PILE

Sometimes I pick up the Bible and read something from Psalms, if nothing else.  I really do need to get a new book to read.  

ON MY TV

All of my current shows I watch are on winter break right now but we started rewatching Hart of Dixie on Netflix.  I've also been watching a lot of Halmark movies.  Even though they are so predictable and the plot is always so similar it's pretty sweet and better than most of what you find on tv these days.

ON THE MENU THIS WEEK

Monday - pork chops, sides

Tuesday - sausage and pasta

Wednesday - chicken and veggie salad

Thursday - taquitos and Spanish rice

Friday - something in the crockpot

Saturday - grilled cheese and tomato soup

Sunday - my husband's homemade pizza

FROM THE CAMERA

My son's in the red with the ball.

LOOKING AROUND THE HOUSE

Boxes of Christmas decorations piled up in the living room waiting to be put away in the attic.  Kids' stuff piled on the coffee table that needs put away.  Some groceries from my trip this morning in the kitchen needing to be put away.  

CHORE I'M NOT LOOKING FORWARD TO TODAY

Hmmm?  There's so much to do and to pick one that I'm not looking forward to doing is tough.  I noticed the kitchen floor can use some help so I was planning on getting on my hands and knees and doing some scrubbing, rather than using the mop.  Yeah, I guess that's one that's not fun.  And cleaning the toilets.  

TO RELAX THIS WEEK, I WILL

Usually by evening I'm ready to crash on the couch and grab my laptop to play some Candy Crush, or forget the laptop and just put on a movie or television show.  This is after the kids go to bed.  

ON MY PRAYER LIST

My mother's continued battle with Alzheimer's and my father, her caregiver, needing constant patience.  

Pain my husband has been dealing with and an upcoming surgery next month.

 For the safety of everyone.  

DEVOTIONAL/BIBLE VERSE

"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken."

Back To The Routine

Well, Christmas vacation is over!  We spent time with family and spent most of the time relaxing at home and enjoying each other's company.  It was nice having the husband and kids home but I have to admit, I'm a little glad we're back into the normal routine.  I like my peace and quiet and to be able to clean the house uninterrupted.  With time off comes a lot of messes around the house and it's nice to get some housework done.  The decorations are still out so I'm hoping to start putting things away and getting this house back in order.  I can't stand a messy house but it seems the house is always a mess. 

Did everyone enjoy New Years?

On New Years Eve we stayed home and relaxed.  I made a selection of finger foods and the boys watched some football games, played Play Station and then we watched what was going on in New York City until the ball dropped at midnight.  The kids were tired and barely hanging on, but they insisted on staying up. 

Most of the evening I sat on the couch with the dog on my lap.  It was really nice.  To be honest, a night at home relaxing with the family and a 25 lb pug on my lap is something I enjoy more than being at a party. 

There were moments when Brianna wanted me to get up with her and dance along to the music that was playing on television. 

At midnight when the ball dropped we exchanged our New Year kisses and the kids were eager to get to bed.  The neighbors set off fireworks and banged pots and pans.  I don't mind that kind of celebration as soon as the new year arrives, but they were going on for a long time.  Ugh.  These neighbors, originally from New Jersey, are known to be loud throughout the night and it's something that has frustrated many of the surrounding neighbors.  Like I said, I'm okay with fireworks and banging of pots and pans for a few minutes but when it goes on for a half an hour that's just being inconsiderate.  It took me a long time after to be able to fall asleep.

On New Years Day I threw a pork roast, potatoes and carrots in the crock pot.  I know the tradition is pork and sauerkraut but my husband and kids won't eat sauerkraut so I changed it a bit.  We watched a little more football and I caught just a few minutes of the Rose Parade.  My parents came over and my dad went to see Jumanji with my son and I took my mom and Brianna to see Cats. 

When I was in elementary school (living on Long Island) the 6th grade class took a field trip to the city and saw Cats on Broadway.  By the time I was in 6th grade they changed it to The Phantom Of The Opera.  This was the original cast with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman.  My mom went as a chaperon.  She was looking forward to seeing Cats and was disappointed when they changed the show, but we loved Phantom.  I actually think it was a better choice.  My mom has the piano book Cats and always played Memory.   When the movie came out I knew I wanted to take her.  It was a nice movie with a lot of singing and dancing, which my daughter loves.  My mom fell asleep towards the end of the movie, which is common for her to do, and she missed when one of the character's sang Memory, but I teared up when remembering my mom playing it on the piano.  With her Alzheimer's things are getting so much harder and I miss the way things used to be. 

Today the kids are back to school, which means I'm back to working in the cafeteria.  My husband's car is the in the shop so we had to take him to work and will have to pick him up later.  It's only a two day school/work week followed by a busy weekend of basketball games. 

2020 is off to a great start! 

Happy New Year

I remember the chaos that surrounded the year 2000, or Y2K as it was called.  I spent New Years Eve at a friend's party, with other friends.  I was single and getting ready to graduate business school.  I had no idea what my future was going to be like but shortly after I started a serious relationship with Rob and a few years later we were married.  Now here we are twenty years later.  2020 just seems so unreal.  How did we get here so quickly?  In the last 20 years I became a wife and a mother of two.  I've had so many reasons to celebrate and made plenty of mistakes too.  These two decades have been a rollercoaster.

2019 was definitely a rollercoaster in itself.  I had three surgeries to remove skin cancer and it made my face look terrible.  I still have scars and am missing some eyelashes from the spot that was removed from under the eye.  The best part of the year was our trip to Disney World in March.  I had been dreaming of taking my family there.

I'm not sure what 2020 will bring but I hope it will have more ups than downs.  It's going to be a leap year and the next presidential election.

Here's a short recap of the year 2019:

January

 We rang in the new year in the comfort of our own home.

Received a little bit of snow

Walked through the ice festival in our city.

Witnessed a pretty cool lunar eclipse

February

Spent Valentines Day getting a skin cancer spot removed.  No pictures from that day.

My son's final Pinewood Derby with the cub scouts

More snow

March

Traded in my 19 year old Pontiac for a new vehicle (finally!)

Our first family trip to Disney World

Bumped into Darci Lynne at the airport.  If you have never seen America's Got Talent she is an amazing ventriloquist who won one of the seasons. 

April

The start of a new baseball season

Celebrating the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior (Happy Easter)

May

My son bridged over from cub scouts to boy scouts.

Celebrated our 17th wedding anniversary, but the day consisted of professional dance pictures and a baseball game.  

Hubby celebrated his 40th birthday.

Spent Memorial Day at Hershey Park 

June

Kicked off summer vacation with the library's summer reading club and hikes.

My daughter's 4th dance recital 

My second of three skin cancer surgeries.  I received these beautiful flowers from my daughter's 2nd grade teacher.

July

Celebrated Independence Day at my parents with sparklers

Hubby took the kids to see monster trucks while I enjoyed a peaceful evening at home.

My third skin cancer surgery.  No pictures, of course.  

August

My son and the sixth graders joined the middle school and high school bands for two weeks of band camp and put on a performance on the last day.

A visit to the skate park and water park.

Bri got her ears pierced

And celebrated her 8th birthday

The start of 3rd and 6th grade

September

We attended the wedding of the girl I used to babysit through her baby/toddler years.

Saw Darci Lynne at the fair.  Bri got her very own Petunia.  

Monster truck show at the fair.

A Minor league ball game.

Bought two new members of the family, our guinea pigs Nutmeg and Louie.

Some fun at Maze Quest.

October

I celebrated turning 41.  No pictures of that day.  

Bri joined me on the Walk For Alzheimer's.  

November

Since the weather on Halloween was rainy, the changed Trick-or-Treat to the beginning of November.

Matt and his dad spent his 12th birthday at a Redskins game

December

Bri performed in Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker.

Bri started learning the recorder in 3rd grade music class.

The start of something new for my boy, basketball.

Matt playing his trumpet in the 5th/6th grade Holiday concert.

We made it to New York for Christmas with my side of the family.

Then home on Christmas Day to see what Santa left under the tree.

Wow, 2019 was full!  Even though we are always busy with lots of activities I want to be more intentional in 2020 when it comes to making time for family and friends.  With being so busy it's rare that I have any time for friends anymore and I could really use a friend right now.  

It's been a fun and relaxing Christmas vacation.  After our traveling to and from New York we've been spending most of our time at home, with the exception of a one night sleepover the kids had at my parents' and a trip to the dentist for their cleanings.  My son has been thoroughly enjoying his new Playstation.  I usually limit the time they have on their devices, but since it's new and it's a holiday break I've made an exception.  Tonight I will cook some food, maybe do a puzzle and relax in the comfort of my home as we watch the ball drop on television and welcome not only a new year but a new decade.  A new beginning and a chance to start over.  Let's make it a good one!

Happy New Year, friends!  I wish you all a wonderful year filled with many blessings!