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.