tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87777774594147492072024-03-12T21:35:08.842-04:00Reflections in the WindowAt the end of the day does the
reflection in the window reflect Christ?Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.comBlogger1290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-82935734304011556282023-10-05T09:10:00.001-04:002023-10-05T09:11:29.617-04:00Time sure gets away!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVFfuJj7-jFMHd501QyNCNWulHy52ojhP5tfaiEz7okAIwI7K8eq_TC5aBTAlSymqOiToc2K-MXwFdJOMq6bFZ0W4KngcQeELXIBpif-PhMEkGLwAG18RvmW_M7hXw6c688s3Q7-i-Y5n-qyE8I1rbmJO_AhMM_LG2yyw16Nh0ov13XEHd-zsm-Z1WK-I/s2765/20221018_072746.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="896" data-original-width="2765" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVFfuJj7-jFMHd501QyNCNWulHy52ojhP5tfaiEz7okAIwI7K8eq_TC5aBTAlSymqOiToc2K-MXwFdJOMq6bFZ0W4KngcQeELXIBpif-PhMEkGLwAG18RvmW_M7hXw6c688s3Q7-i-Y5n-qyE8I1rbmJO_AhMM_LG2yyw16Nh0ov13XEHd-zsm-Z1WK-I/w640-h208/20221018_072746.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>The last time I posted here it was spring planting season. Now here we are in our harvest season. So much has happened since the last time I posted. I accepted a dream position with my county Public Defender's office. I absolutely love what I do. The past few weeks I have been trying to get my strength back after a hard fight against covid. My lungs are so weak I feel as if I have smoked packs of cigarettes. UGH! I am not one who just sits around and does nothing. So this has been quite challenging for me. I am trying to listen to my body and rest. I miss life! <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jEVjvMJPQ4hn_jYRDY4W1AtqcFZxCklWHcNbjME3IwCUaSyxe9E_sM5iyP1VFUD5NOjjXmKdkeftulhctrmasxG_3r9ZlLJNcBTceOFbAdBMxRmSAMnFFofViDGdlXKGAMlsV8SH6i6APf4qs9dljp2Zh6tgycqIwjBVvs34D1R8VcL38-EwxpTUKzK7/s4000/20221110_070410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3jEVjvMJPQ4hn_jYRDY4W1AtqcFZxCklWHcNbjME3IwCUaSyxe9E_sM5iyP1VFUD5NOjjXmKdkeftulhctrmasxG_3r9ZlLJNcBTceOFbAdBMxRmSAMnFFofViDGdlXKGAMlsV8SH6i6APf4qs9dljp2Zh6tgycqIwjBVvs34D1R8VcL38-EwxpTUKzK7/w480-h640/20221110_070410.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>The calendar says autumn, but the temperatures do not! It is currently 80 degrees! Supposed to climb higher than that. One reason I like living in NY is because of the mostly cooler temperatures. Anything over 80 and I'm not a happy camper. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKj741FwnCm_HWNs55Xg3KcGqKQDJ-nrDKAOgG7qBaViRQrOuCXmN-7K_M4xofYq8EyusEv4Tws01VvAT5klo7IxTSomyQ2aCHW6OwmffOXxq81ypKtmg5ZdxlvRuBdI8Jdr0SP2giASbAW8NvntYPNiJ0mAuPDQbYraBZLcPJTnlATMPMk1eJuTy7HhK/s4000/20221006_185122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVKj741FwnCm_HWNs55Xg3KcGqKQDJ-nrDKAOgG7qBaViRQrOuCXmN-7K_M4xofYq8EyusEv4Tws01VvAT5klo7IxTSomyQ2aCHW6OwmffOXxq81ypKtmg5ZdxlvRuBdI8Jdr0SP2giASbAW8NvntYPNiJ0mAuPDQbYraBZLcPJTnlATMPMk1eJuTy7HhK/w480-h640/20221006_185122.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>This past year has been a year of Healing for me. I attended my first <a href="https://www.hishealinglight.org/healing-journey" target="_blank">Healing Journey</a> class. This is an intense 29 week Bible study that shows you how to process and heal from past, current and future hurts in your life. Anything from physical, emotional and sexual abuse to family turmoil. I completed the course and went on to what is called Boot Camp where I learned how to lead others through healing. Check it out. Bible studies are offered all across the United States and even online. I will be starting my classes next year. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick0DZMvFsusG_wy-mgafBkm4FpX8dkrd7lQU-otrm3ohE0Ivum0lmCldRXXtdxZ3FmrPzlmmCQZB1MHIZgUyG2uynRen4Y0tIJDr0r74c5xJ15cRpEGPI0iMeWWst38ONgj9Xc1UBYyqaZphUk6j2DdHrZp63Covbq-p3O9hcErR6iYraUBio5Td5RsPF/s4000/20221105_175442.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEick0DZMvFsusG_wy-mgafBkm4FpX8dkrd7lQU-otrm3ohE0Ivum0lmCldRXXtdxZ3FmrPzlmmCQZB1MHIZgUyG2uynRen4Y0tIJDr0r74c5xJ15cRpEGPI0iMeWWst38ONgj9Xc1UBYyqaZphUk6j2DdHrZp63Covbq-p3O9hcErR6iYraUBio5Td5RsPF/w480-h640/20221105_175442.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I have started back with <a href="https://scrapsofmylife.closetomyheart.com/" target="_blank">Close to My Heart</a> cardmaking and scrapbooks. I really miss being creative and working with my hands. Social Media and my phone have taken over my life. I need to go back to the days when a phone was just for calls and texts. So much time is waisted scrolling senselessly. I have started reading more physical books, doing crafts that I miss and enjoy. One of the other crafts I have started is needle felting. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBux9PBY6HoMwYt6Av-alp7yvAmHpJEKPEJAR9lOAQVg5j-URkqccJp_i4sHVTTf3YVTDu8eJ-fTUaNRdOZc1cP5CM-JwW0axPQmZAB6Y_IuQ0YhbFHzuuNRaDSyd1KCP96A3lwboWj94i2aqh1v59Dcz_6IOdM6EmV2BNYwWkdj0Y59FXoLhMaXqQZm2/s1440/IMG_20221201_140342_724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBux9PBY6HoMwYt6Av-alp7yvAmHpJEKPEJAR9lOAQVg5j-URkqccJp_i4sHVTTf3YVTDu8eJ-fTUaNRdOZc1cP5CM-JwW0axPQmZAB6Y_IuQ0YhbFHzuuNRaDSyd1KCP96A3lwboWj94i2aqh1v59Dcz_6IOdM6EmV2BNYwWkdj0Y59FXoLhMaXqQZm2/w640-h640/IMG_20221201_140342_724.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /><div>This was my first set I ever made. Needle felting is where you get to stab something and not get arrested for it. HA! You take a piece of wool and stab it with a barbed needle. The more you stab the tighter it gets. I am currently working on a few pieces to hopefully be able to sell at craft shows. Same with the cards I am going to work on. I pray everyone is good! I am going to try and check in more frequently. <br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-30528906706003045802023-04-18T17:00:00.003-04:002023-04-18T17:00:25.426-04:00Garden Plans<p> Hello and Happy Spring! There is something about everything waking up from the Winter's rest that really gets me excited. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3osmmPRc3VbHeZhJUMXpKx33ktt4qS7znJBUFRukkoC5PVCPwmOo63NxoG55_7NvwQsL1K3v_sN-7__VJPcKrOHhu1Jv_M7sXW4MbwnaCBaAsMvdoK7g0H4TH1b7bKGNAZTON0MMB6xEAZi8gLNLawaDFy7_KcKKIO9TnwkHrez1mBTU_mFI2fg8gGg/s5184/IMG_7047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3osmmPRc3VbHeZhJUMXpKx33ktt4qS7znJBUFRukkoC5PVCPwmOo63NxoG55_7NvwQsL1K3v_sN-7__VJPcKrOHhu1Jv_M7sXW4MbwnaCBaAsMvdoK7g0H4TH1b7bKGNAZTON0MMB6xEAZi8gLNLawaDFy7_KcKKIO9TnwkHrez1mBTU_mFI2fg8gGg/w640-h426/IMG_7047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>I am thrilled that I got my 50mm lens back! I have absolutely missed being outside just snapping pictures of everything around me. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4kWQmtcCLTQIZAb_8ZbHHeR-g3xx-N59zM9kHKkQRHq71UVUwiPWaAJGZrL26KSD2X5d72JPQ0ZpEp6tJLTgmZobCmCkIGRagSjsIuyALCWfOPaRd5Hq5XrWI250YhOVAHyFYBmwGPyRj7oQ8o6_B4dzrttx-b7Q9ME1AWI3G0KoI3JuhoL9uQmehw/s4032/20211126_155224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4kWQmtcCLTQIZAb_8ZbHHeR-g3xx-N59zM9kHKkQRHq71UVUwiPWaAJGZrL26KSD2X5d72JPQ0ZpEp6tJLTgmZobCmCkIGRagSjsIuyALCWfOPaRd5Hq5XrWI250YhOVAHyFYBmwGPyRj7oQ8o6_B4dzrttx-b7Q9ME1AWI3G0KoI3JuhoL9uQmehw/w480-h640/20211126_155224.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>We have this small little shed on our property. I decided I wanted to keep it and make it into my very own gardening shed. So I am excited to take on this project. Probably will add some paint and find a window to fit. Make it look something like the one below.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsRA-lSCevaBY543utlXFDWQ1hgPDA5iCnf-PYOFNcb9LTGNF6P9R2HJ7NwHq3f91biAVjNA8khkQIUqaWHXvPu972i5BKVc8i2NqRprRfO3vV4_xRvN6gSiY4-DgCPBO_MrXyeWwTB5KWYOfhidrNuK4-ilgKlNOB0AExCyWw87j2c1zIINglYXCSQ/s846/shed%20rustic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="846" data-original-width="564" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHsRA-lSCevaBY543utlXFDWQ1hgPDA5iCnf-PYOFNcb9LTGNF6P9R2HJ7NwHq3f91biAVjNA8khkQIUqaWHXvPu972i5BKVc8i2NqRprRfO3vV4_xRvN6gSiY4-DgCPBO_MrXyeWwTB5KWYOfhidrNuK4-ilgKlNOB0AExCyWw87j2c1zIINglYXCSQ/w426-h640/shed%20rustic.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div>Isn't that just the cutest thing??? My garden is going to be over behind the small shed in the picture above this one. We are expanding it from last year. We have a huge deer problem and put up a nice sturdy fence. We also found a garlic spread that worked like a charm last year. We purchased it at our locate Tractor Supply! </div><div><br /></div><div>I have started my seeds indoors this year. Something I have never had very much luck with! But with the guidance of our Pastor's wife it looks like I will have success! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABP0hVctB7C1IuJG4tN89Ps22cSyWdjRJTjKiuiR4eB7avJKYdVCpLtvR39wHBXxu6R-2ymOofG52GdINsmJuWgT_Z7JJS16UdP3I-8pGkWIMAlFtrpTAXd_Ucna5OYZrMKquEX7iqCI969AS5F4i6P1KpiOOQjhJ-aUY-dZW_ATxuRrIKppWXu58oQ/s5184/IMG_7032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgABP0hVctB7C1IuJG4tN89Ps22cSyWdjRJTjKiuiR4eB7avJKYdVCpLtvR39wHBXxu6R-2ymOofG52GdINsmJuWgT_Z7JJS16UdP3I-8pGkWIMAlFtrpTAXd_Ucna5OYZrMKquEX7iqCI969AS5F4i6P1KpiOOQjhJ-aUY-dZW_ATxuRrIKppWXu58oQ/w640-h426/IMG_7032.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I started two of these Burpee trays this year. I have 2 different varieties of tomatoes and a mixture of bell peppers and jalapeños. We already have our onions and potatoes planted!! SO excited to can some sauce and salsa this year. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCfZpC8m1VQ45BFwRGF-KPjiQyd2lEja2C49oTD89abPjuM1H5qXdj_3bT0Wo8u-4rP5gssB-33powT1nGkgLWxmlaUVxvmw8WdJvCY2RpzPgCI13c-Nft2dPemqNShuWmPHrsuQzw8T-0LxLGZTE59JRtih0kC4EGTtK6s-m3LDxqrzjvuQAW20syg/s2048/tomato2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieCfZpC8m1VQ45BFwRGF-KPjiQyd2lEja2C49oTD89abPjuM1H5qXdj_3bT0Wo8u-4rP5gssB-33powT1nGkgLWxmlaUVxvmw8WdJvCY2RpzPgCI13c-Nft2dPemqNShuWmPHrsuQzw8T-0LxLGZTE59JRtih0kC4EGTtK6s-m3LDxqrzjvuQAW20syg/w480-h640/tomato2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>This is my tray of tomatoes! I planted WAY more expecting to get less than half. But praise the Lord for His abundance! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdSLSFOb5s9dmR53NJCZxA1NYLeDr-iCzFn2oQmPijrqphGNu7fDbCtF_8xRxnWAenkEO8HmarxWuYomw7uOYLMzqo_iPWzdeGCW4NRriRMNsUnSsx1moUiFzwmeO7oY5U1Z-yV4AnJlOsZI9hKkQLdefhq_-3tCVmVcXSnEPNgORNTegtl0hDK361g/s2048/peppers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRdSLSFOb5s9dmR53NJCZxA1NYLeDr-iCzFn2oQmPijrqphGNu7fDbCtF_8xRxnWAenkEO8HmarxWuYomw7uOYLMzqo_iPWzdeGCW4NRriRMNsUnSsx1moUiFzwmeO7oY5U1Z-yV4AnJlOsZI9hKkQLdefhq_-3tCVmVcXSnEPNgORNTegtl0hDK361g/w480-h640/peppers.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>My peppers seemed to take forever! I thought for sure they were not going to do anything, but then one day a few popped out. NOW every one of them has sprouted! WOOHOO! The peppers I have are a colorful mixture of bell peppers. Looking forward to trying them!<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkI6vUTi9lRsAG6zh0MjBP1V_3jwbMLLVS-mo0DSdO0AslU0OmyluWNi_tXztepqe5XuRv0Jb_L1ajsRoxN7jI4HqgYuZK4qGbfDYsnXywwO8tOe873-wfuSGz1euE7hDombhntOX0rg-TV-tBf6RqlvLLBYRS6cUSl-d2JQuclrbabZO2qWPnSw1_A/s2048/Matt%20rotto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhkI6vUTi9lRsAG6zh0MjBP1V_3jwbMLLVS-mo0DSdO0AslU0OmyluWNi_tXztepqe5XuRv0Jb_L1ajsRoxN7jI4HqgYuZK4qGbfDYsnXywwO8tOe873-wfuSGz1euE7hDombhntOX0rg-TV-tBf6RqlvLLBYRS6cUSl-d2JQuclrbabZO2qWPnSw1_A/w480-h640/Matt%20rotto.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>We purchased a handy little cultivator that has done wonders in breaking up the ground! Look at the dark soil. I decided to also put in an orchard on the back corner of our property. I already have Elderberry bushes in, this will be year 2 for them. Our lawn guy accidentally wacked them last year. UGH! But they are coming right back!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdITcswjqV3acu3CeTlCterk56RGCjyJ1BlDBU6pp3zPGWgN9s2DoVPyzqwgiMdxke7rMv5gsBi-h2reivAHMiIlakMwXelSfN47BdcLdRbs2dC7eMI_W0FO0uQmTLkGybHUvDizS3TnugJ9b-8yND6EhXQTrS1EOT6u2ZEIXGJ4M0Wd8udfMOQtzUrA/s2048/Elderberry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdITcswjqV3acu3CeTlCterk56RGCjyJ1BlDBU6pp3zPGWgN9s2DoVPyzqwgiMdxke7rMv5gsBi-h2reivAHMiIlakMwXelSfN47BdcLdRbs2dC7eMI_W0FO0uQmTLkGybHUvDizS3TnugJ9b-8yND6EhXQTrS1EOT6u2ZEIXGJ4M0Wd8udfMOQtzUrA/w480-h640/Elderberry.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Looking forward to making jam, juice and syrup with these! I mentioned in my previous post that I really was jealous of those that had acres of land to grow things on. Then it hit me that I could do the same! It would just take a bit of planning on my part to get everything in the correct location. I am putting in a strawberry patch and grapes! Perhaps a couple of apple trees and peach trees. I already have the fence ready to go up, along with netting to keep other animals out. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw8Kyfkiveq7IuMsBw_gMC4YRvbMnuEURvdTZU-Lo7CtD-yGeq-cQAJnyTAiwSVTgUbt_9p2MD6Ls4RTqrijy7e3Tu2_XjqyTZqcGRAPuQPqRXKZiJlv4Td_0qjigNpzL7QThJbqELhUP04fEcmU16eSj3c-8JscsNbTuY_iyyDu5yxLZYhxOqobQAg/s2048/rhubarb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglw8Kyfkiveq7IuMsBw_gMC4YRvbMnuEURvdTZU-Lo7CtD-yGeq-cQAJnyTAiwSVTgUbt_9p2MD6Ls4RTqrijy7e3Tu2_XjqyTZqcGRAPuQPqRXKZiJlv4Td_0qjigNpzL7QThJbqELhUP04fEcmU16eSj3c-8JscsNbTuY_iyyDu5yxLZYhxOqobQAg/w480-h640/rhubarb.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>The rhubarb was given to me by a friend. Look at it! Last year was year 2 with it and we got a lot. I make syrup and jam. I froze a lot and made bread and crisps with it. SO good. High in Vitamin C also, which helps out a lot in the winter months here. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv53mMU0ZPeu5ZWjglsfBkt7FZjDgyLh_KayZqi5NApX7kPtJ5tBdJ_-KoAtZkIDhPj29IiMYGkdgQ7dcCOWjadf_1fy_cB7M8V9pcE8qB-6K3T-kBJRi1fACpKwTWFiFkedW4zRByBKSIFFDs7W9sa6qLt3oBITPl_TkiVSbHkpyQw_18EakQZHN2GQ/s2048/rhubarb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv53mMU0ZPeu5ZWjglsfBkt7FZjDgyLh_KayZqi5NApX7kPtJ5tBdJ_-KoAtZkIDhPj29IiMYGkdgQ7dcCOWjadf_1fy_cB7M8V9pcE8qB-6K3T-kBJRi1fACpKwTWFiFkedW4zRByBKSIFFDs7W9sa6qLt3oBITPl_TkiVSbHkpyQw_18EakQZHN2GQ/w480-h640/rhubarb2.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>Here is the second bunch of rhubarb that we have. When I harvest the rhubarb, I cut the leaves off and lay them into the bed to act as a mulch for the plants. I am also planning on putting in a lot of sunflowers this year as well. Happy Gardening!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-17277138163930032272023-04-07T11:31:00.001-04:002023-04-07T11:31:41.793-04:00Back to Simplicity<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhg3b4kEeB4cMpQKxCWClhN0xYWXfALY89WqTsTQgAmpqhuUttBF-KCuFH8SiPUr7A-EwsY10ohACcHyuSCizQ5j3W3LrcSu3Xzj84-heidRxUPBLHjgluPx2zP5939NEAyDv1wxrqKV95a4EKeaE-plMDsnSwHyFrie00_We1Cg1hkNViTp7EeQteQ/s2582/2022-03-16_18.45.01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2582" data-original-width="1937" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYhg3b4kEeB4cMpQKxCWClhN0xYWXfALY89WqTsTQgAmpqhuUttBF-KCuFH8SiPUr7A-EwsY10ohACcHyuSCizQ5j3W3LrcSu3Xzj84-heidRxUPBLHjgluPx2zP5939NEAyDv1wxrqKV95a4EKeaE-plMDsnSwHyFrie00_We1Cg1hkNViTp7EeQteQ/w480-h640/2022-03-16_18.45.01.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>When I think of the world today I think of chaos, messes and just a lot of stuff. I don't know if it is the fact that I am getting older, maturing, or going through my grandparent's belonging that has me thinking. It is probably a mixture of both. I miss the quiet and simple life. I am so blessed to have grown up on a farm. It instilled in me a work ethic that many do not have. I am happiest when I am in my garden, walking among the chickens, or in my kitchen putting up food for winter. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31qbkDJ7gJ3ycHJoN1M8zXy3APZsVd2ogQOwyEtYEWQ9JWmLkJwhDk06MkP6U86n6QuRU8Q01y8a-vZORq37oL2dHIpE7vsOtsCYO2DJg2JTBQbUpW-cDRu7qv6GA8VXQoGW2lFT8vk6_TuHCGvnzgal-7NFG8qFDwq2shaFvt8HiUdN3e23LOfY90w/s2443/66may376.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2443" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh31qbkDJ7gJ3ycHJoN1M8zXy3APZsVd2ogQOwyEtYEWQ9JWmLkJwhDk06MkP6U86n6QuRU8Q01y8a-vZORq37oL2dHIpE7vsOtsCYO2DJg2JTBQbUpW-cDRu7qv6GA8VXQoGW2lFT8vk6_TuHCGvnzgal-7NFG8qFDwq2shaFvt8HiUdN3e23LOfY90w/w640-h446/66may376.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> The above picture is the farm I grew up on in the southern tier of New York. The barn in the picture is no longer there. It burnt a long time ago. But oh there are so many memories for me on this piece of property. From all of the work that goes into running a farm, to the family celebrations we had, sitting at the counter watching my Grandmother cook, sitting at the same counter watching my Mother and Aunt can up our garden produce. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIbcALJEa1077jvf70qcQnrJRqgMN9nBYyk4frqQb9GIYkTNMlzTwtY1cWCyQP7P8mRytU_S4dftECyVMbjZYp7x5_ioP-FF-_3edxXlrhjsvQ8Od4Y_CLlKP8e1tV2aSrwqyP-njWoLmb2qENB5_vNAnlm61XsHQ47Ny5wrgocQUXbKmgFbRtB5OVQ/s2443/74jun569.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2443" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGIbcALJEa1077jvf70qcQnrJRqgMN9nBYyk4frqQb9GIYkTNMlzTwtY1cWCyQP7P8mRytU_S4dftECyVMbjZYp7x5_ioP-FF-_3edxXlrhjsvQ8Od4Y_CLlKP8e1tV2aSrwqyP-njWoLmb2qENB5_vNAnlm61XsHQ47Ny5wrgocQUXbKmgFbRtB5OVQ/w640-h446/74jun569.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>I often think of the view out of the door at the farmhouse. Just miles and miles of dirt roads just waiting for me to explore. OH how I wish I could return to that way of life. I love my job, but I really desire to be at home taking care of my family in all the ways a wife and mother should be doing. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkhGUAlZ5jqESJCZXhquWYZcq4_rxPUCQqNWpfMwpqzpTsegbn9XvC8R7Jr_Lh6-GnVC3mXtGlQpN4p3dofPzZGrgLo4NSUEFDmNAbfFD_gcQn0M1twcrFoZavnxijW_FO3oC-vGOj9-fej5kdbfFHTWITrE3_eJiHZskCvqR-FueCVttj1dTaYpOkw/s2443/54jul112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1703" data-original-width="2443" height="446" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUkhGUAlZ5jqESJCZXhquWYZcq4_rxPUCQqNWpfMwpqzpTsegbn9XvC8R7Jr_Lh6-GnVC3mXtGlQpN4p3dofPzZGrgLo4NSUEFDmNAbfFD_gcQn0M1twcrFoZavnxijW_FO3oC-vGOj9-fej5kdbfFHTWITrE3_eJiHZskCvqR-FueCVttj1dTaYpOkw/w640-h446/54jul112.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>So instead of wishing for things in my life to change, I decided that I would do what I could to try and get a little bit of simplicity back into our lives. I have drastically limited my time on social media. I have not opened Facebook or Instagram in a week. Let me tell you I already feel SO much better. I was becoming so envious of those that were living the life I dream of having again. It was really causing me to sin with envy. I also find I have so much more time to do what I enjoy. Blogging is one of those things. Yes my blog is pretty much old school but also shows simplicity. I am anxiously awaiting the replacement lens for my camera. My 50mm lens was dropped and broke. So I sent it away to be repaired. I should have it in my hands soon! Photography has been such an outlet for me. I can just wander around taking pictures forgetting everything going on around me. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrixVdSFQ1U9fAIbjP46be6sWTBxqFmqEJCtc0-zRfAMe5JyIV4ILG3XQb8tg7u-37f7OQvmsbM6VasTIsC6bFdegxO5AcsJyhZX7qsqiBX9pzXSv7sH3qAR-dTotyzostJ7rtAqH6KeRLAbNjZlc-gJhlTKb958JUxUYnaokjl8-_4PKm_WEt58_1Q/s3456/009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="2304" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQrixVdSFQ1U9fAIbjP46be6sWTBxqFmqEJCtc0-zRfAMe5JyIV4ILG3XQb8tg7u-37f7OQvmsbM6VasTIsC6bFdegxO5AcsJyhZX7qsqiBX9pzXSv7sH3qAR-dTotyzostJ7rtAqH6KeRLAbNjZlc-gJhlTKb958JUxUYnaokjl8-_4PKm_WEt58_1Q/w426-h640/009.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p>You will be seeing a lot more of the things here that bring me joy and peace. I am excited to be putting in a good size garden this year. I hope to get a lot of produce put up this year. I am digging out my trusty canners to help me with this task. I plan on canning salsa, pickled garlic, tomato sauce, pizza sauce, pepper jelly, raspberry jelly, dandelion jelly, and a number of pickles. I am getting excited just thinking about it. It has been about 10 years since I have done any canning or gardening. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RG9_13hqujy04qnDEDMwZmcTaVPb2x3qEyIn1PUDq_ppijszamFeOS4QI1p9kmv3aDibRG-7bCjPCZBgjcNKE0B1QgdNNfvYYlemMMCRwDfXgd1etEhn_AayBSo3jo2ZHYugMpUtolD6BTj7xl_cSdx2JCuEThCXr5qWEO3MEIaVnEqWx48pRWNmng/s2048/IMG_1502.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7RG9_13hqujy04qnDEDMwZmcTaVPb2x3qEyIn1PUDq_ppijszamFeOS4QI1p9kmv3aDibRG-7bCjPCZBgjcNKE0B1QgdNNfvYYlemMMCRwDfXgd1etEhn_AayBSo3jo2ZHYugMpUtolD6BTj7xl_cSdx2JCuEThCXr5qWEO3MEIaVnEqWx48pRWNmng/w426-h640/IMG_1502.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br /><p>My pray is that one day soon I will be able to give up the corporate world and be back doing what I was truly created for. Worshiping God (which I already do!) and living a life of simplicity. Which I can do now as well. </p><p><br /></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-30707976570997030122023-03-28T08:25:00.000-04:002023-03-28T08:25:17.205-04:00Finding Peace<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GndnwyVuAe-OEhrYtZqSxoP6w0g-0M80ap7Pi8MT_r6t_Wi5kyMjFTt0CFGvFojNN6mK--SYiWK_Mhd2hFTpqAX3zdVdGt323CRxC5L-pOWFxs0YT0mByOrY6S4dz-ytDNpqQ0mvPb6dlnlwmpdzDp8cVor39u1uJhlx3Ds_KBJtUP6wzerG87TNBQ/s3000/Primitive%20orange.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8GndnwyVuAe-OEhrYtZqSxoP6w0g-0M80ap7Pi8MT_r6t_Wi5kyMjFTt0CFGvFojNN6mK--SYiWK_Mhd2hFTpqAX3zdVdGt323CRxC5L-pOWFxs0YT0mByOrY6S4dz-ytDNpqQ0mvPb6dlnlwmpdzDp8cVor39u1uJhlx3Ds_KBJtUP6wzerG87TNBQ/w640-h640/Primitive%20orange.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Where does your peace come from? How do you find it? Have you found it? These are the questions that have been rolling around in my head the past few years. I crave peace and peaceful living. But what exactly does that look like? </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz56R-x0huj8IEt1egSQGzewV6jgNmLrlHM-VFMqztrdTtkJ9AUrBSzBtCMYDWufzrQ2Hk2nSJJN5MNJY_VXCW7rI-TOOoMbdQU2CWMDYbK5se75LthvC2jMLB_3XH4IasWPrdsj-GypT6SCGsaJZQZ7693E1tTZl-Wy61-vywXDmwngYiGP9x_3QqA/s4000/20220129_165354%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUz56R-x0huj8IEt1egSQGzewV6jgNmLrlHM-VFMqztrdTtkJ9AUrBSzBtCMYDWufzrQ2Hk2nSJJN5MNJY_VXCW7rI-TOOoMbdQU2CWMDYbK5se75LthvC2jMLB_3XH4IasWPrdsj-GypT6SCGsaJZQZ7693E1tTZl-Wy61-vywXDmwngYiGP9x_3QqA/w480-h640/20220129_165354%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>For me personally peace comes in many forms. One of the ways I experience peace is to walk outside in the woods after a heavy snowfall. Nothing is moving, there is silence and a crispness to the air. All I hear are my footsteps on the frozen ground. Most of the snow has a slight shine to it. Almost like God has thrown glitter onto us. <div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>"Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow." Psalm 51:7</b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><br /></b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYuTEGMteKKyj4cC3MiZiBwLVT4Ef_EtqF3l5jwQ6SEB87k2PnEcNuRr3PWRenj-6NwBMT36ofx2XnjhpRm2Crt23hrLRYDkmXRNZVH8drJ_ZDx-z-ogcPWyDeFGZThc2aEzfGELreVg96AEyIbE4Vj5V7nPNijrOH_wvSDOKY-VgHik77kYb8787OA/s4000/20220220_175004%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYuTEGMteKKyj4cC3MiZiBwLVT4Ef_EtqF3l5jwQ6SEB87k2PnEcNuRr3PWRenj-6NwBMT36ofx2XnjhpRm2Crt23hrLRYDkmXRNZVH8drJ_ZDx-z-ogcPWyDeFGZThc2aEzfGELreVg96AEyIbE4Vj5V7nPNijrOH_wvSDOKY-VgHik77kYb8787OA/w480-h640/20220220_175004%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Finding peace in the midst of chaos is important as well. I mentioned in a previous post that our lives have been turned upside down the past few years. So finding peace became a focus for me. Brewing a pot of tea and sitting in the dining room with soft lights on brings me peace. Where I can just sit and be in the presence of my Heavenly Father. One of the most important lessons I have learned is I have been putting God on a back burner. Only going to Him when I was in trouble, frightened, scared or needed something. It took all kinds of tragedies in my life to bring be running back to Him. I realized that I need Him in ALL things!! </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all." 2 Thessalonians 3:16</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWHZPhPBpvSSF_6I5UKrNxikiwNnXx99_430OQ9velA535ubOCz3pRePCLjOQhpkPZPsp2H_cXiBNbFfL6Tza5jgRI0SUtk0M_BzNhIFatvqvXXpcwNjBzQ0rW9jo0Q6hSNF__GgYSG5en4vrIVrwyxH9HJgvhlizYUoPS-wIQbscRfnQCBHsLFdqAg/s4000/20230115_005847%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfWHZPhPBpvSSF_6I5UKrNxikiwNnXx99_430OQ9velA535ubOCz3pRePCLjOQhpkPZPsp2H_cXiBNbFfL6Tza5jgRI0SUtk0M_BzNhIFatvqvXXpcwNjBzQ0rW9jo0Q6hSNF__GgYSG5en4vrIVrwyxH9HJgvhlizYUoPS-wIQbscRfnQCBHsLFdqAg/w480-h640/20230115_005847%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Peace is also holding onto something that one of my grandparents had. I was blessed to inherit my Grandmother and Great-Grandmother's recipe boxes. I will share more about that in another post. Seeing their handwriting on a piece of paper or a recipe card is a feeling like none other! Our handwriting is one of the only part of us we can leave behind for the next generation. </div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." John 14:27</i></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl8-eE1dR6InVfW32EQ1aRXYz_FtDpLPjrvq2FRLfpFidho0VUWsLm_xSvy2mneNRpWzOngUE5FnjxCmBZKLf59q8kaWhBcZu5rXoM3k-X94NesG7JoKgEBIhc3QPaT7BiJtH3lYqcMp8h4nWFRQQ8Ezrd3Z7D0ZZhuFzMjVy7UmydZXrz08pu3yYaQ/s4000/20230328_071107%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrl8-eE1dR6InVfW32EQ1aRXYz_FtDpLPjrvq2FRLfpFidho0VUWsLm_xSvy2mneNRpWzOngUE5FnjxCmBZKLf59q8kaWhBcZu5rXoM3k-X94NesG7JoKgEBIhc3QPaT7BiJtH3lYqcMp8h4nWFRQQ8Ezrd3Z7D0ZZhuFzMjVy7UmydZXrz08pu3yYaQ/w480-h640/20230328_071107%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>My peace comes from the Lord! My job is to stop putting God behind me! I need Him to be in front of me always. Guiding me, leading me and protecting me! This is the only way a person will find peace in this world! </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. in the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." John 16:33</i></b></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnC287xwzNidoj5FzlspfzN4ZahhFSk6UeLTXfw-dJSo1nDIhEvP4yjCxb9vXYDQc-ugAOBD0s4-_t4yjNDaJPzz-tM9u02-e0OwTfnXxv0UUFJl4Scy0sOWHvpsoFPVE5FqyijaRenUGcKlAxn2SakAf0PwA0DZIzCrwyuZMLAptgNpd-zpV11L39A/s4000/20230303_194735%5B1%5D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnC287xwzNidoj5FzlspfzN4ZahhFSk6UeLTXfw-dJSo1nDIhEvP4yjCxb9vXYDQc-ugAOBD0s4-_t4yjNDaJPzz-tM9u02-e0OwTfnXxv0UUFJl4Scy0sOWHvpsoFPVE5FqyijaRenUGcKlAxn2SakAf0PwA0DZIzCrwyuZMLAptgNpd-zpV11L39A/w480-h640/20230303_194735%5B1%5D.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><p style="font-weight: bold; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></p>So where are you finding your peace? Are you finding it in things of this world? I strongly urge you to seek your peace in Heaven. <br /><i style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></i><p></p></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-63691140696073134992023-02-08T11:50:00.003-05:002023-02-08T11:50:34.618-05:00Peace and Quiet<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxRmoS1BtCowdPoUIWLQDSHduyIMtwgL3UTHmVAXlAaA9UjxVrvxciKnklHRWxkjL7-Q1z5G6LVFn6NX9Y1YftpqJxTgMQy8NrBb56jnIIeisCIKYY4rb5EZL8n3cqtJB9drnStLfKU5T-ojLHkKhdmPofVIUGyBxeXIJxNyh5hDDx4gzTYgWfHkhLg/s4032/20211106_150931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCxRmoS1BtCowdPoUIWLQDSHduyIMtwgL3UTHmVAXlAaA9UjxVrvxciKnklHRWxkjL7-Q1z5G6LVFn6NX9Y1YftpqJxTgMQy8NrBb56jnIIeisCIKYY4rb5EZL8n3cqtJB9drnStLfKU5T-ojLHkKhdmPofVIUGyBxeXIJxNyh5hDDx4gzTYgWfHkhLg/w480-h640/20211106_150931.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>When you think about peace, peaceful, rest, and or quiet what comes to mind? Do you think of still waters? A pond, a brook or creek? Or do you picture sitting in the woods on a cold winters day? There is nothing like a walk in the woods after a snowfall. Everything is quiet and peaceful. The birds are snuggled into their nests, the squirrels are high up in their tree nests, the deer are in the thicket huddled together. The peace that winter brings is why I love living in New York. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCkxaSri4a_f9q2P3BRtFfQ0e6xq35gejxdt3QgXchjLYCGUEyjPsxt7yCWdtifJo6gVEtDCIwWV12NPn6zv4ojQfcFiO-4Kpbb4vIdnxQC8HSMfdfV7IPDFrmGTgfLLGLplmdiUUjN9SyAi4v7ZQOer0WTePcsI3hgoKnv_qxBa_K6dYnegfASlYfg/s4032/20220117_085753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCkxaSri4a_f9q2P3BRtFfQ0e6xq35gejxdt3QgXchjLYCGUEyjPsxt7yCWdtifJo6gVEtDCIwWV12NPn6zv4ojQfcFiO-4Kpbb4vIdnxQC8HSMfdfV7IPDFrmGTgfLLGLplmdiUUjN9SyAi4v7ZQOer0WTePcsI3hgoKnv_qxBa_K6dYnegfASlYfg/w480-h640/20220117_085753.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>Walking outside after the snowfall is just what my mind needs. Our minds are always going, thinking, worrying and filled with all kinds of troubles. If you don't live where there is snow you can still experience much of the same kind of thing. Go out right after the rain, walk around, go to a park, walk in the woods. There is nothing like it. Going out and becoming one with nature as God intended it to be. <div><br /></div><div><i>"The work of righteousness will be peace. And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever. My people will dwell in a peaceful habitation, In secure dwellings, and in quiet rest places." Isaiah 32:17-18</i></div><div><br /></div><div>For many years now I have had a focus word for the year. The past 2 years have been horrible for my family. From the death of loved ones to tragic events involving my children I was craving peace! It was the word my mind kept going back to. I craved a quiet life, a peaceful life. I felt as if life was just full of chaos for 2 years. What I really craved was to be home again. I wanted to be able to do the work the Lord had created me to do. Financially at this time that is not possible. But I was blessed to be able to change jobs this past year. Which has now led to me being able to work remote most of the week. I am only required to be in the office 2 days a week! Because we live so far out my commutes were taking close to an hour one way. If the weather was back it was closer to 2 hours one way. So now that my new job has blessed me in ways only God knew was possible I have a lot of freed up time. I am able to keep my home clean and organized, cook supper, do some baking, do more ministry work and so much more. Plus I am able to assist with the finances. We have almost paid off our mortgage so maybe I will be able to stop working outside the home altogether one day soon!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjc5CEaGXLHd1yOrjzDpYGLiuwvqK7nEqqlBnXs_PgHchCD9ecV5lgbm3xTsmOw5eo5Illy8eO6lAKEvxFDnopb11fE8rGDNi_TiyCxxlmRyVhEyEeyPjlaRERo4TJ3aNYiboK91qfO1LQv446qOarTigG3b5DD_rq5jZLH9yL7wtHQ2JN2It6SrPug/s4000/20221225_085616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXjc5CEaGXLHd1yOrjzDpYGLiuwvqK7nEqqlBnXs_PgHchCD9ecV5lgbm3xTsmOw5eo5Illy8eO6lAKEvxFDnopb11fE8rGDNi_TiyCxxlmRyVhEyEeyPjlaRERo4TJ3aNYiboK91qfO1LQv446qOarTigG3b5DD_rq5jZLH9yL7wtHQ2JN2It6SrPug/w480-h640/20221225_085616.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>One of ways I am trying to bring more peace into my life is by reading. I saw the book, <i>Holy Hygge: Creating a Place for People to Gather and the Gospel to Grow</i>, by Jamie Erickson. Hygge pronounced HYOO-gah is a Danish practice that brings a sense of peace and coziness into your home and life. It is about doing with what you have, and living a life of minimal items. I have found that the less I have the more peaceful I am internally. This is so far a fantastic book! </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r-SnwvQ2Om3zTgyZWK-OpK37tXtDd1cfLLEgKdzheg7wiIJjeQdVTJEIzDipo-lDkaFXsxgdZJKhFJtGX_HzF5bqq7SVckolDL4hsyTWO5eTrx32gjAbhKAe2XHNweNR6vt0iFq6JwECj-lQXvC__BJIqq6M7GoiB2toWggJff-dWSQ2sQfCXz_tQA/s4000/20221224_154952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_r-SnwvQ2Om3zTgyZWK-OpK37tXtDd1cfLLEgKdzheg7wiIJjeQdVTJEIzDipo-lDkaFXsxgdZJKhFJtGX_HzF5bqq7SVckolDL4hsyTWO5eTrx32gjAbhKAe2XHNweNR6vt0iFq6JwECj-lQXvC__BJIqq6M7GoiB2toWggJff-dWSQ2sQfCXz_tQA/w480-h640/20221224_154952.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>One of the major things that always brought peace into my life was being in the kitchen creating goodies for my family. Instead of wishing I was home to do so again, I put my phone down, limited my time on social media and hit the kitchen when I had the opportunity to do so. Social media has become such a time waster for me. Endless scrolling of a bunch of drama and fake posts really started to get to me. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgIkNFSxPd038ujLqJNswAYDa-ZUrnJQ6YUL4Hh3I3zvYnkOUUYD0JswvFvAA9o6vsWKkRUrD_ala4dUuOa5sSlg6FgryDlLJZeOIVr2452_WHRO6SiaKcLcusZsmJTRFyhCHuOAG5hFbNftbts9RLWuZSY9_rrOIH-pe-CHScKzw5IOD03QEsN4z4Q/s4000/20221224_155305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgIkNFSxPd038ujLqJNswAYDa-ZUrnJQ6YUL4Hh3I3zvYnkOUUYD0JswvFvAA9o6vsWKkRUrD_ala4dUuOa5sSlg6FgryDlLJZeOIVr2452_WHRO6SiaKcLcusZsmJTRFyhCHuOAG5hFbNftbts9RLWuZSY9_rrOIH-pe-CHScKzw5IOD03QEsN4z4Q/w480-h640/20221224_155305.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div>I never really had the patience for pie making. But with store purchased pie crust, I decided to attempt it. Perhaps one day I will conquer my fear of making my own crust. But for now I am taking baby steps! The above pies were for Christmas. One was the pumpkin and the other was pecan. YUM! They turned out really good! Even if I say so myself. :-)</div><div><br /></div><div>What do you do to create peace in your life? Are you able to just sit in the quiet? We have so much noise all around us. Even if it is not audible noise our brains are full of it. We are constantly thinking about what's next. I challenge you to just sit in the quiet, listen, what are you hearing?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><p><br /></p></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-32197343516760882362023-01-02T13:32:00.000-05:002023-01-02T13:32:12.810-05:00Another Year Gone!<p>With a new year comes a time of reflection of events from the past year. I cannot say we had a good year by any means, but we are all healthy and still here on earth, well most of us. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3ZDNYZhs99aaRth4PHB9RT6GAYR3DNnywTPEjMBc7DZO2SQHNUP1D4paiKS5th3_8Zi6_Cob0Pbu1gx7Z8mUQ5GFav_hcOgSu2sSgewvW3jnSqM0drswsjSeHJSendAwGDpVFTwKoXrkQFEQGF30xQ6gB5Ffm48IB_GaR2sMn3cKN-vsYHkd5Kzb1g/s4000/20220508_111329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis3ZDNYZhs99aaRth4PHB9RT6GAYR3DNnywTPEjMBc7DZO2SQHNUP1D4paiKS5th3_8Zi6_Cob0Pbu1gx7Z8mUQ5GFav_hcOgSu2sSgewvW3jnSqM0drswsjSeHJSendAwGDpVFTwKoXrkQFEQGF30xQ6gB5Ffm48IB_GaR2sMn3cKN-vsYHkd5Kzb1g/w480-h640/20220508_111329.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> 2022 has been a year of many trials and struggles for our family. Many of the trials actually happened in 2021 but carried over into 2022. Everything is such a blur from the past 2 years. <p></p><p>In early 2021 my Nana fell and broke her foot. She had to go into the hospital and ultimately contracted Covid. She recovered from it but it left her with congestive heart failure. She walked into the arms of Jesus on February 21, 2021.</p><p>I will not go into detail about this particular event because it is not mine to share. This event left our family struggling for months to come. We learned how to show a lot of grace while facing this event. Honestly, it really opened our eyes to life in a small town. A town that my husband and I have lived most of our lives. A town I gave many hours to serving as a first responder. When we needed the people in the town the most is when they turned their backs on us. This was so heartbreaking! We felt so alone while trying to pick up the pieces. But it really made us lean on God with everything we had in us. I realized that I had turned my back on God like the people we thought were our friends did to us. God gave HIS Son for me! I had to release everything to Him. Complete surrender is what I had to do. Trusting in God's strength instead of my own was the only way I could find complete rest. In return I had to show Grace to those that made a choice to hurt us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnFYNfslmyhZzWX8tBdNoX7jOIfWJg-Xi_tIRgenRhRstA3eUqN5nKF_-cWYWfS7sDQHqAjc0-3F3e2PWrC0W7hPq-5UdEM2FTZlQcCpFNSHh9gyJqjDajuskBLn4umN4igPh01711NAAoNfefyoB8fq_55SSGVu04HAlBO2Gnil41t0K3En8V1i1gg/s4032/20210607_181005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxnFYNfslmyhZzWX8tBdNoX7jOIfWJg-Xi_tIRgenRhRstA3eUqN5nKF_-cWYWfS7sDQHqAjc0-3F3e2PWrC0W7hPq-5UdEM2FTZlQcCpFNSHh9gyJqjDajuskBLn4umN4igPh01711NAAoNfefyoB8fq_55SSGVu04HAlBO2Gnil41t0K3En8V1i1gg/w480-h640/20210607_181005.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Look at this photo still brings me to my knees. My heart breaks into a million pieces over and over again. But it is a constant reminder of God's Grace and protection over my family. </p><p>In mid February 2022, while we were still picking up the pieces of the above event, we had our upstairs bathroom flood causing thousands of dollars in damage to our home. The water not only ruined the upstairs bathroom, and hallway, it flooded our dining room. It completely had to be redone. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZF2pdWP4VSjPz6NckiR6qwRS3Ptl0qq__x0CgA5NqZz21qqNG44mS4v-od2hLy95qF_00M1NxPH45tCjsIYwmxBG2V-qxhW_cMpb4sdsNwCK3ksBmH12NqYxzRlslPWrldTSpFwDztXYgfLbJBfxRtaB2E9cQ-blUpvFb1nYRkUIAKyEAVdI9JhlXQ/s4000/20220204_011011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxZF2pdWP4VSjPz6NckiR6qwRS3Ptl0qq__x0CgA5NqZz21qqNG44mS4v-od2hLy95qF_00M1NxPH45tCjsIYwmxBG2V-qxhW_cMpb4sdsNwCK3ksBmH12NqYxzRlslPWrldTSpFwDztXYgfLbJBfxRtaB2E9cQ-blUpvFb1nYRkUIAKyEAVdI9JhlXQ/w480-h640/20220204_011011.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I was completely broken and wore out by this time. I felt as if I could no longer go on. At this time also my middle daughter was experiencing a lot of emotional stress related to many things happening in our lives. I felt as if I was spiraling out of control. I do not like being out of control. I did not know how to pick up the pieces and make our lives better again. Perhaps this is what God was trying to show me with all of these events. I do not and should not be the one in control, HE is!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjwZUG0K_tjxmNakuTdh8UTW7FkLTtUSe2GQq_riU3ov_dogdsgrSgVwvuFRLVlTLF6Y71yPn1Y2sJvnMwEzN9jXeAxsvNM1XAXimv10DyWxdXg6mXtpkaRojl1q9zs0z9zU7PFb6Rt5S0S8Gp6p0arIIxKhosd8WNgkri1nNtrQgpFyx4by286toBg/s4000/20220204_162142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEjwZUG0K_tjxmNakuTdh8UTW7FkLTtUSe2GQq_riU3ov_dogdsgrSgVwvuFRLVlTLF6Y71yPn1Y2sJvnMwEzN9jXeAxsvNM1XAXimv10DyWxdXg6mXtpkaRojl1q9zs0z9zU7PFb6Rt5S0S8Gp6p0arIIxKhosd8WNgkri1nNtrQgpFyx4by286toBg/w480-h640/20220204_162142.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Between fighting the insurance company, making sure we found the right contractor and finding the money we needed to make the repairs to our home, it took over 6 months to be completed. If you have ever had to fight your insurance company you know the pain we feel. They are more than happy to take your money but do not want to part with it when you need it!! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLDZcZ8vGvEKQ-vH3UDFiXYwDKQ6T6TkWC55-t9Qx3DIOUfMp_1n5UIUgcFD7uEbxLv3K6zY2ErdTd6E2v1Altm7Hp2T5lssO4FKhMte-M65QSP78ZgQ122EO89BJR8KgAhniEM3TaVVFJMPGpshRk7vVxurxMvOvjimDbYoMw6wtBlcjBZM-JDTrxw/s4000/20220502_065241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFLDZcZ8vGvEKQ-vH3UDFiXYwDKQ6T6TkWC55-t9Qx3DIOUfMp_1n5UIUgcFD7uEbxLv3K6zY2ErdTd6E2v1Altm7Hp2T5lssO4FKhMte-M65QSP78ZgQ122EO89BJR8KgAhniEM3TaVVFJMPGpshRk7vVxurxMvOvjimDbYoMw6wtBlcjBZM-JDTrxw/w480-h640/20220502_065241.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>Our dining room is so much more beautiful than I could ever imagine it could be. Our contractor did the work in about 2 weeks once we got the money from the insurance company and all of the water restoration companies were done. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIgCzRKFU9aTrzMV3LPeKQxIXKAHP1Hs0-UsyrOWFAM3s2oLP4Kfj9qU-S75jN0B8fJTdar3Uf8MfouWJCN5qh7GSz0HvdwtJG_OvCzpkHExdJCuWRY3iehu4BsJFtlpgb8RQ1KFgiN4Jjb2WYggQw47BpR3pN_Kxa7mre7_ckNDxdcqPqrJ6N6D-Sg/s4000/20220312_155840.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWIgCzRKFU9aTrzMV3LPeKQxIXKAHP1Hs0-UsyrOWFAM3s2oLP4Kfj9qU-S75jN0B8fJTdar3Uf8MfouWJCN5qh7GSz0HvdwtJG_OvCzpkHExdJCuWRY3iehu4BsJFtlpgb8RQ1KFgiN4Jjb2WYggQw47BpR3pN_Kxa7mre7_ckNDxdcqPqrJ6N6D-Sg/w480-h640/20220312_155840.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I cannot say the past couple of years were all bad. Our eldest daughter was married to the love of her life. They have been doing pretty good. I remember all too well those first couple of years trying to navigate being married and becoming one when things arise. They are doing fantastic! I am so proud of them for coming together and conquering the issues as they come up. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdeXnFmA8E8DkEmnCNh_kBi3S3wJi8EdUm2q3SYKB6RowHuWxV7s4MPx__laOgAhTX5_wjdi-JmS2C0dU99Obve0QQcplijD_JdS4L1GjWaFDFd-Lr8-4OJ5tKcIFAu1xpq-2s1A8kJVWWakzle79vAVD8nbPKA_oGt5Fe5b_8UXs5On8ShKYrK0g3Q/s4000/20221023_123528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzdeXnFmA8E8DkEmnCNh_kBi3S3wJi8EdUm2q3SYKB6RowHuWxV7s4MPx__laOgAhTX5_wjdi-JmS2C0dU99Obve0QQcplijD_JdS4L1GjWaFDFd-Lr8-4OJ5tKcIFAu1xpq-2s1A8kJVWWakzle79vAVD8nbPKA_oGt5Fe5b_8UXs5On8ShKYrK0g3Q/w480-h640/20221023_123528.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>My middle daughter has been experiencing a great deal of emotional anxiety from all of our trials the past few years. She does not know how to express her feelings and most of the time withdraws from life. I am so thankful the Lord led us to a new team of doctors. They have assisted us in finding answers to why our daughters have struggled so much. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb8t3y0cxuKEoD85Cp-X9B57gq6hy-1INjgQofvhma7bey7qTuIujGShrfC-zYgNK4hjKuLRzLGJ62uMtR-2UyL8Fjwif7dHhMMFcRk2qGFkxW-z5D5pg-FnUlf63VEA_pkqfAWY_pM9sROJgQTl_4J5-Zwq0Uz7gcHRK4RTD-G-zJsMryJ0nq7y3rw/s4000/20220312_152328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVb8t3y0cxuKEoD85Cp-X9B57gq6hy-1INjgQofvhma7bey7qTuIujGShrfC-zYgNK4hjKuLRzLGJ62uMtR-2UyL8Fjwif7dHhMMFcRk2qGFkxW-z5D5pg-FnUlf63VEA_pkqfAWY_pM9sROJgQTl_4J5-Zwq0Uz7gcHRK4RTD-G-zJsMryJ0nq7y3rw/w480-h640/20220312_152328.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>One of the diagnoses I have been trying to get for my daughter since she was a young child! Why is everything a struggle!? </p><p>On January 7, 2022 one of my best friends in the world passed away after a struggle with Covid. She was so much more than a friend, she was a sister to me. She was the first person I told when I was pregnant with my oldest daughter, she was the first one I told about the abuse I had gone through, we worked together, laughed together and cried together. I know without a doubt she is celebrating with Jesus, but boy did that hurt to say goodbye to her. I know I will see her again but ugh! I miss her so much. </p><p>In October 2022 I started a Bible study program called <a href="https://www.hishealinglight.org/healing-journey" target="_blank">The Healing Journey</a> I strongly urge anyone to reach out and find a local one being offered. This program has really started me on a path of emotional and physical healing of past traumatic events in my life. Both as a child and as an adult. God is using my hurt to heal others! </p><p>Well, this post has to come to an end. Happy New Year! I am planning on posting a lot more this year. I plan on bringing more peace, quit and calm to my life. This mean less TV, social media and drama in my life. Thank you if you have read this far!</p><p><br /></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-84731993738783892002022-01-31T16:39:00.001-05:002022-01-31T16:39:22.946-05:00Homemaker Monday<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpUvalXA0aGB7_ttjqneijxom_uUZPx309hVGvKQ405OgY6qaUMvzi60FZjCcoxATxauydl5JStJOxJC54LH5v8fn8ObeCe2uM_sGkImqASSVEEIHMZbLf9izOy8aS7xAvSfy0ynaZH9d5KLB_GJ-dOfCJdebn7IpcxIcgZcAC77O5J65Kj4ZOUAus0w=s1600" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpUvalXA0aGB7_ttjqneijxom_uUZPx309hVGvKQ405OgY6qaUMvzi60FZjCcoxATxauydl5JStJOxJC54LH5v8fn8ObeCe2uM_sGkImqASSVEEIHMZbLf9izOy8aS7xAvSfy0ynaZH9d5KLB_GJ-dOfCJdebn7IpcxIcgZcAC77O5J65Kj4ZOUAus0w=s320" width="213" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I have a few free moments this morning so I thought I would join in on the Happy Homemaker Blog hop hosted by <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diary of a Stay at Home Mom</a>.</p><p><br /></p><p>I really want (no NEED) to get back into blogging again. This world has become so crazy. I find it so difficult to find any peace. Blogging is something that really brought me peace. So I am going to try and carve out time in my day to do this again. </p><p>So shall we see what my day is going to look like? How about my week? I am praying for some kind of peace.</p><p>{WEATHER}</p><p>Well the weather....I live in NY so we are in the heart of winter here. I am one of those rare people who love the snow and cold. Above I was talking about finding peace. Have you ever walked outside during or just after it has snowed? It is so quiet and peaceful. Oh trust me it is not peaceful driving around in the snow, but it forces me to slow down. So I often see how beautiful fresh snow is. We are expecting some almost 50 degrees this week, then at the end of the week we are supposed to get another snowstorm. We shall see.</p><p>{HOW I AM FEELING THIS MORNING}</p><p>Mondays are always hard for me. After being home all weekend just being home it is hard to go to work. I really miss being a homemaker. I look back and really took it for granted. My heart's desire is to be at home. God has other plans for me, so I look to Him for guidance. I am preparing to lead another Ladies Bible Studies at our church. The topic this time around is "The Secret of Contentment". One of the quotes is <i>"Contentment starts with peace with God."</i> Being content in my circumstances is something I really need to work on.</p><p>{ON THE BREAKFAST PLATE}</p><p>My normal egg, sausage on an english muffin. Once I get into my office I usually have some yogurt or fruit.</p><p>{ON MY READING PILE}</p><p>I have challenged myself to read a book a week this year. I have finished 4 of them this year so far. It is amazing how much time you really have once you step away from social media. Most of the books so far have been relating to my counseling. I am adding in a couple from Grace Livingston Hill and Beverly Lewis. Of course this year I am also reading through the Bible. I have started in Matthew instead of Genesis.</p><p>{ON MY TV}</p><p>We have been rewatching Little House on the Prairie and The Waltons</p><p>{ON THE MENU THIS WEEK}</p><p>I need to sit down and figure out our menu this week.</p><p>{FROM THE CAMERA}</p><p>This past November we took a vacation to Kentucky to visit the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. It was the best trip we have taken! There was so much to see and do. If you have not had the opportunity to visit these places please do!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgKCG6FscGBE6LE0kHBRvkR3rnb_WvV3NMb1aMHRFNKbWTK7uwzF37A7w94bnwq4HILYVNQM4HSh5rWiSFe88adLSs2PVrBsL8cPf8xSK3rkadvH8y7ET-3MlO3oL4GQiMIuOHi6e_44shXAIFxxptnwf2N3RHXLeKwkClHtNetXMl7Qu1q4KQ8nrePg=s5184" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="5184" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgKCG6FscGBE6LE0kHBRvkR3rnb_WvV3NMb1aMHRFNKbWTK7uwzF37A7w94bnwq4HILYVNQM4HSh5rWiSFe88adLSs2PVrBsL8cPf8xSK3rkadvH8y7ET-3MlO3oL4GQiMIuOHi6e_44shXAIFxxptnwf2N3RHXLeKwkClHtNetXMl7Qu1q4KQ8nrePg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>{LOOKING AROUND THE HOUSE}</p><p>The house is so quite. Everyone has left for work / or school. I will be leaving shortly as well. This has become one of my favorite times. Everything is quite, and peaceful. I am able to clean the house a little before leaving. That way we can come home in the evening and everything is spic and span!</p><p>{TO DO LIST}</p><p>Work, Bible study, home to make some Molasses Snow Candy with Hannah. </p><p>{TODAYS DEVOTIONAL} </p><p>But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased. Psalm 115:3</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-2924879100046279002021-09-11T16:05:00.000-04:002021-09-11T16:05:24.703-04:00We had a wedding!<p> LONG POST ALERT!</p><p>Twenty-one days ago our daughter Katrina married the love of her life, Kyle. The day could not have been more perfect! We had a few rain showers in the morning followed by a lot of sunshine. I cannot believe this moment has arrived where one of my children has become a married woman. Seems like just yesterday I started this blog as a way to journal our daily lives. So without further rambling I have a lot of pictures for you. </p><p>Our photographer was unable to attend due to exposure to COVID. So I dusted off my trusty camera and took the pictures. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU3WB8mzQvY/YTzzLUPsHjI/AAAAAAAANa4/XL_2kQ2wLc8rfJTQIS2xZEI6GkPRui51ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iU3WB8mzQvY/YTzzLUPsHjI/AAAAAAAANa4/XL_2kQ2wLc8rfJTQIS2xZEI6GkPRui51ACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2777.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>This was my wrist corsage that I wore in the wedding. All of the flowers were fake flowers so we could keep them forever.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chpZtFFYtJg/YTzziwIW4II/AAAAAAAANbA/AMZ_Yo1YAZ8PpPJTiZdoAmpxEHIdFKongCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-chpZtFFYtJg/YTzziwIW4II/AAAAAAAANbA/AMZ_Yo1YAZ8PpPJTiZdoAmpxEHIdFKongCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2788.JPG" width="266" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Katrina's Dress</td></tr></tbody></table>Her dress was absolutely perfect for her. It was a bit of vintage with modern thrown in. She looked like a princess in it.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CToEj0ANltI/YTzz3Tr6liI/AAAAAAAANbI/efIV-XOWow8Rs-73M4f4zdOHXfTvnWtGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CToEj0ANltI/YTzz3Tr6liI/AAAAAAAANbI/efIV-XOWow8Rs-73M4f4zdOHXfTvnWtGACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2792.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>There was lace with this amazing detail all over it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4R-J9vscVc/YTz0GUj-WII/AAAAAAAANbM/hQjfZgf1tJwBdRXmiradRNpMS5oki3QvQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-s4R-J9vscVc/YTz0GUj-WII/AAAAAAAANbM/hQjfZgf1tJwBdRXmiradRNpMS5oki3QvQCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2796.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>One of my co-workers volunteered to come to the house and make us all beautiful. Here is Hannah getting her hair done. She wanted her hair straight, since it is very curly.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unLP5-_RHEg/YTz0ZNfkDsI/AAAAAAAANbY/JGojgwrKkpIr5bjkwqQWMgbPcSbs9du3wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unLP5-_RHEg/YTz0ZNfkDsI/AAAAAAAANbY/JGojgwrKkpIr5bjkwqQWMgbPcSbs9du3wCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2799.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>She was all smiles the day of the wedding. She was so happy for her sister.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-LUzrd6Ags/YTz0neYqZCI/AAAAAAAANbc/lHnSRTCg0OQVz6X2DUwy3AZcoVA1FSWkgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v-LUzrd6Ags/YTz0neYqZCI/AAAAAAAANbc/lHnSRTCg0OQVz6X2DUwy3AZcoVA1FSWkgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2803.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>My turn. I am not about all the "girly" stuff. I am most comfortable with my hands in the dirt with jeans and a t-shirt on. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_nMHFTW8g8/YTz05oCDjnI/AAAAAAAANbo/SkiJozkR6qY-5WfYI8YDRY2ZmujGMFrwwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5_nMHFTW8g8/YTz05oCDjnI/AAAAAAAANbo/SkiJozkR6qY-5WfYI8YDRY2ZmujGMFrwwCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2804.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>TA-DA. My hair clip had some pearls on it to match my wrist flowers / bracelet. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsiaQsHHMLk/YTz1Kn-8T4I/AAAAAAAANbw/JXG-sfIGx6glY9p0Ywk9Z2mDdtuyZAu_gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XsiaQsHHMLk/YTz1Kn-8T4I/AAAAAAAANbw/JXG-sfIGx6glY9p0Ywk9Z2mDdtuyZAu_gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2805.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Now it was the bride-to-be's turn to be turned into a princess. I have tears in my eyes as I look through all of these pictures. I feel like I closed my eyes for a second and here we are. {SIGH}</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UbyNvK8Oww/YTz1gPm5cAI/AAAAAAAANb4/iTl93keQy1scAVsLinzK1iEpC3XyO6JJACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_UbyNvK8Oww/YTz1gPm5cAI/AAAAAAAANb4/iTl93keQy1scAVsLinzK1iEpC3XyO6JJACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2807.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>Her hair turned out simply beautiful! She smiled the entire day. Seeing the joy on her face was really priceless. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bHoBbM71-I/YTz1yvlQ0CI/AAAAAAAANcA/KaIwFw0b6hgLKy2i_QnHgdcB75Lq_wdngCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3bHoBbM71-I/YTz1yvlQ0CI/AAAAAAAANcA/KaIwFw0b6hgLKy2i_QnHgdcB75Lq_wdngCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Time for the make-up. I went very minimal on the make-up for me since I am a simple girl. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FtAwHjtQPw/YTz3Hi8m7KI/AAAAAAAANcQ/eP8630jtQTEqEPGdAgASjJPyvtIPYlotgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2821.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3FtAwHjtQPw/YTz3Hi8m7KI/AAAAAAAANcQ/eP8630jtQTEqEPGdAgASjJPyvtIPYlotgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2821.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><div>Time to place to veil into place....WITHOUT messing up the hair. This was a bit more challenging than I thought it would be.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYWdBL_i7Qs/YTz3hCu6ZzI/AAAAAAAANcY/33bsEWDPiMMMe8mfsxhgRp3CNl-_ykZPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2831.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYWdBL_i7Qs/YTz3hCu6ZzI/AAAAAAAANcY/33bsEWDPiMMMe8mfsxhgRp3CNl-_ykZPgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2831.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>One of our signature wedding pictures our family like to take. The bride looking out the window for her groom. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nMhXpaislc/YTz31CDHqBI/AAAAAAAANcg/GpnNUlHulEYPCcqD10oqLg0q5Pvuzro2QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nMhXpaislc/YTz31CDHqBI/AAAAAAAANcg/GpnNUlHulEYPCcqD10oqLg0q5Pvuzro2QCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2838.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>My girls! My they have grown into beautiful women. I look at them and still see the little girls pulling a stool up to the kitchen counter asking to help me cook. Please excuse me while I curl up in the corner and ugly cry for a moment. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lbsR3igorU/YTz4T2RmHSI/AAAAAAAANco/wnbJrNejuWYC329s5x4ZOvla27ofUj9nACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9lbsR3igorU/YTz4T2RmHSI/AAAAAAAANco/wnbJrNejuWYC329s5x4ZOvla27ofUj9nACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2836.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Katrina and my parents. They have been so instrumental in shaping her into the beautiful woman she is today. My mom was her matron of honor!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSPWitFg2rU/YTz4q__TVEI/AAAAAAAANcw/CGzUYDTXdLc70RQBGiK5D4b-nAMOUNi2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2863.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dSPWitFg2rU/YTz4q__TVEI/AAAAAAAANcw/CGzUYDTXdLc70RQBGiK5D4b-nAMOUNi2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2863.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>All dressed up ready to go. Only one missing here was my son. He was off doing what most men do his age. No worries, he joined us later. Although I did not get a picture of just the 5 of us. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItKEYCGJb1E/YTz5Xz1GJ2I/AAAAAAAANc4/GbpUOF2CC9wUiEuVKuk5tuBcnAb2927mACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ItKEYCGJb1E/YTz5Xz1GJ2I/AAAAAAAANc4/GbpUOF2CC9wUiEuVKuk5tuBcnAb2927mACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2871.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Into the car ready to go. The last ride as a single woman. In just a few short hours she was to become a married woman.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69tw-DG0naA/YTz5sNrs7OI/AAAAAAAANdA/kBpqaSTkSBc5z11lWSNSIRCguzKsLEGjQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-69tw-DG0naA/YTz5sNrs7OI/AAAAAAAANdA/kBpqaSTkSBc5z11lWSNSIRCguzKsLEGjQCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2881.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>The moms lighting the candles. Where two stood, soon to become one as husband and wife. My son volunteered to take over camera duties for the rest of the day. I must say he did a fantastic job. If the farming thing doesn't work out for him he now has a backup career! 😀<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqxsrJRrhZU/YTz5_T2xRcI/AAAAAAAANdI/F9uU4jqsVuIOgp4V9DAsOdhlNfZcZyKFwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vqxsrJRrhZU/YTz5_T2xRcI/AAAAAAAANdI/F9uU4jqsVuIOgp4V9DAsOdhlNfZcZyKFwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2888.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Kyle waiting for his bride. He does not look nervous at all does he!? The look he had on his face when she appeared in the door was so beautiful. The love on that man's face is what every mom hopes to see.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thv6auD02hs/YTz6u3R4FqI/AAAAAAAANdQ/MpUFff5XSQo9efitw4wJBPSnPuP2R1l3gCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-thv6auD02hs/YTz6u3R4FqI/AAAAAAAANdQ/MpUFff5XSQo9efitw4wJBPSnPuP2R1l3gCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2891.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Here she comes! The smile did not leave her face the entire day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNIrqsOsL-Q/YTz7AI9IF7I/AAAAAAAANdY/8c0h42TLt1Qu_r71oqmRQ67T4pGBzm3uwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sNIrqsOsL-Q/YTz7AI9IF7I/AAAAAAAANdY/8c0h42TLt1Qu_r71oqmRQ67T4pGBzm3uwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2896.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>You can sort of see the look on Kyle's face. He said she was simply breath-taking! See why I did not wear any make-up?!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2q0Z9C33bJs/YTz7S5Nw32I/AAAAAAAANdg/Z7xRAnp3V343xNdcc4GaeY_QXQiHaQ3IwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2q0Z9C33bJs/YTz7S5Nw32I/AAAAAAAANdg/Z7xRAnp3V343xNdcc4GaeY_QXQiHaQ3IwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2898.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Successful handoff! My husband did have tears in his eyes once he handed her off to Kyle. He would never admit it, so do not say anything. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-uGCv92Nx4/YTz7qj2KSsI/AAAAAAAANdo/wV_EUIzh_8QDsHdKfACrMX8id6JgDu6KgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2905.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O-uGCv92Nx4/YTz7qj2KSsI/AAAAAAAANdo/wV_EUIzh_8QDsHdKfACrMX8id6JgDu6KgCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2905.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div>Look at them! Oh be still my heart! I love these two so much. See them becoming man and wife has added so much joy to our lives. I honestly did not know how I would feel when it actually came time for it.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-disG1fI1rSQ/YTz8Fw0XzDI/AAAAAAAANdw/GBNzd2GBeTMNsPOb21exVANejsfWuuoVwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-disG1fI1rSQ/YTz8Fw0XzDI/AAAAAAAANdw/GBNzd2GBeTMNsPOb21exVANejsfWuuoVwCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2940.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>This is the moment we have all been waiting for ! The moment they are pronounced husband and wife!<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0s-jqcmSAQA/YTz8YVlsEZI/AAAAAAAANd4/tquE3SgOSwgZaQjiqfftYevrQ8YtMW9kACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2941.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0s-jqcmSAQA/YTz8YVlsEZI/AAAAAAAANd4/tquE3SgOSwgZaQjiqfftYevrQ8YtMW9kACLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2941.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>AHHHHH! The moment every bride and groom wait for....the first kiss. I mentioned before that my son was the operator of the camera. One thing I told him was he MUST capture the first kiss. His little "gag" face made me laugh. But he did it! Then this was the very next shot.....<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2kaYmV8Wx0/YTz8yBdtM0I/AAAAAAAANeA/LCdC6bPd31QPUmWWmYeFbJVUdp5oU54NQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z2kaYmV8Wx0/YTz8yBdtM0I/AAAAAAAANeA/LCdC6bPd31QPUmWWmYeFbJVUdp5oU54NQCLcBGAsYHQ/w320-h213/IMG_2935.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>HAHAHAHAHAHA! Typical Andrew! <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj8B5ONj4ic/YTz9EVji0YI/AAAAAAAANeI/lryVDZGaJKE10YHQQTvILBm4HRojxDmjwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2958.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fj8B5ONj4ic/YTz9EVji0YI/AAAAAAAANeI/lryVDZGaJKE10YHQQTvILBm4HRojxDmjwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_2958.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>The bridal party.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0A_gyuRDXs/YTz9eVF-kLI/AAAAAAAANeQ/UaJbTeIFNrcUEYHYzynD0IFMIRX-u-0fQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-O0A_gyuRDXs/YTz9eVF-kLI/AAAAAAAANeQ/UaJbTeIFNrcUEYHYzynD0IFMIRX-u-0fQCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/IMG_2966.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEEeC0oNWeU/YT0A5-EUZeI/AAAAAAAANic/7Vn18JD3jOgD-1Q3qSwxDKJ9E3b8EVZMgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3349.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EEEeC0oNWeU/YT0A5-EUZeI/AAAAAAAANic/7Vn18JD3jOgD-1Q3qSwxDKJ9E3b8EVZMgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_3349.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgGtdf0ee4o/YT0A6urAtFI/AAAAAAAANig/vqfHlP5xPGg0Px68RbnMlqL8xp7KEzhpwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgGtdf0ee4o/YT0A6urAtFI/AAAAAAAANig/vqfHlP5xPGg0Px68RbnMlqL8xp7KEzhpwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_3357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvrOv0cAUT0/YT0A8tfSyDI/AAAAAAAANik/Pq6FWbsTxbUnPYxXulbZipuyQW6P2d5AwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3361.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvrOv0cAUT0/YT0A8tfSyDI/AAAAAAAANik/Pq6FWbsTxbUnPYxXulbZipuyQW6P2d5AwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_3361.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mxHM0JJVnQ/YT0A8va1MtI/AAAAAAAANio/FpS1Hb6onhgAfxPNqb9_kuP-A-WJH3rVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1mxHM0JJVnQ/YT0A8va1MtI/AAAAAAAANio/FpS1Hb6onhgAfxPNqb9_kuP-A-WJH3rVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h266/IMG_3366.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>We are so blessed to now have another son! I pray many blessings to Katrina and Kyle (My son-in-love). If you have a moment could you please remember to pray for this young couple as they navigate the first year of marriage.<br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-16380675028245604572021-05-03T05:00:00.004-04:002021-05-03T05:00:00.201-04:00Happy at Home!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27VV_aZwBSM/YI80C9441sI/AAAAAAAANPs/67Qk7M83tKkDBRbuo95IveObwheNEEEYwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/HHMjan2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27VV_aZwBSM/YI80C9441sI/AAAAAAAANPs/67Qk7M83tKkDBRbuo95IveObwheNEEEYwCLcBGAsYHQ/w266-h400/HHMjan2020.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>Good Morning! Well praise the Lord we are all healed and able to return to our normal lives again. I must admit I have mixed emotions about the whole thing. I really enjoyed being at home the past 10 days, unable to go anywhere. I am thankful my husband and son have seemed to recover fully from COVID. So alas, all "good" things must come to an end. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my job and having the ability to work at home the past 2 weeks was a huge blessing. I do cherish the weekends, because I get to tinker around the house cleaning, baking and just being with my family.<p></p><p>I am linking up with Sandra over at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diary of a Stay at Home Mom</a> for this Happy Homemaker.</p><p><br /></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">The Weather</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">We going to be in the Mid 50 to 60's most of the week. With the 30's in the evenings. Looks like a lot of rain headed our way also. Welcome to Spring in Western NY! </p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">How I am feeling this morning</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am tired. It will probably take a while for us to get back into the routine of getting up with an alarm again. We were all sleeping in the past 10 days. But I am so ready for the routine again. I really have missed all of my co-workers.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">On the breakfast plate</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">A couple of eggs, bacon and a piece of toast.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">On my reading pile</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">For Christmas my husband got me a cookbook I have always wanted. It is a 1975 edition. So I will be picking a few recipes out of this to make this week. Yesterday I made a Pecan Pie out of this. It was the first time I had made one. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGN9czFk9jQ/YI83XDx5dOI/AAAAAAAANP4/PSf7O8bY1pIbfoGjaAPcBBm6uEVQxrPuwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210502_155025%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGN9czFk9jQ/YI83XDx5dOI/AAAAAAAANP4/PSf7O8bY1pIbfoGjaAPcBBm6uEVQxrPuwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/20210502_155025%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">On my tv</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">I am going to be watching a few shows I recorded from the past week. </p><p class="MsoNormal"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The Waltons</li><li>Little House on the Prairie </li><li><a href="https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/aurora-teagarden-movies" target="_blank">Aurora Teagarden</a><u> </u> This is a Hallmark Mystery series that star Candace Cameron Bure. She is a librarian that loves to solve murder mysteries.</li><li><a href="https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/chronicle-mysteries" target="_blank">Chronicle Mysteries</a> This is another Hallmark Mystery series of movies. This one stars Alison Sweeney who does true crime podcasts and helps solve the mysteries. </li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">On the menu this week</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Monday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Sloppy Joes</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tuesday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Chicken something....I have not really decided yet. May tacos.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Wednesday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Chili or Hamburger Stew</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thursday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Chicken, bacon ranch with potatoes in the instant pot.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Hamburgers and Hot dogs on the grill</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Saturday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Hannah's birthday so we will be eating out.</span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Sunday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 11.5pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> - Not sure yet.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Looking around the house</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Since we have all been home the past 10 days and me still having to work 8 hours and care for my sick family, lets just say it looks lived in!</p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #b45f06; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #b45f06; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">To relax this week, I will</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #b45f06; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lrGAHr_TXk/YI86cOq5ctI/AAAAAAAANQA/dcNCxFs72ygqKbCes83CtarQcczJWUOmgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210501_091217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2lrGAHr_TXk/YI86cOq5ctI/AAAAAAAANQA/dcNCxFs72ygqKbCes83CtarQcczJWUOmgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/20210501_091217.jpg" width="480" /></a></u></div><u><br /></u>I will sit outside and enjoy God's creation.<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Something I want to share</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u></u></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-femZLg_0y8Q/YI86oIu2GHI/AAAAAAAANQE/AlQdHi7Jq-AtncThF6Dvk0uqUCUr7vuIQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/20210429_083618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-femZLg_0y8Q/YI86oIu2GHI/AAAAAAAANQE/AlQdHi7Jq-AtncThF6Dvk0uqUCUr7vuIQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/20210429_083618.jpg" width="480" /></a></u></div><u><br /></u>This was the first year since my daughter was born we were not able to spend a lot of time together on her birthday due to our quarantine. I was heartbroken and cried a lot. She came up with the idea of her coming over and we could just visit through the window. I did end up going outside and sitting on the porch with her. My mom was so kind enough to come up and take my daughter out for her birthday. I cannot believe she is 27 years old!! Seems like yesterday I was bringing her home. <p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Devotional, inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal">Ephesians 6:11-13</p><p class="MsoNormal">"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to sand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand."</p><br /><p></p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-40866846148532751972021-04-30T09:21:00.000-04:002021-04-30T09:21:06.834-04:00Quarantine Thoughts<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kN5kuVV987s/UMUazn30sNI/AAAAAAAAGKI/Kqqt5LxOrA4cf7L39teNbZRu_7MPbT_lgCPcBGAYYCw/s3456/002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kN5kuVV987s/UMUazn30sNI/AAAAAAAAGKI/Kqqt5LxOrA4cf7L39teNbZRu_7MPbT_lgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h266/002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>Well after today our quarantine is officially over. It has been a very long 10 days. I would love to sit here and tell you I had a great amount of spiritual growth. Sadly, this is not the case. For the first few days I was grouchy, tired and just plain miserable. The enemy wasted no time getting to me after only a few hours. The Bible clearly tells us that Satan will seek us out, especially when we take our eyes off of Jesus. I was thinking more about MY inconvenience in this quarantine and not what God wanted to show me. I had become SO focused on my inconveniences. Looking back I am so thankful for this time. One way we can know we are walking in the will of our Heavenly Father, is the amount of fiery trials thrown our way. When we are walking with the Lord we become a major threat to the enemy. Over the past 15 years I thought I had grown a lot. This quarantine has shown me exactly how much I have to go. Which is a good thing. We should never stop learning about our Lord. It wasn't until we were "locked down" that I really started to see what bondage remained in my heart. I may not have realized it but the enemy did. There are so many things in my past I still struggle with. When we get completely quiet these things tend to resurface. Strange thing about traumatic events in our past is that we tend to add to or take away from the event. Not necessarily on purpose, or to add to the event. Satan came very close to winning this battle within me. I will share more on the past events at a latter date. These events happened while I was working as an EMT. I am not without scars of these events. God has used them to remind me of where I have been and where I never want to return.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NsQhhuUL3w/VaeEWDdHFqI/AAAAAAAAMGw/LGnKxg-9yKQYEU0NcMNemTA84tC55zWVQCPcBGAYYCw/s2048/IMG_8355.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8NsQhhuUL3w/VaeEWDdHFqI/AAAAAAAAMGw/LGnKxg-9yKQYEU0NcMNemTA84tC55zWVQCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h266/IMG_8355.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I think this is why I love spring. No matter how bad the winter was the flowers, trees and plants return. Usually after a very difficult winter the flowers seem to bloom brighter and stronger. I feel that is the same with my Christian walk. The enemy may knock me down time and time again, but I will continue to get back up and walk the path that God has for me. </p><p>Psalm 92:7 "When the wicked spring up like grass, And when all the workers of iniquity flourish, It is that they may be destroyed forever."</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwUQuc-OmTw/UDfbabJcTzI/AAAAAAAAFDw/mnnFspGIJm8nAErrk_h4tOLK1ws9zTiQgCPcBGAYYCw/s3456/048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="3456" height="266" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lwUQuc-OmTw/UDfbabJcTzI/AAAAAAAAFDw/mnnFspGIJm8nAErrk_h4tOLK1ws9zTiQgCPcBGAYYCw/w400-h266/048.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>When we bloom where we are planted we will shine the light of Jesus right where we are. I started asking the Lord to show me daily what He would like me to learn during this time. Although, I was able to continue working from home I had no commute time (which is usually 40 mins one way daily). </p><p>Psalm 25:4-7</p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 20.4pt; margin-left: 12pt; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">"Show
me Your ways, O <span style="font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span>; Teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, For You <i>are</i> the God of my salvation; On You I wait all the day. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">Remember, O </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">, Your
tender mercies and Your lovingkindnesses, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">For they </span><i style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">are</i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;"> from of old. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">Do not remember the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions; </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">According to Your mercy remember me, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">For Your goodness’ sake, O </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 9pt;">."</span></p><p>The above verse has become a daily verse for me. I read or say this to myself before I even let my feet hit the floor. I am so thankful for the time the Lord has given my family and I to just close our doors and re-connect as a family. Yes we had our moments of being tired of each other. But overall I think we grew closer during this time. I have a greater appreciation for my family. Seeing my husband so sick really made me fearful. I turned him over into God's hands. I have always been a "fixer" by nature. It was so hard to watch him become out of breath with just the smallest of tasks like walking to the bathroom. I am happy to say yesterday he seemed to finally turn the corner. I just pray now that there is no lasting damage done to his lungs. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S2gRviLgXzI" width="320" youtube-src-id="S2gRviLgXzI"></iframe></div><br /><p>The above video is of a song I heard last week. The Lore Family "Keep Praying". Even when it seems so dark, keep praying to Him. He hears our prayers. Even in our waiting times. </p><p>Until next time. Keep your focus on Him. He will be right beside you walking your through every moment, every trial and temptation life throws your way. I will never have it ALL together. But when I keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus I know I will be ok.</p>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-73218135877147960592021-04-26T13:53:00.000-04:002021-04-26T13:53:03.601-04:00Happy at Home!<p> My soul is most content when I am at home. Puttering around the house, cooking, cleaning and just loving on my family. Alas, that is not possible in this current stage of life we are in. That is ok! I just really look forward to the weekends where I can do just that. BUT for the past almost 2 weeks we have been in quarantine at home due to COVID. I am working from home, but because I do not have to commute, my "free time" is a bit more the past few days. When I am able I will participate in Sandra's Homemaker posts. I have changed the title up a bit, because it seems to suit my current situation. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEQ1ArOoUSk/YIb3z8UUuGI/AAAAAAAANOo/luQpLQDHmn0a7_3AcaJKadNs9mYlEBtPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/HHMjan2020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1066" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEQ1ArOoUSk/YIb3z8UUuGI/AAAAAAAANOo/luQpLQDHmn0a7_3AcaJKadNs9mYlEBtPgCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/HHMjan2020.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">The Weather</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>The weather here in NY is finally showing spring. We are a bit chilly today, around 48 degrees. The rest of the week seems to be a little warmer. Makes me really want to get out and soak up the sunshine!<p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">How I am feeling this morning</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>I am feeling pretty well this morning. I had a great night sleep for the first time in over a week. My son and husband contracted COVID so I have been caring for them. Putting my EMT skills to use again. The past week has been very difficult. <p></p><p><u><span style="background: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">♥♥</span><span style="background: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">On the breakfast
plate</span><span style="background: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">♥♥</span></u></p><p>Our church family has been providing meals to us since my son and husband's diagnosis. So this morning I had a bowl of a wonderful yogurt and fruit dish a friend brought. I have not been hungry the past few mornings. </p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">On my reading pile</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>On top of all the COVID stuff I have been dealing with, I am currently working towards becoming a Certified Biblical Counselor. I am one class away from being finished with the "learning" portion of the training. Then I have to submit my exam for Theology and Counseling. So my reading list consists of:<p></p><p>"The Christian Counselor's Manual"</p><p>"Counseling the Hard Cases"</p><p>I am also reviewing a few potential bible studies for our fall ladies bible study at church. One is "Woven" by Angie Smith. The other one is "In His Image" by Jen Wilkin</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">On my tv</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #e06666; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>We have been enjoying:<p></p><p>The Middle</p><p>The Waltons</p><p>Various crime shows we enjoy watching.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">On the menu this week</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px;">We are having a week of comfort foods! </span></span></p><p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;">Monday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> - Hotdogs wrapped in </span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-size: 15.3333px;">croissant</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 11.5pt;"> rolls and potato salad<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;">Tuesday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"> - I think someone from church is bringing supper<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;">Wednesday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"> - Chili<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;">Thursday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"> - Steak and baked potatoes<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;">Friday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"> - Chicken with stuffing<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;">Saturday</span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"> - Uncertain<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-left: 0in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sunday</span></span></b><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 11.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - Uncertain</span><span style="font-family: Merriweather, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Looking around the house</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #bf9000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>I am seeing left over stuff of the weekend. I have some dishes to put away. Laundry to put away. I have all of the windows open and trying to get rid of the germs here!<p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #b45f06; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #b45f06; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">To relax this week, I will</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #b45f06; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p>Head outside and just soak up the sunshine. We cannot leave our property at all due to quarantine. But we can just sit outside and enjoy each other.<p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Something I want to share</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #38761d; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></u></p>No matter what you are going through, take the time to smell the roses. The situation you are in will subside eventually. Take time to love on those around you!<p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><u><span style="background: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Merriweather",serif; font-size: 18.0pt;">Devotional, inspirational, prayer list or Bible verse</span></u><u><span style="background: white; color: #990000; font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji",sans-serif; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI Emoji";">♥♥<o:p></o:p></span></u></p><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXa95K8HAew/YIb86SBkN8I/AAAAAAAANOw/EtjkFKsvbUwdYg7g1ZFlAadGk1PgccsrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/124454759_10220258657130673_3812373286916586085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lXa95K8HAew/YIb86SBkN8I/AAAAAAAANOw/EtjkFKsvbUwdYg7g1ZFlAadGk1PgccsrQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/124454759_10220258657130673_3812373286916586085_n.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div>If you want to join along in this blog fun head on over to Sandra's blog at <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Diary of a Stay at Home Mom</a> to join in!</div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-89415892600031134182021-04-26T13:17:00.000-04:002021-04-26T13:17:19.130-04:00Dusting off and a little housekeeping!<p> Good Afternoon! I do not know if anyone out there will still be checking my blog. I'm back...at least for the next few days. We are dealing with a bit of COVID here, so I am working from home and caring for my family. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nGsn3w_LM0/YIbtd6Y83_I/AAAAAAAANNg/d7a_JaGTfmw5bu8aPk5tLn4YkhcLJE3zgCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/168994028_10221183731296949_3176066495472964065_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_nGsn3w_LM0/YIbtd6Y83_I/AAAAAAAANNg/d7a_JaGTfmw5bu8aPk5tLn4YkhcLJE3zgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/168994028_10221183731296949_3176066495472964065_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>My son and my husband both tested positive last week for COVID. We are praising the Lord that their symptoms so far have been very mild. My son has actually been cleared to return to work today. Andrew's symptoms were very mild. It was just as if he had a cold. He had been exposed at work and they sent him for a test. Low and behold he was positive. So that caused the rest of us in the house to be quarantined. We have been locked in the house since last week. Mid-week last week my husband's test results came back positive. UGH! His symptoms have been a little more than Andrew. He has had a low grade fever on and off, lost his sense of smell, headache and a cough. Today he seems a bit better and was able to sit outside today in the sunshine. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZjAwJPdgF4/YIbujwcX_xI/AAAAAAAANNo/ZNUvUkBQ3jwuELU2S3EU902UMO1mhi7vwCLcBGAsYHQ/s960/159302398_10221040131987056_3316914858875591727_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AZjAwJPdgF4/YIbujwcX_xI/AAAAAAAANNo/ZNUvUkBQ3jwuELU2S3EU902UMO1mhi7vwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/159302398_10221040131987056_3316914858875591727_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>I am fortunate that I am able to work from home. I usually work in the city. I cannot say I am missing my commute, but I do miss the people I work with. My boss and his wife (Owners of the company) are the best around. They have called and / or emailed me daily checking on us. They even sent supper to us on Friday. We are so blessed!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtJOQmAUJB8/YIbvCUhJ48I/AAAAAAAANNw/NY6MnO1HFs8wQAgM3AiK1tsiK0UL0Sk7QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1080/152741110_10220943990023567_7420373523673829752_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HtJOQmAUJB8/YIbvCUhJ48I/AAAAAAAANNw/NY6MnO1HFs8wQAgM3AiK1tsiK0UL0Sk7QCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/152741110_10220943990023567_7420373523673829752_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>In February we lost my grandmother to this horrible virus! So as you can imagine we are all on edge when it comes to COVID. One thing this horrible ordeal has taught us is that no matter what we are going through God is always in control. He is right there walking alongside of us, protecting us, and just watching out for us. He has placed us in a fantastic church that has been SO loving and caring on us. We have been filled by them not only physically, but spiritually as well. All of the food and groceries they have brought us has been such a blessing!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zCUWsjDuTI/YIbvxlooabI/AAAAAAAANN4/TfKLXxz9ZXoeNliYv0lu6L9q7FBH_psVACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/124454759_10220258657130673_3812373286916586085_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6zCUWsjDuTI/YIbvxlooabI/AAAAAAAANN4/TfKLXxz9ZXoeNliYv0lu6L9q7FBH_psVACLcBGAsYHQ/w476-h640/124454759_10220258657130673_3812373286916586085_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><p>Psalm 46 has been a comfort to me. Especially when I start to let the human side of me take over. I start to become overwhelmed and fearful of what might be coming. Yesterday was a big meltdown day for me! I have been struggling trying to do it all! Make sure the family is cared for, the house is clean (More than ever now with the germs) and work was complete. I just hit my breaking point yesterday. I needed to let go and let God take over. Otherwise, I was going to have a nervous breakdown.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78HhCGDXdHs/YIbwmJl9WxI/AAAAAAAANOA/LWQLkoK_HGImqYmCQW-rCMk3v92F1ctgACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/165639910_10221141858610158_4192186186795964435_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-78HhCGDXdHs/YIbwmJl9WxI/AAAAAAAANOA/LWQLkoK_HGImqYmCQW-rCMk3v92F1ctgACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h640/165639910_10221141858610158_4192186186795964435_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Throughout the "lock-down" we have been able to get some much needed work done around the house. Thankfully all of this happened or was schedule pre covid diagnosis. First up was the walnut tree that needed to come down. Sadly, much of it was already dead we couldn't salvage any of the wood. Just a few scraps for a fun project coming up. This tree has been a PAIN in my backside since I was a kid! Every fall having to go out and pick up the hundreds of walnuts that had fallen. We are still little by little getting the tree cleaned up. What a mess! But OH the dreams and plans I have for our backyard!! I am already giddy over getting things cleaned up! I have gardens and fruit trees and vines planned!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qlu_dK5N0sU/YIbxrrUhG6I/AAAAAAAANOI/WM24mbrgx_UAz0WkxktTQAEmkVbHP48-ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/128342026_10220376716042072_753489583744175038_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qlu_dK5N0sU/YIbxrrUhG6I/AAAAAAAANOI/WM24mbrgx_UAz0WkxktTQAEmkVbHP48-ACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/128342026_10220376716042072_753489583744175038_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My kids are doing pretty good. My eldest Katrina is now living on her own with her Fiancé right here in town. Her birthday is this Thursday. But for the first time since she was born we will not be together at all for her birthday. I am so sad about this, since we are in quarantine. Hannah was in quarantine with us until today. She was cleared to return to her programs at ARC. She was thrilled to be able to leave the house today. HAHA! Andrew is fully recovered and headed back to work this morning. He has finally landed the job of his dreams. The company he works for has treated him so wonderfully with all of this COVID stuff. I am so proud of each of my kids. They have all turned out to be fantastic young adults.<div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtINuVcXXiE/YIby-PBK1GI/AAAAAAAANOQ/6QItB2Kltuwd09Z9EiOvxqW3NtDYAx7mACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/137616271_10220655115521885_537149872427199481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rtINuVcXXiE/YIby-PBK1GI/AAAAAAAANOQ/6QItB2Kltuwd09Z9EiOvxqW3NtDYAx7mACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/137616271_10220655115521885_537149872427199481_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /> <br /><p>With all of life coming to a screeching halt I found myself yearning for a return to a simple life. We used our quarantine time to reconnect with each other. We played board games, put our phones away and just talked around the supper table. Sad that it took a quarantine to make us do this. But sometimes God has to go to extreme measures to get our attention.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEy-Kje85v0/YIbzlf-O9BI/AAAAAAAANOY/T0Le6C9SIDMmuAEAd447DTivykklWljkACLcBGAsYHQ/s960/125402520_10220296967328404_4943135666471438777_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JEy-Kje85v0/YIbzlf-O9BI/AAAAAAAANOY/T0Le6C9SIDMmuAEAd447DTivykklWljkACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/125402520_10220296967328404_4943135666471438777_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><p>We joked this past weekend, that we are going to need a wider door when we are finally "released". I got my cookbooks out and have picked a few fun recipes I want to try. I am going to make myself slow down and enjoy every moment God allows me to have. I now know why people often say, "Stop and smell the roses". They bloom for a moment then wither away. As I type this the sunshine is coming through my office window, birds are singing and spring is making its appearance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c72FBcXYplE/YIb0U3GhUbI/AAAAAAAANOg/h6K-3dLWHCwj5BjC6BStGRus-S6lSdWmACLcBGAsYHQ/s1440/137332368_10220641223734599_6145926444254000438_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1072" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c72FBcXYplE/YIb0U3GhUbI/AAAAAAAANOg/h6K-3dLWHCwj5BjC6BStGRus-S6lSdWmACLcBGAsYHQ/w476-h640/137332368_10220641223734599_6145926444254000438_n.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><p>What has everyone been up to this past year? I am hoping to reconnect with many of you again. I am anxious to share things the Lord lays on my heart each day. Even if it is just a photo or a thought. Stay safe everyone!</p></div>Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-60941786347843706512020-04-13T18:09:00.002-04:002020-04-15T07:15:41.480-04:00Happy Home Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you want to see more HHM posts go on over to Sandra's <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">blog</a> to read more.</div>
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The Weather...I am listening to the wind howling outside as I type this up. We are expecting 70 mph wind gusts here. <o:p></o:p></div>
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How I am feeling this morning...anxious, worried and everything that goes along with this. My grandmother was diagnosed with COVID-19 and is in the hospital. It really stinks she is there without family. We are all taking turns video chatting her and calling her on the phone. Seems to lift everyone's spirits.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On my mind...my grandmother, my dad as he has had to go take care of my grandfather, my aunt and uncle who had to be quarantined because they had contact with my grandmother.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the breakfast plate...just had coffee this morning. Have not really felt like eating this morning.</div>
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On my reading pile..."Spencer's Mountain" the book that The Walton's is based one. I've also been reading a lot more of my Bible, finding comfort in this crazy world.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On my TV...The Walton's, Wartime Farm (off YouTube), Bringing Up Bates.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On the menu this week...<o:p></o:p></div>
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Monday~ Sloppy Joes on Buns for my family and over Spaghetti Squash for me.</div>
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Tuesday~ Ham and bean soup using the ham bone left over from Easter Supper.</div>
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Wednesday~ Ham Tetrazzini with Spaghetti Squash</div>
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Thursday~ Chicken </div>
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Friday~ Usually order out</div>
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From the camera...<o:p></o:p></div>
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Looking around the house... I have candles lit, I am enjoying the peacefulness of home. Especially with all the chaos going on outside. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Chore I’m not looking forward to today, or this week...cleaning the bathrooms. Really, does anyone really enjoy that task? I find myself cleaning our bathrooms daily now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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To relax this week, I will...grab my camera. I am really starting to reconnect with things I enjoy doing. Life is way too short to neglect what you enjoy. I really wish I could stay home all the time. But my job requires me to go into the office.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On my prayer list...My grandmother, dad, grandfather, aunt and uncle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Devotional/Bible Verse...<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span class="passage-display-bcv" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; display: inline; font-size: 18px; margin: 0px; padding-right: 6px;">Psalm 94:19</span></h1>
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<span class="text Ps-94-19" id="en-NKJV-15451" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><span class="versenum" style="box-sizing: border-box; display: block; font-family: "arial"; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; left: -4.4em; line-height: 22px; position: absolute; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">19 </span>In the multitude of my anxieties within me,</span><br />
<span class="text Ps-94-19" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;">Your comforts delight my soul.</span></div>
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-43565821497596701032020-04-09T19:23:00.003-04:002020-04-09T19:23:58.104-04:00Cinnamon Bundt Cake in my Grandmother's Pan<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With all of this virus pandemic going on around us I have felt the urge to create comfort in my home. When the raging winds outside blow I want my family to know they can always come home and feel safe. My Grandmother gave me a bunch of her kitchen items before she passed away. One of my treasured items is this Bundt pan. No matter the season my Grandmother made EVERYONE feel comfortable and safe. Maybe that is why I love making her recipes. Something about the smell of this cake that just transports me back to her kitchen, standing on a stool helping her make something.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Cinnamon Bundt Cake</u></b></span><br />
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1 cup softened butter<br />
2 3/4 cup sugar, divided<br />
2 teaspoons Vanilla<br />
4 eggs<br />
3 cups flour<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon salt<br />
2 cups sour cream or Greek Yogurt<br />
2 tablespoons cinnamon<br />
1/2 walnuts chopped<br />
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Cream together butter and 2 cups of sugar until fluffy. Add in the vanilla. Add eggs in one at a time and mix until each is incorporated. In a separate bowl combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the dry mixture into the egg/sugar mixture alternately with the sour cream / yogurt. Mix just enough so it is incorporated and the batter is smooth. Mix the cinnamon, nut and remaining sugar in a small bowl. Spoon 1/3 of the batter into the pan. Sprinkle with the cinnamon mixture. Then add more batter, then cinnamon mixture. Continue doing this until the batter and cinnamon mixture is used up. Bake for 70 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.<br />
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What kinds of things bring you comfort in times of trials? Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-87862866687485787342020-04-06T06:00:00.000-04:002020-04-06T06:00:08.909-04:00Happy Homemaker Monday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It has been in FOREVER since I did one of these posts. Thank you <a href="https://familycorner.blogspot.com/">Sandra</a> for hosing this so faithfully! I certainly have missed it. I really miss being home on a regular basis. Seasons change as does our lives. Just because I work outside of the home does not mean I am not still a homemaker. I am looking forward to reconnecting with my blogger friends.<br />
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Lets get started shall we....<br />
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The Weather.... is typical NY spring weather. We have temperatures in the low 60's for much of the week then we are back into cold/snow towards the end of the week. <br />
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How I am feeling this morning.... pretty sore. We worked outside all weekend cleaning up getting ready to plant our gardens.<br />
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On my mind... probably exactly what everyone else has on their minds. This virus, the country, the world, how will our world look once this virus runs its course. So many uncertainties lie ahead of us. One thing is for certain, God is already there. He has already gone ahead of us. We need to just keep pushing on through. Not easy I know.<br />
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On the Breakfast Plate... I made a coffee cake yesterday. So I am having a slice of that with my coffee as I catch up on blogs.<br />
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On my reading pile.... magazines mostly. Country Woman, Back Woods Living, Mary Janes Farm. I am also reading <i>Attitudes of a Transformed Heart</i> by Martha Peace.<br />
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On my TV.... we are watching a lot of The Waltons and Little House on the Prairie.<br />
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On the Menu this week...<br />
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<li>Monday - Roast</li>
<li>Tuesday- Chicken</li>
<li>Wednesday- Lasagna (kids will all be here to decorate Easter eggs)</li>
<li>Thursday-Stir Fry- Beef and Broccoli</li>
<li>Friday- Most likely order out someplace.</li>
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From the Camera....<br />
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I have been in such a baking mood lately. It brings me great joy when I am able to create these goodies for my family. I made some cinnamon rolls. I used the recipe my grandmother gave me years ago. Funny how simple recipes can really help you connect with loved ones who are no longer with us.<br />
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Looking around the house.... I see the remnants of the weekend. Boots left by the front door, coats draped over the dining room chairs, dog toys on the floor. <br />
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Chore I am not looking forward to today, or this week....Cleaning out our backroom. It really needs to be done. We just keep putting it off. Now that we cannot go anywhere after work, or on the weekends we have no more excuse. Garbage day is Tuesday so I usually try to get a few items tossed before then.<br />
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To relax this week I will...BLOG! I cannot tell you enough how much I have missed this. I really don't even care if anyone is out there reading this. Something so therapeutic about putting my thoughts down on a daily basis that will really help me relax.<br />
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On my prayer list.... our country, President, family to not catch this thing! My grandparents who are not doing well health-wise and my Aunt who is caring for them.<br />
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Devotional / Bible Verse....<i>"Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them, for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.</i> ~ Deuteronomy 31:6<br />
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Be strong....those words are so difficult this day and age. The past few weeks I am tired of being strong. I do not know what the future holds, heck I don't even know what tomorrow holds! As we head into Easter this week we must remember that no matter how dark it seems outside, the Light is coming! Our church's might be empty this Sunday, but so is the Tomb!<br />
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<br />Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-59604284382666214912020-04-05T20:33:00.001-04:002020-04-05T20:33:21.563-04:00Times Are Changing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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WOW I am not certain there is anyone out there anymore following my blog. We shall see once this is published. With the current state of the world I have had this overwhelming urge to get back to things I enjoy. Writing on this blog is one of those things. We have become so wrapped up into the day to day tasks we forget the things around us. The Covid-19 virus has forced us all to stop fast and slow down. My husband and I are still working so we are blessed by that. I am working for a real estate title company and were deemed essential when this all started happening. My husband's employment is also secure (at least at the time of this writing) as they build items necessary for our electricity.<br />
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The past month I have stepped back and realized I had given up on so many things I enjoy. Creating an inviting home, gardening, photography and blogging/writing. We no longer have a large area to have a big garden, but the Lord has supplied us with enough. ENOUGH! As Americans I don't think we even know what that means. Philippians 4:19 says, "<i>And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." </i> I don't know about you but I almost always look to myself to supply what I need. I have not given it another thought. <br />
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I am looking forward to updating and writing here as often as I can. I would like to do it everyday, but that might not be possible. Even in the times we are living in work has been pretty busy. I pray everyone is safe and able to cope with this virus that has hit our world. Things will be forever changed after this is over. Change can be good. We just need to embrace it and move forward. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-91220243058181373062019-03-03T18:30:00.001-05:002019-03-03T18:30:43.670-05:00Long time no speak!Hello there blogging land!<br />
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It has been forever since my last post. SO much has happened to us since that last post. Our family has gone through so many changes. I have gone through many changes. <br />
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Where to start?<br />
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Earlier this year my ambulance agency closed due to money issues. This state has made it almost impossible for EMS agencies to continue. I am very sad to not be doing EMS any longer. But all good things must come to an end.<br />
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I have joined my local Volunteer Fire Department, but have not had much time to dedicated to it. Hopefully that will change now that the dust here at home has settled. We have a wonderful group of men and women who serve in the fire service here. I cannot wait to get started again.<br />
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This leads me to the biggest change that has happened to me personally. Over the past few years I had let my health take the back burner. I really got serious about it after having to do CPR on a friends dad. I did not want any of my fellow first responders to have to do this to me. I was going to do everything in my power to become healthier. I am happy to report that I have lost 100 pounds. <br />
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I have never felt better! The journey is not over. This is a daily thing i have to work on. I have to be careful of what I put in my mouth. I also have to workout everyday. <br />
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More changes have come about this year for us....<br />
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In January my son moved into his own place. He got a job on a local farm and they had housing. He is doing very well and absolutely loves his job! He is learning so much about farming and crops. This is what he was born to do. He also just last weekend bought his dream truck. A big dodge one. <br />
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Also, just this weekend my oldest moved into her own place! UGH why do they have to grow up and be so darn independent??? I am so proud of Katrina. She has worked so very hard to get where she is. All the while there were many who kept knocking her down. She has proved them all wrong. <br />
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We still have one at home. She has been struggling with her siblings moving out. So we are trying to love on her as much as she will let us. She has school full time so I am happy about that. <br />
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Now that our kids are grown we struggled with finding things for them for Christmas. So this year we decided to make memories instead of gifts. We took a trip to NYC. We had the best time and the weather was great. This is a trip we will take again. There was so many people but each of us had a good time. Saw all kinds of sights and ate all kinds of great food.<br />
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We have been in a deep freeze here this winter. It has been cold and snowy for the last month. I believe the news said we have about 85 inches so far this year. It was all pretty until I starting working full time again and have a 30 minute commute each day. Speaking of that, I am now working full time again in the city for a real estate abstract company. Ironically, it is the same one I worked for before my sister got sick. I decided to give my old boss a call one day to see if he was hiring. He indeed was hiring, so I went in and he hired me! I absolutely love my job. Next to being a wife and mom this rates at the top of my list.<br />
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I really hope I can get back to blogging more and more now that I have time to myself. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-13991415917785733042018-08-30T13:49:00.001-04:002018-08-30T13:49:29.050-04:00I Certainly Miss Blogging!!Good Afternoon!<br />
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It has been ages since I have updated all of you. SO much has happened this past year it is crazy. My head is still spinning. We have officially completed our homeschooling. Our son graduated at the top of the class in Abeka Academy. We could not be more proud of him. We are not certain what is next for him. He has decided not to pursue the military at this time. I am ok with that. He is working full time for a local company and likes it ok. He is actually exploring different colleges. YES that surprised us as well. HAHA! He really loves agriculture so is leaning towards a degree in Agriculture Engineering. I didn't even know that was a degree. <br />
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My daughter Katrina has started her 3rd year at a local university. The program she is in is for those with Developmental Disabilities. She likes it "ok". She goes but honestly is not really into learning. This program is great because it will give her job skills. I just pray she will put forth the effort so she can gain employment at the end. We shall see. On another note she is engaged to Kyle. This was the night he treated us to supper. Little did I know that he was going to purpose to her! YIKES how did we get to this season of life?? No date set has been set.<br />
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Hannah has been accepted into the same program as Katrina. She is a freshman and is loving everything about going to college. She is embracing everything and loves to tell us everything she learned at school. Warms my heart. She has made many new friends, and sees friends she has not seen in a long while. <br />
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My husband has been diagnosed with a neurological disease that affects the arms and legs. He now has braces he must wear at work and other times. Mainly work. He is taking it all in stride and has not let it get him down. He just keeps plugging along. We are learning to not take things for granted because it will change in an instant. He is currently working towards becoming a personal trainer so he can help others in a similar situation.<br />
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Lastly, many changes have been happening to me. I have been working on myself and my health a lot this year. I am VERY happy to say that I have lost 70 pounds. I have gone from a size 24 to a 16!! I feel amazing! Better than I have in years. I am at a lower weight than when I had my kids. I have always been overweight. At my physical last year I was told I was headed towards diabetes. Something that scared the heck out of me. It was that statement that really made me start working hard on getting my health under control. I still have a ways to go, but am so happy! Now that the kids are all doing their own thing, I am starting a new job Monday as a medical records specialist. I am really looking forward to it. <br />
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So that is our last year in a nutshell. We are living life and enjoying every moment! It has been a lot of struggles but none that God has not brought us through.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-57296941912304231812018-03-07T11:28:00.001-05:002018-03-07T11:28:30.322-05:00It has been a long time!It has been such a long time since I posted anything here. Our lives had become so busy I had neglected the things that really bring me joy! All of my photography, blogging, cooking had taken a back burner to life. Life is way too short to spend all of your time trying to make a living you neglect your hobbies. I have been working so much I had forgotten what it was like to just sit down at the computer and post on my blog. So if I have any readers left, please leave me a comment or message letting me know. <br />
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I have returned to my love of being in the kitchen. I have put social media on a drastic diet. I was so interested in what others were doing that I was neglecting the people right in front of me. I am trying to return to my love of everything home. Just because I work outside of the home does not mean I cannot continue sharing my home with you.<br />
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So much has happened in our family since I last wrote here. My eldest daughter has been going to college not far from here. She is doing a program for those with developmental disabilities. We are so proud of her!! Life has not been easy for her, but when she is knocked down she gets right back up and continues on her way. She has had a photograph published in a campus magazine, and will have a poem published as well! <br />
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Our middle daughter will start the same program in August. She is so excited about it! She has already started the countdown and planning what she will wear to school. Haha! <br />
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Our son has finished up his schooling for the most part. We are truly never done with our education are we? He has continued with his dream of being a fire fighter. He has decided not to join the military at this time, I can't say I am sad about that. He has started the state training for fire fighting and is doing very well with it! <br />
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It feels good to get back to things I enjoy. It seems like when I am happy, the rest of the house is happy as well. We are anxiously awaiting our favorite museum to open up for the season. There is nothing like the smell of a hearth and the meals that await the families that "live" in the homes. I love the sounds of the birds singing away as we stroll through the village. <br />
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It is the simple tasks in life I seem to always return to. The ones I spent so much time complaining about doing. We recently said goodbye to my grandmother. She is the one who really gave me the love of everything home. So perhaps it was all of the memories I have that really has brought me back. Life is really too short to put off today what we want to do.<br />
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<span id="goog_534059338"></span><span id="goog_534059339"></span>So if you have read this far into my post thank you! I am looking forward to sharing more with you. Might not be very interesting, but I will always share my heart with you.Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-71829338012790921322016-01-01T19:48:00.001-05:002016-01-01T19:48:31.658-05:00My poor neglected blog, and 2016 GoalsMy poor little blog has been sorely neglected the past few months. I have not forgotten about my blog. Life had just become so busy I did not have a lot of down time. Thank you all for the kind emails I have received checking on me. I really do have wonderful readers. A few of you have asked me what I have been up to. Well I am settling into my job with the ambulance. I have also received a few requests to do a series of posts about the life of a new EMT. So those will be coming soon. I pray everyone had wonderful holidays. <br />
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Our Thanksgiving was very nice. We went to my sisters and had a delicious dinner. It seems like the time from Thanksgiving until New Years goes by so fast. It becomes all a blur no matter how much you attempt to slow it down.<br />
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Christmas was very nice. We spent most of the day at home just the 5 of us. Had our traditional Overnight Caramel French Toast. <br />
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We then had a nice time with my siblings and parents. We have removed all the Christmas decorations and they are once again put away. The house feels so empty. <br />
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Now onto the New Year! I do not typically make resolutions. I instead set goals for myself. This year I have 2 major ones.<br />
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My first one is to continue my weight loss journey. In 2015 I lost 50 pounds. I do have to admit I have slacked off a great deal since October. But that is all behind me. I am going to be starting up the 21 Day Fix again. I found a nice journal online that I was able to adapt to fit the fix.<br />
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This journal I will be able to keep track of everything I eat and drink. There is also a spot for my progress measurements and photographs. I did have to highlight the columns so I could keep track of my containers from the 21 Day Fix.<br />
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I am looking forward to getting rid of the junk from my body. I still feel really good but somewhat sluggish when I do not fuel my body properly. <br />
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My second major goal of the year is to use my camera more. I have not used it much at all since I started my EMT training. Now that is behind me I can focus on relaxing things. Things that will help me distress. Taking pictures is one of those activities.<br />
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It started to snow today so I grabbed my camera and started practicing some macro photography. I have a long way to go. But each shot is one step closer to being comfortable with what I am doing.<br />
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Here is one of my first shots.....<br />
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The snowflake was not even in focus. So I continued on.<br />
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Next shot....<br />
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No single snowflake in focus. But I do still like this shot.<br />
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Getting better...<br />
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My favorite one from today...<br />
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This shot was taken in front of a window. Notice the reflection of the snowflake? I find snowflakes absolutely stunning! No two are at all alike. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-24325854097309841402015-11-05T07:18:00.001-05:002015-11-05T07:18:43.960-05:00Ten Years!This year has been a year of milestones for our family. Our eldest daughter turned 21, our middle daughter turned 18 and our son turned 16. NOW my husband and I are celebrating 10 years of marriage. It has been quite a journey to this point. <br />
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It was a beautiful autumn day. The leaves on the trees were very vibrant. The temperature was around 70 degrees (much like it will be here today!). We were blessed to be able to be married at the Genesee Country Village and Museum. As many of you know we absolutely love it there so becoming husband and wife here was a natural fit.<br />
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We have had quite a bumpy road. We have walked together through happy times and difficult times. We experienced death of loved ones and the birth of nieces and nephews. <br />
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At times it feels like we have been married a lot longer than 10 years. Other times it feels like we are still newlyweds. <br />
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The kids were just little ones on this day 10 years ago. I am amazed everyday at how my husband stepped into the roll of father to these kids. He loves them like they are his own. Never once has he made them feel like they were not. <br />
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Not only did we become husband and wife on this day, we also became a family. <br />
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We were in financial trouble on the day we were married. Our bank account was empty but our hands were full. Never once have we left each other hanging in times of trials. Matt is my rock. He holds me up even when I do not know I need it. He is always there for me and the kids. <br />
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2005 was a very difficult year for my family. My sister was walking through a very serious medical problem that had her fighting for her life at times. We were so happy when she was able to attend our wedding. <br />
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In the past 10 years we have lost very dear loved ones. I miss them each and everyday. My grandfather, my great-grandmother, and Matt's brother. I am happy they were able to be a part of our day. <br />
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The kids were so excited for our wedding. They were all so happy to be apart of this day. Andrew was worried the whole day that we would be leaving and never coming back. He was attached to us the whole day. <br />
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I just love this church. It was a perfect fit for us. Even to this day we go in and sit to reminisce of that day. When we go on the Yuletide tour at the museum it is one of the stops we look forward to . The church is all aglow in candlelight.<br />
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My Grandpa and Grandma McClure. I miss my grandfather each and everyday.<br />
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Grandpa and Grandma Godown with my great-grandmother<br />
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My parents<br />
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I DO!<br />
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The minister forgot to advise Matt to kiss his bride....but that didn't stop us. <br />
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My family. Minus a few nieces and nephews.<br />
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The bridal party.<br />
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Matt and his brothers. I love this picture. His brother Dave on the right end passed away a few years ago. What I wouldn't give for one of his jokes. <br />
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Happy Anniversary to my husband!! I love you more today than I did yesterday, but not as much as tomorrow. Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-21883602900127732972015-10-12T11:00:00.000-04:002015-10-12T11:00:06.887-04:00To my son on his16th Birthday!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well where do I begin? I cannot believe my "baby" is turning 16 today. Wasn't it just yesterday I was sitting there holding a bundle of joy in the hospital. It seems like just yesterday you were so proud of yourself for learning how to ride a bicycle without training wheels. Now soon you will be learning how to drive a car. </div>
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16 years ago today<br /> They placed you in my arms<br /> I became a mother again for the third time</div>
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You learned to walk, to read<br /> Each day brought something new<br /> No more my little boy<br /> You hurt, I cried, you grew<br /> </div>
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Sometimes you didn't need me<br /> didn't want to hold my hand<br /> Your independence made you proud<br /> But me a little sad</div>
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I blinked my eyes, I turned around<br /> your almost grown I see<br /> Why did it go so fast?<br /> A few more moments please<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NhYKRnZsc4/VVKIo9nkfwI/AAAAAAAAL5w/plEu8uy4tzo/s1600/IMG_2777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NhYKRnZsc4/VVKIo9nkfwI/AAAAAAAAL5w/plEu8uy4tzo/s640/IMG_2777.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
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In your struggle to spread your wings<br /> We sometimes don't get along<br /> But I'm always on your side<br /> I'll always be your mom</div>
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You can't stop time, can't hold it back<br /> Can't stop the ocean's tide<br /> The good person that you are<br /> Fills my heart with pride<br /></div>
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<br /> In my eyes there is no one like you<br /> I can not wait to see what you'll become<br /> My pride and joy, I love you<br /> Happy birthday to my son!</div>
Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-34081634140572939182015-09-13T19:42:00.000-04:002015-09-13T19:45:43.380-04:0024 Years in the Making!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When I was 18 I joined our local fire department. I loved being in the fire department. I've been looking around for some pictures of me during that time. So far no luck. But anyway, in addition to being on the fire side of the department, I was also a member of the ambulance. I had completed my CFR (Certified First Responder). I was pretty much the extra set of hands on the ambulance. I loved it as well. In life you just know when something is your calling in life. I took my EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) course for the first time when I was 18. I did not pass it that first time. Honestly, I did not really apply myself in the coursework. I did not study like I should have. But I was only 18 years old after all. <br />
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Even though I had not passed the EMT exam I still had such a desire to one day become an EMT. Well then my children started making their appearance. I could not dedicate the amount of time needed and raise my children. So like most parents do I place my dream on the back burner. During this time I still would read anything I could about emergency medicine. <br />
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In 2001 I decided I was going to try it once again. My kids were 8, 5 and 2. I still had not given up my dream of becoming an EMT. I had just placed it on the back burner of life. So I registered for my class and was all set to begin. I went through the class and thought I was on my way to fulfilling that dream. Then on my way to one of my final classes (auto extrication of all things) I lost control of my car on slick roads and hit a tree after a deer jumped out in front of me. My instructor said she was not going to let me take the state exam because I missed class. I was heartbroken. I was starting to think that although this was my dream perhaps God did not want me in this position. So I went on raising my children. Do not get me wrong, I LOVED being a mom and raising my kids. But there was this "thing" missing from my life. <br />
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Fast forward to present day! My kids are now 21, 18 and 15. My time is now! I was more determined than ever to become a NYS EMT. I heard that less than 5 minutes from my house an EMT course was going to be starting up on April 29. Perfect! I did not have drive far at all. The course proved to be very difficult. Then came that dreaded final class....auto extrication! You will never guess what happened?! No not a car accident this time.<br />
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It was hot and I guess I was sweating more than I had thought. I was close to passing out. But really I just wanted to see what it was like to be a patient. Haha! I was experiencing a case of heat exhaustion. My blood pressure was very low!! I am thankful (VERY thankful) they were able to convince me to go to the hospital via ambulance. I honestly did not have the mindset to argue with them. The color was gone from my face for a while, I could not focus on anything and I was becoming short of breath. That was very scary for me! But there is one thing you must know about me....I am a fighter!! My state practical exam was just 2 days away from this incident! Which I passed with flying colors! <br />
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The written exam was what I was most worried about. I have never been very good at taking exams. I locked myself in my room nightly until the exam. I was SO nervous. My brother-in-law was at the testing center and really helped put my nerves in check. I decided I was going to take the full time allowed for the exam, which was 110 questions. Ten of the questions are pilot questions and do not count towards the grade. We had 2 hours (I think) to complete the exam. I took the whole time. I was one of the last out of the room. I wanted to really read the questions and take time to answer. <br />
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The exam proctor told me it would be about 6 weeks before I heard anything. So I waited! I have never been good at waiting. I tried to fill up my time, Cleaning the house, bothering my husband (haha!) pacing around, and stalking the mailman. Well this past Thursday I received a text from my instructor!! I had passed the state exam! I was now a New York State EMT! I was sitting in a restaurant having breakfast with my sister when I got the text. I was in shock! I read it again, I read it out loud to her (just in case my mind was playing tricks on me). I wanted to cry. I could not text people fast enough! First my husband, then my agency, then family! I went right up to my agency's director of operations and scheduled some shifts to start my training! So my words of advice to everyone out there.... Do not give up on a dream because it seems unreachable! When God says no it may not be a forever no. It could just be a wait a while kind of no. Or in my case wait 24 years! Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-80368150800040502362015-09-03T16:03:00.001-04:002015-09-03T16:03:23.745-04:002015-2016 School Year!We are about to start our 9th year of homeschooling. This is our third year of Abeka Academy. It has been a huge blessing to our family. We watch the teachers on the computer and then do the assignments. Every quarter I have to send the tests and a couple of writing assignments into the Abeka offices. They grade everything and issue a report card. This report card is what I send into our school district. <br />
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Today was unpacking day! It is a lot like Christmas when this day arrives. The newness of the upcoming school year brings such excitement. All except for my 10th grader. He is not a fan of school. Some days are better than others. He is a great student, but it is just the pulling teeth to get the assignments done that leave me pulling my hair out. Last year he finished the year with 3 A's and 2 B's. <br />
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Everything is included in these boxes. Courses this year are Algebra 2, World History, Biology, English, Spanish and Bible.<br />
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In addition to these courses he will be taking physical education. This is by far his favorite course.<br />
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In October he will start his course for Certified First Responder. The CFR course is something he is really looking forward to. Once he passes this course he will be able to take the EMT-B course at the age of 18. <br />
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One of my favorite features of the academy is everything is planned out for me. No more planning on my part. It was fine when the kids were younger. But now that I have a 10th grader the courses are a bit more complex. The only thing I have to do in way of planning is to write down the daily assignments.<br />
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So here is to a great school year!! Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8777777459414749207.post-76344271987238765242015-08-18T08:21:00.000-04:002015-08-18T08:21:17.657-04:00A Light at the End of the Tunnel!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Last night I finished my final EMT class. This class has stretched me in ways I had not even imagined. My classmates have been so much fun! The class itself has been difficult for many reasons. But you know what? I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. All of the things we go through in life make us into who God created us to be. I know the things I went through in class will make me a better medic.<br />
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I have to admit. There were many times during the past four months I questioned my ability. If it were not for such wonderful people in my life rooting me on I would probably have quit a long time ago. I know without a doubt this is what I am called to do in life. <br />
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This past Saturday I took my first exam towards becoming an EMT. This was the hands on practical skills exam. It was one of the most stressful exams I have taken. There were 6 stations we had to demonstrate skills in. <br />
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Mandatory Stations</div>
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1a. Patient Assessment~ Medical</div>
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1b. Patient Assessment~ Trauma</div>
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2. Cardiac Arrest Management/AED</div>
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3. Bag-Valve-Mask Apneic with a pulse</div>
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Optional Skills~ I had to blindly pick a card to see what I was tested on.</div>
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4a. Upper Airway Adjuncts and Suction</div>
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4b. Supplemental Oxygen Administration</div>
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4c. Bleeding control and Shock Management (this is the one I picked)</div>
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5a. Spinal Immobilization~ Seated Patient (this is the one I picked)</div>
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5b. Spinal Immobilization~ Supine Patient</div>
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6a. Immobilization Skills~ Long Bone Injury</div>
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6b. Immobilization Skills~ Joint Injury</div>
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6c. Immobilization Skills~ Traction Splint (this is the one I picked)</div>
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The day started out bright and early! The exam started at 9 am. I think we were all finished by 3:30 pm. I PASSED this part of the exam! This Thursday I have my written part of the certification process. I will be honest! I am not the best at taking tests! I am pretty nervous about this exam. I am praying that God calms my nerves before going into this exam. </div>
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Jenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17452626776404143974noreply@blogger.com5