Wow...this week has been crazy!
Last week, on Monday, I turned 23. Growing up, birthdays were a HUGE deal in my family. We were allowed to pick the meal for the night, and I (unlike my other siblings, I believe) have never had to go to school on my birthday (except for college!)
Well, this year, I was blessed with an amazing day! I did not have to work (Thank you Lord) but Danny did, or so I thought. I was expecting a fairly normal day at home, with a nice evening out with my husband. A few weeks before, my dear friend Shelbie asked if I could spend the day with her. I was excited to do so, but not excited about being picked up at 8 o'clock! Shouldn't a girl get to sleep in on her birthday!?
Well, Danny and I got up together, got ready, and he left for work. He was overly happy all morning, so I thought something was up. At 8 o'clock, the doorbell rang, and I opened it to find my husband with a big smile, two cups of coffee and muffins for us! Shelbie's getting together with me was just a placeholder for the day, so I wouldn't plan something else!
My wonderful hubby took me to Lancaster PA for the day to spend time at the outlets. I LOVE outlet malls, WAY more than a regular mall. We had a wonderful day, the weather was wonderful, and the sales were great too!
Mid-afternoon, we went to an Amish bakery that he had found for a snack, and we ate dinner on our way home at Smokey Joe's in York PA. I had my favorite dinner of ribs and a baked potato. The day was way over my points - but I decided to write them off for the day and just enjoy my time.
We had a wonderful day - it was a wonderful gift! I got tons of phone calls from family and friends, and was very blessed to have such a great day.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Friday, October 12, 2007
Tribute to Mom
Mom, these are my thoughts and thanks for you, on (or the day after!) your birthday.
~ Mom, I can not thank you enough for the countless hours you spent in the car when I was growing up. Every day for at least two years, you or Dad drove me to school and picked me up, so that I could go to school with Elisabeth, and be in a more comfortable environment. For countless years, you drove me 45 minutes to and from the barn. You usually brought a book, and in good weather, you sat in your lawn chair, or went to the park, while I spent hours at the barn. In bad weather, you sat in the car with your book, so I could spend time doing what I loved.
~ You threw yourself into every activity I wanted to be a part of, supporting me every step of the way. When it was soccer, I could count on you to always be on the sidelines, cheering me on. When it was chorus, you were at every large concert and small performance, even spending the weekend in Pittsburgh with a bunch of kids you didn't know, just to be by my side. When it was the school musical, I could find you every afternoon in the "sweat shop" alongside other moms, sewing our costumes for our big day. For home ec. in 8th grade, when our teacher barely knew what to do with a sewing machine, you came in to volunteer, so we could actually learn something. In 10th grade history, you drove half an hour each way (an extra time) and came to my class with your sewing machine so I could have an example for my "connections" presentation. For dance, you made our skirts, and pants, and helped us shop for matching tanktops, overalls, shoes, everything we needed for what we pictured. In 12th grade, when Elisabeth and I decided for some reason to put on a production with 150 kids from our daycare, you led a team of 4 other moms, sewing uniforms for our production, and helped backstage in so many other ways that day.
~ You showed me your love in so many ways, that you may think I never noticed. You packed complicated lunches for me, because I was a picky eater, and sandwiches just never were my thing. When I had knee surgery my freshman year, you spent countless nights awake with me, bring me pain meds along with applesauce or crackers every three hours so I wouldn't end up in tears, again. Then, for a month, you drove me back and forth to Towson for class, so I could still go and do well. When I busted it again my sophomore year, you drove my crutches all the way to Towson one morning that you didn't plan to, just so I wouldn't have to lose my decent spot and have to "crutch" all the way across the campus. All through college, you edited every single paper I wrote, often at 2:00 or 3:00 the morning that it's due, because I "just didn't have time" to finish before then. You drove things to me at college in the middle of the night, because I forgot them at home over the weekend.
~ You've listened to me vent for countless phone calls. You've heard my heart when I didn't even know what it was saying, and also helped me to recognize when I'm being a brat about something ridiculous! You helped me work through the hardest year I had, between high school and college, when everything around me was crumbling. You've helped me let go of friendships, and pushed me to find new ones, or restore old ones, when I just didn't think I could.
~Last year, you gave me one of the best gifts you ever could. When I fell in love with an extremely complicated wedding dress, instead of the simple one I thought I wanted, you took a deep breath, smiled, and said "We'll make it work!" You spent countless hours looking for the perfect beads for the dress, at an affordable price. You drove all over, read tons of books, and learned how to hand bead, just so I could have the gorgeous dress that you gave to me. Most of these hours, you were alone, and I was in class, or with Danny, or sometimes with you. You found a church and an affordable caterer for me, so I could have the day of my dreams.
I know we had our rough times, (as I believe every mother and daughter do), but you mean the world to me Mom. I see the things you do for me, although I'm sure there are thousands of others that I will never know. The sacrifices you've made, and continue to make, are not pointless. I walk through every day, knowing that I am loved, and my Mom is there, whenever I need her, for whatever ridiculous thing I ask. We've laughed together, and cried together.
I love you Mom, with all my heart. Thank you for the gifts you give me, every day, in the way you love me.
~ Mom, I can not thank you enough for the countless hours you spent in the car when I was growing up. Every day for at least two years, you or Dad drove me to school and picked me up, so that I could go to school with Elisabeth, and be in a more comfortable environment. For countless years, you drove me 45 minutes to and from the barn. You usually brought a book, and in good weather, you sat in your lawn chair, or went to the park, while I spent hours at the barn. In bad weather, you sat in the car with your book, so I could spend time doing what I loved.
~ You threw yourself into every activity I wanted to be a part of, supporting me every step of the way. When it was soccer, I could count on you to always be on the sidelines, cheering me on. When it was chorus, you were at every large concert and small performance, even spending the weekend in Pittsburgh with a bunch of kids you didn't know, just to be by my side. When it was the school musical, I could find you every afternoon in the "sweat shop" alongside other moms, sewing our costumes for our big day. For home ec. in 8th grade, when our teacher barely knew what to do with a sewing machine, you came in to volunteer, so we could actually learn something. In 10th grade history, you drove half an hour each way (an extra time) and came to my class with your sewing machine so I could have an example for my "connections" presentation. For dance, you made our skirts, and pants, and helped us shop for matching tanktops, overalls, shoes, everything we needed for what we pictured. In 12th grade, when Elisabeth and I decided for some reason to put on a production with 150 kids from our daycare, you led a team of 4 other moms, sewing uniforms for our production, and helped backstage in so many other ways that day.
~ You showed me your love in so many ways, that you may think I never noticed. You packed complicated lunches for me, because I was a picky eater, and sandwiches just never were my thing. When I had knee surgery my freshman year, you spent countless nights awake with me, bring me pain meds along with applesauce or crackers every three hours so I wouldn't end up in tears, again. Then, for a month, you drove me back and forth to Towson for class, so I could still go and do well. When I busted it again my sophomore year, you drove my crutches all the way to Towson one morning that you didn't plan to, just so I wouldn't have to lose my decent spot and have to "crutch" all the way across the campus. All through college, you edited every single paper I wrote, often at 2:00 or 3:00 the morning that it's due, because I "just didn't have time" to finish before then. You drove things to me at college in the middle of the night, because I forgot them at home over the weekend.
~ You've listened to me vent for countless phone calls. You've heard my heart when I didn't even know what it was saying, and also helped me to recognize when I'm being a brat about something ridiculous! You helped me work through the hardest year I had, between high school and college, when everything around me was crumbling. You've helped me let go of friendships, and pushed me to find new ones, or restore old ones, when I just didn't think I could.
~Last year, you gave me one of the best gifts you ever could. When I fell in love with an extremely complicated wedding dress, instead of the simple one I thought I wanted, you took a deep breath, smiled, and said "We'll make it work!" You spent countless hours looking for the perfect beads for the dress, at an affordable price. You drove all over, read tons of books, and learned how to hand bead, just so I could have the gorgeous dress that you gave to me. Most of these hours, you were alone, and I was in class, or with Danny, or sometimes with you. You found a church and an affordable caterer for me, so I could have the day of my dreams.
I know we had our rough times, (as I believe every mother and daughter do), but you mean the world to me Mom. I see the things you do for me, although I'm sure there are thousands of others that I will never know. The sacrifices you've made, and continue to make, are not pointless. I walk through every day, knowing that I am loved, and my Mom is there, whenever I need her, for whatever ridiculous thing I ask. We've laughed together, and cried together.
I love you Mom, with all my heart. Thank you for the gifts you give me, every day, in the way you love me.
Friday, September 28, 2007
The family "challenge"
Thanks for your prayers and your comments everyone after my last post! I am feeling much better, although you may notice that the post time is once again in the middle of the night. ;) I got a chance to catch up on some much needed sleep, and while I am still tired, the last few days have definitely been better.
When I started nursing school in the fall of my junior year, I started gaining unwanted weight, attributed to the high stress levels of the program. I wasn't too worried about it, and figured that once I had time to exercise it would be fine. Well, it is now two years later, and I have tried multiple times to lose weight, and it has just never happened for me. I usually end up extremely discouraged, and with no results.
Because of this, I rarely last more than about four days at any attempt to exercise and "watch what I eat". The problem may be that I "watch" what I'm eating, all the way to my mouth! However, I have started to lose some weight over the summer since the stress of school is over, without really even trying!
A few days ago, I got an email from my sister, challenging members of our family to do Weight Watchers together. So, I agreed! It is a time when I am feeling very ready to do something like this, and the family motivation to do it together will be very helpful for me!
I would love your prayers again - mostly for self-control in sticking with it, but also I really would love to see something work!
With that - has anybody else tried it? Any stories, suggestions, or recipes with points?
I'm starting on Monday, and will let you know how it goes!
When I started nursing school in the fall of my junior year, I started gaining unwanted weight, attributed to the high stress levels of the program. I wasn't too worried about it, and figured that once I had time to exercise it would be fine. Well, it is now two years later, and I have tried multiple times to lose weight, and it has just never happened for me. I usually end up extremely discouraged, and with no results.
Because of this, I rarely last more than about four days at any attempt to exercise and "watch what I eat". The problem may be that I "watch" what I'm eating, all the way to my mouth! However, I have started to lose some weight over the summer since the stress of school is over, without really even trying!
A few days ago, I got an email from my sister, challenging members of our family to do Weight Watchers together. So, I agreed! It is a time when I am feeling very ready to do something like this, and the family motivation to do it together will be very helpful for me!
I would love your prayers again - mostly for self-control in sticking with it, but also I really would love to see something work!
With that - has anybody else tried it? Any stories, suggestions, or recipes with points?
I'm starting on Monday, and will let you know how it goes!
Monday, September 24, 2007
Exhaustion
Currently, it's 5:40 in the morning, and I am 2 1/2 hours away from bed.
This week, I started night shifts at work, and it has been really hard! This (Sunday night) is my third night shift in a row, and I am completely exhausted. I could use your prayers to avoid sickness, frustration, and more exhaustion.
I am still loving my job (although I am needing more reminding of that this weekend) and I am thankful for how God has blessed me with it, and I am thankful that I am not dealing with a harder situation, but it is very difficult to deal with the negative aspects of it sometimes, as it means days and nights away from Danny, and I do nothing but sleep and come back here.
Thank you for your prayers, hopefully I'll be able to blog about something more upbeat tomorrow or the next day, after some much needed sleep :)
This week, I started night shifts at work, and it has been really hard! This (Sunday night) is my third night shift in a row, and I am completely exhausted. I could use your prayers to avoid sickness, frustration, and more exhaustion.
I am still loving my job (although I am needing more reminding of that this weekend) and I am thankful for how God has blessed me with it, and I am thankful that I am not dealing with a harder situation, but it is very difficult to deal with the negative aspects of it sometimes, as it means days and nights away from Danny, and I do nothing but sleep and come back here.
Thank you for your prayers, hopefully I'll be able to blog about something more upbeat tomorrow or the next day, after some much needed sleep :)
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
California pics
Here are some pictures of our wonderful 5 days in California!
On the pier the first day we were there :)
One of the crazy huge houses in Beverly Hills
A cafe on the beach where we had lunch, with our toes in the sand.
The reflection pool outside The Getty, a free museum we visited.
This sunset was beautiful!
A cool picture my honey took of the pier.
Saturday we rented bikes and rode along the beach.
I'm not as good at taking moving pictures as Danny is :)
The view from our hike, it was weird to be in a mountain looking at the beach!
The beach was kinda chilly on the last day - but I didn't want to leave!
It was a great blessing to be able to go on this trip, what a beautiful state.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Home again
Well, after 5 days in wonderful sunny, 75 degree California, the dream had to end, and I flew home yesterday. The remainder of our time was absolutely wonderful. We spent endless hours on the beach, reading, napping, and just chatting.
Saturday morning, we rented bikes and rode along the bike path that runs along the coast. We stopped several times to take a break and rest on the beach. Then, on Sunday morning, we met up with Danny's coworker and our landlord, Katherine, and went hiking somewhere up past Malibu. It was SO cool to be climbing through the mountains, and looking at the ocean at the same time!
These last 5 days were so refreshing for us! Starting this job, our schedule has been really hectic, and we have not gotten much time together just the two of us. It was wonderful to be able to relax, sleep in, talk, snuggle, talk more, watch movies together, and not have anything we were responsible for doing for that long!
Sadly enough, dreams can't last forever, and I'm home now, and Danny's not. :( He is in his training class until thursday, and comes home on Friday. So, until then, I'm here in this big house in this scary city by myself! I tried today to get everything done and ready for the rest of the week (laundry, lunches, etc.) because I have to work wednesday, thursday, and friday this week. Usually by the time I get home from that, I'm pretty exhausted, and very hungry! It'll be a hard few days, but that vacation was totally worth it.
I'll upload pictures sometime when Danny gets home, he still has the cameras, with all the pictures on them!
Saturday morning, we rented bikes and rode along the bike path that runs along the coast. We stopped several times to take a break and rest on the beach. Then, on Sunday morning, we met up with Danny's coworker and our landlord, Katherine, and went hiking somewhere up past Malibu. It was SO cool to be climbing through the mountains, and looking at the ocean at the same time!
These last 5 days were so refreshing for us! Starting this job, our schedule has been really hectic, and we have not gotten much time together just the two of us. It was wonderful to be able to relax, sleep in, talk, snuggle, talk more, watch movies together, and not have anything we were responsible for doing for that long!
Sadly enough, dreams can't last forever, and I'm home now, and Danny's not. :( He is in his training class until thursday, and comes home on Friday. So, until then, I'm here in this big house in this scary city by myself! I tried today to get everything done and ready for the rest of the week (laundry, lunches, etc.) because I have to work wednesday, thursday, and friday this week. Usually by the time I get home from that, I'm pretty exhausted, and very hungry! It'll be a hard few days, but that vacation was totally worth it.
I'll upload pictures sometime when Danny gets home, he still has the cameras, with all the pictures on them!
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Yay for vacation!
We are at the beach! We left early on Wednesday morning for a VERY long flight out here to California! Wednesday we got here around 12:30 California time, which left us with most of the afternoon to explore and get settled in at the hotel. We ate lunch at a cafe on the end of a pier, came to the hotel, unpacked, rested for a bit, and then we got some groceries for lunches so it's not any more expensive than necessary. We fell asleep at 8:30! Something about getting up at 5 o'clock four days in a row just was a little much for us, and it was 11:30 our time.
We're trying not to adjust to the time change too much, as I have to work right when I get home. And though we know it feels like 10:30 to our bodies, there is something slightly disappointing on vacation about waking up and seeing 7:30 on the clock. :)
The beaches here are amazing, they are SOOO long! I love that there is no humidity and such bright sunshine.
Well, we're off to watch a movie before going to the beach, I'll try to post again, but if not, I will post some pics when we get home!
We're trying not to adjust to the time change too much, as I have to work right when I get home. And though we know it feels like 10:30 to our bodies, there is something slightly disappointing on vacation about waking up and seeing 7:30 on the clock. :)
The beaches here are amazing, they are SOOO long! I love that there is no humidity and such bright sunshine.
Well, we're off to watch a movie before going to the beach, I'll try to post again, but if not, I will post some pics when we get home!
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