It's hard to say good-bye to something that's been a part of my life for many years now.  But, alas, my Fujifilm Finepix 3800 died in Williamsburg this past weekend.  It's really no shame for it.  This camera was my first digital camera, and came to me as a hand-me-down from my dad when he decided to upgrade several years back.  At first, I was resistant about going digital; but, I quickly fell in love with this camera - it's ease of use, quality of pictures, etc.  It's just been really great!  And, I need to be thankful too - it outlived the camera that my dad bought to replace it (he had to upgrade last year).  So, as much as I hate to do it, I'm bidding farewell to my old friend . . .

Now, the "fun" begins . . . I need to choose a replacement.  There are just so many options available that it's hard to decide.  Do I want another point and shoot (easy) or should I go with an SLR this time around?  Do I want something more small/compact this time?  I'm pretty sure I don't want something larger/heavier.  I just can't decide.  Please help me out by telling me about YOUR camera - and what it is that you just love about it (oh, and share the things you don't like too).  This will be a way to feed my research and planning addiction for awhile anyway! 

3 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

I said last week, before we left for a few days away, that I had so much that I've been wanting to blog about - if only I could find the time!  Isn't that ironic?  When I do have the time to blog, I can't seem to think of a thing to say!  We've got lots of pictures from our adventures over the past week - I just need to take the time to load them up to my Photobucket account so I can start sharing them.

In the meantime, to hold you over, I thought I'd talk a little big about Brian's garden...
This is what it looked like at the beginning of summer:

The goal was to take pictures of it throughout the summer, but we just never  got around to it.  I'd like to show you what it looks like today!  Wow!  Let's just say it's a good thing we live in an old house, complete with a cold cellar, because we need a place to store all the potatoes!  And corn ... we've frozen 24 bags that we'll enjoy eating this winter.  And my favorite part of the garden:

Aren't those just the prettiest peppers you have ever seen?!  And look how nicely they coordinate with my countertops and my canisters!  I almost didn't want to cut them.  But, I did - and I've got bags and bags of sliced peppers in the freezer (this picture was just one of the many batches of peppers we have picked this summer!)

Have you been gardening this summer?  Tell me about your garden and your favorite thing to plant.

4 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

I have so much that I want to blog about, pictures to share, etc. but today is not going to be the day.  Brian and my dad left this past Saturday for Iowa, and will be gone until this coming Sunday evening.  Later this morning, my mom, the kids, and I are leaving for a few days "vacation" in Lancaster.  I put "vacation" in quotes that word means rest and relaxation away from home; and, let's face it, with Ian around, there's really no such thing! 

I have a long list of fun things for us to do, so I'm sure I'll have even more pictures to share when we get home.  Hopefully it won't be as hot and humid as these past few days have been - it's been miserable around here.  If so, we'll have to scratch all our plans and spend our hours in the hotel pool! 

I promise I'll check in when we return!  In the meantime, check this out:

1 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

This has been a very busy week with lots of ups & downs and little time for blogging.  So, to catch you all up with what's been going on in our lives, I thought I'd do a quick run-down, complete with pictures ...

Last Friday (the 3rd) ...
We found out last Tuesday that my best friend, Sue, has a mass near or on her right ovary. I thought that a pedicure was in order (what do you do at a time like that?), so off we went for a bit of pampering.  Here is the result:

(my foot is the one with the redder toenails - pretty, huh?)

Saturday (the 4th) ...
We had burgers and hotdogs on the (new) grill; Sue and her family came to visit.  The kids enjoyed playing in the back yard.  We borrowed my mom's campfire ring and roasted marshmallows and made s'mores. It was a great time of fellowship.

(Ian being his silly self)

(Leah & Gracie making some sort of fairy-like creation on the swingset)

(Ian enjoying swinging with his friend "Lena")

(Todd and Brian intent on toasting marshmallows)

Later in the evening, we saw the most amazing sunset.  I ran for my camera and took this picture:

(Notice the ball of white light in the middle of the picture?  Guess what?  It's NOT the moon. We know because we saw the moon about 15 minutes later in a very different location.  So, what is it?  We think it's the light at the end of the tunnel - or a reminder from God that He is our light.)

Sunday (the 5th) ...
We went to church in the morning, then went to spend the afternoon/evening with my Aunt & Uncle. We had another cook-out, and Gracie enjoyed picking blueberries - she got 5 1/2 pounds (she loves to have them weighed), which equaled 15 bags of berries in the freezer (that we'll enjoy later in muffins and baked outmeal).  Sorry, I forgot my camera.

Monday (the 6th) ...
I went with Sue (and her hubby and sister) for an appointment with the GYN/Onc. specialist at Geisinger Medical Center.  Felt positive after the visit - not 100% sure it's cancer.  Surgery schedule for the 27th.

Tuesday (the 7th) ...
Nothing too exciting - Ashley had to babysit all day and I spent the day feeling rather depressed and extremely tired.  Of late, I feel that I am unable to make decisions - not sure what's up with that.

Wednesday (the 8th) ...
Finally made a decision - I went and purchased something I've been wanting since last summer:

(I know many of you have never seen my front porch - but you have to admit it's looking better with these great rockers!)

Thursday (the 9th) ...
Ashley was thrilled that THIS came in the mail:

(she's been wanting an Ipod for a while, and saved her babysitting money to buy one)

We went to Lake Tobias for a field trip (our first this school year) with some of our friends Danette & Suzy, and Leah (Sue's daughter) ...

(Suzy & Ash)

(Gracie & Leah)

(Ian & I on the bus, waiting for the safari tour)

(the animals are VERY tame!)

(me feeding a female moose (?))



(this moose got right on the bus!)

(these bison reminded me of Dances with Wolves)

(Gracie & Leah at the park entrance - those are real horns/antlers!)

(me & Ash - don't even bother to tell us how much we look alike - we've heard it all before!)

(me & my favorite  boy!)

(my friend Danette & me)

(a baby llama in the petting zoo area)

(we pig farmers stand amazed!)

(his future's so bright, he has to wear shades!)

(Gracie - my little tree climber!)

(some of the cutest "animals" at the park!)

My friend Sue had a 2nd opinion appointment - felt even better about this one - surgery is scheduled at Hershey Medical Center for this coming Monday (the 13th) - please pray!

I spent last evening with another friend who invited me to a late-night movie.  That's an event that doesn't happen too often for me - but what fun! We watched The Proposal and just laughed and laughed.  (While I probably wouldn't recommend it to teens, it was funny!)

And that brings us to today ...
Dentist appointments for all 3 kids ... NO CAVITIES!  Afterwards, we got lunch, ran a few errands, then came home for a relaxing evening.  Hoping and praying next week isn't quite as chaotic, but you never know ...

How was YOUR week?

 

3 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

Tomorrow morning, Ashley and I will be heading to Rochester, NY.  I'll be representing The Old Schoolhouse Magazine in our booth at the convention, along with my assistant, Alison.  If you're in the area and/or planning to be at convention,  be sure to stop by the booth and say "hi".  I'd love to meet you!

1 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

I NEED AN APRON!

8 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

1 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

I'm enjoying my new English Standard Version Bible and thought that, this morning, I would look up one of my favorite verses to see how it compares to what's in my memory (from the NIV).  Here is the ESV translation of Jeremiah 29:11:

2 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

Life has been crazy lately, and this week it's kicking into high gear!  I've already felt like I haven't been able to keep up with my blog - I rarely have time to post anything personal anymore.  I've got so many reviews lined up (thank goodness, I've been able to keep up with my reading in the evenings, and actually have many of my reviews written and saved as drafts - let me tell you, that saves my sanity!)

Anyway, I wanted to take the time to check in quickly and update on what's  going on around here ...

This morning, we attended my parents' church (which is the church I grew up in).  Last week, the pastor started a sermon series on Paul's 2nd Missionary Journey (to the Philippians).  One thing that really stood out to me in the sermon this morning was how the missionaries (Paul and his companions) were following the Great Commission - going out to evangelize the nations.  When they would come to a place, the Holy Spirit would nudge them to keep going - God had something else in mind.  It wasn't that they were doing something wrong and He was  trying to correct them or steer them away from any evil - He just knew where HE wanted them and He used the Spirit to lead them there.  I'm waiting for Him to lead me where He would have ME to be. 

Yesterday was cooler that some of the days this past week, but nice enough that I was able to go to the greenhouse with my mom.  While Brian was busily working in his garden, I was planting some flowers to beautify our balcony.  We have this great balcony that we rarely use because it gets the afternoon sun.  In the past, though, I've enjoyed spending time out there in the morning, reading my Bible - I thought some pretty flowers might make that time even more enjoyable. 

I also bought some lovely gerbera daisies and geraniums (all in pink & white) and brought them home and planted them in a big basket.  I plan to take it along to the CHAP convention this coming weekend.  If you're there, be sure to stop by the TOS booth and say HELLO to me!

I look forward to convention each year, but this year I feel rather unorganized.  I haven't had much time to sit down and figure out what we'll be needing for next year.  I think we do have our list pretty much narrowed down, though.  I really don't have much to buy this year.  Here's what's on my list:

1. TruthQuest History for Ashley - I think we're going with Age of Revolution I (it seems like it'll pick up about where she left off with Mystery of History this year).  I've already decided to have her start a TruthQuest column on her blog, where she can share what she's learning, etc. - it'll be a great way to combine two of her biggest interests - history and writing!  
2. Abeka Arithmetic 5 for Gracie - She does well with Abeka and she thrives on math, so we'll stick with what works (no use fixing what's not broken, right?)
3. Growing with Grammar 5 for Gracie - Abeka is getting a bit repetitive, so we're going to check into something else this year (I'm hoping to actually SEE this one, though - I'm not sure if it'll be available at convention or not) - so I may change my mind on this one, depending
4. Spelling Workout Level E for Gracie - again, we're just sticking with what works
5. Exploring Creation with Zoology 2: Swimming Creatures of the Fifth Day - this year, we took a break from the Apologia Elementary sciences, but I allowed Gracie to select what she wanted to go with for next year, and she picked this one - I think she'll enjoy it

1 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link

I briefly shared about my day on Friday on my Facebook, but felt it worthy of an extended blog post as well.  So here goes...

Friday morning, we all got up early and set out for a concert at my old alma mater.  The school that I attended was very strong musically, and each spring they put on a fabulous concert in which the entire student body participates.  Sad, but true, I had not attended a concert since the last one that I participated in (in 1988).  The kids and I met up with my mom there (we traveled separately because she had to get back to work right afterward).  Anyway, the concert itself was such a blessing - the music was just beautiful - and it brought back such fond memories of my days performing in it as a student.  For the last two songs (Worthy is the Lamb and the Hallelujah Chorus - both from The Messiah), the alumni were invited to go up front and sing with the kids.  I was surprised by how many of us were represented there. 

I was able to catch up with a girl that I had graduated with, along with my old cheerleading coach/wife of my high school math teacher.  It was such a joy to see them again (along with many others) and have time to chat and reminisce.  I wish I had more time to talk to everyone, and will have to make a time to go and visit at the school again sometime soon.

After the concert, the kids and I stopped for a nice lunch at Pizza Hut and ran to Target for a few "must haves".  I needed to be home for a hair appointment in the afternoon.

For this girl who used to get her hair cut every 5 weeks, and keep it rather short, going for stretches of over 3 months without a haircut is almost unheard of and I was nearing the point of desperation.  I had such a great time, just sitting in that beauty shop chair, being pampered, chatting and laughing with my fun beautician.  I think my hair looks better, but I know it feels better (healthier and more manageable).  Now, if I could just do something about those gray hairs I'm beginning to see more and more of!

The kids and I ate a picnic supper with my mom, while Brian and my Dad went to the races (a favorite warm-weather pasttime for the two of them).  I was just dozing off on the couch, a bit after 10pm, when Ashley said "Mom, did you hear me?  I said Ian stuck a popcorn kernel up his nose!"  My eyes flew open in response!  I could see the kernel, but couldn't get it out with my fingers.  I called my mom (a nurse) and had to call through 3 times before she finally picked up the phone (yes, I woke her!)  Anyway, I took Ian over to her house and we were both contemplating how we might remove the kernel, or if a trip to the emergency room was in order.

Finally, I decided to call the "doctor on call".  He was very nice and caring and told me that yes, indeed, we did need to get that thing out of there.  He offered a suggestion to remove it ourselves; and, if that didn't work, we'd need to go to the E.R.  i'm so thankful for a mother who is a nurse (something I could never be!)  We had to lay Ian on the table and my mom performed an abbreviated form of mouth-to-mouth on him, while I help his arms (which he was trying very hard to flail around!)  She had to hold the nostril closed (that didn't contain the kernel) and blow into his mouth while he was breathing out.  This was to force the kernel out.  And, it worked, after 3-4 attempts.  Phew! 

What a way to end a sunshiny, pleasant day! 
At least, I think, Ian has learned his lesson!  Only time will tell...

2 Thoughts Shared Share Your Thoughts Share Link