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

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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...

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I love the way that God knows just what we need, when we need it!  Today, right in the middle of lots of work and a few stressful situations, I got an e-mail from Amy at Crossway - telling me that I was the winner of an ESV Study Bible! 

Now, I must admit that I'm rather partial to my NIV Study Bible - I received it as a gift from my Pap, on our shared birthday back in 1996.  But, I do love to compare various translations when I'm really studying something.  I'm not familiar with the ESV Bible, but I'm anxious to check it out for myself.  And, let's face it, it's just fun to win things!  (Maybe I'm on a lucky streak and will win something in the UBP too!)

So, tell me, what version of the Bible do you use?  Why is it your Bible of choice?

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I never took the time to come and post about my birthday weekend.  On Friday afternoon, my mom picked me up and we set off for an overnight trip to Lancaster.  We did some shopping Friday afternoon along the way, then checked into our hotel, changed clothes, and went to see Oscar & Felix (the new Odd Couple) at the Rainbow Dinner Theater.  The food was yummy and the play was hilarious.  Back at our hotel, we spent way too much time giggling and way too little time sleeping!

Saturday morning we got up and headed to the outlets for a day of shopping.  I made out really well shopping for Gracie and Ian for next winter.  I love buying ahead and getting good deals.  One of my favorite stores to shop for them is the Children's Place Outlet - all their reduced racks were $1.99 and $2.99 - I think I spent about $23 and came away with a LARGE bag full of goodies for them!  Ashley's not so easy to shop for (she needs to be along), but I did successfully find her a few items that fit AND she likes (wow!)  Of course, a trip to the outlets wouldn't be complete without going into the Disney outlet (my favorite).  I think my mom was regretting letting me go in there because I could literally spend hours in that one store alone!  LOL  We had a lovely, relaxing (late) lunch at Cracker Barrel, and headed for home with a Wal-mart and Starbuck's stop along the way (Starbucks twice in one day - that should seriously be against the law!) 

I'm so thankful for my mom and the relationship that we share.  She's the best!  And, it was just good to get away - we've got some family "issues" and some church "issues" going on right now - the kind of things that have kept me awake nights or crying during the days.  So, the break was lovely and refreshing.  Too bad I had to come back to reality!

At least my immediate family and my work are going great and fun! 

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I wanted to pop in and wish all my bloggin' buddies a
Hope your day is extra special!

As for me, I went for groceries today.  Sounds fun, right?  And oh, so romantic!  I know you're probably jealous.  But, don't be - it really wasn't all that exciting.  I DID save a lot of money with coupons, so that's always rather exciting to me, but still ... not exactly Valentine's Day entertainment.

We did attend our Sweetheart Banquet at church last night.  It was nice - good food and good fellowship.  I think, though, that I'm a bit burned out on the Sweetheart Banquets because I've  been on the planning committee for the last 5 years (and am supposed to serve for one more year) - they are just not as much fun when you do the planning, setting up, cleaning up, etc.  I'm ready for a year when I can just go - totally as a guest. 

What did YOU do today?

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We arrived home from Florida on Sunday afternoon, and I'm trying desperately to get caught up with all my work. etc.  Why is it always so hard to get back into a routine after vacation?!

Anyway, I wanted to check in and let you know that I'm home - I'll get back to blogging soon and will be sure to share some pics!

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The other night, we went to see Disney on Ice.  Because we had previously seen a concert at the arena, we got a special offer to get opening night tickets for only $12 each.  I knew Ian would be thrilled as the show included the Cars cast.  Gracie was excited at the prospect of seeing Tinkerbell & the other fairies.  The show also includes The Little Mermaid and The Lion King.  It was a lot of fun, and a great thing to do to "hold us over" 'til our Disney trip in January.  Here's a little slideshow from the evening:

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Last week, I had opportunity to go to Tennessee for a TOS Marketing Meeting (several days long).  It was a wonderful opportunity to meet up with some of my co-workers - people I've been talking to and working with for months.  I thought it would be fun to share some of my pictures - one at a time - over the next several days. 

I was really excited to get to meet my friend Ginny.  We've  been blog buddies for some time now, and I was always so impressed with her organization skills and the lovely printables that she has created.  I actually recommended her for a job with TOS - and she is now Assistant to the Director at the Schoolhouse Store and is doing a remarkable job!  She has also created several copywork e-books that are available for sale in the Schoolhouse Store.  If you do copywork in your school, I would highly recommend checking our the products by Proverbs 22:6 Academy.  I see a LOT of e-books cross my path, and hers are above and beyond the normal copywork I've seen.  Also, if you have any of the Planner Modules, Ginny is the designer of the copywork pages in those as well!  She's one talented girl and she was exactly what I expected she would be - fun to know, full of great ideas, and a good friend to have.  Oh, and did I mention that she's TALL?!

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Did anybody miss me?  I returned home last night, after spending 3 days in TN on a business trip for TOS.  What fun!  It was so wonderful to finally be able to meet the lovely people I've been working with for the past several months now.  Putting faces with names is always fun.  I'm definitely blessed to have a great job, working with some awesome people - such talent and such passion!  It's really amazing to me that such a diverse group of people can work together so well.  Anyway, I do have pictures of me with some of my new  friends - I'll be sure to share over the next few days.

I'm going to share my little laptop story with you just because I'm sure there's a lesson in here somewhere for me, but I haven't yet figured out what it is!  LOL  I had this hand-me-down laptop from my brother - it worked but it was extremely S.L.O.W.  I didn't want to have to take the snail along to my business meeting, so I asked a friend who works for the state to see if they had any used ones (but good) for sale in their surplus store.  He found me one the day before I was scheduled to leave and got it up and running that evening.  It was working great and I was so excited to have it to take along.  However, the first night I was there, I got it out to use it and, after just a few minutes, the screen went black.  The computer still runs but you can't see anything.  A few people tried to fix it, to no avail.  I think there's just a short somewhere, because it will come on but then shuts off after just a few minutes.  Bummer!  I think that we'll be able to combine the 2 computers into one that actually works, so I'm not too worried about the money spent, etc.  It was just frustrating!

I'm rather  tired - it might take a few days to catch up after my fun-filled trip!  Missed you all - I'll try to get caught up.

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It has been a long and lonely day here at my house.  The girls left yesterday afternoon for an overnight trip with my parents - they were going to (I believe) western PA somewhere to see elk (apparently they just wander around in some  town out there!), spent the night in a hotel, and were checking out some neat PA sights today, ending up at the PA Grand Canyon.  They should be home later this evening sometime.  I hope they're having a great time, but I must admit that I miss them terribly.

Brian got up at the crack of dawn (or maybe it was before dawn) to go with a friend of ours to the Penn State game.  This particular friend parks cars up there, so they left WAY earlier than would have  been necessary for a 4:30 pm game!  He called earlier and said they were having fun tailgating. 

That leaves just Ian and I here at home and we've been rather bored.  He's watched Pinocchio (or as he calls it "Occhio") about a million times, and there's only so much work I can do (or want to do).  I'll be anxious for the girls to get home and show me all their pictures!

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