Saturday, December 22, 2007

This is why we love our mechanic, . . . .

Our mechanic is definitely not the "warm, touchy-feeling" type of guy (he's a MECHANIC!) :o) But I just have to say that we've built up a relationship with him over the past two decades, and I've really come to like and trust him. Scott usually talks to him the most, but I usually go pay for the repairs in the afternoons (he closes his shop right when Scott is getting out of work, and we don't like him to have to wait on us before he can go home!).

Anyway, we just had to have the "strut mount" replaced on the one side of our van. It was making an awful noise when we would turn the steering wheel (especially when it was damp and cold). So our mechanic replaced that, and as I was chatting with him while I wrote out the check, I told him that Abby and I would be so very glad not to hear that noise when we drive, because it just didn't sound good. I told him I know NOTHING about cars and mechanical stuff (neither does Abby), so we worry when we hear bad noises. Our mechanic went back into the shop and came back with the box with the bad part in it, and proceeded to explain to me (in words that I could understand, even!), some of the parts of the strut mount, and why it had been making that noise (the bearings had broken down, so when we turned the steering wheel, it was metal on metal trying to move). Afterwards, I was thinking that it was something like a knee replacement for our van! Our mechanic is so much cheaper than taking the van to the dealership, and I get a little bit of "Car Mechanics 101"---which is very helpful! He never takes advantage of the fact that we don't know a whole lot about vehicles (although Scott knows a lot more than I do!)

This is why we recommend our mechanic to all of our friends! (Almost everyone in Scott's office uses the same mechanic).

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Freezing Rain


Abby's friend Liz (who lives across the country) wanted to see a picture of our freezing rain! Here you go, Liz! This is our neighbor's ornamental pear tree (no pears, and the leaves take forever to fall off in the fall/winter!). The roads aren't all that bad, actually, although everything above the road is coated with ice. This, too, shall pass, and it's nice to have a day/evening to spend at home, without needing to go anywhere (except maybe to take Abby to work and pick her up . . . Scott would feel better if we drove her instead of letting her drive in the sleet and freezing rain (snow is actually better to drive in, we believe!)

Wednesday, December 5, 2007

Snowy Day in Pennsylvania



A beautiful snowy day!!! Just a clipper system coming through. Joel was once again trying to get a good train picture, but he missed the train. He took some pictures, though! A snowy day in a small Pennsylvania town, near the railroad tracks.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Picturesque Cemetery


Scott's been researching some of his family history (ancestral heritage), and he sometimes goes to area cemeteries to search out the gravestones of his ancestors. He just discovered some new information the other evening, and we took a detour on our way to his mom's house this morning. What a beautiful setting! We only found one headstone (only one out of the two for which we were looking), but we had to leave and get up to his mom's house, so that we could get the potatoes boiling for our mashed potatoes! (We had the "That's a Bowl" container of peeled and cut potatoes in the trunk of our car.) Scott says he'll go back to the cemetery another time, when he doesn't feel rushed. I don't know that he'll find what he's looking for, though. Many of these headstones/markers are very old and not made of marble, and any writing that may have been there at one time is no longer visible!

Joel and Abby said that they felt like we were on a "leg" of that "Amazing Race" show . . . looking for three gravestones in a sizable cemetery---pressed for time, and not being successful! (At least we didn't have an emotional meltdown like some of those contestants do, although the kids pointed out that we were also well-rested, not travel-weary, and not trying to win a million dollars!)

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Interesting Pictures, . . . .


I really haven't been in a mood to share many of my thoughts lately (just a phase! I'm sure it will pass eventually), but I thought I'd share an interesting photo or two (if there's anyone who even reads this blog!). :o) Scott likes to play around with the camera, and he was doing so back in July, at the reception for his niece's wedding. I love this photo! This was the centerpiece for the tables.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

A Good Nap!

It's amazing what a good, long, deep-sleep nap will do to a person's perspective on life! Numerous activities, meetings, and responsibilities have kept me running for the past few weeks, and I haven't been getting a good amount of sleep. Our plans for today changed (weather-related!), so I got some work done in the morning, and decided to go take a good nap in a very quiet room, with some fresh air blowing in (via window fan) and snuggled under the covers. What a difference a good, comfy nap makes to my mood and my outlook! I'm now ready to face the rest of my responsibilities for tonight and tomorrow morning without dread and without feeling exhausted and yawning for hours on end!

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Trust Issues

It's difficult when you are used to writing/typing everything out in order to figure everything out, and yet there are restrictions. Sometime in the past seven days, we experienced a weird sort of crime, and even had to call the police. Because I read a lot, and because solving puzzles intrigues me, I keep trying to figure out who may have committed this crime (I'm really not counting on getting anything back. We consider it long gone by now). Those who have been told (a few select neighbors--although they didn't notice anything suspicious; some close friends) always come to the conclusion that it had to have been done by someone my son knows, or someone who knows him, has heard him talking about his hobby, and knows where we live. That (the fact that it's probably someone who knows us) bothers me more than if it had been a random act. I've been racking my brain trying to figure out who has been in our house lately, and Abby and Joel are usually too busy with their lives to have their friends over (Anna has neighbor friends over, but they never go upstairs, and they're too young---and Anna's friends are still very innocent---to even think of accomplishing what was done), and we haven't had any repair people in the house.

And how did he/she/they know we would not be home for awhile? Sure, I left the porch light on (won't do that again), but have they watched our weekend patterns? And why did they take what they did, but leave several other (even similar), highly visible temptations untouched?

Sure we'll take more precautions from now on (stern orders from the officer not to be so trusting, even in our nice little neighborhood in our corner of town---although this happened when all our doors were locked and we were gone for hours, not while we walked to the park or around the block, when we sometimes used to leave the back door unlocked), but I find that I'm having a few trust issues. I have always been a trusting person, and always willing to share and to serve those who have a need. Last night, we had a community event, and a cute little girl needed to use our bathroom. Before this past weekend, I would never have even hesitated for a split second. Now since Anna was finishing up her shower, and since we only have one bathroom, I did tell her (and her teenage companion . . . the teenagers have connections to our family through Scott and their dad, and they are totally the trustworthy type) that I needed to check to see if Anna was done before they came in the house, and while doing so, I made sure to close all the bedroom doors, etc. And I find that it's more difficult to be totally open with some neighbors. I hate having a mental "suspect" list, but I find that I'm having a difficult time trusting certain people. I find myself making sure that anything of value (laptop, purse, etc.) is put away and hidden---not out in the open, even when the doors are locked. Maybe that's wise.

For years I've been asking for wisdom and discernment, and I know God has provided me with both in many situations. But I never thought I'd have to be so careful in my own home. A burglary (even a weird, seemingly targeted one), just makes a person think differently about a lot of things. But I don't want to become cynical. I'm seeking to be a person of mercy and grace combined with that wisdom and discernment which I seek. Our alma mater urged us to become servant leaders in whatever path our lives took. It's just a bit difficult to serve and befriend and love without hesitation when that trust has been broken by someone still unknown, yet someone who probably knows us.

Friday, September 28, 2007

Wegmans . . . . "Well, . . . . I'll tell ya . . . . . "

I didn't have anything specific on my agenda today (now that's a rarity!!!, although I could have/should have been cleaning the house and doing laundry!---and probably e-mailing some of my friends whom I haven't been in touch with in awhile!), so I thought I'd go over to the new Wegman's and check it out! Thought maybe I'd grab a bite to eat there. The store has received so much hype! It is indeed a fascinating store. Such a variety of items! And the market place is VERY similar to a real "market" (I'm thinking of Philadelphia's in-town Market, although it doesn't quite come close to that, but that's the "feel" you get at Wegman's---and it was as bustling as a market!) I knew there were a few items which I wanted to purchase (good prices, as advertised in their flyer). I am a comparison shopper!

Because I'm a comparison shopper, the prices on most items (and especially the Market Place Cafe food!) made me gulp! Items similar to what Giant Food Stores sells in their salad bar for $3.99/lb (like fresh, cut melons and fruit) were $6.99/lb!!!!! There were a variety of items around (fresh crab cakes which looked and smelled delicious, and a huge bar of Asian food for carry-out), but hardly anything was less than $6.99/lb.!!!! (I chose not to eat there, after all!). I do have to say, however, that I did try a sample of their cold spaghetti salad, and I have never tasted any spaghetti salad that was quite so delicious. Not only the flavor, but the entire texture of every ingredient. Exquisite would be the word!!! Maybe I should have picked up some of that for a treat for Scott and Joel. They would probably love it.

I'll probably go back, but I can't see coming out of there with a cart full of groceries. My budget would not be able to handle that, exquisite though some of the prepared food may be!!!

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Sportsmanship


I can't quite come up with an adequate title for this photo, but I love it! There's something "Chariots of Fire"-esque about this picture. Just high school cross country runners after their 5K run, mingling and chatting with members from the other team.

Thursday, September 6, 2007

A Little Late, but . . . . .


A picture from the first day of school . . . .

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Joel with a "chip on his shoulder"

Joel with a "chip on his shoulder"! :o)

Smiling for the Camera!


Our Church Family Picnic was moved to our Fellowship Hall, rather than being held at the local park. (It was raining!) We ran out of seats for everyone. Since Micah and Sarah's mom and myself were on the committee which planned the picnic, our kids ended up relinquishing their seats, and they sat behind the counter. They didn't mind that I was taking pictures! Our family loves this photo! It makes us smile!

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Getting Ready for Cross Country Season . . .



A GORGEOUS day! A 5K which was organized to benefit the local library was held this morning at a local park and through a development. Joel ran in the 5K, Anna ran in the fun run. This was the first running event in which Anna has participated. Joel hasn't been training her this summer, so she wasn't all that prepared, but he was encouraging her in the last leg (close to the finish line)! Joel received a first-place medal for his age group! Abby worked all afternoon and evening yesterday, so she stayed home.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

So many thoughts, too many to type . . . .

Oh, it's been awhile since I've posted any thoughts! I've had too many running through my head, and not all are thoughts that I would want to share on a public forum (my kids would really hate it if I "thought out loud" about some parts of their lives here . . . and thinking about the lives of our kids is something most moms do!). Some thoughts and words are meant to be "one-on-one discussions" (or sometimes three-on-one if you're a mom of three kids), and not necessarily open to the public!

We haven't taken all that many pictures lately (so nothing to post here)---just keeping busy and trying to stay cool (and appreciating summer but looking forward to the routine which comes with the school year).

My two oldest kids--Abby and Joel--are soon going to be "flying the coop." They both have a few years yet, but I remember when they were babies, and those 16+ and 14+ years have just flown by, so I know that the next two and four years will also fly by and be gone before I know it. At this point, I realize that it won't be too long until they are sharing space with college roommates and then possibly spouses, and I'm wondering whether I've chosen all the right battles, and whether I should have chosen some which I didn't! (Like, will future college roommates and spouses get frustrated with my kids because after 14 and 16 years, they still don't always pick up after themselves all the time? --- I've already discussed this with them, so I think it's okay to discuss it here!) When I was analyzing and lamenting about this topic one day, Joel laughed and said, "Mom, it'll be just fine!!!!" (Obviously, he doesn't want me to keep nagging him about his room!) Well, it will build their character to work these issues out with future housemates---although it will be less painful if they learn those things within the next few years. I think both of them (and probably Anna, too!) will need www.Flylady.net!!!! We tend to be creative, perfectionist people who get sidetracked and then think if something can't be done perfectly, then why get started, because the job seems too overwhelming (we use flylady instead of therapy!!!!) and then we procrastinate!

My basic goals as a parent: 1) to help my kids know that they are loved unconditionally by God and by us as their parents---and that will give them a sense of security and belonging and acceptance. (Love the kid's book by Max Lucado --- "Just in Case You Ever Wonder.") I want my kids to know their Creator, and to know how much He loves them. We haven't always been the best reflection of God's love (after all, we're human, and we've made tons of mistakes---and children understand this aspect of their parents so much better once they have children of their own!). If they are solid in God's love, then the little issues (like picking up after themselves), while important, are minor in the whole scheme of life. If my kids were the neatest, most obedient children on the face of the earth, but didn't know and experience and feel secure in God's love and know who Jesus is and what He did, then we would have really "missed the boat" as parents. (But that doesn't mean I'm not going to get on their cases about "finding a home" for their stuff---and that "home" is not the floor!!!)

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Abby's Hair Cut for Locks of Love

Abby got her hair cut for Locks of Love. I think she's going to post some pictures on her blog, too. But I thought I'd post some here! Robert did a great job!





Practicing Parallel Parking


Dad came up to the house to help Abby practice parallel parking. His homework assignment: use model cars to practice. Then he went over the "homework" with Abby! Joel took video and posted it on YouTube. :o)

Saturday, June 30, 2007

Kids Growing Up


As my children age, they get busy, and their lives don't revolve around the family as much . . . . they are often off and doing their own thing. My son Joel is away at "Creation East" (http://www.creationfest.com). He left on Wednesday morning. This begins his early summer schedule of being away from home a lot. Creation Festival in June, a week with my parents in July (an hour away), and then to Long Island New York for a week-long summer missions trip. I remember last year that by the time he was away at the missions trip (in West Virginia last year), I was ready for him to be home. I'm so glad that my kids love life and all the activities that they have an opportunity to be involved in. I wouldn't keep them from those opportunities. They need to follow their passions and their dreams and figure out where God wants them to be in life. But when they're gone, I miss them! (And my son doesn't miss us, so he doesn't usually check in!). But I'm reminded that this is just a precursor of the future. That it won't be long until Abby and then Joel are off to college and then on their own. Guess these week-long trips away are good "practice."

And then I think about my sister, whose son died in a tragic accident at the age of 15, and all of the other parents who have children who have died. And I know that they are probably frequently thinking that they are ready for their kids to "come home" from their absence.

Every day is a gift!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Wave Pools!

I absolutely love the ocean! It "calls" me and calms me! I don't get there nearly enough to suit me . . . haven't been to the shore for a few years now, and the last time we went, our time on the beach was very minimal. As much as I love the ocean, I have found that wave pools are alluring as well! In fact, there are so many benefits to wave pools! You get the fun of jumping waves in the deeper water, water lapping over your calves and ankles in the shallow water, and the waves are usually around the same size (no massive, surprise huge waves!) You get the fun of the waves with no sand! (That's one of the best benefits!!!) We visited Dorney Park (Allentown, PA) yesterday, and spent a good part of the afternoon in the wave pool. I loved it! Wish our town would build a wave pool! (That's just a dream! They just put a lot of money into the regular pool!)

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Interesting Family Conversation


We had an interesting conversation last night at supper. Abby asked why Anna's not going to JRA Camp this summer. There are many reasons why Anna's not going this year (our summer schedule, the cost, Anna's waffling on whether or not she wanted to go), but for me, the bottom line is that some kids desperately need to go to JRA Camp, because they're having emotional and psychological issues dealing with the pain of arthritis and the realization that their lives are very different from other kids. For them, JRA Camp is a huge relief----to be around other people their age who understand pain and stiffness and lots of medications, etc. It's a huge support system for them. Anna's arthritis is under good control, and even when her uveitis flares, there are no symptoms, so she hasn't (as yet) had any "adjustment" or emotional or psychological issues related to having arthritis. (Thank the Lord!) Then we were talking about how Joel's speech therapist really and desperately wanted him to attend the Stuttering Conference last summer (it didn't work out with his schedule because of the missions trip he was on). While I think the Stuttering Conference would have been interesting, I wasn't devastated that we couldn't go (would have enjoyed a train ride to Philly, though!). Joel seems to take everything in stride, and I think I've learned to, also (at least I hope so!). I was telling the kids that I'm so proud of the way they have accepted the issues that they each have to deal with. Joel said that he thinks that many people who stutter and parents of people who stutter are way too focused on the issue of stuttering (and he thinks a conference on stuttering would just be way too much of a focus!). He would rather focus on LIVING! I personally have never wanted the issues my children face to define our lives and who we are, and I realized tonight that they really don't. At times the issues do need our attention, but it's really just a very small part of who we are as individuals and as a family.

Wednesday, June 6, 2007

A Mother's Day Picture!



We were visited City Island on Mother's Day (I know it was a month ago, but I thought I'd like to post this picture!). It was a beautiful day, and such a charming sight to see this family of geese swimming down the river! (Joel took this picture.)

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Tammy's Editorial!

Tonight we attended a "Step Up to High School" recognition night, where the eighth grade students of our local middle school walked across the stage while the guidance counselor read their name, some of their achievements, and a very brief statement about their hopes and dreams for the future. There were a few hundred students (less than 350), and some students didn't attend (their choice---attendance is optional). Preceding this "roll call," the superintendent briefly spoke, as well as the principal and the class president (all brief!)

It was a long event, with so many students. Several younger siblings were also attending (including Anna, who usually goes to bed at 8:30 p.m., and was up WAY past her bedtime tonight!), and they do have school early in the morning. As the evening progressed, and as some students already walked across the stage, many parents would send messages to their eighth grade student, and scores of parents and students from the beginning of the alphabet were leaving the auditorium.

Our last name is Zeigler. We're at the end of the alphabet. We were committed to staying to the end (our son was the last person called, so he received the loudest applause!---that happened to our daughter Abby two years ago, also!).

My personal feeling is that it's rude to leave (except for a dire emergency!). If a family can't stay for the entire evening, then maybe they should not attend at all. (That's my honest opinion!) Shouldn't those from the first half of the alphabet have enough courtesy to listen to the achievements and dreams of our kids, too?

Sometimes I think we try to cram our schedules way too full. It seems that for many events which I attend (church activities, school activities, etc.), people come late and leave early because they have about four or five places to be on that particular evening. When did society decide that it's okay to pop in on some things and "show our face" just to say we were there? I really think that we need to make some choices and commit ourselves to the important things, and just say, "no" to some other things that might be happening at the same time. Let's focus, instead of trying to spread ourselves so thin! (and being rude and discourteous to others).

Just my honest opinion! . . . . .

Monday, June 4, 2007

Picture from the Parlor



We love spending time with family at "The Parlor." This photo was taken at "Family and Friend Day" in 2006. I love the green fields and the path to the woods.

What a Weekend!

What a weekend! Saturday had our family spread out . . . Scott took Joel into Harrisburg to run a 10K race. The battery on the van died there. I drove over to Harrisburg to help get the van jumped. (Anna and I were in the middle of getting a blood test when Scott called.) Anna and I left to drive to Maryland, because Abby was spending the night at her cousin's sleepover. While in Maryland, one of the front tires on our car went flat! Thankfully, we discovered that problem while the car was parked, and not while driving. We were in a time crunch, since Abby had to be back in Pennsylvania at 4:00 p.m. for her job (at a pizza buffet!). We drove Dad's truck home; dad took care of the tire for us, and drove up to exchange vehicles today. I am so glad that both vehicles don't regularly break down on the same day! Today the van has a new battery, and the two holes in the tire are patched! Life goes on . . . . . . I am so appreciative of a strong, extended family unit---family members who are supportive and ready to be a part of the solution to some of the problems which creep up in life.