Tammys Thoughts and Pictures

The End of An Era, Really

2010-08-31T11:50:00.003-04:00

I wish that I could share my extended family (both maternal and paternal) with everyone I know. Even though no one is perfect in my extended family, we have learned to love and accept and enjoy everyone just because they are family. (I never realized what a treasure that philosophy is until I moved away from home---I used to think that all families were this way.) My aunts, uncles, and cousins know how to laugh without belittling anyone---they find joy in living, enjoying hard work and the simple things of life.

My dad is one of four siblings, my mom is one of nine. For over four decades, I have enjoyed each and every one of my parents' siblings. All are different in their own way, with very unique personalities and areas of giftedness---but all are loved for exactly who they are.

This week marks the end of an era in my family. I can no longer say that all my parents' siblings are still living. My Uncle John Price has passed from this earth yesterday. While I would never wish him back (he doesn't need to struggle to breathe any more), his entire, huge family--both immediate and extended--will sorely miss his presence here on earth.

So tonight my thoughts and prayers go out especially to Aunt Patsy, Teresa, Kim, and Mark, their spouses and their children, and to my mom and all of Uncle John's siblings who will miss him (especially on "Brother's Day", at the Price sibling lunches which my cousins have begun to host, and at Mom's "Spring Fling"). Our tears express some of the depths of our often unspoken love.

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." and "The Lord is close to the broken-hearted." These two simple verses are some of the few comforting thoughts (to me, at least) in these times of sorrow.

"With your final heartbeat, kiss the world goodbye. Then go in peace and laugh on glory's side." (Chris Rice, from his song, "Untitled Hymn" [Come to Jesus])

I Just Want to Talk to a REAL person!

2010-08-31T11:42:00.002-04:00

Does anyone besides me greatly dislike the phone services which most companies have---where you have to press a chain of numbers and guess which category your question may fall under? Well, several weeks ago, we had a "situation" whereby my cell phone was lost (probably in the bushes or the creek at Hersheypark, is my guess, from what my son said, and with him trying to figure out the possible trajectory---he's really into physics). So I called AT&T. I have a go-phone, so this is a bit more complicated than the contract phones. None of their answering machine categories fit my problem or question, and "went around in circles" on their phone tree several times. I was getting exasperated, and finally said to the automated voice, "I JUST WANT TO TALK TO A REAL PERSON!!!!" To my surprise, the automated voice then said, "Okay! I'll connect you with a customer service representative." Wow! I think I'll have to try that more often!

Great Quote on Marriage . . . .

2010-02-01T16:32:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking about marriage lately, mainly because our small group at church is studying a chapter in our study book about us being the "Bride of Christ" (and so we have to dig in to figure out what exactly that means) . . . partly because my kids are getting older and I want them to have a good and right perspective on marriage (and opposed to what I perceive as society's very casual and often negative attitude towards the institution) and in a very small part because of just a snippet of conversation on my brother-in-law's Facebook status and subsequent comments. And then, today, after following some links from a "Tweet" I received, I came across this quote from "Plugged In Online." (Abby will like that I read this.) Sometimes you read what people write and think, I TOTALLY agree with that. How TRUE that is. So here, from Reviewer Paul Asay (on his review of "When In Rome"--found at http://www.pluggedin.com/movies/intheaters/wheninrome.aspx ):

I'll rebut Pops' perspective with this: Marriage is about so much more than passion, more than risk—more than a lottery ticket where the winners get fairy-tale endings and losers find divorce attorneys. Marriage is about commitment—commitment that holds firm through the fickle vagaries of human emotion. Yes, there's risk involved in it, but marriage should never be analogous to rolling the dice in a game of chance. Rather, it's like building a house: You check the foundation, you build the angles square, you make sure the place will last a lifetime.

:o)

A Variety of Thoughts . . .

2010-01-19T15:47:00.003-05:00

It's been over a year since I've posted here! Our family has gone through many changes--mainly the graduation of our oldest child, Abby. The day after graduation, we left for a few days of vacation, visiting with some long-time friends. Then once we arrived home, Abby moved out! It was a week of whirlwind changes, but I think we all adjusted well. Abby moved out because her job at the local college included room and board. She loved staying there and working there for the summer, and now she loves being a college student. She has also entered a dating relationship with her long-time friend David, but if you want to read about that, you'll have to read their blogs. It's their story to tell (it's a good and interesting one!), and I'll stay out of it unless I'm asked my opinion!

Joel is in his junior year of high school, and he's very, very busy! Anna loves her first year of middle school. She's just about as tall as I am, and her feet are bigger than mine!

My latest thoughts (ones which I want to post, anyway---not all my thoughts are postable to the public in my opinion) are not necessarily deep ones:

1) I think I know why people don't use wallpaper as much as they used to. It's a PAIN to take off when you decide you want a different look for the room. I'm currently redoing my kitchen, and just taking off the wallpaper border and subsequently getting all of the glue off was tedious and time consuming. I also want to redo my living room this coming year, but I will need to take off all of the original (1939) wallpaper which has been painted over for seven decades. It seems like an overwhelming job. But if I get the kitchen finished (paint the ceiling, walls, AND cupboards), maybe my sense of accomplishment will help spur me on to the next project . . . but do I want to tackle the dining room walls, first? There is no wallpaper underneath those walls--just underneath the ceiling in that room.

2) Does it mean a person is getting "old" if when you go to your family doctor for a regular physical, he asks if you have a living will? Guess hubby and I are there, because he said he got the same question a few months ago. I told the doctor that I've already told the family I don't want to be a vegetable . . . "Pull the plug." My doctor smiled and said, "That's very good, but we need to have that documented in your file."

That's it for now . . . need to get off the computer and get some things done.

What Can I Learn? . . . . Thoughts about family, friends, personalities, and character traits

2009-01-06T09:46:00.004-05:00

Somedays I can be very introspective, and sometimes I can spend a year or two observing people (I love to watch people and learn from them!) and pick up little bits of wisdom in my observations. As my children age and mature and continue to develop and hone their personalities and character traits, I find myself seeing bits of myself and bits of Scott in them (those personality and character traits). And I can see bits of my both of my parents (personality and character traits) in myself. I think it goes beyond that, as well. Coming from a close-knit extended family, and spending time with aunts and uncles, I even see bits of them in myself (both sides of my family).

I watch my extended family and see how extraordinarily functional they are as a family unit (not that they're perfect people, but it's difficult to find functional family units these days!). So I've been thinking these past years and observing . . . what makes them functional? What causes them to laugh at life and be mostly cheerful and hopeful? A big part of that is our faith, I know. But there are other aspects which I've observed and hope to learn from. Sometimes I wish I had learned these things earlier in life.

One bit of wisdom I perceived a few years ago and continue to remember is that in our functional, extended family, as a rule, the most hopeful and emotionally healthy people don't wallow in their misery. Sure, there are some serious issues going on, and sure, we are not in denial about those things. But when everyone is together, the majority of conversation focuses on the hopeful things of life. The serious issues are discussed, but they are not the main focus. As a rule, there's not much complaining going on. Just an acceptance of life as it comes (the good as well as the bad), yet always thinking and keeping ears and eyes open for opportunities which arise.

Our family isn't necessarily wealthy or powerful by society's standards. Yet they have passed along to the younger generations a legacy of faith, loyalty, and the importance of a strong family unit as a support system. I'm praying that I will continue to pass along those elements to my children by being an example to them of the same. I'm also hoping that they will show me some grace (as my family has during my growing and maturing decades), knowing that I'm not perfect (they already know that, they assured me once).

I also want to broaden my scope as far as learning from people. I continue to watch and analyze what makes my family work, but I'm also working in a different area at trying to accept others for who they are, even when I'm not in my comfort zone. I was thinking just yesterday that with every encounter with people, I should be asking myself, "What can I learn from this person?" Try to find the good and positive character traits of each person I come into contact with (instead of focusing on how different they may be from me). Maybe that can be a goal for the coming year (among many other goals on my mental list!).

Grandma's Optimism

2008-06-26T16:58:00.002-04:00

I was thinking of my Grandma the other day. It could be that many would not give my Grandma a second glance in a crowd. She was quiet and unassuming, and even though she wasn't any type of "powerhouse" person in the business and corporate world, she raised nine children through tough times---and she raised them well and in such a way that they are all still very close as siblings, and many of her 33 grandchildren are still in touch with each other and supportive in good times and bad. When we need to "circle the wagons" when bad things happen (I'm thinking now of the tragic death of my teenage nephew a few years ago), the cousins and spouses are right there with us (I remember being so grateful to have them close and chatting at Ben's viewing.)

Anyway . . . got off course there . . . .remembering Grandma's optimism . . . I was outside the other day, and since some of my bushes have grown these past few years, I decided that pruning shears were just not an efficient or a sufficient tool to use, so I discovered Scott's hedge trimmers (or what do you call them--I don't know--they're not electric; just two sizeable blades controlled by two handles) in the garage, and I thought, "Perfect!" So I started hacking away at those bushes. While I don't think anyone would hire me as a landscaper, the bushes looked much better than if I had snipped away with the pruning shears. (I won't include a photo, because they're not that pretty, but they'll grow out beautifully next spring.)

That's what caused me to remember Grandma and her cheerful and optimistic attitude. I remember one Saturday (she always had Saturday dinner for anyone who showed up, and there were usually more than 30 of us . . . we had to eat in shifts in her small ranch-style home each week) she was having the uncles trim her bushes out front of our house. She had one pine tree (or maybe it was a holly bush---I don't remember) in front of her bedroom window. When my uncles trimmed that bush, they REALLY hacked away at it! I remember a group of us looking at it once they had finished, and even though I was probably 12 or younger, I looked at that bush and thought, "Oh, that looks AWFUL!" (That part I DEFINITELY remember!) It was mostly branches, and hardly any greenery left. I was rather worried about how it looked, and one of my aunts (or maybe it was me?) said something to my Grandma about how much they had trimmed and how we weren't sure it looked all that great. But my Grandma just shrugged and smiled and said, "Oh! It'll grow out!" It did, too!

Things . . . Like a Walk in the Park

2008-06-10T10:17:00.002-04:00

Moments in my life can sometimes be appropriately described by song lyrics! "Things . . . like a walk in the park" was stuck in my head this morning, because after I walked Anna down to a neighbor's house (car-pooling to summer musical instrument lessons), I decided that if I was going to take a walk today (which I want to do more regularly), then early this morning would be the best time to do so, with the heat wave on the East Coast. So I went for a walk in the park. Early morning is a great time to take a walk. The park was quiet, with only a few runners and walkers, no signs of life at the town pool, and just a few dump trucks traveling quietly (as quietly as dump trucks can travel) and slowly towards the football field, where they are preparing the surface for artificial turf.

I should get up earlier more often. I was able to chat with some neighbors this morning (one of the aspects of small-town life I greatly enjoy). But even between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m., the weather was hot and muggy, and I was dripping by the time I returned to the house! My body just has not yet adjusted to the heat and humidity.

We're looking forward to Abby's senior portraits tonight. I'm just praying about the weather, since we were hoping to get some outdoor shots, and thunderstorms (possibly severe) are expected to pass through any time between 4:00 and 9:00 p.m. We'll see.

Joel's project for this summer is to build a roller coaster in our back yard (the K'nex kind). It's pretty exciting, and the neighbor kids love to watch over the fence and ask questions. They said they can hardly wait until it's done!

Coming Back to Life . . . . .

2008-05-21T14:33:00.008-04:00

[The photograph above was taken at "Family and Friend Day" at my uncle's place. I have one terrific family! My grandma left a legacy!)

Life in April was hectic and crazy, and then I was sidelined with a flu virus that brought exhaustion, and then once I was beginning to feel better and decided to get some exercise, I stepped in a pot-hole while I was out walking. I royally twisted my ankle. My schedule was too full to take the time to see a doctor, when I figured out myself that it was sprained but not broken, so I've been taking care of it on my own, with some great advice from my uncle, who tells me that this will take months to feel normal again (after 3-4 weeks, I'm realizing that he's certainly right about that!). I don't have any major projects at work right now, and my husband declined to run for Council President (for our church---and I work in the church office---sometimes it felt like our life revolved around the church, and that wasn't not what we wanted for our lives . . . our relationship with God is important, but we need to be intentional about being good parents have having some family time, also) for another year, so that in itself has relieved quite a bit of pressure on us!

Other aspects of life keep us busy. The school year is almost done, but Abby is already gearing up for her senior year. We recently scheduled her senior portraits to be taken. I found a great photographer, and I am eager for the photo shoot and then to see the products. She's also planning a trip with a friend to Colorado. That should be an exciting experience for her!

We haven't been all that proactive about Abby's allergies, but after eight months with no follow-up after blood tests for a chicken allergy (with the current allergist, who seems rather too laid back for life-threatening food allergies), I made a phone call yesterday, and we're changing allergists. I'll have to call periodically to see if we can get her in sooner than September.

Now that I'm in the mood and have a little bit of time and energy and resolve to write again, I'll have to once again start taking more pictures (my son needs his own camera! He's constantly borrowing mine!).

More random thoughts . . . . once I feel well rested again (I'm catching up on that now), I'll organize my thoughts a bit better. I was thinking the other day . . . . analyzing personalities of myself and my kids, and thinking about how people (including myself) easily jump to conclusions about people based on their initial meeting, when some people take more time to get to know. If I organize my thoughts on that subject, maybe I'll write about it here. We'll see.

Getting Through April . . . .

2008-04-28T16:14:00.003-04:00

April has been an extremely busy month, and some days it seems like we're getting ready for some event only to start planning for our responsibilities for the next event as soon as the previous event is done! I've had a lot of thoughts lately (when don't I? I am constantly churning out thoughts . . . .sometimes I don't always like that, but that's the way I was made). But my main thought is that tomorrow, I really need to clean my house. I know I won't get it all done tomorrow (my house did not get dirty/messy all in one day, and I can't expect it to get clean in just one day), but at least I can make a dent.

Also, gotta LOVE winter clearance sales! I was out at the mall last week, and found that Sears was having some major sales on their Lands End line of clothing (winter clothing). I was able to purchase two pair of pants for $7.00 each (they were originally about $34-40), and a nice, thick winter sweater for $7.00 (it was originally a $60.00 sweater). We've had such beautiful weather, but yesterday I was glad a cold front moved in, because it gave me a chance to wear my new clothes!

Our weeks have been so busy that we've tried to be intentional about having some quiet weekends (at least for Scott and I . . . Abby and Joel have been gallivanting about to concerts and such). That will change in the month of May. We have several weekends where we have about five different places we COULD be each day. I'm past the point of feeling guilty when I can only choose one or two per day and have to say 'no' to all of the other events. Sometimes life is just too busy, and quiet times at home are a respite. I personally need the "down time" in order to be energized for everything else that's on the schedule.

Just some random thoughts on a rainy afternoon . . . .

Ah!!!!!!! Spring and warm weather! (and life is still crazy!)

2008-04-12T17:37:00.002-04:00

I've noticed a trend with the few blogs which I try to regularly read . . . everyone has been busy and hasn't posted much lately (including me!). I'm still busy--just procrastinating for a few minutes before I get back to finishing the PowerPoint for tomorrow's worship services. Big decision coming up with our congregational meeting tomorrow. I've been praying fervently. I know others have been praying, because I haven't felt nervous or uneasy or stressed about the decision---just generally wondering what tomorrow will bring and how I will feel about continuing in that congregation if the vote goes against what I feel is exemplifying the love of Christ and reaching out to children and young families. We'll see. Scott's also been working a lot, with the events at the college coming up tomorrow. He'll just be glad when tomorrow is over.

I had a huge mental list of everything that I should be doing today. Typing up the six-page "questions and answers" for the congregational meeting tomorrow took longer than expected. I called the kids from the church and suggested they meet me halfway at Jo-Jo's Pizza in town. (I love working four blocks away from the house, and walking when the weather is so great!) That's where we ate lunch. That took longer than expected, too. (Abby said she likes a relaxed meal, and didn't think I should complain, but I was just thinking of everything I still had to do today). The weather was so beautiful that I took some time away from the computer and inside the house in order to clean out the narrow flowerbed between the garage and the sidewalk. It was GREAT to be outside in the warmth and soak up some Vitamin D from the sun!

I still need to get some laundry done. I should have cleaned some of the house today, but that may have to wait until Monday evening or Tuesday. Still need to get some tax forms in envelopes and mail them. I HAVE to do that before Monday! Still need to put clean sheets on our bed. That has to be done tonight.

Life goes on . . . e-mails will eventually get answered, laundry will eventually get done. The rest of the outside work will eventually get done. This craziness, too, will pass (won't it?)

Sometimes our tasks in life dictate what life will be about . . . .

2008-03-27T17:03:00.004-04:00

Maybe that title doesn't make the most sense. What I'm trying to say is that for the past few weeks, life itself has seemingly been dictated by many of our responsibilities. I work at a church. Last week, the church had three services . . . with a bulletin for each service. Our taxes need completed. I should have completed them sooner, but they kept getting pushed to the back burner. My goal was then to get them in the mail by the end of March. I'll take them (ours and Abby's) to the post office tomorrow. Then I need to compile the yearly report for the church. That has to be done and ready for distribution by Sunday morning. That, too, has been on the back burner. It will get done. And on time, but there's much work to be done in the meantime. Scott has been busy with church stuff and work stuff. Enough to be overwhelming. By April 13th, much of the present burden will be over with (and onto the next pressure/issue)!

Abby is working hard to get her graduation project completed. She's been staying near the house as much as possible and at the computer. Joel is on the track team, which keeps him busy, but already he's improving his personal record for the 2-mile race, and he's happy about that. Anna keeps plugging away at homework. She's growing up so fast! She's hardly a little girl any more.

Because of life right now, everything else gets put on the back burner . . . blogs, laundry, cleaning, cooking, etc. Just getting the bare necessities done. We did take a break over the past weekend to color some eggs and visit with extended family. We're currently having some problems with our camera "talking to" the computer (it isn't), and the Kodak software support person thinks it might be the cable. That would be an easy fix. Maybe I can go out tonight and get a new cable and try that. Then I can share some more pictures.

I need to stop procrastinating now, and finish this blog entry, and start working on that annual report. Once it's done, I can then get the house straightened up and cleaned, and feel good about life again!

"His strength is perfect when our strength is gone."

Room Renovation, continued

2008-03-10T18:11:00.004-04:00

The room is almost done! A cozy little space, adding two more (with a possibility of a third) seating areas in our small home. The painting is done, the rug is down, the furniture is placed. Still need to hang the drape/scarf over the window, and hang the quilts on the long wall, hang the kids' school pictures on the wall, and find one or two more items to decorate the walls. Now that this room is freshly painted, the two adjacent rooms REALLY look like they need refreshed, too!

Back to the Room Renovation, . . . .

2008-02-20T16:04:00.006-05:00

Scott has a week of vacation (take it or lose it, so he's taking it!) this week, and he's focusing on this room renovation project. A previous owner somewhere along the way decided to lower and square off an archway, and I've been wanting that taken out for the past ten years or so! the plaster had cracked all around the seam, and a metal corner/edge piece had fallen long ago. Scott has been afraid of what we might find underneath. But yesterday he decided to drill a few holes, use a flashlight, and explore. After "exploring," he thought for a little while, and finally decided to "just do it." So he got his little jigsaw out, began cutting some nails, and used his hammer and crowbar for help along the way. As he began, he said, "I just hope the house doesn't fall down once I take this out!" We still have no clue as to why someone would ever want to lower the arch and square it off. Opening up that arch has visually opened up the two rooms. I am very much looking forward to completing the renovation of this room (and then we'll need to start on the living room . . . taking down that little addition marred the adjacent living room walls in some areas).

Thanks for Your Prayers . . . .

2008-02-20T15:56:00.005-05:00

First of all, for those who read my previous post and have been praying, THANK YOU!!! They certainly are making a difference. On Sunday morning, I met with people in my small group which is part of the larger group, and I was met with hope and enthusiasm. (They thought that Saturday's meeting was GREAT! I told them I came home in tears!) That enveloping attitude from my friends, plus a day away from the object of many of my stresses has really helped to heal a lot of the unsettledness. As in any group, I know that feelings and sentiments can change, so I know that all is not "fixed," but my soul is more at rest with everything. One friend later told me that she sensed a whole new attitude (a good and hopeful one) in the larger group on Sunday. We'll see what the annual meeting brings in April. It might help if Scott is able to step away from his current position in leadership, which he is hoping to do with the re-organization of the council. With him being in his position, and with my job being what it is, we tend to shoulder a lot, and we get many phone calls at home which means we are wearing our "hats" constantly, even in our home. Sometimes the only "rest" I feel that we get is when we head to Maryland. We actually decided that we need to schedule another Saturday Maryland trip. We all need that! As you think of us, we would appreciate your continued prayers.

Lord, I don't know where all this is goin' . . . .

2008-02-16T21:02:00.002-05:00

or how it all works out
Lead me to peace that passes understanding
Peace beyond all doubt (Newsboys--Adoration CD)

Ever been part of a group and get to a point where every meeting leaves you unsettled and restless and you ask yourself, "why am I part of this group, anyway?" We're there because every time in the past twenty+ years we've asked God that question, He's said, "You need to stay." (And even lately, when I ask that, He allows other people to point out different things that remind me of why we stay--even as lately as two weeks ago.) There are reasons to stay now, but I keep praying, because I am not at peace. It's either going to get better (people's attitudes will need to change) or else our family will be in for a change from this group that's supposed to be our support system (although I do realize that it may get a bit worse before it gets better if God tells us once again to stay). But I also rely on Scott's judgment. I thought today's meeting would ease this unsettled feeling in my soul, but I just came away more frustrated and unsettled. I just keep praying and praying for God's direction and timing. If any of those who read this want to help in some way, please pray!

Renovating an old room . . .

2008-02-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

Well, it was time for a new phase in life. Time to move most of the toys (the ones that are left, anyway) to the basement, since Anna is starting to get in the "in between" stage---between a kid who likes to play with toys and a young lady who is more interested in books and music and movies. So it's time to renovate the "middle room" as we call it. So after the Christmas tree was put away, we moved all of the little stuff out, and started clearing the walls of the multiple layers of paint over the original wallpaper from 1939. Praise the Lord for good and dear friends. My friend Denise came up one day with her young daughter Teressa, and we worked on spraying the walls and scraping the paint and wallpaper. These old walls are in pretty bad shape. Lots and lots of cracks, and places where previous owners have patched (with not much finesse!). Scott has also been working to strip the paint off of the beautiful woodwork around the room. It's beautiful underneath, and we are excited that it's in decent enough shape that we can stain it instead of repainting it! Someday (year) we'll get carpet put down. For now, I bought an area rug from Overstock.com. The old wood floors need help, but they'll do for now.

One of the kids or Scott took a picture of this patch of sorts up on the wall. This looks pretty bad, although it was taken before we scrubbed down the walls, so already the walls look better than this picture. I'll try to post different pictures along the way . . . maybe I'll get one of Scott working on the rest of the woodwork. Its a LONG slow process, and I am reminded of what I used to say when we moved into this house . . . every project seems to take so much longer and so much more money than we originally anticipated. It's an adventure! (Although we're thinking now that brand new homes sure have an appeal! If we ever decide to move once the kids are out of school---we love living so close to the high school and we don't want to move from here right now!--I think we'll look into a brand new house if it's in our budget!)

I have plans for this room! Anna and I already found an ottoman in Marshalls that we loved, so we bought that and are using it in the living room for now. I have two chairs in mind that I plan to purchase, but we don't have room for them at the moment, so I'm waiting until we have the walls done (it will take awhile, but patience is a virtue!). We're looking forward to a "new room."

Before Christmas, I was thinking that we would do this middle room and move right on to the living room (which is connected to the "middle room" with a big archway in between). When it took so long to get all the wallpaper off that little middle room, I began thinking that maybe the living room should wait until next year (2009) after Christmas 2008! It needs the same work (original wallpaper & multiple layers of paint stripped, cracked walls spackled and repaired, and woodwork stripped of paint and original finish so that we can restain it). And it's a bigger room than the middle room! Maybe we should only tackle that in the winter/spring of 2009 if we think we can finish it before Abby graduates from high school next June.

Pictures from the Science Fair

2008-02-01T10:42:00.000-05:00

Joel entered the school science fair last Saturday. Tied for second place, so he moves on the Regional competition. We're realistic in knowing that he probably won't get anywhere near the major prizes there . . . the winners in the last few years have projects that will change people's lives (a whole lot of people), and Joel's roller coaster projects won't necessarily change people's lives (not on a large scale, anyway!). But last year, he got a monetary award from an auxilliary group who wanted to encourage young engineering students. So we'll see.

We sent the camera with Abby and Anna when they took Joel over to the college to set up everything. They took some interesting pictures (although I had asked that they get some pictures of themselves/each other, too, which they did not!). I like this picture of Joel and his friend, Austin---it makes me smile. The girls took this from the second level of the Jordan Science Building (at Messiah College). It's a beautiful building with an impressive entry/atrium. That's where the science fair was held (the science teacher in charge of the school science fair is an alumni, so he has connections!). I also like this picture of Joel, Austin, and their friend Nate, even though it's a picture of their backs! They all look pretty spiffy, heading to into the Student Union for a round of pool! It's becoming a tradition for "down time" at the school science fair!

Thoughts on Wegmans (again!)

2008-01-24T22:21:00.000-05:00

Well, I had previously posted about Wegmans, and I won't retract all that I said---I still can't see myself coming out of there with a cart full of groceries. I prefer to shop for most of my groceries elsewhere. BUT, I was searching for the phone number for the pharmacy at our local Wegmans store, and when I googled "Wegmans," I saw that my blog came up as one of the top searches. I want to make sure I give Wegman's a "fair shake" in case people google them and find my blog! I have to say that their photo processing area has become my favorite place to get prints of my digital photos. I LOVE their area there. They have some of the fastest computers (for photo processing) in the area, and a new and different and FAST and efficient way of editing all my photographs (I usually wait until I need to clean off my memory card, so then I need to edit and process sometimes over 200 photographs!)---and they have chairs to sit on during the processing! Another good thing about Wegmans: Their food is BEAUTIFUL in their marketplace area! (even if you don't buy any!) A feast for the eyes! Some of their prices are very competitive, so it is possible to get some decent bargains there. Also, as noted on Anna's JRA blog, they are able to order in injectable Methotrexate (when my usual pharmacy in a competing grocery store didn't even try to see if they could order it). Another good aspect . . . if you want some Asian food, but don't want or need a whole lot, they have an Asian bar/buffet, where you can take as much or as little as you want to (and eat in their lovely cafe area!)

Hope for Eye Cancer . . . clarifying some of the details

2008-01-14T15:41:00.001-05:00

It was so nice to receive an e-mail or two from Melanie Gilbert, thanking me for including my mom's story in my blog. She was so helpful in giving me some clarification on some details which have become fuzzy in my mind (and my mom lives an hour away from me, so she wasn't here as I was typing, so I had no one to remind me of some names). My mom's surgery for her ocular melanoma was performed by Dr. Jerry or Dr. Carol Shields (I can't remember which one was my mom's surgeon). I just know that both Dr. Shields are some of the foremost experts in their field, having written books and articles galore! The name of the Eye Institute is the Wills Eye Institute, in Philadelphia. I went to visit my mom there while she was being treated. It's not too difficult to find (even though I took a wrong turn at one point and ended up crossing the bridge to New Jersey before turning around!). Melanie also gave me some two links to share. If people are looking for stories of hope for eye cancer, or uveal melanoma, or ocular melanoma stories and information, try www.seeacure.com, or http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/ChoroidalMelanoma/ .

Some of you may also have noticed the comment on my last blog by a another eye cancer survivor named Lynne. I will start a new list of links on the left side of this blog, for anyone looking for hope after eye cancer diagnosis. Please feel free to comment or e-mail! I can't always promise that I will reply immediately, but I do so very much appreciate the feedback!

Hope for Ocular Malignant Melanoma Diagnosis

2008-01-05T09:56:00.000-05:00

Several years ago, my mom went for a regular eye checkup. She needed new glasses. Upon examination, her eye doctor said he saw what appeared to be a "freckle" on her retina, and advised that she make an appointment with a retina specialist in town. The retina specialist gave a thorough exam, and immediately referred her to the best eye specialists in the country (at the Philadelphia Eye Institute), because he said she had malignant ocular melanoma. Well, any diagnosis using the words "malignant" and "melanoma" is scary to say the least! Never having heard of such a diagnosis, I immediately set out to research this on the Internet. Every website I found (personal and professional) offered very dire information. The majority of personal websites (this was before blogging became popular) were basically websites in memory of a loved one who had died after a short journey with ocular melanoma. I told Mom, "Don't research this on the Internet until you talk to the specialists!"

Very long story made short: Mom received treatment for the melanoma. The specialists placed a tiny piece of radioactive plaque right onto the tumor itself for a short period of time. Although a recuperation period was inevitable, Mom did very well. Her tumor shrunk (and has continued to shrink . . . the specialists say this is excellent---they didn't want the tumor to shrink too quickly or too slowly). She has continued to travel to Philadelphia for a regular check up. Her latest checkup was Wednesday, and everything continues to look fine! (several years later).

The retina specialist and the specialists in Philadelphia told Mom that every detail was so "lucky." (We're people of faith, and we prefer to see it as God's plan for this situation--I don't believe in "luck.") Many people do not get a diagnosis until the melanoma has advanced far worse than Mom's little "freckle" on the retina. We were "lucky" that Mom went in for a regular eye exam when she did. We were "lucky" that the retina specialist was well acquainted with the experts at the Philadelphia Eye Institute, who had written books and are still on the cutting edge of treating ocular melanoma. We were "lucky" that my parents live within three hours of Philadelphia and not across the country.

As an extended family, we were sitting around the dinner table weeks ago, and talking about Mom's ocular melanoma, and I was telling everyone about the Internet research that offered no hope at all. I was saying "Someone needs to put information out there that offers hope---telling stories of people who have survived and thrived after such a diagnosis. The general consensus at the table was that maybe I should do that! While I don't really have enough time or information to do a blog or website entirely about hope after a diagnosis of malignant ocular melanoma, I can at least tell the short version of the story in this blog, and hope that interested people will be able to find it. There is HOPE! Ocular melanoma is not necessarily a death sentence.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T20:31:00.000-05:00

First blog post of 2008! I finally feel rested up after an exhausting month of December! So many things going on, and almost too many things for which I was responsible. There were times right before Christmas when I thought I should probably get some sleep, but I had too much adrenaline, and couldn't rest. Christmas was different this year, since Mom ended up going to the local emergency room for some intestinal problems. At least she didn't need surgery, as some of us were thinking she might, and she's much better now! Tracey and Donna and I (along with help from hubbies and kids) were able to get Christmas dinner together and on the table, and we tried to be good hosts to the various relatives who came by. Mom said later that she was feeling so badly that she actually didn't even worry about any of the details taking place (she left for the ER after Christmas Dinner was over), or whether we got everything accomplished. She said later that we did a fine job, but we told her we didn't want to do TOO good of a job without her!

I need to change some things next year (although right now I don't know quite what!). I just didn't feel in the right spirit for Christmas, and I wasn't in the right mood to truly celebrate Jesus--the Reason for the Season. Realizing and acknowledging that fact is the first step towards making some changes.

One good thing I was able to do this Christmas break was to convince some adults to create a Facebook page! I had set up an account several months ago, and at the time, I really wasn't sure what I was going to do with it. But Abby opened an account (I decided to get more involved so that we could learn the ropes together!), and as I developed my page and added more stuff, and explored some pages of people (and some applications that can be added), I realized that Facebook needs more adults, and more of a Christian presence. As my sister-in-law says---it provides accountability for our young teens and adults, knowing that their parents/aunts/uncles are also on-line. I like the networking aspect, and the fact that I can be in touch with nephews and nieces and let them know I'm thinking about them, and being a little more involved in their lives, even though we live a distance away. It's also been fun to connect with some college friends from the past.

Enough "chatting" here for tonight . . . I need to finish this and start my chat letter to family and friends. I skipped last week (I was on vacation!), but I need to get back into routine this week!

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

2007-12-22T09:49:00.000-05:00

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).

Freezing Rain

2007-12-13T15:06:00.001-05:00

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!)

Snowy Day in Pennsylvania

2007-12-05T19:09:00.000-05:00

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.

Picturesque Cemetery

2007-11-22T23:38:00.000-05:00

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!)

Interesting Pictures, . . . .

2007-11-06T22:50:00.000-05:00

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.

A Good Nap!

2007-10-27T17:44:00.000-04:00

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!

Trust Issues

2007-10-10T19:16:00.000-04:00

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.

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

2007-09-28T14:19:00.000-04:00

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!!!

Sportsmanship

2007-09-13T22:50:00.001-04:00

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.

A Little Late, but . . . . .

2007-09-06T21:37:00.000-04:00

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

Joel with a "chip on his shoulder"

2007-08-19T22:29:00.000-04:00

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

Smiling for the Camera!

2007-08-19T22:21:00.000-04:00

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!

Getting Ready for Cross Country Season . . .

2007-08-11T11:23:00.001-04:00

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.

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

2007-08-09T23:21:00.000-04:00

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!!!)

Abby's Hair Cut for Locks of Love

2007-07-25T22:02:00.001-04:00

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

2007-07-25T21:58:00.000-04:00

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)

Kids Growing Up

2007-06-30T08:27:00.000-04:00

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!

Wave Pools!

2007-06-19T19:12:00.000-04:00

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!)

Interesting Family Conversation

2007-06-14T22:59:00.000-04:00

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.

A Mother's Day Picture!

2007-06-06T21:33:00.000-04:00

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.)

Tammy's Editorial!

2007-06-05T22:22:00.000-04:00

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! . . . . .

Picture from the Parlor

2007-06-04T22:07:00.000-04:00

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!

2007-06-04T22:00:00.000-04:00

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.