Ice Skating!!!

Sunday, we went to church and then home for lunch and relaxation!  Those precious Sunday afternoon hours of relaxing on the couch, or watching football, or playing games with the kids, or reading ... whatever it consists of, are wonderful!  Recharging my battery!

We got a text and said to come ice skating to the same pond we were at Saturday afternoon.  Matthew was the only one really into the idea.  It was cold.  I wasn't into getting all bundled up this time around ... but then I thought of when I was a kid.  WE ALWAYS LOVED THE SNOW AND ICE SKATING!  So, after Mike went out for a run, I made us some coffee, we ate some cereal and off we off to the cold outdoors!

The moment we pulled into the driveway and saw the cold, frozen pond, with a long string of lights going across it, we were ALL sucked into the whole idea!!!  However, the only skates we took along were white, figure skates.  When Matthew took a look at the neighbors boys skates that were already on the ice skating and then a look back at his skates he was to wear, he said NO WAY!  Never.  He was not going to where something that looked girlish.  :)  Thankfully, Amey and Marty had a pair boy pair no one was using and Matthew was so excited!

We all walked down to the pond and Mike gave Matthew about a one minute lecture on how to skate and before he was done ... Matthew just took off!  Like a pro!  No need for anymore instructions!  The whole night was fun.  Mike also found a pair of skates for himself (see, we weren't sure if we really were into the idea, but then after seeing the fun potential we were scrambling for skates).  :)  Mike played hockey with the neighbors that were there too and Matthew went skating round and round on the pond.  Hadassah and Angie had a blast on the rope swing again.  Ashlyn and I stayed warm by the campfire!  We sat on a wagon and watched the fun.  She feel asleep in my arms before we left.

Thanks so much again Amey and Marty for the invite and for the great fun!!!

 

 

 

I am not sure how you can go from a weekend of freezing cold weather and then today have the forecast say "46 degrees" and tomorrow 61.  Will it feel like spring.?.  I told the kids this morning before heading off to school that the pond they skated on Sunday ... they could probably now go swimming in it.  Well, I know, not really.  But, the ice will not stay frozen in warmer weather.  Maybe, just maybe, we will be able to do more skating later this winter!!!

Thinking about the word SPRING ... makes me happy!  Really happy!!!  I get so ready to get outside and work in the dirt.  Plant the garden.  Plant any flower that can handle a bit of cold yet.  Hoe the flower beds.  Work up the weeds.  Trim the roses.  Oh, yeah!  Can't wait!!!  YARD SALE!!!  Bring it on ... fast!!!

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Reading this morning and still thinking a lot of the Esh family, I read about how God is with us "ALWAYS".  He never leaves us.  Never forsakes us.  I usually think of the footprints poem when it seems like God just vanished or isn't near by.  You know, in those trying moments in life.  The poem says something like ... "when you only saw one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you."

I know God carries me when I hurt.  I just need to realize that more at times.  Keep trusting in the God that never leaves us!!!  "I am with you always ..."  Matthew 28:19b

Happy 12th Anniversary!

Today our 12th Wedding Anniversary!!!

 

I can't help but think all day ... "What were we doing 12 years ago?"  It was a little like today.  Some snow on the ground.  We are still living in the same, small house we first lived in.  All the improvements throughout the years made a huge plus for this first home!  Getting married to the man of my dreams was the start to a very delightful journey in life!!!  I never dreamed that being a mother of three darling children would be so wonderful!!!

 

I won't pretend that the twelve years were all 'honeymoon and bliss'.  No.  No they were not.  But, we have gotten over most of the pet peeves.  :)  We are still improving on time management.  I still have to lay my time and energy down for my family.  Mike works hard for 'our living'.  We both work hard at making our marriage work and live happily ever after!!!  God is faithful and has helped us through difficult times.

 

Oh, I don't know what the future holds for us, thank goodness, but I do know that our love is forever!  I hope we will grow old together and have tons and tons more years of laughter and joy!!! 

I love you so much Mike!!!  Thank you for loving me!

 

This song is not quit on with the years, but close.  Like it!

 

Celebrations!!!

We have some celebrations!!!  Hadassah had a birthday yesterday and Mike and I are celebrating our 12th Anniversary today!!!

Every year, we juggle these two celebrations as good as we can.  We always want to be present for Hadassah's birthday, so anniversary trips or events need to sometimes be done earlier or later.  We don't mind.  We are just blessed to have a reason to celebrate!!!

Because Hadassah's birthday comes first ... then that's where I will begin.  She's always been a girl that loves gifts!  I mean which kid doesn't, really, but she's been persistent in asking every day last week if I bought her a birthday gift yet.?.  She nicely made me a list of five things and she's not trying to be 'give me or that' ... she just wants to make sure I remember to get something for her.  :)  With so many reminders ... how could I forget.?.  Plus, she is our daughter and would never forget to bless her on her 'big day'!!!

Her cute birthday list ...

A delivery came first thing Friday morning for her.  She was already off to school but she will be tickled pink to enjoy it when she comes home!  (My mom always sends a fruit bouquet to the kids as part of a gift.  Just saying that maybe that's whats setting in the fridge waiting for her!  :)  )  And, she also did get some things already.  Mom delivered her gift early because she's in Florida today.  She gave her a Twister game that wraps around your leg and you jump with it.  Some cool art stuff too.  Mindy sent her a gift card to Target and Jody already gave a gift card to Children's Place.  Hadassah is very much looking forwards to some shopping soon!!!

She shared her fruit with Ashlyn and Matthew ...

Hadassah requested a birthday treat for school.  Soft Pretzels and Iced Coffee!!!  Said.  Done.  I love to make my kids their birthday treats!

  

Mike and I decided that we would make Friday night our night out for our anniversary.  We were planning to go to the Cheesecake Factory, but because of the icy roads, we stayed a little closer and went to El Serrano.  It's a good Mexican restaurant but after thinking of the Cheesecake Factory all day long ... it just wasn't as yummy.  Going from thinking of fresh fish and a good salad to actually then eating burritos and chips ... well, my mind had to make a switch over.  The dinner out with Mike was fun and well worth it though!  Love you, Babe!!!

Saturday, Hadassah woke up ready to celebrate her big 11th birthday!  She's growing up to be a little lady and she's being more and more helpful around the house!  When she was born, she changed my life forever.  Becoming a mom was the best gift ever!!!

We gave her her gift and she loved it!

 



Her wish was to go ice skating somewhere, have cousins over, go bowling as a family, eat pizza and then watch a movie at the very end.  (Only kids can come up with a list of activities like this one right???)  I crossed off the ice skating idea pretty fast because I wasn't about to pay for ice skating AND bowling.  But ... when the weather turned so cold and the ponds froze up, we decided to go find a pond to slide around on for FREE!!!  No better entertainment than that!!!

Jeff, Jeremy and Bobo came for the afternoon and we had sandwiches and a big cookie for lunch.  Then we went to a pond (Thanks Amey and Marty!!!) for an hour for outdoor, cold fun!  We warmed up with hot chocolate and drinks from McDonald's before sending the cousins back home!  All was so much fun!  (I was kept busy with the camera and even enjoyed being outside myself!!!  :)  )

Her homemade cookie/cake!!!

Added a bunch of candles for fun!!!

Here we are on the pond ... hold on tight to the rope and swing and slide!

 Hadassah and Jeff loving it together!

 They wanted to compete with Jeremy and Matthew on a snow fort ...

 Instead, they ended up eating some snow.

 Here Jeremy and Matthew worked on their snow fort ...

 ... they ended up playing with wood instead.

 Matthew taking a turn on the rope swing/slide.

 This was them ... Jeremy and Matthew can't do anything together without doing some kind of prank with it.  :)  They ended up all twisted in each other so many times.

 Jeff and Hadassah tried to come up with some games to play on the ice.  Jeff pulled Hadassah and then when they switched ... well, let just say that game didn't last too long.

 All FIVE of them!  COUSINS in the snow - photo edited in 'winterland'.

 Bobo and I warmed up with hot chocolate from McDonald's.  The others decided to drink milkshakes.  :/

Last night, we went just as a family for pizza and bowled two games and then rented Dr. Doolittle 2.  It felt so good to hang out with the kids and Mike and EVERYONE enjoying the moment!

Happy Birthday, Hadassah!!!  We love you so much!!!

Cold. Winter. Freeze the germs!!!

It was bitter cold and windy outside today.  I hope all the germs freeze and never come back!!!  The cold calls for a perfect reason to stay bundled warm and out of the cold right here inside our home.  Another perfect excuse for today was ... to bake some cookies, drink cappuccino with Mike on his quick lunch break/stop in and I don't have an excuse why I just can't keep my fingers off the party mix I made yesterday!?!

Here are the baked cookies.  (Old Fashioned Peanut Butter Cookies from the Honey Brook Cookbook and then topped with a kiss after they were baked!)  And here's the cappuccino I drank when Mike stopped in at home this afternoon.  I love it when he surprises me and stops in.  We had a chat about 'real life' and the good and bad of it all.  The drink did taste so good on this cold, cold day!

We have small groups here tonight, so all of these snacks will come in handy!

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At the crop I was at this past weekend (Yes, I got a lot of scrap booking done!), we snacked on this party mix and everyone raved about it!  So tasty!  Perfect!  I asked for the recipe and I am pleased to be able to serve it to our church friends tonight who will come here for small groups.

... Party Mix Recipe ...

 

1 cup oil

2 pk. ranch salad dressing mix

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. dill weed

2 tsp. lemon pepper

1/4 cup sugar

Mix and pour over this: 2 boxes mini club crackers, 1 bag cheese balls, 2 bags popcorn, pretzels, corn chex cereal & gold fish crackers.

Warning:  Very addicting!  So good!!!!

Thanks Mary Ann for sharing this recipe with me!!!

 

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The other day, Hadassah took my camera and did a photo shot of Matthew and Ashlyn.  It was cute to see her creativity and ideas.  She did a good job!

 

Princess ...

 Dark brown eyes VS light blue eyes ...

 Pose #3 :).  Hug the brother and dig the way too cute puppy rain boots!  :)

Pose #4 ... the second born.  the only 'boy' in the family.  loves his sisters.

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Remember when my post from last Friday talked about the gorgeous sunrise?  For some odd reason, posting pictures on my blog was difficult the last few days.  But, today, it decided to be normal for me.?!!! 

Here's the picture of what I saw.  Sunrises and sunsets are a huge amazement to me.  I could see one after the next ... and not one being alike!  That's our God!  Our creator!  The maker of the heavens and the earth!!!  I wish my picture could really portray the beauty of it ... but sunrises are just the best seeing them in 'real life'!  So glad God decided to share this one with me last Friday morning!!!

 

 

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It's off to bed now for me.

.  

Have courage.  Take one moment at a time.  God is our helper and our strength!

 

Oh yeah, I was promply reminded by God this morning in my devotional reading.  It said this,

 

"Anything that tends to make you anxious is a growth opportunity."

 

Pressing on!

 

No more NUK!

We did it!!!  It's accomplished!  Clap of hands!  It's over with the ... NUK!

Ashlyn has gotten so attached to her Nuk the past few months it was getting a bit ridiculous!  Looking  back at my other toddlers, they didn't get away with what she did.  :/  Hadassah loved her Nuk also, but it was kept in her crib after turning one and then only used for nap time.  We cut the tip off at 18 months when Hadassah was little.  I knew it was time to do something about Ashlyn's Nuk, but I just didn't feel like dealing with the drama!  I kept saying, "After the holidays ... then we will cut it or throw it out."  I would often make a comment to Ashlyn about throwing it in the trash and one time she actually did!  I was shocked!  I didn't quit trust it yet, so I pulled it back out and set it on my shelf out of her sight.  Sure enough, it wasn't long and she was whining for it.

Not anymore!  We were down to two Nuks and one of them Zoey chewed.  The second one Ashlyn chewed.  Literally!  She's getting her eye teeth and seriously gnawed on it again and again until finally it too had two small holes in it.  I didn't feel too safe having her sucking on something that could become a chocking hazard. 

Saturday evening, we were hanging out in the basement as a family and when it was time for bed, we couldn't find her Nuk.  (Still didn't find it.  Hopefully, I will see it before she does!)  I decided this is it.  Here's my chance.  I tucked her to bed and of course she asked and cried for her Nuk, but I tried to explain that we have it no more.

Yesterday, she did pretty good.  Her nap and bedtime she asked for it again and cried a bit, but feel asleep peacefully.  It will probably take a few more naps and bedtimes before she stops asking for it but all is good!  So happy to not have to search and keep track of that little sucker anymore!  Pun intended.  :)  (However, I still wouldn't have a baby without offering them one.  A Nuk can really be a comfort for babies and for the mother when your baby starts to cry.  Matthew never liked a Nuk, so he has no story of getting rid of it.)

It feels like an accomplishment!  So glad to have that tiny bit of training crossed off!  Potty training is coming up really fast!!!  Wish me an easy toddler to train!  :)

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We had a powerful church service yesterday morning.  I was so blessed.  It so happened that the brother-in-law of Sam Esh, JR (the man from church that feel and is still in the trauma unit), was asked to preach a few weeks ago.  Even with all the emotions and as hard as the situation is, John still came to preach.  After a special prayer for Sam, he got into the sermon and I was blessed! 

He preached on the "Awesomeness of God".  Focusing on the God we serve and His mighty power!  He made comments like this: 

"Man tries to 'know God' and understand Him, yet, all the while, God is trying to reveal Himself to us."
"We cannot become good simply by doing less evil.  God is good and evil is evil."
"We are the only part of God's creation that can decide our eternal destiny.  God WANTS us to choose to worship Him!"

We reflected on the GREAT GOD we have.  A God that performed miracles way back then and still does today and He really cares for us!  " Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today and for ever."  Romans 13:8.  Thanks John for coming and sharing!  Our family was so blessed!

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We spent the evening last night with family watching the football games.  The kids had a blast with their cousins and even though I don't get a thing out of football ... I enjoyed the night sitting close to Mike and watching him cheer!  I don't know why football is hard for me to get .?. believe me I had so many sessions of teaching and trying to explain the game to me, but it still just don't click.  Maybe it's because it's a sport I never actually played myself?  Anyway, come on Super Bowl (well, for me it's the fun football foods, friends, and fellowship that comes with any Super Bowl Party)!  :)

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My verses of the day is this ... "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms ... "  Deut. 33:27 A
And ...
"Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  Romans 8:39

I still believe in miracles!!!  Open my eyes Lord to your mighty works!

Life is tough at times.

All week, I kept thinking of things to post.  Words of encouragement, yet, all the while feeling sad and discouraged.  I wanted to rejoice and yet heaviness just seemed to press all the harder.  I had good moments and then down moments.  Why is it so hard to put into "daily practice" all those verses I've read "for years" that talk about 'not to worry', 'not to fear', 'the Lord has plans for us', 'the Lord is my Shephard', 'He cares for the birds and He cares SO MUCH MORE for us humans', and 'peace'?

Ever since last Sunday night, my thoughts are have been in overload.  I don't remember the last time I have been in such 'constant prayer'?!  A good friend of ours from church hit his head on concrete after catching a football and was rushed into the hospital last Sunday evening.  He has laid there all week with the future of the unknown facing us face to face each day. 

Each morning, each day this past week, I woke up with the Esh family on my mind.  I would try to get some work done and then again my thoughts and lots of prayers went to Sam.  I realized a few years ago that I had a void, a spot in my life, where I asked God to fill up.  I like to be in control of my life.  The life of my family.  When things get 'out of control' and people get hurt or sick and there's nothing I can do to fix them on my own, I get weak.  I asked God to help me with this weakness.  I KNOW that God is my strength.  I BELIEVE that God cares for me, for my husband, for my children.  I KNOW to trust God in situations I can't handle or take care of.  Yet, then why is it so hard for me to have PEACE IN THE STORMS OF LIFE?   

I ask God often to help me trust Him more.  At 31 years old, I am learning this fact in life that not all things go as we want or plan or wish for or dream of.  It's tough.  Hard.  Really hard sometimes.  I hope that through trials and grief and sufferings in my life ... I will learn to keeping leaning on the everlasting arms of Jesus.  Learn to ALWAYS TRUST.  Not just trust when things are going great.  How weak is that?  I realize time and time again that I NEED GOD every day.  On the good, easy days as much as the hard, very difficult days!

Thursday night, I spent the night on the couch with Ashlyn.  She had a cold and bad cough.  Every time she would lay down, her cough got much worse.  I spent the night trying to comfort her.  Friday, the kids did not have school.  I woke up when Mike left for work and decided to go into bed and try to read some devotions and scripture.  Something that always seems to bring hope and peace!  Ashlyn woke up at 7:15, and so I came out to the living room and opened the blinds.  I was soooooo excited to see the sunrise!  The sky was filled with bright pink!  The sunrise was absolutely gorgeous!  I immediately was reminded that God's mercies are new every morning.  Every day.  I knew He had a fresh burst of mercy for me that day!  It was the perfect start to a better day!

We are still praying our hearts out and begging God to fill that hospital room with His mercy and grace and healing power and touch Sam.  We are still praying for God to give strength to the family and those directly involved in this situation.  We are still believing that God has a plan in store for Sam and for this family! 

Will you please join our family in praying.  For healing.  For patience.  For direction.  For answers.  For faith ... even just the size of a mustard seed can move mountains!!!  For peace in this storm.     

Jeremiah 33:3 says this: 

"Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not."

I was so blessed when a friend shared this with me this week!  I hope you will find encouragement in this holy scripture too!

Warmer days ...

This past weekend was warmer than normal.  I'm not sure how many times me or the kids mentioned that it feels like Spring.  Now, we know it's not possible because it's only the second week into January, but we can't deny how it feels! 

Mike came home Friday night to a family wanting to go out to eat.  I had no supper ready, but the kids and I were ready for something good to eat 'out of the house'.  Sometimes, it's fun to do that!!!  Mike suggested Friendly's.  We were all cool with that and enjoyed some chicken, salad, mac and cheese, cheeseburgers and then ended with ice cream sundae's!!!  On the way home, we just couldn't resist but to stop in and say hi to Matt's.  Having family live so close, causes for quick stops often!  :)  The night was relaxing and fun.
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Saturday, Mike went to work at one of the new shed lots and that left me and the kids to prepare for Host Family Lunch after Sunday School Sunday.  We also did some shopping and even enjoyed some frozen yogurt at the local ice cream shop.  We were told that they were offering free frozen yogurt!!!  Can't resist that .... ESPECIALLY when the tempts are above normal.  We got free yogurt, topped it with yummy toppings, and ate it outside along the curb.  It was so nice to be outside and not freezing cold.  After our treat, we visited a newborn baby!  Congrats Matt and Marlene!!!  Jessica is darling!

Here are the kids enjoying their frozen yogurt and yummy toppings!!!

Mike came home late in the afternoon, Saturday.  Sometimes I wish my man would take a Saturday OFF, but we are grateful for the work and orders!  Hadassah kept asking to go somewhere or have someone come over to our house.  (She does this all the time!  She LOVES to hang out!)  It felt way too good to be in our pj's and be lazy right at home.  We are currently getting a real kick out of watching some "Cosby Shows" together.  Good comedy!  It beats the movie we rented from Redbox by far!!!  Just another reason why me and movies don't get along.  Way too many times, I felt like it was a waste of time. 
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Sunday morning, I was up with the sunrise!  We were hosting friends from church for lunch and I had some last minute food preparations to do.  Sunday School was again a blessing!  Teaching one of the youth classes always remains interesting!!!  Love these people!  After the lunch and our hosting came to an end, we took a rest and then went to say good bye to Mike's parents.  They are leaving for Florida and staying a few weeks.  We love to hang out with them and so not seeing them again till February seems a bit long.
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Now today, it's laundry.  I enjoyed Ladies Bible Study at church this morning and was challenged to "Walk by Faith and not by Sight."  I took so many side notes and really enjoyed the session!  A lot was spoken about "Between the Rains".  Rains meaning blessings in our lives.  When we are in droughts or going through low areas in life, we need God's rain/mercy/blessings to pour out.  Something we called "Holy Spurts" from the "Holy Spirit"!  Good stuff! 

When Elijah, a man just like us, prayed and prayed hard that God would again send some rain and then while praying he asked a servant to go and see if a cloud or rain was coming.  SEVEN times he asked the servant to go and look for a rain cloud.  When the servant finally said that he sees a small cloud out in the far distance, that was all Elijah needed to hear.  He sent a messenger to go and warn the king that rain was on the way!

Sometimes we need a fresh rain from the Lord too!  Take courage, God is near!  He cares.  He listens.  He loves me and you!  Never stop believing!  Be refreshed in God's love today!!! 

"BFF" & Basketball Pictures

Here some pictures I said I would post.  Hadassah and ShaLyn having a blast together and Hadassah playing basketball last night.  Her team lost in over time but they did great!  Cheering for your own kids in sports in a new feeling for me and I loved it!!!  It was fun and exciting!!!  More basketball games will be coming up and what fun!

 

Life in January ~

The first full week of January is already past us.  I have a feeling this winter is going to go by quickly and I am completely fine with that.  Winter is my least favorite of the seasons and I am usually SO ready to see Spring!

 

Hadassah started a art project here at home last week.  Art is a favorite of hers and enjoys being creative!  She got this idea from her wonderful teacher, Miss. Krieder.  A block of wood with two holes in it.  A clothes hanger all bent out of shape.  A pair of nylons.  Glue and paint.  It does look really cool!  Good job girl!

 

Zoey is growing too.  She is now five weeks old.  She's soooo cute and the most adorable little puppy!  Ashlyn loves to play with her and had her in her baby stroller the other day pushing her around the house.  Zoey seemed to enjoy the ride!  :)

 

I treasure Saturday mornings.  Even though I don't always get to sleep in too much longer than other mornings, it's the relaxed feeling that feels so good.  Nothing pushed.  No school bus coming up the road for the kids.  Just a good time at home with the kids and a little longer time with Mike around mornings. 

Mike is busy at work.  Doing lots of pricing and spending time at the new business lot in Quakertown.  Breakfast is not something Mike really enjoys, but Saturday morning I fixed this for him and he really enjoyed it!  Toast, over light eggs with a slice of cheese, slice of tomato, salt/pepper then fun heart shaped toast hearts!  Cute and tasty!!!

After breakfast and after being lazy, I dug into some major organizing and cleaning in the garage.  My dreaded project finally got tackled!  Things got rearranged and all my Christmas décor got put back up in the attic.  Mike hung the free organizer rack in the garage and now things look so much better in there.  Hopefully, it will stay that way for a loooong time!  :)  My challenge.

Sunday, we went to church and relaxed in the afternoon.  ShaLyn came to spend the afternoon with Hadassah while Matthew hung out with Madison at his house.  The Fisher's are moving back to the Haft for a few years and this brings tears to the kids eyes.  The knew that their last chance to hang out together was on Sunday.  Hadassah and ShaLyn dressed up.  They ate snacks.  They thumped all throughout the house.  They played with sidewalk chalk outside.  They love being together and mostly being "BFF's".  (Funny, ShaLyn's mom was my (and still is) VERY special friend in my life!  However, I just don't ever making such a big deal about BFF.?.  :)  )

(Not sure why I can't download my pictures for this section?  Try again later.  :/ )

We switched kids again at 6 PM over some hot coffee and then we were all off to an evening service at church.  Forgiveness ... was the topic.  I was challenged to forgive and then 'forget'.  Too many times I say "I forgive you" but then still in my mind and heart, hold a grudge or a mental note of the incident.  I realize that some things in life ... you can't forget.  Those are the times when God helps you even more to forgive.  Being sincere in forgiving is important and I had a good reminder about that last evening.

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Yesterday was busy.  One thing right after the next.  Good though.  Laundry done.  Mike work.  Kids school.  Two roasters cooked and taken down to moms to make homemade roast ... all by 8:30 AM!  Then I went to a quick brunch for a friends 50th birthday party. Then off to help Rosa do some packing up for their move this Friday.  Back home in time to fold my laundry and welcome the kids home from school.  Off to Hadassah's first basketball game at school at 5:00 PM.  I cheered her on and the game was fun.  They had to go overtime and lost.

By 8:00, I relaxed on the couch.  My evening tea drank and so time to tuck the kids into bed and get some sleep myself. 

I hope to post some basketball pictures too. 

Have a great day!!!  I am going to spend some time with 'old/teenage girlfriends'.  Can't wait!  Always a good time!!!  :)