Finger Lakes Frolic

 Seven Quick Takes (vol. 16 )

Every year we take some sort of family vacation during the summer months, and sometimes our destination is determined by a major event such as a wedding or an ordination. Last year we traveled to New Orleans for my cousin's priestly ordination to the Jesuit's Society of Jesus. The year before that we had won Disney tickets in a silent auction, and the year before that Andy was best man in a wedding in North Dakota. (That was quite an adventure that took us through 15 states!)

This year's vacation was back to my home state of New York for my brother's wedding in the beautiful Finger Lakes region. However, this was not our first stop. Here is a quick take on our week away from the usual routine.

1)  Monday - Travel all day to Gettysburg, PA. Philip is a Civil War fanatic, and this stop was especially for him. (Although by the time we left Gettysburg, I was feeling it as well). We checked into our hotel, then wandered through the shops and bought souvenirs. We saw an awesome diorama of the battle of Gettysburg, complete with a light and sound show explaining the three day battle.


2) Tuesday - I dropped Andy, Kevin and Ania off at Segtours of Gettysburg where they embarked on a three hour tour of the battlefield via segways. This was quite easily one of the highlights of Kevin and Ania's week. Since Philip and Lucia didn't meet the age and weight requirement to participate in this tour, I hired a tour guide to show us around the battlefield in our own van. Philip was so enthusiastic, engaging our guide at every turn. So she tailored our tour for Philip (who by the way could answer every question she asked). This was most definitely a top pick-of-the-week for Philip.

Memorial to the 20th Maine
On Little Round Top

Memorial to General Longstreet



We left Gettysburg mid afternoon and headed to Hershey Park to finish out the day. There we split up into roller coaster riders (Andy, Kevin, Ania, Philip) and roller coaster avoiders (Lucia and me). A severe thunderstorm and tornado watch brought our evening to a halt sooner than expected.










On our way out of Harrisburg the rain was torrential and the lightning was striking every three seconds. It was nerve-racking to say the least, especially when I found myself between an 18 wheeler and a concrete wall during a blinding down pour. When we stopped at a gas station to ask where the nearest hotel was, we were given the choice of 1 1/2  hours ahead, or 30 minutes back into the storm. We opted to keep going. About 30 miles down the road we found a reputable name motel so we stayed. Quite frankly, though, it was the creepiest experience I've ever had at a motel. We definitely shook the dust from our sandals as we left that place!


3) Wednesday and Thursday - We stayed with some dear friends on Canandaigua Lake during all the wedding festivities. We played euchre, sailed the sunfish, kayaked, swam in the lake, and golfed. What a fun, relaxing time spent with wonderful friends!




When two optometrists wed...

4) Friday - Wedding rehearsal at Garrett Memorial Chapel on the bluff of Keuka Lake, then rehearsal dinner back in Canadaigua. We put on lots of miles in what could be one of the most beautiful regions in the northeast. Time spent with family and friends is priceless!



5) Saturday - Wedding bells were ringing as my brother and his beautiful bride exchanged vows. Then we were off to Honeoye Falls for the reception. Again, lots of twisting turning roads laden with vineyards and corn fields. We drove past Honeoye Lake on our way to a "between party" on Canadice Lake before heading on up to the reception. Fun was had by all.





Stuck in Jail
During Kick the Can

6) Sunday - Saying goodbye to our dear friends was hard to do. We attended Mass in Canandaigua, bought some of their annual chicken barbecue, then headed to the Abbey of the Genesee in Piffard where my uncle was having  his visiting day. We stayed in the guest house with other out-of-town relatives, and all the overnighters played kick-the-can until dusk. This was quite entertaining and sometimes dangerous as adults, high schoolers, and elementary children were all highly engaged in "freeing" the prisoners.


7) Monday - Once again, saying goodbye was difficult. We left the monastery and drove back to Canadice Lake to say goodbye to my parents before making the long trek back to Georgia. We caught glimpses of Conesus and Hemlock Lakes as we wound our way through the hills.

On our way home we reminisced about all the fun times we had, and the segways came up more than once, as did the beautiful wedding. Thank you, Jesus, for a WONDERFUL vacation and for a BEAUTIFUL addition to our family!

Have a blessed week and add your own quick takes here.

If You Give a Teacher a Summer Vacation...

Seven Quick Takes (vol. 15)

How does it always happen? I leave the school year behind with plans to NOT plan out my summer. I have to start out this way, because I know that it is just a matter of time before my "no plans" approach turns into a wild roller coaster ride. I'm not complaining, mind you. It is all good. Let me try to explain in this brief window of respite I have found.

1. Common Core - the new standards for Georgia educators. Attending the three day math conference July 10 -12, was very worth my while, and I feel quite confident that my students will come away from fourth grade with a much better grasp on the process that will lead them to the right answer.

2. Charism School - the three days immediately following the math conference took me through last weekend. Damian Stayne is an anointed speaker on the gifts of the Holy Spirit, and his Charism School is a hands-on approach to learning how to use these gifts, with an emphasis on the need to deepen your prayer life. My teenagers were especially held captive by his personal testimonies and charismatic personality. What a blessing to attend such a life-changing conference!

3. New Family - came to visit Alleluia Community the day after Damian Stayne left. This delightful family pulled up on Monday afternoon, their Suburban packed to the hilt with their seven children and a week's worth of belongings. Our family was asked to host them, which we were so happy to do. Needless to say, their children and our children have hit it off very well, and it has been a high octane kind of week!

4. Unexpected Trip - out of town on Wednesday to get a trailer load of things from Grandma's house. We are attempting to raise money for World Youth Day 2013, with various types of fundraisers. One was a yard sale this weekend, and people have been so generous donating items for our cause.

5. Unexpected Phone Call - from Andy's sister who's friend has a consignment store that was going out of business. We would be welcome to whatever we would like to put in our yard sale. We just needed to be there Friday afternoon with a truck to pick it up. Wow! We just more than doubled the size of our yard sale!

6. Yard Sale - of enormous proportions was held TODAY! We had a very successful day, and God blessed us with clouds, but no rain, which kept things cool. The new family that is visiting pitched right in and assisted with our fundraiser. It was an all day event, ending with dinner at the local Mexican restaurant. My feet are killing me, and I am ready to fall into bed.

7. Missionaries of Charity (MC's) - will be receiving Ania and I tomorrow in Atlanta to assist with a summer bible camp for five days. (The rest of the family will be staying home). I am looking forward to working with these holy women again. I have served the MC's many times in the past, and I am always blessed by their holiness.

Lord, help me get the laundry done tonight and the grocery shopping done tomorrow so that everyone will have a peaceful start to their week!

So, if you give a teacher a summer vacation, you can bet that they will be looking forward to slowing back down to normal speed on that first day of school.

Hope your summer is going at just the right speed! Now hop on over to Conversion Diary and add your own Seven Quick Takes.

No Freaking Out Allowed

Seven Quick Takes (vol. 14)

Tuesday my sixteen year old son, Kevin, got his driver's license. Just before he took his road test, he asked me a question, or rather stated his request.

"Mom?"

"Yes, Kevin?"

"When I go out driving alone for the first time, will you please promise not to freak out?"

"Define 'freak out'."

"Show any type of nervousness."

Deep think in 3 seconds or less..."Yes, Kevin. I promise not to freak out."

Thursday afternoon came, and Kevin asked if he could go deliver his Eagle Scout invitation to his Aunt Amy across town, in rush hour traffic, near the mall.

Here was my chance to "make good" on my promise. Here was my chance to show Kevin that I am a woman of high adventure and of great trust in God. Here was my chance to show Kevin that I trust him as a good driver. Here was my chance...

Not even looking up from blogging..."Do you have a good pair of sunglasses?"

"Yes, I do."

"Then just be back in time for supper."

As soon as Kevin was out the door, I admit that I did the following:

1) Watched out the window until I saw him drive by.
2) Said a Divine Mercy Chaplet.
3) Said a flying novena to our Blessed Mother.
4) Repeated several dozen times, "Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in you."
5) Texted Andy and told him how successfully I DID NOT freak out.
6) Secretly hoped that he changed his mind and turned around.
7) Decided that I wasn't going to think about it again until he walked through the door.

Kevin returned in time for supper, invitation delivered. Thank you, Jesus.

Me? Freak out? By Kevin's definition, I kept my promise!

Have a blessed weekend, and add your own Seven Quick Takes here.

Walking Down Memory Lane

Seven Quick Takes (vol. 13)

My life in photos this past week.

1. Kevin modeling some of his great grandfather's treasures. What a handsome guy grandpa must have been!








2. Philip earned the rank of Star Scout after his first year of Scouting. He is advanding so fast. I just got his First Class badge sewed on his shirt three weeks ago. Maybe I'm just that slow. Anyway,  Congratulations, Philip!




3. Isn't it sad that this brings such joy! Still overpriced, but cheaper than yesteryear.







4. Kevin and Lucia walking home from Grandma's house the other day....Kevin is growing up!





5. Shelob has taken up residence in  my house.







6. This is actually a sign of progress. The clutter has been identified and pulled out in plain sight. Now it can be dealt with.





7. Journaling in Kenya took a lot of time, but I'm so glad I did it. We have all been taking a walk down memory lane this summer. If you haven't seen my Kenya Diaries series, take a look on my Africa link.



Add your own Seven  Quick Takes here, and have a blessed week!

Fabulous Finds

Seven Quick Takes
(vol. 12)

Summer vacation has arrived, and for teachers that means the house can begin to undergo a thorough overhaul. From the shelves in the pantry to the clothes hampers in the laundry room, this house is breathing an overdue sigh of relief.

1. In the process of looking upstairs for an empty box, I caught sight of Philip's army of archers, knights and crusaders traversing across a beam in our living room ceiling. Wouldn't it be awesome if they were declaring war on my dust? Let the battle begin!



2. Halfway down into the semi-permanent layer of my laundry hamper, nestled between a pillow case and last winter's sweat pants, Kevin's wallet has been waiting three months to be discovered. Unfortunately this discovery did not come in time to prevent his learner's permit from being replaced.



3. After attending Mass on Sunday morning and two meetings on Monday without my reading glasses, I decided to implore St. Anthony's assistance in locating them. Think, think, think....where was the last place I used them? It wasn't until I stopped thinking that an enlightening memory flickered of me sewing Philip's merit badges on his sash in the den. But I already searched the den. One quick trip to the laundry room and my sewing basket brought my search to an end, and thanksgiving to my lips. Thank you, St. Anthony.




4. About mid week I heard my phone alert me of a text message, and found this photo along with a message that said, "Philip qualified." Apparently he proved his ability as an archer and earned his archery merit badge at scout camp this week. Way to go, Philip!




5. The girls and I drove out to the country today and spent some time "down on the farm." There's nothing like some good old hay bale jumping to boost your spirits! I think it is so true what they say, "You can take the girl out of the farm, but you can never take the farm out of the girl." I'm not a farmer's daughter for nothin'!















6. When we walked into my cousin's barn, a beautiful sight met my girls' eyes. Kittens! Who can resist them?




7. This one I am including on faith that it will become my next fabulous find. About a year ago Kevin misplaced his mp3 player for a second time.  The first time it was nothing short of miraculous the way we found it.

We had been to my husband's grandfather's funeral when Kevin realized his mp3 player was not in has jacket pocket anymore. We retraced his steps to the church hall, the cemetery, the funeral home, but came up empty every time. As we began our 3 hour drive home, I sat in the front seat letting God have a piece of my mind. I was thinking the worst....someone found it and kept it. Why couldn't God have let US find it? I was mad at everyone BUT Kevin. Then I turned to Mary, the Mother of Jesus. I asked her to go to Jesus and get Him to help us find it, just like she did at the wedding feast of Cana.

Meanwhile, back at Grandma's house, Grandma asked her son Edward when he was going to fix her lamp. "Not now, Ma, you have a house full of guests." Grandma: "Okay."

Five minutes later, "Edward, when are you going to fix my lamp?" "Tomorrow Mother. Today you have guests." Grandma: "Okay."

Two minutes later. "EDWARD, when are you going to fix my lamp?" Edward: "Right now, Mother."

Edward got up and tried to unplug the lamp but couldn't reach the outlet. So he pulled the couch out from the wall and found a small black shiny thing. "What's this?"

A half an hour down the road Andy's phone rang. "We will bring Kevin' mp3 player home tomorrow."

Thank you, Jesus, and thank you, Mary! I called that "Mother Power." Kevin's Mama, Jesus' Mama and Edward's Mama worked together to get the job done.

So, in faith I claim that this same mp3 player, and this same Jesus will bring about a fabulous find. St. Anthony, my dear intercessor, please come to my aid. Amen.

I'll keep you posted!


You can add your own Seven Quick Takes here.

The Fruits of Our Labor

Seven Quick Takes (vol. 11)


I'm back! It wasn't my intention to take a two week sabbatical from blogging, but when the end of the school year, graduation, and Johanna's wedding all occurred within nine days of each other, it's any wonder I even have use of my faculties anymore.

This week has been a busy start to summer as well. Take a look at what I've been up to:

1.  My mother-in-law and I have been working together in the kitchen this week. We canned ten pints of beans from her garden on Friday.






2. Saturday we put up seven quarts of tomatoes from both of our gardens. That's 23 pounds of tomatoes!








3.  I tried my hand at making beef jerky in our dehydrator. The kids loved it!






4. Our very first successful cucumber in all our married years! Ten minutes from vine to table. It tasted like pure sunshine!

There is something ever so satisfying about being provident and resourceful. It does a soul good to reap the benefits of one's labors from start to finish.





5. Just thought I'd mention that I have tennis elbow. I was just diagnosed on Thursday and began wearing my brace, a snug fitting band worn a couple inches below the elbow. That didn't work out since the affected arm is my surgical arm, and is at risk for lymphedema. That brace caused enough swelling for me to have to loosen my watch two notches. So, I had to change to a carpal tunnel brace. It gives great support, but is very difficult to type with.




6. Riding tandem is a great way to put your "togetherness" to the test.  The fruits of your labor will either get you where you are going or not.






7.  My eldest son is back from youth ministry's "boot camp" and is diligently working on his Eagle Scout Ceremony. My Scoutmaster husband  and youngest son are preparing to leave for scout camp. Philip, a First Class Scout, is already setting his sights on Eagle, and is all revved up and ready to go. For him, the journey is just beginning, and we will cheer him on every step of the way!

Add your own Seven Quick Takes here.

Sense of Adventure

Seven  Quick Takes (vol. 10)

My husband honored me on my birthday for having, among other things, a sense of adventure. He went on to say that it was my same sense of adventure that approached him about taking our four young children to Kenya for the summer back in 2006. (Our youngest was only three years old at the time). He concluded by saying that he looked forward to future adventures together.

I like to still think that my sense of adventure is high, but I have also recently been gleaning signs that it might not be what it used to be.

Seven signs of a dwindling sense of adventure:

1.  Your teenager isn't sure what your husband was talking about during the above honoring.

2.  Your son tells you that you're a cool mom after he is surprised to learn that you like shooting.

3.  Your teenager adamantly tells you not to worry as he is leaving for the rope swing down by the river with a couple of friends.

4.  You don't even own a pair of "river shoes" or grungy jeans anymore.

5.  Your chemo legs can't even hike to the top of Cliffwood without feeling like Jell-O.

6.  You can't remember the last time you were on a horse bareback, racing like the wind.

7. Your children are shocked when you want to go skiing, and that you actually know how.


For the past 17 years I have been the pregnant mom or the new mom who stays with the infants and toddlers, making sure they are safe in the shallow water and on sure footing. I have had my bout with breast cancer and have residual side effects that keep my energy levels from bouncing back.

No wonder my older children see me as adventureless. If only they could see me in my younger days.

Seven things my children would have a hard time envisioning:

1.  When I would race  my horse bareback across the fields on a daily basis.

2.  When I would capsize the canoe in the pond for the fun of it.

3.  When I needed four stitches in my knee after a biking accident.

4.  When I travelled to Germany as a foreign exchange student in high school.

5.  When I would play tackle football with my brothers and cousins.

6.  When I would wade through the creek waist high and come out with blood suckers all over me.

7.  When I knocked my front teeth out jumping snowdrifts with the snowmobile.

I really can't say that I was ever reckless. I calculated all my activities, sometimes quite erroneously, however, my intent was to always play it safe.

Maybe it is time to let my kids KNOW my sense of adventure, and not just read about it here.

However, I must make the following qualifications:

Seven things I will not do:
(This list is not all inclusive).

1.  I will not ride the Ninja at Six Flags or any other ride that requires Dramamine. (Been there, done that, not good!)

2.  I will not jump from an airplane no matter how many parachutes I'm attached to.

3.  I will not get a tattoo.

4.  I will not kayak down the Colorado River.

5. I will not take the Marine Mud Challenge.

6.  I will not substitute for Chemistry Class.

7.  I will not bungee jump anytime, anywhere or anyhow.

Hey, everyone has their limits, and the sooner they realize them, the better.


You can add your own seven quick takes here.

Appreciation Week Extraordinaire

Seven Quick Takes (vol. 9)

I can't even begin to describe how blessed I have been this past week. How can I put into words the feeling that my heart is overflowing all over the place. Hopefully if I try to share just a little glimpse of this feeling, you can catch a few splashes yourself.

God is so good to me, and this week especially He is reminding me that I am one of His favorites. I bet He is just waiting to remind you the same thing, because you are one of His favorites, too!







1. Teacher Appreciation Week began on Monday with a special tribute to each teacher by their students, and a hall of fame posted in each of our three buildings.






2. Sometime during math class, a refreshment cart came to my door filled with a variety of drinks and snacks. And get this, the parent that was serving wore a black dress and pearls. Nice touch, Rachel!





3. On Tuesday and Thursday our students' parents brought in fresh fruit, muffins and a tray of cupcakes to show their appreciation to the teachers. On Wednesday a gift was found by each teacher on their desk. And on Friday, moms served us lunch while another mom, dressed in an evening gown and heels, took lunch and recess duty. God bless you, Patti!




4. My lovely daughter, Ania, left this on my desk Thursday morning.










5.  Friday was my pre-birthday celebration. My students each shared something sweet about me at assembly, as did my own children and husband. At home, my family cooked dinner for me, fried chicken salad and Mexican Sundaes for dessert. My cousin gave me a gift that was a real blast from the past. Yes, cows were my life growing up on a dairy farm, and everyone USED to give me cow gifts. I haven't received one of these in decades. Thanks, Kath!





6. Saturday was my birthday, and it was a day for me to give back some of this wonderful appreciation, which only served to intensify its effect. Ania was asked to participate in the Marine Mud Challenge at Fort Gordon, but their team needed an adult member. Andy stepped up to the plate and signed up for Ania's sake. I just love that man!






7. Saturday night was Spring Dance for our high school. Kevin's class of nine boys came over to our house for a barbecue before the dance, put on by two of Alleluia Community's youth leaders (one of whom also happens to be my sister-in-law's fiance). So while the rest of the family was at the mud challenge, Kevin was having a cook out for his class at my house, but did I have any worries? Absolutely not because our youth leaders are awesome!



P.S. This morning as I laid in bed thinking about my seven quick takes, Philip crawled in next to me and said, "Happy Mother's Day, Mama. I love you." Heaven help me....stand back, I think I may just spontaneously combust!

Add your own seven quick takes here.

Seven Quick Takes (vol. 8)

National Day of Prayer

Yesterday was our nation's 61st annual National Day of Prayer, and Augusta Georgia joined its forces to plead for God's mercy upon our nation as we gathered in His name.

The event was put on by our South Augusta Pastor's Alliance and by the Office of the Mayor, Deke Copenhaver. The Pastor's Alliance is an amazing group of pastors from the churches and congregations in our area that set aside their differences to work toward unity in the Body of Christ. They include the Lutheran, Presbyterian, Bible Church of God, United Methodist, Church of the Nazarene, Baptist, New Creation Christian, Episcopal and Catholic Churches, Messianic Jewish Synagogue, Order of the Cross Motorcycle Ministries, as well as the Alleluia Community.

Rev. Mike Freed, Pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church emceed the evening, Ft. Gordon's Color Guard posted the colors, and  Alleluia Community's Music Ministry led us in patriotic song.

1. Mayor Deke Copenhaver - presented the Mayor's Proclamation to the South Augusta Pastor's Alliance, urging all our citizens to join him in pleading for our country. He said it is not secret that he is a man of prayer. He thanked God for blessing Augusta with many new programs and buildings, but to be careful not to worship the blessings. Give God the glory because it is God, not him, that accomplished this.

2. Chaplain Eugene Mack, Fort Gordon - prayed for strength and courage for our military men and women. Comfort them, restore them, and always return them to a grateful nation when you bring them home.

3.  The Honorable Daniel Craig, Superior Court Judge - prayed for wisdom and justice, and for the courts. For 38 years a man laid by the pool until one day Jesus was able to say to him "By your faith you are healed." "OBJECTION!" cried those who were hoping to judge Jesus guilty for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus replied that the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath, and your objection is out of order! Jesus, source of all wisdom, hear our prayer.

4. Helen Minchew, Richmond County Board of Education - prayed for our students from many walks of life, that God would pour out His special favor on them. She prayed for parents, mentors, teachers, social workers, counselors, administrators, bus drivers, custodians, that God would give them strength, wisdom and patience to serve our children and prepare them for their future.

5. Chief Deputy Sid Hatfield, Richmond County Sheriff's Department - prayed for our law enforcement officers and first responders, that God would bring people of integrity to the force. He commended them all to God's loving care, and prayed that God would unite them safely with their families when their day was done.

6. Rev. Thomas Healy, Pastor St. Joseph Catholic Church - prayed for our local churches and unity among all Christians. He prayed that all Christians would realize that God's love knows no bounds of race, class, or ideology, and that we all have a common Father. He prayed for persecuted Christians around the world, and that the Christians in Augusta would stand in solidarity with them, rejoicing in the power of the Holy Spirit.

7. Rev. Edna Bradshaw, South Augusta Pastor's Alliance - prayed the closing prayer, in which she came before Jesus with thanksgiving on her lips, claiming His victory over our petitions, boldly proclaiming that "All the glory will be thine, in Jesus' name. Amen!

And All God's people shouted, "Amen!"

Conversion Diary hosts Seven Quick Takes Fridays.

Seven Quick Takes (vol. 7)

Who Would've Thought...?

It's amazing what you can learn just by taking notice of the things you pass by every day...
.



1. Just when you thought you had seen the tackiest pink flamingo lawn ornament, the bar has been raised!






2. I never knew that my county's biggest tourist attraction was "just around the corner."







3. Who knew that the Periodic Table of Elements could taste so good? (Cookies made by 8th grader, Ania, for the 10th grade chemistry class. What a gal!)





4. "What's nanner poopin'? Amy asked," has been a favorite tale in our family, but I never really understood why until today.






5. I wonder...do all dentists have a Dorrie and a Nemo?







6. Wario, Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad walked through my neighborhood this morning.








7. Just like that favorite childhood song says, teddy bears really do go on picnics.




Now head on over to Jen's to add your own seven quick takes.