My New Home Office

 I couple weeks ago, I rearranged my home office area. It's where I check my computer, pay bills, plan in my planner, make stickers, plan school etc! It works wonderfully for me now how I have it set up. It's organized and cozy and I love it! I took some pictures to share:

The baby picture below (on my desk) is of Jaxson when he was wee. Now he's 14.5 years old!!

Our electric went out the other day. It was quite warm out and uncomfortable...so Jaxson, the dogs and I sat out on the porch for a bit. Everyone else was busy that night and didn't get home til a bit later. It came back on around 9:30pm...then went back out again in the wee hours. I must admit...having electric really does spoil us! 

There's Mickey on the porch and Cash out in the yard...(yes...Cash is still ticking! The old boy is closing in on 13, I think! You can see him as a pup HERE.)

Luckily for our family...I love candles and oil lamps...so we just light 'em up when it gets dark! :)

I hope your week is going well! Chris has been working on siding the dormers in the evenings...it's such a process! But it's happening...we are so, so close to be done! I can't wait! 

Veggie beef soup in the crock pot for supper last night....and tonight I'm making french toast! What's on the menu at your house? 

We started our homeschool year this past Monday. I can hardly believe Madelyn is done. She is off to work most days. The boys do their schooling in the mornings and then are off to work most afternoons. Seasons of life change so quickly, don't they? 

I gotta run...it's been a busy day and I have more to do but I wanted to pop a few pictures and a post on while I had a chance! I'll share more soon! Happy Wednesday!

Warmly,

Katy

...And She Graduated! Plus...Catching Up!

Madelyn has graduated from high school! As a homeschooler, I graduated her in May but in June we had a lovely graduation ceremony with our homeschool co-op! She turns 19 next month and I am still trying to process how she is almost the age I was when I got married! The past 20 years have gone by much quicker than I expected them to! A song we had played at Chris and my wedding has a part that says "time is a wheel in constant motion...always pulling us along...tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder where those years have gone?" ~ how true that is! (I'm sorry for the blurry photo. It's from my phone and sometimes those pics just aren't that crisp).

I am so sorry for anyone who has come here to see how we are doing...and I haven't posted. I don't know what it is....but my posting has just slowed down so much over the years. When the children were little...they were doing such cute things and it was so fun to keep a record of that here on the blog! But things have changed as the children have gotten older. They are all working at jobs each day. We are in such a different season of life as my children grow to be more independent.

We *are* doing well though! Chris and I celebrate 20 years of marriage this year! Hard to believe that! I've been with him longer than I was without him! We're still in the honeymoon stage of our marriage...maybe we'll never get out of it!? :o) I have been a busy bee at home....keeping things clean, organizing, mowing, cooking and also exercising (at home during COVID....and now I am back at the gym) daily. Chris has been getting so many projects done around the house outside and in lately! It's fantastic! I'll have to snap some pictures to share!

Xavier turns 17 this summer. He recently got his license to drive. He could have gotten it months ago but everything shut down because of COVID...that definitely taught him patience! He has a truck he bought and he paid for his year of insurance up front and is learning responsibility and maturity! Jaxson is 14 and has kept busy this summer working on VW beetles and buses at my dad's garage! He's learning a lot and he loves it! He also started a bee hive (which he keeps at my parents' house since I am allergic to the bees). He's so cute when he puts on his bee suit and goes over to it. He has researched and learned a ton through reading, youtube videos, and my uncle (who also has hives). This is another reason I am so passionate about homeschooling...they learn to research and study what they love! Jaxson has told me SO many things I never knew about bees/hives/honey!

So...that's kinda what we have been up to, in a nutshell. With all the chaos in the world right now....I am so thankful to live in a small town. I rest in my sovereign Lord and keep my eyes focused on Him. I know nothing is out of His control and I find my solace there. I have contemplated sharing my thoughts on everything going on right here on my blog....but then I refrain.

If you are interested...I encourage you to watch (or listen in podcast form) to THIS video by Apologia Studios. It is fully biblical and definitely a must-hear! And if you want to listen to THIS little snippet I tweeted of Voddie Baucham speaking...that would be great too! I will tell you I do *not* support the BLM organization or what they stand for. If you wonder why ~ (other than the fact that they are marxists which is totally anti-Christian) you can look at their webpage to see all the things they stand for and affirm.

Anyway....I gotta run. I need to eat a quick bite of lunch and continue to get things done around the house. I hope you all are well and I thank you for dropping by today. Hopefully I can get back to a more routine blogging schedule. I make no promises though! ;)

Warmly,
Katy

Pictures of Home, Field Trips and Life Lately!

 Hello and happy last day of September to you! I don't know where the month went! Life has been busy with homeschooling, a field trip, the start of our homeschool co-op class days, working out and teaching classes at the Y and more! Chris and the boys have kept busy in the evenings and on Saturdays working at filling our wood shed for winter (I have helped stack as well. Madelyn works a lot, as well as does her schoolwork and babysitting....so she's quite the busy girl lately!).

Some field trip pics:

Madelyn was there too...but she wouldn't let me take her picture (typical of an 18 year old, eh?)...but here is one she took of us (and obviously used a filter on..haha ~ I look so young and fresh-faced!)...

The photos below are from in my dining room. The doily runner along my table was made by my grandpop's mother, Sheena. I never knew her but I love the runner and am glad to have it! We use our dining room table a lot so the runner gets folded up and moved often...but when the table isn't in use, I like to see it out and displayed! The candlestick holders are from that side of the family as well. I forget who they are from...although my grammie would know. Although her body has slowed down with age, her memory is amazing! She can tell stories and recall details of things that surprise me!!

Here are some photos from the living room. The flash on the camera makes the room seem quite bright....but this room in actuality is usually pretty dark...only getting sun as it sets in the evening through the west window. Although I do love a bright, sunny, cheerful room....I like this relaxed, soft, dimmed room too. It is a nice place of respite! The dog bed isn't exactly a lovely piece...but our dogs need a place of rest too, right? And this one serves them well!

This is the window that the sun comes in as it is setting in the later afternoon/evening time...

Chris and I tried square dancing the other night at a local community gathering. It was hot, I got dizzy twirling so many times and I couldn't figure out where to put my hands quite often. I got anxious and overwhelmed easily and gave up. I should have watched videos prior to going so I could learn some of it. Madelyn and Xavier go quite often and have a grand time! They know what they are doing. They make it look fun! :o) I didn't love having to twirl and hold hands with men other than my husband either...it just felt a little uncomfortable even though they were men I knew.

So, for me, that night was a disappointing fail. *But*...I had a fun time yesterday. Rarely do I miss our worship service at church. But yesterday I did since I was invited to go with some girl friends to a Pirates baseball game in Pittsburgh. That sounds silly and frivolous of a reason for me to miss church...but Chris and my children encouraged me to go since I don't really ever go out with girl friends and just enjoy time away. So four of us went....unfortunately I got terribly car sick on the almost 2 hr drive down (and also on the way back). I even sat in the front seat....but the road was wind-y and I wasn't used to my friend's driving. Thankfully, while we were actually at the game, I felt ok! We had awesome seats....just behind home plate! We could see everything so well! I don't like watching baseball on television...but in person, it was enjoyable! If I can go again, I definitely want Chris and I to go together! He would like it too....we would enjoy it together! :)

Speaking of Chris...we celebrated 19 years of marriage a week ago! I tried to get a few pics together...and Chris kept being goofy...so this is what I got:

I made a Chicken Pot Pie Casserole earlier this week...Here is a picture of it and the recipe below if you would like to try it!

I'm still trying to recuperate after being so car sick last night. I still just feel *off* a bit....but I teach spin tonight and need to get a good workout in...so I'm gonna have to just suck it up! ;) Maybe I need a bit of a nap and that will help? I don't know...we'll see!

And quickly...I wanted to share this photo...Jaxson saved up his money and bought a digital drawing tablet that hooks up to the computer. He drew these awesome housework/chore drawings and I made them into stickers! They are in my shop if you are interested! I think he did awesome with them!! :)

Thanks so much for coming by! I hope you have enjoyed your time here as I caught up a bit.
I hope your week is going well and that your moments honor our Lord each and every day. That is my own prayer daily....knowing that I always fall short....but thankful for His grace!

Warmly,
Katy

"Fairest of the months...

...Ripe summer's queen

The hey-day of the year

With robes that gleam with sunny sheen

Sweet August doth appear."

~R. Combe Miller

Oh, how horrible I am at blogging now. It's a shame really...but to be honest, life is just a different sort of *busy* now that it wasn't when the children were smaller. Now my children are young adults and doing adult-like things....working, driving etc! I am still busy at home....mowing, keeping up with housework and cooking....as well as working out at the Y every day. I took the summer off from teaching spin (as the classes dwindle when the weather is nice) and will pick it back up again at the end of August. I have been personal training people at the Y through the summer....that has been going well. My 20 year class reunion is coming up this month and I've been trying to help get that ready and organized as well.

That top picture is one of my favorites. I don't even know who took it and how I came to have it....but it shows Chris and me...and my dad on the right. The year was 2000 (and look how cute my then-boyfriend ~ now/husband was!). We were at the public school to see my sister at her prom. I guess I love to look at that picture because I like seeing us young...and knowing that the Lord brought us together and has given me a lovely life with this man!

My Madelyn turned 18 last month! Yes, 18! If you have followed my blog from the beginning....you have watched her grow up! I still struggle to wrap my head around the fact that my little girl...my curly-haired sweetie is now 18 years old! The days turn into weeks...which turn into months and then years! Ack! Time just keeps rolling by ~ Xavier turns 16 this month and is eager to get his driver's permit! I'm quite glad Jaxson is still 13...I'm trying to keep him young! Not sure I can make that happen though! ;)

 Speaking of Jaxson....he has made this awesome gnome garden (by himself...I had nothing in this!)...

The little gnome items are so cute! He used sand dollars they got at the shore in Massachusetts (when the kids went there with my mom and my aunt) to make the paths. His flowers have been blooming and looking beautiful! 

Life hasn't been all work and no play...we have enjoyed fellowship with friends, picnics, swimming, and the like on the weekends! :)

We've been cleaning out our shed. It was in a terrible state of disarray and disorganization. Chris and I (with help from the children) worked hard to fix the roof, and go through stuff inside the shed (I have no pictures of it...but it is not exciting anyway!). It's a shed/work space. It's a great size so I will be using it when I make wreaths for the Cancer Society. Remember how I made them last year as a sort of apprentice? Well, the lady gave me the business so I will be *quite* busy this fall! I'm so nervous! I've ordered trees and supplies and feel like I am on top of things but it's still a bit nerve-racking!

As you can see in the pic above and the one below...my boys and I painted our garage! I got paint that was created to match the siding of our house. It looks so much better than the orange block it used to be (don't worry...I had Chris's "OK" to do it!). It was a lot of work but I'm so glad we did it. I repainted the trim white too. I also painted our front porch as you can see a couple pictures below...

I have been slowly getting ready for our new homeschool year as well...trying to make sure Madelyn will have all the credits she needs to graduate (as she is a senior this year)....and getting Xavier's credits straight as he enters his sophomore year. Jaxson is entering 8th grade so we don't have to worry about credits with his schooling yet. We'll probably start a year in the middle of this month.

AND....last but not least...I have some new script stickers in my etsy shop...(there are others in my shop as well ~ and planning more to come)...

 

I am still seeking to honor the Lord and glorify Him in everything I do. He is my all in all and He is always first and foremost in my life. He is so good.

I pray you are well! Thank you for visiting me here. I do always plan on blogging more....but the time just slips by much quicker than I expect. Until next time, Lord willing...

Katy

"Do all the good you can...

...By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can, 

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can, 

As long as ever you can."

~John Wesley

Good morning! It's warming up here in Western PA and we are over-the-moon happy about it! The cold gets old after a while. Sometimes I want to move to Alaska to just be more secluded...and then I remember the long cold season there...I definitely couldn't do that! I love that as it warms up we get to spend more time outside! Plus, if we were more secluded it would make it much harder to share the gospel! We need to run *to* people and not away...even when society around us seems to be falling apart at the seams! 

In our "pantry" room...

“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.” 

~John Piper

It's not even 8:30am yet and already I have had a good start to the day. The bed is made, laundry is going, I've done some tidying and sweeping, emptied the dishwasher and have pork in the crock pot (with a mixture over it that I made to make pulled pork. I've never made pulled pork before...so we'll see how it goes!). I also make Chris's coffee and lunch every day and send him off to work. :) I am not trying to fluff my own feathers, so to speak....I guess I just want to share the joys in taking care of our husbands and homes! Starting the day right helps make the rest of the day go better!

My desk...

I am participating in a month-long triathlon at our local Y. You have a month to bike 112 miles, run/elliptical 26 miles and swim 2 miles (or for those who don't want to swim...you can use the rower and go 12 miles). We are only a week in and I am excited to report I am done with the running part and only have a mile left to row before I am finished with that part (I can swim...but I'm not big on lap swimming...so I decided to row instead)! I need to get more biking in but that'll happen as I teach my spin classes for the month. They count as 12 miles each. :) It's really motivating and fun to do! It's fun to challenge yourself! I always workout every day....but to try and meet certain requirements makes it fun to do! Seriously, exercising becomes addicting! :)

Do you have an Instant Pot? Chris's parents got us one for Christmas and I love it. I use it to hard boil eggs weekly. We also use it for other recipes! I like making homemade chicken noodle soup in it and many other things! If you have one, I would love to know any of your family favorite recipes you use!

I have a busy week ahead...helping friends by babysitting, personal training a lady at the Y, homeschooling, exercising, normal housework, cooking and chores around the home, and it's our week to clean our church! So I best wrap up this post and get busy doing some more around here! One more thing I wanted to share (so sorry for the blurry pictures! I used my phone to take them rather than my camera...and they just didn't turn out that great)...

I've been reading lots of books when time allows (along with my Bible reading) and this one is the one I am reading right now...Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi...(I linked to it on amazon...but if you are interested in buying it, you may find it cheaper on ebay! Always check there too!)

“I could not put the Bible down. I literally could not. It felt as if my heart would stop beating, perhaps implode, if I put it down.” 

~Nabeel Qureshi

It is a great read so far! Nabeel has actually passed away now...at a terribly young age...from stomach cancer ~ but oh, he is with his Creator now! He is with Jesus! His conversion from being a Muslim to a Christian is amazing! It is absolutely beautiful to read how the Lord worked in his life!

“While I was wallowing in self-pity, focused on myself, there was a whole world with literally billions of people who had no idea who God is, how amazing He is, and the wonders He has done for us. They are the ones who are really suffering. They don’t know His hope, His peace, and His love that transcends all understanding. They don’t know the message of the gospel. After loving us with the most humble life and the most horrific death, Jesus told us, “As I have loved you, go and love one another.” How could I consider myself a follower of Jesus if I was not willing to live as He lived? To die as He died? To love the unloved and give hope to the hopeless?” 

~Nabeel Qureshi

Although he has passed away from this earth...Nabeel was able to participate in the making of The American Gospel. It's a movie about how the prosperity message has distorted the true gospel. My family watched it...you can see the trailer to it linked above. If you can watch it, I highly recommend it. If you scroll down from the trailer, there is a place where you can watch an hour of the movie for free. I think it's a 3 hour movie total. It's worth watching the whole thing at some point. Share it with loved ones too...especially those who have bought into this Word of Faith movement that is heretical and wrong.


Well, friends....thanks so much for dropping by here! I gotta get moving and shaking...I hope your week is full of God-glorifying moments and over-flowing joy as you walk through them...despite suffering and trials. Let the tears fall if you are hurting...but let the joy of the Lord take its place in you...for it *is* your strength!

Joyfully,
Katy

"I heard a bird sing in the dark of December...

...A magical thing 

And sweet to remember:

'We are nearer to spring 

Than we were in September.'"

~Oliver Herford

That quote pretty much sums up my feelings of winter! I try to remember that, Lord willing, spring is not too far off! Don't get me wrong, I love a beautiful snow fall...cozy warmth in my home, candles lit and even the longer nights aren't too bad for a little while. It's when the snow and cold (and mud and muck) linger for months on end...and the shorter days make me lack the sunlight I desperately want (and need!) ~ (Thank goodness for the gym though! Truly, exercise helps the winter blues *so* much!).

If you have visited me here for a while you will know we don't really *do* Christmas anymore. I follow Christ and praise Him for coming to the earth to save us, redeem us and love us. I don't do a ton of decorating though...and we don't really do a tree inside. (We still purchase or make gifts to give though....I do try to have a generous spirit). I did put our little tree out on the porch though...and it looks cute. I also made that wreath on our door...but I'll explain more on that in a bit!

First...after a food-filled, joyful Thanksgiving with friends and family...we (as goes our annual tradition) decorated one of my dad's trucks (he owns a garage with wreckers and flatbeds etc) to go through our local light-up-night parade! My grandpa was not doing well (my dad's dad) so Chris drove the truck through and two of my cousins rode with him while my children walked alongside and threw candy!

Although dark...here's a pic of my three treasures...Madelyn, Xavier and Jaxson (all three almost teens...as Jaxson turns 13 in just a couple days!)...

Some of the pics are dark because I wanted to be able to see the lights on the truck. They can be kind of blurry as well because sometimes the truck was moving...

We made the back look like a pretty tree using strands of garland, a star on top and lights...

Going through town on that cold, cold night!

Afterwards, some of my cousins and we got together for supper at a local pizza place and warmed up. After that my family took the truck back to my dad's garage and had to take all the decorations off (although it doesn't take long, that's the not-so-fun part)!

 I have been busy since mid-November. A friend of mine has been making wreaths for the American Cancer Society for 30 years (and she also makes some to sell at a craft show...which we were at all day today...and as gifts) and she wants me to take over doing it for next year!! She trained me on how to make fresh wreaths (and how to decorate them), handmade bows...and how to make sprays and grave blankets too. She gave me some of her leftover stuff to make them (and practice). I have made some and given them as gifts to some different friends and family! Here are a few I have made...

On the left is a centerpiece I made and a wreath on the right...

The centerpiece on my island (kinda dark I know)....

And another wreath I made (I'm still practicing my bow-making skills)...

I really enjoy doing it and hope I can do a great job and keep up with the orders/demand next year!! I am not a nail-biter...but if I was...I wouldn't have fingernails left because of my nervousness about it! haha!

Homeschooling, Working out/teaching fitness classes at the Y, making wreaths, housework, meals, shopping for gifts (which I do mostly online!), and our homeschool co-op have kept us super busy lately! Plus, it is deer season...and my Father in Love owns a meat market....so they have been busy too! I am excited to report that Xavier got his first deer last weekend and Madelyn got her first this weekend! I'm so proud of them! We will have lots of venison to eat (and gift to friends who don't hunt)!

I know my posts are so few and far between. I don't mean for that to happen...it's just that life keeps going by and before I realize it...a month has passed! I always intend to do better..then I look at the date of my last post, hang my head, and realize I am still falling short! :) I hope you are well and that your Thanksgiving was filled with love and joy (and a lot of giving-thanks to the One all praise is due!). Thanks so much for coming by! I hope to update again sooner rather than later!

Grace and Peace to each of you!
Joyfully,
Katy