Pictures, Anyone?

I have wondered about what to post for a few days....and then I realized something. I haven't posted any pictures for quite a while. Now, they don't look as great on the blog as they do in my stored folders on the computer.....but you get the idea.

Probably by looking at them, you will be able to tell which ones are more "older." But if you can't, I will tell you this: the yellow leaves are more like what autumn is now....in spots.

In the meantime, enjoy!

Oh, and I apologize about the panoramas. You couldn't tell much by them, could you?

This Makes Me Sick

I am a headline reader. That probably doesn't take the majority of you by surprise =) I always find some headline that jumps out at me, that I have to click on and read.

Yesterday, I saw this one on Yahoo. It absolutely repulsed me--in fact, it still does. Click on the link and read the story of a Justice of the Peace who doesn't believe in interracial marriage.

So, what do you think about this? Do you think the guy was just in his decision?

For myself, I have to side with the ACLU (and that is saying something, as I usually hate the ACLU) I mean, if this Justice doesn't believe in the "mixing of the races", what does he think of our current president? After all, President Obama isn't completely black or completely white--and everybody loves him. What if he is a baseball fan--a Yankees fan to be exact--Derek Jeter is highly loved and respected--and he is a combination of a black father and a white mother.

I know of several interracial marriages. I could care less if the Lord had someone of a different color in store for my spouse. In my family, there is only one race--the human one =)

Could You Pass?

Most people don't know anything about their country. It sad, but it is a fact of life. So, when I found this link to a citizenship/Independence Day quiz, I had to give it a try.

You all do it and tell me if you get a passing grade or not. Not to toot my own horn...but I did =) I hope y'all do too!

Why I Want an Indian Summer

Most of you are probably thrilled about the changing seasons. You are relishing the cooler temperatures, the changing colors on the trees, the winter coats and fires in the fireplace......

Not me.

There is a reason behind that. Actually, not me, but only one is one that you would be interested in. You see, I am watching weather reports with much trepidation because I am about to take a trip again.

I know. I just got home from Pittsburgh three months ago. But I am going back there for a visit. I will be spending several days with the Gorecki family again, this time for Sara and little Anna's birthdays. It's not a surprise, but that isn't quelling the anticipation on their part any.

I am also getting to meet one of my Sisters of the Heart. Jen and I have been friends for, two and a half/three years now, but we have never met face to face. So, on the way to Pittsburgh, I will stop in Nebraska and spend a few days with her. She and I are so excited for this to happen--finally!

So why do I want autumn to halt? You see, I don't want to fly in these conditions. I am not worried about the flights themselves (believe it or not) but I don't want there to be snow or other weather delays that affect my flying. I am praying that things warm up around October 26th and stay that way until November 11th..

You see, those are the dates that I will be gone =) I am telling you about my trip now so you can pray with me!

Sporty Stories

Once upon a time, there was a young woman. She was not your ordinary young woman, for she enjoyed some things that were definitely more "masculine" in nature. She was a football fanatic--college football, that is. She knows when every game for her football team is and she would pull out the oversized orange shirt on every occasion.

Nothing would stop her from taking in a game.....even being slightly sick with a sinus infection. For the past two days, this girl had been down with a sore throat, stuffed up ears, and a runny nose. But when her dad got tickets from a business associate, she made herself go to the game. After all, she wasn't that bad....and who knows if she would get to go to another game this year.

So the girl and her dad drove into downtown, stopping and eating dinner before this game. (The girl will not go for the real experience and eat a hotdog; she hates hotdogs =) The two of them searched for a parking spot, which just so happened to be in the place where they always park....and along with 32,000 and more other fans, they went to the stadium.

The stadium is a well loved landmark in the state; it is known all over the country for its signature turf. And the team who is housed there is just as well loved (though mostly resepcted by its local fanbase) and currently ranked fifth in the country....it was assumed that these team was going to do what it does best--WIN.

Over the next sixty minutes, the girl and her dad teased each other, cheered on their team...and yes, even yelled at the quarterback occasionally. Mindful of her throat, the girl did not yell and get as energetic as much as she usually does...What should have been a blowout wasn't exactly a blowout, but the home team proved victorious and moved to 5 and 0!

The weather outside was freezing cold, so the walk back to the car was almost torture...especially for the sick girl. But it was a wonderful father/daughter time, complete with memories she will always remember.

This is a true story, as happened to me yesterday =) So, what about you all? Have you ever been to a sporting event? What was your experience like?

Who I Am--The Song

I have fallen in love with this song.......sure, I have fallen in love with the TV show that this is the theme song for (Sue Thomas F.B.Eye).....but the more I listen to it, the more I realize just how well those lyrics fit me. I am so happy with the way God made me.

It has been a long time in coming, but I have finally come to the place of saying, "I am who I am. If the Christian community has a problem with that, so be it. I am, more importantly, who God wants me to be."

If I live to be a hundred
And never see the seven wonders
That'll be alright
If I don't make it to the big leagues
If I never win a Grammy
I'm gonna be just fine
Cause I know exactly who I am

I am Rosemary's granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done my momma's still my biggest fan
Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand
It's all a part of me
And that's who I am

So when I make a big mistake
And when I fall flat on my face
I know I'll be alright
Should my tender heart be broken
I will cry those teardrops knowing
I will be just fine
Cause nothing changes who I am

I am Rosemary's granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done my momma's still my biggest fan
Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've got friends that love me
And they know just where I stand
It's all a part of me
And that's who I am

I'm a saint and I'm a sinner
I'm a loser; I'm a winner
I am steady and unstable
I'm young, but I am able

I am Rosemary's granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done my momma's still my biggest fan
Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've got friends that love me
And they know where I stand
It's all a part of me
And that's who I am

I am Rosemary's granddaughter
The spitting image of my father
And when the day is done my momma's still my biggest fan
Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've got friends that love me
And they know where I stand
It's all a part of me
And that's who I am
That's who I am
--Jessica Andrews--

Several I Enjoy

**Once again, I am going to want to know more about y'all**

I have been greatly encouraged and pleased with the responses I have received on my latest posts. It appears like most of you "live out of the box" as well. I plan on doing more along the fashion line in a few days (you know how it goes, you want to do something really good, so you have to write it ahead of time first)

So, I thought I would take some time and give you another glimpse into "the real me."

It has been quite some time since I have done movie reviews of any sort. I have been considering getting back into that habit. In the meantime, I thought I would "recommend" or tell you about some of the TV shows that I enjoy watching..........lest I send the wrong message, I am not one of those types that watches TV with every waking moment. =) I do watch something every day.....but I have usually been in the kitchen first =)

Be prepared to hear about some that I am almost positive you have never heard of!

1.) Little House on the Prairie--I grew up watching this show. Over the years, Mom and Dad have bought for me every season and even the TV movies. Since I know every episode backwards and forwards and upside down, I haven't turned one on in quite a while. And since you know about the show, I don't need to say more.

2.) The Waltons--Another one that the majority of households has probably seen. My library has each and every season, so I have enjoyed watching those as I can. I am honest enough with you to admit that I don't like John-Boy (so consequently, I prefer the later seasons)

3.) Perry Mason--The first in what you will see is a trend....I love crime shows. Perry Mason was made in the late 1950's/early '60's; he is a criminal lawyer. Along with his secretary and his private detective, Perry is always on a mission to find who "really" committed the murder....because it isn't his client. Usually, though, cases stem around someone has been carrying on with someone who isn't their spouse....but thankfully, TV had standards back then, so nothing was shown.

4.) The Fugitive--This is a relatively new one that Mom remembers her mom watching. It's the story of Richard Kimble, a man convicted of murdering his wife....only he didn't do it. He has fled from the police (who are usually right on his tail) and is searching for "the man with one arm" who he saw leaving his house the night of the murder. While this show was made in the 1960's, everything is decent once again.

5.) Sue Thomas, F.B.Eye--Chances are, that unless you have Gospel Music Channel, you wouldn't have seen this one. It was made in the 2000's, but golly, with GMC, you don't have to worry about anything =) It is the story of a deaf woman, who with her ability to read lips, works in the F.B.I. What I really love with this show is the cast that you have with every episode--they are like one big family--just like Little House on the Prairie. It's also got a good looking guy, a sweet girl, and one of the cutest dogs =)

6.) Monk--Ah, the new show that I enjoy every now and then. I can't exactly recommend every episode.....because since it is new, and TV doesn't mind showing things sometimes......I always have a remote handy. But on the episodes that are clean......I love watching an OCD detective try to solve murder cases, all the while being a little on the goofy side. I only tell you about this because I have to paint an honest picture of myself.

7.) America's Got Talent--The same goes with AGT. This is one of those "reality" TV shows that my family really got into this year. Granted, on some acts, my family and I flipped the channel (but thankfully, America voted them off the show) Especially this year, the singing was really, really good.

8.) The Big Valley--When it was made, in the 1960's, The Big Valley was a lot like Bonanza. It's the story of a rich family who owns a lot of property in 1800's California. It has a matriarch, three young men, and one young woman. The only issue with the show is that the very first episode centers around one of the boys coming and saying he is an "illegtimate child" from the father of the clan.....but again, nothing to worry about (and he's my favorite of the boys anyway =)

Okay, I think eight is a good start of some I enjoy; I could mention that I love What Not to Wear and Chopped (which is a cooking show).....but I won't! Tell me, what are some TV shows you and your family enjoy watching.

10 Honest, Fashiony Things

Once again, I am stealing one of Jasmine's latest posts.....actually, this was a tag of sorts. You were to list ten honest things about yourself. She did "fashion" oriented ones, which I thought was one of the coolest ideas. So, that is what I am doing. I think you will get an idea of who I am by the way I dress.

1.) I almost always have a fashion icon that gives me wardrobe ideas. Usually, I use Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly as my fasion setters.....but if you want current people, I use Sarah Palin, Michelle Obama (I can hear you gasping), and Stacy London of the TV show, "What Not to Wear."

2.) Like I said in my last post, I don't wear skirts twenty-four/seven. Especially when it is cooler outside, I put on a pair of pants or if I plan on doing walking and such, I will wear capris. When it comes to pants, I have a hard time find pairs that I like, as I am....uh.....short =) I make sure they don't hug my rear first and foremost.

3.) I like bold(er) colors. I wear a lot of red, fushia, turquoise, among others. I used to think pastels looked best on me, but the more I try on other colors, I realize that with my skin coloring, I need something bolder.....or else I would be washed out.

4.) I am discovering just how much I love the color red! Yesterday, Mom bought me the cutest pair of red heels that you have ever seen. So many of my autumn/winter blouses have red in them; one of my favorite dresses is in red........I could go on and on.

5.) Because I am so petite, I cannot wear straight cotton; I have to have a blend of material. In fact, I tend to wear clothes that "cling" (though they aren't that clingy) so as to show that I have a body shape. I don't think curves are something Christian young women need to hide altogether.

6.) I like shoes!! Granted, I can't really find shoes in my size. (If you are keeping count, I am 1.) small busted, 2.) small in stature, and now 3.) I am about a size 4-5 in shoes. =) It is annoying to say the least, but I have some pretty cute ones now. Most of them have heels, which I know isn't the most pratical when you are running in the rain, but......I love them.

7.) I have never been much of a jewelry wearer, even when I was little. I don't even wear my purity ring all that often (which is a bad habit I have gotten into) I know that I will want to wear my wedding ring all the time, so you would think I would start now.

8.) I am a person who will NEVER wear sneakers with her skirts. If I know that I am doing an activity that requires exercise, I will wear pants or capris. I will even change if necessary. I made the mistake once of wearing a really feminine outfit, only to end it with clunky sneakers, which threw off the whole look. I won't do that again.

9.) I have also mentioned that I wear my hair more on the short side. I like having a hair style. Granted, I don't do it ever day (I don't want to fry my hair with a curling iron) but I much perfer it being more manageable. I often look through hair magazines to see styles I want and try them....this time, I have a style that is a combination of Carrie Underwood and my cousin =) And I plan on keeping it for quite a while.

10.) To end this, I also wear some makeup. Most days, I put on some foundation (especially on days when my face has decided to break out0, a little blush, some lotion, and lip gloss/lip pencil. I find that I need some additional coloring in my face (I didn't inherit the Italian coloring that my brother did =) I don't wear any eye makeup, though I might do a little eyeliner in the future....we'll see.

Okay, so did any of that take you by surprise?

Who I Am

**Important note to readers--The following post is one of involvement, whether on your own blog or in a comment...just so you know =)**


My friend, Jasmine, has raised an interesting point on her blog...and I quote her:


"I adore playing against that "conservative Christian homeschooling type." Here's what I mean by that: the homeschool world is full of diversity, but, many times, we homeschooled Christian conservative kids get pushed into a mold that doesn't fit all of us. It's as if some people assume that we're all exactly alike: we like the same music, watch the same films, wear the same styles of clothing, read the same types of books, etc.

That simply isn't the case. We were all made differently, for a different, unique purpose in God's grand design, and with that difference comes different taste. The diversity and originality in the body of Christ is something that I so enjoy seeing, and the freedom we have in Christ to be a bit different from one another is something I enjoy taking advantage of. While we all may have a lot in common as far as scriptural interpretation goes (though even that tends to vary at times), there are going to be a few differences: favorite colors, for instance. =) Pastimes. Interests. Passions. Talents. Abilities. Most of us don't actually resemble the stereotype people have concocted of us in their heads."

What she said is something that I said, "You said it, Sister!" You see, I find the same things are true for me. People can maybe be shocked that I don't fit the typical mold of homeschooled Christians, but you know, I don't want to. God has made me into the person that I am to be--and if I was like the next person, that would be so very boring.

Thus, I want to make you all absolutely aware of the girl whose blog that you read. You might end up being disappointed with the "image" I represent....but honestly, that's the way it goes sometimes. But for others, I don't think you will be surprised.


1.) I don't wear skirts all the time NOR do I think it is the only way to represent modesty and femininity. I have two pairs of pants that I abolutely love--and I have several blouses that I love to wear with them. Pants also make me look taller and I like that.

2.) I am a sports person. What with it being college football season and all, it is that time of year that I pull out my oversized Boise State Broncos shirt and wear it proudly. I get emphatic about games, missed field goals, and the lot =) And I don't stop at college football. I like Nascar, golf, baseball.....it's not feminine, but it is who I am

3.) I am a cooking fanatic--I love watching the Food Network and figuring out all of the new things that I want to make. I subscribe to three, soon to be four, cooking magazines; I am part of a cookbook club.

4.) As it relates to politics, I have determined that I am Conservative Republican and not a Conservative Conservative. I don't like people who make outbursts during someone's speech....you know what I am talking about. I actually have a few nice things to say about President Obama =) Not about his policies, but about him in general, just so you know.

5.) My family are movie junkies. Every night, yes, every night, we all sit down and watch a classic movie together. Humphrey Bogart, Cary Grant, Bette Davis, and so many others are like family friends that we know and love. But we also don't stop at movies. We love classic TV shows and even a nowadays one or two. Like tonight, we will all be watching the finale of America's Got Talent with both eyes glued on the screen. My family isn't of the opinion that you should "throw out the baby with the bathwater," as the saying goes; there can be some good out there.

6.) I am also a major country music fan. While Carrie Underwood is one of my personal favorites, I love George Strait, Brad Paisley, and even a Taylor Swift or two. And while I constantly play Christian music (Steven Curtis Chapman is my favorite there) I don't stop with that. Frank Sinatra is always on....and I am even liking soft rock. =)

7.) Like my Mom said, she is a short hair fan.....and so am I. I don't like wearing long hair and I also liking having a style. I don't think long hair is the only way to look feminine.

I could go on and on--but the purpose of my post is this--we aren't to live in a box that is "one size fits all." God leads and guides people in so many different directions. Which leads me to you all. Comment and tell me what you thought about "my confessions." And then, share about yourself--give me a glimpse into who you really are.

A Not So Very "Bleak House"

When I talk about my favorite authors of all time, Jane Austen falls off my tongue very easily. So does Louisa May Alcott, Martha Finley, and Nathaniel Hawthorne. Charlotte Bronte is another one I enjoy. If you want me to talk about current authors, I will recommend Brock and Bodie Thoene and Karen Kingsbury.

Charles Dickens is no where to be found on that list.

Homeschoolers are supposed to like Dickens.....and Shakespeare. And while I haven't touched "the Bard," I have tried Dickens...several times in fact. I just can't get into his novels. However, I have come to the conclusion that if you want a Dicken's experience, watch a BBC adaptation.

Bleak House was one of Dicken's novels that I tried to read and didn't get super far. I used leaving for Pittsburgh as my excuse for having to return the book to the library =) So, when I came back, I decided to see if I liked the movie.

Let's just say that I did.

Like with all Dicken's stories, Bleak House is a very complex novel, following many different story lines which all inevitably connect. Here you have a woman with a dark secret, two young people who are falling in love in the midst of a major legal battle, a former soldier determined to hide his past, a young woman who thinks she will be torn from the man she loves, and a villain who wants to destroy.

If you watch BBC movies often enough, you will recognize many people in the cast. That is always one of the fun parts with watching BBC. But in Bleak House, you get so wrapped up into the plot that you forget to remember what movies these actors and actresses might have been in before. The movie is like a mysterious suspense story....and amazingly, it isn't all that depressing.

So, if you have eight hours to watch a movie in, watch Bleak House. =) No, I am kidding....it is eight hours long.....but each "episode" is only a half hour. Thus, much more manageable. But I guarantee you that you will watch for a longer period than that.

Long Overdue Reading List

You probably thought that I never read a single, solitary book this summer. I know it seems that way. After all, I never did a post for June, a post for July, and a post for August.....only I am doing it now.

Between Sundays, by Karen Kingsbury--If you are like me and enjoy sports, this book of Karen's is a really good one. It is the story of a football player in need of being changed and it is also the story of a boy in foster care who is searching for his father. It is a sweet story, though granted, there are a few parts of the story line that might be for older readers. For me, as one who is in the adoption process, I love reading books with that in them.

Possibilities, by Debra White Smith--This is the spoof of Jane Austen's novel, Persuasion. Since I read it back in June, I can't exactly remember what I thought of it. I am so sorry about that. I do think I liked it. In fact, I am sure I did. Oh yes, the bad guy is a heel--and I can't remember if they made that more known.

Agnes Grey, by Anne Bronte--This is the story of a governess and her experiences in two different homes. It is pretty good--much better than her sister, Emily's, work--but not as good as her other novel....which I did read.

Amanda, by Debra White Smith--The spoof of Jane Austen's Emma. What was cool with this story was that it took place in Australia!! That was very, very cool. I wish I could remember better.

What Would Audrey Do?, by Pamela Keogh--This book was a lot of fun. I don't advocate doing everything that Audrey Hepburn did, but it was fun to learn a few things about her (like her favorite food was pasta and things like that) The book's focus was how to implement a little bit of Audrey into your life--how she would dress to go on an airplane, if she would have liked fresh flowers in the house, etc.

Do the Right Thing, by Mike Huckabee--What would this post be without a political book? It would be right!! I greatly enjoyed this book by Mike Huckabee. Golly, I wish he had been our president....or at least the Republican nominee.

The Westing Game, by Eileen Raskin--I read this book per Sara Gorecki's (and another Sarah I met in Pittsburgh) recommendation. It is the story of twelve people who are all sent to a hotel...and they have to figure out a mystery about a will. It is quite interesting.

Letter Perfect, by Cathy Marie Hake--This book was Sara and Meghan's recommendation and I loved it! It is the story of Ruth, who travels out West to go live with the father she never knew. Only he is dead and winds up living with the McCain family. There is a lot more to the McCain family than meets the eye. This book has it all--romance, mystery, suspence, twists and turns, drama, and even comedy. Read it.

Bittersweet, by Cathy Marie Hake--The sequel, yet could be stand alone novel, to Letter Perfect. It follows the McCain daughter this time and it is just as good a story, though I think I prefer the other slightly more. However, the central theme in this story is another character saying her baby is out of wedlock with someone.....it's not true, so don't let that deter you.

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, by Anne Bronte--My other friend, Sara, would be glad to know that I read this novel. It was really, really good! It has romance, a lot of mystery, drama, etc. It is a very complex plot, far too much to tell you about it. But I say you should read it and I do think you would enjoy it.

See.....I did read =)

Which One?

Once upon a time, out in the "wild, wild, west," there lived a girl who loved to watch movies. It didn't matter what they were so long as they were good. There were old movies and there were new movies. There were mystery movies and there were girly movies. There were also movies that were remade.....and at 11:30 in the evening, she found herself watching one of those. The movie was Sabrina.



You all will remember my giving away a copy of Sabrina, don't you? I was shocked at the time that the majority of you had never watched the movie. While I hope that has changed, I wanted to also make you aware of the "newer" version of the movie.

Made in 1995, this version stars Harrison Ford (as Linus Larrabee, which was Humphrey Bogart's role), Julia Ormond (Sabrina Fairchild, who Audrey Hepburn portrayed) and Greg Kinnear (David Larrabee, which was played by William Holden.) The story is the exact same as the one made in 1954--with, of course, some updated changes.

A few are good ones.:

*Personally, I prefer Ford over Bogart--for this movie. I love Humphrey Bogart, but he is not a romantic lead sort of a guy. Harrison Ford could have been "Cary Grantish" (who had been slated to be in the original)

*Since the whole story line hinges on the fact that Sabrina, who had been in love with David, falls instead for Linus, it only makes sense that the viewer witness that. The original did not do this as much as the newer one did. You can tell that Sabrina is falling in love with Linus and that Linus is falling in love with her. I don't know about you, but it is nice to no have to "figure it out."

*The ending does have some cuteness that the original didn't make as obvious.

But as you might imagine, this Sabrina wasn't perfect.

* While Harrison Ford improved the role, Julia Ormond and Greg Kinnear did not. NO ONE can come close to the loveliness of Audrey Hepburn! And NO ONE can match William Holden's good looks (unless it is Rock Hudson or Montgomery Clift =) I almost hated seeing this David Larabee--which, if you ask Mom, is very different from my reaction while watching the original.

*There is a very, very unnecessary thirty second conversation between some of the servants. Since Linus doesn't go out with girls, and yet does with Sabrina, the cook and others express surprise because they thought he was....uh....gay.

*There is a lot of more "passionate" kissing, though everyone is fully clothed (in terrible '90's fashion)

So, what I am trying to tell you? I think it comes down to this--if you are looking for a movie to watch, try both versions of Sabrina. But if you choose one, stick with the original. It's more remembered in movie history

Picture Tour

As I left Pittsburgh, Mrs. Gorecki asked for me to post pictures of my home...so she could see my "living quarters" that I was going home to. You all might like to see them as well, but if not, I know Mrs. Gorecki will be pleased =)

The exterior of my home. See, I told you it was vinyl siding and not brick. Brick homes are rare here.

Once you go in the front door--off to the right is our "formal" front room. The floral furniture is the furniture that God gave us. The chest....that's my hope chest.
My lovely, family antique, very unordinary piano. The only down side is that it doesn't have a full eighty-eight keys.

The kitchen. Isn't it big....or sorts? That door at the end of the hallway leads to the garage.

Our kitchen table. I know, red walls might seem odd. They aren't what we would have picked, but I love them now!

We have a split level house. Only a few steps separate levels. I like it much better than just a single level home.

Not the greatest picture....but Mom and Dad's room

Garrett's room. All boy!

My room. The color palate is pink, purple, blue, and white. My breadspread is a quilt made by my Grandma.

In my room is my bird, Juliet. And see all of my books! I think I have over two hundred in my room...and I have lots of pictures now on my shelves. My family and friends are surrounding me.

The back yard. You might think it looks green now.....but it will be gone sooner rather than later.

If you go down those stairs, you get to the family room. (See, Mrs. Gorecki--I got the family in a candid photo)

If I had a panorama on, you would have seen that Dad was watching TV (golf to be exact)

We also keep the computer downstairs. Sometimes, there seems to be a line to use the internet but it isn't too bad

The schoolroom. I don't know why my desk is so messy (It is the one in the corner) I don't do work down here.

The rather boring guest room--or the one that we will change for a future child

Nikki. She has a habit of laying with her back to everyone. It's like she is being anti-social

Ginger....isn't she sweet

So true!

Thanking God

I wanted to thank you all for the prayers and well wishes regarding Ginger. It was a very rough weekend for my family, one that we did not expect at all. And honestly, we had a different outcome than the one I had anticipated. I really believed we would have a dead puppy; whereas now she is alive and well, albeit taking it easy.

This past year has been one of great difficulty and tribulation. I don't feel like it is the place to give all of the reasons I feel this way, but suffice it to say, 2009 has been a year of growth and testing. It has been a year of learning how (and not always succeeding) to find rainbows in the midst of thunderstorms.

In the past month, I think God has been wanting me to learn that life is in His hands. I was so afraid to fly to Pittsburgh a month ago (can it really be that long already?!) I didn't trust as readily as I should have in the knowledge that God can protect me just as well at 35,000 feet as he can on the ground. With Ginger, I didn't trust that He can be a Great Physician to a dog as well as to people, that just because I can't help her doesn't mean He can't.

How thankful I am that my Father continues to shower me with grace as I learn more about Himself.

Would You Pray For Ginger?

Update at 9:33 P.M.--I am so sorry to not have done one before now. Ginger is home and sleeping on the couch. She has not had diarrhea most of the day and has not thrown up at all in the past twenty-four hours. WE'll see how things go tomorrow. Keep praying!

Update at 10:41 A.M.--Ginger remains more energetic and is keeping food down. However, she continues to have her diarrhea and consequently, we are not sure if she will be coming home today or tomorrow. We would love to today....for numerous reasons.

Update at 5:11 P.M.--Mom and I just got back from seeing her. While she is still suffering from....not so pleasant issues....she appeared to be doing better. She was more energetic (in that she was wagging her tail and sniffing around) I think we'll go see her later on in the evening and I will tell you all more then. Keep praying

Update at 2:13 P.M.--The days are long themselves. Ginger has done from one vet to another and while blood tests are coming back negative (which is a good thing) and she has kept food down for over twelve hours now, she is still not home with us. Ginger remains lethargic to most degrees and she is on fluids. I am really struggling, girls. Please be praying that I would trust the Lord.

Update at 8:08 A.M.--It has been a pretty long night. We did decide to take Ginger to an animal hospital last night, which was the first time in owning a dog eleven years we have done that. I hope I never have to do it again. She stayed overnight, but Mom has been in communication with the vet. She could be keeping a little food down, but she continues to have some throwing up and....other stuff. I'll let you know when Mom and Dad come back from picking her up....and taking her to our usual vet.

Friends serve a wonderful purpose in your life. They share with you in the good times and in the bad. They give you hugs and shoulder to cry on. And when you have the Lord in common, you can go with the other to the Throne of Christ and lay needs at His feet.

I would ask you all to be praying for our little puppy, Ginger. She isn't feeling well at all. We took her to the vet today after two days of throwing up quite a bit. We've had series of some tests...but no answers....and yet the throwing up will not cease.

I am a worry wart by nature, so of course I am a little nervous. It's probably nothing, but you would have to know what Ginger is usually like to be fully aware that something isn't right.

Please be praying for her!! And for our family that we would have peace and know what to do.

Processing

It's hard to believe, but I have been home for a week now--well, actually, I was getting ready to fly home at this time last week. I don't know where the week flew to. It seems like just yesterday I was saying good-bye to the entire Gorecki family, weeping as I said good-bye to Meghan and Sara, getting lunch at Panera Bread right before my flight--but in all actuality, I haven't seen them in seven days. I have instead found myself surrounded by my loving family; I have been catching up on all that I have missed.

However, my thoughts are still swirling in my head as it relates to my trip. Now don't get me wrong: I am not trying to determine if I had a good time or a bad time--I cannot imagine having a bad time in Pittsburgh. But I learned so much, and honestly, I didn't expect to learn anything on vacation; I just expected to have fun.

Yet I have grown a lot since I left home three weeks ago. While I am still nervous about flying, and probably always will be, I don't know how scared I am of it anymore. I have seen the type of church that my heart and spirit longs for. I have discovered that areas of my spiritual life still need improvement. I know what it is like to once again be surrounded with like-minded fellowship. And I have been reminded, like I needed a reminder, that I am a young woman whose desires and dreams don't take a vacation =)

My trip to Pittsburgh was totally God-orchestrated. My coming home was God-orchestrated. And the things He wants me to take from my time there (and I can't help but feel there are many) will be God-orchestrated too. Bear with me as I make sense of it all.

Soli Deo Gloria!

In Need of Prayer Again

Last time I had a prayer request, the bulk of you got e-mails. I was unable to say anything on the internet because......Meghan was to be kept in the dark over the fact that I was flying to see her.

Well now......my time in Pittsburgh is up. It is going to be a very emotional day for me, I can tell you that already.

So, I come to you all and ask for prayer. For peace as I board and as I fly. (My flight leaves Pittsburgh at 6:45 P.M. EST and gets back home at 10:55 P.M. MST) And I also need prayer for grace as I leave.

I will be back in touch when I get home....and after I have had a day to get over jet lag =)

Thanks so very much, y'all.

Pittsburgh Itself

Big cities are something that I do not get to "explore" all that often. After all, where I live, tall buildings aren't exactly "the thing." So, yesterday, Mr. Gorecki took Meghan, Sara, and myself all around town. I greatly appreciate his willingness to show off his city.



First stop was the Point, which is where the three rivers (Allegheny, Monongahela, and the Ohio) come together. Mom remembers that was where the old stadium for the Pittsburgh Pirates used to be. It was also where Fort Pitt stood.





The tunnel that we went through to get into the city.


The point had a fountain....which apparently gives off more water. But like with every city, something is being worked on.

The three girls
A riverboat. My Bub (Mom's maternal grandfather) used to pilot these.
I think this is pretty self explanatory. But if it isn't.....it marks the exact site where Fort Pitt once stood. All that is left is the Block House, which I went inside by the way
Heinz Field....that's where the Steelers play.

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Not exactly in chronological order, but anyway.........There was a stop in between these next pictures. We went to the top of Mt. Washington by taking the incline. It is hard to describe--it was a car on a cable and....yeah, it involves heights and motion =)

Can you tell I was just a little freaked out =)

Sara took this picture out of the window. Me, I was more nervous, so I wouldn't look.

The view from the top
I can't tell you which bridge and river this is....because I don't know myself.

I am so proud of this picture. I took the panorama....ALL BY MYSELF!!

More views from the top

Again, the three girls at the top

Meghan and myself

Just me =)

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In between going to Mt. Washington and at the Point, we went to Station Square. It is a shopping mall of sorts in an old train station.

Now, some funny photos.

Sara demanded that I get a picture of me with this guy. I think his name was Punch and it was outside of a tobacco store =)

And Sara is hilarious. I love the Dr. Seuss wig in Steelers colors. =)

What is a day without Starbucks? =)

There are a lot of memories that don't have pictures--like eating yummy turkey salad sandwiches in the parking garage, buying something for my brother, finding myself a political mug that I just had to get (and then kicking myself that I didn't get another one for my dear sister, Jen), and so many other things.......but I hope you get the gist of everything. It was definitely an experience I won't soon forget.