tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44737024709286046532024-03-20T02:50:25.609-07:00 A Penny For Your ThoughtsThis is my personal blog to share with you my life, my views, my amazing family and my passion for God. I hope you enjoy this window into my life as much as I am enjoying sharing it with you.Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.comBlogger298125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-76773440015918916562024-01-02T12:12:00.000-08:002024-01-02T12:12:34.578-08:00Welcome back again.....<p style="text-align: center;"> <i>Well it's been a minute....lol</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I feel like my my yearly post is to say I am going to start blogging again, and then never do. </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I hope this is the year that consistency is in my wheel house so to speak. I have again changed career paths. Not completely though. I am now the School Librarian in one of local schools. I LOVE IT! </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>I am looking at utilizing all my degrees in some form or another this year: Teacher cert in Family and Consumer Sciences, Reading Teacher, Library Information Specialist, Psychology, and maybe even Cosmetology. In know, I know.... it may sound like how? but really, I use all of them every single day, and I have some ideas on how to use them to benefit more people than those in my inner circle. I will share more as it develops. </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>So in my world nothing says back again like a currently post, so here goes:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Currently reading:</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>The Unfortunate Side Effects of Heartbreak and Magic by Breanne Randall</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>All the hype surrounding this one was well deserved, I am Loving it.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Currently listening to: </i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>My dogs playing. This sounds cuter than it is...they are barking at each other like two siblings in a full on war. Ugghhhh..... children (of the fur baby variety)</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Eating.....</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Some leftover Oyster Stew from New Year's Eve</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Haters gonna hate, but me and the farmer love it.</i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="text-align: center;"><i>Welcome 2024, you have a lot of potential, I look forward to making friends with my past and enjoying the future and the hope that it brings. </i></p>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-64200065947048654022021-01-28T12:28:00.002-08:002021-01-28T12:28:51.096-08:00Find Your Passion Question #2<p style="text-align: center;"> Questions #2 is </p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">When you were a child, what did you dream of doing when you grew up?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Like most little girls I use to play school a lot when I was little, but I don't think it was as much of a passion as it was modeling some pretty amazing influencers in my life. I also liked to play librarian and my mom got me library cards and pockets that I could put in my books, this was so fun. But ultimately I just wanted to be a mom. I really always thought I would just be a stay at home mom, girl scout leader, Sunday school teacher, etc. </p><p style="text-align: center;">When I was in Junior High during the 80's the idea of being a stay at home mom didn't even seem to be a consideration anymore. There was the whole push of what are you going to do, where will you go to college, etc. I think at that point I only thought about where I would go to college, still not "what would I do". I figured I would go to the local State University (where I eventually did go) and decided I would like to be a psychiatrist like Marlana on Days of Our Lives... yep that was how I was choosing my career path...lol I never stopped wanting to be a stay at home mom, girl scout leader, Sunday school teacher, etc.</p><p style="text-align: center;">High School... I didn't really put too much thought into it. I just stuck with the EIU/Social Worker thing. Not much passion just what I was most interested in.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Senior Year I went to the local community college for a college day because everyone did that. I came home with a pit in my stomach and told my parents that night I did not want to go to college....</p><p style="text-align: center;">I had good grades, was National Honor Society, had won several academic awards, and knew in my heart the only award I was most proud of was my Home Economics/HERO outstanding member award. </p><p style="text-align: center;">My parents were disappointed. My Dad said I had to go to school for one year, he didn't care what I majored in, it could be Basket Weaving for all he cared. I chose Cosmetology. I figured if nothing else it would be fun and I could have a salon in my house if I wanted to. So that is the route I took.</p><p style="text-align: center;">About right out of the gate, I knew this was not the career path for me. However, I did love the classes, the friends I was making , and I don't like to not finish what I start. So, I continued on, graduated the program with honors and started on my bachelors the next fall. I did cut some hair on the side for friends and family, but never used it for a career path. I graduated four years after that with a degree in Home Economics, Psych minor, again with honors.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I have used this degree in many different ways over the past 25 years. I have worked in the mental health field, as a substitute teacher, in the child development field, and now as a Parent Educator/Home Visitor in the school system. I also use my Cosmetology knowledge to keep my family looking good between hair appointments, when my girls were little, and during the pandemic. So I feel both of my degrees have paid for themselves and served me and my family well. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I would still prefer to be a stay at home homemaker and now that we will be living on our farm, I would like to expand my knowledge as a farm wife/helper, but for now I am so blessed to have a job that I love and that works for my family as well. </p><p style="text-align: center;">I have still been a Sunday school teacher, a girl scout leader, and even a JH cheer coach. Home Economics also gave me valuable information I used in caring for my own family. I may not have wanted to go to college but I did make wise choices and have never regretted the information or the degree I have earned and most importantly used.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-65745827004979547672021-01-01T12:00:00.007-08:002021-01-28T12:40:27.276-08:00"Resolutions"<p style="text-align: center;"> So I am not going to write my resolutions here because I feel resolutions are better kept to oneself. I don't necessarily wish to have someone else's accountability because if they fall through the cracks then I will feel defeated and that is not something I need to sign up for and also sometimes what I think I want actually changes the more I work on it. Sometimes it evolves into something a little different and my success is measured differently. </p><p style="text-align: center;"> I will tell you what areas of my life I try to look at when thinking about my resolutions for the year:</p><p style="text-align: center;">Personal</p><p style="text-align: center;">Career</p><p style="text-align: center;">Financial</p><p style="text-align: center;">Family/Home</p><p style="text-align: center;">I try to have at least 1 if not more for each area. Some areas have 4-5 but they usually tie together as more of many goals or steps. I do not have diet goals specifically but I do always strive to add something health related. Last year my health goal ended up being following through with a surgery that I have not wanted to have. It ended up being the best thing for me and my over all health has been much better. However, the Pandemic really did result in some weight gain for this stressed mama so I do hope some life style changes help improve that over the year. </p><p style="text-align: center;">My progress will hopefully be recorded through the blog more as life improvements, etc. I probably will not reference them as resolutions.</p><p style="text-align: center;">I do feel it is important to find a time of year when you reflect on where you are and where you want to be in six months or a year. This self evaluation keeps us moving forward in life and not just stagnant. We all have areas that could be improved and those improvements help us to be better people. </p>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-53988240535996129112020-12-31T22:00:00.001-08:002021-01-28T12:34:31.476-08:00Word for 2021<p style="text-align: center;"> Word or Words for 2021</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I have put a lot of thought and prayer into my word for 2021. I decided on the final three but since they all go together, I have decided to use them all. </p><p style="text-align: center;">Drum Roll please........</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hopes</p><p style="text-align: center;">Dreams</p><p style="text-align: center;">Goals</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am ready to do some reevaluation, some work towards growth, and thinking outside the box. I could have added faith as well because I know that faith will help with learning to hope and dream again.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">It has been a long time since I have allowed myself to truly hope and dream. I try to live in my current reality but in doing so, I have forgot that without hopes and dreams, goals are kind of boring and not always what I really want from life. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am HOPING that this year will bring more sunshine and less rain, more flowers and less weeds, more smiles and less tears, more butterflies and less stomach flips. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2021 Let's call a truce, maybe during all the craziness I can call you "My Year"</p>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-74200032666395087032020-12-28T07:42:00.003-08:002021-01-28T12:29:55.138-08:00Find Your Passion Question 1<p style="text-align: center;"> On Pintrest I found a journal writing prompt list from www.solutionstoallyourproblems.com for Finding Your Passion. There are 10 Questions and I am going to answer each one post at a time. So here goes with Question #1</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">What was your favorite thing to do growing up?</span></b></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">So without saying this would have been different for different ages. From about as young as I can remember to at least 10 years old (maybe longer if I admit) was to play Barbies. I LOVED playing Barbies all.the.time. I loved her clothes, camper, plane, dream house, tiny accessories, carasel kitchen, car, dog, cat, boat, pool, horse, and on and on. I had all the stuff. When I was little my dad was a drill sergeant in the army and when families with older girls would move and purge their toys, I got all the barbie stuff. I was over the moon. I think it was partly due to the fact that it was something I could play all by myself, since my only sibling was male and 13 years older than me. Having 4 daughters I thought at least one would love Barbie as much as me, but none really took to her the way I did. and that is ok. We all have our thing. I did not grow up to want to be Barbie, but would have loved to have one of those carasel kitchens. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">High School age I was more into staying in my room, watching dramas such as Knots Landing or soap operas, My fave soap was As The World Turns but also was obsessed with Bold and the Beautiful, Guiding Light, and Days of Our Lives. I was a magazine junkie as well. I enjoyed writing, being fashionable, and talking on the phone (which I actually hate to do now). Shopping of course was a favorite and back in the day the Mall was full of excitement, great food, and socialization. Online shopping has changed the mall atmosphere and I do miss that. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">College.....well let's be honest. Socialization usually happened at bars and I was actually a pretty good dart player and beer drinker because of it. That's enough on that one. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I guess that takes me into adulthood, and what I enjoy doing now will be a different post. I am still all of those things in different ways and with a lot more maturity involved. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-15957440269351838362020-12-19T14:17:00.000-08:002020-12-19T14:17:15.799-08:00Winter Goals<p style="text-align: center;"> Winter Goals:</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Try a Hot Chocolate Bomb and document on here. These look so amazing đ</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Maybe make a Ginger Bread House. I have not done this since my girls were really little. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Actually go out and document the first real snow. We had a small dusting the other day but I plan to document the next one and try to make a new relationship with winter. Since moving to Illinois at 7 years old, I have never really developed a friendship with the white stuff. Maybe at 50, I can call a truce. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Make a specific home office area in my living room. I am pretty sure this is going to be a necessity and if not, I am sure we will still use and appreciate it. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-56608383673099827932020-12-19T14:00:00.000-08:002020-12-19T14:00:00.674-08:00Almost Christimas<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;">Who would thought that this year would have flown by when it seemed like the whole world came to a stand still. </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;">I feel like Spring just started even though it is December. We have been living virtually most of the year, not much action to look back on. No sporting events, school events, or much organized activities but we still manage to be busy and on the go a lot. </p></blockquote><p><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I know part of this is because we have a big family, both nuclear and extended. In fact, if we want to keep a family gathering small, we basically can't get together. We are 13 on our own! Wow, our family has always seemed big and noisy, but with all the grandkids, I didn't realize what big was. I love it, I know my quiver is abundant and I am so blessed. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I am hoping after the first of the year to add some new content to this blog because we will be doing more with getting our farm and farmhouse ready for our family. I think it will be a fun journey to document and look back on. I have also been thinking and praying about my words to focus on for 2021. Rather than one, I have three. I feel they all go together so I am not planning to eliminate my focus on any of the ones that my heart and God is leading me too. I will share those at the beginning of the year. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"> I am looking forward to a new year, a new focus, a fresh start. Some people know that Doug and I have lead a lifetime of difficulties and trying to work through crisis mode has been hard, but looking back I see the blessings that have come from those storms, lessons that were learned, God's grace and provision through all, and a deepening of both love and faith. Storms have made us who we are and I love who we are. God knew exactly who I needed to get through the hard times! </p><p style="text-align: center;">Blessings abound when we open our eyes to gratitude and thanksgiving, they are there all along. God is good all the time and all the time God is good. </p><p> </p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: center;"> </p></blockquote>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-11419841325319713162020-11-13T13:08:00.001-08:002020-11-18T09:54:12.617-08:00November Currently<p> </p><p>So almost every time that I decide I want to start blogging again but have no idea where to start, I do one of these Currentlys. So Here goes...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Currently I am: </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> Listening to... the puppy chew on stuff he probably shouldn't be (insert eye roll) and Lucy watching Tik Tok or something similar on her phone. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Loving...that it isn't ridiculously cold outside yet.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thinking that... I can't believe my third grandchild will be 1 this weekend. Happy Birthday Mr. Magoo aka Rhett (insert heart, kissy face)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Wanting.. to eat Mexican food for supper.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Needing.. for this pandemic to be over, for the world to go back to my sense of normal, and to have more time in a day to get things accomplished (motivation would help too). </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am completely over this pandemic thing. I don't think I can handle another potential shut down. I don't want to shelter at home, virtually work, or wear a mask and bath in hand sanitizer whenever I am around others. My heart is heavy to say the least.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How are you all holding up? In my work we discuss Family Well Being at every visit. I think overall my family is doing well but not me personally. I am too catastrophic and easily anxious. A crazy over thinker and without enough distraction I become obsessed with the doom and gloom scenario. I do not need media to sensationalize it all but boy do I hand them the keys all day, every day. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyone else tired? Not physically but emotionally? I know I am not in control of any of this. I have done the part I can, God will see us through the rest. <span><a name='more'></a></span></div>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-5768746538914059632020-06-10T12:20:00.002-07:002020-06-10T12:20:49.804-07:00Our World Right Now<div style="text-align: center;">
So our world right now is crazy weird to be honest. We are still quarantined to a degree, I am still working from home. Most things are still closed or operating under restricted guidelines. I was finally able to see my Doctor and have an out patient surgery scheduled for later this week that will hopefully resolve some health issues I have been dealing with for a long time. More on that another time.... </div>
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Now, our country is dealing with riots and racial unrest. I know that as a white woman in a small rural community I am not dealing with it like others nation wide but the effects are still far reaching. I still feel the hurt and pain of a world that is turning on itself. I am seeing uncertainty and fear manifesting in my own life because of what the country is experiencing and what potentially it could begin to experience as the consequences of what is currently happening. A fallen economy, no safety, people and families in conflict with others as well as themselves. The world for my children felt scary enough before 2020 began and now feels dangerous, uncertain, and sad. </div>
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I am not sure how to process everything that is going on. I often feel paralyzed and anxious to deal with the day to day. I feel the need to hide my head in the sand but to also watch every piece of news so that I can be prepared... but prepared for what? Each day feels as if something new and big comes out of nowhere. </div>
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I am thankful for my faith and the foundational truth that God is in control of all and that he will work everything together for his glory. I am thankful to have friends and family to discuss the issues of today with, regardless of the fact there are no clear answers and no one is able to say it will get better. We just don't know right now but the world's crazy has us all experiencing the same emotions, even if they manifest differently in all of our lives. </div>
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Right now my prayer is for PEACE in the storm and PEACE for your storm as well. </div>
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Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-68757667726533746992020-03-23T12:53:00.000-07:002020-03-23T12:53:53.676-07:00Quarantine? What?<div style="text-align: center;">
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So what is your life like right now?</div>
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We live in one of the states that has issued a soft shut down. We are allowed to go to the grocery store, doctor, gas stations, and anything essential.</div>
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Only professions deemed "essential" are going to work but other professions such as mine are encouraged to work from home or in some cases, not at all. Actually, you are not really given a choice about that.</div>
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My girls are not in school. We are doing school work from home but I don't feel I can really call it homeschooling. They are old enough that they are just doing the assignments on their own and I am just the enforcer. </div>
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One of the gals is due with a baby in the next week. This Grams doesn't get to be at the hospital due to the restrictions and now not even the parking lot because of shut down. I know God is in control and the kids will do fine on their own but me and the other Grandmother just want to be able to support them. Uggghhh.</div>
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Having worked in the mental health field, I know that many are struggling with this. I am struggling with this. Fear is rampant and the uncertainty of the day to day and all the changes to routine can cause depression, anxiety, and panic.</div>
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I encourage you to pray, find ways to care for yourself, talk to your people, and rest your minds. Avoid too much information overload, too much social media, and stay away from negativity. </div>
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God is not surprised by any of this. He knew what we would face, he is our strength and our protector. God is good all the time. </div>
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Reach out to others as much as you can. Check on your friends, family, and neighbors. Be a light in the darkness. </div>
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Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-12084970173014209772019-10-25T06:47:00.002-07:002019-10-25T06:47:40.605-07:00Happy Friday and a Catch Up<div style="text-align: center;">
I hope everyone has had an amazing week. I have had a super busy one, a little stressful, but I made it to Friday!</div>
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This is what is going on here....</div>
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Listening.... to the sound of myself typing (no background noise right now, that is uncommon)</div>
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Loving.... that the fall colors decided to show up this week. Now it feels like Fall to me.</div>
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Thinking.... about buying a new pair of tall boots but trying to decide if I want black or brown. Not buying both.</div>
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Wanting.... to feel caught up with life. I know this will never happen, but I need to get semi caught up, my stress level is through the roof.</div>
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Needing... a maid, a lawn person, a handy man, a life coach, lol</div>
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Planning.... on making some potato soup this weekend. I LOVE potato soup and tomorrow is supposed to be rainy, so it will taste even better. </div>
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Here is to wishing everyone a great weekend and a great upcoming week!</div>
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Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-49716009156916021222019-07-23T05:45:00.000-07:002019-07-23T05:45:11.991-07:00Good Morning Tuesday<div style="text-align: center;">
Today is Tuesday and you know what that means.....</div>
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Yeah, me either. I don't know why but I have always sang that line on Tuesday mornings. I don't know if it really comes from a song but for some reason it comes to my mind on Tuesdays. If you know the answer to that crazy question, comment below.</div>
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Today it is 60 degrees and feels cold after the past week of over 100 degrees. Even I got too hot. That is usually not possible for this cold blooded gal. </div>
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Work today consists of paperwork, home visits, and then we have our first cheer practice for the upcoming year. I have recruited a previous cheerleader to help since we only have one returning girl and an all new squad to teach cheers to. As busy as cheer season is, because it is a 6-7 month commitment, I do love it and get excited when it begins. </div>
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So, I had fallen off the cooking bandwagon, pretty much for a year (maybe more if honest), and have just gotten my groove back in the past few months. I watch "whats for dinner" videos on YouTube like crazy and now I actually find myself missing my own suppers when I get too busy outside of the home. These videos have been great for inspiration because they are regular wives and mothers cooking down to earth meals for their families and ones everyone will eat. I don't have picky eaters but they do like a normal meal for the most part. Check them out if you are also in a slump, I will try to attach links to my favorites in a different post. But if you search What's for Dinner on YouTube, you will probably come up with a good amount to start with and then just start following their suggestions for fellow tubers until you find your own tribe :) I also end up watching a lot of grocery hauls, Rae Dunn hunting, etc because, like blogging, I enjoy people's everyday lives and I find a lot of good items that way that I know work, taste good, look great, etc.</div>
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So anyway, it is time to get this day started. I hope you all have a great one!</div>
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Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-61939689796828631602019-07-19T12:27:00.001-07:002019-07-19T12:27:18.345-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Happy Friday!</b></i></span></div>
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<i>How is it that every time I say I am ready to start blogging again, it seems to be a year before the next entry.....</i></div>
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<i>Life, that is how that happens. I am on a crazy hamster wheel right now and a spare minute tends to get allotted to social media or a nap. Could I carve out more time to blog? Maybe, probably, but I am not going to feel guilty about it.</i></div>
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<i>What I do feel guilty about is how I keep saying I am going to get my life out of crazy mode and somehow stay in it. That is why I have been doing some self discovery. Who is Penny, what are her passions, what are her goals, and also what are her values? </i></div>
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<i>I often think I know the answer to these questions but then something happens and I realize that they are not as black and white as I originally thought. There is almost always a back story to everything. </i></div>
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<i>Anyway.... this is how life looks right now.</i></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Currently....</span></b></i></div>
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<i>Listening to Lucy's phone (a game or background on you tube) from the other room. Also the continuously running air conditioner since the temp outside is currently "hotter than hell".</i><br />
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<i>Loving my day off and happy to have slept in and feel finally rested this week. Between busyness and allergy meds I have felt exhausted EVERY DAY.</i><br />
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<i>Thinking about the fun weekend ahead with the big family birthday and K's wedding shower. I am learning to love all of these things and quite stressing so much about them. </i><br />
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<i>Wanting to get completely caught up at home so that I can develop a good routine and be able to rest better in the evenings and on the weekends.</i><br />
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<i>Needing to let God have control and stop trying to figure out crazy things that I literally have zero control over. Letting God show his love for me and let him do what only he is capable of. He for sure doesn't need my menial input. </i><br />
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<b><i>Hope it is a happy Friday for everyone and have a wonderful weekend!</i></b><br />
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Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-39554651519728027982018-09-25T15:26:00.002-07:002018-09-25T15:27:02.202-07:00Where Are We?<p>So to say our life is in a season of change would be a gross understatement. Who are we? Parents, grandparents, middle aged? Yes... all of those and so much more. What defines us? What we do, what we believe, who we hang with? Yes... but what else?</p><p><br></p><p>I Donât Know! Everyday I feel we peel a new layer off as a family, a couple, and as individuals. I say We because this post is more than just about me, it is about My People too. </p><p><br></p><p>My husband and I no longer look like who we started out as 19 years ago. Physically, mentally, or spiritually. </p><p><br></p><p>My family no longer looks like our nuclear shell. Husbands, fiancĂ©s, children. </p><p><br></p><p>What have we learned? How has life shaped us? How has God refined us?</p><p><br></p><p>This blog is taking a turn, I hope you follow along to hear about who we are, where we were, where we are going. What we believe,âwhat are our goals, what God is showing us. </p><p><br></p><p>It is through Bible Study, prayer, and experience that I have come to a place where I am ready to share who I am and what I believe with the world. I am living my most sincere and honest me that I ever have. Is it good? Is it bad? Probably yes to both,âbut authentic... and thatâs all I am willing to do now a days. If God and my family are consulted... those are the only channels required. </p><p><br></p><p>Life is a journey of discovery and growth. I have prayed to one day be a Titus 2 woman, to know when God is ready for me to begin that journey. Today is that day. </p>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-67259651843393955262018-07-15T12:06:00.001-07:002018-07-16T09:00:29.891-07:00What is Grace? Are we "using" Jesus?<div style="text-align: center;">
I am going to offend some, will probably be misunderstood as being self-righteous, and a host of other things that emotions will stir within. However, my intent is to make people think, especially Christians. My intent is also to use a scared straight approach.... so let us begin.</div>
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What is Grace? I believe Grace is given and received by those who acknowledge and believe we are humans who make stupid mistakes, feel regret, desire to do better, desire to BE better. I mess up All The Time. When I do, I know it. The Holy Spirit convicts me. I feel bad, I feel guilty, I feel shame. God sent Jesus so that I donât have to stay there in those emotions. Jesus gave me a get out of jail free card to let that go, move on, do better. He knows I am human, I can be deceived by the world and by my own desires. I am not God. That in a nutshell is Grace.</div>
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I am also convicted to fear God. I have not been given a Get into Heaven Free card. While my entry is not based on works, it is based on the condition of my heart. If I knowingly sin without remorse, without regret, without reconciliation, I am in fact doomed. We are taught to strive to be like Jesus, to accept him into our hearts, to make him our Lord and Savior. </div>
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While our God is loving, he also gives us a lifetime of opportunities to get right with him. He wants us in Heaven with him. He does not force us into relationship with him but he does require that relationship for entry. We do not know how long that lifetime on earth will be.</div>
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Get right with him Today. Start living like Jesus Today. </div>
Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-682822295314876922018-01-25T17:14:00.003-08:002018-02-17T14:58:30.939-08:00Tired<br />
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<i>So, I wrote the post below when I was obviously very tired and very cranky. I was going to delete the draft all together because I donât feel this way on most days. However for the sake of being real, some days I do and I bet I am not alone :) So for all the tired mommas out there.....</i><br />
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So, I am at that season of life and have been for about 10 years, of sitting on bleachers most of the school year. For most of those years I have had a high schooler as well as a junior higher so I feel like I am at most school events This is my first year without also having an elementary student. I know I know... I am going to miss these days, but in all honesty, right now I am exhausted. Like, am I clinically exhausted or just motherhood exhausted? I am tired of being in my vehicle, on a bench, on a bus (I am also the JH cheer coach), in a classroom, etc. I am also currently sick and tired of wearing our school colors. How pathetic does that sound?<br />
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<i>Now I will just pour a glass of wine and relax or a cup of coffee and just keep trucking along in my minivan with my bench seat in tow! Go Purple,Orange,and Blue!! (Yep we are a three color School)</i><br />
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<i><br /></i>Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-76073065405015951812018-01-15T07:34:00.002-08:002018-01-15T07:40:51.196-08:00Manic Monday<div style="text-align: center;">
Well we have today off again. We are technically off for the MLK Jr. holiday, but I am sure with the weather we would have been off anyway. Stupid snow!!
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I am enjoying my coffee more this week since I bought some Almond Joy creamer this week...mmmmm.</div>
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I am planning on making my way over to the Amish Country Salvage today to score some grocery bargains and maybe take some scenery pictures.</div>
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I am still pondering over the sermon at church yesterday. The verses were spot on for our life situation right now. I love when God shows up so clearly.</div>
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The cat is thinking... âWhoo Hoo they are home again!â</div>
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I am thinking either potato soup or cheese dip in the crock pot today... hmmmđ€ Both sound good and the family will be excited by either.</div>
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<br />Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-6084034478550353322018-01-11T13:36:00.000-08:002018-01-11T13:54:14.437-08:00Winter Goals<div style="text-align: center;">
Help Katie settle into her new home before Baby is born in March.
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Start cooking again... the family will appreciate that one.</div>
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Treat myself once a week to something that makes my heart happy.</div>
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Journal in my Happy Planner.</div>
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A weekly post of some sort.</div>
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Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-64866663787493805812018-01-08T06:57:00.003-08:002018-01-08T15:33:20.904-08:00Manic Monday....<div style="text-align: center;">
Well not really. We have another âsnow dayâ from school and it is pretty nice and cleared off already, so it is more like just another day off now. Score :) </div>
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I imagine we will still have our basketball game tonight, so I guess I have part of the day off work. </div>
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I am craving Mac and cheese (the box and powder kind) so that will probably be lunch today.</div>
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My allergies are still in high gear (what is up with that?).</div>
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I bought plain half and half for my coffee but wish I had some yummy flavor now đą</div>
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I am already over winter, being cold, and having cabin fever. </div>
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The cat is only allowed inside when we are home (and awake) so this extended break is really making Clem a happy kitty. </div>
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<br />Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-9575620349447362032018-01-05T13:39:00.000-08:002018-01-05T16:29:43.562-08:002018 Goals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: center;">Restore my home, family, and soul to peace and happiness. This requires Godâs power obviously but my Faith in him is strong.</span></div>
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Stay closely in the word and make sure my decisions and choices are ran through Godâs filter first and checked on regularly.</div>
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Find and complete Bible studies that deal with being not only a Proverbs 31 wife but Titus 2 woman. It is time to Let My Light Shine :) </div>
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and so my word for 2018 is.....</div>
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Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-71890029102127623422018-01-01T08:48:00.003-08:002018-01-01T12:16:28.344-08:00Best of 2017I saw this on an Instagram and thought it would be a fun way to exit out of 2017...<br />
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Movie... The Greatest Showman or Wonder<br />
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Song... Body Like. A Back Road by Sam Hunt<br />
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Product... My Coffee Pot or Hair Dryer. I can not survive without either<br />
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Book... Divine Direction by Craig Groeschel<br />
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TV Show... Mom or The Ranch<br />
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Trend... Cuffed Jeans. Best trend ever for short girls.<br />
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Emoji... Eye Roll for the win.<br />
<br />Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-53881347181770130592017-12-23T13:29:00.002-08:002017-12-27T08:43:11.877-08:00To begin again...Well, to start with, my world looks much different than the last time I wrote anything on here.
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I am a Grandma now to a beautiful little girl and will be Grandma to a new little boy in March.<br />
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I FINALLY work in town at our school, as an aide in third grade.<br />
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I coach Junior High Cheer.<br />
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Two of my daughters have moved out, bought homes, and started families.<br />
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That is just a few of the changes....but that has been a lot. All of those require their own post, so at least I have some new material to work with.<br />
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Life has a way of turning your world inside out but returning you right side up, with more blessings<br />
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<br />Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-6099414952511519132016-01-18T15:37:00.001-08:002016-01-18T15:37:37.333-08:00Some Heavy Thinking...<div align="center">
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So, I always like to be in the know and since everyone else was watching The Making of a Murderer, I had to as well. I am not usually a binge watcher but I watched it last night until I fell asleep and today until it was over. I did not intend to do anything this deep on my day off. </div>
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I do not feel like he was a good person who got wrongly accused. But I do feel like he was not given a fair trial, was very probably framed, and may in fact be innocent of this crime as well. I feel like his reputation made him the easy choice and the ball was completely dropped on the investigation and then a lot of back peddling took place. </div>
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I know some "bad" people like this man, but that doesn't mean they are the only ones who commit horrendous crimes. This was not a case of justice being served. That makes me anxious. We assume that someone's past and character make them the "obvious suspect". I know a few people with good reputations that have some serious skeletons in their closets and most likely, you do too.</div>
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I hope that the outcome of this documentary is that those in the justice system will really take note of how they respond, if they were thorough, and exhaust all resources to make sure the right people are checked out, and locked up if that is the case. We will always have a flawed system because we are humans. But humans need to check their own egos and opinions at the door when it comes to their work. Especially when their work is truly a matter of life or death. </div>
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ï»ż</div>
Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-6006550242457249552016-01-13T16:52:00.000-08:002016-01-13T16:52:08.577-08:00What's Up Around Here<div align="center">
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Listening to.... Nothing. It is a completely quiet house. Doug is at Bible study, Lucy is with her cousins at Awana, Cassie is with friends, and Madison has an away game. </div>
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Loving... the chicken and noodles I made for supper and thankful for our local noodle company which makes homemade noodles an easy meal for this mama.</div>
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Thinking... how much I love blogging and wondering why I have been so lazy about it. Oh yeah, I get kind of busy with my family's crazy schedule or just with my crazy family :)</div>
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Wanting... to simplify my life more this year. Oh yeah, I say that every year.</div>
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Needing... a massage. I have had a gift certificate sitting in my wallet for 8 months waiting.</div>
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My word for 2016.... Carefree. Yep, I have decided to become a hippy at 45 :) OK, maybe not a hippy.... but a much more easy going person without carrying around so much inner baggage. That is a tall order and resolution for this anxious chick but I am SERIOUSLY working on it now and have a great bunch of women helping me to be accountable to reach my goal. Since I quit coloring my hair, I am starting to look a little more granola too :) </div>
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ï»ż</div>
Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4473702470928604653.post-70860248873647201972015-11-21T06:33:00.000-08:002015-11-21T06:33:53.503-08:00It's All About Perspective<div align="center">
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I have mentioned over and over and over about how I hate snow. However, it is snowing right now, a rain/snow mix actually, and I am happy. The past eight years I have been extremely unhappy with one of my life situations but since correcting that problem, I still have my kids and husband if you were wondering, I am looking forward to Christmas and even to snow. I am seeing the beautiful in the everyday again.</div>
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Lucy was so excited to see the snow. Our preschoolers at work spent yesterday excited about the prospect of a weekend snow. The excitement has been contagious. Now mind you, I still really dislike being cold and I HATE driving on ice. But I also HATE driving in fog but I don't hate the other seasons because of it. </div>
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I am working on my issues right now. I have joined an amazing group of women and we are doing life together . We are dealing with all our inner yuck and the reasons why we have it. We are diving in, stirring it up, dissecting it, and dealing with it. Yep, 40 plus years of stuff in the vault. Believe it our not, my burden is lightening.</div>
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What are you holding on to my friends? Let it go. Don't just bury it, it will always float back up. God is with us, he knows our story, Jesus is our savior, and people are his hands and feet. Find a trusted group and work through it. Do life with other people, don't just exist....LIVE. </div>
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ï»ż</div>
Penny (A Penny For Your Thoughts)http://www.blogger.com/profile/08291960462319895239noreply@blogger.com2