I have been quite horrible at keeping up with this...
but here it is November already and I've been here in Ithaca for just about 4 1/2 months. There are times when it feels like I've been here forever, and other times when if feels like I just arrived. It is starting to feel a bit more like home though...
The past two months have been non-stop busy. Work, activities with church, small group, activities with school... this is the first week I think since August-that I have 3 nights home in one week. It can be a good thing, but also a bit disappointing seeing as the reason why is because Ray is going out of town for a conference with teachers from his school. So yes, I'm looking forward to being able to not do anything, but also will miss not seeing him and spending time with him. We have been together for 7 months next week...
It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is only about 3 weeks away, and Christmas isn't much further!! Time flies!
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
New York
So I have been in New York for just about 1 month now...
Wow, times seems to fly, yet it also seems like forever!
Things have been busy with unpacking, starting getting ready for VBS and now it is almost done... After being so busy for the past few weeks, it's nice to be a bit slower now, although, I enjoyed what I was doing and miss the interaction with people outside of work.
Work is going fine, staying busy and keeping things going.... nothing really new there. :o)
Well, just thought I'd update this since it's been a while... hopefully I'll have internet soon, and therefore be able to access this and update it on a much more regular basis!
Wow, times seems to fly, yet it also seems like forever!
Things have been busy with unpacking, starting getting ready for VBS and now it is almost done... After being so busy for the past few weeks, it's nice to be a bit slower now, although, I enjoyed what I was doing and miss the interaction with people outside of work.
Work is going fine, staying busy and keeping things going.... nothing really new there. :o)
Well, just thought I'd update this since it's been a while... hopefully I'll have internet soon, and therefore be able to access this and update it on a much more regular basis!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Moving!!
Sometimes it's hard to understand and comprehend how God works... it is just incredible... :)
I am moving to Ithaca NY!!! I got a job, based on a phone interview, and found an apartment, and she is willing to let me email her the application... long distance can be hard, but when God works, things that we don't expect to happen can...
I am moving to Ithaca NY!!! I got a job, based on a phone interview, and found an apartment, and she is willing to let me email her the application... long distance can be hard, but when God works, things that we don't expect to happen can...
Friday, June 5, 2009
And around the corner
It just seems like it was May, and already we are in the first week of June. This is crazy. Life keeps on keeping on... Had a fun time with my family and also with Ray and his family over Memorial Day. Time seems to fly. I'm glad I'll be able to see Ray again soon... :)
Work keeps going, working some overtime because we're short staffed, but now having hired 2 new part-timers maybe it'll slow down. Just in time to leave.
I can't believe that Rachel turns the big 18 on Thursday!!! I remember when she was born, and not being able to hold her for 2 weeks cause I was sick.... I remember the date and time she was born also. But that's just me and my memories.
Well, life is changing and I think it's for the better, and so do a few other people whom I admire and respect. Having their confidence and "approval" helps a lot to know that I'm not alone and that they are praying with me and for me in the changes ahead.
God does answer prayer!
Work keeps going, working some overtime because we're short staffed, but now having hired 2 new part-timers maybe it'll slow down. Just in time to leave.
I can't believe that Rachel turns the big 18 on Thursday!!! I remember when she was born, and not being able to hold her for 2 weeks cause I was sick.... I remember the date and time she was born also. But that's just me and my memories.
Well, life is changing and I think it's for the better, and so do a few other people whom I admire and respect. Having their confidence and "approval" helps a lot to know that I'm not alone and that they are praying with me and for me in the changes ahead.
God does answer prayer!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
May
So it is half way into May already!! Since I've started back at the bank, I have few opportunities to get online now, unless I go to the library for a while.
Well, things have been going well, The month started out really busy, but it was good with the missions expo, and KidStuf. Life continues to stay busy with working a few more hours because we're short staffed, but overtime is better than trying to work a 2nd job right now.
I'll be going home to PA next weekend for Memorial Day and seeing my family and am looking forward to being able to spend some time with Ray as well.
Well, not much else has changed... :o) Life just goes on...
Well, things have been going well, The month started out really busy, but it was good with the missions expo, and KidStuf. Life continues to stay busy with working a few more hours because we're short staffed, but overtime is better than trying to work a 2nd job right now.
I'll be going home to PA next weekend for Memorial Day and seeing my family and am looking forward to being able to spend some time with Ray as well.
Well, not much else has changed... :o) Life just goes on...
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Long distance Relationships
Long distance relationships.... while they can be challanging hence the distance part, can also work if both people are dedicated to doing what it takes to make them work. Open communication is definately key to any relationship, but even more so when you do not see the other person on a regular basis. Something I have learned over the years of my life, and through family relationships, and past relationships as well, this is something that is Very important.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Wow
Wow!
So a lot has happened the past few weeks... I went home to PA for Easter, and while I was there, my sister-in-law had a her baby, and I was able to see and hold baby Elise a few different times before I came back to WV... that was pretty neat. :o)
And then Yesterday I started a new(old) job going back to Huntington Bank where I used to work. I had been looking for a full-time job for a while, and I saw one of the customers from the bank who mentioned that they were looking for help, and so I ended going back there, with the benefits and everything else picking-up pretty much where I left off which is pretty awesome.
So that is my life in a nut-shell... well, most of it... other stuff is going on too, but I'll get to that a bit later... :o)
So a lot has happened the past few weeks... I went home to PA for Easter, and while I was there, my sister-in-law had a her baby, and I was able to see and hold baby Elise a few different times before I came back to WV... that was pretty neat. :o)
And then Yesterday I started a new(old) job going back to Huntington Bank where I used to work. I had been looking for a full-time job for a while, and I saw one of the customers from the bank who mentioned that they were looking for help, and so I ended going back there, with the benefits and everything else picking-up pretty much where I left off which is pretty awesome.
So that is my life in a nut-shell... well, most of it... other stuff is going on too, but I'll get to that a bit later... :o)
Monday, April 6, 2009
some verses
I get daily verses from a christian radio station, and these are some that I've received the past few days... They seem to fit with my situation quite well.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. ~ Psalm 139:23, NLT
I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes. ~ Psalm 119:59, NLT
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections. ~ Psalm 26:2, NLT
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my thoughts. ~ Psalm 139:23, NLT
I pondered the direction of my life, and I turned to follow your statutes. ~ Psalm 119:59, NLT
Put me on trial, Lord, and cross-examine me. Test my motives and affections. ~ Psalm 26:2, NLT
Saturday, April 4, 2009
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Happy Birthday to my niece Nora Sabella Clark!!! She turned 3 today! It seems like so long ago that she was in the NICU a tiny little baby, who is now an energetic little girl who is excited to be a big sister soon! I love you Nora!! Happy Birthday!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
My grandmother
My grandmother, Dorothy May Humes Clark passed away yesterday early morning. After having battled with cancer and the onset of Alzheimer's disease she died at the age of 89 following her husband who died in 2005 also at the age of 89. I am glad that I have some pleasant memories of them both from when I was little and growing up. My grandparents were born during and shortly after WWI, in high school and got married during the depression, and their first child at the beginning of WWII, and they had seen so many changes to our country in the almost a century that they lived their lives. They raised 5 children and saw the birth 11 grandchildren and multiple great grandchildren.
They had retired by the time my brothers and I were born and while we lived in Rhode Island for a few short years, they took us to see so many different places in the New England area, and taught us a plethora of card and board games that we still play and enjoy today. I have missed my grandfather the years he has been gone, and I will miss my grandmother as well. I am glad that I have memories and photographs to remember them by.
I will Miss You
They had retired by the time my brothers and I were born and while we lived in Rhode Island for a few short years, they took us to see so many different places in the New England area, and taught us a plethora of card and board games that we still play and enjoy today. I have missed my grandfather the years he has been gone, and I will miss my grandmother as well. I am glad that I have memories and photographs to remember them by.
I will Miss You
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Life
A lot has happened the past few days with life... Last week, my grandmother took a turn for the worse with her health and while she has better days and is awake/alert, she is usually not doing well and the nurses do not expect her to live much longer. However, she is and can be quite stubborn... But the cancer is pretty much running its course. And then also last week, I found out that they were cutting my(and some others) hours at work from full-time to part-time until further notice, and taking effect immediately. So after work last Wed. I had off till this Tuesday. I now will be working Tues-Thurs and some Saturday's... Yeah... a big change. Needless to say I have been looking around at other options for full time work because like everyone else, I have bills to pay too.
It has been interesting though, for our kids program at church Jump Street and KidStuf, we study different virtues each month and focus on it for our small group time. This month's virtue is Hope: believing that something good can come out of something bad
I teach 5th graders, and have had practical and realistic examples of when it may be the something bad right now, but I know that God has something planned in the bigger picture that I can't see that will be used for good in His timing and glory.
It has been interesting though, for our kids program at church Jump Street and KidStuf, we study different virtues each month and focus on it for our small group time. This month's virtue is Hope: believing that something good can come out of something bad
I teach 5th graders, and have had practical and realistic examples of when it may be the something bad right now, but I know that God has something planned in the bigger picture that I can't see that will be used for good in His timing and glory.
Musician's Prayer
" I start this day on a joyful note, thanking You for all the blessings You have orchestrated in my life. Help me to live in harmony with others throughout the day.
May I be Your instrument, in concert with Your will and in tune with Your way-- trusting I always have You as my accompaniment.
And at day's end, may I know that I have played my part to put a song in every heart." Amen
Monday, March 2, 2009
A New Month Begining
So a new month is begining... Does it really feel like March already? When everything comes into view of all that needs to be done, it seems like it should be later than March, however looking back at all that has happened, it feels like it should be December again...
I guess time flies when you're having fun.... that seems like an odd saying, cause time flies when you're not having fun as well... maybe we should come up with a new saying.....
We'll see...
"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." ~ Galatians 5:13, NLT
"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." ~ Proverbs 16:3, NLT
I guess time flies when you're having fun.... that seems like an odd saying, cause time flies when you're not having fun as well... maybe we should come up with a new saying.....
We'll see...
"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love." ~ Galatians 5:13, NLT
"Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed." ~ Proverbs 16:3, NLT
Friday, February 20, 2009
A week gone by...
So a week has gone by since my last post. Life has been busy the past week from work, to meetings, to Church, to physical therapy... something going on pretty much every night thus far... Oh well. :o) Thankfully I have off from working this weekend and can hopefully get some work done in my apartment. We'll see...
Friday, February 13, 2009
Why we know what Love is...
We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. ~ 1 John 3:16, NLT
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. ~ 1 John 4:16, NLT
We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in His love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and God lives in them. ~ 1 John 4:16, NLT
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Are We Important to God?
This was given to me years ago by a camp counselor... Sometimes it is still good to re-read it and become reaquainted with how important we really are to God... He Made Us, He Loves Us, He Chose Us, and Is With Us....
He Made You
- Psalms 139:14-15
- Colossians 1:16
- Isaiah 43:7
- Romans 9:20-21
He Loves You
- John 3:16
- Romans 5:8
- I John 4:10
- I John 4:19
He Chose You
- John 15:16
- Ephesians 1:4
- II Thessalonians 2:13
- I Peter 2:9
He Is With You
- John 14:16-17
- Proverbs 15:3
- Matthew 28:19-20
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
KIDSTUF NIGHT!!! :o)
Last night we had our kids program (KIDSTUF) practice for the show tonight. There are some very talented people at my church. They did an incredible job last night, and I am looking forward to seeing the actual performance tonight. I'll try and post pictures from the show later this week if I get the chance... When people use the gifts and talents that God has given them for His glory and honor, He can use them in ways they would never expect and touch lives in a way that others couldn't. I am thankful for these people and the work they do...
:o)
:o)
Monday, February 9, 2009
Thought for today...
"Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT
When we ask for direction in God's will, there are some clear answers... God's will is for us to be thankful in all circumstances, never stop praying, and always be joyful... it can be very hard to do this sometimes but it becomes easier when we remember that we truly do belong to Christ Jesus.
"For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love."
~ Romans 5:5, NLT
After watching the movie "Fireproof" and the small group study based on it, something that is mentioned is that we can not love if we do not have God's love in us because God is love and all love we have has to be based on His love for us for without it we are nothing.
~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT
When we ask for direction in God's will, there are some clear answers... God's will is for us to be thankful in all circumstances, never stop praying, and always be joyful... it can be very hard to do this sometimes but it becomes easier when we remember that we truly do belong to Christ Jesus.
"For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love."
~ Romans 5:5, NLT
After watching the movie "Fireproof" and the small group study based on it, something that is mentioned is that we can not love if we do not have God's love in us because God is love and all love we have has to be based on His love for us for without it we are nothing.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Thought for the day... How do we discern God's Will?
A lesson I found from when I was in college brought back some memories, as well as some thought provoking ideas since I am at a point in my life where trying to discern and understand God's will is on my mind. From the 5 pages of notes, here are some highlights that I thought note worthy:
- God's will is something He wants us to know and do- 1 Peter 4:1-2, Ephesians 5:15-17, Colossians 1:9
- God's will should be understood as God's desire for our life - Jeremiah 29:11
- Some prerequisites to knowing God's will:
- Obey what you already know - Disobedience in a known area can many times hinder God answering other prayers. Many times, God does not reveal His will to someone who wants to vote on it...
- Present yourself to God- Romans 12:1-2 - God's will comes to those who present themselves to Him as a living sacrifice
- Acknowledge and trust God- Proverbs 3:5-6 - total dependancy on God brings trustworthy direction from God
- Delight yourself in the Lord - Psalm 37:4, Jeremiah 9:23-24 - God delights in someone who understands and knows Him.
- Spend time in Prayer- Phillipians 4:6-7 - Discerning God's will begins on your knees
- Have your ears tuned into God's voice - I Samuel 3:10, Isaiah 30:21
- Grow in your knowledge of scripture - spending time reading and studying God's Word so you will know what God has to say about the decisions you are facing
- Put together a group of trustworthy counselors who will give you advice based on what they think is in your best interest. Proverbs 11:14, 12:15, 15:22, 24:6, 27:6,9,17
- Be sensitive to "Providential" circumstances - learn to recognize the difference between a wall and a door Psalms 106:13-15
- Have a submissive spirit toward God - our attitude should be "not my will, but His be done"
- Keep/Start moving - Acts 16:6-10
James 4:13-16
"if we fail to seek God in our decisions, we are living like the athesit; you are living your life as if God does not exist."
-taken from a Prayer Leader meeting w/ Dwayne Carson at Liberty University-
So, just a note as a reminder to myself and everyone else that we need to be seeking God's will and direction for our lives, but also living what we already know to be God's will that he has clearly stated for us: II Peter 3:9, I Timothy 2:3-4, Ephesians 5:18, I Thessalonians 4:1-3, I Peter 2:13-17, Philippians 1:29
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known unto God and the Peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hears and minds through Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7
Friday, January 30, 2009
A new day
Here I am at work as a new day begins. The weather is quite chilly with snow and ice on the ground and no chance of it melting anytime soon, actually, we may get more before this all melts...
A story...
For those who remember when I was writing in college a bit... Here is something that I wrote... Thought that it may be somthing interesting to read again, or read for the first time if never read. It may give a bit of an idea of how I think... Hope you enjoy!
"""A small farmhouse in the beautiful region of New England set back off the main road away from the businesses and distractions of the town. The house is sitting on a two acre parcel of land with a lot of trees, a small stream and an open area that had been cleared for the house and garden. The house is an old fashioned colonial style with a large porch that wraps around the front of the house around to one side by the family room. Walking up the stairs to the front door you are welcomed into the kitchen. It is a bright room with a lot of windows to let in the morning sunrise on one side and the evening sunset through the other. The curtains are a light yellow print with tiny flowers held back by a thin ribbon. The border around the room complements the brightness and cheerfulness the room has. The kitchen table sits in front of some of the windows. It is very sturdy, but also worn from everyday use. Counter-space and cupboards line the other walls around the appliances making the most use of the space of the room and making it seem very spacious. Off to one side is a small pantry in which the washer and dryer are kept. Also in the small room, are many shelves for extra storage. There are two doorways through which the kitchen can be left. Through one open doorway is the more formal dining room which is only used for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. There are a few tall windows and the burgundy curtains are held back by gold cording allowing the sunlight to enter the dark room. A china cabinet stands against a wall holding the china that has been passed down through many generations. It is ivory colored with tiny flowers and is trimmed in gold. The china is something that is, and will be treasured for many years to come. There is a server on the wall closest to the kitchen door, making it something that is quite useful during holidays when the room and table is full of guests. The table is solid oak with matching chairs completing the set. The wood floor is partially covered by a beautifully colored rug that makes the room look elegant, yet in some ways old-fashioned. Through the other doorway from the kitchen is the combined living room and family room. It is a larger comfortable room with a large fireplace against the back wall. Against the wall to the right of the fireplace is a large bay window covered with pillows, cushions and throw blankets, making it the perfect and ideal place for curling up with a good book on a cold winter night. A few bookshelves and cabinets line the wall opposite the bay window and are filled with books, toys, games, coloring books, and school supplies. The bottom shelves are where the children books and toys are while the higher shelves contain the coloring books, games and school supplies that need to be kept out of reach of little hands. The off-white color of the room is accented by hunter green and maroon which is off set by the deep maple color of the shelves and hearth by the fireplace. A dark navy blue accent is added to enhance the color of the maroon and green, by the rugs on the floor adding a hint of the multi-color scheme. Off to the side is a staircase that leads to the upstairs. Also on the same wall as the bay window is a door that brings us onto the porch, facing the back yard. Looking in amazement at the view that has been waiting, we see the beauty and wonder of it all. The maple, pine, oak and evergreen trees fill in the hills. The pine and evergreen show their magnificent color by the glory they radiate all year round. In the far distance on a clear day, the majestic snow capped mountains can be seen. Stepping down off of the porch into the yard, the swing catches our eye as the wind is gently blowing the rope and as it slowly sways with the branches on the tree, memories of years gone by come back to fill your mind with bittersweet memories. The soft creaking of the porch swing brings us back to remember all of the work that has yet to be done. The garden is slowly dying and the corn stalks can now be cut and used with the other decorations for fall. The pumpkins are now a brilliant color of deep orange and are large enough to be picked and carved to be included with the other decorations. The backyard is covered with a large multi-colored blanket. Walking through the leaves that need to be raked, the hushed rustling of them at our feet, help to bring the season into a more full sense of what the term fall really means. Turning towards the house and the stairs for the balcony up to the second floor, we climb them and come to be standing outside the master bedroom. Upon opening the glass doors, but before we can enter the room, we have to gently hold aside the lace curtains that cover the doors offering a semblance of privacy for this bedroom. Ivory colored drapes that hang in front of the lace curtains are pulled back off to the side to let sunlight into the room. The room is a darker green with ivory accents and a wood floor is covered by a few rugs placed in areas that are most commonly used around the room. The rugs also accent the rich cherry wood furniture that gives the room an elegant look and feel to it. Opening the door and stepping into the hallway, the first door to the right is open. Glancing around the light mint green colored room, with carpet that is a few shades lighter than the walls, almost white with just a tint of green. The border on the walls around the room is of teddy bears and other animals in a child like print. A white wicker crib sits in the middle of the room, while the dresser and changing table, the two of them each stenciled with the similar bear and animal patter from the walls, are standing against the wall where the windows are and the wall next to it. There are two windows in the room and the curtains that are at them are white trimmed with a darker green and are held back by dark green ribbon as well. Back in the hallway, we enter the room that is directly across the hall. The room is light blue, but something catches your eye before you look any further. There is a sun catcher in the window and as the afternoon sun catches the sparkle of the different colors, it reflects in the mirror that is in the room on the wall opposite it, casting the shimmer of color around the room. The bed is made of a dark oak with a matching nightstand and dresser, with a similar bookshelf with toys and books on it. The curtains in the window have a faint spray of white with many shades of darker and lighter blues. The picture above the bed depicts children sitting at Jesus’ feet and in his arms, a true reflection and good reminder of where Jesus wants us to be. The bedroom directly next to this one is a pale yellow with a soft light maple furniture set consisting of two dressers, a night stand and a set of bunk beds. The curtains that cover the double windows are a bight white with a tiny floral print and lace on the edges. The wood floor is partially covered by hand made rag-tied rugs and are multi-colored with bright pastels and other bright colors which make the room seem very cheery. The rugs are placed in front of the windows and the dressers. A large rug that is more plush is in front of the beds, making it more enjoyable to get out of bed in the cold early fall and winter mornings. There are two bean bag chairs on the floor in front of the windows and a bookshelf on the wall next to the windows. This bookshelf has more books on it than in the other rooms and it also has a collection of dolls sitting on the top shelf carefully balanced as so they will not fall off and break. The last room on the left is the bathroom. The light peach color on the walls and the tiles around the bathtub has a sponged painted look to it. The bath tub and other accessories are white porcelain while the curtains and towels are a shade of blue that help to accent the room and complement the other colors there in. The blue in the bathroom is carried through out the hallway and down the stairwell. The last room on the right directly before the stairs, is a smaller room with paneling on the top half of the room and a light tan brown paint on the bottom. The wooden paneling matches the floor, and brings out the color of the deep mahogany desk and shelves. The windows have a more natural color curtain and the room is accented with dark pine border and many other smaller objects that help bring this color accent into the room. A large black chair sits in the corner and against that wall, is a sewing machine sitting on a small table by the window. This room is one in which you can feel comfortable, relaxed, rested and get work done in a quiet atmosphere. In the hallway, after momentarily looking back one last time and glancing at the walls and the pictures that line them, it is like walking down memory lane. Starting at the wedding and following the family through the different stages of life, through the children’s lives thus far and ending with the oldest pictures at the bottom of the stairs and working upwards with the most recent pictures near the bedrooms. Downstairs once again, stepping out the front door onto the porch, the last of the roses on the bush next to the steps are dying and the baskets of mums and straw flowers hanging on hooks are slowly starting to bloom with the late arrival of fall. The driveway that leads to the road is gravel and dirt and is only paved blacktop towards the end of it where it meets the road. At the end of the driveway stands the mailbox marking the entrance to our world.
The entrance to our world… it could be anywhere, during anytime period. This one was chosen by me to be in a place in history where the events of days gone by could be remembered. But where should the history begin? Should it go back over three hundred years ago to when America was starting to be colonized, or should it start one hundred years ago at the turning point of the nineteen hundreds and beginning of my great –grandparents and also my grandparent’s generation? Or should it be even closer to thirty years ago starting with my family…? Where ever it begins however, it must be told accurately with no thought to sides which have changed view and perspectives throughout the course of time."""
"""A small farmhouse in the beautiful region of New England set back off the main road away from the businesses and distractions of the town. The house is sitting on a two acre parcel of land with a lot of trees, a small stream and an open area that had been cleared for the house and garden. The house is an old fashioned colonial style with a large porch that wraps around the front of the house around to one side by the family room. Walking up the stairs to the front door you are welcomed into the kitchen. It is a bright room with a lot of windows to let in the morning sunrise on one side and the evening sunset through the other. The curtains are a light yellow print with tiny flowers held back by a thin ribbon. The border around the room complements the brightness and cheerfulness the room has. The kitchen table sits in front of some of the windows. It is very sturdy, but also worn from everyday use. Counter-space and cupboards line the other walls around the appliances making the most use of the space of the room and making it seem very spacious. Off to one side is a small pantry in which the washer and dryer are kept. Also in the small room, are many shelves for extra storage. There are two doorways through which the kitchen can be left. Through one open doorway is the more formal dining room which is only used for special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and holidays. There are a few tall windows and the burgundy curtains are held back by gold cording allowing the sunlight to enter the dark room. A china cabinet stands against a wall holding the china that has been passed down through many generations. It is ivory colored with tiny flowers and is trimmed in gold. The china is something that is, and will be treasured for many years to come. There is a server on the wall closest to the kitchen door, making it something that is quite useful during holidays when the room and table is full of guests. The table is solid oak with matching chairs completing the set. The wood floor is partially covered by a beautifully colored rug that makes the room look elegant, yet in some ways old-fashioned. Through the other doorway from the kitchen is the combined living room and family room. It is a larger comfortable room with a large fireplace against the back wall. Against the wall to the right of the fireplace is a large bay window covered with pillows, cushions and throw blankets, making it the perfect and ideal place for curling up with a good book on a cold winter night. A few bookshelves and cabinets line the wall opposite the bay window and are filled with books, toys, games, coloring books, and school supplies. The bottom shelves are where the children books and toys are while the higher shelves contain the coloring books, games and school supplies that need to be kept out of reach of little hands. The off-white color of the room is accented by hunter green and maroon which is off set by the deep maple color of the shelves and hearth by the fireplace. A dark navy blue accent is added to enhance the color of the maroon and green, by the rugs on the floor adding a hint of the multi-color scheme. Off to the side is a staircase that leads to the upstairs. Also on the same wall as the bay window is a door that brings us onto the porch, facing the back yard. Looking in amazement at the view that has been waiting, we see the beauty and wonder of it all. The maple, pine, oak and evergreen trees fill in the hills. The pine and evergreen show their magnificent color by the glory they radiate all year round. In the far distance on a clear day, the majestic snow capped mountains can be seen. Stepping down off of the porch into the yard, the swing catches our eye as the wind is gently blowing the rope and as it slowly sways with the branches on the tree, memories of years gone by come back to fill your mind with bittersweet memories. The soft creaking of the porch swing brings us back to remember all of the work that has yet to be done. The garden is slowly dying and the corn stalks can now be cut and used with the other decorations for fall. The pumpkins are now a brilliant color of deep orange and are large enough to be picked and carved to be included with the other decorations. The backyard is covered with a large multi-colored blanket. Walking through the leaves that need to be raked, the hushed rustling of them at our feet, help to bring the season into a more full sense of what the term fall really means. Turning towards the house and the stairs for the balcony up to the second floor, we climb them and come to be standing outside the master bedroom. Upon opening the glass doors, but before we can enter the room, we have to gently hold aside the lace curtains that cover the doors offering a semblance of privacy for this bedroom. Ivory colored drapes that hang in front of the lace curtains are pulled back off to the side to let sunlight into the room. The room is a darker green with ivory accents and a wood floor is covered by a few rugs placed in areas that are most commonly used around the room. The rugs also accent the rich cherry wood furniture that gives the room an elegant look and feel to it. Opening the door and stepping into the hallway, the first door to the right is open. Glancing around the light mint green colored room, with carpet that is a few shades lighter than the walls, almost white with just a tint of green. The border on the walls around the room is of teddy bears and other animals in a child like print. A white wicker crib sits in the middle of the room, while the dresser and changing table, the two of them each stenciled with the similar bear and animal patter from the walls, are standing against the wall where the windows are and the wall next to it. There are two windows in the room and the curtains that are at them are white trimmed with a darker green and are held back by dark green ribbon as well. Back in the hallway, we enter the room that is directly across the hall. The room is light blue, but something catches your eye before you look any further. There is a sun catcher in the window and as the afternoon sun catches the sparkle of the different colors, it reflects in the mirror that is in the room on the wall opposite it, casting the shimmer of color around the room. The bed is made of a dark oak with a matching nightstand and dresser, with a similar bookshelf with toys and books on it. The curtains in the window have a faint spray of white with many shades of darker and lighter blues. The picture above the bed depicts children sitting at Jesus’ feet and in his arms, a true reflection and good reminder of where Jesus wants us to be. The bedroom directly next to this one is a pale yellow with a soft light maple furniture set consisting of two dressers, a night stand and a set of bunk beds. The curtains that cover the double windows are a bight white with a tiny floral print and lace on the edges. The wood floor is partially covered by hand made rag-tied rugs and are multi-colored with bright pastels and other bright colors which make the room seem very cheery. The rugs are placed in front of the windows and the dressers. A large rug that is more plush is in front of the beds, making it more enjoyable to get out of bed in the cold early fall and winter mornings. There are two bean bag chairs on the floor in front of the windows and a bookshelf on the wall next to the windows. This bookshelf has more books on it than in the other rooms and it also has a collection of dolls sitting on the top shelf carefully balanced as so they will not fall off and break. The last room on the left is the bathroom. The light peach color on the walls and the tiles around the bathtub has a sponged painted look to it. The bath tub and other accessories are white porcelain while the curtains and towels are a shade of blue that help to accent the room and complement the other colors there in. The blue in the bathroom is carried through out the hallway and down the stairwell. The last room on the right directly before the stairs, is a smaller room with paneling on the top half of the room and a light tan brown paint on the bottom. The wooden paneling matches the floor, and brings out the color of the deep mahogany desk and shelves. The windows have a more natural color curtain and the room is accented with dark pine border and many other smaller objects that help bring this color accent into the room. A large black chair sits in the corner and against that wall, is a sewing machine sitting on a small table by the window. This room is one in which you can feel comfortable, relaxed, rested and get work done in a quiet atmosphere. In the hallway, after momentarily looking back one last time and glancing at the walls and the pictures that line them, it is like walking down memory lane. Starting at the wedding and following the family through the different stages of life, through the children’s lives thus far and ending with the oldest pictures at the bottom of the stairs and working upwards with the most recent pictures near the bedrooms. Downstairs once again, stepping out the front door onto the porch, the last of the roses on the bush next to the steps are dying and the baskets of mums and straw flowers hanging on hooks are slowly starting to bloom with the late arrival of fall. The driveway that leads to the road is gravel and dirt and is only paved blacktop towards the end of it where it meets the road. At the end of the driveway stands the mailbox marking the entrance to our world.
The entrance to our world… it could be anywhere, during anytime period. This one was chosen by me to be in a place in history where the events of days gone by could be remembered. But where should the history begin? Should it go back over three hundred years ago to when America was starting to be colonized, or should it start one hundred years ago at the turning point of the nineteen hundreds and beginning of my great –grandparents and also my grandparent’s generation? Or should it be even closer to thirty years ago starting with my family…? Where ever it begins however, it must be told accurately with no thought to sides which have changed view and perspectives throughout the course of time."""
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