We hadn't been up to see Ricky and Amy for a while, so took the day yesterday to do that. We left our house around 10:00 am. Traffic wasn't bad, which is always a concern when you have to travel the Schuylkill Expressway.

Amy made us lunch, then put the kids down for naps. Andy picked up a book Ricky had on the shelf and got hooked. It's a book about Kit Carson that we had given Ricky for Christmas one year. And Amy and I worked on blog stuff. It was somewhat frustrating, though, because her computer is sooooo slow. I got the general idea of what she was showing me and was able to finish up at home. (Notice my new list of blogs along the side.)

When the kids woke up, we decided to drive to the Middle Creek Wildlife Preserve near Ephrata to see if we could observe any snow geese. Andy google mapped how to get there and off we went. Well, the directions we started following did not take us to Middle Creek. We ended up near Reading, in Shillington or Wyomissing - I don't remember which it was. It was near a job that Ricky had worked on and Amy had been there once. We drove onto a road that followed a pretty little stream. It ended in a parking lot with a sign that indicated a trail. So we decided to get out of the car and explore. What a pleasant surprise. As we started walking, we ended up in a beautiful evergreen grove with white pines and Norway spruces. They were huge trees, must have been planted many years ago. It was really nice in there, out of the wind, since it was a pretty blustery day.

One shot of pretty little Joanna in the car seat.

When we got back to the house, Amy made us a delicious dinner of chicken quesadillas, her home grown corn and a salad. I had brought some chocolate chip, cream cheese cupcakes that were left over from our small group. So it was quite a feast. Yummy!

Today it was back to work, but yesterday was a wonderful treat: playing with Chase, holding Joanna, hiking in the pine grove, and being with Ricky and Amy.

Addendum to "My New Baby"

Johnny Cash sings a song:

"Daddy sang bass, mama sang tenor..."

I'm changing it to:

"Mama played bass, Daddy sang tenor!"

My New Baby

When the children were very young and I was intensely and constantly involved with them, I often wondered what I would do with myself when they were grown up and gone. Feeding, bathing, tending, changing clothes, entertaining them seemed all consuming.

Since Dawn got married in 2004, I've been praying and wondering what to do. I felt like I needed a hobby, project or something to keep myself busy. I had already done lots of needlework, sewing, and tons of reading over the years, but there was something I was missing. So for 4 1/2 years, I've been in kind of a fog just waiting for an idea. The Lord heard my prayer and gave an answer that even now astonishes me. I wonder why it took me so long to figure this out.

Also in the last number of years, I have been losing my voice. Andy and I had sung duets and led music at church for as long as we were married. But gradually over the last 10 years, my voice has deteriorated to the point where I can only sing about half a song before getting hoarse or ending up with a coughing fit.

I accepted this. After all, getting upset about it didn't solve the problem. But it did seem so strange to sit in the audience while Andy continued to sing up on the platform.

So one day, I don't even know when or how it started, but I began to think of learning to play an instrument (besides the flute) so that I could help out with the worship teams. I knew my mother played the bass sometimes in church, so that got me thinking that perhaps that was what I could pick up as well.

When I mentioned it to Andy, he was very encouraging. The more we thought about it and talked it through, the more we finally decided to see if we could find a bass guitar for me. We checked out Craigs List and found one. It was Thanksgiving week, though, and we had a hard time connecting with the guy who was selling his. Well, if it's to be, it will still be available after the holiday. And it was. We went to see the guitar and it was beautiful. Hardly used...the guy was a classical guitarist and had bought the bass, but then decided it wasn't really what he wanted after all. He sold it for a song! But it was pretty funny when we went to look at it, he handed it to us to test out. Andy had to tell him, "No, that's ok...neither of us play!" He must have thought we were nuts.

So we brought it home and I played around with it for a couple of weeks, then decided I needed to take lessons. So I found a music store close by and signed up. My teacher happens to be a bass jazzist...his fingers go all over that guitar and he sounds fabulous. I am learning a lot and having fun with it, too.

So why did I choose the bass:

1. I want to put a new face to the bass guitarist. Instead of thinking of Led Zeppelin or Paul McCartney when people hear about bass players, they'll think of little old ladies! Interesting, huh???

2. I wanted the challenge of learning a new instrument, but not too challenging. I am very familiar with the treble clef because of my years of playing flute and singing, but wanted to learn the bass clef. But it's not too hard because I only have to play one note at a time.

3. It's keeping me in the delightful field of music which has been so much a part of who I am.

I am really enjoying this new adventure. Every moment finds me in my little nook with my "baby" playing and singing. Life is good!

Singing Frogs, Crying Cats and Reluctant Story Tellers

Andy's Puerto Rico Trip

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It has been 10 days since I (Andy) and my five companions arrived back from a surfing trip to Aguadilla Puerto Rico. Six guys, and not one of us jumped at the opportunity to blog our story. I have been pondering that for a few days wondering why men seem to be reluctant to “tell our stories,” something that seems to come so naturally to our wives. It was a great trip. Why would I not want to “talk about it.” (More about that later). Now the moment that you have all been waiting for, ladies: “The Puerto Rico adventures of Andy, Tom, Jake, Jordan, Tim and Scott.” I was invited to go on this escapade by my son-in-law Tom (may his tribe prosper). (I always said he was my favorite son-in-law.) “Are you sure you want your “Old Man” on your first ever overseas surfing trip,” I asked. “Sure, dad,” he said. I have visited at least 10 different countries, but I had never been on a tropical island. I was pumped! (Can you imagine Phyllis saying, “I was pumped”!!)

Puerto Rico is a hot surfing spot for avid surfing enthusiasts. The name pops up often in the surfing magazines as a place to go if you want big surf. My entire life’s experience on a real surf board (boogie boards are not surf boards) was on a trip to Ocean City with Tom. My total time in the water consisted of about 3 rides on 1 – 2 foot waves. Given the opportunity to embellish upon that experience, I’m sure that I, in classic macho style, could have conjured up a pretty rough surf with waves that would terrify mere mortals.

Back to the story. The funny thing about this trip for me is that even though I was excited about going, I really didn’t even think about surfing. Considering my propensity to hurt myself in novel ways by engaging in risky behavior, that was a good thing. Besides, they don’t have 1 – 2 foot waves in Puerto Rico. That certainly wasn’t true of my testosterone driven, risk taking friends.

Our place was right on the ocean. It looked like paradise island.

We could hear the waves all night long and feel the gentle tropical breezes blowing across our bodies as we slept. But even paradise is not perfect as we were reminded by the incessant chirping of the tree frogs. They sound cute chirping in the trees (for about an hour), but after about 4 hours you think you’re going to go mad. Kind, gentle grown men turned into tree frog killers. They do stop eventually, seconds before you fall asleep in total exhaustion. I would be fine if I never heard another tree frog in my entire life. The tree frogs had nothing over the whining cats. I slept in one of the two bedrooms that isolated me somewhat from the night noises, but no one could miss these cats. If there was a cat Richter scale it would have measured an 8.5 for sure. We had an American family staying next door to us with twin girls and a small baby. I woke up in the middle of the night to what sounded like a baby crying. Having held a few crying babies in my arms in the wee hours of the night, I felt pity for the poor parent. It wasn’t until morning that I found out that it was not a baby, but two cats.

I found out that surfers like to ride around a lot looking for the perfect waves. They all looked good to me, but I discovered that there was a big difference in waves. Waves are measured in more ways that just height. Unless you are totally ambidextrous, you are very interested in whether the waves are breaking left or right. Height was a factor, but so was the pipe or tube. And then there was on shore and off shore winds that had to be reckoned in. There was organized and disorganized surf, choppy surf, clean surf, beach breaks, reef breaks, the curl, lip, pitch, long board, short board, body board, I’m bored etc. etc. I was exhausted just talking about the waves and we hadn’t even started yet. The old adage is often true – “There is no place like home” which is where we ended up spending quite a bit of our time. Some of the biggest and best waves the guys found all week were right out our back door.

That’s where the surfing magazines told us they would be, but you know, we’re guys, we don’t believe that. We have to find out for ourselves.

We had more rain than they had seen for a few weeks, but it didn't last long. Each day had plenty of sunshine and plenty of surf. We had as much sunshine as we did rain.

We enjoyed eating out at the local restaurants in the evenings where there was plenty of good Puerto Rican and American food, tropical ambiance and ocean front views.

I thought it was interesting that in spite of how little we knew about each other, (apart from Tom, I did not know any of the guys that went on the trip), we enjoyed one another's company, got along famously, and had a great time together. We're already talking about going to Costa Rico next year. Sorry I don't have any good pictures of all the guys. That's another guy thing isn't it? We don't like to pose for pictures.

Even though I didn't surf, I did enjoy the water and spent plenty of time in both the pool

and the ocean. I found out that you can't safely crawl across a live reef after I tried it and discovered numerous needles from sea urchins stuck in my fingers and toes. I also enjoyed the solitude and the opportunity for quietness, rest and reflection.

The last day there, we spent on a beach that was less than a mile from the house. The sun was out in all its glory, the beach was mostly deserted, the water was warm (83 degrees) and the surf was mild. Tom tubed out on one of the waves and never left the water until it was dark. He walked home along the beach carrying his surf board. He was happy. We were all happy. It was a great time!

Male rules for story writing;

Never tell the whole story because you won’t be able to embellish it later on.

Parties and Adventures

So Friday was my birthday. Andy took me to dinner at the Cafe Gallery in Burlington. We had a beautiful view of the Delaware River as we ate. And our meal was delicious. I had a salmon dinner and Andy had crab cakes. I thought we were coming home to a quiet romantic evening with just the two of us.

As I walked in the house, I noticed a back pack and another object that I didn't recognize on the floor. I thought maybe someone had stopped in while we were gone. Then I heard a baby and thought, maybe they were still here. I continued walking into the house, when all of a sudden a bunch of people yelled, "surprise!" I was VERY surprised. All our kids and grandkids were there, as well as some friends from church, and Andy's mom and dad. What fun! Andy had schemed and planned the whole thing with help from his mom. I had told him last summer that I didn't want him to throw me a 60th birthday party, so he had Amy make up a sign.
I'm sorry for the fuzziness of the picture. I took 2 pictures because the one was fuzzy, and I must have deleted the wrong one. Maybe I was still running on adrenaline from the party! Andy had made the list of guests to invite and asked a couple of people to make cakes and bring food. It was so much fun to be the center of attention. It did feel weird, though, to have a party at my house and not be involved in the serving. Andy also made up a Phyllis Trivia Quiz, which was fun to have people try to guess the answers.

True or False?
1. I was the 2nd child in my family
2. I went to McCann's Business School in Reading.
3. I was a member of the horticulture club in high school.
4. I met Andy on a blind date.
5. When Andy asked me to marry him, I said: "You're kidding."
6. I was born in Allensville, Pa. hospital.
7. My mother put marbles in my Christmas present boxes.
8. I sucked my thumb until 4th grade.
9. I once rode my bike 3 miles to school and back.
10. My parents gave me the nickname, "Fussy Phyllis."
11. I lived on a farm and was raised a Mennonite.
12. One of my children thought I was an alien.
13. I broke my collar bone 3 times.
14. I gave birth to 4 children.
15. I met Andy on a blind date.
16. Andy and I got married in our senior year of college.
17. I play the bass guitar.
18. I play the tiple.
19. I was a music / instrumental major in college.
20. I have lived in 4 states.
21. I have visited 6 countries.
22. I taught my little sister's Sunday school class and enticed her to memorize Scripture with candy.
23. My maiden name is Peachey.
24. I have 2 sisters.

He had corresponded with my mother and sister to get help on some of these statements.

So another secret came out on this little exercise. Not only do people now know how old I am, they also found out that I've been playing the bass guitar. (See Amy's blog.) I will blog another time on how I got into that.

Anyway, it was a roaring good time and I really appreciate Andy's effort to put it all together. And for my dear daughters and their families for coming all the way down to NJ to be a part of the celebration.

On Saturday, Andy and I slept in. We were pretty tired from all that frivolity the day before. But I did manage to get laundry done. And I dusted and cleaned the house.

So on to the adventure of yesterday. It was such a beautiful day that Andy decided to go for a bike ride. He went with his biking buddy, Chip. Not too long after they left, I noticed a truck pulling into our driveway. It was Chip's wife, Nancy. I sensed something had happened, and I was right. She told me not to worry, but Andy had had an accident with his bike and was on his way by ambulance to the hospital. I had never been to the hospital they took him to, but it happened to be the one where Nancy works. So she offered to drive there and let me follow her. Then she stayed with us in the hospital until about 5:00 pm. I was so grateful for her presence. She's a nurse and knows how to take care of people in the hospital. I'm terrible in the hospital. I walk into one and feel awful: light headed, weak in the knees, etc. It was so good of her to stay and be with us during the afternoon. Andy got there at 2:30 and we didn't leave until 7:30. He banged up his face. It looked really bad when I first saw him. The doctor called it "road rash." He also got a mild concussion. I am going to include a picture of his face, so if you're squeamish, scroll quickly past the picture. He actually looks better today because the blood has dried and isn't the bright red it was yesterday.

It was interesting for me to note that even in a hospital bed, Andy still has his pastor's heart. As the doctor and nurses were working on him, cleaning out his wounds, he was asking them their names and about themselves. He is so empathetic and concerned about others, above his own comfort.

I am grateful for the Lord's protection and keeping Andy safe (relatively speaking!). The accident could have been so much worse.

Another Birthday

The dreaded day has arrived. Ok...I'll admit I'm having a birthday, but I won't admit how many I've had. On Wednesday, the office staff had a cake for me and sang to me, but I told them I wasn't having a birthday this year.

Am I a product of this youth worshiping culture, or what? But it does seem like I'm older than everyone I know (except my mother and in-laws). I'm older than my doctors, all my coworkers, including my pastor, even my husband. I was the oldest sibling in our family of 5, and since my birthday is in Feb., I was always the oldest in my class at school, too. Then I was really old in college because I worked for 2 years before I went. Sigh!

I work hard to try to look and stay young. I exercise, try to eat things that are good for me, keep my mind active, don't watch TV, and surround myself with younger people (which isn't that hard since everyone is younger!).

Well, one consolation is that I was young once upon a time. And here are some pictures to prove it. Notice the bike theme.

With my Daddy

Going Solo

with my brother, Wendell

Role Reversal!

Me in 2nd grade

We've had beautiful weather this week. It feels like spring. So on Tuesday, Andy and I drove down to Lebanon State Forest with our bikes in the truck. We rode about 5 miles on the trails through the woods. It was so quiet and peaceful - very therapeutic.

Tonight Andy is taking me out to eat, but I can't tell you where because he wants to surprise me. I've tried to trick him into letting it slip, but he's too sharp! I'll have to let you know after we've been there.

Anyway, in spite of the fact that I'm getting older, I'm very grateful for the good life I enjoy. God has richly blessed me - far more than I deserve.

Psalm 92:14 - "They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "The LORD is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him."

Isaiah 46:4 - "Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you."

Happy Birthday, Crusader Christy

February 11th - Christy's birthday

Mother-Daughter look-a-like shirts
at 3 months

What a happy day it was when Christy joined our family. Why did we name her Christy? Our desire and prayer was that she would become a little Christ - a Christian. The verse we picked for her was John 17:22-23: "I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me..." (Christ in you/her)

6 months

18 months

4 years old

at graduation with Grandpa & Grandma Yoder

Why do we call her Crusader Christy? Check out this definition of "crusader" and see if it doesn't fit her: a vigorous, concerted action for some cause or idea, or against some abuse. Christy is also very compassionate and caring - a unique combination.

She beautifully displays the love of Christ in raising her family, and it is a joy and privilege to call her our daughter.

Quiet Evenings

It's been quiet around here the last couple of days. On Wednesday, Andy left with Tommy for Puerto Rico. He took the camera with him so I hope I can talk him into posting a blog when he gets back. Tommy had planned this trip with 4 other surfing "dudes," and kind of at the last minute, Andy decided to go, too. Supposedly, the surf is really good in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, so Tommy wanted to experience it. I'm not sure it turned out to be as great as anticipated. I think both Tommy and Andy are ready to come home. They will be arriving back tomorrow early afternoon.

I'm very happy that Andy was able to get some time away. He just doesn't get a break around here. It really makes it quiet in the house without him around, though, and I'll be glad to have him back.

Since both guys are gone, Dawn and I went out to eat tonight - girls night out! We went to her favorite restaurant at the moment: Chipotle. It was nice to be able to spend some time with her. She's really busy right now with student teaching. Baby is growing nicely - her little belly is popping out!

What a nice day it was. The snow is quickly melting away. It was so pleasant, I couldn't help myself. I had to go out and putter around a little in my gardens. I took down all the Christmas lights off the bushes, then I trimmed off all the dead stems from the mums, cut back the butterfly bush, picked up some dead branches, etc. It felt so good to be outside with the sun shining. The birds were singing, too. It felt like spring. And just a few days ago, it was snowing like it was winter!
These pictures were taken in the evening. The next morning the bushes and trees were even more snow laden. But I didn't feel like traipsing out in it before going to work. Oh, well, another golden opportunity missed. I love it when it snows. Everything covered in white is so beautiful, ethereal. I have to admit, though, that I also love it when it all melts away.

Happy Birthday, Darling Dawn

Baby Dawn Marie - born 30 years ago6 months old

Naughty but cute
She was athletic from the beginning.
She never fell out of her high chair even though she stood up in it A LOT!

2 1/2 years old

3 years old
elephants made out of marshmallows on the cake
a rare attempt for me at being creative!

She's cute - even without her front teeth!From cute little girl to beautiful young woman

The verse Andy and I chose for Dawn when she was born (to go along with her name) is 2 Peter 1:19 ~ "And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day DAWNS and the MORNING STAR rises in your hearts."

Dawn has been a shining star in our family. She is beautiful, not only outwardly, but also inwardly. She is an example of 1 Peter 3:3 where Peter tells women their "beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight."

We love you, Dawn, and thank God for you.

Saturday & Sunday

Saturday was the day for bargains. Andy had been to the optometrist earlier in the week and had a prescription for 2 pairs of glasses: one for reading and one for driving at night. We checked online to see if there were any specials out there and found that Sears was offering 2 pairs for $99. So we went on over. He found a pair he liked and ordered 2 pairs. When the girl was ringing up the order, the total came to $39.00. She re-did it - same total. She called the manager - same total. So they gave us the 2 pairs of glasses for $39.00! Not bad!

Then we decided to see if there were any shirts on sale. There were. We were looking for a darker brown print to go with his khaki colored jeans. And voila! We found one. The original price was $29.50 and it was on sale for $19.99. So we took it to the cash register, but when the sales clerk rang it up, she said: $13.99! Not bad - again!

Doesn't he look good?

Then yesterday after church, we drove up to C & C's to celebrate Asher's birthday. He was 1 year old on Saturday. He had a lot of help opening his presents. (The green tunnel in the background of the pictures is the present Andy and I gave Asher. All the kids were enjoying it, including Christian!)

Is the cake heavy, Grace?

It was fun watching him try to blow out the candle!
Happy birthday, dear little Asher!