The Best Of PA

Ah, the classics. I am becoming head over heels in love with them. Funny how I wanted nothing to do with them as an adolescent. But now that I am older, and much wiser I might add, I see the importance in them. I suppose it began with reading "A Christmas Carol" two years ago with my family, during the holidays. Charles Dickens' writing style, language, historical timeline and message was sent right to my heart. It is one of my favorite Christmas traditions now. Gradually, with commitments to write my own stories and school my children, my desire has grown deeper to delve into the Classics. In the past year I have read with the girls, "Little House on The Prairie", "Farmer Boy", "On the Banks of Plum Creek", "By the shores of silver Lake", "The Wizard of Oz" "Charlie and The Chocolate Factory" "The Glass Elevator" (okay these two aren't classics, but fun!) "Alice ...

Life. Beautiful, natural,evolving life. We were blessed with a little nest built by Robins. It sits in the rafters of our porch roof. We have a big window that looks out on it all, and we watch. We saw them eagerly build their home stick by stick with mounds of brown grass and other odd end pieces. When the nest was finished and she moved in , Danny lifted Elly up high to see the baby blue eggs before they hatched. And now at the kitchen table, with every meal, we witness the Mommy and Daddy Robin feed their babies. Their mouths wide open awaiting worms to nourish them. It has been so enjoyable and quite the learning experience for the girls. And there have been a lot of conversations from inquistive girls who ask questions.  Questions like: What is a bird nest made out of? Where do the eggs come from? When do baby birds fly? Oh I love it. Our family has bonded over this occasion and have become more in touch with nature. Life is beautiful.

"Your not mad at me are you?" I swallowed hard and shook my head. But the pit was there. A blackness of shredded fury twisted, folded, grew. And not just anger, but hurt, I felt double crossed, swindled, cheated on. Loyalties were crushed. "No it's fine. No worries." I shouldn't be mad. I could see how excited she was, how this fire burned within her. It was her motivational high and I didn't want to stomp on it. But it was my story . Of course I only had six chapters written and I wasn't sure how long it would be till I got back to it. (unfortunately I am known for starting projects and abandoning them with careless vigor) But the idea was mine. I read her the first chapter and she fell in love with it. She requested she write it with me. I shrugged and agreed to it. I knew there was no real need for me to be so upset. We talked of a joint venture, that never really began. It was too complicated, our outcomes and characte...

The next morning dread engulfed me. I knew what I had to do. I had the best evening in a long while, but there was something lingering. A very important matter was to be attended to and I wasn't sure I had the guts to do it. Josh. There was Josh. Just a sweet southern boy with a cute face and long drawl, and he had no idea what was coming. The sooner it was done the better and so with solemn thoughts, mingled with deserved guilt, I dialed the numbers on my phone. "Hey, how was the dance?" Gulp. He knew I was attending. I had complained to him about my mom badgering me to go. I never thought I would actually enjoy myself! "Umm, it was alright. Not that interesting. But Listen, we need to talk." There was silence on the other end. I could tell he was holding his breath. He knew, at that moment, we both knew. My thoughts were spinning, Danielle don't draw out the rejection and pain any longer. I simply needed to peel off the band a...

Sometimes it's fun to travel...even if it's in your backyard. We may not have oodles of money to fly to Italy, but we can read books, eat native food, color maps, stomp grapes...well okay water balloons and just enjoy life. That is precisely what we did the other day. We learned about the life of Leonardo Davinci. He was an amazing man! Not just an painter but an inventor, scientist, musician, builder. Did you know he would dissect cadavers and all sorts of dead animals and draw pictures of the human anatomy? He tried to build a contraption that would make a man fly, but was unsuccessful. Oh there is so many interesting things to learn about Leonardo, and yes he was Italian. We colored a map of Italy, and noticed its odd boot shape. We studied the stars and planets and glued on our own celestial skies. The study of astronomy as well as astrology was very popular in Italy during the 14 and 1500's. We colored the flag, did a fun maze and words search. A...

I have a struggle. Some call it a sugar addiction, I call it baking and eating the outcome. I know it is unhealthy to eat too many sweets. But the whole experience is sublime. The mixing, the pouring, the aroma of melting chocolate and dripping sugar, forming into a rising piece of perfection. And then as if the experience couldn't get more euphoric, you take a warm bite and allow the flavors to mingle and burst on your salivating tongue. Elly gets to join in on the fun, pouring, measuring, creating a mess. And it is bonding moments. So long as I keep calm when the messes arise, as they always do. We giggle and taste test, check on our confectionary goodness through the dimly lit oven door. And I can't seem to give it up. It makes me happy. And my neighbors are quite pleased when I share. And that warm, rosy feeling radiates within, because a brownie, cupcake, loaf of bread or cinnamon roll spells out "I love you", "I care", "I too...

That was how the whole night remained. The two of us dancing side by side. Having fun, being goofballs. I loved how at ease he put me. All anxiety, fear and tightened muscles had released itself from me. I was free. Free to have fun and be me again. Free to act silly and do dance moves like, "the shopping cart.", "the sprinkler" and so on. And we never left each other's side. Each slow dance was mine with this delicious young man. I felt happy, lucky and completely smitten. I'm not quite sure why I seemed surprised when Danny asked for my phone number at the end of the night, but I was. He wanted to take me out sometime. "But we live so far away." I replied. It was only a two hours drive, but I was trying to figure out how "dating" someone long distance would work. Still, I was extremely attracted to him, and felt completely myself around him. And so I shared my phone number. He left leaving a kiss on my cheek...

The dance was in full swing. We were learning the art of luau by an instructor. The hall was decked out as a polynesian paradise. Shortly after a lesson of hip swaying and hand waving, a steady beat filled the air. People began to fill the floor and a circle had formed. I was suddenly releived, elated even, music does that to me. I happen to have-or should I say had-a knack for dancing. And I can be kind of a ham. So without further ado, I seized the opportunity and jumped in the circle. I did as many hip hop, jazzy moves as I could before I ran out of them and settled back into the circle. In the background I heard a guys voice say "No one is going to top her tonight." I turned to see whos voice it was. The blonde haired boy with the striped shirt had said it. And I smiled to myself. I steadily moved away from the crowd. "Hey!" It was him, I stopped to allow him to catch up. He smiled back at me. "No one is going to top you...

Last Thursday my spotting took a turn for the worse. It began right before bringing Elly to dance class. What was once occasional purple gook coming out of me was suddenly red and flowing. If that hadn't worried me, then the cramping would have. It felt like my period hopped up on steroids. And then the clots came, in huge dark lumps. I believe I was still in denial in the beginning changes "Maybe there is still a baby in me" It was a hope more, after all I bled furiously, clots and all with Elly, and in the end there still came a baby. She came while I was on bed rest, ten weeks early, but she was there. I had bled on and off from seven weeks till the day she was born in my 30th week. I was on and off of bed rest, in and out of the hospital with over night stays and contractions at 26 weeks. And then the remaining six weeks of my pregnancy with Elly, I was banished to the bedroom. We had our own home, but we moved into my parents in law suite so...

I am so grateful my girls have a fun young Aunt to play with. Mary loves doing their hair, taking pictures of them and just hanging out. Elly loves Mary, and Mary loves Elly. Aunt Mary is fifteen years old, and is busy with cheerleading, track and school, but she has made time for my girls. > >

It is easy to be happy with the weather we are having these days. Sunny and seventies with flowers in bloom. The school season is wrapping up, though I doubt that it will ever really wrap up for us with all the summer work books I've a crewed, summer camp to plan and plenty of books to read. There is much to be thankful for. I went to the doctors yesterday, I was spotting and it still irked me that I was not feeling ill. The results were less than complimentary. There was a sack in there, bunt was empty. No yolk sack or amniotic fluid that the specialist could see. "It is not measuring up to where it should be...it is much smaller. When was your last period again??" She already knew, but was checking up in hopes it was still early. The doctors said to wait two more weeks but that it was a 50/50 chance really. Too early to tell what was to happen. But it's okay. The sun is shining, I have two gorgeous girls I am blessed to stay home with. They...

I'm scared. I'm scared because I am five weeks pregnant and I have no symptoms that I usually have. I am not sick, smells are not revolting to me and I feel normal, just fine. Which makes me wonder, am I pregnant? Is there a live baby in there...or did I lose it already?? And I want another baby so bad, that this overwhelming fear weighs on me, and makes my heart heavy. Every time I see a newborn, those precious just from heaven babies, I melt. And the thought stirs me, I'm ready, ready for another baby. And I know I'm only five weeks along, but I I recall those horrible symptoms being nearly instantaneous. As crazy as it sounds, those symptoms also brought comfort. Like I always knew I was pregnant because the harsh reality was I wouldn't be throwing up like a crazy if I wasn't. Never mind I could not manage to take care of myself let alone Elly. Oh I am just scared and I don't know what to do about it. I called the doctor the other da...

"Just go to the dance Danielle. You might have fun." My Mom was urging me to get out the house. I wasn't doing much these days, besides working, worrying and talking on the phone. "Ugh, no Mom. I am engaged. I don't need to go to Singles events. I'm not single." I was feeling a little more secure and relaxed that weekend with being engaged. And I didn't want to do anything to ruin it. April had arrived and the damp rainy season had settled the wind. My church was putting on a Luau, complete with polynesian foods, decor and dancing. The normal "Danielle" would look forward to such an event, but not this new one. I rolled my eyes to the many requests to attend. "Just go to have fun, not to meet anyone." My Mom's persistence paid off, even if just to get her off my back. I gave in and decided to attend this shindig. After all what was one night of misery? I'd gotten quite used to the feeling anyway...

He was gone. Josh had flown home and abandoned me with a gripping anxiety. My fears and thoughts were as fresh and frozen as that blustery month of March . But it didn't stop me from saying them, those three little words before our parting...I love you. They came from both of our lips. I had been giddy when it happened...but now all I could feel was a jumble of pins and needles swirling in my stomach. We barely knew each other. I mean, we did, but not romantically, not deeply enough. Was this right?? There are billions of people out there...was I picking the right person for me?? Prayer became a constant facet to my life. And I was desperately pleading for some deliberate sign....like a huge flashing metal contraption above my bed that said: "Marry Him!!" or "Don't Do It!!" We talked for hours every night on the phone. We could laugh and joke about things...it felt comfortable.. until we hung up. Then doubt and fear crept th...

Elly: Mommy why do you watch movies with bad words? Me: I don't know. I watch movies with bad words?? Elly: Yes at Nonna and Pop pops. I had no idea what she was talking about. Until I thought about it more. We slept over Nonna and Pop Pops house. We were snowed in and ate pop corn and hot cocoa. When it was time for the kids bedtime, I tucked them in the spare room and left for the living room. My parents rented movies and the PG-13 movie "Total Recall" was playing (the new one). Lots of Action, Adventure, Intrigue and...cursing. Brinley was sound asleep, but Elly was not sleeping well. She sneaked her way into the living room more than once to complain she wasn't tired. Yes I had watched a foul mouthed movie, a many, but this time I was caught. Me: "I'm sorry Elly. I promise to watch better movies. Mommy will not watch movies with bad words.". Elly: "Heavenly Father does not like us to watch movies with bad words." Gu...

In a fit of insecurity and second thoughts I decided I had been wrong. I loved him, I must have if suddenly MY: attraction to him was strengthened, our conversations flowed with ease, and the anxiety had completely melted. I had screwed up. I let some silly fear get in the way, that must have been it!! Why did he seem soo irresistible suddenly if I wasn't meant to be with him?? Once again just days after the break up, I called him up. "Hey Josh" "Hey, how was your day?" "Good. So..I've been thinking." I heard him swallow hard "yeah?" "Well, it's just that our conversations have been so good lately." "Yeah". His voice perked up. "And well my doubts and fears are completely gone." "Yeah?" "I just don't know what I was thinking because...I love you." There was a long pause before any answer and I held my breathe. I blew it, I just blew it. "A...

He was gone. Josh had flown home and abandoned me with a gripping anxiety. My fears and thoughts were as fresh and frozen as that blustery month of March . But it didn't stop me from saying them, those three little words before our parting...I love you. They came from both of our lips. I had been giddy when it happened...but now all I could feel was a jumble of pins and needles swirling in my stomach. We barely knew each other. I mean, we did, but not romantically, not deeply enough. Was this right?? There are billions of people out there...was I picking the right person for me?? Prayer became a constant facet to my life. And I was desperately pleading for some deliberate sign....like a huge flashing metal contraption above my bed that said: "Marry Him!!" or "Don't Do It!!" We talked for hours every night on the phone. We could laugh and joke about things...it felt comfortable.. until we hung up. Then doubt and fear crept th...

To tell my love story, I have to start from the beginning, which involves a mini love story before the love story-a chance for you to see the real confused and pushy jerk within me. We all have doubts and confusion about what is the right thing to do, what we really truly want in life, just most of you aren't crazy ridiculous like me. No matter,I will still share the story, because it is the story of me...and how I eventually met and married the love of my forever, Danny. Enjoy! It is a little bit all over the place and yeah I don't edit-no time for that. And feel free to judge.::::: "I'm not supposed to be here!" The words rattled into my head. Here I was standing in the hallway of a church building awaiting for the young single adult festivities to officially begin. Men and women bustled about, introducing themselves, laughing, playing games, while I stood there frozen in place, my heart beating with anxiety. After all, I didn't belong here, I ...

1) Think about the lyrics of popular songs and the meanings behind them. These days I've become a fan of classical music. 2) Try to Read all the Classics, that I should have read in school, but had no desire to do because I was WAY to busy socializing. 3) Really try to dress modestly. I believe I tried my Darndest to do the opposite before growing up and serving a mission. 4) Attempt to make MOST things homemade. It was all about the fancy brands before I knew how much LIFE cost. Turns out homemade is always better.

I have been eagerly researching small towns and villages whom are well known for their longevity, specifically a high percentage of centurions. It all began with some research into a little town not far from where I live, called Roseto. It is an old Italian American village steeped with old traditions, generational families, family businesses and old churches. Though I've never visited, but plan to, I am told it is like walking into a 1950's town. The amazing thing about this quaint village is that until recently it had an extremely low percentage rate for heart disease, despite all the fattening foods being cooked up. Another article I read up on was a man from Greece whom moved to the US. At 66, he developed lung cancer and was told he would have 6 months left to live. So him and his wife left the US and moved back home making funeral arrangements along the way. At first he took it easy, but eventually I'm sure with different diet, a quieter pace of life and ...