I Met My Guardian Angel

I think I met my guardian angel...her name is Candy.

Where do I start...

I decided I would work on 30 things I want to achieve before I turn 30, one of them being 30 random acts of kindness. Well, I'm beginning to realize, I'm the recipient of many of these random acts of kindness, just making me want to pay it forward that much more.

There was one week in July that was a rough week for me...I wasn't feeling 100% emotionally, I fell running, one of my clients passed away, I was working very long hours, and it just wasn't the best of weeks. That Tuesday morning I woke up exhausted and it was only Tuesday! I threw on the first thing I grabbed out of the closet and didn't really do my hair or makeup that day. To say the least, I wasn't looking my best by any means. I stopped by the grocery store to get a few things on my way home from an appointment and one older lady approached me out of no where saying "Oh honey, don't you look so nice today. I love it when young ladies dress up and look so lady like!" Was she talking to me? I looked at her with tears in my eyes and so "I certainly don't think I look nice today, it's been a rough week and you have no idea how much your comment means to me." She responded with "a fact is a fact and I hope you have a wonderful day." I left her with tears running down my face. Then I got to the cash register and the lady behind the counter said "Don't your nails look so pretty. Do you do them yourself or do you get them done somewhere?" I said to her that I felt so blessed by her comments and the lady before because I was having a rough week and they both had just made my day. The lady behind the cash register said "Well, you do know who is is control don't you?" "I certainly do", I said. And we continued our conversation reflecting our faith and the hope and peace found through believing in the Lord. She ran around the cash register and gave me a big hug and said that she would be thinking and praying for me. Her name was Candy.

I have thought about her every day since then and make a point to go to that grocery store, even though it's not the closest one to me. A few weeks later I ran into her again and we immediately connected again, sharing our contact information with one another. Candy told the lady behind me that we would be done soon and shared our last encounter with each other. The lady behind me in the check out line said hearing that story blessed her day because she just started a new job and found the job very difficult and thanked us for sharing our story. Amazing...it really was like pay it forward! Candy specifically asked that I pray for her that day and I did.

Today I received another phone call from her reminding me to look up because He is sitting on the throne and loves each one of us so much! Wow, what an encouragement. Matt and I have been going through some difficult times with our home and a few other things and it was just the encouragement I needed to get myself back up. I love this woman without even really knowing her. Although, we both do know that we are sisters in Christ.

With all that said, I want to encourage each of you to reach out to someone today. You'll never know what impact you will have made on them that day and each day ahead. I can't wait to get to know her better. I truly feel like she is my guardian angel.

So, go out there and pay it forward!

One of a few

I've been diligently working at achieving my 30 before 30 and I'll provide more updates in the coming weeks. I have finished a few of my goals, but I'm proud of my most recent accomplishment "Crochet a blanket and FINISH it." Sarah, I should make you proud :)

As most of you know, I'm going to be an aunt soon!!! Yea! Can't wait! So, this blanket was made for my new niece or nephew. It has 125 stitches across and there are over 125 rows, so do the calculations...that's a lot of stitches. They were all out of love and I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm excited to start the next one! Maybe this time, I'll learn another stitch. :)

First Friday

Jeff, Carrie, Matt and I had dinner at the Press Room outside on Friday night. It was so nice eating outdoors near the fountains with two of our favorite people :) Later we met up with Kim and Graham and ran into a few other people we knew along the way. I always love walking around First Friday's...visiting the art galleries(Liz Hess is one of my favorites), cute little shops, and more!

Saturday Matt and I drove down to OC, MD...of course we had to leave at the break of dawn around 6 AM (there is no other way)! We had beautiful weather, read good books, got plenty of sun, visited our favorite restaurants, and listened to a VERY talented musician our last evening at dinner. What more can you ask for?

One Day...

One day I'm going to live here... Annapolis, MD. It's always been my favorite town...I love the quaint little town, the relaxing atmosphere, the Naval Academy, and the fact that's it's close to the water. Matt and I visited Annapolis over the weekend and had a great time. We got down there on Friday evening and had dinner at Mike's Crab House. What a fun little restaurant...there was an outdoor bar, live music, and we sat right on the water. Now, that's my kind of place! While it's fun to get dressed up on a nice vacation, you sit me down next to the water and I'll be content for life! Saturday we walked around town, tried out a few new restaurants, took a tour of the Naval Academy, toured two old Historic Homes, and relaxed by the water. I must say, I am very proud of Matt. He's not a fan of seafood, but he made it a goal for himself to not eat any meat or chicken while we were down there and he lived up to his goal! He ate shrimp, crab, and crab cakes...I was very impressed!
As much as both of us love Lancaster and the fact that we are so close to both of our families, I must say that I would love to one day live tin this beautiful town of Annapolis, MD.

The Last Month in a Nutshell

It's been a while since I updated my blog. We had a lot going on this last month or so. I can't believe how fast summer is flying by. Business has been busy and life in general, has been a lot of fun. So, here is a few of the summer moments in a nutshell.

I went to NJ and spent an evening with Ang and Heather. What fun going out to dinner, playing games, late night talks, watching a chick flick and going for a walk! We missed Crystal though!

Our first Chesters family vacation! Wow! Words can't even describe how much fun we had on vacation and all the memories we created. A few of the many memorable moments include having lunch on Mirror Lake, evening smores, spa day with my mom and sisters, kayaking (my new favorite outdoor activity), seeing the top of White Face, playing games at the game room, visiting the ice cream parlor, the beach, taking a boat ride around Lake Placid, going out for nice dinners, sharing laughs, and SO much more!

Celebrating our 5 year anniversary in Lake Placid! I can't believe it's been 5 years already! Happy Anniversary babe!
Going to the Chamber dinner to see T. Boone Pickens speak.

Showering with gifts! Yea! Carrie's going to be a mommy!

My Favorite Holiday

As much as I love Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, and Easter, I have to say, my favorite holiday is July 4th! Everyone just seems so happy and you don't here of anyone being overwhelmed as they plan for this holiday...what is there to be overwhelmed about with cookouts and fun times outdoors. I think I also love July 4th because I have so many fond memories of spending this holiday at my favorite place in the world...the beach!

We had such a great weekend... Friday was Grace's graduation party. Fun times! We played volleyball, spun around until we fell down, played Frisbee, spent time with family and friends and watched the Conestoga Fireworks.

Saturday Matt's cousin Keith came in from Pittsburg and his Aunt Pat came in from Arkansas. It was nice having a laid back day on the porch chating and catching up on life. Pictures to follow...

Sunday, Matt and I slept it, which was much needed after a busy week last week. We got some work done around the house and then went back over to mom and dads to watch Wimbledon, finish up the leftover, and play more Frisbee. Later that evening, we walked over to Long's Park to watch the best fireworks ever!

10 Years Ago...

I fell in love.

Matt and I met when I was in elementary school, believe it or not. He was three years ahead of me so he was always out of my league...too old, I thought. Well, that's how it feels anyways when you're in 6th grade and the boy you like is in 9th grade. He was actually hanging out with one of my friends growing up and that's how I met him. He always seemed like a nice boy and I had hoped that one day I would meet a boy like him. Who knew I was going to end up marrying him! I also remember going to the Landisville pool with my cousins Karen and Johnny and I would see Matt at a distance and get those little butterflies in my stomach. I liked that lifeguard! But again, I was just an elementary school girl and this boy was in high school. He would never notice me.
Years later, we met again at a small group at church. We became good friends for about a year and e-mailed each other back and forth at college. After spring break, we kind of lost touch again. That following summer (summer of 1999) we hung out with our small group friends and soon realized we had mutual feelings for one another. It truly was a relationship built out of a friendship. I think back of all the fond memories we shared and continue to share with one another. Some of the fondest memories of that first year are going to Denny's late at night talking and then going to Conestoga Country Club to star gaze, running from the cops on the golf course, making dinner together, taking walks, going to the beach, visits at college, and so much more.
So, happy 10 year anniversary to falling in love with the love of my life. More to come for our 5 year anniversary that is coming up in July :)

Happy Father's Day Dads!

Dad. Hero. Father. Friend. Strength. Loving. Relaxed. Foundation. Fun. Just a few words to describe my dad. What a special time it is to celebrate all that our father's have done for us. Saturday night we went over to my parents house after having quite an eventful morning, which I won't get into. Carrie made a yummy brisket and dessert, Grace made the potatoes, and mom covered everything in between. We had a fun, relaxing evening sitting around talking, playing games, and enjoying each others company. Some of the fondest memories I have with my dad include... And, please keep in mind, this is VERY few of MANY!

• Throwing around the Frisbee or paddle ball in the evenings at the beach
• Playing in the pool in the summers
• Fishing at the Brown's in Salisbury
• Going to Hershey Bear games
• Chewing bubble gum under the tree and telling dad about my week
• Sitting at the top of the neighborhood waiting for the bus to come
• Decorating birthday cakes for my dad
• Dancing at my wedding and crying like a baby!
• Having my dad tuck me (and Curious George) in at night
• Going to the Orioles baseball game with my two sisters and dad
• Dad reading Twas the Night Before Christmas every Christmas Eve
• Dad's hugs
• Date nights...rotating with Dad and Mom
• Pulling the weeds to surprise him
• Waiting at the top of the neighborhood with Carrie for dad to get home from work
• Going to Pine View Acres with the family
• Swimming far out into the ocean and getting toppled over by a wave (okay, it was far for me)
• Sunday trips down to Baltimore after church
• I could go on and on and on, but again, that's a few...

Love you Dad! And, Happy Father's Day to my brother-in-law Jeff who is soon to be a daddy also!

Last Day of School!

I'm like a little kid! I'm so excited that today is the last day of school! Woohoo! Matt certainly put in his hard work this school year, now it's time to have a relaxing summer break together! Well, he, of course, has his "honey do" list, but we'll still be able to enjoy summer break together. It's so nice having him home in the summer...he's such a great help around the house. Considering the summer months are my busiest, the schedule works out perfectly. Some of the things I'm looking forward to the most this summer are...

• Walking down to market
• Going out for ice cream at Pine View Acres and Carmen and David's, which by the way, has the BEST ice cream in the world
• Family summer vacation to White Face Lodge
• Walking down to Chestnut Street Cafe with Matt to do some work and read together
• Going to the park
• Throwing around the Frisbee in the evenings
• Gardening
• Long runs
• Swimming
• Going to the beach...duh!
• Picnics and cookouts with friends and family
• Grace's graduation party
• Planning for my niece of nephew, Baby Bierlein, to enter the world
  
• There are so many, but I just realized what time it is and I have to run... Until next time :)
  

Best Buddies

Mattias was back in Lancaster for a friend's wedding. He flew in on Thursday evening and we continued the tradition of taking a little drive, listening to great music, having great talks and sharing lots of laughs, and grabbing something to eat. Matt, Mattias, and I stayed up talking and Trevor (a high school friend and now my next door neighbor) stopped over to let us know that his little boy had been born the day before. It was an exciting day. Friday, Mattias and I went to Chestnut Street cafe...my favorite cafe in Lancaster. If you haven't been there yet, be sure to get there this summer! It's a great little place! We walked back home and Nick picked Mattias up for the wedding. Sunday, Matt, Renea, Mattias, and I packed a picnic and met Dan at Hamilton Park, threw around the Frisbee, football, and had a great time. We ordered a pizza and they delivered it right to the park. This was one of the best evenings ever! We all had such a great time. The rest of the week was filled with fun and great talks as always...visiting Water Street Rescue Mission, picnic with the Chesters clan, going to market, walking around town, and a little of anything and everything in between. I am so thankful for the friendship we share. While we're sad to see him go, I know we'll see each other again. Matt and I are looking forward to one day visiting him in Sweden.

Mattias and his American parents

My Swedish parents

Three buddies

Matt and Mattias cooking

Mattias and Renea

Grace's Senior Year

A few weeks ago Grace had her high school prom! She was absolutely stunning, as always! Here are a few pictures...

She also had her graduation last Saturday. Congratulations Grace! Dad put a bid on the front row seats at Graduation, so the whole Chesters clan showed up in the front row. A few tears popped out, but all in all, I did surprisingly well! I just can't believe how fast these years have gone by! It seems like just yesterday when I saw Grace walking down the hall dressed as a crayon for her Christmas concert at Lancaster Country Day, or watching one of her many piano recitals. What good memories! I'm so proud of her!!!

Where Did the Time Go?

Where did the time go? I realize today is the last day of school for my little sister, Grace. Wow...how time flies. I remember holding her for the first time so excited to have another little sister. And, going down to the beach each summer. I remember her funny little habits growing up and I remember taking lunch into school for her when I came home from college. So many memories... And I find myself all teary eyed thinking about it...gosh, I'm going to be a wreck at her graduation. I'm so proud of who she has become and so excited to see where she's headed in life. I know that she will be so successful at anything she pursues. She is a woman with a strong will and determination and I so admire that about her. More to come from prom, graduation, etc., but wow, my sister is officially done at Country Day and big and better things are yet to come! Congratulations Grace! I'm so proud of you!

30 Before 30

I decided I would make my own wish list of things I would like to accomplish before I turn 30 in January. While it's a milestone, I hear that 30 is the new 20, so I'm not too concerned or worried about turning 30!

Understand that I have my other personal and business goals for the coming year, but it's just that...personal!

I'm excited to keep a journal of my 30 Before 30 Goals and share my experiences as I accomplish each of these goals.

1. Lose the 30 pounds that I've been working towards!
2. Take several more spontaneous trips down to the beach...even in the fall and winter.
3. Go sky diving...hmm...I hope I can get this one in!
4. Send 30 letters (not e-mails) to 30 different people just to let them know I'm thinking about them.
5. Read 3 novels, 3 business books, and 3 self improvement books
   
6. Go hiking and spend one night in a tent...but only one night!
   
7. Host a wine and cheese at our house with friends.
   
8. Learn to surf! Yes sirie! It's something I've always wanted to learn how to do!
9. Run 30 miles at one time.
10. Run a race in which my time is a 9 minute mile!
11. Collect 500 canned goods at my next Christmas Party to take to a local Food Bank.
12. Take a spontaneous day trip to DC with Matt.
13. Collect a combined total of 100 coats, scarves, and gloves at my next Christmas Party for children in Lancaster.
14. Donate 30 personal items.
15. Give 30 hours of community service.
16. Write 30 thank you letters to 30 individuals serving our country overseas.
17. Take 30 pictures on 30 different days of 30 different non-materialistic things I appreciate in life and put the pictures together in an album.
18. Learn how to put a spare tire on my car.
19. Crochet a blanket and FINISH it!
20. Spend quality time with each member of my immediate family and learn something new about each of them (including husband, parents, sisters, and in-laws).
21. Encourage someone to live their "impossible dream."
22. Go to a professional baseball game with Matt.
23. Spend a weekend with girlfriends at the beach.
24. Cook 30 meals for Matt.
25. Create 5 new recipes with Matt that have no common ingredients.
26. Give 30 spontaneous gifts.
27. Go deep sea fishing!!!
28. Memorize 30 new scripture verses.
29. Try on my wedding dress one more time and finally, get it cleaned and preserved.
30. Write down names of 30 people who have changed my life in the past 30 years and tell them how they made a difference to me.
    

Wow, that went by fast

We had a great weekend this past weekend, but it went by so fast. Now, most weekends do fly by, but goodness! Friday night I went down to Jenna's house and spent the evening with her and Jude while Matt went to church to welcome the new youth director. Jenna made some yummy homemade pizza, friends of hers stopped by for a bit, then we gave Mr. Jude a bath and after that, went downstairs, ate some yummy brownies that Jenna made and watched Sex and the City. Love that movie! The next morning we ate breakfast, played with Jude for a little, and then I had to head home to help straighten up the house and get ready for our evening dinner guests. Matt and I ran some groceries, straightened up the house, and then I worked out while Matt prepared a 5 star dinner. I swear I married a top chef! Uncle John and Aunt Mary came over for dinner...the menu included mushroom and panchetta ham stuffed chicken with a creamy cheese and mushroom sauce over top. We had bread, bread dipping sauce, a yummy salad, mashed potatoes and green beans with chocolate cake and vanilla ice cream to finish it all off. Sunday we went to church to listen to a great sermon, went over to the Pavelko's for a bit, Matt helped some friends fix their car, and then we went over to our friends house, Matt and Tara's for dinner with Rashard and Michelle and all the kids. We watched the Eagles game...started off very disappointing, then we had a glimpse of hope in the 4th quarter, and then it all ended and the Eagles lost. :( Better luck next season. And, did I take any pictures this weekend? Nope. :( Sorry, I forgot my camera.

Biggest Loser #2

Time to work those Christmas cookies off... Biggest Loser #2 starts tomorrow!

It's easy...all you have to do is e-mail me your starting weight as of tomorrow, January 7th. NO ONE else would know your weight except me. Each week, I would e-mail you little bits of encouragement and then each Wednesday, you would e-mail me your weight and I would calculate the percentages. It would be $20 to participate and the Biggest Loser of each week (based on percentages) would receive $20. At the end of the Biggest Loser competition, there would be grand prizes...last year's Biggest Loser won a free night stay at the Lancaster Arts Hotel and the second runner up won a $100 gift card to Leola Village (they have a hotel, spa, and restaurant). Different times I would invite people to work out, but it is not mandatory to show up. Just a way for all of us to continue supporting one another.

Let me know if you're interested by e-mailing me at Jessica@pavelko.org or calling my cell at 808-7471.

A few more pictures

Here are a few more pictures from the holidays with the family...

Where Are You Christmas?

It's one of my favorite Christmas songs, but goodness, it went by so fast. Wednesday Matt and I both ran a few errands, finished wrapping up the gifts, and then got ready for the Christmas Eve service at church. We did t he 6:00 service with my family, continued the tradition of going to Symposium afterward, and then went to the 10:00 service with the Pavelko's. Matt and I got home late and I was ready to crash...ugh, I'm so old! Heck, I almost fell asleep at the 10:00 service. Anyways, we got home and I made my two yummy cheeseballs for Christmas Day at mom and dad's and then we went upstairs, ready Twas the Night Before Christmas and waited for Santa to arrive. The next morning we woke up, exchanged gifts, went over to the Pavelko's to exchange gifts and then over to my parents to enjoy the day with family. Here are a few pictures from the day. More to follow...

This one just cracks me up! Sometimes I just get the giggles.

Now we're serious. My beautiful sister and I on Christmas Day.What can I say...we make each other laugh.This one makes me laugh too. Matt is allergic to dogs, and Liddy always finds a restful spot nearby on Dad P's lap.

Things I love all in one evening...

First of all, I absolutely love to give. When I was little, I used to want to take meals to the homeless on the streets, I served at Water Street Rescue Mission with my family and church, and some day I would like to walk the East Coast of the United States (in my spare time) and raise money for a cause. I am so determined to make a difference one life at a time. I guess it's the pay it forward concept. Anyways, last night I started an annual tradition of collecting warm clothing, used instruments, and food for children and their families at the School District of Lancaster or families in that area. I was so impressed by how much stuff I received, considering it was only two days before Christmas. If you have items that you would like to donate, please let me know and you can drop them off. I have plenty of wine and cheese left over if you would like to have a glass of wine too :)
Then, after everyone left, and my favorite CD was on...Jim Brickman's Holidays, Matt and I turned off the lights and danced. It was the perfect way to welcome in the holiday season. The distraction of TV and the hustle and bustle of everything can just get to be too much sometimes. After our little dance, my brother-in-law Dan stopped over and we had a nice chat with him. After he left, we watched my favorite Christmas movie, the Nativity. That IS the true meaning of CHRISTmas. Rejoice! Our Savior is born!

Christmas Time

Matt's school Christmas concert was on Thursday. It was so cute and the kids just sang their little hearts out! I so enjoy going to his concerts each year and seeing the kids. You see the joy in their faces and the pride in their hearts when they're done singing their song. As Matt announced one of the songs, one of the little first graders yelled out as he stood there on the bleachers, "Ooo...I love this song." So cute!
I've never waited this late to do my Christmas shopping, but Saturday and Sunday we walked around the mall and did our Christmas shopping. It was tons of fun. Most people hate the crowds, but I kind of enjoy them. Call me crazy, but it adds to the Christmas fun. Saturday night was our Christmas Party at the Kocher's.
And, traditions continue. Each year we have Pappy over to decorate our Christmas tree. Last night we just ordered pizza and snacked on some cookies while Matt and I decorated the Christmas tree. Pappy was our entertainment as he shared his jokes and stories of when he was younger. Last night he told a story I never heard before about Nanny and Pappy dating way back in the day. It was really cute! Does he look his age? 93 years old and going strong!

L&A Christmas Party

So much fun that evening...but we always have a blast!

...wait until you see our Christmas card. Too funny!

The boys...Matt, Charlie, Chris, Jim, and James

The girls...Abbey, Allison, Me, Sarah, MollyUs...and no, we did not try to match that evening...I promise!