Our Trip to the Philadelphia Zoo

Our trip to the zoo as a family was on Sunday, November 29th, 2009. We all really enjoyed spending about 2- 2 1/2 hours there! The weather was gorgeous, in the low 60's, wonderful for late November. The day was sunny and bright, and all we had to pay for was parking and the Rainforest Carousel. That was a lot of fun. Chantel and I both had the opportunity to ride on a creature of our choice. We saw lions and tigers, upclose and personal, on the other side of glass. We saw, snakes, like the Anaconda and Cobra and learned more about them. That was the best part, at each location, someone was there to answer questions and talk to us about the exhibits. It was wonderful. We even saw an orangutang family, mom, dad and baby. This is Chantel's 3rd zoo- She's been to Pittsburgh, PA, and Lehigh Valley Zoo, with us. She went to the Elmwood Park Zoo, with her sitter, when she was a baby. We've also been to Adventure Aquarium in New Jersey. Chantel loves animals and she was very excited! ♥
Comments on the pictures- Ralph and Chantel pose by a large statue of an elephant, the only elephants at the zoo- the others were moved to Pittsburgh,PA.
Chantel poses by a penguin statue, outside the building which had birds, like the final duck picture. The duck was real and Chantel almost touched it! So cool! ♥

Guess Who's 7, now?

Yes, it's Chantel, She's finally 7.
The celebration has seem to go on and on.
We celebrated with family on Thanksgiving.
We took Chantel to the Philadelphia Zoo before
vacation was over. We enjoyed the Phantoms (AHL)
Hockey game over Chantel's b-day weekend.
This week, she still received a few cards and
gifts and her birthday was this past Monday,
December 7th.

Thanks for everyone who was a part of making Chantel's
birthday so special!

Preparing for Fall

This month has been the count down to back to school. I have watched Chantel go to Bible School. I have waited to receive her new teacher for first grade. Actually, it looks like she will have teacher and a teacher's aide, in her classroom daily. So, it's like having two teachers. How exciting! Next, was the cafeteria account update. Time to memorize that number again. I think I finally have it down, now to remind Chantel. Then, today, it was the bus number and times to get on and off the bus. Chantel will have the same bus with our neighbors, but will board up the street a little further away. So, the new babysitter, the new bus, the new bus driver- hoping for a great one, a new teacher/s, and a new school year.
Looking forward to some positive things to happen in our lives in the school year ahead.
Maybe more potatoes- we planted a second crop, pumpkins- still more coming, and corn, if the squirrels don't eat them!

Thinking about Our Child "Patience" Schultz

Today, I am thinking about the events of this past weekend, dealing with the loss of our 2nd child to Heaven, First, "Blessing" Schultz, April 20th, 2005 and now, "Patience" Schultz on July 20th, 2005.
It's been a long weekend, dealing with unexplained bleeding, after a partial week of back pain, then, a visit to the E.R. for upset stomach and cramping, for pain meds, and an ultrasound.
Finally, a Dr.'s appointment, with an ultrasound, followed by a D.& C. to help the miscarriage come to completion.
My physical pain is gone, so far, but the emotional pain and reminders of loss, will be much longer. Hopefully, not a hard as with "Blessing".
I appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers on our behalf.

Cleaning the House and Having a Baby

These are the two big things on my mind. Everyday, I spend a little time getting things put away or cleaned up. Some things still seem like they need cleaning from our Power Surge/Housefire! So, today, it was the bathroom closet and the table, with the cloth put back on top!

Also, trying to clean out our extra bedroom upstairs! It will be our future child room, our little one on the way, due apx. Feb. 22nd and probably scheduled by c-section on Feb. 15th, 2010, since the Dr. told me it would be a week before my due date!

So many exciting things are happening. Lots of decisions to make, but I feel very relaxed. My Bloodpressure at the "Blood Dr."- those who check my levels, was 112/68.
That's pretty good for me.

It's exciting to be a mother once again. I loved being pregnant with Chantel! I'm praising and praying to God each day about this new life inside me!

Having a Baby?

Today I took a test and it said, yes to the above question. Finally, after 4 years of waiting, we seem to be getting an answer we've been waiting for. Chantel really wants to be a big sister. It would be so like God to bless us in such a special way after we finally returned home almost 2 weeks ago, on Wed. June 10th from our house fire/power surge, which displaced us from our home for 6 1/2 weeks.

I would appreciate prayers for a wonderful and uneventful pregnancy!

Praising God in the midst of so many storms!

Dear Friends,

This is more a reflection on how God is working in our lives since April. Dealing with a car accident, my first major in 20 years (if you don't count the deer that took my driver's side mirror.) Then, points on my license, 3 for a stop sign, yielding violation! Ahh!
Then, just after our car was returned to us, the following day, a power surge from PECO's lines caused a house fire, damaging our dryer, most things that were hooked up, a book shelf and about 24 books in Chantel's room, some lamps, a radio/cd player, etc.
Other than smoke damage and things which can be replaced, we praise God that none of us were hurt and that God is continuing to provide for each of our needs.
This experience is in no way easy, or recommended. :-)
Currently, we are living in our 2nd home in 2 weeks, not ours. First, with Ralph's mom, brother Philip, and Matthew at times. 2nd, with friends from Church, the Kooker's, who offered us their home immediately and without reservation! Praise God for friends.
Also, our church family and S.S. class is helping us financially, as well as Chantel's school. It as been a rough year, a rough two weeks, and yet, so much to be thankful for! GOD IS IN CONTROL- PRAISE HIM!

Standing Up for Jesus at School

The other day, Chantel came home from school; she was sad about her friend, Emily. She told me that Emily was praying at lunch and another student made fun of her.

Chantel's response, was something like, "She's allowed to pray and thank God for the food. He made the bread and things we eat anyway."

She also said that, "The student who said what he did to Emily wasn't just making fun of her, he was making fun of God."

Wow, Chantel really does get it! Her report card and comments seem to reflect it in the O's for behavior, following school rules and treatment of others! That's what is really important in life!

Easter, Eggs, and Friends

This is an old picture, since I didn't feel up to taking any yet this year, having too much fun enjoying the moments. Making paper lilies, with Chantel's handprints, helping Chantel make hand-made cards for friends and family. Dyeing eggs and licking beaters after making a cheese pie. Reading an Easter Story together with Chantel and talking about the meaning of Easter. Listening to Chantel pray "Thanking Jesus for dying on the cross for all of us (She's already accepted Him at 4 1/2), asking Jesus angels to protect her surrounding her room and our house, asking for good weather for Easter, praying for her friends from school to learn about Jesus at the Church egg hunt."

That is Easter for us this year. Chantel had lots of fun and Easter is still tomorrow! She invited a friend from school, to our church Easter (egg hunt, singing and craft time.) She and her friends had a wonderful time and I was able to talk to her friend's mom and dad, all the while!

Praising God and a Lesson in Disappointment

Chantel enjoyed being a part of the church musical, "Joseph from the Pit to the Palace". She was so excited and decided, like the head of the musical said, "I am singing to make Jesus happy!" (I don't remember the exact words.)
Chantel was excited to perform twice. Saturday, we figure we would be the only ones to attend. (Typing with Joseph music in background.) Chantel was dissappointed that her uncle and cousin didn't show up. Not a whole lot said about it.
Chantel sang on Sunday and a lot of people sounded like they were planning on attending, so we reserved 2 rows. Well, only Ralph, his mom, my cousin Michael, my Aunt Linda, Aunt Judy & Uncle Don, and I were able to attend.
Chantel's teacher ended up being sick and unable to come and many others, told us later they were sorry they couldn't attend, and then, some just didn't show.
Chantel was frustrated when I read her, her teacher's e-mail explaining what had happened. I've never seen her so angry and disappointed. Ralph knew it was coming and was waiting and didn't say too much. I didn't either.
What made it most disappointing for all of us, was this was her first big thing in front of people and she is so shy.
Next event will be ballet and people will have to pay $20.00 if they want to come, I'm guessing they will be there, if they have to shell out the dough! :-)

Works Well Independently!

Today outside in the backyard, reminded me of the things I see on Chantel's report card or said by her teacher at school. "Doesn't work well independently." How can that be, when at home, in our back yard, Chantel gets out her toys and puts them away by herself. She also filled the wheelbarrow and didn't even wait for me to help her empty it. As I looked down our back yard, I couldn't believe what I saw. Chantel standing at the edge of the woods dumping the adult-sized wheelbarrow, all by herself.

Her response, when I was surprised she could do it herself. "I am six now!" That must be it, the rite of passage happens at 6. She seems to be able to do almost anything she wants to now!

I wish I had a picture to take to her I.S.T. meeting on Tuesday, 3/24/09 at 3:30 p.m. Yes, she can work well independently; I think it depends what you want her to do. Right now, it's me needing to get her cup as she takes a bath all by herself, age 6! :-)

Our family bowling outing- the 1st one

Our family enjoyed our first bowling outing, which we prepaid the school for in the month of January. We needed that time to spend together, have fun, and try not to focus on all the issues before us!

It was a lot of fun. Ralph's highest score was 193 with bumpers. Chantel's was 80 and mine was 103. Together, Chantel and I couldn't beat Ralph's highest score. We all had fun though. We also had dinner there as well. Pizza was $9.00, pre-reserved and paid there and then drinks.

Chantel has bowled before, but it was with a birthday party of kids in her class this fall.

Finally something funny!

Chantel lost her tooth last night. She doesn't think the tooth fairy is real! Well maybe she does? How do they tiptoe to the door, she just asked.

Chantel also said, how could they hear, did they have ears on her head? She was so funny! Talking about a negative situation that she made positive.

Prayers about Jobs Needed

This year has been an interesting one so far. Loss of our pet, Feliz,due to health concerns and costs, she was put down.

Downsizing in schools with teachers, so I haven't been getting the sub jobs I've needed the past week. Waiting and decision making on where to apply next and trying to take it all in.

These things are surrounded by the good news of Ralph and his mom recovering their rings, something small amidst all the other major concerns going on.

Still feeling like I'm not over the loss of our child, Blessing, as everyone else just moves on and has kids easily, it seems. I try not to think about it. The other day at church I couldn't avoid it. Someone asked me to sign a card for someone who had just had a baby, not another one. I said no I hadn't signed it when I was asked and next said, no I didn't want to either. Ralph I'm sure thought I was being rude, or just speaking my mind, but there was no way to avoid the issue. I've even avoided singing with our class on Sundays to avoid the issue of pregnancy. (Also, my former sister-in-law)- still thinking about that one. She divorced her husband, and was pregnant before the wedding, insurance baby and since has another one. No wonder I can understand the book of Psalms so well, life seemed so unfair to King David as well. Why do those who want their own way, always get what they want.

Now, I'm making decisions, but the online game Word Twist seems easier to deal with at times. Going for a walk, receiving cards from friends and e-mails of a fun nature, seemed to bring me some encouragement.

Going back to bed on days Chantel goes to school, 5 days of the last 6 hasn't been very encouraging. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers on the decisions and things I/we are dealing with at this time!