Using Picassa to find pictures for Chantel's Timeline Project for 1st grade

 

The above page is from Chantel's Timeline for 1st grade. She was supposed to create a timeline for a Social Studies Project. Chantel wrote the words past, present and future. I picked 2 pictures from the youngest photos we have of her on digital camera, when she was 2 years old. She was reading a book. She loved to read then, and she loves reading chapter books now, as a first grader. The second picture of her in the present, is at our memory garden, after she helped me plant it. She loves to help update this garden, annually, to remember her siblings in Heaven: Blessing, Patience, and Joy Schultz. The last picture, future, is one she drew, when she grows up, she wants to be in a fishing boat. I thought that was cute.
She did a wonderful job and we are so proud of her! Hope you enjoy her timeline, as much as we did!

Here is a Photo of Independence Hall in Philadelphia, PA Taken from Google Street Level

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I am so happy it worked. It took me a while to be able to download this photo. It seemed to be easiest to add to my blog, rather than a google presentation, in Google docs, so here it is!

By the way, in Google maps, to go to street level photos, all you need to do as click and drag the person to the location (letter) on the map to see it and rotate on the 360 degree arrows to move yourself into the location to find the picture you are looking for. Maybe I can use this at school, to share some locations a class would want to see, for a virtual trip, rather than going by bus. I think it would being interesting for any age group of elementary students.

The Things I've learned this weekend!

This weekend, I've learned about so many things that are available on Google. The things that are free. The things that are available online, which may allow me to access things from school. I'm so excited to be learning new things and to receive credit for things that I already enjoy, writing and sharing ideas. I also like to come up with ways to organize and to simplify my life.

Thanks for taking the time to read the following entries, which will include my thoughts and musings on GOOGLE and all the interesting features, which it offers. The one I am currently using is Blogger.


The cool part,about the projects I am doing and the things I am creating, are that I can access the information from any computer around the world, as long as I am logged in. So exciting. Isn't technology great!

An interesting comment on my picture above is that I wanted to include it in a project, but only seem to be able to include it in my blog. Maybe I can use it for another course I'm taking this summer. We will see. I love the beautiful visual. Maybe I can share it with a class online, at least. Hope you've enjoyed my previous entries, as well.

The Cross- By Chris Ann Schultz- Good Friday, 4/2/10

"The Cross"

Symbol of death,
Symbol of pain,
A place of forgive-
ness, of new life
again. A place to
see death, A place
to see life, A place
Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven of great suffering, Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven
Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven A place of great Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven
Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven strife. A place to Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven
Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven remember, a place Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven
Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven of great hope. A Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven
Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven place of loss and Forgiven Forgiven Forgiven
a place of restor-
ation. May we never
forget. May we exper-
ience true forgive-
ness, not just for
what we do wrong each
day, but from our past,
to our present, and
through all eternity.
Who can do all this
for us, only the blood
of Jesus can, the per-
fect Son of God! May
we see Your love, as
you suffered and died.
May we forgive others
in response. May we
live and share the
Love, we received from
You, daily! Thank You!

A week of transition, questions, tears, and answers

Lent Began on Wed., it seems to be a time of year, that I understand. It's a time of waiting and trying to connect and be closer to God, that's how I feel. I focus on reading things about what Jesus went through, as He suffered and died on a cross for us. I was thinking about that a lot this week. As, I went through testing this week, I thought about the physical pain, Jesus must have felt. I had something for pain relief, so I only experienced slight discomfort. Jesus didn't. I had support from Ralph, holding my hand and making me laugh, and the Dr. and nurses were supportive. Jesus didn't- He had soldiers laughing at him and gambling for his clothing, ignoring his pain. Humanly, that must have hurt.
The day of my second procedure on Monday, I was not only dealing with that, but thinking about the day, we would have experienced the joy of our 3rd child, Patience. That will never happen, this side of Heaven. So, that was difficult as well. After the discussion with the Dr. on Monday, not know which way to turn, regarding my fibroid and would surgery be an option, I felt so blocked, from a direction. It felt like a door had been slammed in my face. That night, about 3 a.m. I woke up crying and was very upset.
I made it through the day at school on Tuesday, then, had a day at home on Wednesday. I spent 1/2 of Wednesday at church, praying at the House of Prayer, a center for prayer, during the week that Lent begins. It has a labyrinth to walk, and other activities and locations to read scripture, talk to God, pray, and listen for Him to speak to us. Well, I spent time writing a poem, reading scripture, praying, crying, and listening. Also, I spoke and prayed with one of our pastors, who helped me to feel supported,loved, and ready to move on with my day and week ahead.
So, Thursday, I had school, and called the Dr. I was quite frustrated when I was told the Dr., specialist, wanted to see me again, on Friday, missing another day at school. Wow, not what I wanted. When I did go, bloodwork helped answer some questions. Also, I was able to talk to the doctor further and get more direction about recovery time, the discussion she had with my GYN and how the fibroid surgery would be done, as well as, the my "blood doctors" would be on board, about heprin and not against the surgery being done, if that's what I wanted, or needed to carry another pregnancy to term.
So, it's been quite a week, full of sadness, full of tears, full of roadblocks, full of some answers, still with many questions. I feel like God is still leading and directing us through it all! Even, when I'm screaming and shouting, "No!" all at the same time, once when the phone call told me to come on Thurs. and twice when the MAC ate my card, right before I needed it to go shopping after my appointment on Friday, but God worked that out too.
Enough musings for one day, thanks for your thoughts and prayers on our behalf.

Decisions, Questions, and Lots of Prayer Needed

Today's appointment went well, due to the prayers of many others.
Ralph kept me laughing in the car and while we waited for the doctor and for our
appointment and procedure. The procedure, due to the local anesthetic, was way better than expected. So, I really appreciated holding Ralph's hand and the prayers sent to Heaven on our behalf, which made me relaxed and things went so smoothly.

We have a lot of questions to think about, when we are given all the info. from our tests, March 8th. The biggest one, is my fibroid. Is it a problem and is it safer to remove it or keep it? Lots of concerns, me donating my own blood before surgery, if it were to occur. So, we truly are in need of the prayers of others, as we await, this decision-making process.

Thanks for all your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. They have been felt. :-)

The Process I've been going through

Today as I read a friend's blog, I commented how beautiful and serene the picture was. I commented about all the snow we see here, enough to almost cover our heads. Chantel at least was able to make a fort out of it. She can tunnel inside. It's so cool, Ralph helped her. I never experienced that with my parents help. Ralph is such a wonderful father! :-)

I reflected on both as I wrote my friend and as I was at the Dr.'s office today, talking with my GYN. Not in the exactly same words, but in my mind, that God has led me to this specialist and directed me, by a friend, who knew someone who went to the specialist, when she was at another practice, and now has had a successful pregnancy, recently, I found out it was the same doctor. Also, a friend from church, a nurse, who works for a doctor that had a meeting with my specialist I see, and spoke with her on my behalf, and she recommended, me seeing her. Finally, my GYN recommended her as well. So, it seems like God was at work, in sending me to see her.

I feel like watching the Specialist go through the testing and exams also, is showing me God's direction and hand in my life, leading and guiding us to the answers we need, for future children. There are still some questions, but yet, I seem to have received so many answers. That is such a relief from the stress, I've experienced, being the type of person, who doesn't like to have more questions than answers, and understand and have clear direction in my life. Things seem much clearer, than they've been in a while. So, that's great news!

Keep the prayers coming, especially for the biopsy and scope procedure on Monday, that sounds like the most uncomfortable of the two, one down and one to go. So, thanks for your prayers on my behalf, and Ralph's as we go through this process and experience together. :-)

Testing, my week ahead and Chantel's Humor

My week ahead will be a week of testing.

First, I called the doctor's on Friday, regarding my schedule of my cycle.
They scheduled me for an appointment Monday at 9 a.m., Bloodwork and an Ultrasound. Wow! Here we go, 2 weeks sooner than I expected. This week seems to be a good week for it, except, with losing some sub days. Maybe last week, I was resting up, with the days off, so that I would feel ready for this week and the demands on my body and emotions. Then, Sat. is the Women's Prayer Retreat. Chantel is off on Fri. and Mon. and Ralph is off Monday, too, with some things scheduled with my doctor as well. Maybe all these things will work together and I will miss less school days. We will see.

Please keep praying for me. The two tests and some medication that I need to take, no major pain afterward, the doctor will find the info. she needs to make the right decisions on our behalf. One of those concerns is a 6 cm. fibroid. So, thanks for your thoughts encouragement and prayers. Also, Ralph will need to transport me home from two of the procedures which adds stress to his work schedule and the sitter, seems okay with extra help, in dropping her off, to our house, due to the bus schedule. Still waiting for bloodwork results on my chromosome study. Praying for things to show honestly, no false results.

Now, for Chantel's Humor-

In the interim. Chantel has come up with a funny joke. "Why did the spider jump out the window? He wanted to fly!" I thought it was hilarious, especially for a first grader! She can be quite funny. :-) She loves Humor.

Enjoy the snow, and the week ahead. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers on our behalf. :-)

More to think about

This week has been a lot of phone calls, waiting for sub days, etc.
First, I think I finished my phone calls for the week. Relief. Lots of appointments to set up, etc. Next, I was able to get Chantel's room organized with her help, yesterday, with the 2 hour delay. That was great.

Yes, and I received results from almost all my bloodwork and the levels look wonderful so far. So, not concerns yet. That includes, Clotting issues, Rubella- exposure, Glucose and sugar levels- normal, thyroid and liver, normal. Just waiting for the Chromosome results for Ralph and I. He needs to have his bloodwork for Chromosome, disease checks, etc.

Still waiting for my levels- HCG to go down from 11-5. Bad news, but good news, I'm almost there! Now on to the other tests, as soon as my cycle resumes. Busy, busy, resting my knee when I can. It's still sensitive and I don't know what I did to it.
Carpooling, subbing and time spent at home. My life right now, maybe I will be ready for some time out, in the next two weeks on, that's my plan. :-)

Have a good week, and thanks for your prayers.

Processing it all

This week, I am processing so much. The bloodwork I am waiting to hear back from, for all the new tests, to see how ready my body is for future pregnancy, and to see what it will take to get Ralph and I ready. That's not even the emotions we've felt, just the physical part of it all.
I've actually gone to my first regular school class, to teach, not for a special teacher, that sees students for a few minutes at a time and moves on. So, it felt good to be in charge of one group of students for the day, somewhat normal. I was even observed by the school's principal and the class was working quietly. So, it felt good.
Also, I'm still getting blood drawn and awaiting continued results from my HCG, levels. That's the hormone in pregnancy that elevates in a major way to show that things are progressing normally. Well my level dropped from 8,000 or more near the end of December, to 72, on 1/26/10. Today, I had to take another test to see if it has gone down to the number 5, which is considered, normal or negative- meaning I'm not pregnant. The hard part about the continued bloodwork, is answering the questions from the Gyn nurses, everytime they call. I always think they expect me to be surprised. It causes me to explain myself, which reopens the wound and the pain, over, and over again.
Currently, I'm waiting for my body's cycle to return to normal. That will mean a week of testing to see certain things, concerning how my body, internally is working. I will have my fibroid checked through this procedure, best I understand. It has grown since my pregnancy ultrasound on January 4th, of 5 cm., to Jan. 26th, ultrasound of 6 cm., so it is a concern. I was told, it could compete with the blood supply of my body, that the baby should be getting. So, it may need to be removed.
Things that make me feel more confident. I'm currently taking more folic acid, 3 mg, more per day, totaling 4-4.2 mg. I will be suggested to take Heprin from day one of my pregnancy, that was on my concern list. Clotting levels are being checked, there were more tests out there. Yes, I knew there had to have been. The fibroid concern, etc. These things which I discussed with the endocrinologist, made me feel heard, and understand, and cared for. All the things I need to feel right now. Loved and prayed for have been covered, thanks to you, all my friends!

Thanks for the Friendship I Have with you, Jesus!

Thanks for the Friendship I Have With you, Jesus!
By: Chris Ann Schultz

Thanks for the friendship, I have with you, Jesus!
You are the only one, who understands what I'm going through,
Who understands and can give me, my heart's desire.

You are the God of the Universe.
You are the Lord of my heart and my life.
You are my very best friend.

You long for me to come to you.
You long for me to spend time with You.
You long for me to trust and put my faith in You.

You know my future.
You know the future of our family.
You know, if we will ever have another child, this side of Heaven.
You are at work.

I trust You.
I praise You.
I worship You.
I thank You.
I Love You!


1/31/10- written in response to No Wonder They Call Him the Savior by: Max Lucado. Thoughts about Jesus disciple, John. Also, my thoughts about our family. :-)

Your prayers are felt

My friends your prayers are felt

by: Chris Ann Schultz

My friends, your prayers are felt.
Each day I rise and feel like I can talk to God freely.
My friends, your prayers are felt.
Each day I can accomplish things that I couldn't the day before.

My friends, your prayers are felt.
Each day as I feel less physical pain than the day before.
My friends, your prayers are felt.
Each day as my body seems to be going back to normal rather quickly.

My friends, your prayers are felt.
Each day as I read your kind words and sentiments in cards and online
notes.
My friends, your prayers are felt.
Each day as I can do the things I need to accomplish, without much
thought.

My friends, your prayers are felt.
As I prepare to see a doctor regarding future pregnancies.
My friends, your prayers are felt.
As I know which doctor to see, as a result of your suggestions.

My friends, your prayers are felt.
Please keep them coming.
As I reflect and pray, each day.
My friends, keep on praying. Thanks.

What a week- Haiti and the Loss of our Child

This past week has been emotionally draining, news reports of a 7.0 earthquake in the country of Haiti. Realizing a group from our church, Souderton Mennonite was down there and we weren't sure how far the devastation had traveled. Waiting a least a day to hear that, Praise the Lord, no one had been hurt. All this, just one day after we lost our 3rd child, by miscarriage, Joy Schultz, on 1/11/10.
It occurred the same day as my doctor appointment, which confirmed that I had truly lost the child, we were so happy to be carrying. Now, once again, we are waiting for Heaven to see not 2, but 3 of our children: Blessing, Patience, and Joy Schultz. God has his reasons, and we will have to wait to hear them, I'm sure. It's explaining things to Chantel, that is most difficult. She just doesn't get it, when everyone else seems to have brothers and sisters and she's just waited so long. She really wants to help care for a brother or sister. She's prayed, she's drawn pictures of Mommy with a baby and an umbilical cord, too.
At my appointment last Tuesday, the doctor did ask if I had a specialist I would like to see, for help with future pregnancy. I didn't have the name, but I described the person to her, where she had worked and where she worked now. It was the same person, who was recommended by my friends Judy and Cathleen, (one the Dr. and the second, the location where she worked). It seems to me like God has been orchestrating this process.
Today I felt better about things, first, due to less physical pain. Second,I experienced less other issues, than I've dealt with all week. Third, I finally was able to call the doctor's office and found that our insurance will cover our appointments. All I need to do is contact my primary care doctor for a referral for additional appointments, but Dr. Pagan's office (Stoneridge OBGYN) referred me for the original appointment. So, I feel like we are heading in the right direction.
I appreciate your continued thoughts and prayers on our behalf, in the weeks ahead, and the time comes when we remember, what would have been the birth date of Patience Schultz, February 15th. Also, that the doctor does the right tests, bloodwork and asks the right questions. We really don't want to go a taking drugs route to solve these issues. Maybe something natural can be used. So, lots of concerns, but we know God is in control and He has the answers, we just need to ask, and to listen.
Back to Haiti, we just heard news today, that our group landed in Florida, and will be flying home in 3 groups: one tonight at midnight, one tomorrow afternoon, and one tomorrow night. Thanks for your thoughts and prayers, on our behalf and on the behalf of the people in Haiti and who has returned from Haiti.
God has been at work this week, and continues to work toward our future good.

Our miscarriage # 3 confirmed

Yes, today was the day, that the ultrasound confirmed that I miscarriage our third child, "Joy Schultz". Here is the poem I wrote to express to my child, how much he or she will be missed.

"Joy"

By: Chris Ann Schultz

I miss you, Joy, child of mine.
I dreamed, I held you in my arms.
I miss you, Joy, child of mine.
I can't believe that you are gone.

I never saw your picture.
I heard that you were there.
I knew you were inside me.
I kept you in my prayers.

Now, I know that I miss you.
I know, I cannot hold you.
I know, I cannot kiss you.
I know, I'll have to wait.

For now, enjoy each day in Heaven above.
You're with God; sit on Jesus lap.
He's your maker, and He will care for you.

We know you will be fine there.
You will never be sick or hungry.
We can't wait to meet you.
For now, enjoy life with Jesus and your brothers or sisters-
Blessing and Patience.
I'm sure you'll meet them, too.


We all love you so much!
Chantel really misses you.
She really wants to hold you, love you and feed you.
We look forward to meeting you in Heaven some day!

Love,

Mommy

How about "Joy Schultz"

When we find out officially tomorrow, I just found out the name Joy, which means rejoicing, can be a name for a boy or a girl. We are rejoicing, just at the fact that I was able to have another opportunity to experience pregnancy!

So, at this moment, "Joy Schultz", will be the name of the child, we miscarried, today 1/11/10. I will know more, officially, tomorrow.
Thanks for your continued thoughts and prayers on our behalf. ♥

A new name

Looks like tomorrow, I will be asking a lot of questions.
Looks like tomorrow, I will be hearing a lot of information.
Looks like tomorrow, the bad news will come officially,
that I am no longer pregnant. I'm pretty sure it's happened
already. That's when the tears and hugs came today. Glad Ralph and
Chantel were home with me at that time.

Also, I will need to start a new memory book of poems.
I will need to record the dates- due date and loss.
Then, I will need to think of a special name for the 3rd child,
which we will meet in Heaven someday!

Thanks for everyone's thoughts and prayers on our behalf, especially, since
this loss was so close to our other one, (7/20/09- Patience Schultz)
Now, 1/11/10, ____________ Schultz ??? I'm still thinking about it.
The good news is, that in Heaven, God will give our child a new name, that is special to him or her. How cool is that! They are so lucky to spend time with God.
What a great parent and He can care for them, so much better than, we ever could.
Yet, we will still miss them. Now, I have 3 reasons to really want to go to Heaven to meet Jesus some day!

My dream- a distant memory

Why does my dream seem to be such a distant memory?
Maybe do to the signs of miscarriage, I seem to be experiencing once again.
Today has been a rough day, since this afternoon, I've been trying to nap with Ralph by my side, but I couldn't sleep. Only tears seemed to come, as it seems, I'm on my way to experiencing another loss of a child, that I will never see this side of Heaven. That's 3 in Heaven and one here, if I were keeping score.
I guess God really needs them more than I do. It's just so hard to wait. The excitement always ends way too soon. I always feel like I'm disappointing Chantel and Ralph, who would really love to have another member of our family.

I still don't know what the doctor will say, I just need to call tomorrow and see what they will recommend, waiting until Tues. appointment or going some time on Monday. It's all in God's hands the response and what will happen. Also, not sure how it will affect Chantel's school day as well.

Ultrasound and First Visit

Last Monday, I received a lot of questions. I heard the words, viable pregnancy. I saw the doctor cross her fingers, like we are hoping for the best.
So, this week, has been a week of prayer and waiting. Oh, yes, and I asked for a picture, but didn't get one of the ultrasound yet.
Praying that Monday's ultrasound, shows everything going well for my pregnancy. As a friend from church wrote in their e-mail to me this week,
"God is in control!" That's been my focus this week. The doctors and ultrasound technicians, know what things look like to them, externally, but God is at work behind the scenes. He knows what will happen. He knows if my child is a girl or a boy. He knows what my child will be when he or she grows up. He knows what day my child will be born. He is in charge of my life, and the life of my child. All I need to do is trust Him.
One positive thing that happened to me this week, as I wait, was a dream I had. I was holding our baby, which I believe was a boy. I saw him rolling around a lot, and I had a chance to feed him. So, it was a very wonderful moment and I felt very happy when I awoke.
Thanks for your continued prayers for us. Today, according to the ultrasound, I should officially be at 6 weeks and 7 days or 7 weeks on 1/10/10. Since, Monday 1/4/10- was 6 weeks and 2 days along by the picture, only 5 days off of my calculations.
Praying and waiting for continued good news for this pregnancy! ♥

I am Pregnant :-)

The excitement of the out with the old and in with the new. The year seems to be off to a good start. 12/23/09- by home test, I found out officially that I was pregnant. Then, on 12/28/09 and 12/30/09 I had blood work done, checking my HCG levels. The good news was both days the levels went up and showed about where I should be. Then, on Monday 1/4/10 I am to have my first ultrasound, yay! Pictures, I love those. Then, 1/12/10 is my first appointment with the doctor at 8 a.m. We are all very excited and praying for things to go smoothly for child number four!

We have Chantel age 7. Then, we have Blessing (4/20/05) and Patience 7/20/09, in Heaven, to meet someday, and now one on the way. God is good, in so many ways! We continue to look forward to see how things come together for this child being a part of our lives. Chantel's already practicing to be a big sister, with my friend Cathleen's twins. She did a wonderful job on Monday, 12/28/09- she held and fed both of them! ♥ We are so proud of our big girl, Chantel!

Happy New Year everyone! We appreciate your thoughts and prayers on our behalf.