Our Trips to the Nature Center

Above, are the pictures of our trip to the Churchville Nature Center. We love that place. We really felt at peace on Good Friday, this year. Since Easter was a difficult weekend, with the death of my Uncle Roger, thinking about the loss of my parents in July and December 2010 and finally, our child, Blessing Schultz, would have been 6 years old this year, and we lost him/her on April 20th, 2005. So, it was an emotional time.

We enjoy going to the Nature Center annually. This year, we went twice in 2 weeks. The first time, was Good Friday and the second time, was Mother's Day. It's always so peaceful and serene there. I will have to post pictures later, when I've added them to the computer. We enjoyed the Lenape (Indian) Native American Village, and participated in so many activities. We had a really long and relaxing day together. It made the day easier, than expected. I could feel the support and prayers of many who got me through that day. Thanks.

Sadness and Easter....

My focus today has been a mixture of sadness and Easter....
My day was filled with some time at home, some time with family,
trying to call someone to talk to, and now sadness, as I prepare
for the week ahead.

We have had a busy and productive weekend as a family.
Phone calls Friday and running to the bank... more Estate related
stuff, no surprise there.

Saturday night was majorly exciting. Attending our first Philadelphia Flyer's game as a family..... So cool. Chantel enjoyed it immensely!

In the middle of my writing this, I received the phone call, I needed.
Time to share with someone who truly cares. It seems like God is truly lining things up. We know some of the same people. Both of us come from similar church backgrounds and now go to the same church.

This week, I will be focused on the loss of our child, Blessing Schultz, 6 years ago, on April 20th, 2005. Our child would have been 6 years old this fall, and attending, Kindergarten. This really is a tough milestone for me to deal with right now.

The Memory Day, and working on the garden this week, seems like it's for more than just one of our children, Blessing, but for all 3 children: Blessing, Patience, and Joy Schultz, all in Heaven... Also, I bought a special flower (made of decorative painted metal) to go in the garden area for my parent's memory. We are even going to add some favorite veges that my parents enjoyed as well, to our garden. Praying for a great year, for our garden.

In the midst of this week, I'm still waiting for things to get done at my parents' house, for the township to do their final inspection (U and O). Ready for the next week, to drive to the settlement by myself, and sign over the papers, not sure how emotional that will be, but a relief, I'm sure.

Being Like Jesus.... Loving like Jesus...

I know the picture I have, you may have seen before, but it reminds me of the most recent events in our lives and Chantel's love and concern for others.

Yesterday, I was reading Chantel's journal, one that was given to her, by the leaders of the Children's department and church and a member of our Pastoral team. She was writing about how she loved Jesus and she loved Easter, since Jesus died for us.... Close to the true reflection... (Good Friday)... but she gets the joy of Easter.

Last night, before bed, she wrote more... Then, this morning... she said, when I grow up, I want to help people who are homeless..... Not the bad people- criminals, those who want to steal and hurt people. (Those who need a place to live and help to get them back on their feet.) She said, "I know I won't be able to help everybody, in every part of the world."

I felt so proud of her this morning, when I heard these words. This conversation happened, just after I finished combing and touching up her hair for the day. Precious moments.. Teachable moments.

Interesting too, since yesterday at church, we signed up for the IFHN, Inter Faith Hospitality Network... It serves people in the Souderton/Pennridge area, who are without a home, a job, childcare for their kids, etc. Mostly for single moms with children, but one time there was an entire family that I had met before, as a sub in schools. This year, as in the past, we are going to bring a meal to support the 3 families who are currently in the program...

Chantel has also had the opportunity to stay over night at church to help keep them safe, until they could leave in the morning. Well, she wants to again, so we need to look for a chance to sign up again, too, by next week, we hope.

In Sunday School yesterday, she wrote a book about My Story... How Jesus helps her in school, and in other ways. She is so amazing. I know I trusted Jesus at about the same age she did, but her faith seems so much stronger, deeper, and richer.
She's always praying for our child we support in Haiti and for the people of Japan, and for our safety as well...

When Jesus said to have the faith of a Child, that's such an amazing thing.. Chantel seems to really get how to love and be like Jesus, in so many small, yet important ways... I'm sooooo proud of her!

My poem- "Lent this Year" by: Chris Ann Schultz

This picture is from the annual garden I plant for our 3 children, who are in Heaven: Blessing, Patience, and Joy Schultz..... Now, it also has meaning for remembering my parents as well.... We are going to add a new flower type display... to think of them... Note my poem below....


"Lent This Year"

by: Chris Ann Schultz

Lent this year is different....
My focus seems so blurred...
My desire is for Easter, now...
My feelings are so different, like
I'm finishing Lent and moving on.....

Since July 2010, my life has changed so much.
Losing my dad, at age 37....
Going through a surgery and realizing that expanding
Our family has been delayed again.

Then, my focus was on caring for my mom,
Paying her bills and keeping her spirits up.
I didn't feel like I could discuss how I felt
about losing my dad with her, without really being
upset.
Instead, we made her feel comfortable and
Showed our love to her.

Then, in December 2010, when I was age 37, she died.
It again was a time of sadness, shock, and relief
Of the burden of her care, all at the same time.
I watched Chantel bond with her grandmother,
These past few months like I never could with my
grandmother, who was in a wheelchair as well.

Now, I'm focusing on all the major things...
That have been sold, trying to spend time as a family.
And the thing for Lent- doing things for others
Who are hurting- cards, facebook comments, e-mails,
Gift cards, and prayers sent their way....
Letting them know, they are not alone.

Oh, and waiting for school, phone calls, and work to
End and for the healing to begin.
Still trying to get through many special Anniversaries-
Mother's Day, Father's Day, the day my dad died,
And the day my mom died.
Also, trying to do things on the holidays, so I don't
miss them, so much!

That's my Lenten experience this year,
As I read a book about Heaven, and
Long to be there with everyone I love...

Visiting My Mom's, Dad's and Grandparents Graves

This weekend was a mixture of memories made with Chantel, doing Estate things, and visiting the graves of my parents and my Grammy Moyer and her husband- My grandfather, who I've never met. It started with me picking Chantel up at school, going to the bank, which is typical- to enjoy a cookie, and Estate related.

Next, I promised Chantel an icy treat at Rita's and received a buy-one-get one free coupon in an e-mail, which made it a cost efficient and fun treat. She also completed her homework as we traveled. We enjoyed the warm weather and sunshine, while spending time together.

Third, we stopped at the Lawyer's office, more estate related questions and paperwork, but not a lot was accomplished. At least I tried.... Next, a stop at Staples- recycling and paper restock purchase..... estate stuff again.

Fourth, we stopped at the Pansy Shop to buy a special gift/flower arrangement for our memory garden, which you will see in a later post I'm sure... It was so beautiful, to go in the memory garden at our house, for my parents. We are also adding some veggies in our garden this year, that we will miss, which they grew and Chantel helped Grandpa with this past year.

Fifth, we entered Giant and purchased flowers and water for the grave. You may wonder why water, how will they stay alive for long, without water to mix the "stay alive" powder, to keep the flowers alive longer. Not sure if they will stay nice for long this week, with the weather we will be having. (At least we saw them Sat. too.) We found what you see above a beautiful mix of color. It reminds me of the summer flowers from my dad's funeral and the winter colors and different flowers my mom would enjoy.

Finally, Chantel and I drove to the graveyard at St. Andrews Cemetery in Perkasie, PA, the side/newer entrance from Main St., not the Walnut Street (main church entrance). Well, we took pictures and stood and cried for a few moments, then decided to walk to find my Grammy's grave as well, see that photo too. We came prepared with boots, which Chantel wore, but I didn't, since the ground can be mushy this time of year. The person who installed the year, on my mom's bronze grave stone, had to change their clothing in late February, so we came prepared.

The real reason we picked this weekend, is my Mom's birthday is Tues., March 22nd and she would have been 70 years old this year. We also wanted to see that the year was in place. The base and the bronze plate were in place since just before my dad's b-day, in October. So, God worked out the timing of both of these things to be ready for us to remember both of my parents, on these special occasions. The funeral was even the day before their 40th wedding anniversary, too.

So, that was our weekend of reflection. We spent some time Sat. enjoying a meal after taking Ralph with us to the graves quickly as well. Now, I'm just reflecting on it all.

My Girl .... A Proud Mom

Here is my most recent photo taken. It was a picture of a picture. Chantel was at school for the book fair, at night. We decided to take a picture, since she just received a certificate which we have framed and color copied. It is on my wall and in Chantel's room. She received a "RESPECT" award. The students voted for the most respectful child in the classroom and they chose her. She was so happy, and so were we. The same day she received the award, one week ago, we saw her current teacher and her kindergarten teacher, who were both extremely proud of her as well.

Way to go, Chantel!