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.