Following God- Giving up a huge opportunity

In 2009 I worked for Autism Pensacola, Inc. as an instructor at Kids For Camp (A summer program for kids with autism and their friends and siblings). It was an amazing experience that forever changed my life. It was at that point that I absolutely new that I was supposed to work with young children with autism. Thank God, in 2010, I was given that opportunity. I now teach pre-k students with developmental delays and autism at Ensley Elementary in Escambia County. I am so passionate about my job!

In 2010, I could not work during the summer because I could not find childcare for Luke. So, I volunteered with the siblings and "typical peers" at the camp. Logan, Sydney, and Gracie went with me and volunteered their time also. 

This past school year (2010-2011) I taught school and worked on several extra projects during the year. When it came time to apply for Kids For Camp, I was so excited. I could not wait to work this summer. I was hired as a Lead Teacher and I began preparing for the six weeks of camp. Then, Grandma passed away.  She always stressed how important time with the ones you love is. That is all she wanted- time. As I prayed and sought God, I began to feel His urging- my family needs my time. My children need my nurturing. My husband needs my love and support. My mother needs my comfort and support. 

I talked with my mother at length about what I felt God was speaking to me about my family. She prayed as I came to a decision. I, then, had to make a phone call to a lady I highly respect. It was a tough phone call because I knew that this lady was upset with me- I hate when people are upset with me. I put her in a tough position because she had to find someone to replace me. Although I desperately wanted her approval and really wanted to opportunity to network this summer, I knew that this is what God was leading me to do. So, I stepped out in faith. I decided to stay home with my children this summer. I was told that I would not have the same opportunities next year if I did not work the camp, and there was fear, of course.

Faith is the substance of things not seen- While I know that I upset some people, I truly believe that my life will continue to be blessed. 

Grandma Ree (Gigi)

Marie Haller 1923-2011

My grandmother passed away at 1:00am on Monday June 6, 2011. She is my mother's mother. I would like to copy what my mother wrote...

Marie Haller 

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HALLER, Marie J., 88, of Milton, Fla., passed away June 6, 2011. She was born May 22, 1923, 

in Elizabeth, N.J., to Charles and Luella Haller. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Charles Haller and Frederick Haller; and sisters, Doris Merkel, Ethel Farley and Emma Koenig. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Joanna (Raymond) Rogers and Susan (Bob) Young; grand-daughter, Jaime (Marty) Daniel; three beloved step-grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren. Mrs. Haller was a native of New Jersey and she moved to Tampa in 1956. She later moved to Milton, Fla., in 2007. She served in the Hillsborough County School District for 32 years and volunteered 12 years with the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and 10 years with University Community Hospital. She was a member of Grace Lutheran Church, where she served in a variety of ministries. Always a lady, Marie was known for her kindness, compassion, strong work ethic and beautiful smile. She loved life, volunteering, walking, reading, bicycling, music and dancing. She loved her Lord, her family and her many friends. A celebration of Marie's life will take place in her home state of New Jersey. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or become a volunteer.

Special thanks go to The Forsyth House, Milton, Fla., and Covenant Hospice for their heartfelt care.

Spring Soccer in Pace

Sydney and Gracie were on the Rowdies. Logan was on the Cosmos. Here is the last picture they took after they received their trophies. They were sure proud of themselves :)

Are these not some of the best looking kids you've ever seen! I just love this picture that was taken by their dad :) 

The Daniel Family- We a crazy bunch...

Take us or leave us we are the Daniels! This crazy family is made of two step-daughters, one step-son, one son with a disability. At the top of the family are two people who came together as broken people and found that God will heal and bring together a very broken family and create in them a peace and a bond that is stronger/

We are happy to be us!

Summer Days

The new craze is "silly bandz". Elastic bracelets in all kinds of shapes :)

Sydney and Gracie are best friends.

Luke has been having a great summer! He has been to Atlanta and Waynesboro, GA. He has gone to the aquarium in Atlanta and had the opportunity to get to know his cousins who live there.

Ear Piercing

April 3, 2010

Marty took me and the girls out for my birthday. I really wanted the girls's pierced, so I decided that would be a perfect birthday gift for me. So, we went to Claires. They were both so brave. Neither of the girls cried. I was so happy because they loved their new earings.

After the ear piercing, Marty took us to Olive Garden. It was just a really great night. A great memory was made!

Yesterday, April 7th, Gracie lost one of her earings. It fell out of her ear while she was playing. One of the kids found the back, but we could not find the little earing. I prayed that God would show me where the earing was. So, a little later that evening, I changed Luke on the floor in his room. I saw something shiny... It was Gracie's little earing! God is sooo good!

The story of Luke's Hair Cut by Mimi

January, 2010

Mimi was going to take Luke for an outing and noticed that his hair made him resemble Art Gunfunkel. Being a person of intelligence and skill, she decided that Luke needed a haircut and she could indeed perform the task and make him look like a cover for GQ. But…PapPaw was still in the house and she knew this couldn’t happen while he was there as he would protest and besides, Mimi needed his moustache trimmers to create the right look. So Mimi kept Luke in his chair, waiting patiently for PapPaw to leave the house which he finally did. She ran into the bathroom, procured those trimmers and went to work. After a few moments, Mimi and Luke were laughing so hard, that even though things weren’t going to well, we were having fun. So, we kept on going. Upon further observation, it seemed a good idea to quit and hope that no one noticed that his hair had been tampered with. There was a discrepancy between what Mimi thought she could do and reality. Instead of Garfunkel, we now had a clown look. When mommy arrived to pick him up, Mimi was concerned that this could create some strife in the family. Thankfully, though she was momentarily stunned, she quickly found her sense of humor. Her simple request was, “Please take him to a barber and get this straightened out.” Today, Mimi took Luke to Peaden’s to have his first “outside” hair cut. It is very short, but now even all over. He’s the man! I think I will refrain from temptation if I ever consider cutting his hair again.