Fun Pictures- My Awesome Children

                                           My Four: Taken at Panama City Beach

                                     Sydney's Award: She made the state level 5 club

                                     The Bus Stop: At the corner, sitting on the curb

We have reached a new milestone: Sydney has decided to Begin Shaving!

Sydney often complains that she is not give choices over her own life. I truly feel for her. She is just young enough that I don't feel comfortable allowing her to make some decisions. I believe that she is a nine year old who believes she is 30. God bless her. So, after one of our more emotional conversations, that are coming more frequently lately, we began yet another shaving discussion. We have gone back and forth with allowing her to shave. She is young and I wanted to make sure that she truly was ready. After she expressed that she was embarrassed by her leg hair I decided to leave it up to her. Help her see that she actually has power in her own life. I told her that it was her decision and she would simply need to come to me and ask me to help. I would give her an appropriate razor and teach her how to shave and I would help her with the hard stuff like shaving around the ankles and knees. I left her to think and walked to my bedroom. A couple minutes later she came to my bedroom alone and said, "I think it's time". So with razor in one hand and shaving cream in another, I taught my not-so-little girl how to shave.

She is so proud that she had made this decision. She hasn't told anyone, but I can tell it makes a difference to her. I am so glad that I could give her the choice on this. It has brought our relationship to the next level. I am having to learn to let go of some things. Puberty is coming and I do not want to lose my girls during this time of change. I want to be a connected Mom. So, now it on the talk about all the changes that will be occurring in the next couple of years. I am so honored to be the person sharing and protecting them!

Upward Basketball and Cheerleading 2012

A local church, Pace Assembly, has a program called Upward. It is all about sports and leading children to a closer relationship with Jesus. The girls were on different cheer squads. Logan played basketball. Here are some great pictures;

The Hurricanes

Logan did an awesome job in basketball. The only negative thing about Upward Basketball is that it occurs during hunting season :(

The Sparklers

Gracie was less than enthused, at first, but warmed up quickly and enjoyed herself. Now she wants to try Upward Cheerleading again~

The Echos

Sydney had wanted to cheer for a long time. She was really good, but has said that she wants to try something new next time. We will see.

The Grandparent Cheerleading Squad

White, Tam Tam, PapPaw, and Mimi are always there to support their girls and boys. They are so awesome!

It was a great experience. During half-time of each game a person would lead a devotion and say a prayer. After every practice an adult led a devotion and a prayer. It led our family to a deeper relationship with our savior!

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!