Winter 2012 Memories

Christmas Time 2012 Memories

 Ladies Night at Hall's Hardware in Milton, Fl

Buying my girls sock monkey hats that night...

The special bond with our Mimi!

Marty's Hunting and Shooting Lessons

An example on how to climb

Logan taking Daddy's Example

Marty took Sydney, Logan, and Gracie hunting on 12/26.

Marty and I together 

 The four at the Rogers' yearly gathering in Bascom, Fl on 12/22

The tree has been decorated. Our four precious children patiently allow their silly parents one last picture of them together :)

Some Updated Pictures

The Georgia Trip November 2012

 Sydney Raine White Thanksgiving 2012

Autumn Grace White Thanksgiving 2012

 Our Four

Sydney, Logan, Luke, and Gracie

Thanksgiving 2012

Brothers-Logan and Luke Daniel

Thanksgiving 2012

Gracie's Heart

I am beginning to see Gracie take more interest in caring for Luke. Last night, she climbed into the bathtub with Luke. She still had her play clothes on. She wanted to wash him with soap. After a while, Sydney joined in the fun. The interesting thing about this is that Luke actually does not mind them getting into his space. He enjoys them.

Gracie has said that she wishes that her brother could play with her. I feel for her with this. I can see that she loves Luke, but struggles with understanding him. She is trying. That is all that matters :)

Celebrating the heart of my little girl...

Sydney- the girl with the huge heart! 

A story told by my mother, Joanna Rogers.

Had a wonderful grandparent-teacher conference for Sydney today. I am very thankful that she is excelling across the board and using her gifts and talents wisely. What has really stuck with me, though, is that her teacher said there are t

wo boys with autism who join their class for lunch. Sydney volunteers daily to walk one of them to the cafeteria and help him navigate the maze. She told her teacher the first time, "Don't worry, I know what to do," as she walked away with the young man. I am thankful for the heart Sydney has for those who struggle and so very very pleased. What a blessing she is.

Sydney- Luke's Big Sister

Sydney loves her brother Luke. She loves to fall asleep with him. When I have spoken to Sydney about Luke's differences, she really didn't feel that it was a big deal. She loves him just the way he is. Logan and Gracie love Luke also, but with Sydney, it is different. She and Luke understand each other. She has figured out how to communicate with him in his language. 

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 

  |   Visit Guest Book

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.

Sweet Gracie

August 2009

{Written by Joanna Rogers} Jaime was singing a duet with her friend, Courtney, in the Sunday evening service at Pine Terrace Baptist Church. One of Jaime's dreams growing up was to sing for the Lord, so Mom, Dad, and Gigi were happy to among those in attendance to hear her sing. Upon entering the church, it occurred to Mimi that Sydney and Gracie may need to be present at the service as well. I thought it would be a blessing to them to see and hear their mommy sing. When retrieving the girls from children's church, I notice that they were quite disheveled and not real coordinated in their attire, (see explanation for this), so for a moment, I reconsidered whether or not they should come into "big church". Swallowing my pride, it seemed only right to bring them in. The service was lovely and we were all enjoying Jaime ministering through song, when I cast a glance at Sydney and Gracie and noticed that tears were streaming down Gracie's face. After Jaime's song concluded, I walked them over to children's church. During that time, I asked Gracie why she had been crying in church. She said, "Because it was so beautiful, Mimi!" Wow!!!

Explanation: Mommy did not dress the girls for church that evening, as she had to be there early to rehearse her song :)

Sydney and Gracie in Gymnastics

Three days ago, I got to see my girls in their gymnastics class. Sydney takes it very seriously. She stays engaged the entire time doing roll-overs, cart-wheels, head and hand stands, etc. She is actually pretty good. She is an active child, so this is right up her alley.

Gracie, on the other hand, likes to play and she is not yet as strong as Sydney. So, Gracie kind of flops her way through her moves. The teacher worked with Gracie a bit on her cart-wheels and head stands. So, Gracie is up against this soft wall thing and is desperately trying to do a head stand when the instructor comes to her and helps her lift her body. She falls and before trying again she says, "This thing is heavy!". Her instructor can't help but laugh. The "thing" she is talking about is her hind side and legs. She finally achieves a nice head stand with the giggling instructor's help :)

A Snow Day In the Florida Panhandle!

On Friday, February 12, 2010 it snowed in North Florida! Schools closed and we all had the chance to spend the day together. It was me and the three girls (Sydney, Gracie, and Alliana). The snow didn't stick, but it sure looked beautiful falling from the sky!

"Kitty Bou"

When I was in high school I had a cat named "Bou". Her name meant Blessed Of Us, therefore her name was Bou. She was a sweet cat. She was multi-colored cat who just liked to hang out. When my mom and step-dad married I had to get rid of Bou. I was devistated. Fast forward 7 years and I adopted a brand new Bou or Bou 2 as I called her. She was also a multi-colored cat. I loved her too, but she went crazy after having kittens so back to the shelter she went.

3 years later, in 2010, my kids still talk about "Kitty Bou". They loved her so much and she was extremely patient with them, until she had the kittens. They have asked me over and over to get another Kitty Bou. Should I grant them this wish?

I will try to pull up a picture of Kitty Bou and post it soon :)

A Priceless Conversation that was Meant for Secrecy

So, I am folding clothes in my bedroom when Sydney, Gracie and their friend from next door, Aliana, come walking into their room. I decide to listen in to their conversation. This is what I heard-

Aliana was telling Sydney that a boy named Justin likes her. Justin had told Aliana that he would do anything to be Sydney's boyfriend. He would carry her books. He would buy her jewelry. He would hold her hand and tell her that's she's a cool girl. Aliana says that if Sydney won't agree to marry him "He will wait forever for her". Aliana was doing her best sales pitch. I was really trying to stifle my laughter. Then it got better...

Sydney tells Aliana that she doesn't like Justin like that. She wants to marry Benjamin. Benjamin is, in my opinion, an annoying little boy who is 2 years older than her. Aliana says that Benjamin is not a good boy and he will be "like 40" when she is "like 20". Aliana says that Sydney won't like her life with Benjamin because all he will do is sit around and boss her around. She is still trying to convince Sydney that Justin is the better choice. Sydney still insists that she doesn't like Justin, so Aliana says, "Fine! It's your choice, but he isn't going to make you happy!". By this time, I can barely contain myself. I can't believe that I am hearing this conversation.

5 minutes later, Sydney changes her mind. She doesn't like Benjamin anymore... Now, she want to marry Preston! Oh man! How priceless is this!?

In the end, they got the big bear from the living room and they are now dancing with the bear... pretending that he is Prince Charming! I LOVE little girls!

The Little Girl With a Huge Heart

Last year, I taught first grade at Benny Russell Elementary School. I had some precious little ones in my class. There was one little girl in particular that impressed me. Her name is Christy. She is a little blonde-haired, blued eyed, precious little girl. Close to Christmas, we were starting to exchange gifts. Kids brought me flowers, candles, and bath stuff. I just loved getting little gifts from my students. It touched my heart.

One morning, Christy came in with two small packages. One for me and one for the person I co-taught with. Inside my package was a little bear. It was obvious that the bear had been someone's toy. It was a little dirty and matted. I hugged Christy because the gift was so sweet. A day later, her mother wrote a note to us. Her mother said that Christy wanted to give us a gift and since they did not have money, Christy looked through her toy box and found two stuffed animals that were special to her. She gave us two things that meant so much to her. I was so touched by that one little girl who gave so much to me. I still have the bear. I will always keep it and treasure it.

The gift is not what matters. It is simply the heart with which one gives a gift. The bear is like gold to me. So precious. To be young again and have the heart of child. A heart that is not hard- a heart that digs deep and gives everything it has.