Sweet Tokens

For the past day and a half, I've been tormented by a migraine. Yesterday, it kicked in around 1 p.m. When I picked the kids up from school, I explained that I needed to go straight to my room and lay down. I left Emily in charge (we didn't tell Matt as he would have been upset that he couldn't be in charge). While I was resting, they both did their homework, set the table for dinner and cleaned their rooms, which included dusting. What wonderful surprises! After a quick dinner of pancakes, I went back to relaxing.  

I woke this morning feeling better but still felt in in my eyes, so I knew there was a possibility that the day may turn into another "bad" day and it did. After finishing the winter bulletin board at church, I came home to rest but sadly it did not take the pain away. I did the same thing today as yesterday in that once I got the kids I came home to rest. Today, my special surprise was get well cards from the kids. 

Matt's was simple but so him. That is him and me on both the front and inside the card. You have to love that he put his full name on the front of the card. Like I might not know who Matthew is. Then there is his simple message of "Feel Well!" He made me another card that looks the same inside saying "Get Well" but the front shows the sun, a cloud and a mountain. Apparently they are all items in a little song he knows. He also did come up at one time gave me an ice pack, sang "Silent Night" and gave me his two stuffed snakes to guard me while I rested....he so wanted to take care of me.

Emily also made a card. The cover saying "Feel Better Mom" and then "Read me" on the bottom. Hearts and stars were her decorative motif.

Inside was the real gem! She cut out a heart that she place in the middle. On it she wrote, "My Mom by Emily - You always warm my heart. I love you like a cute bunny. You're beautiful princess. You shine like a morning glory. Feel better." What was even more precious is that in the midst of comforting me, she still put in her request for a pet. In the bottom right corner, she drew a bunny and said "P.S. I want a bunny and name it Mistletoe".

It is these little mementos that make my "job" as a mom totally worthwhile. Seeing how much they want to care for me knows that we are raising these two kids right.  

A Busy "Work" Week

This week was my first week of implementing "work" hours for my crafting/bulletin board projects. I'm so glad I did because it has been a very busy week.  

On Monday, I made the lamp and post for the lamp post element being used on the winter themed bulletin board at church. I cut the letters and background to be able to make changes to the kid's school perpetual calendar. Also, I started making titles and elements for a school bulletin board for a friend's technology classroom. 

Tuesday, I had a friend come over and we worked on several memory boxes she was making for Christmas. Then, I made 4 more elements for the technology classroom board. I still have a few things to do with the titles and 2 more titles and elements before I turn all the items over on Sunday. 

Wednesday included a trip to a local wholesale floral store to get the pine needed for the winter themed church bulletin board. I then headed to the church and worked on preparing the tree bulletin board for its final phase. I'm going to be sad when I take this board down. It was my favorite board to make and "change" with the trees outside. Sadly around noon the migraine that was lurking in my head became full blown and took me out for the rest of the day. Thankfully, I was able to get some rest and sleep last night.  

Today I spent the morning putting up the new winter themed bulletin board at church. This board is going to be another one that will change over the next 3 months it is up. This is the Christmas/December phase. January there will be the addition of snow elements and then February a little valentine.

Sadly, my migraine was still lingering so when I finished the board I had to come home and rest. The problem with that is I still have a few "jobs" I need to finish before Sunday. Tomorrow I have to put up the "month" and switch the numerical dates on the school calendar....so tonight I still have to put it together. Then, I have to complete the items for my friend's technology classroom by Sunday for delivery. 

Tomorrow, I have plans to do some crafting/work shopping with my friend, Debbie and then Saturday Dave and I have a date to go Christmas shopping for the day.  Hmmmm....hopping I can fit it all in. Oh did I mention Sunday, I have to work on elements for another winter board at the kid's school?  This month is one busy month but I am so not complaining. 

Work, Work, Work.......

Work, work, work and I am not complaining.

You all know how much I love to craft  - creating things for our home and others. I've also enjoyed creating the bulletin boards at my church, kid's school and have had a few small "jobs" on other boards for a few teachers I know personally.  

For quite some time, I have been wondering and asking God what He wants me to do with this gift He has given me.  I don't mean that in a pious way, I truly want to use what talent He has given to me for Him.  

Over a month ago, the main bulletin board I did for the kid's school was seen by a pastor of church here in Bergen county. He commented to a staff member that it was a very well done, professional looking bulletin board. He was told that I did the boards and when I spoke with someone who knew him personally I said that if he was interested in my services I would be open to speaking with him. Well, that meeting happened, a proposal was submitted and I am happy to say that as of the 1st of the year I will be working with that church on their bulletin boards.

All this being said, I have found that my time while the kids are at school is the best time for me to work - it is without interruption and I can focus without concern that I am forgetting or neglecting the family. I've know this fact for quite some time but now that I am getting busier with scheduled tasks I've found the need to put into place some "work" hours for myself.  As of today, Monday through Thursday, 10 - 2 is my current work schedule. 

Today I found that time to be very successful. I was able to complete the lamp portion and post for the lamp post element to be used in my church's winter themed bulletin board.  I also gathered all the materials I will need for its assembly on Thursday.  I also cut letters and background for the perpetual calendar at the kid's school.

Another project I got started on is a group of titles for a bulletin board  to be used in my friend's technology class. I've had a hard time wrapping my head around how I would work this particular project but today it all became clear. What made it most difficult is that this classroom is where the Ipad I created "lives" so anything I make has to be of the same standard.

In this same time frame, I was able to cut out a few things on my Circut that Matt used in completing his state quarter project due tomorrow.

One thing I do ask is that you please pray that God would go before me and that He will lead me to the projects He wants me to do and that I will have the courage to say "no" when I feel He is telling me not to do something. 

Oh and if you need me between 10 and 2,  I won't be readily available......got to work!!!

The Stockings are Hung......

Christmas decorations are up here at the Wessel household. 

We started yesterday with the interior decorations.   The living room focal point being the fireplace. As you can see, my decorating has become a little more minimalistic. 

I took the time to "trim" the branches of the piece I used for our "leaves of thanks" with small red and green ornaments.

Each of the kids have their own trees in their rooms.  Matthew decorated his own tree.

Emily was very anxious to decorate her tree and proud of her handiwork.

The family Christmas tree which is located in the dining room I got to decorate. 

Outdoor decorations were put up today by Dave with a little help from Matt. 

You are all welcome to come visit us and see the decorations in person and have a cup of coffee and some conversation.

A Helping Hand

When it comes to the outdoor Christmas decorating, it is Dave's territory.  The interior is mainly my domain with the exception of lights.....I don't know why but I just don't do lights.

This year Dave enlisted Matt to help him with the outside lights.  Matt was excited to help but it didn't last too long as the weather here in Northern NJ has gotten a little colder and much windier than yesterday.  Matt is not a fan of cold weather.

While the boys were working on the outside, I was busy decorating the family Christmas tree.  Normally Emily will help me but she wanted to do the decorating yesterday, not today so she headed out to scooter instead.

Matt working the shrub lights while Dave climbs the ladder.

Still working

One of the main decorations for the outdoors is the wreath that hangs over our front door.  This task was left to Dave although I am sure Matt would have been more than happy to climb the ladder pretending he was fighting a fire on the way up. 

The wreath is in place

A New Look for Christmas

I had made this wall piece to hang our "leaves of thanks" on for the Thanksgiving season. It worked just perfectly for the occasion. 

I so enjoyed making the piece and love the look of it that I just didn't have the heart put it away and not use it in some fashion. So, today it got its Christmas trimmings.  

During a recent trip to JoAnn Fabrics, I purchased some small ball ornaments (red and green in matte, shiny and glitter). I threaded the ornaments onto the branches. 

Not only was I pleased with the outcome but Matt told me "mom, that is really cool" and Dave said, "oh, I really like that".  I guess I made the right decision in using it for another holiday season.  Next, month snowflakes..... I am going to get the most out of this piece that I can.

I uesd the remaining ornaments to hang by ribbon from the scrolled iron work that hangs over my Christmas mantel. It gives just the right pop of color against the light colored stone of the fireplace. 

We Give Thanks

We have so very much to be thankful for this year. Although we miss seeing our extended family, please know you are always in our minds and hearts.

This was our second Thanksgiving at home cooking for just our little family. Dave stepped in and took charge of cooking of the turkey, while I worked on the sides.

The kids enjoyed watching some of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade with a fire roaring in the fireplace. Matt was so inspired that he created his own parade with his LEGOs. The kids had a lot of down time and took advantage of just relaxing. They worked on the craft kits we bought the day before.  Matt now has a very large and colorful snake tattoo in his arm.

As we sat down to eat, we gave thanks for all of the things we are blessed with. While eating, I asked both kids what they were thankful for. Emily's list contained mainly things she doesn't have but would like to be thankful for such as an IPhone and a pet bunny.  Matthew he had a laundry list of things....a humorous part was when he said he was thankful for "grandpa and grandma, the other grandpa and grandma, grandpa's gun, and all of grandpa's guns".  I guess we know he likes grandpa's guns.  Too funny!

We were able to spend the evening having dessert with a small group of friends which was a perfect ending to our day.

We continue to give thanks for all the things God has provided for us this year, bringing us through some hard times and rejoicing in the good. We are thankful for family and good friends.  We are blessed!!!

Prepping for the Thanksgiving Weekend

Yesterday the kids had the day off school - their first official day of Thanksgiving break. Because it is a 5 day break and I prefer them not watching television, playing computer and Wii all day long I took them to the craft store to get a few "projects" to do. Okay, I personally wanted to go to the store to check out Cricut cartridges on sale, so it was a win win in my book.

Emily got a Shrinky Dinks fashion boutique, not a surprise. She wanted to get a garden kit but I told her that its probably not the ideal kit for winter time. Matt chose a metallic tattoo kit. This should be interesting! Oh, and he wanted the cross so he could paint it and put it in his room.

When we first walked into the store the kids spotted the Gingerbread kits. They insisted on getting one to do for when Grandma and Grandpa come to visit before Christmas (they remembered doing ones in years past). They did go for the multiple small house kit instead of one big house, so get ready to be "creative" when you come to visit Grandma & Grandpa. 

Counting Down to Christmas

This weekend we will be putting up our Christmas decorations, our tradition, but in the meantime we started our official Christmas countdown. 

The kids are excited to see the days pass until Christmas comes as for me it is an abrupt reminder that I have little time to get everything done. 

Last year Dave was off from work at this time so he did most of the Christmas shopping. This year it is back in my hands.

Getting presents for the kids is proving to be a little harder now that they are getting older. When they were younger, shopping was so easy.....the list of items they wanted had very inexpensive price tags. Now, their lists are still as long but the price tag for each item is a little higher.

Trying to explain the whole "not as many gifts when the price tags are higher" is not quite getting through.  Of course, they still wanted to know if they would get the present we use to say was from Santa.  

These kids keep me laughing and on my toes!!

Oh the Things He Eats!

Saying Matt has an unusual palate is an understatement!

He doesn't like mashed potatoes, likes his pasta without sauce and can spot an onion no matter how small I've minced it in any meal. (I've now started using onion powder to get the flavor without the crunch.) Things you would consider food staples he has issues with.

Then there is the other side of him. He loves sushi, steak, Buffalo chicken wings, ribs, pickles and black olives to name a few. 

So, the sandwich he requested the other morning for his lunch really didn't surprise me. On a hamburger roll, he had two slices of cheese, dill pickle slices, black olive slices and mustard. Yes, that was it!! Quite the combo ...... oh and he ate every last bite of it. 

Every day is an adventure in eating with this boy!!

Another Good Report

Last Friday, we received the kid's report cards for the 1st quarter of school. 

To say we are pleased is an understatement!! Both kids brought home report cards containing A's & B's. 

We knew the kids were adjusting to their new school but this showed that their grades have not suffered from the change. Both did very well in the new subject of Bible. Matthew is learning cursive and doing well. I think he likes the fluidity of cursive compared to the structure of printing. Emily is continuing to adjust to the change of Social Studies to true History but her grade showed no hiccup to the dramatic change. 

Academically they are doing very well. Once again, Dave and I feel confident that the decision made to send them to HCS was a true direction from God that this is where He wants them to be.  

Please continue to pray for them in the school year that they will grasp new concepts and work to the best of their abilities.  Pray for their teachers, Mr. Kline (Emily) and Ms. Brown (Matt), that God will give them direction as they teach. Pray for me as I continue to help the kids navigate through their studies.

Giving Thanks

This past Wednesday the kid's had their Thanksgiving chapel at school. 

Parents and family were invited so I went to represent our family, sadly Dave had to work. The kids were so happy that I would be there.

Matt's class recited Psalm 100 and sang. He was very into the hand motions that went with the song. Emily's class recited a poem.

The chapel showcased the elementary students doing songs, scripture and poems while several of the junior and senior high students, along with staff gave testimonials of thanks. 

It was a wonderful time of singing choruses and hymns of thanks and praise and seeing the children doing their part.

So very thankful that the kids are attending Hackensack Christian Schools.

Leaves of Thanks

We started a tradition with Emily & Matt that on the days leading up to Thanksgiving starting with the first day of November they write down one thing they are thankful for. Last year, I cut leaves from cardstock they wrote their "thanks" on which were displayed on the cabinetry in our dining room. Prior to that we did a pennant banner. 

This year I wanted to do something "different".

While perusing Pinterest, I got inspired.  A pinner had taken a canvas and used lighted imitation vines and twigs to make a wall art piece. 

Working with my friend Debbie, we each made these wall pieces to display our family's "leaves of thanks" for this year.  You can see a picture of her's on her blog: Deleitate

The materials used were an 18 x 24 artist's canvas we painted spring pasture green and haze blue and twigs that were adhered with hot glue. We gave the twigs a little extra security by tying them down with twine.  The twine was covered by the moss which was also adhered with hot glue.  

The leaves were cut with my Cricut from card-stock in hues representing the colors of fall.  A hole punch was used to be able to thread the leaves onto the twigs.

Each night I ask a person in the family (we are on a Matt, Emily, Dave, Kathy rotation) to choose something they are thankful which I write on a leaf and place on a twig.  So far a few are God, friends, school, Miss Brown (Matt's teacher), power......we try to keep it light hearted but real.  

It is so important to Dave and me that we have the kids recognize just how blessed we are, how God has and continues to provide for our family. This is just a small way to do that. 

A plus is that not only are we keeping our tradition of "thanks" but we are creating a piece of art.  For winter, I think snowflakes may find there way onto the branches.  You'll have to wait and see.

A New Path

Yesterday we had Emily's ISP meeting. I'm pleased to say it went very well.  As you will recall, Emily started attending a private school this year and required a re-evaluation of her continued need for special education services. 

During the meeting, we went over the extensive testing that was done along with the neurology report.  Emily has been classified as autistic. Her areas of struggle continue to be the same: written, expressive and pragmatic speech - social cues and conversation. One thing we did learn from this new testing is that she also struggles with short term memory.  This makes the memorizing of material difficult especially if she is required to repeat something verbatim, even if just told to her. 

Emily, not to our surprise, showed that her strength is in visualization techniques. Without going into a long exhaustive explanation of the tests that support this all I can say is this is an area where she excels.

Of course, we will be working hand in hand with the school and Emily's teacher to provide the tools she needs to successful. 

I personally came away with a new perspective on Emily having been made aware of how her memory is very limited.  One thing we are doing now is making pictures to go along with material needing to be studied for quizzes and tests. Our first attempt with this technique is in history.  The idea behind this is that the pictures she draws will help her recall the material she needs to know.  It may take some time to get use to the technique but I am excited to see where she takes this. 

One area we do need to look into further is how to help her in the area of learning social cues and conversation in a small group.  Please pray as we research this and determine how we can best help her.

As always, we are so thankful to God that He gave us the gift of Emily.  He has led us through this journey thus far and we know that He will be with us as we continue to advocate and assist Emily in the years to come.

Once again, thank you for allowing me to share. 

Coming Out of the Dark

Well, I'm back!! 

Thankfully the only effect we had from the "Sandy Storm" as Matt calls it was the loss of power. 

Usually, our area of town does not lose power but we've been told and have experience first hand that this was not a "usual" storm. Last Monday, we got all the way to 11 pm when our power went off - technically a few hours before the worst part of the storm ended. Also, unusual for us is to be without power for very long.  Not so this time. We were without power for 6 days. 

At first being without power was an adventure, camping indoors. However, a few days into the "adventure" it lost its appeal. The weather here changed and got much cooler and sadly our heat was not accessible due to an electric "issue" with the damper. Thankfully we have a neighbor who is an electrician who was able to bypass that part so we were able to run the heat off an invertor, also loaned to us. We also received help from another neighbor when he got his generator. 

When Friday came and we were still without power and there were reports of the temps dipping lower, we were blessed to be able to borrow a friend's generator (they already had power restored). Of course, generator's require gas so Dave and a few neighbor's became very strategic in their efforts obtaining it. 

Sunday coming home from church we saw a group of utility trucks from Missouri working on a line down on Main Street which is one street over from our house. When we headed to our church's Trunk or Treat that evening, the trucks were gone but power was not restored. While at the event, my neighbor, Lucille, called and told me to try and turn on the lights.....we had power.  You'll have envision the happy dance I broke into in that moment.

All this being said there are a few things I would like to specifically express:

1.) My husband is amazing. His workplace had no power so he was home all week and I know God knew I needed him here with me. Every day he was in action making sure we were taken care of and being of help to neighbors and friends.

2.) I love my neighbors. When you go through something, you pray it will bring your community together and in this case it did. Neighbor helping neighbor and then the Lodi community offering help with a charging station and warming center at the library and a Sunday meal. 

3.) Oh my friends what would I do without you!!!!  Words of encouragement, prayer, opening of your homes.  Yes, we did tend to stay home for the most part but I cannot tell you how much each and every one of your offers were appreciated!!!  Thank you!! To the Bergacs family, thank you so much for your contribution, I cannot say enough thank you's!!! The Cabrera's, thank you for our Saturday night diversion.....it was so needed and a blessing to my heart.

4.) Our families - Wessel & Papp and all our relatives - thank you for your concern and prayers.  I know it had to be hard to be so far away and not be able to help but your responses to my texts and few calls gave me what I needed in those moments I reached out. There were many of you who we did not speak to directly but we heard of your concern and your prayers for us and we so appreciate it.

5.) Our church family - you may not have prayed for us specifically but when you prayed for church family in need you prayed for us and we are thankful.  Yesterday being in God's house with God's people made the possible time ahead in the dark bearable.  Pastor Bill's message was what I needed to hear and seeing my good friend Lucille get baptized provided unspeakable joy!!

6.) Governor Christie you are the man!!!  I do not want to get into politics but I do want to say this man helped, is helping and will continue to help NJ get back on its feet and rebuild....I have no doubt of that!!

7.) The Missouri utility company that we saw fixing that line...thank you!! Thank you for coming to NJ and helping out people you don't even know. You left your homes and families to come help other families and for that I am grateful!

I could go on and on but I will stop with thanking God.  In the days we were without power, the times of darkness that impacted me the most were the late night hours.  It was so dark then and a thought brought to my mind over those six days in the midst of my being down and unhappy for my circumstances was how Jesus is the light of the world. What I learned from this experience is that I need to be the light of Jesus in this world. It can be seen in the simple things like letting someone go before me in a line, paying it forward and most importantly sharing the Gospel but it is important and vital for me to show that "light". After all, my life is not my own but His so I need to show that.  

Please continue to pray for those effected by this storm. So many people have lost homes, businesses and in some cases family. What our family experienced is so minuscule compared to what others are experiencing. 

As always, thank you for allowing me to share!