But that's o.k. because during the boredom of this drive on December 24, after a delightful weekend in the Black Hills, I took time to reflect on the year and actually slowed my brain down long enough to think about writing on my blog again.
Cal was in the back seat with the kids watching one episode after another of the TV series "Chuck" which Carter had received on DVD as an early Christmas gift. (Probably not an entirely age appropriate choice for our youngest darling, but the the laptop decided to quit and she couldn't watch her Barbie movie anymore...so what else could a girl do?? Please don't judge me, I already stress about the amount of iPod, iPhone, iPad, Twitter, Instagram, FaceBook, Snapchat, texting, Netflix time that we attempt to monitor and control. It is simply exhausting trying to stay on top of it all. We are doing our best with momentary lapses. :)
I do worry about losing the good ole' days of I packed my Sister's Suitcase and The Alphabet Game that I tolerated on long journeys as a child. Although, earlier in the day, we did have a rip roaring game of Name that Tune - Christmas Carols going. So I figure if we can somehow mix all the new technology together with classic car games, board games, books, and plain old real conversation....we might be able to raise 3 semi-adjusted 21st century children. (And, honestly, I greatly enjoyed the peace and quiet of my driving stint.)
So in my reflections of the year this is what I know to be true...we are blessed and we are grateful!
Grateful List for 2012:
1. A positive career move for Cal at the beginning of the year to work for Fishback Financial.
2. A miraculous surgery for Cal's mom to repair a shattered femur. She had to spend three months in a wheel chair putting no wait on her leg, but she made it through that time and is now walking with a walker again. The surgeon who performed the 5-hour surgery said he was doubtful she would ever walk again God is so good!
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| Thanksgiving 2012 |
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| They still tolerate the first day of school picture :) |
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| Christmas 2012 |
5. A driver's license for Paige at the age of 14.5. Originally, I was not sure if I was a fan of her getting her license at such a young age in this crazy state...but it didn't take long for me to be VERY grateful that I didn't have to drive her to and from every volleyball practice, basketball practice, early marching band rehearsals, youth group and countless social events.
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| Oh boy! |
6. A great celebration with my family as my dad turned 70. The legacy of Christian parents handing down their faith generation to generation is a gift I appreciate more every year.
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| Doing what the Schelhaas' do best -- feasting! |
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| Cocoa Beach in February |
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| Chicago Skyline - June |
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| Gino's East before the Cubs Game |
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| Bragging rights for the biggest fish! (August) |
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| After a day of skiing. (December) |
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| Cold day at Rushmore |
8. No concussions or broken bones for Carter -- this mom is yet to come around to being excited about her son playing tackle football...but he had a great, injury-free season and is now enjoying basketball and middle-school drum-line.
9. The twirling, cartwheeling, jumping joy of Taryn. We think she might be spending more of her life up-side-down in various dance/gymnastic moves than right-side up at this point. The girl just has to dance!
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| Spring Recital |
10. Above all I am grateful that we rest assured in the knowledge of a Savior who loves us so deeply that he entered this world to dwell among us and prepare a way for us to live with Him eternally.
May you all have a blessed New Year!
Jen
