Stay Off The Sidewalks

It's official. Em's got her driver's permit! Take cover. Stay off the sidewalks. Wear a helmet when riding your bike near the road. ☺ Just kidding. She did great on her test. Didn't miss a single question. In addition to her studying the manual, we've been practicing driving at the fairgrounds for several months now.Terrified as I was, I allowed Em to drive to Brown's Orchard as soon as she had her permit. She did very well. I was pleased. Now I just have to get her to remember to look behind her when she's backing up, and teach her how to parallel park. She's going to do just great though.

CONGRATULATIONS EMILE!!!

Sparky Concert

 

Thursday the 12th, the girls and I had the chance to see Jordyn Sparks at the Giant Center as part of the Milton Hershey School's Founder's Week Celebration. The concert was by invitation only, with so many tickets given to Big Brother/Big Sisters agencies as well as a few schools in the area. It was a fun evening which the girls really enjoyed. The girls and I had dinner at Taco Bell, followed by the concert... and everyone in attendance received a full size Hershey's Chocolate Bar with a new Milton Hershey School logo on the back of the label. The new labels will hit stores in a few months.

Thank you, Milton Hershey School AND Big Brothers/Big Sisters for thinking of our family and allowing us the opportunity to have a fun evening out! We appreciated it.

The Prophet Joseph

Today in Relief Society we studied more about the Prophet, Joseph Smith. The lesson was truly remarkable. The spirit was sweet and loving as we were reminded of how amazing yet humble Joseph Smith was.From a young man of fourteen seeking to find which church to join, through the first vision, the translation of the Book of Mormon and organizing of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, right up to his martyrdom in Carthage Jail, the prophet continued to serve the Lord. He never once wavered in his conviction to God. He never once changed his "story." He never denied the fact that he saw God the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ.Joseph was willing to die rather than deny what he had seen and heard. "I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it, neither dared I do it." Ultimately he, along with his brother, Hyrum, did die at the hands of an angry mob. He went to his death an honorable man.

Among other things, Joseph Smith was a son, brother, grandson, uncle, father, husband, friend, neighbor, store owner, editor of a newspaper, mayor, military leader, and a candidate for President of the United States. He was a man who never let adversity stand in the way of doing what was right and true. Indeed he was a man of good works, integrity and righteousness. Praise to the man!

Happy Thirtheenth Birthday, Brie!

My baby isn't a little girl anymore. Well she's not been a "little girl" for quite some time now, but now she's officially a teenager and I feel sad. Since Brie's birth was so much easier than Emile's, I was able to enjoy her much faster. She was such a little peanut... 6lbs, 4oz. when I took her home from the hospital. Much like Emile, she was a very happy baby. Brie's giggle was so contagious. She'd giggle until she cried.Brie has always been a calming spirit in our family. She reminds me of the type of person I should strive to be and tries to set a good example to those around her. She enjoys learning and does her best to improve herself.Now Brie is becoming a young lady with dreams of her own.... places she'd like to go, people she'd like to meet. There's nothing to stop her. She can achieve anything she sets her mind to. I am thankful for being blessed with Brie in my life. I never thought I'd have a baby after giving birth to Emile, so Brie was a complete gift. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BRIE. May the next year bring you happiness. May to find joy in each day... I love you with all my heart.

Time Out

This has been a trying 24 hours for me and Emile. Since things continued to deteriorate today, I decided it was best for us to have a time out. Fortunately I have my sister, Cindy, who lives close by. I called her and asked if Em could stay with her for a few days and she said yes. I'm grateful for her willingness (along with Uncle Keith) to allow Em to stay there for a "cool down" period.As can be expected, Emile was upset with me. On the way to Cindy's home Em told me I was kicking her out, that I didn't love her, and why would I take her somewhere where she's not liked. I tried explaining that I love her but do not like her behavior. Not only that, we BOTH needed a break from one another. I know I make my share of mistakes. I am far from winning the "Mom of the Year Award." I am willing to try and learn from my mistakes. I am not willing to tolerate being disrespected or unappreciated. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder. I hope a few days of time out will help us both see how much love we truly have for one another. If not, I will continue being the worst mom on the planet.... I can live with that for now.

Happy Halloween

Since it seems like I have no life anymore (only 2 blog entries in October including this one), I thought I'd better at least wish everyone a HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

I hope your Halloween is an electrifying event....May your night be hair raising....And may you travel upon safe Halloween paths....If you're really lucky, perhaps you'll have the experience of seeing a Halloween aurora, like this one viewed near Nome, Alaska on Oct. 31, 2003. Regardless of how you spend the evening, stay safe and enjoy the spookiness of the night. BOO!

Happy Sweet 16, Emile Cele'

What a great day today has been. Today is Emile's 16th Birthday! It's so hard for me to believe it's been 16 years since I first held her in my arms. I was happy beyond words that day. We've had some wonderful times together ever since... and I'm pretty sure we'll have many more to come.With each passing day, Emile becomes more and more independent. She is intelligent, musically talented, compassionate to those who have heavy burdens, and is trying to become a better person each and every day.The sky is the limit, sweetheart. While your life has not necessarily been the easiest, you recognize that there are others who have even harsher situations. You have the strength within you to succeed at what ever you set your mind on. Always use challenges as stepping stones instead of stumbling blocks.I am privileged to be your mother. We may have our "moments," however, I wouldn't change a single thing. That which does not kill us makes us strong. We're both strong women (yes, I called you a woman... as you truly are becoming more and more every day). We're still standing. May you have joy in your life. May all your dreams be fulfilled. May you rise to great heights and achieve your full potential. I love you with all my heart. Happy Birthday, honey.

Relief Society Blessings

Tonight I had the opportunity to listen to the Relief Society Broadcast. This broadcast is held the last Saturday in September... only once a year. It is a gathering of sisters from all around the world and we each receive instruction from the leaders of the church and the Relief Society organization. It's a wonderful broadcast. How lucky we are to live in an age where we can hear these important words so easily. I am thankful to be a member of the Relief Society... the world's largest woman's organization. In 1842 the prophet Joseph Smith organized this inspired group. We continue to do the Lord's work. Indeed we are living the motto... Charity Never Faileth.One of my favorite hymns is As Sisters in Zion. It explains what we as sisters of the Relief Society should strive to do and be.
After listening to the broadcast, I am prompted to take my own personal inventory. How am I doing as a "Sister in Zion?" Am I doing all I can? Where can I improve? How thankful I am for a loving Savior who will guide and direct me as I work to do better.

Oh What a Pain in the.......

KNEE!! Poor Em. What a month it's been. She's been through so much with her body that I'm beginning to think she's about to give up. I took her to the doctor today for follow up from having the ingrown toe nail removed. While there, I asked about her knee... which is completely swollen again. I'm at my wits end because after 14 PT visits she's no better today than she was when we started. The problem isn't the therapist... she's great. The problem is the ortho doc. He pretty much wrote Emile off. Nice. So she struggles on.Basically what started last November as lifting too heavy of weights with her legs in the "fitness" center at school has now become a daily struggle to just live life for Emile. Her kneecap continues to dislocate, swell, and cause significant pain. She's been on anti-inflammatory meds for months.... I mean like since January. Now she's up to Celebrex and Vicodan, plus taping, bracing and icing the knee daily. Oh sure, nothing's wrong with her knee! Can I hear a QUACK!!!?At least Dr K. is taking the situation seriously. He checked out the knee and decided to do a steroid injection. He said the fluid looked clean.. with no sign of infection. That's good. Hopefully by Saturday Emile will have some relief. I really hope so. This is truly taking it's toll on her. She's becoming more and more discouraged.... while I become more and more broke spending money on doctors, therapists and medications. Cross your fingers.

Manhattan Temple Trip 09'

Last month the Emile and Brie had the opportunity to go to NYC for the day. It was with our church youth group... this was Em's second time going, Brie's first. They left the church at 5:30A and were in the city by 9A. They had fun seeing the sites, visiting the Museum of Natural History and St. Patrick's Cathedral, before going to the Manhattan Temple to do baptisms for the dead. It was an exciting, albeit, long day. They arrived home around 10P that night.

Both girls took some cool pictures as they went along. Our youth leaders try to make sure the experience was both enjoyable and spiritual in nature. I think they nailed it pretty good by what I see in the pictures. Don't the youth look great?! The girls said some people asked if they were Mormon kids because of the way they were conducting themselves. Pretty cool!

*If you click on either collage, you will enlarge it for greater detail.

9/11 Remembered

Another year has passed. Another 365 days for our nation to become more and more divided. Have we forgotten what happened on September 11, 2001? Have we forgotten how we felt as "one nation under God?" Can we find a way back to that place... or is it too late?

Bobbi Kauffman's Funeral

Today was Bobbi's funeral. She passed away last Wednesday evening after fighting breast cancer. She was my dad's second wife, and the mother of my brother, Corey. He did a fantastic job fulfilling his mother's wishes. The funeral was well attended, with over 95 people at the viewing last night. I'm not certain how many were at the funeral today, but it was quite a few. I never realized how many lives she touched or how many friends cared so deeply for her. She will be missed my many.

Roberta K. "Bobbi" Kauffman
January 25, 1954 - September 2, 2009

VIEWING:
Monday, September 7, 2009 from 6-8 PM

FUNERAL SERVICE
Tuesday, September 8, 2009 at 10:00 AM

Services conducted from:
Chapel of Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home
Chambersburg, PA

Roberta K. "Bobbi" Kauffman, age 55, of Chambersburg, went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 in her home. Born on January 25, 1954 in Chambersburg, she was a daughter of the late Robert S. and Almeta Hill McClure. She was the widow of Lester W. Kauffman, who preceded her in death on November 11, 2001.

A 1972 graduate of the Chambersburg Area Senior High School, Bobbi worked for the T.B. Woods Electrical Division for over 30 years. She was of the Protestant faith. Some of her favorite times were spent vacationing, gardening, and simply spending time with her family. She is survived by her son, Corey L. Kauffman of Chambersburg; daughter, Brenda Oxford of York, PA; one brother, Gary McClure; and one sister, Bonnie Divelbiss, and husband, Gary, of Fayetteville.

Her funeral service will be held at 10 AM on Tuesday, September 8, in the chapel of the Thomas L. Geisel Funeral Home, 333 Falling Spring Road, Chambersburg, with Rev. Ray L. Kauffman officiating. Interment will follow in Parklawns Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 PM on Monday, and one hour prior to the service on Tuesday. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 452 East King St., Chambersburg, PA 17201.

Band Madness

 

Here are some of our bands finest members. Aren't they cute as can be? I even got Em to pose with her very first band teacher from way back in 5th grade. Mr Meckley got her started and here she is. Sometimes the band members are treated pretty rough by their director, but they still have a good time. It's memories they'll never forget.

First Day of School 8/24/09

My babies are growing up. I know, big surprise. This is the first year I wasn't at home on their first day of school. I was so sad. The girls promised to take pics... and they did. I can't believe how old they're getting.Emile is a Junior this year. She gets her drivers permit in 6 weeks. She's playing tennis again this fall (when her knee is stable), is in marching band, and will be busy with theater, concert band, and softball in the spring. Plus she's getting a job. You go girl!Brie's in 7th grade. She's playing fall softball, is in band (even though she hates it), will be involved with theater, and more than likely she'll play fall softball. Good job, Brie!

Yep, they're not babies anymore. Keep up the great work girls, you're both doing great and I love you!!!

OUCH!

Here is the infamous toe! Poor Emile, what a summer she had with this stinkin' toe. When I took her to the doctor the first time, the toe was so infected he wouldn't do anything until she had been on antibiotics for a week. Yuck!

Alas, it's finally been taken care of and she's on the mend. (Take notice to the wicked smile on Dr. K's face. I love it!!!) Yes, it still hurts to put weight on the foot and toe, however, at least it's looking better. She actually put a shoe on last evening for an hour at marching band practice. I really hope she does ok with it on Friday evening. She'll be in a shoe for at least 6 hours that night because of the game.

Now to get the knee back to normal.This is one of the exercises Em has to do to strengthen her knee. She loves to do it.After exercises she gets to relax with some stim and ice. I actually think this is her favorite part of PT.Emile and her Physical Therapist, Robin. She's the best. I should know because she worked with me when I injured my shoulder a few years ago. Go Robin!!

Emile, it's time for you to get better. ☺