Time Flies

when you're having fun!

2008
8lb 8oz
21.75 inches

2009
22lb 2oz
29.5 inches

2010
26lb 11oz
33.75 inches

Replacements

We've replaced the sandals with boots, baseball with football, and work with vacation. And boy does it feel good!

Opportunity

If you've been a Columbus Wendels' follower you've read about Batten's Disease; its horrible stealing of a child's life and it's family's hearts. You know that we're passionate about this disease because we're good friends with a family who's living this nightmare. But you also know that we're so thankful to have Celia in our lives because at the ripe old age of 3 1/3 she's taught us so much!

As you're preparing for 2011, think about all the greeting cards you need to send. Until the end of the year if you purchase a card(s) from the link below 20% of all purchases will be donated to research Batten's Disease. The promo card is Celia.

http://newblog.cardthartic.com/?p=159

Since some of you haven't had the privilege to meet Celia and her family, use this opportunity to send them a supportive hug as a friend of a friend.

Pause

Mike and I have been reflecting on the past year a lot lately. We've had some wonderful times and we've also had some trying ones. But we can't dwell on those because life continues to move forward and who wouldn't want to journey along with these two?

Quite Contrary

Who do I talk to about taking the rest of the Mondays of 2010 off? I think work might catch on if my kids are "sick" every Monday and I don't have enough personal days.

Two Mondays ago I received the fateful call from our neighbor alerting us to the thieves in our garage. This Monday I received a call from the same neighbor telling me that the news media had just left her porch and was headed for my front door. Well, they found me at work and we made it on the 6 o'clock news.

Please bear with the brief advertisements at the beginning.

So, I'm done with Mondays. Done with these ignorant robbers who in the midst of 15 minutes have managed to take hours from us and not to mention thousands of dollars in repairs.

Okay, rant over.

I'm so thankful for my wonderful neighbor who saved our house and belongings. I'm grateful that the burglar I encountered was compliant rather than violent. Words cannot express my relief when I realized EVERY picture of Molly's life was in that van and would've been at a pawn shop within the hour.

Lucky?

Nope.

Blessed!

Silver Lining

To say our week started off on the wrong foot might be an understatement.

But in good 'ol Wendel fashion we dusted ourselves off and began to look for the silver lining.

And we found it!

Time

There are times, like today, when I miss him so much it hurts. Then other times, like last night, I'm confident he's in my corner. The times in between are pretty unremarkable; laundry, working, playing, and just life.

But a few times during each of those days, I know. I know he loves me. I know he's watching over my kids. I know he'll be waiting on me. I know he's at peace.

My Dad

Jack Stahl
August 11, 1934 - October 12, 2010

We clamored into his oversize lap

Eager to hear his tales

Singing along to the Animal Fair

His involvement was wind in our sails

We gathered around the kitchen table

Seated at the head to lead us in grace

His hands were never too busy

To pause for a treasured embrace

When his back was turned

Balls would fly through the room

Often followed by:

No throwing balls in the house!

When we had a problem

No matter how big or small

Out came the paper and pencil

A diagram could solve them all

Then our family’s second generation began

Their lives started with baptism

Wearing Grandma Rita’s gown

Blessings, prayers, and oils he gave

Our families all grateful to have Grandpa around

Always searching for an adventure, wherever they might land

Their toddlerhood was spent holding his hand

Drawing him colorful pictures

And receiving whiskery kisses

Summertime brought some of his favorite pursuits

Like visiting the fair to eat all that was forbidden

Boating across Indian Lake to the donut shop

And sitting around the campfire, bedtime rules overridden

God graced him with endless gifts

Which he shared with everyone he met

His compassion, empathy, understanding, brilliance and love

Encompassed all, as he cast a wide net

He’s the man who would welcome a student in danger into our home

Or pick up a stranger on the side of the road

He was not only a husband, brother, father, grandfather, friend, and teacher

He was a man of God

Some of you know him as Deacon Jack

Others know him as Dr. John P. Stahl

But most importantly he was Dad and Grandpa Jack

Thank you J.E.B and my wonderful husband for making this tribute possible.

Supposed

He's supposed to fix things for her.

She's supposed to listen to him lead her in the Animal Fair song.

He's supposed to sneak a bite of donut to her.

She's supposed to hold his hand as they feed the ducks.

She tells everyone "shhhhh" when "her papa" is sleeping.

She walks in the door asking; "Where's my papa at?"

She giggles as his whiskers tickle her cheek when she kisses him.

But as his light dims, her love for him shines even brighter.

False Alarm

I had to leave work today because this darling girl was not feeling well. She spent hours on the couch at the sitter's-not even moving a muscle when music came on the TV.

It seems as if Molly wasn't sick, but just needed a few more hours added to her weekend. She spent the evening helping Daddy clean up the garage.

She walked through the neighborhood talking to everyone she passed; stopping to listen to the trains, dogs, and airplanes.

Just between you and me, I didn't mind getting another day to spend with my silly girl!

Catching Some Rays

As summer draws to a close, we all need to look on the bright side.

Better with Friends

Playing is great, but its so much more fun when done with friends.

Especially if that friend is your daddy.

Up, Up and Away

Lots of Molly's favorite things: live music, yummy snacks, and balloons filled our Friday night.

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Joy

According to Webster's joy is:
the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying

According to Wendels joy is:
this

Mostly Molly

Alec had his weekend of fun recently and this weekend we kicked off Molly's weekend of fun with a trip to visit family in Bellefontaine & Indian Lake. She definitely enjoyed all the attention and yummy snacks from everyone.

Not even 12 hours after getting home on Friday night we were loaded in the car headed for Lancaster to the Aha! Museum.

We got home just in time to start dinner for our friends, the Clarks and Saturday evening was spent playing with friends and sharing ice cream cones & juice boxes.

(We'll worry about them being shirtless together in another 15 or so years)

And then on Sunday we went to see Mrs. Sparkles in concert so Molly could get her grove on.




But after a weekend full of events, she just needed to take a seat and relax.

Intervention

Four infections, six doses of oral antibiotics, & six shots of antibiotics within 9 months has resulted in surgical intervention for our little girl. Molly had tubes put in her ears on Thursday and is doing wonderfully. We are so blessed by everyone's support and prayers!

The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear. - Maya Angelou

Rs of Vacation

Reading a good book














Reeling in the prize catch














Romping with the kids














Reconnecting with the family


Results in Rest, Relaxation, and Rejuvenation

Entirely Alec

Alec kicked off a weekend made for a twelve year old boy at the Homestead squirt gun forts with some of his buddies. Then on Saturday, Mike and Alec ventured to the Dayton Air Show and got home just in time to hit the sack so he would be rested for a day at Cedar Point. Along with 11 of his cousins, Alec conquered 'America's Roller Coast'!

He's wrapping things up at Zoombezi Bay Water Park today with another group of his cousins just in time to pack the car and head out on our family vacation tomorrow morning. Hopefully the rest of his vacation is as exciting as the beginning has been!

Wonder-full

What a wonderful weekend to celebrate Independence Day! We started the celebration with our annual evening at the Dublin Fireworks and ended the weekend playing in the pool. Who could ask for anything more?

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Whew

After a weekend of adventures, playing and looking good, everyone needed some downtime.

Irresistible

Even though the clock read

we couldn't resist letting the kids stay up.

Fun with Friends

There are many things I love about summer break; sleeping in, staying up late, not ironing clothes, and naps are just a few. One of my most favorite things about summer is being able to spend time with friends without any time constraints and I'm thinking that Molly likes it, too!

And who wouldn't love this bunch?

Splash Pad

After two days of haggling, selling, and donating at our community garage sale we decided it was time for some fun at the Dublin Splash Pad.

Football Fun

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Let Me Introduce You

to Celia & Tucker
(for those of you who've been following the Wendels, you've 'met' Celia before).

There are so many wonderful things I could tell you about these siblings; Tucker's contagious curiosity, Celia's heart melting smile, Tucker's dark chocolate eyes, and Celia unmistakable red ringlets that frame her beautiful face.

But I'm writing this post for a pretty crappy, no make that horrible, reason. Celia's suffers from Batten Disease; a fatal disease that plans to steal this precious daughter from her parents. This weekend is National Batten Disease Awareness days and we're spreading word.

Won't you join us?