Learning

She looks like she's having a blast doesn't she? I'm not sure who had more fun; Molly playing or me observing.

Last summer it would've taken Molly 20 minutes to brave the fountains - but today the stroller straps were still in my hands as her feet hit the water.

When the fountain pattern changed, Molly stopped playing and began to think while watching the changes.

We set out for a morning of fun and relief from the heat; who knew it was also going to be a morning of learning, thinking, and discovery?

Independence Weekend

We were blessed to spend this weekend with each other and our Columbus "family" - filled with parades, sparklers, s'mores, swimming, and fireworks!

Racing, Spilling, Laughing, & Crying

These are the words of the day! We coaxed our friends into joining us at a frog jumping contest this morning, although after today they may never join us again.

"Dublin Frog Jump 2011"

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The kids (Alec - 13, Noah - 4, Natalie - 2, Molly - 2, Brooke - 1) had a blast, the weather was perfect, and we survived getting 20 gallons of water & frogs dumped on us, barely.

A Match Made in Heaven

Celebration

Mind vs. Heart

Father's Day seems to be the hardest holiday so far. We aren't trying to juggle both families, emails aren't going back and forth confirming the details of the Stahl's celebration and I'm not struggling to find that perfect gift.

But this Father's Day he's free! Finally. Free from the constant pain, from the gradual decline, and free in heaven!


This struggle between my mind and my heart can attack the simplest task. When shopping for cards this afternoon, I didn't get to pick the mushy from-your-daughter one that Dad would've loved. On this occasion, my heart won but on others my mind is victorious.

Although, I can't give my dad the mushy card or the well thought out gift, I'm still his daughter and he's still my dad. I can still celebrate him. And I can help my kids celebrate their dad - who is quite amazing himself!

Friends

Regardless of age, we all need a group of good friends. We need them more at certain times and less at others.

These kids (Brooke Hess, Tucker Betz w/ sister Celia, Luke Goode, Noah Hess, and Molly Wendel) are learning this lesson the hard way. In case you haven't heard (read), Celia has Batten's Disease.

If you're interested in being a good friend and doing something special to raise awareness or money for Batten's Disease this is the weekend to do it! Here are some upcoming opportunities!

June 12 -- until then, order jewelry from CaleCamo and 20-25% of your purchase will go to BDSRA for research.
*To read about promising research that has finally reached clinical trials and has been funded partly by BDSRA, go here.

Indefinitely -- order the Sweet Celia headband from Maya's Curls, and thirty percent of the sale will benefit BDSRA.

Indefinitely -- order Celia's Cardthartic card and profits will go toward infantile Batten research.

through mid-July -- follow Noah Coughlan as he continues to run across the country promoting awareness. Pledge per mile this weekend, if you can.

July 30, 2011 -- walk or run in the Heart of Ohio 5K/10K/1M event in downtown Columbus. HoO promotes numerous Ohio-based non-profits and BDSRA has been invited to participate this summer.

October 15, 2011 -- bring your pooch to the 2nd annual Barkin' for Batten Dog Walk at Hannah Park in Gahanna at 11:00 am.

November 2011 -- join us for the 3rd annual OSU MICU's Walk for Celia at Antrim Park, near Worthington. Exact date and time to be determined.

Thank you, JEB, for putting together such an extensive list of Batten's opportunities!