Guests

We've had unexpected guests, siblings sacked out on couches & Alec's bed, cousins littered across our basement & bedroom floors. Mike and I've always mused what it would be like to live 'back home', how different our house would be if it was often filled with relatives, and if we could actually handle hosting a Stahl holiday.

As much as we wanted these experiences, we did not want the cause. At 2am on June 27, I received that call (once again) that my mom was having a stroke. After some tears, some not so appropriate words, and lots of encouragement from my husband, I headed back home only to turn around an hour later as they prepped Mom to be transferred OSU.

However, Mom's stroke has been much much kinder than Dad's. She's recovering beyond anything we could have hoped for and her spunk is refreshing to all! She did so well at her first week of therapy that she earned a day pass to spend the 4th of July holiday at my house which prompted a classic Stahl cookout! I am so blessed to be a part of such an amazing family even if they do fill every nook and cranny of our home.

I've Got a Good Excuse, This Time

I've been neglectful in my posting but I promise I have a good excuse!

About 2 1/2 years ago I vowed not to write about the emergency appendectomy that couldn't have come at a worse time. So I won't. But I will write about the emergency appendectomy that couldn't have come at a better time.

Last Wednesday, the day before my last day of work until August, I found myself telling Mike that we needed to go to the hospital because I was pretty confident that I was having appendicitis. Lets be honest, I like to be right (don't we all?) but this time, I was praying I was wrong! By 8am Thursday morning I was appendix free and by Saturday morning I was home.

Mostly good came from my emergency surgery; Molly got to spend some quality time with Aunt Teri, Miss Jenni, Aunt Sandy, cousin Leah, and cousin Jessi (all who pitched in to make sure I had enough time to recuperate). Molly got some extra time at our neighbor's who jumped right in when Mike took me to the hospital. We got good food - food that my family normally wouldn't eat but that I love! And the cat scan showed that I've inherited my mother's gallbladder and will need to have another surgery probably before the end of the year. Yes, I realize I listed that under the good column. Its good to know so we can plan this surgery and have help lined up so we don't have to inconvenience so many people on such short notice.

Not to mention the timing couldn't have been better - I didn't have to miss work and I don't feel like I missed out on a lot of my summer.

So even though I may have said some not so pleasant things in the emergency room and I may have even shed some tears over this whole ordeal, it really was a blessing. It could be worse - much worse. We will be able to prevent a future emergency surgery and we were reminded how much we're loved.

Awareness Week

When Molly was diagnosed with a tree nut allergy I instantly thought the worst, especially because we'd experienced a severe anaphylactic reaction where she stopped breathing and her eyes rolled back in her head. But after watching this PSA produced by the Food Allergy Research and Education group I realize how blessed we truly are.



Everyone in Molly's life has been vigilant, cautious, and accepting. Even so, Molly feels the divide. She knows she's different and there have been times I've picked her up at the end of the day in tears. Granted, I'll take the tears over the deadly reaction any day but it still breaks your heart when your baby girl is sad.

But there is something we can do to help not only Molly but the children in the video. We can fight for a cure. The most recent studies indicate researchers are within 10 years of being able to cure nut allergies!  We'd love for you to join us in supporting this cause by joining our team http://www.foodallergywalk.org/columbus/wendelwarriors  at the FARE Walk for Food Allergy to say FAREwell to Food Allergies on September 22, 2013 at Genoa Park 2pm. This walk does more for our family than just raise funding and awareness, it helps Molly connect with children just like her - its a place where she's not the different one but is just another face in the crowd. So if you're free please come out and support our sweet girl and the hundreds of other children in Central Ohio that suffer from food allergies.

One of Those Days

I often encourage the kids to play together but then I regret it almost immediately as there is usually screeching, tattling, and stomping because Alec doesn't play just right and Molly has zero tolerance for him. But today was one of those days that they played well, it worked, they laughed and got along. And I was even able to get a few pictures out of them!

We need more days like today!

Should Be

We've sat in a gym, on a field, or in the stands for hours upon hours upon hours for the past 10 years that Alec has been playing sports and finally he's playing a sport that I thoroughly enjoy. And one that I understand more than Mike!

But more importantly, Alec is part of a team that is close-knit, friendly, and fun! He's laughing, learning a lot, and having tons of fun. What more can you ask out of a sports team (they even sit alike on the bench)?

More than my love for watching the game of volleyball is my love for what it gives to my son. This is what sports should be about!

I Lost but I'm Glad

Molly's been begging to play on a soccer team since she could talk. I've affectionately redirected the conversation, blatantly ignored her, and even, at times, provided chocolate to change the topic.

My avoidance wasn't fueled by a dislike for the sport. If Molly was able to play soccer, that meant she was growing up. And as much as I know that growing up is a privilege we are blessed to experience, its still hard.

Mike signed Molly up - because he's kinda, sorta, completely wrapped around Molly's finger. And when Molly said on the way to her first and only practice through hiccups (brought on by sheer excitement), "I'm so excited I don't even know what to say!" I realized this was a good choice.

The league doesn't keep score but we can certainly say the other team scored more goals than us and I did lose my stance of no soccer for Molly but we all won yesterday which was evident by the smile that never left her face!

First Time

For the first time, all of our Spring Breaks were scheduled for the same week so we decided to head to the beach. After talking with some frequent beach goers it seemed that Destin, Florida was the best fit our family; snow white beaches, calm water, and decent fishing.

We rented a condo that was a short walk to the beach so we had time to lounge around the house and time to head to the water, time to play and time to snuggle.

There was time to be silly and time to relax. There were countless hours playing frisbee and just as many hours spent fishing.

And then there were times of quiet, times of peace, and time. Just time.