Kristen Blog

Sanibel Vacation - FISHING!  With Captain Pete Rogers! Very likely my favorite day of our Sanibel Vacation yet! We started the morning slowly. It was warmer earlier.  The kids were in the pool by 9 am, and I was reading my Bible pool side. Oh, man, if every morning IN MY LIFE could be like this... Lunched.  Packed and snacked up, ready to go by noon.  We met Captain Pete at his house, and we left by boat via his backyard!  Seriously?!! How did he GET this job?!! I asked if I could move in, but he didn't seem interested in a late 30's adopted daughter, her husband and 4 kids moving in. ;) Ah, well. Within the first few minutes of our trip, we spotted a couple of dolphins.  The weather was nice and overcast for most of the day, so the threat of sunburn was minimal.  We started out fishing for trout.  Perhaps it was the first stop where we also caught some snapper.  Pete knew just where to place us, and we made catches at every s

RELAX… I was up by 6 a.m.  I debated trying to go back to sleep, but the house was sooooo quiet, and that was soooooo inviting to me.  So, I got up at 6- yep...that's early for me. It is amazing how early you can get up when you actually want to get out of bed.  (Like Saturday morning after a crummy work week.) 😂 I managed to figure out the newfangled Keurig machine on my own (ok...after a lesson or two).  I made myself a lovely little iced mocha…YUM!  And I was outside to watch the world wake up.  Just me, a book and a blanket (because even Sanibel is a little cool in winter) and this AMAZING view...Sanibel... AHHHHH to be outside in the middle of winter, experiencing the world wake up. What joy! I have a newfound appreciation for that evil word, m.o.r.n.i.n.g. I am in awe at how happy a slow day can be, when you are in Sanibel, FL.  Slow days don't usually equate to good in Liberty, MO. We went to the beach around 10 a.m.  The kids played an

Merida* is one of the most amazing teens I know.  She has this beautiful, large smile, and her hair is cut in a cute, stylish, highlighted bob.  She is always kind and always so happy to see me.  Merida has cerebral palsy.  She has little control over her right hand and arm, and she walks with a right-side limp. Merida doesn't talk much.  I can probably count the words in her vocabulary on my fingers and toes.  She often uses and ipad to speak, but it can be frustratingly limited.  Merida has learned to advocate for herself by speaking the words, "Need help."  I have been working in Merida's class for 3 years now, but I only get to see the group once a month.  We are all so happy when my day to visit rolls around.  We have built quite a bond, this class and I. Recently, I brought out a Lego Communication activity.  I work to help my students become more prepared with the skills they will need for employment.  Communication is just one skill in a long list.