Sunshine and wine...

The weather man has been coming up goose-eggs lately. Despite the fact Saturday didn't turn out like it was supposed to (nice), we got the pay-off on Sunday when it called for storms all day and instead we got 80 degrees and sunny.

So we did some cleaning on the back porch, (child labor laws do not apply here) Christian and Shawna worked hard at getting all of the pine needles swept off:


And we even managed to get some rest and relaxation in. Mal read a book and I did a puzzle for a bit.

When the day was done and the terrible weather that we anticipated all day headed north, we watched Tron: Legacy and ate some popcorn. I popped open a bottle of wine I've been holding onto, only to find out it was added to my list of favorites!
The weekend was filled with musical delights from start to finish and Tron wasn't the only movie we took in. Mallory and I went to see Soul Surfer at Johnson Creek with some other Moms and friends of Mal's. The movie had a great message. It's been a long time since we've done an outing like that and I hope we can do more.

A new year...happy or not, here we come

Inspired by my good friend and life mentor,

Carla Hinrichs-I've decided it's time to get back into blog action. I have certainly contributed much of my extra moments in life on facebook over the past year. As much as I've struggled with dropping my account, so as to not have the temptation to indulge my time there-I've decided I can try my hand at being disciplined and keeping it under close watch.

If someone told me that life would be where it is now one year ago, I'd have said they were crazy! Between

natural disasters,

political unrest,

a failing economy...surely there's much talk about our nearing the end-times. One thing is for sure...

every day we are a day closer!

Beyond that, there have obviously been many joys and triumphs throughout the year. Along with them, hardships and struggles. We've watched our children grow physically, mentally, spiritually. We've seen some really good friends go through some really tough time including divorces. There are parents moving on in their years and in their lives. Blessings of both of my grandmothers still here to witness and be witnessed. An ever changing business that does well being managed by us but somehow seems to takeover and manage us instead sometimes.

Just the other day, Mallory was bored, so she sat down and was reading my blogs. She even came up with some ammunition to taunt her brother with when I made a comment about Christian and his extra energy! It made me realize that

while facebook is great to keep in touch with loved ones near and far, old friends and new friends...it isn't the same as just sitting down and getting it out in a blog entry.

I've said it before and I'll say it again! I'll do my best at taking some time to reflect on these moments that make days, days that make weeks, weeks that make years, and all together equal life. Because today becomes yesterday, tomorrow becomes today, and time waits for no one.

So it's not January 1st and I don't have any ambitious resolutions, but I do have a strong desire to make it a habit to share moments that make up our lives. Of course, to share with others, but more so to write

our own history book...

Greetings from Baltimore

Dan and I left on Tuesday night for our Shop Owner's Course here in Baltimore, MD.

Our plane was delayed about 4 hours before we left Milwaukee. Once we did get off the ground, our 737 bounced and jolted around in our not-so-friendly skies of a thundershower. All it took was a consoling hand rub and a prayer to God to smooth things out. The rest of the flight was a breeze! We landed at about 1:45 am. Arrive hotel, check in, lights out by 3.

Up at 6 am and ready to bring on the world at ATI!

It has been 3 full days of learning, reviewing, and meeting other owner's nationwide that deal with many of the same issues that we do.

My souvenir list includes a lengthy ACTION ITEM list and a new outlook on life. Main objective goal has been met! We had a great meeting with our coach, Geoff Berman today and we look forward to getting back to implement our new strategies for a better service experience for our customers and our technicians! Tally-Ho!

We had the opportunity to check out a local brewery, DuClaw just across the way from our hotel in the Arundel Mills Mall. All the way from Lake Mills...to Arundel Mills! Ironic. Really good food, and per Dan, fairly good beer!

My mom stayed with the kids so as to maintain a life as normal as possible for them while we were gone. Dan and I are very thankful to Jenny Krauklis and Renee Bachmann for getting the kids to school and for taking them for a night to get Grandma a break!

Another special thank you to EVERYONE at the shop for keeping the boat sailing. By the look of things, it was a speedboat with a big block in it. LOTS going on there. Not a surprise, though, as that is par for the course when we're gone!

Have had some time inbetween for reflection and discussion which has been valued since that type of time is few and far between (between kids, phones, friends, work, etc., etc.!)

It's been nice to keep in touch with everyone on Facebook! A nice treat we have never had while traveling before.

Now? I'm beat. I'm going to get up early and get my Couch to 5K run in before we head off to the airport. Feels kind of weird being in so early on Friday night in a big city, but I'm just beat and can't wait for my head to hit the pillow!

Looking forward to seeing the kids and Brady tomorrow, as well as family and friends. It's been a nice "break." A valuable one.

Do not be afraid...

The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: 'He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.' Now I have told you." ~Matthew 28
Blessed Easter, everyone.

It is 1:00 am and I have more to be thankful for than ever before.

My mother called me this afternoon that she was in the hospital. After attempting to clean a toilet, an accident put her in harms way. Sounds like a joke, but the age old warning not to mix cleaners (bleach and other toilet cleaners), became in innocent accident. No one to blame, just much to be thankful for, as she was discharged from Columbus Hospital this evening around 8:30pm.

Around the same time, my Uncle Ken was re-admitted to the hospital for a very low white blood cell count and being incoherent. After a 5 stint operation just days ago, it would seem the best place for him this Easter is in the hospital. The last report I recieved, he has stabilized and is doing okay.

I am blessed to be spending this Easter with my Grandma Vitense and Dan's parents. As I prepared my home today, I counted my blessings...thankful to have the opportunity to spend this sacred day with those we love and cherish, but do not take enough time to be with.

A wonderful morning with my father eating breakfast at a local family restaurant was just the beginning. I was honored to share with him my faith and a new way of life, celebrated daily. The true meaning of life and love. Humbled by Jesus who carried the cross for everyone of us, reminded of the words that echo so true...

"that's not fair? LIFE'S not fair. Want to talk about justice? Discussing the true meaning of love~

What better way to honor the One who gives me each mortal breath and eternal life?

An afternoon shopping with my daughter. She's so honest and at the same time is able to laugh with me and find humor in many of the same things I do. I couldn't imagine life any other way. I am proud to be her mother.

~"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid. ~Mark 16

That is our mission. Go and tell disciples.

So as I struggle with sharing His word and love with one most dear to my heart...this night I can relate just somewhat with Mary Magdelene. I say nothing because I am afraid. Dear Brother, I am missing YOU this Easter. Praying for you and loving you.

"Where does the day go?"

A famous question posed by my mom on a regular basis growing up.

As I sit down, that is what I ask myself.

I

• met a friend for coffee at McD's this morning
• dropped off my mom's laundry
• picked up & prepared fruit for Mallory's class Going Away Party for their student teacher, Ms. Markgraaf
• dropped it off at school
• went to work
• stepped in as Service Advisor for the afternoon so that Dan & Mark could catch up on some fishing up in DePere (poor guys were going through withdrawl, I could just tell)
• got the kids from school, ran to the bank and to US Cellular
• back to the shop to close up and prepare for tomorrow
• ran to Johnson Creek to grab some deals on clothes for Christian (found a couple steals for myself as well on the clearance rack!)

back home and indulging in some wine I picked up today while Dan and I were renewing our Fishing Licenses!

Tonight was one of the first times in I can't remember how long that I went somewhere without a child, husband, or friend. It was a nice time and I discovered that I really like being with myself!

I am excited to have finally set some plans for Easter.

• We will have brunch on Saturday with my dad out to eat.
• Dan's Mom, Dad, and my Grandma Vitense will be joining us for brunch at our house on Easter after we go to church
• Hopefully we will be able to see my mom Sunday night for a little while.

I am feeling bad for not getting to church today, Maundy Thursday. It really should be a priority in our lives.

Today, the day of April Fools, is our friend Schtevie Litscher's birthday! It's really Steve, but I've got my own nickname for him! I was hoping to get to Madison to hang out with him tonight, but he's got a meeting in the morning, so maybe we can catch up with him this weekend.

One last note for the day: I completely blew it with Christian last night. As much as I looked forward to today being the Friday of the short school week, I seemed to have forgotten the fact that Christian has a lot of things due on Friday that I just totally forgot about. Poor guy let me have it after school.

I think I need a checklist for my checklists.

I am looking forward to tomorrow when we can get the kid's rooms all picked up, spring cleaned, and ready to finish off the school year. Mine too!

There's no looking back...

It has certainly been awhile since my last blog entry.

My first approach was to try to catch up with everything I missed out on.

Well, today is a new day and I've discovered that it was stifling me to think that I had all that to do before I could move forward. So today I say,

There's no looking back.

They were great memories and I just didn't leave myself enough reflection time in between.
Here's my other thought for the day. The Blog is called Topel Family and it really ends up being a lot about me, my thoughts, feelings, etc. I have gotten caught up in trying to always have something profound to say or blog about, but going forward, there will be a change. I will do my best to reflect on family issues, events, etc., but I can't promise a literary piece of writing to go along with it.
While visiting my Grandma Schroedl and Aunt Rose last week, I discovered a book of letters that were compiled by my Aunt and her Cousin. It was letters that were written between my Great Uncle Henry who died in World War II and his family and friends.

It opened my eyes to so much.
We really have lost the art of writing and communicating with one another in a way that would be preserved for future generations. The poems he wrote and the way that I got to know him through reading the words he composed...I just don't know that we have that anymore.

Is storing all of this electronically really the best thing for history in the future?

I asked my Grandma when she had time to write so much (her home was filled with boxes of poems, journaling, letters, etc. from over the years). She told me at night. This woman raised 5 children, 2 of them twins, worked on the family farm, worked outside of the home when necessary, no microwave, no washing machine when the children were young, no boxed meals, she walked most places she could. I really could go on and on.

Yet she made the time to reflect.

Let it be a lesson to me. She, my mentor.
______________________________________________

This Topel family is in it's last quarter of school already. We are preparing to celebrate Jesus' resurrection on Sunday as we reflect on those humbling days that lead to Calvary's cross.

Dan and I will be heading to Baltimore next week for training at ATI (Automotive Training Institute).
Mallory just finished YMCA volleyball with me as her coach, is loving school, and still working on her dance in Fort. Her recital will be May 23rd in Whitewater. Already at 10, she is blossoming into a beautiful young lady that although sometimes she forgets she is talking to her parents and not a friend, has a solid foundation and a gentle heart. She has so much she wants to get done, yet looks forward to her "just chill" time as well. This past weekend, we got out the scrapbooking supplies and she's been going to town. At school, she just completed her Social Studies Family History project. Very educational and gave us all a chance to take a step back into time.

Christian is attending school daily with just a few adjustments to his day that accommodate the Sensory Processing Disorder. He has adjusted amazingly well to his school setting and his friends there. He looks forward to going to his OT appointments with Mindy usually every other week. He has been hanging out with a neighborhood friend, Jake when he can. We've been riding bike downtown and around every chance we get. Of course, he still loves playing his video games on his ds in his down time. He just completed Diary of a Wimpy Kid , actually, two of the four books currently out. We look forward to a rainy day off to go see the movie.

Our house has seen it's cleaner days and the Jeep looks like we're living out of it, but we've become accustomed to the fact that when life happens, neatness doesn't always follow. It's not unhealthy, just a little scattered out right now. Then we'll have days like this weekend, when we can slow down the pace, pick up the pieces and prepare for our next adventures!

June...check!

So that was most of our excitement in June. We took a lot of time to just get caught up on some of the "over-living" that we commonly do.
-Some sleeping in
-Boating
-Fishing
-Mother-Daughter Banquet
-Mallory started band lessons playing the bells and snare drum
-Heather & Trinity came over to play
-Went to a movie
-Cook out for Father's Day

It looks like more than it was considering I was able to be home with the kids and not working so much at the shop. My work load did increase a bit after we got a letter of resignation from Shelli early June. We were sad to see her go, but at the same time, we knew it wasn't for her long-term. Just glad to have her for the time we did and wish her the best of everything in life spending her days doing what she truly loves! (She began daycare in her home)

Dan has been plugging away at the shop in the Service Advisor role. Being behind a desk all day is not his cup of tea and he'll be the first to admit it. He does a fine job though and until we find that right person, it is what is best for the family right now. I probably don't tell him often enough how blessed we are to have him sacrificing for us. Home is really where I need to be right now and the payoffs will be countless.

So June came and went...with lots of enjoyable days. Nothing too stressful or overwhelming. A great way to start the summer indeed!

Another Town and Country Day Parade in the history books...

Hook 'em up, Buddy!
We had Kayla Indra help us out and was she ever the trooper!! I figured she'd need a break before we got to all the commotion downtown...ha!! Shows what I know. She plugged right along and did awesome! We didn't get a shot of the Fair Residence bubble blower, but the Watertown Daily Times did and that made it's own little history! Nice work, Drew. THAT was amazing!The worker-bee girls! Christian gave moral support in the cab of the truck as Kyle drove the rigs. Dan walked along and supervised! Great team effort.

We went downtown on some rides, got Kayla some MUCH deserved Cotton Candy and then got her home. Wish we had more time, but hopefully we will get to have her over again soon.

A Whole Lotta Catching Up to do!!

Anybody seen a tow truck around here?

Silly girl, we're at the Chula Vista in Wisconsin Dells...why would there be a tow truck here?

A fancy place like this? Why oh why would there be any TOW TRUCKS?

Because they are cool...Like US!

Are there any IN the indoor waterpark?

How about OUT the window of the waterpark?
...but wait...what is this? Where are all those lights coming from so late at night? It's 10:00...past our bedtime...
Look! Mallory found a tow truck to hang out on ...it's a booming great time...

at the Wisconsin Tow Show!! People laugh sometimes when I tell them that there is a Towing Convention, but there is. It is a lot of fun and we have really learned to enjoy all of the many events they have going on as well as hanging out at the out and indoor waterparks.

I'm going all the way back to June here and it's already August, so I'll keep it short and sweet and prepare to move onto the next adventure of our 2009 Summer Extraordinaire!

Marley

Movie night for the Topel Family turned into acquiring a new apprecation for our four-legged family member! We watched Marley & Me (which wasn't quite as family appropriate as I thought it would be...but that's okay...Mallory first heard about sex in First Grade, it's only right that Christian does, too!). We knew the outcome, but put ourselves through the ending anyway!

It makes us think of all the special little pups in our lives...both still with us and those who have moved on. We all went to bed with a new appreciation for the time we have with our furry friends!

It was a Grand Visit!

Q (Question): Who can take a friend winning a quarter-barrel of beer celebration at 8:30 on a Friday night into an all day fishing trip within two days?

A (Answer): DAN!!

It started out as a text from Lynnell about Brian winning a 1/4 barrel for his birthday and next thing you know we're packing up to go up to the Green Lake area. Mallory, Christian, and I went to my brother, Tim & Jerzy's permanent camp sight at Grand Valley in Kingston. We hung out...

played...

and gave moral support to Tim as he took on a new project in the camper-house!
He had some assistance from Jerry, Jerzy's dad and several other handy neighbors from the campground. He took out one queen bed and put in two twin beds...quite a project!
The kids stayed overnight with them and we...well, we ended up paying for our spontaneity by getting back to the campground after the gate was put down and slept in a truck in Kingston! Ohhh it brings back memories...of weighstation stays on our way home from the racetrack! Needless to say...Saturday was a bit of a bust for us, but we had a blast while we were there and did I mention we got to the Amish Bakery in time for donuts, peach pie, and cinnamon bread? ...happiness is!!

Ode to my mother...

As I sit here in bed feeling worse than I have in a long time, as if my throat has tiny pins lining it and every muscle in my body is being invaded by aggressive little aliens, I'm sad that this day has not turned out like it was planned! I was looking forward to making a picturesque brunch and enjoying the morning with my mom and my Grandma Vitense. Of course, along with my own little munchkins and hubbie.

I never did get down to pick up the card or gift I had ordered for my mom, but here's what I want her to know today that I don't think I ever could have found a card that said it just right anyway:

Dear Mom,

Growing up was quite a journey. It is for everyone, I'm sure. When I reflect upon the experiences that paved the way to where I am today, it is such a mixture of highs and lows. What I realize now is that none of it matters as much as the here and now. What is in the past has passed and Lord only knows what is to come. Today, I am just very blessed to call you mom. You're here for me whenever I need you, yet you give me the space I need to grow and stumble on my own sometimes. Just the other day, I was thinking about a certain experience I had and chalked one up for you, resounding in my brain..."Mom was right!"
So thank you for the mom you have become and for allowing me the freedom to live according to my own virtues and faith.
Thank you for always being there to fill in for the times I cannot be with my own children (including Brady!). Christian said it so right the other day..."You're my second mom!"
I hope to be able to make this day up by spending some time with you and my second mom, sharing memories and hopes for the future.
I praise God for you.

Love,

Tara Lyn

Happiness...

I joke around often, making funny comments about life and ending them in ...happiness is!

I consider myself positive mostly (don't get me wrong, I complain with the best of 'em), but for quite sometime, while I pray that the Lord fill my heart with the Holy Spirit daily, I struggled something fierce.

For the first time in a looong time, I feel happy, I know feelings cannot always be trusted and I KNOW that sometimes it's more about what you know than it is how you feel. Trust me! I Know. Just for now, I am going to allow my highly emotional self to FEEL HAPPY! (And no...it's not hormones!)

Without going into every single detail about every step of the way, we have discovered that Christian has some special needs. His special needs have brought us down a road that has led to at home therapy much of the day. You see, the typical classroom is not the place for him right now and I need to figure out how he ticks and how we can "unconventionally" make adjustments to help him, both academically, but mostly psychologically.

I've always been interested in how the brain works and here's my chance to learn first hand. There is an issue with his central nervous system which, when overloaded, sends him into a fight or flight state. He really thinks/feels that someone is trying to harm him. He's scared, but it looks like rage. Once given the opportunity to calm down (much like adrenaline), he can cope normally and carry on. Maybe you've witnessed this...maybe not.

Like I said, now is unfortunately not the time to get into specifics, but our lives are changing like gears through a mountain grade! Up down, up, up, down, up! We have adjustments to make and some of us-check that-all of us are actually grieving. Some still in denial, some blaming ourselves, but none-the-less--a wide range of emotions that change by the hour some days.

And don't forget about Mallory. The sweet girl that God made her, has without knowing it, made herself Christian's biggest advocate up until recently. Her own sensitivities have taught her best how to cope with certain situations and at times, training us as parents how best to work through certain issues. She, too, is jumping around in our family mobile, not sure where to level off at just yet.

So thankful for prayers, and please don't stop because I know He hears us. I know He's orchestrating from up above the most perfect symphony of life. Sending cues to just the right people at just the right time to step in and guide us through this beautifully written piece.

Christian will still be going to school to hear Word of God and to see his wonderful friends in 1st grade. I want to be sure to be clear that this is not in any way...shape...or form anything that St. Paul's school cannot handle. Right now, he just can't handle school. Period. And I'm going to do all that I can to get him to the point that he can...he'll just enjoy it and probably appreciate it more than most once that time comes.

Until then...if a phone call goes unreturned or an e-mail seems lost in cyberspace...it just might take longer than normal and if it's pressing, just be sure to say so! We're probably outside doing dandelion math or wrastling around, punching out loose teeth!

...and that's just another blog entry.

¹^a]">[a] To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

² in you I trust, O my God.
Do not let me be put to shame,
nor let my enemies triumph over me.

³ No one whose hope is in you
will ever be put to shame,
but they will be put to shame
who are treacherous without excuse.

⁴ Show me your ways, O LORD,
teach me your paths;

⁵ guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.

-Psalm 25

Soccer Queen!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Blessed Easter...

It was my goal to be able to see all of our immediate families (including my Grandmas) over Easter. Sadly, my goal couldn't truly be met, we were not able to see Mark, Pam, and Alex since they are in New Jersey. We did the best we could though! Mallory and I went to see Grandma Schroedl in Sun Prairie on Saturday which was a memorable visit. She told us about how she went to school until 8th grade, then was a maid after that. Grandma told us about the families she worked for (mainly doctors) and all she learned working for them. If I haven't said it before, I hold both of my grandmas on a high pedestal and it's times like those that I value so much in life.

Saturday night, we colored eggs...

some tie-dye...some sponge painted...some Jesus eggs with Sharpie marker!

There is something very special about how truly happy both kids look in their proud egg moment photos! Sunday morning, we woke up and the kids searched for their eggs and plastic eggs with surprises inside. This year instead of candy, we did gifts of time. With the economy being what it is, we are teaching our children the value of time. Thus fun slips of paper representing family outings and events to do together throughout the year! As much as I was ready for the "LAME" buzzer to go off, the kids were very eggsited about the change!!

We went to church at 9 am, then out to Pine Knoll Supper Club for brunch with my mom, Grandma Vitense, Tim, Jerzy, Cliff & Vi...which almost completely accomplished my goal all in one sitting!, and my Uncle Ken joined us from Hartland as well!
Mallory was a little thrown off by dessert (nothing she liked and she went back for a chocolate muffin...seems that Christian had just taken the last one and ate most of it), so when it came picture time, we had a little opposition from her. Christian took up the slack and made his rounds! Everyone poses better when a kid is involved!!



We went home for a relaxing afternoon, then started up the cook stove and made a traditional Easter dinner, thanks to Vi...
she brought the ham, sweet potatoes, dinner rolls, cake, and all we had to do was cook the ham, scalloped corn, pull her homemade peaches out of the fridge and voila! Easter dinner. Oh and did I mention the annual Lamb cake? Well yes, we enjoyed that along with cut-outs made by Vi and Mallory...decorated by Cliff! A family production!
And yes...we did the best we could do with achieving our goal...my dad joined us for dinner at home and look!! There's our little daughter Mallory!!

All in honor of our Savior Jesus Christ dying on the cross to save us from our sins. How blessed we are that on that Easter morn, though fearful and scared, Mary and her friends found the tomb empty so that we can be fulfilled!

And as wonderful and fulfilling as our weekend was, we look forward to the ultimate fulfillment of life eternal!

Prince and Princess in Princeton...

We took another voyage up to Princeton on Saturday to see "Auntie Nie!" This time, the kiddos went along and we all got to catch up. There was lots of catching up to do!




After hanging out at Brian & Lynnell's, we decided to take a little road trip to Ripon to the Carley House.



The Carley House is a store full of fun, whimsy toys for people of all ages. Last time we were there, the upstairs wasn't done yet, but we got to enjoy it yesterday.


I always give the kids a limit, then see this educational stuff that would help the kids and give in to additional stuff! It's always worth it, though as they have quality items!



We met the owner, Jan, many years ago when the store was downtown. She is so fun and outgoing. Makes the visits extra special to have that personal service! She happened to be there and recognized the kids right away!

Christian got a pop gun, a little puppy for his stuffed animal weiner dog, Cutie. He has a party to go to on the 18th and we found a perfect find for that as well.

Mallory hand-picked yet another Webkinz (a chimpanzee). We found a State card game and a lapdesk for her to do her homework under her bed (if you haven't seen her bed, it's lofted).

Christian opted for a treat of Blue Moon in a dish and Mallory had her eye on some fudge to indulge in! Jan sent a long one of those cute plastic knives in case she wanted to share!

And she did!

Stopped at a furniture store to get a table for Lynnell and Brian, then on to Christiano's Restaurant about half way back to Princeton. Where Mallory ventured into the world of eating spaghetti sauce with her spaghetti.

We enjoyed pizza and Brian joined us after his long day getting some work done!

As always, the day came to an end sooner than we wanted it to and we drove home in a snowstorm. Slow and steady wins the race!

We all had a fun-filled day and can't wait to go back soon!