A Red White And Blue Christmas

“I just saw the Statue of Liberty!” “That’s Adolf Hitler!”

We obviously have not done a good job at educating our children about Washington, DC. All they knew is we had a special invitation to tour the White House where the President of the United States lives. Then we would see lots of monuments and statues. Their little minds were working hard to make sense of the new surroundings of an exciting, historic city they had never seen before.

A few weeks back I learned a friend of mine Tracy and her family were going to the White House for a tour. Thinking that was such a fun cool thing to do with the family I inquired how I could get tickets for the tour. Tracy is a “Can do” kind of gal. Not only is she busy taking care of four small children, she manages to get them to all kinds of fun activities with a smile on her face and extra energy to spare. Soon after I left a message on her machine, there was a message back to me. She had called our Senator’s assistant Sam for me and had five extra tickets waiting for us. After clearing security measures, we were making arrangements to go to DC!

Steve knows my level of anxiety goes up when we travel together. Our children stand out in a crowd for sure. Whether it’s accidentally running out in a street with cars coming, wondering off, or riding any staircase they can find, I’m constantly catching my breath and thanking God they’re still alive on an hourly basis!

I was thrilled to go see the White House. I had never been before and just the small connection with the President was so exciting for me. I immediately wanted to take all my family and friends with me. How could I experience this without all those I love? Sure, my immediate family was going with me but there were so many others I wanted to share this special occasion with. After all, we were going to the place where many great leaders lived and have made impacts on our lives, freedom, and security as Americans. America would not be what it is without each and every one of them!

The trip was fun with the kids and Steve. The White House was beautifully decorated in Red White and Blue for Christmas. Although the kids were honestly bored by the tour, I enjoyed every step I took and read every plaque and picture on the walls. I imagined what it would be like to watch one of the meetings with the President or enjoy watching the First Lady have tea with her guests.

I found myself feeling a reverence for a place and respect for a person I will most likely never meet yet, I have a personal relationship with The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. WOW! I am so thankful most of the dear friends and family I know also have a relationship with the one and only God, and will join me one day in a much better and more beautiful place then The White House. I pray that I have more opportunity to share with those who do not know Him. We live in a world desperately seeking the truth and answers in life. I pray God uses me to reach others to share how they can have eternal security through Jesus Christ.

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life”. John 3:16

Sweet dreams and blessings,

Debbie

Merry Christmas To All Our Friends And Family!

“The most powerful life is the most simple life. The most powerful life is the life that knows where it’s going, that knows where the source of strength is, and the life that stays free of clutter and happenstance and hurriedness.” Max Lucado.

“God has given a son to us…His name will be Wonderful Counselor, Power God…Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Greetings! We pray you are all doing well. This year has been a challenging year, yet as we look back we can see so many blessings and God’s presence thorough the valleys. I know so many of you can relate in one way or another. Looking for the good in life and asking God to invade our minds and hearts is what keeps us going!

Over the summer we traveled to many spots from sea to shining sea! We love spending time with family and friends. One of the highlights was the kid’s first trip (that they can remember) to Portland Oregon. Hiking into water falls and mountains was right up their alley! All three are adventurous, curious, and have a contagious zeal for life. Meeting new people and going new places is a thrill for them! I wonder who they take after?

Emeline – Had a scare last spring with an undiagnosed condition. After numerous tests and a bone biopsy she was finally cleared of anything “scary”. She will be followed and retested for a period of time to be sure there are no developmental issues. Thank you for all your prayers and support during that time. Emeline is a unique young lady trying to figure out what being nine years old looks like. This year she is a “Tom Boy”. Her favorite color is black and she doesn’t do dresses! A favorite recreational sport for Emeline is football, and she also loves to run. Recently a youth Track & Field coach watched Emeline run six miles around a track, and said to me, “Get that girl running for a T & F club, she’s got natural talent!” Emeline is creative and loves music. This year she started to play the clarinet (just like her mama!). Having only one daughter and the first born leaves us feeling like we don’t know what we’re doing most of the time. Emeline knows she is loved and extends lots of grace to her parents and others. She loves Jesus and sees the need for Him in her life (Praise God!).

Samuel – Continues to grow big like his daddy! His heart has always been and still is precious. The world is black and white for Sam and it all needs to make sense. Sports are a highlight for Sam with football being his favorite. He’s fast and almost graceful as he moves the ball and himself down the field! School is going quite well for Sam. Although he still sees no need to be there (like most boys) he seeks to please and does very well. We are so proud of Sam! Just recently Sam and our family (mostly Sam) were asked to share our family life in a professional video about families with ADHD. The team came after school one day and left before bedtime filming all aspects of Sam’s life. During a personal interview on camera Sam was asked several questions for which he answered with verbiage to include “Honoring the Lord”. As I watched my son proclaiming his values to complete strangers my heart was encouraged that God has great plans for this special boy (Jer. 29:11)

Zachary – Yes, he’s still adorable! Yes, he’s still athletic and yes, he has all the friends in the world! The young and old flock to Zachary seeking a “hello!”, or a “high five!” He is a happy boy and loves life! What more is there to say? Zachary is the most compliant of the three, but they come with challenges too! Being the younger brother Zachary enjoys tormenting Sam, getting any type of attention he can. Often it ends in a rumble on the floor or a boxing match down in the basement. They have both sent each other to the hospital for stitches (unintentional). I know some day they will be the best of friends, at least that’s what my friends tell me!! Zachary is a pure joy to have in our family. He keeps us all laughing!

Steve – Has been busy pulling his Snow Management company through a very difficult time over the last nine months. Drastic changes and adjustments were made to keep us going. Life changed for our family overnight. We appreciate the love, support and prayers of our family and friends. You may never know how much you touched our lives. We humbly pray God blesses you all. Steve’s desire is to continually move in a direction to honor the Lord.

Debbie – I’ve certainly experienced my ups and downs over the last year. I don’t know what I would do without God in my life. What else is there? Life has become simpler which is a good thing! Besides bible study, Moms in Touch (praying moms group), school responsibilities, and tennis, I’ve had a strong desire to write a book. My mother and I get together once a week and write. If the book is never published, the journey and spending time with my mom will be worth it all! My favorite part of being me is my family. With Steve gone so much, the kids and I have learned how to have a whole lot of fun together. We all love to be out and about running, biking, skate boarding, scootering, and roller blading. If it moves or rolls, we do it!! The most precious investment in my life is them. Being the mom of Emeline, Samuel, and Zachary is the biggest responsibility I could imagine. Being the wife of Steve, trying to be a good wife is the most humble experience of all! I can only be a good mom and wife with the help of God.” I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13. Finally, I’m an official blogger!

In closing we pray you all have a happy healthy New Year! “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord life up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Sweet blessings and love to you and your families,

Stephen, Debbie, Emeline, Samuel, and Zachary, Ice (the dog), Ben (the bird), ? (new bunny)

An Unwanted Kayak And A Dead Bunny!

With Christmas just a few days away I was all set for the big day. In fact I was ready last week! Living with a husband who works so much and children that keep me in perpetual crisis mode, being done early with shopping, wrapping, Christmas letters, baking, etc. was a must!

Christmas is not a huge deal in our family with the gift giving. Steve and I don’t care about gifts ourselves and we both receive more joy out of giving then receiving. Stressing the real meaning of Christmas is what we focus most on this time of year with the kids. That said, kids will be kids and they have their special requests for gifts.

Since last summer all Samuel has asked for is a kayak. That’s a pretty big ticket item for a seven year old and all he talked about. Sam’s birthday is in February and he bargained to forgo any birthday gifts if he could just have a kayak for Christmas. When praying Sam asks the Lord “If it be your will for me, please let me have a kayak!” With a very generous mother and some of our help Sam will receive his bright yellow kayak and paddle for Christmas. We’ve had it since a recent sale at our local sports store.

Emeline has repeatedly asked for a new bunny. Her beloved bunny “Fir ball” died last winter. Only recently did Steve decide we would get a bunny for Emeline. I took her to the pet store where she found an adorable dwarf bunny. She was mostly white with some black spots. On the side I paid for the bunny and secretly asked the manager to hold the bunny until Steve could come pick the bunny up. I was so excited for her!

Since then Emeline keeps asking about the bunny and Steve has now led her to believe the bunny might not be a Christmas present. I have taken her back to the pet store and the special bunny she liked is gone (Steve had it!!) While at the pet store Sam saw a puppy he fell in love with. “Mommy, I don’t want a kayak anymore, I want a new puppy!” I replied “YOU’RE NOT GETTING A PUPPY!” After all, we have one very active dog and I have not one ounce of desire in me to have another dog! Besides that we already have the kayak!! Sam has been very sad to think he cannot have this puppy that apparently bonded with him at the pet store while we were looking for a bunny that wasn’t there because we already bought it!

Feeling bad for Sam but not caring too much, I received a call from Steve. He had the bunny at his office, hiding it from Emeline. “The bunny is dead!” Of course it is, were my thoughts. Nothing seems to go right when it really needs to!!

So now we have an unwanted kayak and a dead bunny two days before Christmas! It’s a good thing we’re not parents who bank the day on what our kids get and how perfect the day is. The kayak and bunny will work its way out, (not sure how) it always does.

My prayer is that we can spend the time as a family and celebrate The Savior being born and how that single moment in time changed us all forever!

Blessings and Merry Christmas!

Debbie

A Nightmare Experience At The Vet

Yesterday I had an unexpected afternoon. First I had to take all three kids to the dentist because Emeline had a sore tooth, then shoot over to the veterinarian with the dog (something wrong with his eye). When Steve asked me to take all three kids and a very hyper dog to the vet, I thought “Are you kidding me?” Then I knew I had to do it on my own.

Emeline had not one cavity but two. The bill was devastating and we left. I lectured her the whole way home about how she will have to pay half of the bill. If she is going to not take care of her teeth and eat junk food then she can pay for her teeth.

After a quick bowl of soup for dinner we headed out to the vet with our black lab Ice. While in the car, he ate all the kid's snacks for the ride. Ice creates a whole new dynamic to my utterly chaotic gang. He is quite a hand full! When we arrived at the vet I told the kids I was in charge and the only one holding him, knowing other dogs will be there and he will pull hard to get to them. Sure enough as we walked in, Ice RAN me inside knocking over trash cans to get to the dogs. It was an instant chaos scene! I was trying with all my might to restrain him, the kids were running around and I felt completely out of control (I WAS!). Everyone got up and moved as far away from us as they could with Ice trying to get to their dogs. We were ushered into a secluded area where Ice could not see other dogs. I started to feel back in control when Ice pooped on the floor. My kids started complaining how much it smelled. I went and got a paper towel to wipe it up asking Emeline to hold Ice. Then Ice had diarrhea all over the floor! A new dog came in and Ice pulled Emeline up out of her seat and she slid in the diarrhea! Fairly quickly a nurse came to me and said “Mrs. Summer we have a room for you.” I told her that was a good way to get fast service in a busy waiting room!

Since Ice was nervous three of us had to restrain him to get his weight. Emeline did not realize I was standing behind her but as she was trying to help hold Ice down she punched me in the jaw (ouch!). We sat in this tiny room for over an hour, the three kids, Ice, and me. Can you imagine the condition we were in when the doctor finally came to see us? The boys were pushing and punching each other while the doctor was trying to explain how I should give Ice his medicine. After the doctor reprimanded my boys, he turned to me and told me to go home and have a glass of wine!

My two hour visit was a nightmare, something you would see in the movies and laugh hysterically, only I wasn’t laughing. Then they made me pay for the nightmare experience! Imagine that!!

Today has been calmer, no mishaps, just a status quo day. I like those days!

Sweet Dreams,

Debbie

Lights, Camera, Action!

Family and friends have jokingly told us we need to write a book on our family, some say a movie could be produced! All our life experiences from trips to the ER, managing two crazy boys, raising a daughter with wisdom beyond her years, just to mention a few. Wherever I go, whomever I’m with, I have a funny story to share about the Summer gang.

Recently I was contacted to interview for an agency doing a study on ADHD children. After the interview I was contacted again and asked if the agency could come with camera men and do a professional video on our family. With the Christmas holiday in full swing I didn’t have much time to think about it.

Yesterday four guests came to my house from 2:00 until 8:30 PM, watching and interviewing our family. They brought lighting, cameras, video cameras, and a very large microphone that took one person to operate!

The leading character was Samuel. I wasn’t sure how he would mange his instant fame but prayed above all, these strangers would see Jesus in my children and I!

At first Sam seemed embarrassed to have the spotlight and cameras on him doing homework and eating his chocolate chip cookies. I actually saw him blush for the very first time! Then he became more comfortable with the process and realized they were very kind and not going away. I agreed to let the agency interview Sam and ask him some questions. Sam preferred they go up to his room and requested I stand outside his room (Ouch!!).

The funny part of Sam’s interview was he sat on his bed and during the course of the interview Sam took on at least ten different positions from laying down to sitting up, hanging his feet off the bed, picking at his pants, scratching his back, etc, with a video camera, microphone and light following his every move. The best part of Sam’s interview is four questions were answered by Sam with the words “Honoring the Lord”. One question, Sam talked about school and how he sometimes gets in trouble and that makes him feel sad. When asked why getting in trouble makes him feel sad, he replied “Because it is dishonoring to the Lord”. My prayers were answered through Sam.

The next interview was with Emeline who loves the camera, this was her moment to shine! She sang a song for the camera, played her clarinet, and did all kinds of crazy poses for the still-life camera person as well as sharing her life experiences.

During one of my many interviews yesterday I was asked how I mange my life, where do I go personally to find rest? My reply was “God”, “My faith”, “Prayers”. Of course I then gave so much credit to all the wonderful doctors, professionals, and mostly the amazing friends God has blessed me with, encouraging a light heart, and lots of laughs along the way!

I don’t know whether the company captured all they set out to do, but one thing was for sure. God was honored and glorified yesterday as we sat around the dinner table with our guests, holding their hands, and asking the blessing on the food and our time together.

“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15

Sweet Dreams,

Debbie

A Live Nativity

“Are you crazy?” was a girlfriend’s response when I told her I was taking my three lovely children to participate in a Live Nativity scene. I knew it was most likely not going to go smoothly and at least one of my boys would be kicked off the set before the end of the night, but I was willing to give it a shot. After all, how many times are you asked to take part in such a special event?

When I told Emeline, Samuel, and Zachary what the plans were, I was immediately socked with resistance. “Why do we have to do that?” “It’s going to be too cold!” “How many minutes are we going to be there?” “Can I be Mary?” “I want to be a King!”. I was exhausted dodging all the questions and making it sound like we would have the time of our life. I assured the kids if they did this just once I would never ask them to do it again. I had to bribe them with a treat after it was all over.

A dear friend of mine was in charge of the show, and I could never say no to my friend Ruthie! We all piled in the car with many layers of warm clothes, hats, gators, and gloves. Along came the snacks and drinks as well!

Upon arrival at the church the roles were assigned. Emeline and Sam were a king and Zachary was a shepherd. If I could only have a picture of the look on Emeline’s face when she was told she would be a king. That was probably the very last character she wanted to be. I had a quick talk with her about how we need to be flexible and do this for Aunt Ruthie!

Before the first scene my boys started acting up, pushing each other, rolling down stairs, acting like anything but a king and a shepherd! I had to pull Sam out of the first scene to go make a call to his father. When we came back I learned that someone drove by the nativity and threw a raw egg at the shepherds! It was a very disrespectful act but I wish I could have been there to see it!

The night turned out fine. Sam made it through the night with only a few reminders from the “powers to be” that kings shouldn't bounce all over the place! Emeline was reprimanded for being too theatrical, waving her hands in the air to the beat of the carolers. Kings should not dance like that!

The newspaper camera person came and took pictures. Sam will be in the paper. Who knew!! My special King! An adorable one at that!!

After two hours of a live nativity we were all ready to go home. It was fun, and we’re glad we went. A trip to Friendly’s was in order with us moms and the kids. When anyone asks how the night went, I tell them it went as well as you would think my kids would do in a live Nativity! Utterly Chaotic!

Sweet Dreams,

Debbie