The Blur, the heartache and looking forward...

So, it has been quite awhile since I posted... and for good reason. Half the month of November, the month of December and now Jan have been a blur at best... but realistically... non-existent. Thanksgiving was a terrible time of loss and a test of our faith and love as a family when my cousin Jonathan (30) was taken from us in a terrible car accident. In other families where cousins are practically strangers that meet up once in a blue moon, this may not have caused the same heartbreak. But for those of you that truly know the Keislings... we are a very large group of practically siblings. These "brothers" of mine have been around for every holiday and major event in my life since always. Our family is missing an important piece and we will never be quite whole again. We are so lucky and thankful to have his amazing wife Brie to hug and share memories with. She is stronger than I could ever be and I my heart is shattered for her every day without him. I find solace in the fact that he was able to sustain multiple other lives with the gracious gift of organ donation.. the thought of Jon living on in others makes me smile. I am thankful that our family was able to come together after Christmas at our annual Quail Hunt camp to share stories, songs and tears. It was healing for everyone and Jonathan's presence was so strong in the flames of our campfire- his spirit surrounded us all. I know that we will heal in time and remember this holiday season tenderly because it reminded us of the precious and fragile lives that we share together on earth. God has been so gracious to grant us this time together and I would not trade a soul for the family that I have been blessed with.
So now looking into the new year I am hopeful and trying to hold on to the things that matter most... We have exciting things to come as Mike and I look at houses and hope to truly settle here in Colorado Springs. I am looking forward to the spring time and the newness and life that it brings.
Be thankful for those in your lives... wives- go hug your husbands and pray for those that miss theirs. and always ALWAYS wear your seatbelt.

Jon and his wife Brianna

many of the family members at Punkin' Center- Quail Camp 09

Me and Brie at Quail camp lookin' good!

our Jonny

I will post more when the memorial is over... just wanted to share

JONATHAN LUKE KEISLING
Surrounded by family and friends Jonathan (30) passed away November 30, 2009 at St. Anthony's Central Hospital in Denver, CO. Jonathan was born January 13, 1979 in Page, AZ to Michael Keisling and Nora Bell. In 2005 Jonathan married the love of his life and best friend Brianna Johnson. Inspired by a unique backyard, the Colorado River and Lake Powell, he discovered his passion for the outdoors. Jonathan pursued his love of fishing to become a professional fly fishing guide. The quality of friends he has met and the lives he has touched are telling of Jonathan's huge heart and sense of humor. Jonathan is survived by his wife Brianna; his father Michael; his mother and step-father Nora and David Bell; and his brothers and sisters Anthony, Loren, Gavin, Aaron, Ryan, Andrew, Mallory, and Mary. Funeral Mass Friday, 12/4, 10:30 am at St. Jude's Catholic Church, 9405 W. Florida Ave., Lakewood, CO. Donations may be made to the Jonathan Keisling Memorial Fund at any FirstBank of Colorado.

Thanksgiving Traditions

Every family has their own traditions, those rituals that you look forward to every year no matter how simple or dorky they may seem to outsiders... or at least I really hope that you do. My family has a longstanding tradition that even if only carried out in our hearts and minds on Turkey Day will be a part of each of my cousins', siblings' and aunts and uncles' fondest memories... guaranteed. We are not extravagant people, we don't do fancy, dressed up or color-themed... Where accommodations meant floor space, table decor meant butcher paper and some good markers, excitement meant the chicken coop before anyone else and entertainment was the latest lesson on the out of tune piano that accompanied wrestling matches... These are some of the fondest memories of my childhood... an overcrowded house full of loud people just happy to be together and rows of dirty shoes lined up on the deck outside. This may sound redneck to the majority but I wouldn't trade it for the finest table setting or gourmet food... This WAS my family. The scenery has changed in recent years... The farm is gone, the house is nicer, but for the first time in quite awhile, I am headed back to that "place" in my memory to revisit that coveted tradition. A few reminders as we go into the holiday season.
Enjoy your family, no matter how loud, backwards or stubborn
Enjoy the company, no matter how crowded (or how often you are allowed to flush the toilet)
Enjoy the food, even if it was beheaded in the backyard the night before
Enjoy the entertainment... regardless of what Monte Python movie has been chosen
Enjoy the tradition, even if (or especially if) it is cards and beer...
It is that "place" in your heart that counts... those fond memories of family and what it means to simply be together..
Happy Thanksgiving

What makes us normal?

normal...
What we all want for our children, our families, our own lives. What does that mean to you? What is your criteria? How far would you go to achieve it for yourself or your loved ones?
What are your feelings about Deafness?
I know not many of you have experience with Deafness, its children, culture or language... but lack of experience does not have to mean closed-mindedness. It does not mean disability, it does not need "fixing". We need to meet our Deaf children where they are, with the language that they deserve, with the knowledge that, just like any other child, they have the RIGHT to access. It is time to stop putting these children to the side because they are not the majority. All children deserve for us as parents, family, teachers and a society to step up and truly KNOW what they need... not to be afraid of what they are and to try to change them to what makes us more comfortable.
ASL is a language... Deafness is a culture... these children are being lost when their brains and hearts are there waiting for us to be ready to teach them.
It is time for us to find what works for THEM, not us.

"How does it affect children to find that they cannot express themselves in their own language because the grown-ups in their surroundings either do not understand it, or insist that they express themselves in another way?"
Bergman 1978

"I don't cause commotions, I am one!" —Elpahaba Wicked the Musical

For my very belated birthday present (almost 6 months later) Mike and I went to Denver for the weekend to attend the musical "Wicked" based on the book by Gregory Maguire. I read this novel about the other side of the wicked witch of the west last year and loved the message behind it. Mike bought the tickets back in May, knowing that we would be living here in CO by the time the show premiered in Denver so it has been quite the wait.... but WELL worth it.
I loved everything about the musical... from the incredible music and visual effects to the character of Elphaba and her causes... but mostly the message it conveyed. This musical spoke to the fighter in me, the person who is compelled to stand up for the underdog and fight for those unpopular and impossible causes.... These good intentions and the fire I have to support the victims of injustice get me into trouble at times. I have a difficult time controlling my passion and anger for the way that people treat others.
Although the book itself is great but strange... the musical was fantastic and moving... It is a reminder for all of us to fight the good fight... no matter the consequences or public view... it has changed me for GOOD :o)

"And nobody! In all of Oz! No Wizard that there is or was...Is ever gonna bring me down!"
"I'm through accepting limits
''cause someone says they're so
Some things I cannot change
But till I try, I'll never know! "
"I'm Beautifully Tragic"....

Mikinzie Ella's baptism

Sweet Day to remind us all of our innocence, our humanity and our spirituality....
I have been very busy with my new job... the little preschoolers are running me ragged along with very high expectations from my school. I did, however, get to slow down for one weekend and spend it in Phoenix with my sister's family. Mikinzie is Bree's 3rd daughter and Mike and I were asked to be her God Parents... to guide her spiritually and be there for her. I am a God parent to two other little ones and it is such an honor to be asked once more. It is a strong reminder of the person that I aspire to be. The ceremony was beautiful and special, Kinz is such a sweet little girl.

Classroom

I have been working my BUTT off on my new classroom (shoulda taken before pics) but it is practically finished and the monsters come on Monday!! I am super excited. Here's to a good year!