Sechrist Christmas Letter

Hello Dear Family and Friends, 

As 2014 comes to an end, I reflect on the year and remain thankful for so many things, including our family and friends (that still talk to us).

Let me start by updating you on the youngest of the Sechrist clan:  Carlee.

Carlee may be the youngest but still tries to be the one in charge.  She brings us much joy on a daily basis.  Here my sweet darling is an angel in the Christmas play

....just like in real life (most days). 

Here she is again, ticked off because we wouldn’t allow her to eat the Germ X at church.  Perhaps the preacher stepped on her toes a bit much, but we are trying to teach her conflict resolution as a better choice over drinking Germ X.

We are very pleased to report we have said good bye to diapers but hello to Frozen underwear.  Who knew choosing between Elsa and Anna underwear would be just as complicated??

Our Sweet Carlee is learning so much in her preschool.  She is counting, singing, and her teacher has taught her how to spell her name.

Technically it sounds like she is spelling T-A-I-L-D-D

but our family philosophy is “Close Enough is Good Enough”.

Next, our Connor is quickly growing into a handsome young man and remains the best big brother.

Connor began third grade this year!  Just last week I asked him to get his pencils and books for homework and he pulled this out….

need I say anymore about third grade!?  I don’t think so.

Connor is also keeping himself busy with church and basketball.  Technically he hasn’t won a  basketball game or made a shot, but over church’s way we are lucky God doesn’t require fine motor skill to be on his team.  Connor made us all very proud as the very LOUD shepherd  #2.  

Connor's biggest aspiration in life this year is to be eaten by an anaconda (apparently you don't have to pass the EOG for this job career).

Thank you reality TV for watching my child while I cook dinner.  

Anaconda Catcher

Our part owner in the Sechrist CEO,  is still hanging out.   Darren has had a great year, though still upset about the cancellation of GM High-tech Performance because they were the only magazine that showcased Turbo Buicks, but he still bravely gets himself out of bed daily.

Darren has successfully stayed at his carport job, and he has also successfully worked through all seasons of the Andy Griffith Show for the 18th time.  Darren has also kept up his campaign to be the only living human not to set up a Facebook account.

This year Darren gave the whole neighborhood a Christmas present, two days before Christmas:

Now the whole neighborhood can go outside and actually smell roses on our laundry day!  Merry $300.00!

As for me,  things are looking up, up, and up… by up I mean the scale. Someone is going to have to surgically remove the Hershey Kisses from my hands.

Being the wonderful and amazing person I am, I continue to manage the family and work, all while watching all the latest episodes recorded on the DVR.    

Work is going fantastic, just before break one of my students identified the old couple in the Gingerbread man as “Mrs. Sechrist” and “Mrs. E.”  if that tells you how well our looks are holding up.

I was very fortunate to go on a few family trips this year.  Our Disney trip still bring me a lot of great memories.  I love this picture most because Darren is smiling, and he usually considers Disney a place that rhymes with Bell.

Here my friends took me on a beautiful day trip for my birthday.  It was such a relaxing day and I was the center of attention.  It only took three of my friends to force me back in the car when it was time to go home.

Overall you see that we’ve had a great year!  We wish all of our family and friends a very Blessed Christmas, and we thank you all for being in our lives as we laugh, cry, and shout together.  We pray that you all have a year of love, health, and gratitude (I also pray you have wrapped more presents that I have at this very moment, gifts:  20  wrapped:  0).

With Love and Good Tidings,
The Sechrist Family

Twas the Night Before Secret Santa

I was so very excited to do Secret Santa at my school this year!  I got the name of a friend and had such fun getting her things.  

We had the best time at lunch laughing about Secret Santa too.  It was really funny when people would begin to complain about their gifts in front of their very own (unknown) Santa.  HILARIOUS.  

I of course hit the Secret Santa jackpot, making my excitement at a level 11 all week!!!!

I began to get on people’s nerves right away because I just HAD to find out the identity of my Santa! 

Tomorrow we reveal who our real Secret Santa is but I have a pretty good guess who mine is already.

**********

Twas the Night Before Secret Santa

and all the through the school, 

not a creature was stirring

except for this fool.

The gifts were all placed

in the mailboxes with care,

hoping in anticipation

that my Secret Santa was there.

I love my coworkers and friends!

The children were nestled

all safe in their desks,

while this certain teacher 

would not put things to rest.

Heeding ample warnings

and gathering my clues,

it all gave Mrs. E. 

the Christmas blues.

When out in the lounge

there arose such a clatter,

I sprang from my room

to see what was the matter.

Away to the window

I flew like a flash,

I had to find my Secret Santa 

no care to being rash.

I narrowed my suspects

it had to be someone nice,

who else would remember I loved pink

not once, but twice??

lovely scarf with matching SPA socks

To what do my wandering eyes

should appear,

but the first grade pod

suddenly it became clear.

With a placement of my tiara

I was so lively and quick,

I knew in a moment

who may be my St. Nick!

“THIS SECRET IS DRIVING ME NUTS!!!”

I proclaimed.

Then I shouted 

calling suspects by each name:

Now Leeann,

Now Cathy,

Now Elizabeth, 

Now Beth,

On Marie,

On Ellen,

On Cindy, 

holding my breath……

my suspect lineup

To which they shouted 

To the top

To the bottom

of the floor,

Now Dash-away

Dash-away

Dash-away to the door!!!

suspect list II

The warning was clear:

COAL for YOU

sweet dear.

“Go away, go away, 

get out of my face….

if you mention Secret or Santa 

I will punch you in the face.”  -Mrs. E.

coal from secret santa,
this chocolate was last seen in a first grade room

BUT I’ve almost guessed it!!!

I’m hot on the trail

oops, I forgot to give out my own Santa gifts…

EPIC FAIL.

my gift lineup for my Santa recipient that I nearly forgot to give out per day

Now was the time to to come face to face, 

I was so excited, 

I was winning

 the Santa race!

She was dressed all in red

her eyes feigned surprised, 

she tried to lie, 

but I could see a secret in those eyes.

snowflake necklace and jeweled bracelet

A heart of gold

from her head

to her feet, 

I have the best (#1) Secret Santa 

that can’t be beat.

Diamonds, Snowflakes, Chocolate, and more

every morning was exciting, 

OH My Secret Santa I do ADORE!

Her eyes

How they twinkle,

Her smile how merry,

Her cheeks

Were like roses

The magic CHRISTMAS fairy.

She sprang

from her desk without a word or pout,

suddenly I really begin to doubt….

But I heard her exclaim

as she rushed out of my sight.....

Merry Christmas to all, 

Sechrist is crazy BUT RIGHT!!!

My Guess For My Secret Santa
and
My REAL LIFE Buddy

Independent Boy?

There is a time in a parent's life when you begin to teach more independence.  Some children are born independent.  Some children are born strong willed.  There is a difference.  

Since we are very close to double digits, I have begun the process of allowing more independence.

#1

For example, 

in preparation for the BIG Christmas Play tomorrow night, I allowed Connor to go get a boys' cut.  I stepped next door to purchase a few gift cards for Christmas while he got the job done.

"Mom I told them I wanted my haircut like the guy who was eaten by an anaconda."  -Connor

I can't even... I.. (sigh)

A Shepard like no other.

(I did come in time to stop discussion of purple powder hair dye.)

Lesson #2

While I shopped for a few Secret Santa items I requested Connor go and find something special for his sister from himself.

I found him walking through the aisles....

telling people he was about to be eaten by an anaconda "I like anacondas, not the Nicki Minaj anaconda because it isn't nice". 

I can't even... I.. (sigh)

Merry Christmas

Christmas Perspective Video

We finally got our Christmas decor out.  I’m officially behind on the Christmas countdown.

   

Christmas can be a special time no matter what age, but I think my kids are at the perfect “excitement” age for Christmas.

Having these two imperfect children is a constant reminder of God’s blessings.  

We are very blessed to have them!

LOVE

I like our crowded tree.

Every decoration holds a special meaning.

Elvis and Marilyn Making Out AGAIN

Tradition

Merry Christmas (Early)

Awkward Extrovert

This week was pretty rough after returning back from Florida.  I didn't think our family would ever get back into the swing of things.  

On top of that, I completely forgot I had registered for an overnight trip to the Autism and Asperger's Conference.  

Our school is working hard at gathering as many resources to serve our students even better.  

I think we really have a great team of people.  

Lots of ideas flow with this group!

I had to scramble to get ready, but it was a great day trip!

I dusted off my suitcase for a road trip!
Here with my partner in crime!

We were all really looking forward to the speakers, Dr. Temple Grandin and Dr. Jed Baker.

If you don't know Temple Grandin, then I encourage you to do some research.

To me, this woman is the authority on autism and research.   After all, she was diagnosed with having Autism Spectrum Disorder at age 3!   

http://www.biography.com/people/temple-grandin-38062

my autographed copy

Her story was most recently made into an award winning movie portrayed by Claire Danes.

Those with autism can have some major social impairments.

And, even though I'm an extrovert and I like being around people.....  

I have social impairments of my own (but in a different way).

For example, 

I am gathering quite the "Awkward Famous Photo" collection.

#1:

The year I received a Got2BSafe Grant I flew to Washington DC with my principal for the Hope Awards hosted by John Walsh.  

The Hope awards were the most depressing awards ever. It was one story after another about abducted children!

Fast forward to wine served with dinner, my emotional outbursts of "thank you" to John Walsh for ALL he does for children, and suddenly John Walsh and his wife are scared of me.

Really, they didn't turn their back on anyone else in the photos.  

(I can't look at this picture without blushing.)

I did a short interview for Honeywell on a DC talk show and I met fitness guru Pamela Peeke!  Author of:

When I exclaimed I was a fan, she took my name and address and told me she could "take all the extra fat off" me.

I never heard from her again (BTW:  I still have extra fat PAM).

Eric Carle had to move me along- 3 books ONLY!

I waited in line for four hours to meet the first American President to ever visit our small town.  As President Bill Clinton stepped from the platform to shake hands, I moved forward.  He shook my hand for a full minute (I think I reminded him of someone) while I shouted for someone to take. my. picture!

 not photoshopped

This was the result.

Today I was very fortunate to meet THE Dr. Temple Grandin!  She autographed my book.

Later in the day, after listening to her wonderful lecture, I found myself alone with her on the way to the bathroom.

I gushed to her "YOU DID A GREAT JOB!!!!! REALLY GREAT!"

She looked right at her shoes and said 'The loo is full' and shot out of the hall like she was on fire!

I think she liked Mrs. E. better!  ;)

Ok...ok...no more pictures PLEASE.

Another great day. Another great memory.

Great Temple Grandin quotes:

-Figure out ways.   I was in the cattle business before I was an autism speaker, and the first thing I did in that field was to make myself be the very best that I could be. I was a good agricultural reporter and good at my design work. I sold my work instead of myself.

-We have to teach these children the universal rules.  We can’t over shield them.  The other problem is that the system does not differentiate between stupid, naïve and dangerous.

-I grew up in the 50s where we used a village to help each other.  I had people in my life who didn't give up on me: my mother, my aunt, my science teacher. I had one-on-one speech therapy. I had a nanny who spent all day playing turn-taking games with me.”

-I don’t like that schools are cutting out all of the hands on programs:  drawing, woodwork, sewing, building.  I would be nowhere without those programs.  I strongly recommend that students with autism get involved in special interest clubs in some of the areas they naturally excel at. Being with people who share your interests makes socializing easier.

-I’m getting very concerned about the number of high-functioning autistic adults that are not getting jobs and who are not learning to work.   In other states I’m seeing kids that are just a little bit geeky ending up on social security, just playing video games, which really drives me crazy. They’re graduating from college without learning one work skill. They’ve never worked in a store; they’ve never done anything.

-Teaching work ethic good mean the difference in an AU adult working in Silicon Valley creating games or playing video games in the basement and collecting disability. 

-The most important thing people did for me was to expose me to new things.

-I cannot emphasize enough the importance of a good teacher.