A First and a Last

For the FIRST time in 6.7 years, the Vanderwest family has not purchased any DIAPERS for some time! Pull-ups, yes, but Seth is nearing the end of potty-training (Can you hear the parents singing loud, rejoicing songs?!) and recently (at times) has told us when he needs to go!!!! Most days he is wearing training undies and he usually stays dry and naps and night. He has completed his potty chart and a reward trip to Chuck E Cheese will occur soon! (That's a FAMILY reward trip; each member has encouraged Seth in this great endeavor.) Way to go, Sethie, way to go!


Well, we can rejoice for 4 whole months of not purchasing diapers, right?! And those newborn and size 1's are awfully cute . . . and you get more per package! I have my ultrasound tomorrow (Wednesday); I feel good physically, am feeling baby move around, and we hope and pray the results/measurements are where they should be. Gender? What's your guess? We'll all find out at the end of February! :)

And for the LAST time in 8+ years, a Master's class has been taken and finished, and my coursework is COMPLETE! I took a one credit course last weekend: "Motivating Children for Success." (it was insightful and helpful...those are the best kind!) I am pleased to have been accepted in the program prior to any final thesis or culminating (massive) "wrap it all together" project being required, and can happily go on my way now that all 33 credit hours are finished!!! I am grateful my extension request was granted. For anyone wondering, my degree (effective December 2007) is from Western Michigan University in Eductional Leadership (in the Teaching, Leading, and Learning Division of the graduate program).

Well, of course the state of Michigan wants teachers to be current to keep their certification, so I am required to take a certain number of credits each 5 year period, but those can also be workshops, etc. And hey, you have to take time to celebrate!

And speaking of celebrating . . . as I was driving home, I saw the Russ' Restaurant sign saying, "Friday and Saturday only - whole pumpkin pies for $5.99" Well, that black van just turned itself right into that drive and out I came with a pie! Robyn, Seth, and I enjoyed that pie...and I'm NOT telling the percent that I ate vs. the percent they ate! :)

Our Chipper Cowboy

Seth has chosen his own Halloween costume this year...this is just the start! He is going to be a COWBOY and loves to ride around the house on his horse-on-a-stick, put his bandanna around his neck, put his star sheriff badge on, and of course he tops it off with his favorite cowboy hat and his big, adorable smile! He cracks me up every time. I am biased, but the blue bandanna combined with the cowboy hat with a blue stripe really brings his vibrant blue eyes out. :) My current favorite Seth saying: "Mom, I'm kinda' bouncy today!!" :)

The Simple Joys

In need of some R & R? This is the place to come - Grateful family (Thanks, Mom and Dad V, for the use of your cabin!)

Favorite adventure - canoeing on the Pere Marquette! This is right in front of the cabin.

A bike-riding whiz! - Someone who loves her pink princess bike

"What you talkin' 'bout, Willis?!" - Sheriff Seth

All dressed up in my Sunday best -and I will gladly pose for you!

Finally got those pictures downloaded from my camera . . . sharing a few favorites with you. Our life is blessed with simple joys. Thank you, Lord, for life, health, and joy!