Happy Anniversary, Mom

Dad & Mom's Wedding - Sept. 3, 1960

Mom with Rhonda - 1974

Rhonda in Mom's Garden - age 5 or so

Mom with brother Paul

Thirteen years ago today, my Mom left her earthly home and was welcomed into her heavenly home. I picture Jesus, her beloved Saviour, welcoming her with open arms on March 30, 1995. Honestly, I cannot comprehend the glories and specifics of heaven...I only know her celestial home will be hers for ETERNITY and we will be re-united someday!!!

I know the glories of heaven are far beyond what my mind can comprehend, and that she would not want to be back here on our temporary, sin-ridden earth.

But I sure miss her. I've thought much about her this week, as I do every year the week prior to her death. Missing her, combined with hormones, having a new baby, etc., some tears were shed.

I miss who she was: her infectious laughter, her constant support - in words and actions, her wise counsel, the glue she was in holding our family together, her joy in the small things of life, her love for and celebration of Ken, her continual prayers for me/us, her knowing me so well and rejoicing in me anyway, and most of all the godly example she was to me for almost 21 years. She was my best friend.

I miss who she would have been, if she were still here: a fun wedding planning partner, a celebrator of college graduation, a confidant, a help for a struggling new teacher (did you know she taught English and Music?), a joy-finder when I was down, a reality check in life, a friend to share everyday life with, a thrilled mom at our wedding, an (even more?) thrilled Grandma-to-be!, the tenderness of seeing her holding her grandchildren, and most of all, the special, involved Grandma she would be to our children and my nieces and nephews. Ken says that is what he regrets the most: our children won't have the privilege of knowing the person who had such an influence on forming me into who I am and for her absence in their lives.

How do you encapsulate a person in words? I am unable. Simply stated, she was an irreplaceable person to me. How grateful, very grateful, I am that God chose her to be my Mom. I am grateful for the special relationship we shared (being the only daughter, we had to stick together with the 3 manly men in the house!) and how close we were.

She was a unique, remarkable woman, one you would want to be around. If you didn't know her, I wish you could have.

This week, when I have thought of her, it filled me with sadness at times. One day, the pain felt like it had happened yesterday. Time doesn't heal; it creates a new 'normal.' I was taken aback how poignant the feelings of missing her were; I'm sure increased due to just having sweet Aaron. The kids know their Grandma Linda is in heaven; maybe heaven will seem more real to them as they grow?

In church this morning, I sat in the back row and while we were singing tender, worshipful songs about Jesus, I thought, "13 years with Jesus. I wonder if they celebrate anniversaries in heaven?" And with a gentle peace in my heart and a quiet smile, I thought, "Happy Anniversary, Mom. It is so cool you've been with Jesus for 13 years!"

Thank you, God, for that refreshing thought. And if your Mom is living, please include her in your life, celebrate her role, and let her know how how precious she is. You will never regret time spent with her. If she's not, perhaps you can reflect on what qualities made her special, ones that you would like to exemplify in your life.

p.s. Her favorite flowers were hyacinths - oh that amazing scent! - and I sure love them, too. She was an avid gardener, growing lots of hyacinths and other flowers. I am constantly sniffing hyacinths in the grocery store! Thanks, Amy, for helping me with my new look. I love it!

Advancing the Kingdom!

Recently, our local Advance (weekly) newspaper had an article featuring our church, highlighting the new building (first service is April 20 - yeah!!!) and the pastors. It has been a long haul to see the building come to fruition, and I am proud of Ken (and all the pastors and deacons) for their perseverance on this project. It has been a project that Ken has spent much, much time on over the years, and I admire his ability in working with the details, finances, and variety of people involved. Praise be to God for a new building to serve people! The building is not the church - it is a Tool to be used to glorify God and brings others to Him - in Kent City and BEYOND!
Click here to read the article and see a picture of the new building. The above picture is of the four 'Beatles' (read article for more info). I think 'George' is especially handsome! :)

Easter in Michigan

So much for Easter egg hunts and sleeveless dresses - bring on the leg warmers and sweaters! Will write more soon, but thought I'd share this fun picture! (We did not build; someone in Grand Rapids did and I saw online). I love the snow and the variety of seasons in MI, but must say I was disheartened to read that we are scheduled for a "wintry mix" later this week! At least the sun has been shining, which has been SO good to see and feel!

'Spring, Spring, wherefore art thou, Spring?'

Random Thoughts

I teach my students that it is important to craft their writing in a coherent, organized way. However, today I divert from my own teaching and share random thoughts. Most likely due to interrupted sleep, here goes:

• I adore holding our sweet boy and gazing at his toes, big blue eyes, and fuzzy hair. I like how he holds onto my fingers. It calms my soul to snuggle with him. He is precious.
• Nearly everyone who has seen him from church says the same type of thing: "Wow - does he look like his siblings/no one will accuse you of taking a child from the hospital/etc.!" As I look at him, it is "deja vu" to holding the others...genetics are amazing.
• Happy Birthday to my brother Paul! We all like him. Paul is talented (music and handyman, specifically), puts on no pretenses-is always himself, is a giving, generous person, and makes us smile!!!
• Two doctor's visits (one for me, one for Aaron) today plus quick stops to Wal-Mart and Sam's Club tuckered this Momma out. My energy level is not 'normal' yet. The good news - Aaron was 9 3/4 lbs today and Dr said he is "just great" in every way!
• Thankfully, my Wal-Mart experience was the best I've had there in a while. (i.e. the checkout wasn't painfully slow and long). I really do NOT enjoy Wal-Mart, due to the aforementioned checkout process. It seems like every time I'm there it takes at least twice as long as Meijers or Target, my preferred stores. Today I was in and out. I do enjoy the Muskegon store much more than Alpine.
• I have been reminded how making a meal for others is a true ministry. We have eaten healthier and better because of friends helping us. I can't describe how helpful it's been!
• Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, "Rejoice!"
• Is "thumping" from above (upstairs) a bad sign when you've put the children to bed for the night? I'm not sensing a lot of sleep happening at this point.

Going, Going,

"The last three!!!"
"The Gummy Bears Until Our Baby Is Born"
"Read my shirt!!"

"Read my shirt, too!" - Robyn
And, "This hospital bed is FUN, Mommy!"

. . . GONE!

Many of you know that last summer we started the "gummy bear a day" habit in our family. We counted out how many days until the end of February and multiplied by three. Each day, Nathan, Robyn, and Seth got to choose a gummy bear and one (or more) of them would pray for the baby and Mommy. Yesterday Ken talked with the kids and asked what we should do after we have prayed for something. We then prayed and thanked God for answering our prayers!

Well, it's taken me three or more days to download the pictures and write the above paragraph...glad I'm not attempting to write a book. Aaron is a sweetheart and is doing very well. He eats well and has been sleeping well at night - especially for being so young! His siblings enjoy holding him and Seth wants to wear his "I'm a Big Brother" shirt every day. Robyn is a helper; loves to help with anything baby. Tonight Ken, my Dad, Robyn, and Seth went to visit the new church for a time. It was charming to watch Nathan (a somewhat reserved fella) hold Aaron for a good 10-15 minutes and sing to him, talk to him, tell him a story, etc. I was quietly trying to get to the video camera, but knew he would stop if he saw me, so I tucked it in my heart's memory. It was fun to have my Dad here - he loves to play games with the kids and makes them (all of us) laugh. Once again, our new home just "fits" company so well (even one extra person) . . . someone asked Ken recently when it felt like "home" to us. He answered, "Pretty much the second day we were here," which is so true!

On another note, I wanted to return to the Ladies Bible Study at church (haven't been able to go this year, as my teaching schedule changed), but was tired and weary Wed night. I prayed and shared with God that I wanted to go, but I would have to have a decent night's sleep to feel well enough to go. For the first time, Aaron went 6 - that's SIX - hours between feedings! WOW!!! So, I was able to go to Bible Study this AM and it was encouraging and challenging. The book they're doing is called Having a Mary Spirit by Joanna Weaver, also the author of Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. The chapter I read was so good and convicting I think I could read the books three times in a row and get lots out of it each time! If you're looking for a good study, our ladies definitely recommend these. I look forward to gleaning from her writing, especially as she is also a pastor's wife.

Will try to write more faithfully...as time allows! Will also post some great pictures Amy took - when I figure out how to get them downloaded to blog. We sure are enjoying our boy and family. God is gracious.

INTRODUCING . . .

Our newest addition!!!

Aaron Jager Vanderwest joined our family at 3:08 pm on 3/03/08!!! He is a healthy boy - received a ‘10’ rating on his Apgar test and everything! At 9 lb. 2 oz. and 21 ½,” he is a sweet bundle. All went well with delivery – THANK YOU for praying for us! I am a convert to the epidural; why on earth hadn’t I tried that before? I was able to take two naps during labor and it was a rather peaceful, quiet day prior to delivery. Quiet is not a word we typically use to describe our home, so it was a pleasant change to enjoy some restful time together.

I just re-read the above paragraph: Don't think there wasn't any pain, however-just much less than previous deliveries! :) I mentioned to my high schoolers that they could "say a prayer for me Monday" and one of them asked, "Why would you need prayers?" I assured him I could use all the prayers offered for me at ANY time, and then asked, "Do you know what the word 'labor' means?" Another student called out, "It means WORK!" "Yes, it does . . . and that is why prayers are welcomed," I answered. :)

Aaron is Hebrew, meaning 'mountain of strength.' The name Jager means ‘hunter.’ More importantly, Jager (pronunciation as in Mick Jagger) is a family name. Ken’s Mom was Shirley Jager before becoming Shirley Vanderwest. With our four children, we are glad we could honor each grandparent through their middle names.

To me, Aaron has strong similarities to Robyn at birth. He is a champion eater and we believe he is adorable!! He is a beautiful miracle and we are awed that God has blessed us with him.

Thank you for your love and prayers. If you would, please pray for our transition as a family and that Mom and Dad would have love, joy, strength, and patience. (and all the other fruits of the spirit!! :) It is my (our) desire to relish and make the most of each day and phase of our children's lives. Sometimes this is difficult in our active household.

Will post more soon. Please praise God with us!