Uninspired

Not much to say (unusual, I know)...but thought I should check in.

Robyn got a ticket this week. I was concerned when I heard this. Come to find out a 'ticket' is a good thing in elementary! When teachers/staff "catch" the students doing good things, being kind, etc., they give 'tickets' out. Robyn's name was called over the loudspeaker out of the basket that had all the kindergartners' tickets as this month's winner!! She got to choose her prize - she chose a soft, brown, medium-sized Curious George monkey. Not too small, not too big...just right for my girl. She was cute when I picked her up after school. She told Ken and Nathan, "Don't tell Mom what's in my backpack!" When we got home, she grinned, slowly opened her backpack, held George out to me and said, "Look!" I asked her why she had received it and she responded because she got tickets. Figuring it was an incentive and a positive thing, I asked how she had received the tickets. Her response? "I don't know, but I like George." Ahhhhh.

Of course her older brother knew how and why people earned tickets. "Like if you straighten the boots without being asked or are kind or helpful to someone, that's how you get tickets." I asked him if he cheered when Robyn's name was called. He said, "Well, not exactly, but I was happy for her!" I love to see my children getting along, watching out and rooting for each other!

We were happy, too, and now George is safely tucked in her arms each night. Tonight she said she wanted to get rid of one of the dolls at the end of her bed "because I have George now and I need a place to put him during the day." The Fisher girls were fresh on our minds, as they had played here this evening, so I asked Robyn if she would like to give her doll to Emma. (I'd noticed that Emma had carried this doll around tonight) Robyn's response? "No, I'd like to sell the doll to her." Hmmmm . . . obviously I've talked about selling things at garage sales with her.....

I hope Emma, age 3, receives an allowance. Maybe I'll slip her some money.

Tulip Timin'!

We have made it an annual tradition to head to Holland for the Tulip Time festivities. Being from a Dutch & CRC-based high school, our band marched in the parade each year. I must say I did not enjoy marching in it much at all. The parade route was long (2.5+ miles) and the weather varied from being 80+ degrees (plus polyester uniform) one year to 50 and rainy the next. I think there was one year when it was very pleasant weather. The highlight for me was when they gave you a can of Squirt at the end of the route. NOW, as the audience of the same parade, it's a awesome 'Muziekparade' experience! How perspective changes! Tons of bands (the highlight for me) and lots of fun. We headed over twice this year - once with our PrimeTimers (50+ year olds) from KCBC, and once with the Fishers. Enjoy the pics! And if you haven't been to Tulip Time and you're from West MI, did you know that Reader's Digest billed it as one of the top 5 family festivals in the country?! There were charter buses from everywhere there. And those tulips - wow - they stretch for miles (6+ miles of "Tulip Lanes") and are simply gorgeous.

40+ PrimeTimers Enjoying the Day
"We Love a parade!"
My Dapper Dutchman! (notice the hat!)

Our Thoughtful Girl
Our four VANDERwests - We don't look Dutch, do we?
Those tulips sure are 'purty!' She's got the JOY! (and she IS a joy!)

Fantastic, Fabulous Fisher Family News!

We are REJOICING with Josh, Amy, and Katelyn today!
A new daughter...very soon!
A new sister...very soon!
New joy in life...very soon!

Praise God for their long-anticipated letter finally arriving!!!!! They will likely be traveling in about 4-5 weeks or so. I can't even think of a word to describe their joy!!

*Worth being woken up from a sound sleep to hear Amy's excitement! (thanks for telling Ken to wake me up!)
*Worth laying awake for a long time afterwards with my mind whirling with joy for them!
*Worth waking up at 5:30 anticipating their travel to China and returning with Emma!

Thank you to all of you who have prayed for them. Please continue to do so! :)