Musings

• Is it bad when the vocational school that is going to fix your truck for the cost of PARTS ONLY is $2,000?!?! Yikes. That tree should have jumped out of the way as Ken came toward it in December. It's only the front left corner, but hit four or five panels. Eww!
• The last Saturday in January is becoming a reserved date on my calendar each year. I am able to accompany many students as they head to solo & ensemble, where they play for a judge. I accompanied 15 middle school students in December, and have 8 HS entries tomorrow...just up the road at Grant MS. It is fun to be able to sit down and play the piano while helping the students...and a little extra $ is nice, too. I love teaching English, but I do miss teaching music. All the students I'm working with are ones who started in 6th grade beginning band with Rob and me.
• Julius Caesar is now dead, Portia has killed herself, and others are about to experience the results of betrayal and conspiracy, as my 10th graders finish Shakespeare's tragedy. This is the first time I've taught it, and I am enjoying it. I've been reminded recently of how thankful I am to have a job I love going to each day. Kent City students and families are great.
• Anyone read Frank Stockton's "The Lady or the Tiger?" My 8th grade is finishing this story. Which way do you think the princess directs her lover...to instant death by the tiger, or to an instant wedding to a beautiful maiden (who the princess despises)???
• I now have tables and chairs in my classroom at school...how wonderful! My previous desks had a small desktop and when students opened up their books, there was little room for anything else. There is a lot of furniture in the room, but it's worth it so they can spread out some. My students seem to like it a lot.
• Our computer is dying a slow death....only one USB port works some of the time, the power cord will not charge the battery at all, so the computer turns off immediately if unplugged, the power cord doesn't stay in the computer well, the screen will not stand upright on its own, etc., etc. Can you believe we found a new laptop through Dell (and the Education Employee's section) for about $400? The best part? It has a CHERRY RED top!! My favorite was the pink top, but since Ken and I share the computer, I thought that might be going overboard.
• The sun is beautiful as it makes streaks through the snow, cutting diagonally through the lines of pine trees. I love looking at the woods.
• Why is it nap ("rest") time and I hear random sounds coming from upstairs?? Better go check on that. :)

Enjoy this weekend!

REV

Sayings

The kids say things that take me off guard sometimes...they're very cute, insightful, or at times just odd.

Setting:

Tuesday morning, 7:15 a.m.

First day of the second semester. Kids have had a 3 1/2 day weekend.

Robyn - 1st grade.

N, R, S at island eating breakfast. Mom sitting at table eating breakfast. Mom feeling a touch nervous about the new semester - lots of new kids, needing to set a good tone in the class and get things going in the right direction, etc.

Robyn, in a sweet, thoughtful voice:

"Mom?"

"Yes, honey?"

"I've been thinking."

"Oh? What have you been thinking about?"

"I've been thinking ... [pause] ... I'm just ready to be done with school."

Oh dear. It's a LONG ways until 12th grade! I didn't bring that up! I said, "Oh, sis, you love Mrs. Vanderlaan and I bet you'll have a great day today. Sometimes it's hard - for me, too - to get back in the swing of things after a break." That seemed to help her, and off she went to finish her morning routine.

And, of course, she had a fine day! I relayed the conversation to my 10th graders, and one of them said, "Don't tell her it just gets 'boringer' when you get older!" "Umm - what was that? More boring?" "Yeah - that's what I meant."

Have your kids said anything funny lately?

September Days and Rays

Hasn't the sunshine this past week been marvelous? It's like Indian Summer, except I'm not sure that's what it is! We had a beautiful afternoon out at Grose Park for our annual church picnic and baptisms in the lake. What a lovely setting for 17 people who showed their outward commitment to Christ - from 10 years old to 40+ years old. Our church is like our extended family and it's great to belong. One whole family was baptized - mom, dad, two teenagers; another two college-age brothers were, too. It's neat to hear each person's testimony, said in their own way, but all pointing toward God's grace and LOVE for us!

Week 1 went well for all. I was feeling a bit nostalgic while writing my last post. It has been a good thing to be back in a routine. Robyn had a paper she needed to have filled out for the first day, so I asked her the questions. For "What is your favorite subject/thing to do in the classroom?" she thought and finally answered, "I don't have a favorite part. I like everything we do in class." A telling and precious statement. She has enjoyed it and we are glad she is in good hands with Mrs. Vanderlaan, the same teacher Nathan had as a 1st grader. An interesting fact: she lives near Spring Lake, about 4 miles from the home I grew up! There's a great bike path that goes around the lake and goes past her home.

Nathan likes his class, too. They are having a class store, with items of all different prices. where the children earn a $5 salary each week. For infractions, they lose $. For positive behavior, they can earn $. He now has $6.50 and informed me he hopes no one else buys the item he wants before he earns enough money. I asked, "How much is it?" Answer: "$85.00!" Wow!!! That will take a while! Isn't that a cool concept for kids - the benefits of earning and saving money, delayed gratification, etc.?

My classes went well, too, and I feel more relieved going into the second week. There's a good tone at both the middle and high school and that helps as a teacher. My classes are in good routines already and after each day last week I thought, "I really love teaching! It is so inspiring and such a great job!" It's neat to see some of the students I had in 6th grade band, who are now 8th and 10th graders. Kent City is a special place for students...they get personal attention and I've been reminded what a caring staff we have. I've been home each afternoon and have had time with Seth and Aaron, then N & R come after school. And on Saturday, Nathan's soccer team did well (I thought Nathan played his best game ever!) and he and Coach Dad celebrated a victory. :) All in all, a good week. Thank you for praying for us.

I have quickly realized I need to be diligent about getting to bed in a timely manner or I feel it! So, off to bed. How did the first week go for you/your kids/grandkids?

A Positive Update

I never realized how happy a DRY cement floor could make me! After nearly two weeks, the water ceased coming in, and after a big rain no water came seeping in. SO, we wait for the next big rain, and hope the minor repairs Ken has done will take care of things. We discovered it was combination of bad factors: full gutters (have to clean them a lot in our wooded area, full of pine trees) so the rain dumped in the corner, soft sand in the corner that was sloping toward the house, a helpful dog who enjoyed digging in the soft sand, making the corner sloping toward the house more prominent, and extreme rains - 7 inches in 5 days a few weeks back.

Ken cleaned out the gutters, added five wheelbarrows of dirt to the corner, sloped it AWAY from the house, I planted dune grass in that corner, he added longer downspouts to direct water further from house...so we are hopeful. The carpet is completely dried, rolled up, and in the garage. We are hoping to have it re-installed once we know for sure there's no water issue. We are glad it was in the sun for four days to kill anything in it. The backing looks great - no mildew, spots, etc. What an adventure. If I don't soak up any water with shop vacs for a long time, I'm OK with that!

Happy Belated Mother's Day to all Moms who read this! You are SPECIAL! We had a nice Mother's Day overall. Of course it is always bittersweet for me, so the tears flow at times. I felt the 'loss' of my stepmom/my kids' Grandma this year, too, which still makes me sad. This year at church we could purchase hanging baskets in honor or memory of a mom in our life. The front of the auditorium was beautiful - nearly 70 fresh, colorful baskets decorating the stage. Thanks, Joanne! I purchased one in memory of my mom from all of us and Ken purchased one for me from the crew. They are now hanging from my porch. Pastor Chris gave an excellent sermon on the priority of motherhood. After church we had a simple dinner of leftovers, the kids gave me sweet gifts from school and church and a special acrostic they made and Ken typed up with the kids' names, all took naps, we played at a park in Cedar Springs (we are becoming experts on all the local parks: "Let's go to the one with the red swirly slide!" say the kids), then into the Grand Opening of the new Meijer in Cedar Springs. Yay!! Meijer only 10 minutes away - how exciting for this Kent City resident! It is a new version of their big superstores...full grocery dept., other departments are smaller but the whole store is very nice. Maybe because it's smaller I will spend less time in it, therefore spending less $$?! It will be great having one close by and not having to drive down Alpine! I am committed to shopping our local KC Marketplace for the specials each week. Our local store needs our business, too, especially since they're in front of our new church and have been so gracious to KCBC. After Meijer we all celebrated Mother's Day with a bowl of ice cream. What a privilege and responsibility God has given me to raise these four precious children. I'm sure thankful for my wonderful husband and the team we are in this parenting role. Though tiring and though it's the hardest job I've ever had, it's Far and Away the BEST job I've ever had and worth the effort!

I had a brainstorm Friday morning, so that afternoon had my students write a note/letter/acrostic/poem to their Mom on pretty paper. I only gave two requirements: write from your heart, and please write use good writing, penmanship, grammar, spelling, punctuation, etc. ("You don't want your Mom focusing on what poor spelling you have, etc.") The office had some nice white 5 x 8 envelopes they were glad to let me use, so voila! My 10th graders were all set for Mother's Day! I told 'em they had each saved $3-4! A few already had a plan, but the majority did not. On Monday, I asked what the response was, and of course their moms appreciated it. "My mom cried," said many of them. That was my goal - haha - of course not, but I was glad to have a small role in helping them honor their moms. I have a feeling most of them would have remembered it was Mother's Day on Sat night or Sun morning. ;) When I taught middle schoolers, I used to do something like that for Mother's Day, but seeing "big" teenagers jump at the chance to write to their moms was special. I think during the last week of school we'll do something like that for their Dad (Stepdad, Grandpa, etc.) for Father's Day.

Well, time to go on a bike ride with Seth-er! I'll try to post some pics of Mother's Day cuteness soon. On the way home from church, Robyn asked, "Do you want us to go out to the rocks in the backyard so you can take our picture?!" :0) Too cute.

Due Dates Are Overrated!

That's my thought for the day/week! I shared that with my students on Tuesday and after they chuckled about it, one smart cookie in the back raised his hand and said, "So, the due date you gave us for that essay that was due today was overrated, too?!" He's one who has a keen mind. I smiled and said, "That is ONLY regarding pregnancy!!" Bummer for him that his essay was turned in a day later (and subsequently marked down). :)

Went to the Dr. on Tuesday afternoon. His words: "There's nothing happening." "But Dr., this is my 4th child!" He smiled pleasantly and responded, "Babies come when they want to come . . . "

Robyn asked me this morning, "Mom, when IS our baby coming??!!" She is the most verbally excited about our new baby's arrival, and her excitement makes me smile. Nathan is hoping he/she holds off until March, so we have two children's birthdays in February and two in March. (How did THAT happen?!) I still say Leap Day is a cool day to have a baby . . .

I AM GRATEFUL to be feeling well this week. As long as I feel baby continuing to move, my mind and heart are re-asssured. Dr. doesn't want me going over more than six days, so the plan is to be induced (with epidural, let me assure you - never had one before, but see no reason to endure extreme pain with #4!) on Monday morning, if I don't go into labor before then. I am pleased that Dr. Karnes is on call Friday through Monday, so he will deliver our baby. He's a neat Christian man and I love how he prays with the mother/parents at the first OB appointment and after delivery.

I'm also glad I've continued to teach this week - gives me something productive to do and keep my mind off of the Big Question: "When is this baby coming?" (Though my students look surprised each day to see me.) I made cupcakes for my English classes and we'll have a little celebration tomorrow (I'll emphasize we're celebrating the upcoming birth, NOT that Mrs. Vanderwest is "outta here!!" :) They're great students and I will miss them. It's been fun to have high schoolers "walk through" this journey with me. I hope and pray they have realized/been impacted that being married to a solid, loving person, and then having children together is the BEST route to take! I also hope it's impacted them that a pregnancy = a child, not a mass of tissue/matter. Lastly, I hope they have seen the joy through me of how special and precious children are - and THEY are.

SO, that's the news from Lake Wobegon. Happy Trails to You, until we meet again!

Packing and More Packing...

I was reading an article in the GR Press that goes along with what we've been up to lately...Here are some interesting excerpts:

"Open home's energy by getting rid of the clutter."
A woman named Christan Hummel says space clearing can remove the clutter that "drains energy by blocking the invisible life energy flowing through a living space." (feng shui) She continues, "Think of it like emotional baggage in the house, it tends to clog up the pipes, and it bogs down the homes' energy. A good house clearing is sort of like acupuncture for your house."
"January has been dubbed Get Organized Month..."
"To our subconscious mind, clutter triggers images of stagnation...when we see clutter our mind equates it with chaos and dead energy."

My! I had never thought so philosophically about the "stuff" in my home - although it does make sense. I feel calmer when my home is orderly. Ken and I have been going through everything we own and sorting. Much is in the garage sale section of the garage; the other side contains boxes filled with items to move. My mom used to tell me to "Be Ruthless!" when I was cleaning my room, going through clothes, etc. Her words have echoed many, many times in the past weeks! Ken is a trooper and we make a good team - we work together and he does all the lifting and carrying. When we moved to this home, it was Ken and I, along with a bed, dresser, kitchen table, couch and chair, clothes, and a few decorations.........now, nine years later, there are 3+ children, a dog, the two of us, and LOTS more than we started with! It's felt good to "weed and thin" as we've packed...and I think we'll appreciate that when we unpack in our new home!

In other news...
- had a good Dr's visit this week - praise God for that! 7 weeks to go!
-Robyn is VERY excited about her birthday coming up Feb 3. She came up to me a few days ago and said, "I've thought about what I'd like to have at my birthday party." Oh? (I guess we're having a birthday party!) If she knows you well at all, you just may be on her invite list...we made a birthday chart together on the computer and each day she excitedly puts a sticker on! Sweet and cute, our girl is.
-Seth has been doing puzzles like crazy! The other day he took out a 63 piece and with minor help from me, did the entire thing. Then he pulled out a 100 piece Care Bear puzzle and worked diligently until finished, again receiving minor help. All three LOVE puzzles!!
-Ever read the children's book Fancy Nancy? Check it out sometime - a young girl who loves all things fancy. After reading aloud to our three many times over break, I brought it to school and read to my students (6th & 10th graders). They enjoyed it much. Nancy loves "fancy" language and throughout the book uses "salsa" words instead of boring words: "Posh is a fancy word for fancy!" The Princess and the Pizza is another current favorite at home.
-We all enjoyed being home together over Christmas vacation. Ken took a few days off after New Years and in the midst of packing we did some fun family things. First grade has been great for Nathan, but it was sure nice to have him home, interacting with siblings, playing games together, etc.
-It's the end of the 1st semester at school this week - complete with exams, etc. I always like this week and how seriously (most) students take their work and want to do well. Next semester my classes switch and I will no longer have my beginning band students, but instead pick up a 9th grade computer class. Band is a joy, bringing them from knowing nothing about playing to doing quite well (for 4 months)...and I will miss them. We have a good time together - it's a fast paced class, and the kids have jumped on for the ride. Excellent students this year, too. They will now be in "full band" every day with the main director. One good aspect about the new semester is that my English class rosters will stay mostly the same - some years there's a huge turnover and it's like starting the year over. The makeup of both English classes is great; I told them I'm glad we'll be together next semester because I like all of them. 10th English has been a great fit for me this year - I've let the superintendent know how I've liked it and would enjoy having 2 classes of it next year. Can't hurt to think ahead, right?

May you experience positive "feng shui" this week by decluttering something! :)

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! :)

Summer Days are Here Again...

Since the last blog, they're checked off the list...

___Kindergarten Graduation (a special and fun day)

___Choir Assembly for Elementary students (great for all)

___HS Spring Choir Concert (a success)

___HS Graduation/choir performance (they sang beautifully)

___Just two weeks left of my two night a week class (been the best Master's class I've taken-yeah!)

___Having underclassmen music students assist with cleaning and organizing (boy did they get a lot done!)

___Lots of end-of-year details, performances, paperwork, grading, giving of exams, filing of music, organizing, saying goodbye to students, etc. (whew!)

___Performing for residents at retirement home (what joy to see the students and senior citizens interacting and connecting through their music and words)

___Nathan's last day of school! (McDonalds playplace for lunch and celebration!)

___Mom's last day of school! (appreciated the district retirement lunch - much laughing, a bit of crying)

___Enjoying a taste of summer with fun Memorial Day weekend times with family and friends (beautiful nature; beautiful people)

___My friend and music colleague telling me he took another position near Detroit (great opportunity for him; a loss for us)

___Farewell Potluck for all HS staff and families (75+ people there!) to honor our beloved principal who is retiring. (I get teared up thinking about it-he's been wonderful to me personally and to all)

___Missions Sunday which Ken planned (interactive and well received)

Going in Monday to wrap up details and then I'm on VACATION!

I think I've earned my paycheck these last two weeks.