Last Beach Day.

Sometimes, changes in plans turn out to be the most delightful days. We had planned to take off to Battle Creek for a day-trip to the zoo today, but we then got a call from some friends asking us to come with them to their parents' lake house in Holland. So, we decided to pack the cooler with some picnic food and drinks, and off we went for the Lake Michigan lakeshore. They live right on Lake Michigan in Holland, and what a perfect setting for a day at the beach. The dads and kids played lots of beach baseball.
And, of course, all of the kids enjoyed playing in the sand. This is Kennedy playing with McKenzie and Jake, the 2 kids of one of our assistant football coaches.
And look at the size of that yacht. It is the yacht of Dick and Betsi DeVos, beached just a few yard from where we were. It was quite spectacular, and had 2 security boats circling it for the entire afternoon. It was very interesting to observe a bit of the lifestyles of the rich and famous.
Here are Kennedy (7), McKenzie (5), Jake (2) and Hayden (5) building sandcastles together. I love that all of our coaches' families are pretty young and have kids the same age who have lots of fun playing together.
Here are three of our football families. We are very blessed with an incredible staff here, many of whom share the same values and faith. It is wonderful to coach with people who you also enjoy as people and friends. We were sad that Chad, Rhianna, Braylin and Maddie weren't able to be there. Little Braylin (age 3) ended up having an emergency appendectomy yesterday, so we plan to visit her in the hospital tomorrow. We would appreciate prayers for her speedy and full recovery, and for peace for Chad and Rhianna, too, as they are having to see their little girl go through a lot right now.
Here is where the moms and kids hung out for most of the afternoon. And where are the dads? Inside watching the Michigan football game, of course!
What a spectacular sunset we got to witness tonight. It was symbolic of this summer coming quickly to an end. This will probably be our last Lake Michigan day for the season. Thanks, Rachel and Chad, for spoiling our zoo plans for the day and playing host to a beautiful family day today.
Tomorrow brings church, a hospital visit to see Braylin hopefully, and maybe a quick trip to the mall for some exchanges. And hopefully a nap! Speaking of sleep......it's time to get some! Night-night.

Final Friday of Summer.

As I typed that phrase "Final Friday", I felt a rush of anxiety. Back-to-school is always a time of busy-ness and mixed emotions. On the one hand, I am looking forward to settling back into a fall routine and having a couple of mornings a week while the kids are at school to do my own thing. I am excited for the kids to meet new teachers, new friends, and new learning experiences. I always loved school and they have a very positive attitude toward it so far, too. On the other hand, I am always sad/happy/nervous to see my kids growing oh-so-fast and to know that other people are having a key hand in shaping their little selves. It always reminds me how important it is to stay earnest in prayer for our kids and teachers and administrators as they pour their hearts and souls into learning and growing and thriving.

Last night, Kennedy visited her new second grade classroom and saw her new teacher, Mrs. Ferguson. She chose some of her new school clothes, including her new pink hat, and packed all of her new supplies into her new messenger bag (yes, we have now declared that backpacks are for "first grade" and that messenger bags are the new choice).

Here is Kennedy saying HELLO to Mrs. Ferguson. We have heard such wonderful stories about Mrs. Ferguson as a teacher, and we are looking forward to working with her this year:
Kennedy quickly found her name, chose a desk next to some friends from first grade, and got her textbooks organized in her new desk. We were excited to see some of the same kids from first grade in her class, but also some new friends to meet and get to know. Here she is with the new teddy bear that Mrs. Ferguson had waiting for all the kids.
We spent some time doing a scavenger hunt around the room.....find your mailbox, name on the birthday wall, look at the About Me board with Mrs. Ferguson's baby pictures, and find your locker in the hall.
Kennedy, as we were leaving the room, said "Mom, second grade is the best year ever!!!" Quite a statement, given that the year hasn't even formally begun yet!
Of course, we had to stop in to the first grade room to say Hi to Mrs. Hill and grab a quick photo. We will miss her this year for sure:
And a quick stop to see the fish and turtle in the pond:
After the open house, we headed for the football field for opening night. There is nothing quite like a high school football game to welcome fall and the new school year.....though it didn't feel much like fall, as it was very hot and sticky and muggy.....you can literally see the moisture hanging in the air. I can't wait for the crispy cool "wear your sweatshirt" type of football game nights.
My brother, Mitch, SIL Meegan, and niece Sam joined us. Sam enjoyed the game and especially the snacks!
Two little Bulldog fans (coaches' kids) cheering their favorite team and Daddies on to victory! It was a nail-biter, as we ended up coming from behind to win in Overtime. I HATE Overtime.....makes me so nervous! But, we are off to a great start and really developed some confidence tonight.
We are planning a relaxing day for today and most of the weekend. We may head for the Battle Creek Zoo tomorrow, but we are otherwise planning to stay home and rest, swim, play, and enjoy the last weekend of summer freedom. I also need to take Hayden to buy some "school supplies" to get ready for his first day of kindergarten on Tuesday.

Have a wonderful labor-free Labor Weekend, all!

Victory!

Whew, what a day.
It was one of those days where I hit the ground running and just stopped, after midnight.
Attended a division meeting.
Taught 3 courses.
Chaired a committee meeting.
Drove an hour to Big Rapids to pick up my kids from their camping trip.
Drove an hour back home.
Changed clothes in lightning speed.
Went to Kennedys 2nd grade open house at school.
Walked to the football game with the kids, Mitch, Meegan and Sam.
Cheered my heart out at the game.
Felt like I would throw up when the game went into overtime.
Held lots of babies (I think everyone on our staff just had/is having a baby).
Watched my husband coach his team to an overtime victory!!!!!! GO BULLDOGS!
Walked home.
Drove to enjoy half-price appetizers with the coaching staff at Applebee's.
Came home.
Dropped into the chair.

And here I am. Now, hopefully I can drag myself upstairs to my cozy bed...or, I might just doze here in the chair a bit.......

A Day in My {Professional} Life.

Thanks for all of you supporting me in prayer and thoughts today as I returned to class. To be honest, this was the best "first day" that I can remember. A large part of that was attributable to how the day began....an incredible worship service with our whole campus community. Dr. Stowell, our new president, shared an incredibly inspiring message, the band led us in some amazing singing worship, and it all culminated in everyone sharing the communion bread and cup together. What a perfect way to commit the year to Christ and get off on a foot that matters.
It was good to see many of my favorite students, as well as to meet many new faces. I always have the students write for me a little bit about why psychology is so important to study and why they are taking my course (besides the fact that it is a degree requirement). I don't really launch into content on the first day, but spend time getting to know my students and setting out my expectations.
I just love this photo that one of my students capture of me teaching....even with part of my head chopped off. I don't think I have any other photos of me actually teaching, so this one is pretty meaningful. Yes, some of them thought I was crazy to bring a camera to the first day....but they had better get used to it!
After class came some office hours and computer work. And a few shots of my office:



I have always gone with a functional look in my office space...organized piles and not much as far as decor. I'm thinking I may streamline things, make some changes, add some more photos, maybe paint a wall.......all in all, it was a great first day back.

And my husband took me out to dinner to boot.....what a man.

Hayden Funnies.

Hayden-ism #1:

Grandpa (after not seeing the kids for several months): Wow, you guys are getting so big. It looks like you've grown a foot!

Hayden (laughing): No, I didn't grow a foot! I only have 2!

Hayden-ism #2:

Waitress (as we sit down in the booth): "Little man, would you like a kids' menu?"

Hayden (as seriously and politely as you can imagine): "No thank you. I would like a human's menu, please." Two tables around us were laughing, as he said it quite loudly and oh-so-seriously.

Gotta' love this little guy.

Why I Teach.

Tonight, I have butterflies in my stomach, as I do every fall on the day before I begin the first day of the semester. It would be easier to just go about my late summer/fall, getting my own kids ready for back-to-school and taking care of my husband in his crazy football-season life. But, for some reason, I've thrown being a college teacher into the mix for the past 11 years. Why? Here is a list of some reasons that come to mind as I reflect on the "whys" of teaching.

I teach because.......I love learning, and teaching is one of the best ways of learning I know. You cannot be an effective teacher unless you keep learning yourself.

I teach because.......I had many wonderful teachers along the way who invested in me and encouraged me to shoot high in whatever I wanted to accomplish. Teachers like Mr. and Mrs. Racignol and Mr. Fredin and Mrs. Sauntman and Mr. Sanderlin and crazy Miss Morrow who almost made me believe that I could make a living being a artist (almost). They invested in me not just as a student, but took an interest in me as a person.

I teach because......I love having a part in that "aha" moment, where students finally make connections, see the big picture, see how all of the pieces fit. I love it when one of my Statistics students, who claimed "hating math" says "I love knowing how to do this stuff. I get it!"

I teach because......I believe that students need to know not just my subject matter, but how to THINK and DISCERN and BE GOOD PEOPLE WHO LOVE JESUS.

I teach because......I want my own kids to see that education is important, has value, and can change lives.

I teach because......of summers off! (Hey, just being honest here!).

I teach because......I love knowing how the next generation thinks, and having a hand in shaping tomorrow's leaders. I love being in a position to mentor students in making important life decisions. I love it when students come back to me years later and say "Thank you. I didn't see it then, but now I know."

I teach because.......This is where God has put me. I didn't plan to be a teacher. But God planted me here and is growing me. I feel privileged to start a new year and to see what He will unfold this year.

Teaching is a huge responsibility. In fact, there is a passage in the Old Testment that warns people to "not be quick to teach" because of the incredible responsibility it is. I want to start this year more aware than ever of making the most of each teaching moment.

I'm thinking I'll bring my camera along for the first day and document what it is all about. Maybe I'll have photos of my first day to share tomorrow. Off to sleep.

Last Week of August.

This will be a big week around our house.

• I have tomorrow off before beginning teaching a new semester on Tuesday.
• The kids are camping with my parents for a few days.
• Matt's first football game is on Thursday night......Go Bulldogs!
• The kids both received "the letter" in the mail Saturday, so we know whose classes they are in for the upcoming school year.
• Thursday brings open house for Kennedy. 2nd grade! I'm still having a bit of a hard time believing it.
• Friday, I am hoping to have a garage sale; however, I'm not sure if I'll be able to pull everything together in time.
• I began the HUGE job of reorganizing and simplifying my scrap studio; YIKES, is it a mess. But I now have most of my supplies organized into drawers by manufacturer, and tomorrow I will tackle the paper/cardstock issue.
• I am still finding it hard to believe that August is nearly gone. Fall is starting to make subtle appearances around here.

We got to hear our pastor from our previous church speak today and catch up with him a bit after the service. It's always good to reconnect. Our friends, the Smiths, are returning from their 3-week service trip to Africa this week, so please pray for safe travels.

Odd Day.

Today was just a really odd day.
The kids will be gone until the morning.
So I had a full day to plan however I wanted.
I had planned to spend the day running errands and creating.
I woke up at 7:00 am with a headache.
I took some Excedrin and fell back asleep until 11:00.
But I still didn't feel rested.
I took a bath and went down to the basement to scrap.
But ended up laying back on the couch.
I fell asleep and didn't wake up until 4:00.
So strange for me, as I am usually on the go.
It is 7:20 and I just got on my PJ's and Sonja slippers.
And I'm hoping to get some layouts done.
And praying that I'm not coming down with something.
I'll probably be wide awake until 3 am at this rate.

This and That on Thursday.

• Faculty work days are over for another year. My presentation went well, covering working with students with disabilities.
• I love the fresh flower selection at Costco. Where else can you get a huge premium bouquet of mixed flowers for under $15.00?
• The kids have been a my in-laws' for a few days. They will be coming back for 2 days before leaving to go camping with my parents on Sunday. I love that they are having fun and getting some good grandparent pampering while I am busy gearing up for the semester.
• My sister-in-law just announced that she is pregnant...this will be their #4 and grandchild #21 for my in-laws. This renewed the "let's have another baby" discussion with my husband. We are continuing in negotiations.........
• I had Chinese for dinner.
• I need to get some scrapbook time, and soon. I picked up some of the new products from American Crafts, KI Memories and Pink Paislee, and I am just dying to create with them.
• I got the cutest striped polo today for Hayden....for 2 dollars. Bargain.
• Huge congratulations to my fellow scrapping friend, Christine, for her selection as a Memory Makers Master for 2009! She does such beautiful work and is so deserving of this recognition. It inspires me to maybe give it a try and apply next year....maybe.
• I am watching "Under the Tuscan Sun".....can't remember the last time I watched a whole TV movie. I'm enjoying the mindless entertainment, to tell you the truth!
• I am reconnecting with homemaking this fall. I just ordered a couple of books on the topic of creating a home. It is important to me that our home reflect us and be welcoming to others.....and a place of refuge and peace. I want to improve on the "serene" and "peaceful" part of the equation, as it can get pretty hectic with our schedules.
• That God shows any favor on this world is amazing! What an awesome God we serve!
• So glad tomorrow is Friday!
  

Back to Work.

I love my job. I love teaching.
But I hate the politics that come with working at a university.
I always have a bit of anxiety when the new academic year begins.
On the way home tonight, I was thinking "maybe I should quit my job and homeschool."
Where that came from, I'm not sure.
Tomorrow, we'll get together and talk about our goals.
We'll debate what it means to teach and to learn.
We'll drink lattes and hear administrators give updates and slip out for extra potty breaks.
Yes, another year is soon begun in the world of college.

Truthfully, I'm anxious about how I will juggle it all.
Being fully available to the kids as they start their new years, Kennedy in 2nd grade and Hayden in kindergarten. I feel the years slipping by so quickly.
Being sensitive to the needs of my students.
Supporting my husband in his crazy football season schedule.
Reestablishing a regular exercise program (this is a MUST priority for this fall).
Getting time for quiet time with God, and for creative work.
I'm quite unsettled, moreso than I remember in year's past.
I appreciate your prayers as we dive in. Prayers that I will continue to live authentically and keep my priorities in line.
And now, I'm off to bed. This lady hasn't seen 6 a.m. in quite a few weeks, so tomorrow could be a really shocking awakening!

Jam-Packed Monday.

We saw flamingos and eagles and even chipmunks.
We saw a baby joey in a mommy wallaby's pouch.
We petted snakes and goats and stingrays and sharks.
We fed birds (and thought of Julie the whole time :)....and a couple of us got pooed on. Yuck.
We ate cotton candy dots (mmmmmm).
We saw lots of lazy animals napping in the hot summer sun.
We sweated, along with the other crowds of people at the zoo.
We watched snakes (but couldn't find the kimodo dragon today).
We ate great burgers for lunch at Red Robin....with yummy parmesan-garlic fries.
We shopped for a {cute} bathing suit.
We played video games.
We splashed at the spray park (and reveled in how refreshing the cool water was).
We swam at the lake.
We soaked up the sun.
We drank slushies and GatorAde and ate snacks.
We talked and laughed.
We climbed on the rope course.
We were tired...but a good kind of tired.
We ate dinner at Culvers.
We talked about animals getting married and having babies....and quickly changed the topic when the kids started asking questions about HOW?
We were tired....even too tired to stop at the scrapbooking store (now that's tired!).

What a fun Monday with good friends. Heather and Daniel, we are glad that you could come down for the day and make some fun memories. We are exhausted and ready to head to bed....back to work in just 2 days. Yikes. Really yikes.

Shopping.

Today was a really fun day spent with Kennedy. She is at such a fun stage right now and is TOTALLY into expressing her individuality in her fashion choices.

When we first arrived at the mall, I suggested going to the Children's Place. She, however, was more drawn to the Limited Too, which is much more "fashion-savvy." She declared that this is her new favorite store. We did find this adorable little dress at the Children's Place, and she wore it for the rest of our shopping day.
Here we are after the mall. We were tired and our arms were full of bags.

She is really into these cute hats this year, and I love them. I was a bit wary about her growing her hair out long, because I really like her in short hair, but her hair style in these hats is nothing short of adorable. And does this girl love her accessories....the more colorful and dangly, the better! She had her eye on those HUGE dangly hoops, but I told her she would have to be LOTS older before those would be appropriate.



Of course, once we arrived at the hotel, we spread everything out on the bed to look at the choices once again. Then, she took all of the outfits into the bathroom and proceeded to give me a fashion show. I must say that Kennedy is very good at putting outfits together in unexpected yet coordinated ways. You go, Girl!
I love this girl's style.

A Shoppin' We Will Go!

Kennedy and I are leaving today for our annual over-night Girls' Back-to-School shopping trip. Growing up, our family would always drive from McBain to Grand Rapids for a weekend of shopping, eating out, hotel swimming, and fun. We would drive from mall to mall every day, making decisions about how to spend our $150.00 that we were each alotted. Usually, Sunday was reserved for going back to stores we had already visited to make final selections and to make returns when we found something we liked better. Looking back, I realize that my dad was a very patient man (Thanks, Dad!).

It is a tradition that I am happy to pass on with my own kids.

A few things have changed....like needing a larger budget......and we leave the boys at home :)

So, the next 2 days will be filled with trying on, fashion hunts, probably a few tears, a bit of the battle of wills, school supplies, swimming, good meals, and mother-daughter time. We will buy pencils and notebooks and crayons (and probably a few other fun office supplies, since we both LOVE office supplies!). We will buy hair bands and outfits and shoes and socks and probably a few little extras if we run into any bargains. I, for one, will be happy if I get 2 things for myself: New underwear (the holes in mine are getting pretty ridiculous!) and some new towels for my master bathroom in chocolate brown, sage and sea blue.

Although the best shopping in the area is right here in Grand Rapids by far, it just doesn't seem the same to stay in your own town to shop. So, we have made Lansing/Okemos our chosen destination.

Off we go!

Science Tuesday {on Thursday}

Throughout the summer, we have been trying to do something "sciency" on Tuesdays. But, for the past few weeks, it seems that we have either been on vacation, out of town, or had some other conflict.

Yesterday, we decided to make volcanoes.....remember those from grade school? My son is into most anything that promises to "explode", so they were all enthusiastic about the promise if making exploding volcanoes.

Instead of going through the whole process of doing paper mache with the newspaper strips and glue paste, we just decided to make ours out of a paper plate, with an old empty play-dough cup taped to the center, all covered with tin foil.
We talked about the scientific method:

BRAIN: Our mind wonders about something; how does it work? What will happen if......?

EYES/EARS: We design an experiment to use our senses to explore.

HYPOTHESIS: If we pour baking soda (a base) together with vinegar (an acid), there will be an explosion (add a little red food coloring for effect!).

As Hayden would say "our ky-pota-sist" was proven! What a fun little science lesson. The kids then created a little science show that they did for Matt when he got home from work.

We give this science activity 5 stars...it is cheap, uses supplies that you already have around the house, works perfectly (we suggest adding red food coloring), and while a bit messy, is very containable and easy to clean up.

Answered Prayer.

Sometimes, we pray about big things. Like failing health. Financial struggle. Peace in our world.

And sometimes, it's the little things that seem really big.

Like lost pet bunnies.

Today, we had a simple yet powerful reminder that God answers prayer. As I posted on my blog last night, when we returned home, one of Kennedy's pet bunnies, Daffodil, had gotten out of her cage. While our backyard is fenced, there were still plenty of holes where a mischievious little bunny could get out. Last night, we prayed that God would keep her safe and bring her home, knowing that it was likely that she was somewhere out in the back field where we may never find her.

This morning, guess who we found nosing around the back yard looking for breakfast?

God knows every hair on our head, and He knows when one falls out. He keeps them numbered.

God watches over every sparrow. Every little one.

God numbers that grains of sand on the beach. And He knows how many millions of grains came home with us in the car last night.

And, yes, He even cares for pet bunnies and answers the earnest prayer of a little 7-year-old-girl who had faith that He would answer.

I am humbled by this lesson today. What do I need to bring to the Lord in prayer, yet may have been lacking the faith to do so?