Ok, this is going to be me rambling about frustrations. So, if you'd rather not read this entry, I understand. However, I feel like writing it may help me get over it.
Today was a busy day. We went Christmas shopping today and went fairly early to try to beat the crowds. It was a pretty successful day but we didn't get home until 3:00. We had just over an hour before we had to leave again for church bowling league (yay...). In that time I had to put together a meat, cheese, and cracker platter and wrap our gifts for the gift exchange. By 4:30 we were out the door with bags of extra plates and cuttlery and other things that people may have forgotten.
It was raining on the way down, which was kind of stressful because the roads were busy, and darkness and rain never help that! Before we got to the bowling alley we had to pick up some plastic table cloths. We went to the grocery store near by and could NOT find stupid plastic table cloths! Finally we found the ONE hook of table cloths that they had and grabbed a couple of those. We got to the bowling alley and had to move some of the stuff to get things set up, but we finally got it done! We began setting food out and people started showing up. The people who were arriving were opening the food up as we were putting it out and digging right in. Once others saw them scooping up their plates they started coming to get food too. Bowling hadn't even begun. I looked at the table and was definately worried about having enough food. But, I thought, more will come... it always does. The families that came after that thought brought in their small plate of cookies or brownies and all dug in to the very few plates of actual food. By the time bowling started my meat and cheese tray was gone. The plate of chicken wings and meatballs was gone too. I felt bad for the people who got there right on time and had only veggies or cookies to choose from because that's all people were bringing and they were NOT eating it! Ugh. It's a good thing that I haven't been wanting much food lately anyway. And I hope that people who brought food actually got to eat some of it and that all the spouses and kids of the families who brought a veggie tray or cookies didn't eat it all. People who cop out and bring something small and crappy to a get together, but then pig out, just really get to me. So, that was getting under my skin.
While I was trying to get the food set up I was also trying to keep the 'male' and 'female' gifts organized. When someone gets a strike they get to go pick a gift. I'm not sure if you can see where this is going, butI wasn't surprised. People who brought gifts got to pick one. I, of course, didn't get a strike until the 3rd game. By that time I had already noticed that there were no gifts left on the table. Part of me wanted to just say, 'ugh, who cares', but there was definately a part of me that was angry that someone didn't follow the rules! The gifts are usually small and sometimes stupid to the point where I wouldn't even want to take it home. It was the principle, though, that I couldn't have gotten a present even if I would have wanted one. I felt like I had gone through all this work to do my part for the Christmas party and then didn't get any food or a gift because other people were free loading. I probably shouldn't have let it, but it pretty much ruined my night.
So, hopefully tomorrow is a better day.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Happy December
Well, November flew by without really being acknowledged in my blog. For that, November, I apologize. So far we've had a good late fall/winter. It has definately gotten colder here in the Pacific Northwest. Not as cold as many other places, of course, but cold enough for us.
Many weekends in November ended up being fun or adventurous or relaxingor all of those things put together. We spent the last weekend of October in Spokane with Mama and Papa Hoekema. We did some Christmas shopping and spent some quality time there and we ate at Sonic, of course.
The next weekend started on November 6th when I boarded a late flight to Milwaukee to visit my dear, dear friend Suzanne. She, however, was unaware of my visit. After some sneaky planning I surprised Suzanne after her and Jason got engaged. I spent a quick, wonderful weekend in Elm Grove and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Suz again.
On November 12 and 13 we had parent teacher conferences at Seattle Christian. It was a long two days and I'm glad to have that over with for another year.
The following week Henry and I each took 2 days off of work to take a weekend trip away for Henry's 30th birthday. We decided to spend a couple of nights at a lodge up in the mountains. It was wonderful and relaxing. We were sure though to make it home by Saturday night for Church Bowling league (Whew!).
Wednesday, November 25th, Henry and I boarded a late flight that, thankfully, left SeaTac airport on time and headed to Montana. We arrived just before midnight and were tired but very happy to be at the Hoekema house on Canal Rd. Thursday was Thanksgiving and we relived all of the memories and traditions of a typical Thanksgiving holiday in Churchill. It was absolutely wonderful. We started the day at Bethel CRC with a great Thanksgiving day service. We came home to the absolute best smell ever... a turkey, cooked to perfection, and ready to be carved and devoured. We took part in the best Thanksgiving activity EVER. We (I) hovered around the turkey as it was being carved and snuck pieces of delicious goodness. Quality control you know... Family came over and we enjoyed a true feast. After dinner many of us fell asleep on various pieces of furniture while others of us sat around and visited (I was a visitor, fyi). Later in the afternoon we pulled out Phase Ten and played until most of us were sick of it. As we played we, of course, snacked. Shortly after phase ten was put away it was decided that a round of the Farming Game must be played. Around 5:30-6:00 we made mom pull out the left overs and heat them up so we could stuff ourselves some more. It was a truly great day. Friday was THANKSMAS!! The ladies started the day with some shopping the met the guys (who spent the morning 'farming') at Burger Bob's for some lunch (tradition!). It was just as delicious as I remember. After a little more shopping we came home again to prepare for Thanksmas festivities. I, however, was in dire need of a nap and gave in to that need. Dinner Friday night consisted of Chicken Cordon Bleu (tradition!), baked potatoes (of course), salad, corn, and sparkling cider. It was indeed a candle lit dinner with Manheim Steamroller Christmas music in the background. We finished a delightful meal off by giving Willem (the CUTEST kid in the world... hands down) a slice of his birthday cake. He, like most kids, picked up the whole slice and tried to shove it in his mouth. I must admit, it was quite cute. Like every other dinner that precedes gift giving, dishes were done in record time. After dinner and after Willem changed into his cute little pajamas, we began opening Christmas gifts. It's not even close when I say that the highlight of the evening was Willem wearing his cute little hat and then trying to do a backstroke in all the wrapping paper. I ask you, what's more precious than a happy, giggling 11 1/2 month old? I can't think of anything. After putting Willem to bed we all settled in to watch the movie 'Up', which was a big hit. Saturday morning we all went for breakfast to the Garden Cafe, grandpa and grandma Flikk included. It was delightful. After that Amber and Andrew began the long treck back to Iowa which was, unfortunately, the beginning of the end of our Thanksmas weekend. Once we got home Ashley and I decided to put together a gingerbread house kit that Mom had gotten for us. We should have paid more attention to the word 'mini' on the box when we were considering how much candy we would need. We had plenty of candy, which was nice, because there was more for us all to munch on. Before we finished the ginger bread houses one of Drew's friends stopped by to take him to the airport. Yet another Hoekie left the nest again. Henry and I were the only out of towners left. I spent most of the afternoon playing games with Ashley and Mom. We played some great quiddler! After still more turkey (this time in the form of 'turkey ala king'... yummmm), we had a quiet Saturday night around the Hoekie house. Sunday morning Henry and I woke up early and drove in to Bozeman to meet Dave and Steph Cole for lunch at Mainstreet Overeasy. We had a nice visit and a good breakfast. It was good to catch up with them again. From there we drove over to Bethel to enjoy one more service there before lewaving for Washington. The first advent candle was lit and pastor Brad preached a good message. Yet another nice Sunday morning. After church we went home to still another delicious smelling meal. Papa H had slaved all morning over a delicious looking prime rib. Mom and Dad worked on getting dinner on the table while Henry and I packed. The prime rib was absolutely delicious. Definately a great way to end a weekend of delicious eating! Shortly after lunch Mom and Dad drove us to the airport to fly back home to Seattle. What a great Thanksgiving weekend!
Now we're home again and enjoying all the things that December and anticipation of Christmas bring with it. This weekend our Sunday School group from school put the Christmas decorations up at church. Things went well and we were quite happy with the fellowship that we had while working on that project. Yesterday, however, I accepted the fact that I do, indeed, have quite the cold.
Today I drug myself out of bed, took some Sudafed and headed off to church. We had a good message from Pastor Clay and then enjoyed some time in our Sunday school class. I was happy, however, to get home and into my sweats. Most of today was spent napping and laying on the couch with a big box of Kleenex.
So, that's where we're at. Chief and I, curled up on the couch, watching football even though Henry isn't here (he's at his friend's house playing some dumb video game... but I still love him).
In case I don't post again, I wish you all a very blessed Christmas. I pray that God gives you peace and assurance of His perfect plan in your life!
Lots of love from Kent, WA-
- Lindsey and Chief (and Henry at heart)
Many weekends in November ended up being fun or adventurous or relaxingor all of those things put together. We spent the last weekend of October in Spokane with Mama and Papa Hoekema. We did some Christmas shopping and spent some quality time there and we ate at Sonic, of course.
The next weekend started on November 6th when I boarded a late flight to Milwaukee to visit my dear, dear friend Suzanne. She, however, was unaware of my visit. After some sneaky planning I surprised Suzanne after her and Jason got engaged. I spent a quick, wonderful weekend in Elm Grove and thoroughly enjoyed spending time with Suz again.
On November 12 and 13 we had parent teacher conferences at Seattle Christian. It was a long two days and I'm glad to have that over with for another year.
The following week Henry and I each took 2 days off of work to take a weekend trip away for Henry's 30th birthday. We decided to spend a couple of nights at a lodge up in the mountains. It was wonderful and relaxing. We were sure though to make it home by Saturday night for Church Bowling league (Whew!).
Wednesday, November 25th, Henry and I boarded a late flight that, thankfully, left SeaTac airport on time and headed to Montana. We arrived just before midnight and were tired but very happy to be at the Hoekema house on Canal Rd. Thursday was Thanksgiving and we relived all of the memories and traditions of a typical Thanksgiving holiday in Churchill. It was absolutely wonderful. We started the day at Bethel CRC with a great Thanksgiving day service. We came home to the absolute best smell ever... a turkey, cooked to perfection, and ready to be carved and devoured. We took part in the best Thanksgiving activity EVER. We (I) hovered around the turkey as it was being carved and snuck pieces of delicious goodness. Quality control you know... Family came over and we enjoyed a true feast. After dinner many of us fell asleep on various pieces of furniture while others of us sat around and visited (I was a visitor, fyi). Later in the afternoon we pulled out Phase Ten and played until most of us were sick of it. As we played we, of course, snacked. Shortly after phase ten was put away it was decided that a round of the Farming Game must be played. Around 5:30-6:00 we made mom pull out the left overs and heat them up so we could stuff ourselves some more. It was a truly great day. Friday was THANKSMAS!! The ladies started the day with some shopping the met the guys (who spent the morning 'farming') at Burger Bob's for some lunch (tradition!). It was just as delicious as I remember. After a little more shopping we came home again to prepare for Thanksmas festivities. I, however, was in dire need of a nap and gave in to that need. Dinner Friday night consisted of Chicken Cordon Bleu (tradition!), baked potatoes (of course), salad, corn, and sparkling cider. It was indeed a candle lit dinner with Manheim Steamroller Christmas music in the background. We finished a delightful meal off by giving Willem (the CUTEST kid in the world... hands down) a slice of his birthday cake. He, like most kids, picked up the whole slice and tried to shove it in his mouth. I must admit, it was quite cute. Like every other dinner that precedes gift giving, dishes were done in record time. After dinner and after Willem changed into his cute little pajamas, we began opening Christmas gifts. It's not even close when I say that the highlight of the evening was Willem wearing his cute little hat and then trying to do a backstroke in all the wrapping paper. I ask you, what's more precious than a happy, giggling 11 1/2 month old? I can't think of anything. After putting Willem to bed we all settled in to watch the movie 'Up', which was a big hit. Saturday morning we all went for breakfast to the Garden Cafe, grandpa and grandma Flikk included. It was delightful. After that Amber and Andrew began the long treck back to Iowa which was, unfortunately, the beginning of the end of our Thanksmas weekend. Once we got home Ashley and I decided to put together a gingerbread house kit that Mom had gotten for us. We should have paid more attention to the word 'mini' on the box when we were considering how much candy we would need. We had plenty of candy, which was nice, because there was more for us all to munch on. Before we finished the ginger bread houses one of Drew's friends stopped by to take him to the airport. Yet another Hoekie left the nest again. Henry and I were the only out of towners left. I spent most of the afternoon playing games with Ashley and Mom. We played some great quiddler! After still more turkey (this time in the form of 'turkey ala king'... yummmm), we had a quiet Saturday night around the Hoekie house. Sunday morning Henry and I woke up early and drove in to Bozeman to meet Dave and Steph Cole for lunch at Mainstreet Overeasy. We had a nice visit and a good breakfast. It was good to catch up with them again. From there we drove over to Bethel to enjoy one more service there before lewaving for Washington. The first advent candle was lit and pastor Brad preached a good message. Yet another nice Sunday morning. After church we went home to still another delicious smelling meal. Papa H had slaved all morning over a delicious looking prime rib. Mom and Dad worked on getting dinner on the table while Henry and I packed. The prime rib was absolutely delicious. Definately a great way to end a weekend of delicious eating! Shortly after lunch Mom and Dad drove us to the airport to fly back home to Seattle. What a great Thanksgiving weekend!
Now we're home again and enjoying all the things that December and anticipation of Christmas bring with it. This weekend our Sunday School group from school put the Christmas decorations up at church. Things went well and we were quite happy with the fellowship that we had while working on that project. Yesterday, however, I accepted the fact that I do, indeed, have quite the cold.
Today I drug myself out of bed, took some Sudafed and headed off to church. We had a good message from Pastor Clay and then enjoyed some time in our Sunday school class. I was happy, however, to get home and into my sweats. Most of today was spent napping and laying on the couch with a big box of Kleenex.
So, that's where we're at. Chief and I, curled up on the couch, watching football even though Henry isn't here (he's at his friend's house playing some dumb video game... but I still love him).
In case I don't post again, I wish you all a very blessed Christmas. I pray that God gives you peace and assurance of His perfect plan in your life!
Lots of love from Kent, WA-
- Lindsey and Chief (and Henry at heart)
Monday, October 26, 2009
October and Pumpkins
There hasn't been a whole lot new in the month of October. I'm finally finished coaching volleyball which is SO nice! The season definately could have gone better but it's in the past! :) Woo Hoo! About 1 more week of free afternoons and basketball starts. At least I'm a volunteer coach and don't have to be there every day! It's hard thinking about giving up afternoons until March but I do love it I suppose.
Last Saturday we went and carved pumpkins with some of our friends. Here's a picture of the pumpkins that Henry and I carved. I have to admit, we both used templates so we can't take all of the credit. It was a beautiful and fun day!
Last Saturday we went and carved pumpkins with some of our friends. Here's a picture of the pumpkins that Henry and I carved. I have to admit, we both used templates so we can't take all of the credit. It was a beautiful and fun day!
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Recent Pictures
Henry and I on the water front in Bremerton
We bought a plane trip to Friday Harbor at the Seattle Christian Auction. We took the trip on the last Saturday in August. This is Henry inspecting the plane before we left. :)
Us with the plane after we had landed in Friday Harbor.
At the Friday Harbor Marina. It was a beautiful day.
On our way home again.
Seattle from the air. Beautiful!
Labor day at the Ballard Locks. I finally got a picture of a salmon jumping! Yay!
Cinnamon Rolls... baked fresh tonight. Yummm.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Don't be sorry, be better
I really don't have a reason for choosing the title that I did except that I want to work on doing a better job of updating my blog. It just popped into my head when I was thinking to myself, 'What would be a catchy title for my blog entry'. This is a phrase that our P.E. department at Seattle Christian uses on a pretty regular basis. So, I thought I'd inspire all 2 of you out there who read this. I feel a bit like Drew with his radio show that broadcasts with the power of a toaster. Is anyone out there? I know that mom, you read it. And I'm pretty sure Cebu reads in his very little spare time. That's good enough for me! :)
Friday the 18th, I think that was the night I picked Henry up from the airport after he was in California for work. I believe my last post was on that date so we'll go from there.
On Saturday the 19th Henry and I went with Steve and Harriet to Puyallup's biggest event of the year... The Puyallup Fair!! It was a beautiful fallish day and we had a great time! I had gotten a free ticket to the fair from school for being a teacher. I realized once we got to the fair that I had left the ticket at home. Shoot! Oh well... Shortly after entering the fair we stopped to enjoy some delicious scones. If I ever take any of you to the fair I will get scones for you! They are a must! Then, on the way to the 'Wierd Al's Brain' exhibit I was thirsty so I decided to get a pop. Now there's no sense getting the Medium when the large is only $.25 more and you'll be there all day! After we had waited in line the attendant told me I couldn't take drinks in the show. UGH! This is a fair people! Lighten up! Being too cheap to dump my $3.00 large soda, we got out of line. I was pretty annoyed that I was inconveniencing everyone else, but at that point not annoyed enough to get rid of the pop. We saw the petting zoo not too far away and went to go pet some goats and chickens and whatever else fairs typically have in petting zoos. As we were walking into the petting zoo, of course, another attendant stops us and tells me I can't take my pop in. AGH! The pop was forcefully thrown in the trash can with an annoyed sigh. What a waste. It wasn't worth making us all sit around outside while I tried to guzzle my 32oz pop. So that was that. We went and petted some chickens and rabbits and goats. As we were leaving the petting zoo Harriet alerted Steve that he had something on the butt of his pants (she can do that kind of thing now that she's his fiance :) ). He realized that the straw bale that he had sat on had chicken poo on it and now it was on his pants. GREAT start to our day! So, since Steve is somewhat of a germ-a-phobe we had to thoroughly scrub at his pants and then his hands. After that the day definately took a turn in the positive direction. We saw the Weird Al's Brain thing (which I wasn't that impressed with... I'll take the pop!) and then went to do a few rides and get lunch. It was 'private schools' day at the fair so I went to check out who was working the Seattle Christian booth. The first time I checked it was a family I didn't know. The second time I looked it was a family I didn't particularly like... no need to go visit! We walked around and saw vendors most of the afternoon until it was finally time to leave the fair. From there we went straight to the first night of the Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church BOWLING LEAGUE! We had lots of fun but I was glad to finally be home and in bed that night.
The following week was pretty typical for us. My Middle School volleyball team had their first games. They didn't go as well as I would have liked but that gives us room to improve I suppose! Tuesday was a really long day. We had school all day and then an away volleyball game after school. The bus made it back just in time for me to make it to the 'back to school night' that was going on at school. I was there until 9:30 that night. Whew! Very glad that day is over! Thursday we had our first home game which went only slightly better than our first game. Oh well! This past Saturday we went back to the fair again! We finally used my free ticket. We also used 2 student tickets that the school had left over so Henry, Vip and I all got into the fair for free! Yay! It was a beautiful, very fun day at the fair followed by the second night of church bowling. It was another fun day.
This past Sunday we had our first day of Sunday School with our new curriculum. Henry and I were both really happy with how the study went and are looking forward to next weeks meeting. After curch we went over to Mom and Dad VP's house for a big turkey dinner! It was SO delicious. We stayed there for a while and watched some football. On the way home we stopped in and saw grandma VP. She looked pretty good and showed us how she can walk with her walker to the door of her room and back. But she sure does wish she could walk again without the walker and without pain. You've got to love Grandma! We came home and I made a nice, big batch of potato soup. Yum, yum!
Today was yet another Monday. School went well, we had Volleyball practice and then I went out to eat with Carla. We (Harriet, Carla, and I) have decided that Monday nights will be our 'girls night'. Henry has bowling league, Steve has city council meetings, and Eric usually has some friends that he wants to hang out with. So far it's been something that I've looked very much forward to on Monday nights!
Now Henry and I are home and watching a little TV on the couch before we head to bed. It's been a good week and a half!
We hope you all are doing well wherever you're at. We miss you and love you all and look forward to the next time we get to see you!
Love from Washington!
Henry, Lindsey, and Chief Walter Winston III
Friday the 18th, I think that was the night I picked Henry up from the airport after he was in California for work. I believe my last post was on that date so we'll go from there.
On Saturday the 19th Henry and I went with Steve and Harriet to Puyallup's biggest event of the year... The Puyallup Fair!! It was a beautiful fallish day and we had a great time! I had gotten a free ticket to the fair from school for being a teacher. I realized once we got to the fair that I had left the ticket at home. Shoot! Oh well... Shortly after entering the fair we stopped to enjoy some delicious scones. If I ever take any of you to the fair I will get scones for you! They are a must! Then, on the way to the 'Wierd Al's Brain' exhibit I was thirsty so I decided to get a pop. Now there's no sense getting the Medium when the large is only $.25 more and you'll be there all day! After we had waited in line the attendant told me I couldn't take drinks in the show. UGH! This is a fair people! Lighten up! Being too cheap to dump my $3.00 large soda, we got out of line. I was pretty annoyed that I was inconveniencing everyone else, but at that point not annoyed enough to get rid of the pop. We saw the petting zoo not too far away and went to go pet some goats and chickens and whatever else fairs typically have in petting zoos. As we were walking into the petting zoo, of course, another attendant stops us and tells me I can't take my pop in. AGH! The pop was forcefully thrown in the trash can with an annoyed sigh. What a waste. It wasn't worth making us all sit around outside while I tried to guzzle my 32oz pop. So that was that. We went and petted some chickens and rabbits and goats. As we were leaving the petting zoo Harriet alerted Steve that he had something on the butt of his pants (she can do that kind of thing now that she's his fiance :) ). He realized that the straw bale that he had sat on had chicken poo on it and now it was on his pants. GREAT start to our day! So, since Steve is somewhat of a germ-a-phobe we had to thoroughly scrub at his pants and then his hands. After that the day definately took a turn in the positive direction. We saw the Weird Al's Brain thing (which I wasn't that impressed with... I'll take the pop!) and then went to do a few rides and get lunch. It was 'private schools' day at the fair so I went to check out who was working the Seattle Christian booth. The first time I checked it was a family I didn't know. The second time I looked it was a family I didn't particularly like... no need to go visit! We walked around and saw vendors most of the afternoon until it was finally time to leave the fair. From there we went straight to the first night of the Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church BOWLING LEAGUE! We had lots of fun but I was glad to finally be home and in bed that night.
The following week was pretty typical for us. My Middle School volleyball team had their first games. They didn't go as well as I would have liked but that gives us room to improve I suppose! Tuesday was a really long day. We had school all day and then an away volleyball game after school. The bus made it back just in time for me to make it to the 'back to school night' that was going on at school. I was there until 9:30 that night. Whew! Very glad that day is over! Thursday we had our first home game which went only slightly better than our first game. Oh well! This past Saturday we went back to the fair again! We finally used my free ticket. We also used 2 student tickets that the school had left over so Henry, Vip and I all got into the fair for free! Yay! It was a beautiful, very fun day at the fair followed by the second night of church bowling. It was another fun day.
This past Sunday we had our first day of Sunday School with our new curriculum. Henry and I were both really happy with how the study went and are looking forward to next weeks meeting. After curch we went over to Mom and Dad VP's house for a big turkey dinner! It was SO delicious. We stayed there for a while and watched some football. On the way home we stopped in and saw grandma VP. She looked pretty good and showed us how she can walk with her walker to the door of her room and back. But she sure does wish she could walk again without the walker and without pain. You've got to love Grandma! We came home and I made a nice, big batch of potato soup. Yum, yum!
Today was yet another Monday. School went well, we had Volleyball practice and then I went out to eat with Carla. We (Harriet, Carla, and I) have decided that Monday nights will be our 'girls night'. Henry has bowling league, Steve has city council meetings, and Eric usually has some friends that he wants to hang out with. So far it's been something that I've looked very much forward to on Monday nights!
Now Henry and I are home and watching a little TV on the couch before we head to bed. It's been a good week and a half!
We hope you all are doing well wherever you're at. We miss you and love you all and look forward to the next time we get to see you!
Love from Washington!
Henry, Lindsey, and Chief Walter Winston III
Friday, September 18, 2009
School Days are Here Again
So, school has started back up and we are more or less back in the swing of things. It was pretty tough getting used to getting up before 8 o'clock every day! But, I've survived. I know, rough life.
This school year is great because it's my second time around. Lesson plans are already finished for the most part and I don't need to work too hard to make sure I know how to teach the curriculum. Now I can focus more on improving what I'm already doing. I enjoy my classes but realy miss the 7th grade advanced math class from last year. The kids were super fun and kept me laughing all the time! They also cared about what they were doing and worked really hard. I loved that class! Because I don't teach 8th grade advanced math I don't get to see them anymore. :( At least I can say 'hi' to most of them in the hall.
I've definately found that each class or group of kids is its own beast. This years seventh grade class has some great kids but also some kids that I'm quite sure will drive me bonkers before the end of the year. The other day the kids were all quietly and a 7th grade boy came to my desk and asked what my four favorite colors were. WHAT?!?! Ummm... I'm trying to get things done, just like you should do. You shouldn't care what my favorite colors are! Don't bother me with pointless questions! Oh well, he's a nice kid, just a little annoying every now and then.
I had QUITE the crisis a few days ago. It all started when Mom came to visit a few weeks ago and told me I shouldn't drink so much pop! So, I've been trying to drink more water at school. There is a water machine in the office so I can just keep refilling my water bottle which works nicely. Last Tuesday I was doing great! I filled my water bottle first thing in the morning and had it all gone by the end of 2nd period. I filled it again and had about 1/2 of it gone by lunch time. At lunch someone came in and asked what had happened to the water machine. Then I found out that they had taken it out to clean it shortly after I had refilled my bottle because a bunch of ants had crawled into the water reseviour and everyone who got water that morning was getting ants in their water. WHAT?!?!? AGH!!! How many ants had I consumed! SO gross! I wanted to throw up. I ran back to my room to check my water bottle hoping that it would be ant-less. There were 3 dead ants in the bottom of my half consumed water bottle. GROSS!! So that was my Tuesday. Very anty. I got home from Volleyball practice and had to bring Henry to the airport right away. He flew down to Los Angeles for work. When I got home I made a BIG batch of Potato Soup! YUMMM!! I've been eating it all week.
Wednesday morning: Chapel Day. I put on my favorite brown dress pants that are wide leg with a cuff sewn into the bottom of the legs. I also wore my favorite brown heels. As I was coming in from taking Chief out right before leaving for school tragedy struck. Just before getting to the front door, my right heel got caught in my left pant cuff without me noticing. I tried to take a step and... splat. Down I went. Immediate pain. I looked at my hands that had kind of caught me and they were all scraped up and bleeding. I looked at my knee and there was definately a hole in my favorite pants. Chief's leash broke. Bad deals. I had to run upstairs and try to quickly find something else to wear. I had to clean out the cuts on my hands and knee. Ouch! After a couple of band-ades and a different outfit I was out the door a little late. R.I.P. pants, R.I.P.. Wednesday night I was home and getting ready for bed. Chief was laying on the bed and I went to go lay next to him. As I went to put my head next to his, he jerked his head up to look at me. BANG! He caught me right in the bridge of my nose. OUCH! I thought it might be broken. But, as Prof. Vander Berg taught me in First Aid and Athletic Injury, when a nose breaks, it bleeds. So I don't think it's broken. But is sure is sore! So far it hasn't bruised, which I'm very thankful for.
So, now it's Friday and I've averted disaster for almost 48 hours, hoping to keep that streak going. Henry comes home tonight, which is nice. Tomorrow we're going to 'Do the Puyallup'! It's the Puyallup Fair in Puyallup, WA. The fifth largest fair in the United States. It's always a lot of fun with plenty of good food! Henry loves the fair and this weekend is 'Christian Schools Days' so we will visit the Seattle Christian booth and hear the SCS jazz band play. Tomorrow night is the first night of the Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church's BOWLING LEAGUE! It's Henry's favorite time of the year. College football and bowling leagues. It should be a lot of fun. This year Eric & Carla and Steve & Harriet are doing a 'Bowl-share' on our team. So Henry and I will be the regular bowlers and Eric & Carla and Steve & Harriet will take turns bowling with us.
I think that's all I've got for an update at this point. We're looking forward to a busy October and November and then Thanksgiving and Christmas! Pumkin carving! Volleyball games! Maybe Spokane to meet Mama H and Cebu Daddy? Henry's birthday! Lots of fun stuff on the horizon.
Hope you all are doing well! We miss you and love you lots!!
- Lindsey, Henry, and Chief Walter Winston III (who has a hard head)
This school year is great because it's my second time around. Lesson plans are already finished for the most part and I don't need to work too hard to make sure I know how to teach the curriculum. Now I can focus more on improving what I'm already doing. I enjoy my classes but realy miss the 7th grade advanced math class from last year. The kids were super fun and kept me laughing all the time! They also cared about what they were doing and worked really hard. I loved that class! Because I don't teach 8th grade advanced math I don't get to see them anymore. :( At least I can say 'hi' to most of them in the hall.
I've definately found that each class or group of kids is its own beast. This years seventh grade class has some great kids but also some kids that I'm quite sure will drive me bonkers before the end of the year. The other day the kids were all quietly and a 7th grade boy came to my desk and asked what my four favorite colors were. WHAT?!?! Ummm... I'm trying to get things done, just like you should do. You shouldn't care what my favorite colors are! Don't bother me with pointless questions! Oh well, he's a nice kid, just a little annoying every now and then.
I had QUITE the crisis a few days ago. It all started when Mom came to visit a few weeks ago and told me I shouldn't drink so much pop! So, I've been trying to drink more water at school. There is a water machine in the office so I can just keep refilling my water bottle which works nicely. Last Tuesday I was doing great! I filled my water bottle first thing in the morning and had it all gone by the end of 2nd period. I filled it again and had about 1/2 of it gone by lunch time. At lunch someone came in and asked what had happened to the water machine. Then I found out that they had taken it out to clean it shortly after I had refilled my bottle because a bunch of ants had crawled into the water reseviour and everyone who got water that morning was getting ants in their water. WHAT?!?!? AGH!!! How many ants had I consumed! SO gross! I wanted to throw up. I ran back to my room to check my water bottle hoping that it would be ant-less. There were 3 dead ants in the bottom of my half consumed water bottle. GROSS!! So that was my Tuesday. Very anty. I got home from Volleyball practice and had to bring Henry to the airport right away. He flew down to Los Angeles for work. When I got home I made a BIG batch of Potato Soup! YUMMM!! I've been eating it all week.
Wednesday morning: Chapel Day. I put on my favorite brown dress pants that are wide leg with a cuff sewn into the bottom of the legs. I also wore my favorite brown heels. As I was coming in from taking Chief out right before leaving for school tragedy struck. Just before getting to the front door, my right heel got caught in my left pant cuff without me noticing. I tried to take a step and... splat. Down I went. Immediate pain. I looked at my hands that had kind of caught me and they were all scraped up and bleeding. I looked at my knee and there was definately a hole in my favorite pants. Chief's leash broke. Bad deals. I had to run upstairs and try to quickly find something else to wear. I had to clean out the cuts on my hands and knee. Ouch! After a couple of band-ades and a different outfit I was out the door a little late. R.I.P. pants, R.I.P.. Wednesday night I was home and getting ready for bed. Chief was laying on the bed and I went to go lay next to him. As I went to put my head next to his, he jerked his head up to look at me. BANG! He caught me right in the bridge of my nose. OUCH! I thought it might be broken. But, as Prof. Vander Berg taught me in First Aid and Athletic Injury, when a nose breaks, it bleeds. So I don't think it's broken. But is sure is sore! So far it hasn't bruised, which I'm very thankful for.
So, now it's Friday and I've averted disaster for almost 48 hours, hoping to keep that streak going. Henry comes home tonight, which is nice. Tomorrow we're going to 'Do the Puyallup'! It's the Puyallup Fair in Puyallup, WA. The fifth largest fair in the United States. It's always a lot of fun with plenty of good food! Henry loves the fair and this weekend is 'Christian Schools Days' so we will visit the Seattle Christian booth and hear the SCS jazz band play. Tomorrow night is the first night of the Tacoma Christian Reformed Community Church's BOWLING LEAGUE! It's Henry's favorite time of the year. College football and bowling leagues. It should be a lot of fun. This year Eric & Carla and Steve & Harriet are doing a 'Bowl-share' on our team. So Henry and I will be the regular bowlers and Eric & Carla and Steve & Harriet will take turns bowling with us.
I think that's all I've got for an update at this point. We're looking forward to a busy October and November and then Thanksgiving and Christmas! Pumkin carving! Volleyball games! Maybe Spokane to meet Mama H and Cebu Daddy? Henry's birthday! Lots of fun stuff on the horizon.
Hope you all are doing well! We miss you and love you lots!!
- Lindsey, Henry, and Chief Walter Winston III (who has a hard head)
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
An Extended Absence
Hello! I'm writing to let you know that I am alive after all! It's been almost 2 months and I have been less than motivated to make time to write my blog. Here's a run down of what has happened in the last month and a half.
Michelle was here and staying with us for a week and a half in mid-July. We (I?) had such a wonderful time! We spent hours floating around the near by lake. We cooked, we rode 'The Duck' in Seattle, we shopped. We had a marvelous time finding things to keep us busy. This will have to become a yearly tradition. :)
Michelle left on July 24th and I'm honestly not sure what all has happened between then and now. Henry has golfed a LOT... nearly every Saturday.
At the beginning of August we had a retirement celebration for Tacoma CRC's senior pastor, Pastor Rod. Pastor Rod has been the pastor at Tacoma CRC for 36 years. 36 YEARS! He is dearly loved and we're beginning the stressful process of trying to call a new pastor. I know that all of you in Montana know what that's like! We had a program and a picnic with games and the like. It was a fun time of fellowship.
Henry's brother John and his wife Larissa came out for a visit the first week of August. The Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday that they were here the whole family went up to Leavenworth, WA for a little trip. Henry actually worked that Monday and he and I went up after work so we missed out on the tour of the Applet and Cottlet factory. I honestly wasn't that disappointed. I don't even like Applets and Cottlets. We had dinner when we got there and then went back to the hotel (The Enzian of course! The Vander Pol tradition) and played a 'fun' game of peanuts. Some of you know my love **sarcasm** for peanuts.
We started Tuesday off by enjoying the wonderful breakfat that the Enzian Hotel is known for. Then, during breakfast, the little old man who has been doing this for years walks through the dinning room with his huge 'Ricola Horn', for the lack of a more official name, and stands on the outdoor deck railing to play some songs. He's decked out in his old fashioned Bavarian outfit and plays the part well. After breakfast we all went down to the 'Champion Putting Course' for a game of mini-golf. The four guys played together so that they could be as competitive as they liked, and the 4 girls played together so we could actually have fun. After golfing we went lazy river rafting on the Wenatchee river. It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun rafting. The rest of the trip included other small activities and was an, overall, good time. Wait! I forgot. On the way home from Leavenworth Dad VP declared that there would be a hike. ... Really? Ugh... I survived.
Friday the bunch of us, minus Eric and Henry who had to work, went up to the Woodland Park Zoo. It was a fun day. Saturday we all went to a Mariner game. Another fun VP family event.
Whew! BUSY week!
I don't totally remember what I did the next week to stay busy. I painted some of my trim. I schemed about how to get Mom and Ashley out for a visit. I took Chief to the Vet. Ugh. Then, Saturday the 15th we had the annual Tacoma CRC golf tournament! Eric and Carla and Henry and I all played as our usual team. We were the defending champs going in. Second was the best we could do this year. Still fun though.
Last Tuesday, the 18th of August, at 9:00am I arrived at the SeaTac Int'l Airport and scooped up MOM AND CRASHO!!! We succeeded in arranging a trip for them to visit before I started the school year. Tuesday Mom and Ashely both slept most of the day... really exciting. We managed to do some cooking, some shopping, and some sight seeing. It was a REALLY wonderful week to have before school started. We saw Salmon running at the Ballard Locks. We saw people crab fishing off of the Des Moines pier. We had a great dinner at cousin Deanna's house with some of the Aunts and cousins that live around here. It was, all around, a great week. Thanks for coming, Mom and Crash!
Saturday Henry and I had the privilage of flying in a classic airplane to Friday Harbor, WA. It was a day trip that we had, more or less, ended up with at the Seattle Christian auction. We flew in a 1947 Stinson Taildragger. That probably doesn't mean much to many of you, but, oh well.
This week was the week. After I had been looking so forward to summer and summer had gone SO fast, school had to come. I still had Monday off, but had to report for duty yesterday. The day went pretty well, but I spent a lot of time in meetings. Today was the same. I'm starting to feel a little panic about whether or not I will get my room ready in time! It'll get done one way or another I suppose.
So, that's where we're at. Actually, we're on the couch watching the Mariner game. Henry's been sleeping on the couch for the last hour. He's becoming an old man in that was I suppose. Even so, he's a cute old man. :)Chief is curled up on his lap and they are snoozing away.
So, we hope you all are happy and healthy! Until we see you again, we love you!!
- Lindsey B. (now more commonly 'Mrs. Vander Pol'), Henry D., and Chief W.W.
Michelle was here and staying with us for a week and a half in mid-July. We (I?) had such a wonderful time! We spent hours floating around the near by lake. We cooked, we rode 'The Duck' in Seattle, we shopped. We had a marvelous time finding things to keep us busy. This will have to become a yearly tradition. :)
Michelle left on July 24th and I'm honestly not sure what all has happened between then and now. Henry has golfed a LOT... nearly every Saturday.
At the beginning of August we had a retirement celebration for Tacoma CRC's senior pastor, Pastor Rod. Pastor Rod has been the pastor at Tacoma CRC for 36 years. 36 YEARS! He is dearly loved and we're beginning the stressful process of trying to call a new pastor. I know that all of you in Montana know what that's like! We had a program and a picnic with games and the like. It was a fun time of fellowship.
Henry's brother John and his wife Larissa came out for a visit the first week of August. The Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday that they were here the whole family went up to Leavenworth, WA for a little trip. Henry actually worked that Monday and he and I went up after work so we missed out on the tour of the Applet and Cottlet factory. I honestly wasn't that disappointed. I don't even like Applets and Cottlets. We had dinner when we got there and then went back to the hotel (The Enzian of course! The Vander Pol tradition) and played a 'fun' game of peanuts. Some of you know my love **sarcasm** for peanuts.
We started Tuesday off by enjoying the wonderful breakfat that the Enzian Hotel is known for. Then, during breakfast, the little old man who has been doing this for years walks through the dinning room with his huge 'Ricola Horn', for the lack of a more official name, and stands on the outdoor deck railing to play some songs. He's decked out in his old fashioned Bavarian outfit and plays the part well. After breakfast we all went down to the 'Champion Putting Course' for a game of mini-golf. The four guys played together so that they could be as competitive as they liked, and the 4 girls played together so we could actually have fun. After golfing we went lazy river rafting on the Wenatchee river. It was a beautiful day and we had a lot of fun rafting. The rest of the trip included other small activities and was an, overall, good time. Wait! I forgot. On the way home from Leavenworth Dad VP declared that there would be a hike. ... Really? Ugh... I survived.
Friday the bunch of us, minus Eric and Henry who had to work, went up to the Woodland Park Zoo. It was a fun day. Saturday we all went to a Mariner game. Another fun VP family event.
Whew! BUSY week!
I don't totally remember what I did the next week to stay busy. I painted some of my trim. I schemed about how to get Mom and Ashley out for a visit. I took Chief to the Vet. Ugh. Then, Saturday the 15th we had the annual Tacoma CRC golf tournament! Eric and Carla and Henry and I all played as our usual team. We were the defending champs going in. Second was the best we could do this year. Still fun though.
Last Tuesday, the 18th of August, at 9:00am I arrived at the SeaTac Int'l Airport and scooped up MOM AND CRASHO!!! We succeeded in arranging a trip for them to visit before I started the school year. Tuesday Mom and Ashely both slept most of the day... really exciting. We managed to do some cooking, some shopping, and some sight seeing. It was a REALLY wonderful week to have before school started. We saw Salmon running at the Ballard Locks. We saw people crab fishing off of the Des Moines pier. We had a great dinner at cousin Deanna's house with some of the Aunts and cousins that live around here. It was, all around, a great week. Thanks for coming, Mom and Crash!
Saturday Henry and I had the privilage of flying in a classic airplane to Friday Harbor, WA. It was a day trip that we had, more or less, ended up with at the Seattle Christian auction. We flew in a 1947 Stinson Taildragger. That probably doesn't mean much to many of you, but, oh well.
This week was the week. After I had been looking so forward to summer and summer had gone SO fast, school had to come. I still had Monday off, but had to report for duty yesterday. The day went pretty well, but I spent a lot of time in meetings. Today was the same. I'm starting to feel a little panic about whether or not I will get my room ready in time! It'll get done one way or another I suppose.
So, that's where we're at. Actually, we're on the couch watching the Mariner game. Henry's been sleeping on the couch for the last hour. He's becoming an old man in that was I suppose. Even so, he's a cute old man. :)Chief is curled up on his lap and they are snoozing away.
So, we hope you all are happy and healthy! Until we see you again, we love you!!
- Lindsey B. (now more commonly 'Mrs. Vander Pol'), Henry D., and Chief W.W.
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