tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60152012012-01-02T12:09:49.086-05:00This is us -- what we're up to -- what we're thinking -- a way to stay connected in a fragmented life...Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-17900242024797701942012-01-02T11:13:00.000-05:002012-01-02T11:15:25.877-05:00

Here's our annual year - end slide show, first in long form (10ish minutes) and for the less hearty for invested a truncated (3ish minutes) version. The Epic Version: The (more appropriate) Brief History of One Year In Our Lives:  We've missed you! And we wish we still lived in a world where we could write rambly missives about our happenings and genuine inquiries about yours,

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-16682267470372265882011-01-02T19:45:00.002-05:002011-01-02T19:49:18.178-05:00

To those few of you who keep in touch with us here at this blog....sorry we haven't been more present! It's been a busy year, a good year, a complex year and it ended well. fAs is our new (ish) tradition we're offering a highlights video for those of you who are interested. Once we finished the initial version and found out it was over 12 minutes long (!) we made a hyped-up-on-adrenilene

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-89783631184701063752010-05-30T08:35:00.000-04:002010-12-28T08:50:47.447-05:00

It's been too long since we posted! So here's the beginning of a series of catch up posts.In May, Lynn found out that her position had been eliminated at the Canton City School District, but the next day was offered five different positions at other schools in the district. She found a place at McKinley High School - the largest urban high school - as the literacy coach.image borrowed (without

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-56470907056109477602010-05-29T21:37:00.002-04:002010-05-29T21:38:13.643-04:00

Coach Gives A Big FINAL RALLY Pep TalkOriginally uploaded by redbaerdAddison's coach gives a pep talk before the final quarter...more pictures of today's soccer matches here.

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-73140806904077009612010-05-14T12:56:00.004-04:002010-05-14T12:59:36.093-04:00

hint...scroll down to find out.click on the image to see better.

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-8111913530858900522010-04-04T21:21:00.007-04:002010-04-04T21:29:31.013-04:00

One of our favorite holiday traditions...celebrating Resurrection Day with our ACRC Family! After working through Lent together, it's such a delight to spend the day relaxing and laughing together. We are blessed to share our life-stories with these people. Scott contemplates the conversation. Ginny takes a look at Laurie's handiwork.Beautiful, beautiful Jaelyn.Addison hanging with the best

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-56708380140494309142010-02-27T11:20:00.000-05:002010-02-27T11:21:30.995-05:00

cross post from the inbetween: It's been an unusual winter for Ohio in general. (so much snow!)But it was also a pretty unusual winter for us -- since we left Ohio for far better climes. It was Lynn's 40th Birthday Present & a late 15th anniversary present. My parents graciously watched the kids while we....swam, hiked, read, talked, ate, explored, and enjoyed Costa Rica.Very lucky. Very

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-54329106919144489192009-12-31T07:57:00.003-05:002009-12-31T08:05:51.125-05:00

It's been too long since we've posted here -- but the holiday season gives us a moment to reflect on the year past. One way of reflecting is looking at the pictures we've snapped. Here's an excessively indulgent look at the things we thought were picture-worthy. Friends, family, trips, meals, work, play -- these things gave our year the happy textures. It's hard to take pictures of the things

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-27839757242561456802009-09-24T20:46:00.001-04:002009-09-24T20:49:25.437-04:00

Tons of fun. So delicious.

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-38844494575460672842009-07-26T15:13:00.000-04:002009-07-26T15:14:09.576-04:00

While we've already posted our most recent, fun-filled trip to Nashville, we neglected to include many memories from earlier this summer.We began the summer by running away from Canton to Northern MI where we spent over two weeks with just us, other Rudd family members, and the Livermore gang. Such an amazing time!  We visited the cabin, Traverse City, Sutton's Bay, and of course, Muskegon.We

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-36445506257985661552009-07-23T08:13:00.004-04:002009-12-31T08:09:47.812-05:00

Our last road trip of the summer was a trip to see our friends Cliff & Mary. While the Cliff & Mary franchise has always been one of our favorites -- the two new features -- Jack and Maddie -- only added to our delight.We talked and laughed and shared and parented and trekked and ate and talked and laughed and shared.Pure magic.Maddie on the Capitol Steps. We bussed down to the capitol, the

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-18125290619517496722009-06-23T07:52:00.000-04:002009-07-23T07:56:27.326-04:00

We've spent many of our afternoons at the community pool. The kids play with friends or with each other. Sometimes Lynn and I join in a game of ball tag, catch or marco polo. Other times we read and work through our to-do lists in the mass of other suburban middle aged parents.

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-45010439488380794542009-02-22T16:37:00.002-05:002009-02-22T16:40:53.466-05:00

Addison announced last week on the way home from church that he was planning on becoming a lawyer -- mostly to avoid becoming homeless. After his recent trip to the thrift store , he's looking more up to the task...

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-48846987238985808562009-02-15T18:45:00.007-05:002009-02-15T19:00:26.687-05:00

Wind wrecked great havoc on the Leindecker farm this past week. A barn that has stood for almost 100 years had a wall torn away and 'Grandpa's Covered Bridge' was destroyed. Technically, it can all be fixed, but the emotional loss looms large right now.This bridge was the last thing my dad and Uncle Larry built together. We all feel a heavy sadness at its destruction, only two months after my

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-50355558549299262782009-02-04T18:06:00.009-05:002009-02-04T20:44:43.234-05:00

We tried to do our part for Detroit.   We stayed, we rode the PeopleMover (the highlight for the kids), and we talked A LOT.  While the talking didn't do much to bailout GM, it was wonderfully refreshing to reconnect with dear friends.  We rode in circles around Detroit while our kids marveled at the sights.  As she always does, Linda asks penetrating questions and then listens hard to the

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-42607233863287888332009-02-04T17:54:00.004-05:002009-02-04T18:05:17.630-05:00

They've already been contracted for breakfast cereal and a movie deal.

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-30605666071375448642009-01-21T19:42:00.006-05:002009-01-21T20:42:34.480-05:00

We were just checking to see if there was life on the other side of our window."My kids won't have video games when they are young," says oblivious-Lynn-without -children.Everybody has jobs to do, even on a snow day.  The kids love this idea.Being the outdoor-lover that she is, snow days below zero are hard on Jaelyn, even with the fun job lists created by mom and dad.We have had some fun days

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-19789590620586436672009-01-21T19:28:00.005-05:002009-01-21T19:38:48.232-05:00

I've never shed a tear over any political speech, until Obama's. I've never felt so much hope in what Americans can actually achieve when we finally put our tattered history behind us and try to move forward together, until this election. I've never hoped so hard for truth to come from rhetoric, until this beginning. I don't know what the next four years will bring, but I do know that my

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-7342368397784438892009-01-02T15:10:00.002-05:002009-01-02T15:24:29.478-05:00

I've been reflecting on a vast number of ideas since my dad's death. Here are a few quotes from two books that have been helpful to me. These authors have given words to the emotions that I've been processing, although I still fear the level of sorrow both of these men have had to pass through in their own faith journeys. Thanks to Marcia Everett for sharing these books and authors with me."Our

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-18051974975430131302008-12-31T22:18:00.003-05:002008-12-31T22:21:38.592-05:00

We could write epic volumes about this year. It has held some of the most challenging, disappointing, and frightening moments for us as a family, but, as these pictures show, these emotions have been punctuated by joy, beauty and routine. Maybe when we catch our breath, we'll write the sort of long holiday missive we're (in)famous for, but here's a brief (?) imagistic take on 2008.We miss

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-83231638941325645582008-12-29T14:34:00.003-05:002008-12-29T15:02:50.607-05:00

My dad has died.I'm not ready to say much more of substance right now. I'm finding my constantly evolving emotions difficult to pin down with words. My dad's death has dramatically re-shaped my life, and I'm sure it will continue to do so. He was a gregarious man who reveled in life as he understood it and shared it with many others.Until I have more words, here is his obituary. It's

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-90685344429022492042008-08-14T13:53:00.004-04:002008-08-14T14:24:08.106-04:00

After a lot of prayers, Ellie Rae Mrozinski made her entrance into the world on August 4. Jan and Adam are very sleep-deprived but enthralled with her. Ellie's name is a combination of Adam's mom (Ellen) and Jan's middle name (Rae) that she shares with her mom, Sally Rae. (I love family histories built within names!)Welcome Ellie!

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-6100375439387413372008-07-31T20:53:00.002-04:002008-08-10T20:57:18.291-04:00

Great story.  Click here to read about Garry & Larry.

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-56565565058371530252008-07-24T20:49:00.006-04:002008-07-24T21:08:25.996-04:00

Jaelyn and Addison found a turtle at Grandma and Grandpa Leindecker's about four months ago. They did pretty well with their first foray into owning a pet....with a lot of support and reminders from Andy. Despite their well-intentioned efforts, BG began showing signs of a skin disease, so we all decided to release BG back into his natural Coshocton habitat. There were some tears, but when they

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-9452961440648116602008-07-23T22:02:00.004-04:002008-07-23T22:08:24.758-04:00

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-76372570970582584492008-07-17T21:05:00.003-04:002008-07-17T21:15:36.121-04:00

Many people have recently asked about my dad and his battle with the insidious disease we call cancer. He continues to fight the pain and fatigue that the chemo and its side-effects bring to his daily life. Currently he is still recovering from a blood clot in his leg. The pain is overwhelming at times and has been on-going for almost three weeks. Breathing continues to be difficult for him,

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-19937495311173513222008-07-17T20:19:00.013-04:002008-07-17T21:05:15.774-04:00

Summer is the BEST! It's always been a time to catch up with people we love and to spend extra time on new adventures with our kids and our extended families. This June/July we were able to spend two weeks in MI. During that time we had many family events, time with aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. Some events surrounded the greatly-loved swimming pool while others were at beautiful

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-11236936265757129362008-06-14T09:41:00.006-04:002008-06-14T09:52:34.431-04:00

Each First Friday begins with an art workshop for children, followed by a 'Critter Parade'. Jaelyn and Addison LOVE it! This month we stopped by the new sculpture completed by Timken students and a local artist. It's a fascinating piece that captures quite a bit about Timken Company and the school.

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-66464582414829128072008-06-13T21:07:00.004-04:002008-06-13T21:21:34.944-04:00

"Lovers must not, like usurers, live for themselves alone. They must finally turn from their gaze at one another back toward the community. If they had only themselves to consider, lovers would not need to marry, but they must think of others and of other things. They say their vows to the community as much as to one another, and the community gathers around them to hear and to wish them well,

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-77827445259865532532008-06-02T19:23:00.004-04:002008-06-02T19:45:11.210-04:00

In an attempt to create a meaningful learning experience and memory for our family, we decided to begin a small garden with my parents. Despite his chemotherapy treatments, dad is able to drive around on his 'Big Country' and provide hours of entertainment for Jaelyn and Addison. He does tire easily and has trouble breathing when it's too windy, but he still loves to be outside and is as

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-90415018858548670512008-06-01T21:07:00.000-04:002008-06-01T21:11:13.260-04:00

Katie turned us on to this youtube that's been keeping us laughing all day.

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-40885482727622910372008-05-28T18:38:00.014-04:002008-05-28T23:17:43.257-04:00

A visual update as we face the much-anticipated season of summer!Our friends Scott & Christina are getting married...A recent family outing to KC Glass to watch glassblowers and their craft.Andrew guest taught in classes at Timken High School during the all-school-read that Lynn heads up.The whole family frequents ROS often.The seasons off Pentecost and Ascension in full swing at our church...

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-24777508970958535922008-05-13T07:22:00.001-04:002008-05-13T07:22:42.728-04:00

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-14311577226812646242008-05-04T08:26:00.004-04:002008-05-04T08:53:05.636-04:00

Caleb was my student course assistant for two years, and has gradually become a grafted-in member of the family. For the last year, he's lived in our basement, eaten with us, built amazing air-forts for the kids, improved the ball skills and math skills of both of our kids, played some amazing games of Settlers of Catan, and talked and listened and shared life. Today he moves out; he'll be

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-82122676220971252272008-03-25T21:45:00.002-04:002008-03-25T21:55:01.455-04:00

I realize as I post pictures and thoughts from Easter that there are so many other people who are on this journey with me. I want to thank so many of you who have written, called, and prayed for me, my husband and kids, and for my parents. I wish we could all spend a lazy Sunday afternoon together, talking and laughing!Thank you for your support and love. Thanks for pursuing me even when I

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-39845675058481051642008-03-25T21:33:00.002-04:002008-03-25T21:43:33.268-04:00

Every year we celebrate Easter with friends from church. It's one of my favorite holiday traditions. This year was even better because our kids were celebrating with their family in Michigan, so Andy and I could concentrate on the adult conversations. And, what a blast that was! We covered a lot of ground....our love for Obama vs. our ambivalence for Clinton, the virtues of being Canadian,

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-39063040594521980572008-03-16T09:37:00.002-04:002008-03-16T16:12:31.979-04:00

On her actual birthday, Jaelyn got breakfast in bed and the usual royal treatment, but finally yesterday we celebrated with a party.We took Jaelyn to the Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium with three friends to celebrate her birthday; all had fun. Even Addison who on the drive north had mourned the absence of any other boys on the trip, turned to me as we ascended the staircase to the top of the

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-79139815699368704222008-03-07T19:50:00.006-05:002008-03-07T20:08:01.184-05:00

On Wednesday, March 5, we celebrated this amazing man in our lives. There will be other celebrations to come, but it was nice to have time with just the four of us.Addison made a treasure hunt, Jaelyn chose the long, dangling streamers, and I helped drink the wine after a hectic OGT-prep day. I was excited to give Andy a piece of Michele's art. It's a great symbol to commemorate our lives at

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-76625561747824792302008-03-02T20:03:00.002-05:002008-03-02T20:13:09.456-05:00

We have officially found out that dad's lung cancer is at stage four. The cancer has spread to both lungs. Through his doctors at University Hospital in Columbus, he has been invited to take part in a clinical trial currently taking place on non-smokers who have lung cancer. That decision will be made in the next few weeks. "Incurable, terminal disease" is not a phrase that is easy to hear.

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-65416337151824243152008-02-13T19:06:00.007-05:002008-02-13T19:18:21.097-05:00

When you are facing a Lenten season in your personal life, you really begin to understand what the Christian community is really about. The church does begin to sustain you by praying, helping, listening, encouraging, and constantly sharing. This group of people has come alongside of my family in very concrete ways since my dad's diagnosis. I'm very thankful and humbled by God's grace through

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-39809080053068515072008-02-13T18:54:00.002-05:002008-02-13T19:05:53.440-05:00

Andy's Epiphany art is a great, symbolic way of describing life with a cancer diagnosis. Everything feels broken, fragmented....like your life needs a completely new way of being understood or framed....I've avoided posting this information because I don't like talking about it very much. Apparently I caught more communication reticence than I believed I had from my parents; however, I've

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-44491223080210544352008-02-13T18:31:00.002-05:002008-02-13T18:39:42.600-05:00

Today (Wednesday) Jaelyn had her tonsils taken out by Dr. Smith. At this point she is on the couch feeling sad due to the pain, but she has been very brave through the entire ordeal. We are all hoping this will bring an end to the ever-occurring strep throat infections she has had multiple times a year. Marcia, David & Amy purchased a Webkinz leopard to stay with her throughout the surgery.

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-45574853675941693562008-02-03T21:09:00.001-05:002008-02-03T21:33:43.481-05:00

Most of you know that I have been a bit over-the-top about Barack Obama for a long time. I read his first book last Christmas, and his story grabbed me. Since then, I've also read The Audacity of Hope. As I read it, I would randomly quote passages of it to Andy and the kids. Every time I listen to one of his speeches, I start crying. Seriously...me...I start crying! Because of a

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-20175508332682247862007-12-16T20:24:00.000-05:002007-12-16T20:50:43.486-05:00

Because birthdays MATTER to me, I seem to make my children's birthdays into 'birth-seasons'. This year, Addison's birthday started with a dutch pot dinner last Sunday evening with the Leindeckers, continued to Tuesday morning's breakfast in bed, treats in schools, and in the evening, a special dinner at El Rincon with Caleb, and then finally ended with a birthday party at the College Bowl with

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-26621395477742237962007-12-08T18:02:00.000-05:002007-12-10T06:08:49.421-05:00

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-28322516664595500432007-12-02T07:13:00.000-05:002007-12-02T07:14:40.362-05:00

(Cross post from inbetween.)Last year, the year before, and now this year, we've participated in an annual ritual of tree-cutting with the same friends. The afternoon sun was brilliant as we trekked across the hills and through the fields of a new tree farm. The quest so familiar, the terrain new and unexplored.When you look at the faces of the kids, it's clear that we are all older, always

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-69427477960195889082007-11-02T07:37:00.000-04:002007-12-02T07:41:28.792-05:00

A cultural location that I could not have predicted. Waiting in a drive-through, in a minivan, at a stripmall, to get a Starbucks coffee, before going to my tenured job at an evangelical college.

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-49879573648558350942007-10-31T19:22:00.000-04:002007-12-02T07:33:14.982-05:00

Addison chose to be a cowboy; Jaelyn abandoned her original costume plan of an alien ghost when we found the cool Indian Princess digs...Roller skating in costumes was more than a little amusing for parents to watch at our all-school rollerskating party.Jaelyn and her ghostly friend Tiana.Addison and his transformer friend, Sam.

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-62952359166543062062007-10-23T19:16:00.000-04:002007-12-02T07:22:41.672-05:00

Jaelyn read to Addison on the swing...We worked on our burgeoning chess skills...And carved elaborate pumpkins...

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-11372988423792409142007-08-28T07:34:00.000-04:002007-12-02T07:36:36.133-05:00

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-71752275251519045302007-08-21T21:19:00.000-04:002007-08-21T21:20:52.126-04:00

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-72267516773296604422007-08-09T21:22:00.000-04:002007-08-09T21:34:23.873-04:00

Yes, fishing has become the hobby of choice, especially for Addison. He caught his first fish this summer, at Bruce Wagenmaker's cottage and with his guidance. Now, he wants to fish at every opportunity. Grandpa was kind enough to find a great fishing hole in Coshocton for the grandkids. No luck this time, but the love remains.... until he got home, rode his bike, and decided he wanted a racing

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-35975119499287261532007-08-09T21:19:00.000-04:002007-08-09T21:22:02.643-04:00

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-52581767383039755822007-08-09T18:50:00.000-04:002007-08-09T21:37:03.321-04:00

Every summer, on the first Saturday evening of August, my Uncle Larry hosts a community/family square dance. Everyone is invited; including those of us who weren't allowed to square dance during gym class due to our 'testimony'. Although our learning curves were steep, Andy and I have eventually caught up with most of the adults; however, some dancers still annually swing outside of our

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-371891437071166012007-08-03T10:06:00.000-04:002007-08-03T10:07:06.436-04:00

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-72187868287974928682007-06-20T19:52:00.000-04:002007-06-20T22:05:12.885-04:00

Jaelyn with Grandma Glo and Bumpa BillOne day we're getting up early, eating a quick breakfast, and running out the door to school. Two days later and we're in Michigan, enjoying a cabin vacation with the entire Rudd crew for Bill and Gloria's 40th Anniversary. While there, we all enjoyed the late

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-23188750709729796992007-05-17T22:13:00.000-04:002007-05-18T08:01:37.511-04:00

You know how your soul just needs to get away once in awhile? How your heart desires connection with friendships that are not in a day-to-day context? That was what my heart needed, and I was able to have this past week at a conference in Toronto.First, I was able to spend extra, out-of-school time with some of the facinating teachers I work with. The roadtrip with this group was great!Second, I

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-13144301404554220542007-04-28T08:27:00.000-04:002007-04-28T08:40:30.827-04:00

a great cry arose from the back seat. A happy cry."My tooth came out!"After two days of angst and worry over how, when, where, and with what level of pain his tooth would come out -- our six year old, sick-with-strep-throat son lost his first tooth.

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-60746878380864909442007-03-30T20:30:00.000-04:002007-03-30T21:41:48.054-04:00

As I was looking at the window this evening, I was struck by the colors! Spring is the BEST time of year! How many grey skies did we endure? It's so nice to see a full palette of color and not just the tones of grey and white!The Ohlingers came over the enjoy the afternoon also. Remember these days of basking in the sunlight as a kid?Have I mentioned how much I LOVE sunbeams??!!

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-87627850694229149912007-02-10T11:40:00.000-05:002007-02-10T12:35:01.087-05:00

The day after Christmas, we walked to the beach with my dad -- the kids were practically ready to plunge into the chilly waters of Lake Michigan...

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1166881084464528892006-12-23T08:31:00.000-05:002006-12-23T14:24:55.046-05:00

at Katie & Luke's WeddingSince the whole year's worth of blogs relates the mundane anecdotes that weave the fabric of our lives together -- we'll dedicate our end-of-the-year-holiday-wrap-up to the Bird's Eye Fly By version -- pictures and lists.Favorite food:Jaelyn: homemade macaroni and cheeseAddison: chicken nuggetsAndrew: the Sunday buffet at The Desert Inn or Spicy Peanut Beef at Pataya

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1166889688356868132006-12-14T10:23:00.000-05:002006-12-23T11:19:26.866-05:00

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1163253286531926652006-11-11T08:44:00.000-05:002006-11-11T08:54:46.546-05:00

Over the past three weeks, Jaelyn, myself & Lynn have all been struck down by strep throat. Addison has remained impervious to the virus. We had almost decided that he was unstrepthroatable -- given the number of times that his sister has been victimized and he has remained untouched. But when Lynn arrived at Noah's house and saw Addison sitting forlorn on a swing while three friends ran and

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1162381598226082182006-11-01T06:29:00.000-05:002006-11-01T08:55:25.346-05:00

Do these look like great jack-o-lanterns to you? Because I was pretty proud of them too. Jaelyn and Addison designed their faces, even went through several sketches. Cleaned the entire innards out of the pumpkins by themselves. Even coached me and gave me tips as I interpreted their drawings with the knife etching the faces into the pumpkins. They felt pretty satisfied, too. But I have a

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1157887770788769862006-09-10T07:06:00.000-04:002006-09-10T07:29:30.810-04:00

It was a long soccer saturday morning again. Our games stretched across a four hour span. Importantly both kids had fun, less importantly both kids won. I'm starting to recognize that the relationships that gently emerge between parents on the sidelines constitute a profound sociological phenomenon. More on that later...Today? Pictures, of course. I'm not really sure what Addison's pained

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1157287400329497632006-09-03T08:28:00.000-04:002006-09-03T08:48:48.770-04:00

Roomate and friend Kate, she who provided us with Grandma's Endless Garage Sale Toaster, which, though broken we continue to use four years later. She of the steady stream of wild and hilarious friends streaming into and out of the basement. She of the endless parade of heretofore unthinkable treasures for our children with each visit to Canton. She of Los Angeles, Abercrombie and the Vineyard

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1156768432631165242006-08-28T08:07:00.000-04:002006-08-28T08:37:50.633-04:00

Jaelyn is extremely excited about acting as guide and mentor in bus ettiquette and delivering her brother to his school room. We don't make him wear his socks that way. In fact, we discourage it, but he insists that they flash that certain Soccer Player Style when hiked up high.Jaelyn informed me that they would no longer require my services in delivering them to the bus stop and waiting with

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1155812566935794162006-08-17T07:00:00.000-04:002006-08-17T07:06:40.773-04:00

BeforeAfter

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1153832058440015492006-07-25T08:52:00.000-04:002006-07-25T08:54:18.450-04:00

On the way there, Addison threw up 7 times in a styrofoam coffee cup. Mosquito bite-welts swelled up across both kids legs and arms. Everybody bashed a head or a leg or an arm into one of the cramped corners and doorways in the little cottage, but somehow it all still seemed worth it....

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1152729215800409922006-07-12T14:33:00.000-04:002006-07-12T14:33:35.820-04:00

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1151406842044946532006-06-27T07:01:00.000-04:002006-06-27T07:15:06.673-04:00

In the early mornings, I creep down the hallway. Jaelyn wakes so easily. The floor creaks so much. I am not just being selfish - she does need more sleep. She does not naturally take as much sleep as she needs. But I am being selfish too. I wake long before dawn because this is the only time I can write and read and think and stretch the inside of my head in the ways that she stretches her

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1147654334706308662006-05-14T20:48:00.000-04:002006-05-14T20:52:14.706-04:00

'Nuff said.

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1147653832147145972006-05-14T20:29:00.000-04:002006-05-14T20:43:52.163-04:00

Last week in Bible study we were asked to share how we thought the Spirit was working in our lives to bring about love, peace, joy...you know the list. These questions always unnerve me because I always feel inadequate. I normally don't have many victories to share, and I am pretty critical of finding the aforementioned 'fruit' in my life. Lately, I've struggled with trying to have the emotional

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1147652654869699782006-05-14T20:12:00.000-04:002006-05-14T20:28:00.440-04:00

Lately, I don't ever feel proud to be American. I feel privileged, but usually sad at the greed, materialism, violence, and fear that seems to motivate our way of life. What country is better off with those exports we attempt to send around the world?While I was in Chicago at a conference, I was swept up into the immigrant march on the 'Day without Immigrants'. It was FANTASTIC! (Ok, I wasn't

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1146748503558477362006-05-04T09:10:00.000-04:002006-05-04T09:15:03.570-04:00

Addison is the last person in the family to understand the ways that letters work togeher to form actual words. He understands the concept -- the process is still a mystery, though.These day's he's using spelling very liberally to explain what he wants. "Daddy! I want S-U-G-O-Y-N!" "You want sugoyn?""B-O-G-Y-N!""You want Sugoyn Boyng?""I want waffles!!!"

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1145838932590849242006-04-23T20:35:00.000-04:002006-04-23T21:13:09.960-04:00

On Saturday we returned to these now-familiar, still-quite-strange roles that we have as Soccer-Parents. I'm not exagerating when I tell you that there were a thousand thirty-something parents and it seemed like just as many minivans and SUVs swarming about this bright green utopia we call Youth Soccer. We found fresh eyes in the fom of our friend Linda who was a novitiate. "I was seeing all of

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1144518004386895472006-04-08T13:38:00.000-04:002006-04-09T16:22:12.610-04:00

by an (of neccessity) early early morning runner:"Sometimes when I see people running outside in the sunshine? I'm so jealous that I just want to hit them with my car." - Lynn

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1142168574955441402006-03-12T07:09:00.000-05:002006-03-12T08:08:58.330-05:00

On Friday we celebrated Jaelyn's seventh birthday. I have this tradition of keeping a few pictures from every year in a file and then adding new photos and new songs to the slideshow for a birthday slideshow. It's actually an evolution of a similiar production that I made for brother David back when he was 8?, 9? His slideshow included multiple songs, narration, and a slideshow panorama of his

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1142169246978326972006-03-12T06:09:00.000-05:002006-03-12T08:16:35.896-05:00

My whole Michigan family chipped in on my birthday to get me something I've been wanting for a long time -- A BICYCLE!There's this Old Testament Professor who lived through WW2 and rides his bike to Malone, seven miles, every day. Rain or shine or snow or sun. He just retired, and I'm determined to become the next slightly odd bike riding professor. I've pretty much got the slightly odd down, I

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1138539778605801532006-02-04T08:01:00.000-05:002006-02-04T09:08:59.503-05:00

The good news -- Addison has emerged from his "Really, REALLY?" phase. We've always admired his lawyer-like skills of critical inquiry and argumentation. A five year old who tends to front half of his sounds, and yet doesn't hesitate to lodge all kinds of objections, redirect almost any question and badger any witness is an endless source of amusement (and, admittedly, occassional frustration).

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1136170700820009852006-01-01T21:36:00.000-05:002006-01-18T22:46:54.030-05:00

Thanks for taking time to catch up with the Rudds! We are really sorry we couldn't have one-on-one conversation with all of you....over hot drinks...beside a warm fireplace...with fresh-from-the-oven chocolate chip cookies....In the spirit of blogging, we decided to go with the list format instead of the verbose narrative... Hope this helps sketch the year for you.Favorite BookLynn: Kite

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1134871768979423702005-12-17T20:50:00.000-05:002005-12-17T21:37:03.703-05:00

About four years ago, Andy and I invited one of our favorite students to live with us. For reasons yet to be completely understood, he was staying in Canton with friends who really didn't have room for him, so he was ultimately living out of his car. We decided our basement was a fairly decent step up from that.Addison had just turned one and Jaelyn was just two when Erik moved in. It didn't take

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1134270703153817202005-12-10T21:47:00.000-05:002005-12-10T22:12:45.686-05:00

Addison wanted a 'Superhero' party for his fifth birthday. Andy and I wanted to honor that desire without having an evening filled with small boys running crazily around the room like "Dash" and others pinning us against the wall with their spider webs. So......creative Dad to the rescue!Andy created a myth....i.e. background story.... to how Addison got special super powers and how he chose

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1134243462395184202005-12-03T14:32:00.000-05:002005-12-10T14:39:07.423-05:00

Jaelyn with Michael and KaraWe finally find the perfect tree.We sawed the tree ourselves -- counting the rings we decided that the tree was 13 years old.I've got lumberjack in my blood. I carried our tree over my head. The other trees travelled by sleds and teams off carriers.Finally -- a finished tree!

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1133277130196851932005-11-29T09:44:00.000-05:002005-11-29T10:12:10.243-05:00

Pictures are so bright and believable, that sometimes, I think they steal our memories from us...So I'll try to weave some of my own memories with the pictures of the weekend. We drove North through a gentle blizzard. Only one long traffic jam just an hour from home. The whole trip was 9 hours. We played endless rounds of Take Two -- the scrabble-on-steroids game that I learned in Australia. I

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1133216440101737952005-11-28T17:12:00.000-05:002005-11-28T17:28:03.943-05:00

The fam arrived home from Thanksgiving last night. Had a good time in Michigan. Pictures from the celebration will be up soon. Jaelyn and Lynn had the day off today so Jaelyn got a perm...she's astonished by how long her hair is...

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1131053339000972942005-11-03T23:03:00.000-05:002005-11-03T21:40:44.303-05:00

Here are pictures from All Saints Night at Malone College. Apparently, this is the acceptable, Christian way to Trick-or-Treat for Halloween. They were able to collect their treats with the "co-op kids". The history is becoming very thick between these kids as we all share life together.Jaelyn has been obsessed with Cheetahs for a long time now. I love how varied her interests are and how she

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1131072962243158592005-11-03T21:41:00.000-05:002005-11-04T06:18:02.996-05:00

Daniel and Andrea brought the twins to see us in Canton this past weekend. Will and Isaac have been officially adopted for about two weeks now, even though they become part of the family right at birth. I'm continually amazed at the unique, wonderful ways God is designing our family. We all had a great time together. Jaelyn and Addison were very nurturing and engaged with the twins. Here is

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1130984171122236492005-11-02T21:15:00.000-05:002005-11-03T21:30:15.766-05:00

Being new at Timken has been an interesting journey for our entire family. While we still love the Malone community, it has been very enjoyable getting involved with another culture. The urban culture is fascinating, challenging, stimulating, and disturbing all at once. Jaelyn and Addison love going to Timken, running through the endless hallways, and mingling with students. Jaelyn feel in

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1126605759439367772005-09-13T06:02:00.000-04:002005-09-13T06:02:39.446-04:00

From the moment I pulled into the massive parking lot -- teeming with minivans and SUVs -- I knew that participating in Addison's soccer league would be a great opportunity to sharpen my wit against the bland homogeneity of suburban life. I was confident that the acres and acres of neverending green fields, that the endlessly repeated combinations of short players in blue or yellow shirts, that

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1124886343583067872005-08-24T08:17:00.000-04:002005-08-24T08:25:43.590-04:00

In thirty minutes, Jaelyn will get on a bus and go to her first day of first grade. I feel as nervous as I did in ninth grade. When mom and dad took me to college, I remember the feeling of happy disorientation, of dread and hope all braided together...that blue and brown station wagon disappearing from the chapel parking lot. They went back to Michigan and left me in Ohio.I used to do

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1123984897792215772005-08-13T21:56:00.000-04:002005-08-17T06:49:28.343-04:00

Every morning I woke at 5:30 and watched the sunrise over the sand and tall grass and worked on my screenplay. In the afternoons I built sandcastles, ran on the beach, played frisbee and bobbed in the waves with the kids. I bought that shirt at a thrift store for .99 cents. Isn't that amazing? It's the real deal -- with a frayed Penneys tag from like 1956.The smallest of the Leindecker cousins

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1122591311298021922005-07-28T18:40:00.000-04:002005-07-28T18:56:18.326-04:00

After debating with fate for several years, we've decided to stay here in Casa Communitas (our house) for two years. If you haven't been here to visit yet...better hurry. The Lord told the children of Israel when they were carried away into captivity that they should "Plant Gardens" in the cities where they were displaced. Claiming that as a summer theme verse (mixed with oh, just a little bit

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1110652443563750042005-03-12T13:24:00.000-05:002005-03-13T09:11:55.370-05:00

At 4:30 p.m. on March 10th, Jaelyn's 6th birthday, we sent the kids to bed. Without any supper. And with their pajamas on. At 4:33, this fellow arrived: In a bad British Accent he said: "I'm Peter Pan and I'm here to take you to Neverland." Lynn had written clues which Tinkerbell directed the kids to. (Tinkerbell was a technological spectacle achieved with a flashlight and small tamborine.

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1104259242984843652004-12-28T13:38:00.000-05:002004-12-31T21:57:50.766-05:00

Andy asked me to give the year-end update for our family blog. I’m pretty nervous; I haven’t honed my “blog-voice”. I either tend toward too much verbosity in general, too much impractical prattle, or not enough deep thoughts. But here goes… Top Ten News Items from Rudd 04 Jaelyn (5) began kindergarten and Addison (4) began preschool for a few hours a week. It’s been a weird adjustment for

Lynn Ruddnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1097761657814721562004-10-05T09:45:00.000-04:002005-10-04T16:13:45.546-04:00

historic Timken High SchoolSo Lynn started her new job with the Canton City Schools as literacy coordinator for Timken Academy. When I first met her, she couldn't really conceive of teaching in an urban school. Now she's not only devoted to working in that setting, but she also is a passionate advocate for justice in that setting. Yesterday she quizzed a visiting Ohio Dept of Education on the

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1097761458000518362004-10-01T09:19:00.000-04:002004-10-14T09:44:18.000-04:00

"Uncle Charlie" and "Gramma Linda" are the family catch-phrases for labelling over-zealous photographers. With my mom's cool digital camera -- she has obliterated the memory of both of them. Her zest for capturing still moments is astonishing. But we end up with these great pictures! My mom and dad took the kids to McD's playland, out to buy fabric for this year's pajamas (Gramma Glo is

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1094038565546820342004-08-24T07:35:00.000-04:002004-09-01T07:36:56.893-04:00

10. Jaelyn woke up on Monday, and after calling "DADDY!" asked -- Daddy, when will kindergarten start. Every morning has been a countdown. Friday a.m. is orientation. 9. Addison has not once regreted giving up his flyer. He teased me the other day, Daddy, bring me my flyer? I said, Your FLYER!? And he giggled uproariously, knowing that he had gotten me with his subtle humour. 8. Long

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1094038439101133702004-08-15T07:32:00.000-04:002004-09-01T07:33:59.100-04:00

Yesterday Addison announced that today was tomorrow. I was confused too. Until Lynn explained to me that Yesterday he had decided that Tomorrow he would be getting rid of his Flyer. And today is tomorrow (but that was yesterday). When Jaelyn was ready to give up her pacifier (nicknamed the Flyer, via Gabe Gibbs, channeling an Unger Family Tradition), she took it to Toys R Us and bought a

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6015201.post-1086014719652458982004-05-31T10:38:00.000-04:002004-09-06T09:35:34.533-04:00

we had quests with the cousins -- trekking across the dangerous Backyardis to recover some potion from the wooden castle to heal Queen Glorianis' fatal eyebrow twitching disease. The costumes pictured here were Queen Glorianis' disguises (pulled straight from the Easter Cantata Closet) to sneak the children past the wizards -- Cousins, acting like foxes narrowly escaped their pursuers Bampa &

Redbaerdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01294851073181378085noreply@blogger.com0