Happy Halloween

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.

Unseasonably Warm October Day

Jaelyn read to Addison on the swing...



We worked on our burgeoning chess skills...



And carved elaborate pumpkins...

First Day of School

Myrtle Beach with the Leindeckers

The new hobby

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 bike like the triathletes on TV.

Things that make you go hmmm.....

Coshocton Square Dancing

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 coordination.

This summer, I spent most of my time partnered with Addison, and Jaelyn spent time dancing with her dad and cousin, Keith. Jaelyn had a look of pure delight punctuated with giggles during the entire evening. Addison enjoyed it immensely too; he even allowed himself latitude to laugh through his mistakes.

Family, fun, laughter, and dancing. I think it made Jesus smile.

Summertime Moments

Summertime with family

Jaelyn with Grandma Glo and Bumpa Bill

One 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 sunsets, warm weather, beautiful woods, and the heated pool. The typical Rudd-gathering activities occurred also... the sister-in-law wall sit competition, multiple conversations happening at the same time, various dance, cheerleading, and singing performances by the original Rudds, and some theological debating. If chaos feels honoring to Bill and Gloria, the entire long weekend was a great success."Does anyone have Isaac? Where's Will?"

Isaac has a conversation with Aunt Lynn, his favorite aunt.

The big boy cousins enjoy the pool.


Jaelyn enjoys the first smore of the season.

The first, of many attempts, to capture the perfect Christmas card picture for 2007.

Addison's summertime obsession- roasted marshmellows and smores.

"Yes Will, it's always this crazy with the entire Rudd family together."

A quiet moment for deep thoughts.

Maya refuses to participate in yet another picture.

While Bill and Gloria took the four oldest grandkids to the family cabin in the UP, Andy and I were able to hide out in Charlevoix for two days to celebrate our 15th anniversary. It was amazing to have so much time to finish our sentences and actually have lengthy conversations as the topics came to our minds. We have agreed to stay marrried for at least five more years. It seems to work well for us both so far.

The channel to Lake Michigan.

After these two days, we joined Jaelyn and Addison in the UP. That same day, Jan and Adam randomly drove all the way from Minneapolis to spend that cabin time with us. We introduced them to all our favorite activities: canoeing in the bay, swimming at the Lake Huron beach, roasting marshmellows, making hobo dinners, hiking in the woods, and searching for various wildlife. There were some unique activities for this year. Thanks to bacteria from the water, Jaelyn contracted Foliculitis and had to be taken to the Soo Emergency Room. Jan and I chased a family of sandcranes through the creek. The Rudds took their first trip to Drummond Island to explore Grandma Linda's childhood home. And, Andy found a new favorite table game, introduced by Jan and Adam.



The attack of the Seagulls.

Jan and Adam help in the cabin kitchen where Grandma Linda's spirit resides.

On the Drummond Island ferry ride.



Andy takes the seat of honor to celebrate Father's Day. Addison Rudd, stealth photographer.



It was a valuable and enjoyable time. We are thankful for jobs that allow such intense time with family members who we don't see on a regular daily basis. So many sunny, summer memories....

Toronto Fun!

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 was able to spend a totally enjoyable evening with my friend Vic from BG days. It was great to realize that time and distance can't erase a unique and valuable friendship.



Third, I was able to eat dinner with my thesis chair and recieve her encouragement and insight into my future graduate school plans while catching up with each others' lives.

Finally, I had the opportunity to chat quickly with my favorite YA author, Laurie Halse Anderson, who visited Timken last year and made such an amazing impact on our students and staff. She pretty much blows other authors out of the water with her candor and ability to connect with people. Since she cares deeply about her own faith journey we were able to have long conversations about our lives last year, and so catching up with her was soul-filling. Amazing woman! Love her!

Most of the food I had was amazing too. I love the options in an urban center!

Oh yeah, I learned some pretty good literacy ideas from the sessions.

Of course, this entire 'soul-revival' would not have been possible without my amazing husband staying behind with the kids. What a great partner to have in life!

I feel full and thankful.

At the corner of 22nd and Gibbs...

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.

Blue skies and sunbeams are here!

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??!!