A month of firsts

As May is coming to a close, I am realizing that this has truly been a month full of "firsts" for the Ross family. It began when Randy spent 4 days away from Wyn and I at a pastor's retreat in Ohio. Maybe we are sappy, but this is a marriage record. We have never spent more than 1 night a part since we've been married, and the first time THAT happened was last year.

This month, Wyn also got her first big girl haircut at "Clippers Cuts for Kids"- an ADORABLE kids salon owned by a family whose kids attend Central Elementary. She got to sit in a pink powerwheels truck and watch Dora the Explorer the entire time. Here are some pictures from the momentous day-- note the flat expression on her face- Dora does it every time!

Mesmerized by Dora...

The final product. This is what she calls her "fun-ee face".

The keepsake, and what made the entire experience entirely worth the $10 it cost!

This month was also the first time that Wyndham introduced me to someone in public. We were at a Panera Bread eating dinner one night when she began to talk with a nice older lady sitting nearby. After a few giggly comments back and forth, Wyndham said to the lady, "This is Deidra. This is my mommy....(gibberish) dat's my dada over der", while shaking her head ever so seriously and pointing Randy's way. Did this girl just turn 2 or 22?!!

Over Memorial Day weekend, we were able to visit Randy's parents in Ohio as a family. This is NOT a first, but it has been quite a while since we have visited by ourselves. It was so nice to catch up and spend some much needed RR time. It has been quite a while since Grandma Joyce and Papa Ross have really been able to get to know Wyn one on one. We had a blast.

Though our visit was not the first, Wyndham did get her first ride in the paddleboat with Grandma and first jet ski ride with Daddy. This girl is a thrill seeker- completely unafraid!

This past weekend was also the first time in a very long stretch of my life where I have felt a peace about our family's future. Randy's mom and dad attend a great church near their home in Ohio. The pastor gave a sermon on Sunday about parenting. As a young father himself, their pastor knows firsthand the trials and tribulations of this stage of life.

He compared parenting to a discipline, and also spoke on the discipline we are to administer to our children. "The Lord disciplines those he loves....Endure hardship as discipline....no discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it".- Hebrews 12:5-11 (NIV).

This past stretch of time has definitely required some discipline-- living with family, saving every penny we can, trying to make wise choices with our time-family, church and careers- and trying to figure out what our family structure is really going to look like now that we have a walking talking beautiful child to raise.

Pastor Kurt had a great quote for parents. He said, "Parenting isn't about getting much, it's about giving up much"- Not giving up everything for your children so much that they run the household, but giving of your time, spirit and love to really raise secure, godly kids who love the Lord and others.

Yes, we are still waiting on the Lord for direction... but for the first time in a long time....I'm OK with that....

Conferences, Banquets, Recitals, Classes and Programs

The title for this blog entry sums up what our family calendar has looked like these past 4 weeks. It began shortly after Wyndham's Birthday celebration in April. Randy had an opportunity to go to a Pastor's Conference near Cleveland Ohio hosted by his teaching idol- Allistair Begg. Though I was misty to see him go for 4 days and nights, I knew that he was so excited to go and spend some time learning and being refreshed among the 700 pastors that attended.

While Randy was away, I had fun spending some Mommy/Daughter time with Wyndham at home playing outside in the beautiful weather. We also attended a Mother-Daughter Banquet at my parents' church. It was fun to attend an event devoted to our very special relationship. (Girl power!:)

It was also so great to spend some time with my mom as well. It's funny that though we've been been living here for 8 months now, it's still nice to spend some time devoted to just enjoying each others company. Luckily, I inherited the gift of gab from my mom, so we never run out of things to say!

Also during Randy's time away, I was invited to adjudicate a High School Voice Recital at Rockford High School. I still have strong ties there as I did my student teaching there from 2001-2002. It was so fun to be amidst those mature voices again- something that I haven't been around for the last 2 years while teaching elementary. I'm so thankful to know such wonderful people who love music. Us music geeks need to stick together!

Randy and I finally reunited, only for me to leave for Grand Rapids with my good friend and former HS Choir teacher Regina. We were finishing up a grad. class called, "Education Through Music" together. This class has not only challenged my thoughts on teaching music, but also on how I deal with students, people, and even how I parent. I am hoping to take the course again next year as it was truly a highlight of my year. How cool that I am able to have such a great relationship with a former teacher too?!

Just when Randy and I thought we'd have some time to catch up, my final program of the year was quickly approaching, so once again, we put a few things on hold while we prepared for the big evening.

The last program I directed this year was called, "We are Making Music". It featured my 1st and 2nd grade students and many of the songs the students learned this year in music class.

The program featured my students, as well as a string quartet and our High School Madrigal singers. As I look back at my 2nd year as an elementary teacher, I am convinced now more than ever that my move to Elementary was total divine intervention. Thank you God for these last two years of challenges, tears and joy!

Here are a few pics from the last few programs:

Here is a picture of a 4th Grade Link-Up Recorder program from late April. The kids felt so cool playing their recorders with real music stands:)

We're Making Music! Dress- Rehearsal/Assembly in the Central El. Gym.

Ribbon Dancers

One of our 1st grade classes

We're Making Music! in the RPHS Rocket Center for the Arts

Some very special guests: The RPHS Madrigal Singers


West Shore Symphony Orchestra String Quartet

The Madrigals join us in "Music Alone Shall Live"

Now that we have some time to relax, Randy and I have been deep in prayer about our next step in life. The conference he attended really challenged him to think about ministry, and what God has for his life and our family. He would like to be involved with a church that is devoted to the study of God's Word, as well as be mentored by fellow men who are passionate about the message of Jesus Christ. Oddly enough, it seems like many modern churches spend little time in the study of the Bible, and more time trying to stay "current" and edgy.

So far, Randy has been considering many different openings from some right here in Muskegon and Michigan, to openings in Ohio and Tennessee. This process has been difficult and yet easy all at the same time. It's hard to imagine moving away from family, jobs and stability... but it's also comforting know that God has a plan for our lives. He has provided for us in so many amazing ways even when we were pessimistic and depressed-- God has always been faithful. Please keep us in your prayers as we sort out our priorities and seek to hear God's voice.

I'm not 2... I'm Wyndham

I have found myself in a very reflective mood this past week. Wyndham had a birthday on April 19th. I CANNOT believe that Wyndham is now officially 2! Maybe I'm just in denial, but it doesn't seem possible that she has stepped through the door from babyhood into full-fledged childhood.

It just so happened that I had a mandatory staff in-service until 6:30PM that night at school. Yuck. I was sitting in my chair the whole time thinking- "Doesn't anyone know that I gave BIRTH 2 years ago?" What an amazing life we lead here on earth.

All morning we kept asking Wyndham, "How old are you?" She either responded by saying, "Only 1", or after we explained that she was now 2, she would say, "I'm not 2, I'm Wyndham!" in a very disgruntled voice.

Birthday festivities this year were very intimate, but sweet and meaningful. We went with a farm animal theme as we figured that Wyn loves to name animals and it definitely beat out having an Elmo party! Papa and Grandma Ross were able to travel up from Ohio to visit with us, as well as Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Here are some pictures from the memorable day.


Here is a picture of some of the many farm animal cupcakes and barn cake my sister slaved away making for the party. SO Great- We love Auntie Danielle:)


Here is a picture of Wyndham channeling her inner-Betty Crocker in preparation for her party. She loves helping in the kitchen, and we love any excuse to put her in an apron:)


After hours of cake preparation, the stinker refused to eat her own Birthday cake! So, she blew out candles on a scoop of birthday ice cream instead. Ahh 2... I can tell its going to be a great year:)


After a healthy dose of birthday sugar and many thoughtful gifts, it was off to the front yard for the 1st tricycle unveiling. Wyndham's reaction? "(Gasp!) Loook at dat!"


Her mad dash for her beloved trike...


Wyndham doesn't even want to come INDOORS anymore. Her new gifts are way too much fun!


Though we have seen her exhibit some "free will" lately- bossiness, attitude, typical toddler stuff.. she is also so creative, imaginative and sweet. The other day I came into her bedroom to get her up for the day. She had been babbling away to herself happily for a few minutes before I came in.

When I opened the door, she was lying on her back with her feet straight up in the air waving them around. I asked her what she was doing and she said, "Looking at the butterflies mama. They fly and go-- weee!!!" -as she rolled around in her crib. Who told her that butterflies live on her ceiling?

Later that week, we were at dinner and she decided that she did NOT want to wear her shoes anymore. After much stern warning from Randy and I, she flung one behind her onto the floor anyway. We proceeded to tell her that it was inappropriate and that it was not nice to disobey mom and dad.

After about 15 seconds of shame- laden silence- head down-- she said in a very quiet voice "I sorry mama"... One of the first unprompted genuine acts of remorse and respect she has really shown. I was in tears immediately, kissed her all over, and felt like saying, "You fling those shoes anywhere you want- I LOVE you!".

We are so thankful for our beautiful daughter... what a year!

When I Survey the Wondrous Cross

While flipping through some magazines the other day, I happened upon several "Inspirational" items for sale. I usually skip right over these sections as they are often filled with gifty things- you know- candles with bible verses engraved on the front, "Smile, God loves You!" t-shirts, etc. I couldn't help but notice some of the items below. Check them out.
The ever-popular metallic cross yo-yo...

The always fun cross-shaped bubble necklace... and who could forget-
Your very own credit card with three-crosses.

The disturbing part of these items is pretty obvious- one of our most precious symbols of faith is being plastered across everything from Bibles to cheap toy trinkets made in Taiwan... and how about the cross credit card- who does not get the irony there?

What is most frustrating is that these items are being distributed by a company that has the word "Christian" in the name! If you slap the word "Christian" on it, many people assume it's harmless, good-- even wholesome! It's the same trick that food companies use on their products- "Organic- All-Natural"! Sure, instead of man-made sugar-- it's natural sugar! We feel so much better about purchasing THOSE products because they seem OK.

Why is it OK in American Christian culture to capitalize on our faith? In a time where religious wars are being waged and lives are being lost, how can we justify the way that we treat our own faith? We know what the OTHER side stands for.... what do we stand for? What do we hold dear?

Though I do not condone violence, it is interesting to see that there are some people in the world that are willing to die for their faith. It was not that long ago that there was rioting in the middle east because Mohamed was depicted in a comic strip cartoon. People were severely injured, and even killed because they were enraged by how their most precious figure was being treated in the media! We can easily flip on the news and think, "These people are extremists, they're crazy- it's a different culture... poor people". We can approach these images with pitying hearts, or we can turn thoughts to our own faith- How do we treat the symbols of our faith that are meaningful?

We spend our time worrying about the obvious abusers of Christianity- demeaning music, movies, television, public figures, etc. When are we going to wake-up and realize that the most dangerous yet quiet sources of destruction are the people, companies, books, etc. that claim to be Christian, but are truly in the business for the All-American buck. Don't even get me started on the "Christian" product industry. It's like that old song, "Every thing the world can do, we can do better"... Who needs Christian Tae-bo? How about Bible Mad Gad or Bible Video Games?

We can stop this phenomenon by refusing to shop at those stores, and by having open discussions within our Christian communities. Let us live with a reverent and thankful heart for our Jesus who paid it all. Did Christ sacrifice his blameless life on a cross so we could slap it on a ceramic mug? I think not...

When I survey the wondrous cross,
on which the prince of glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride...

Chai Thursday

Ahh... Chai Thursday. I look forward to this day every week- the day that chai is only $2.00 at Brooklyn Bagels. Randy I usually make a "chai run" right after Wyndham goes down to bed, and race home just in time to watch "Grey's Anatomy"... Warning: don't watch it unless you are prepared to get addicted!

Anyone who is the parent of a toddler knows that bedtime usually requires advanced preparation and several carefully followed routines in order for everything to go smoothly.


Our Nightly Schedule:
6PM: Dinner
6:30PM: Clean-Up/Crumb dance in high chair
6:45PM: Dance/Singing time in the living room: Includes "Body Song" and scarf dancing to "Old MacDonald" (Thank you elementary music education)
6:50PM: Clean up time/Daddy starts bath
6:55PM: Wyn's nightly naked streak through the house
7PM: Bubble Bath
7:15PM: Wyn and new friend, "ba-bee doll" pick out a book to read
7:25PM: Prayer, kisses (Joo-Cee kisses), and pooh bear and elephant tuck-in
7:29PM: "Wash" the green binkie one last time before inserting into mouth (don't even ask how that tradition got started)
7:30PM: Nigh-Nigh time

As we creep out of the darkened room, giving our final goodnights, we are already half dressed to leave with the car running. Often,we screech into Brooklyn Bagel's parking lot, and even though they are almost completely cleaned-up by the time we get there, they always mercifully hand over two cups of chai. Mmmm... the cinnamonny goodness:)

I always have an awkward flutter in my stomach when we drive up. One look into the restaurant, and you can see the dark-haired Thursday night worker giving the "don't you know we close in 5 minutes look".This has become such a common routine, she often leaves the chai materials out until after we leave.

Tonight, I went on a chai mission alone. When I pulled up, I breathed a small sigh of relief when I looked in and saw that there appeared to be a new worker behind the counter. It was a man, and more importantly, a man who had no idea who I was... my secret late night chai identify was safe... at least until NEXT Thursday night.

My relief was only momentary as around the corner came the dark-hair Thursday night girl. Apparently she was training the new guy... probably giving him the low-down on all of the annoying regulars that come in begging for late-night coffee.Lucky, she frothed my yummy treat up in a flash, and I reached for the cup fully prepared to get out ASAP.

"So, he finally put a ring on your finger" the dark-haired Thursday night worker said....
"I'm sorry, what was that?" I said as I turned back.
"I see that your boyfriend finally put a ring on your finger after all this time", she said again.

I couldn't figure out what she was talking about, and then it hit me-- after almost 2 years of frequenting Brooklyn Bagels, she thought that Randy and I had been dating, and were finally ENGAGED! I giggled and said, "Actually, we've been married for almost 5 years".

"Really?!" She said in total shock. "He always comes in here with a 'love-sick' look on his face. You know- the kind of look that guys get when they are totally in love. You can just tell. Wow. I just thought you guys were dating. Most couples don't seem that into each other... at least couples I see in here".

Woa. Was I talking to dark-haired Thursday night worker- the one I was just SURE hated me? I could now see that her name was "Laura" from the embroidery on her shirt. Besides the fact that she was talking to me, was she saying that my husband actually looks like he's in LOVE with me??? Woa.

"That's interesting that you would think that. We feel so old and unromantic anymore. For example, it's Chai and Grey's Anatomy night tonight. We have no social life to speak of at the moment... we are each OTHER'S social life right now".

She laughed and assured me that everyone has a "routine". She told me to say "hi" to my boyfriend for her as I turned to leave.

2 Things I learned on this memorable Chai Thursday:
#1: Always talk to the people that serve you- you might be surprised that they DON'T hate you...
#2: After 5 years of marriage, a child, and a move into my parents house, Randy still has the same forlorn depressed look in his eye for me that he had when we were dating...

What is it about getting a compliment on your spouse that makes you go, "Man you're hot!".. ?
Chai Thursday... how sweet it is...

Mrs. Ross Rokes

Being an elementary music teacher definitely has its ups and downs. Today alone I tied about 4 soggy Hello Kitty shoelaces, nursed 3 bloody noses and some bloody teeth back to health (I had recess duty... when will winter end?), and hugged a student who stopped by just to say, "Good job on your class yesterday Mrs. Ross.... you know... teaching and everything".

One thing will remain true about education for the rest of time:
Kids are FUNNY.

Here are some of my most recent funny kid faves:

Hat Day 2007- All of the chubby-faced kindergarten students file by into my classroom wearing their caps and baseball hats... the most memorable hat of the day? One of my kindergarten students wearing a hat that claims,
"I Luv Bikinis"....


Me: Who remembers how many beats a quarter note (Mr. Ta) gets?
Student Answer: My dad just put new carpet in our basement...


Me: These tiny little bells are called the Glockenspiel bells! Can everyone say "glockenspiel? Be careful not to spit! These bells were made in a country called"Germany"....
Student Reply: Hey! My grandma is from Germany!
Me: That's cool!
Student Reply: Wait... actually... I think she's from New JERSEY.


Dear Mrs. Ross, Music is:
Marvelous
Unstable
Special
Imposable... (yes- you read that correctly)
Cool

Music Rokes! I love you Mrs. Ross! You Roke!

PS: For those of you who don't understand what "Roke" means... Roke= "Rocks" in kid spelling.

Joy Comes in the Morning

About 7:50AM each morning, I pour some cocoa in my travel mug, give Randy and Wyn a goodbye kiss, and crunch ever so carefully to my ice covered van, hoping not to be clobbered by a falling icicle the size of Texas. The bittersweet beginning to a new day.

I have to say, as much as I appreciate my current 7-minute drive to work, I actually kind of miss my 30-minute trek to my previous school in Grand Rapids. The drive gave me time to relax, listen to some news and focus in on the day ahead before my time was consumed with kids and people.

7 minutes is definitely not enough time to do much of anything accept slurp down my cocoa (which almost always burns at least the first row of my taste buds off), and listen to a few minutes of cheesy Christian radio... which I find myself strangely addicted to....

What I DO find myself doing in my brief icy-breathed time in the car is gearing up for the worst- Who will annoy me today- What new challenge will I encounter next- What student will challenge my patience today? I'm not proud of it-but as mentioned in a previous entry, I have been in a funk- in desperate need of perspective... and frankly... a nice tropical vacation to help me recover from this Vitamin-D depriving weather!

I have been noticing another trend on my daily jaunt to work. It happens at about 7:55AM each morning, right after I pass the community church on the left. I come upon a boy walking to school. He looks to be around 3rd or 4th grade, is always alone, is about 3 feet too tall for his navy blue snowpants and looks as if he doesn't have a care in the world.

What I love more about this boy, is the fact that he wears black moon boots to complete the ensemble... I'm talking moon boots folks. He must have inherited them from a relative who was an 80's fashionista, because these are the real deal.

Funnier yet, is the fact that he wears his sagging backpack on the front of his body, with the corner of a heavy text book peeking out of a tattered hole. It's as if he is about to birth an 8th grade algebra book right there in the middle of the road!

I decided to name him... Weird, I know, but he's become a normal part of my morning routine, and he is no stranger. "Maury Moonboots- nice ta meet-cha", he'd say:)

What I love most about Maury, is that on most occasions, I see him singing. Always to himself, and always loudly. Again- the carefree thing. Though it is obvious to see that his clothes don't fit, and from what I might guess, doesn't plan on getting any new ones in the near future, it doesnt seem to matter a bit. He just sings and walks and sings and walks. Wow. Perspective.

I'm not talking about the whole, "Wow- I'm so thankful for all of my STUFF, because some people don't have as much STUFF as me. Poor poorer people". I'm talking about the kind of perspective that makes you go- "Wow. God is good, and I am aware of His work in this world thanks to Maury Moonboots".

I once looked in my rear view mirror after I had passed a singing Maury and saw him slip on some ice and make a very ungraceful awkward fall into the side of a snow bank. It took him a minute to get up, but when he did, he went about his business plodding along in his gravity-defying boots. As soon as I could see that he was OK, I began laughing. I laughed all the way to work... and am still laughing even now.