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.