ABCs

So...Wyndham is ready to start kindergarten...SERIOUSLY! This girl knows her alphabet and can count to 20...one time she even counted backwards. I guess that's what you get when you're living with mom, dad, auntie, grandma and grandpa at the same time. She's got 5 tutors:)

Californeye-YEAH!

So there is a reason that I haven't posted anything on the blog recently... Randy and I celebrated our 5-year wedding anniversary in San Diego California from June 26-July 3rd! We had been saving up for a while and knew that this was going to be the big year that we made the trip.

Randy lived there until he was almost 13, so basically, California is his "home". All of his childhood stories take place in this magical world where weird dessert plants consume the landscape, you have to shoo geckos out of your house instead of spiders and the temperature is 75 degrees year round. Pretty idyllic if you ask me.... and it was!

After much debate, we decided that Wyndham would stay with Grandma and Grandpa as our trip consisted of a LOT of driving and sight-seeing-- not exactly a great set-up for a 2-year old. In hindsight, we are glad we stuck to that plan. Traveling by plane has gotten SO much crazier and stressful than ever before-- obviously, 9/11 has changed traveling forever.

It was even more stressful because the airline didn't get our bags on the right plane as we traveled out west, and we didn't have any luggage until the 2nd day of our trip! Luckily, we had packed some spare undies in our carry-on bags, but we were still pretty frazzled by the time we arrived in San Diego that first day. Between missing Wyndham, being EXHAUSTED from getting about 2 hours of sleep, worrying that someone on our plane was a highjacker and our missing luggage, I was a mess. I literally sat on a little bench outside of the airport and cried out loud like a baby.

Randy and I handle these kinds of situations differently... I have a melt down, and Randy just gets angry... It's a GREAT mix when you're trying to deal with a stressful situation:) Anyway, the airport ended up giving us $50 to pay for any immediate items would would need (i.e. deoderant, toothpaste) as well as several vouchers for free food and coffee. In the end, it all worked out, but I can attest to the fact that you really find out what you're made out of when crisis strikes!

We stayed in the cutest historic hotel downtown called the Sofia Hotel in downtown San Diego. Adorable, quaint-- so fun-- see fun pics below. Our first full day, we explored the San Diego Zoo which is said to be one of the best in the WORLD. One foot inside and you can see why. It was beautiful! It makes John Ball Park Zoo look like a pet store!

One of the tour guides said that the Zoo's plant collection is actually more valuable that their animal collection-- They brought in so many plants to build the animal's habitats, it now houses some of the world's rarest plants. SO cool. We also explored Balboa Park which is kind of like a large outdoor cultural center. It houses everything from museums to the zoo, to an ampitheater and botanical gardens. Paradise...:)

Our 2nd day in town, we met up with Randy's parents who were also on a California vacation in the area visiting friends. I was so thankful that we could experience this walk down memory lane with them. We had lunch with some of their family friends- Jan and Al Menconi- who still live 3 doors down from the Ross's old house.... They said that they bought it for around $67,000 in the 1970's... houses on that street are now going for around $800,000 and up!

After lunch, we toured one of the Christian schools that Randy's dad and several good friends helped to found back in the 1980's.
(Santa Fe Christian) We also HAD to have some ice cream from the legendary "Yogurt Mill"... their child size yogurt is like a PINT!!! After eating our gigantic yogurts, we decided to hike through some mountains that the Ross family used to explore.... not a great idea in 100 degree weather after eating dairy products, but we managed:) It was so cool to see this piece of history and understand their story.

We also had the chance to drive up the coast to La Jolla (pronounced "La Hoya"), to see the beautiful coastline and the seals that inhabit the beach. So fun! My favorite beach of all however, was the beautiful shoreline on Coronado Island. The waves were fun, the water was refreshing and the sand glistened like gold. I will never forget it.

It was difficult to leave S.D., but we looked forward to driving up to L.A. to explore all the fun touristy things there too. On our drive up to L.A., we decided to stop at Saddleback Church for a Saturday night service. This is Rick Warren's church (Purpose Driven Life). We recently saw him on a news program getting interviewed about being a part of the "emmergent" church movement, so we thought it would be interesting.

The next morning, we decided to attend another church service at
Grace Community Church in West Hollywood-- John MacArthur is the pastor here and also a well-known Christian author. I LOVED going to church while we were in California. It really made the world seem smaller to me-- there are Christians EVEN in Hollywood:-).

I picked up a book while in LA called, "I Sold My Soul on Ebay- thoughts on faith through the eyes of an atheist". I would highly recommend this as an insightful look at how unbelievers perceive the church today. An atheist is challenged to attend 15 different church and write his thoughts on them. It was an especially interesting read as we have several of the churches in the book. Check it out sometime!

While in L.A., we drove around Beverly Hills-- secretly hoping to see someone famous:) We walked up Rodeo Drive (ho hum), and also did the "walk of fame" in front of the Chinese and Kodak Theater. It was pretty touristy, but fun to see anyway.

Our final day, we went to Universal Studios. I have never been to a theme park except for Michigan's Adventure and Cedar Point, so this was a treat for me... the best part of the day? Seeing parts of the set for one of my guilty TV pleasures- "Desperate Housewives". We didn't get to drive down Wysteria Lane, but we got some great pictures of it from the parking garage!:)

I feel very blessed to have had a memorable and safe trip. This was truly one of the highlights of our marriage thus far. Beyond all of the fun historic things we got to see and experience, it was so meaningful to be there together... still completely in love after 5 years:)

Al, Jan, Big Randy, Joyce, Me, Lil' Randy

Gaviota Circle- One of Randy's childhood homes

The famous Yogurt Mill!

A beautiful view from El Cajon

The Sofia Hotel

I don't care how weird he is now, Tom Cruise will always be a "Tiger Beat" icon to me!

I am the muppet queen and couldn't resist!

A bird's eye view of Wysteria Lane

Ki-yull

I know that this will be heart-breaking for some of you boys out there, but Wyndham has a boyfriend. His name is Ki-yull Shlff (Kyle Schaff). His stats? He's an older man- by 7 months, enjoys running, climbing and playing with his big bro. Brett. The love first blossomed at church during a rowsing rendition of "Deep and Wide".

Wyn's love for Kyle has deepened as the year has gone on--If you even MENTION the word "church" Wyn's comment is ALWAYS, "I wann'a go to chuch to see Ki-yull and De-jus" (Jesus).

Here are some highlights from a recent double date to the Grand Rapids Children's Museum Wyn and Ki-yull had with big brother Brett.

Here's the 3 examining a dead bird in a drain outside of the Museum. You can only guess that our lovebirds didn't even want to go INTO the museum at first. They were most content looking at the soggy carnage they had found in the fountain.
Mmmmm....

My cutie-patootie

A million chubby cheeks to smooch!

Get out of my dreams... Get into my car!

Why have one boyfriend when you can have 2?

Then end to a perfect date... Sharing banana slices and Elmo books. (Sigh)

Momheimer's Disease

So- perhaps it's because I have a lot of my mind these days, but I had one of the most forgetful shopping experiences of my life yesterday!

It started off easy enough- Wyn and I were going to meet Andrea and Noah (sis-in-law and nephew) at the mall. We let the kids play on the sweaty-feet infested climbing toys while we chatted. As we were getting ready to leave, I sat my purse on the stinky shoe bin just outside of the play area so that I could fasten Wyn's jelly shoes back on.

We ventured down to Bath and Body Works for their big summer sale, when a horrible feeling crept over me. I knew immediately that I had left my purse behind. Woops! I elbowed my way through all of the deal-crazed women and made it out of the store and back to the other end of the mall.

There it was- in all it's glory! My purse safe and sound. (Cue the angelic music and beam of light from above). I walked off the adrenaline as I went back to BABW. Whew! What luck! Everything was accounted for-money cards, etc.

I calmed myself down, and proceeded to push the stroller around the store, trying not to knock over any displays- I swear, there are some store that make it SO difficult to shop with your kids.

Andrea and I parted ways as Noah needed a nap, and I joined the mile-long line to check out my items. I paid quickly and turned to go, determined to make it out without banging into a shelf on the way out. Success!

I decided to forge ahead and go redeem a coupon I had from Hallmark- a free birthday photo album! Half way here, I heard someone screaming, "Miss! Miss"- I turned to see a Bath and Body works employee running toward me with the the bag of items I had purchased, but had left on the counter. Woops again! I said a few embarrassed words of thanks and went across Hallmark.

I love Hallmark not only because of their quaint gifts and cards, but because of their massive inventory of beanie babies and stuffed animals... NOT for ME of course!!! For Wyn!!! :)

Wyndham was beginning to get restless, so I handed over some fruit snacks as I check out. One of the employees struck up a conversation with Wyndham- "Does that taste good? Does it taste better when you eat the wrapper too?". I assumed that Wyn was nibbling on the fruit snack wrapper as she often does when she is done with a snack.

As we turned to go, I looked down only to see Wyndham gnawing on a large chocolate pecan candy she had swiped from a low shelf by the register! Wyndham-Sticky-Fingers-Ross! Hmmm... Those Hallmark people and their candy placement- very sneaky. $1.06 later, we were on our way.

I remembered that I also had a coupon for Victoria's Secret. Though Wyn was reaching her stroller limit, V.S. was right across the way from Hallmark... Besides, I get to the mall about once every 6 months, and I had one bra to speak of in working condition, so I tightened my grip and hurried to find my fav. bra and get outta there.

Lo and behold- Deja Vu-- A voice from behind me-- "Miss! Miss!"- This time it was a Hallmark employee that was following me. Apparently, after I paid for Wydham's candy treat, I had left it on the counter. Woops yet again! This is getting ridiculous!

I was now on a mission to find my bra, and head out. Do you think I could find my size? Of course not! One of the teeny-bopper VS employees had to help me. It's a bit degrading to be helped by a 16-year old girl in a loungerie store. Anyway, she offered to help me to a fitting room.

As we were rolling toward the back, Wyndham suddenly shouted, "BOOBIES!!" at the top of her lungs. I looked down to find that Wyndham had nabbed a bra from a low table (a leopard skin one at that!) and had slipped it over her shoulders. Too embarrassed to laugh, I threw it back onto the table and hightailed it back to the fitting room.

It was here that I regretted teaching Wyndham about echoes and loud and soft voices. As I scurried to try on the bras, she kept screaming out, "ECHOOO!!! LOUD VOICE!!!! SOFT VOICE!!! BOOBIES! MAMA'S BOOBIES! KITTIES BOOBIES! (She was clinging to her fav. stuffed cat). I heard snickering in the room next door. The more I asked her to quiet down, the louder she became (of course).

I finally finished up and went to check-out. Once again, I am followed by a voice- "Miss! Miss!" Along comes a sales person following me with a couple of coupons that fell out of my purse onto the floor of the dressing room. OK-the first, even the SECOND forgotten item was bad enough- Is this truly the 3rd time I've been alerted to my own unalertness?

Wyndham and I both decided it was time to head home and drown the days worries with some Double Stuffed Oreos and a tall glass of milk. After all, the way my brain was functioning, it was best that I was out of the public eye. I'm like an old person that shouldn't drive. Pretty soon I'm going start putting diapers on my dog, wearing my clothes backwards and yelling out random obscenities to passersby!

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!