Recovered photos

The most important part of the camera, the memory card, survived the flooding, so we still have camping photos, and more importantly, the photos of Steve with his second grade class and teacher. Congratulations to Steve who has accomplished the 2nd grade with all M's and E's! (For Meets and Exceeds grade level benchmarks.) Steve had the most wonderful teacher Mr. Sinwelski and we are so thankful for all of the outstanding teachers and staff at Kenwood School.

Weekend in Holland

The lack of photos in this entry is proof of the adventurous weekend that Jeff had with Douwe and Steve. If camping solo with an 8 yr old and 9 month old were not challenging enough, it turned out that Jeff had joined Western Michigan's high school graduates who had the run of the Holland State Park for post-graduation "beach week". The first night was regularly punctuated by the noise of M-80s and airhorns. On the second evening, after hobo pies and before s'mores, a huge stormfront rolled onto land and hit the campground in Holland State Park. Jess was a few miles away at a college girlfriends' reunion, getting a weekend's worth of respite. After we girls' heard on tv that everyone was being urged to take shelter in a sturdy structure because of the intensity and duration of the storm, Jeff took the boys to a friend's cottage. Next morning he returned to assess the damage and heard from site neighbors that flash flooding the night before had put the tent and all contents (including camera, maybe even that plugged-in box fan?) into the middle of a temporary pond.

Jeff said the weekend was generally enjoyable but for that storm. Steve made sure I knew that a few curse words were uttered by Dad during site cleanup time. Jess has learned that can be tricky to be on "semi-available" mode. We'll see if the memory card in that camera survived the flooding.

May 25

This was a long busy and fun day. Jess clocked 31.9 biking miles with bro-in-law Mike and his girlfriend Jackie at Sunday morning's Bike the Drive. We did breakfast at Flo after and then met Jeff, kids and grandparents for some time at the beach in Gary's historic Marquette Park. Grandparents took kids so Jeff, Jess, Mike and Jackie could enjoy an evening out at Three Floyds Brewpub.

Bike Ride

We found a great front-mounted bike seat for Douwe so he can join in our hobby. Steve Jeff and Douwe prepare for a ride around the neighborhood.

The C Words

About 7 years ago I read a book by Matthew Fox that I still think about all the time as I observe how I and others interact with people of all ages and outlooks. I remember him using several different "c words" as an attempt to name various energies or motivations that can be present in our relationships. Compassion compulsion celebration control comfort criticism competition communication cooperation companionship condemnation. A wise person gave great help when I once confessed my anxiety about getting the words just right in a difficult conversation I was going to initiate with someone. He advised me to build my confidence on the "good goal" I had, whether it was to resolve a conflict, declare a need, understand or present a perspective.

Now that I am spending way more time with children as a full time caregiver, these "c words" are coming back to me as I consider the challenges of interacting with little people and big people alike. Often now in conversations I try to look beneath all the words to identify the "goal" or main motivation that is spurring on a particular exchange.


Is my goal with this person right now to establish control or to establish communication and cooperation?
When disappointed or hurt by my own or another's shortcoming or failure do I see criticism or comfort as the balm?
When discovering someone's success or good fortune, am I inclined to respond with celebration or competition?
When I notice need and attempt to help someone, are my efforts fueled by compulsion or compassion?

It seems to me that some of these "c words" name fear-driven motivations, while the others name a way of loving that, if we dare to tap into it, has its source in that Life-Breath of the Universe, the Holy Spirit. When it comes to his relationship with humanity, this Life Breath has made clear a good goal of his own: b/c of the resurrection of Christ it is companionship, no longer condemnation. That is good news to help me confidently face any person that I may be talking to today.

Kenwood Spring Music Concert

We enjoyed the music that all grades at Kenwood provided for us with the theme: Under the Sea. My favorites were Octopus Garden, Long Legged Sailor, Mrs. Murphy's Chowder and Going over the Sea. Each song had hand motions and the children were having so much fun!

8 Months old

Here's a few cute shots from the past week.