Days With the Duerksens

Well, I just finished my first sewing project in about 15 years! About a year ago, I purchased material to make valances for Caiden's room. So, in August, I cut the material out and now, close to the new year, I've finished all 3. If you don't look too closely, they're all right. I'm quite proud of myself for re-learning how to sew a few seams, even if they are crooked!

Christmas Eve has always been the highlight of Christmas for me. Maybe it's because of our church's program, or opening gifts at my parents' house afterwards (ever since I was a little girl). Whatever it is, I look forward to it every year! The kids both got to sing with the SonShine Singers at the program and this year, Caiden actually had speaking lines with his Kdg. class. He did a great job after much practicing! Cambry was brave enough to share a short poem for the children's sharing time -- everyobody's favorite part of the program. Her poem was, "Jesus was born today, This happy Christmas Day." (a made-up poem) Short but sweet! Afterwards, we opened gifts and had goodies at my parents' house -- so much fun! We got home shortly after 11:00 -- dodging a few snowdrifts along the way! Caiden waits with Ty, Timothy, and Jacob for the Christmas Eve program to begin Cambry got a new scooter from Grammy and Papa -- she's trying it out in t

Our Christmas was pretty laid-back this year compared to other years. We were at home all day! The kids enjoyed opening presents in the morning, and then in the evening, we had an impromptu dinner with Chelan's parents and my parents. I had cooked a ham that Chelan received from work, and it happened to work out that they all could come. We had a very nice Christmas Day! Caiden got a new combine -- he had long since worn his old one out! Allow me to explain the short tree in the back -- We got rid of our cedar tree the week before because Cambry had been sick 3 times since we brought it in. So, we were left with our little decorative tree on a plant stand. Cambry has been much better since we got rid of the tree, so I guess that means no more pasture trees in the years to come! Cambry showing off her magnetic fashion dolls, Aquadoodle, and Fancy Nancy book

On Tuesday, we enjoyed a snowy day at home -- NO School for Caiden! We took advantage of it -- making snowmen, baking zwieback, and drinking hot chocolate. It was fun to be at home and not worry about driving somewhere! Cambry enjoyed helping! I have to take a picture before I bake them because they usually fall over! After this snowman, Caiden made another one! Yum! Hot Chocolate!!

If you're confused about this being part 2, just look below for part 1! After our little trip to Yosemite, Treg took us back to their place (actually his parents-in-law's place where they're currently staying). We were finally able to see Chayce --poor guy! While we were there, we did some hiking in the hills, went to the Fresno Zoo, ate at In-n-Out Burger (a must for us every time), and went out on the speed boat on Lake Millerton. The water was freezing from the snow melt, but Caiden had the guts to jump on in! We were also fortunate to stop by a farmer's fresh strawberry stand one afternoon. You have never eaten a strawberry until you have eaten a fresh one straight from the field! He was nice enough to let the kids pick a few from his field -- the biggest, juiciest, strawberries I have ever seen! All-in-all it was a very successful trip and the kids were great travelers! Thanks to the Cedar's for allowing us to stay at their house once again, to Treg for

We were lucky enough to find time for a vacation to California this past weekend! Chelan's brother, Treg and his family, live north of Fresno at Lake Millerton. A couple of months ago, we arranged a trip to see them, especially our little 2-year old nephew, Chayce. Unfortunately, as we arrived in Fresno, Chayce came down with a fever that lasted our entire stay. We didn't get to see as much of him or Candace as we had liked, but we really did enjoy our vacation! Treg took us to Yosemite National Park on Thursday and Friday -- we even stayed night at the historic Wawona Hotel, a beautiful place! Our room didn't have a bathroom, however, so it was a cold trip down the hall to take a shower! Luckily, Cambry didn't wake up during the night to go to the bathroom like she usually does! The pictures really don't do the park justice -- you have to go there to experience the awesome-ness (?) of the area. I had lots of "God-moments" while we were there -- a

I was so proud of Caiden today when he announced that he was going outside to clean off Dad's truck! It wasn't something he had to do, but it's the kind of thing he really likes to do (when he's in the right mood). As soon as he heard Chelan and Grandpa on the tractors clearing the snow, he was out there, too. Then, he appeared on the front porch with a shovel to clear it off! What a hard worker! The video is of Cambry "figure skating." What's interesting about this is that she was supposed to be in bed. Sometimes she does the funniest things when she really shouldn't be up! Sorry the video is sideways.

As if this week wasn't strange enough already, Chelan and I woke up to Caiden being sick in the bathroom at 2:00 a.m. He continued to throw up during the night, so Chelan stayed home with him and Cambry (strange thing #1). Originally, Caiden was supposed to go to Kdg. Screening today at 1:15. We didn't think he'd be up for it, but by about 10:00 a.m. Chelan said he was jumping on the furniture and eating. So, I called to see if he could still go to Kdg. screening and they said yes, but to come as soon as we could. School was being dismissed at 1:00 (strange thing #2), and the workers there wanted to get home, too. I rushed over there after I was finished with my last group of kids, and it was sleeting. (strange thing #3 -- come on, it's March 27) When I got there, I saw Cambry in pajama bottoms and a sweatshirt. What? Really, weren't there other pants to put on her? :) Chelan left to go to Hesston, so I stayed until the screening was over. Then, we finally

Well, I began a new role this week -- full time teacher! I'm doing a long-term subbing position for one of the teachers at the elementary school who is on maternity leave. I'll be there until May 21 -- the end of the school year. While I have been quite nervous about this, the week has gone very well! I feel more confident every day, and I enjoy being there every day and getting back into the teaching mode. It's been 5 years since I taught full time! Cambry has adjusted quite well to the new routine. Caiden has always had trouble with change, so this has been an emotional week for him. However, they seem to enjoy it at the babysitter's house, and they're always happy when I come to pick them up! I have to admit that it will feel good to sleep a little later on Saturday morning. 6:15 a.m. feels quite early when I've been used to 8:00 a.m.!

We have been telling Caiden for a long time that he could have a real birthday party when he turned 5. Well, today was the day! He invited 9 friends over (although one boy couldn't come because he was sick). So, we had a full house this morning! We played a few games, played outside, ate his fire engine cake, and opened presents! I wish I could take credit for the details on the cake, but Chelan added his artistic touch to make the windows, sirens, etc. What a guy! I think the kids had a good time, but I know we definitely won't do this every year. Thanks to those who came to celebrate Caiden's birthday -- he had a great time! Opening presents -- this one is "Smash and Crash" monster trucks -- the perfect 5-year-old-boy gift! We played Pin-the-tail-on-the-dalmation. You can see the many tails all overthe picture. Luke Wiens won the game, placing it at exactly the right spot! The back view! Blowing out 5 birthday candles!

Wow -- Caiden turned 5 yesterday! It's been amazing to watch him grow, learn, and change over the years! We gave him a new 18" bike for his birthday, and we couldn't believe how much bigger it was than his 12". He's been needing it for a while now but we didn't realize how small that old bike really was! After a few tries with Dad, he got the hang of getting on and taking off! We had the grandparents over for cake last night, but Caiden is really looking forward to his first "friends" birthday party on Saturday morning! Caiden enjoys his brand new bike! Blowing out 5 candles on his birthday cake (cherry chip by request!) Playing "Tumblin' Monkeys", a gift from Grammy and Papa. We have played this many, many times since -- he loves it so much!

We had a second round of bowling on Friday night with Caiden's other cousin, Mace. This was a Christmas gift from us, just like it had been with Ty. They had a good time, I think! It sure is fun to watch them get excited when the ball finally gets down to the pins! Waiting for the ball to get all the way down the lane! More waiting! Bowling buddies -- Caiden and Mace

I had one of those "Life is Good" moments today. It has been one of the most beautiful days I can remember having in a long time: no wind, sunshine, temps in the70's! We decided to go on a picnic in the pasture. While we were sitting there enjoying sandwiches, chips, grapes, and kool-aid, I looked around and thought, "this is what it's all about! Wouldn't it be great if every day was as relaxed as this moment right now?" We also enjoyed a little exploring along the creek after lunch. Then I was jolted back into the real world when Cambry announced, "Poop!" (in her pants). However, I didn't even mind that as much today!

Lately, Cambry has been asserting her independence during naptime. In the last few weeks, she insists on doing things her way, and that includes where she sleeps. She seems to be saying, "I'll take a nap, but not on my pillow where you want me to!" Enjoy these sleeping poses!

I love Valentine's Day! This year, I had some fun with it in the kitchen. I made chocolate-glazed cake towers (heart-shaped). They were really yummy, made with pound cake, raspberry jam, and chocolate ganache (thanks to Rachael Ray). Then, I decided to make a heart-shaped pizza for supper. The kids thought that was pretty cool! I hope you all had a fun Valentine's Day, too!

This past weekend, I celebrated my 30th birthday. Normally, my birthdays come and go without being too eventful! However, this year, Chelan did some planning. We actually enjoyed a night out without the kids -- dinner, a movie, ice cream (of course!), and an overnight stay at a hotel in Wichita (thanks to Grammy and Papa for watching Caiden and Cambry). We had so much fun! It really meant a lot to me that he spent time planning the evening. Little did I know that the celebration wasn't over. After chuch on Sunday, Vanessa asked if I was ready to go. She had planned a surprise lunch at P.F. Chang's with some friends! So, thank you Vanessa for a fun afternoon. And thank you Gretchen, Mandi, Amy, Shari, and Rachael for enjoying lunch with me! When I arrived home, there was a giant homemade card and a triple chocolate cake waiting for me! Maybe I should turn 30 every year! This cake said, "Megan is 30" before we cut into it. Boy was it delicious! Cambry enjoy

Have you ever had one of those moments when you had to rely on your 4 1/2 year old child to help you out? That happened to me yesterday morning. We bought a used treadmill on Saturday and brought it home. Wednesday was the first time I had a chance to try it out. I was trying to move it around to face the TV, so I wanted to fold it up. However, I couldn't figure out how to lock it. A little voice beside me (Caiden) said, "Oh, here Mom! You just pull this pin out and then stick it back in to make it stay!" Leave it to an almost 5-year-old to help his mom out! Luckily, he got his father's problem-solving skills and not mine!

Ty's Christmas gift from us was a night of bowling and a sleepover with Caiden. Saturday evening was the night! The boys had so much fun and were still talking about it the next morning. It was great to see them learning how to get the ball down to the pins. The final scores were: Caiden-64, Ty-80, Megan-95, Chelan-100-something. Thank goodness for bumpmer lanes! In defense of my score, Cambry was helping me sometimes! ;) Caiden's looking forward to doing this with Mace, another cousin, in a few weeks!