Days With the Duerksens

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