Back to Normal(ish)

After much build-up, preparation, stress, and anxiety, school began on August 17! No bus ride in the morning this year - Caiden and I are sharing that responsibility. While this schedule feels pretty normal, school does look much different. Students cannot enter the building until 7:40 a.m., and when they enter, masks are required and temperatures are taken. Most of the kids are doing so well with this, and as a teacher, I'm trying to give them mask breaks and even try to go outside for class more often. We've made it 2 full weeks and so far, so good - no Covid cases that we know of as of today! Our fingers are crossed that it stays this way, but I imagine this will not be the case.

A Freshman!

A 5th Grader

Caiden's usual spot in the mornings - the only picture I
could get! This is his Junior Year.

School activities have resumed like normal besides the cleaning, sanitizing, and masking requirements. Caiden is playing football again and Cambry is managing for the volleyball team. This mostly means that she is in charge of videoing games. It's going . . . okay. Game days get a little long for her! The football team started the season playing Canton-Galva - last year's 8-Man State Champions. So, that went . . . well, the game was over at halftime. But week 2 was a great game against Herington. They are 1-1 right now.

First volleyball night

No more handshakes after the game - just a friendly wave!

Right before school began, Delaney had braces put on! We will be making more trips to the dentist, I guess.

Just because school began, that didn't mean the garden or the fieldwork slowed down any. Corn harvest began almost right when school did, and it has been fun for Chelan and Caiden since the corn is doing so well! I am trying to squeeze in canning all of my tomatoes on the weekends. I'm not sure I've ever had so many tomatoes - but maybe I say that every year!

At the September 4-H meeting, Cambry was voted in as club treasurer! She will have to get used to making a report every month - something new for her.

We are definitely busier than we have been for about 6 months, and that has taken some getting used to. And my teacher voice is definitely tired. I hope things can feel normal(ish) for a little while before we are forced back home again!

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Pre-Christmas Surprise

On Dec. 22, I woke up to Caiden not feeling well. In fact, he said he hadn't ever felt the kind of pain he was experiencing that morning. Reluctantly, I made an appointment. Long story, short - it was good he complained because he ended up having his appendix out that afternoon! It must have been at the very beginning stages and thankfully hadn't burst. So, we were in and out of the hospital by midnight that night. Maybe the worst part about the whole thing is that his wisdom teeth surgery had to be postponed since it was supposed to be the very next week. He'll go back to school minus an appendix, but still having his wisdom teeth until February 16! Pre-op Post-op

Spring Art

While Mrs. Schmidt was away on maternity leave during the spring, Mr. Novak (from Hesston) filled in for her. Since Cambry has her first 3 class periods in the art room, she got to know him very well and he mentioned several times how he appreciated Cambry's artistic style and way of thinking. He even let her paint a little bit on his own pieces! Cambry took several pieces to the WSL art festival in April. She came home with a first place finish in the graphic design category and an honorable mention in the computer design category. We are so thankful for the instruction she has received over the last 4 years in Goessel. Now, on to Hesston College with Professor Cross!

July Highlights

July was a slow, meandering stroll through mid-summer. Slow as it was, there were some highlights: Lots of raspberries to pick - what a delight! Kenya continues to grow and learn how to take walks: Delaney loved her week at Camp Menno! Delaney and Jenna attended the KSU Volleyball camp: All 5 of us were in the SAME place at the SAME time to attend a beautiful wedding! Cambry found success at the Marion Co. Fair one last time with 4 purples and 1 red on her photos. Two of those purples turned into a Reserve Grand Champion and Grand Champion in her respective classes. Fun fact, as an assistant, she sat with her future art professor as he judged photos! Delaney and I were "guest readers" at the little kids' Splish Splash Party at church: Last but not least - the Paris Olympics started! We watched the opening ceremony at Vanessa's. I took an olympic flag fruit pizza to share with everyone: Next up: a busy month of transitions!

Days With the Duerksens

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