18 on March Eighteen - a Golden Birthday!

Maybe it's because I'm getting ready to teach this poem to 8th grade soon (it goes along with The Outsiders), but when we realized that today is Caiden's "golden" birthday, this poem quickly came to mind. It can have multiple meanings, but today, I'm reminded that Caiden's time here with us, as a child, is fleeting. Turning 18 means he is just about ready to launch into life beyond the walls and roof of this house. 18 years, at times, has seemed like forever, but it also feels as though it has slipped through our fingers so quickly - only an 'hour', maybe?

Happy birthday, Caiden! Go be your independent, logical, intelligent self and do all the things! We are looking forward to what this transitional, in-between age holds for you. You were never meant to stay small, of course. It's the beginning of a new golden 'hour' for you!

Goodness, what did we know??!

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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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