Summer in a Nutshell

Another summer flew by in a flash, and tomorrow I go back for my 7th consecutive year teaching middle school ELA in Goessel. This summer had its share of challenges (lightning strike, hail, HOT weather, well water pump problems), but overall, we did have time to relax and recharge before another busy school year. Here are some random photos from July and August.

LOTS of swimming:

Wheat harvest was a bit of a bummer because some of it was hailed out, but we managed to enjoy the tradition anyway without a lot of setbacks.

One setback with 30 acres left to go - the header bar broke.

Tracking Grandpa's return from the elevator.

More swimming:

Another trip to Camp Mennoscah

We worked to get Caiden ready for K-State. He moves in on August 17!

Coach Tang showed up at orientation!

This pile grew throughout the summer!

I worked on putting together some new bookshelves for my classroom. Another painting project we completed was our new front porch railing (I just don't have pictures of it!)

Delaney enjoyed a week of volleyball in Hillsboro with her team.

We finally found a vehicle for Cambry on the 2nd try. She's all set for school now!

And, she found amazing success at the county fair - Grand AND Reserve Champion in her class of photography!

Delaney turned 12! She enjoyed her favorite mac and cheese at Panera after some shopping!

Caiden had his last dr. appointment with Dr. Patron. We were blessed to have him see Caiden through all 18 years of his childhood!

Looks like Caiden outgrew him!

And then Caiden smashed Delaney's finger in the front door - accidentally, of course! So, we drove back to Newton - this time, to the ER. We are definitely thankful for the doctors in our lives! I guess you could say we ended summer with a 'bang!'

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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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