Donna Joy

2007-06-07T17:04:00.000-07:00

Still...
kinda depressing, but beautiful at the same time

"I have searched through the deepest canyon
hit my knees upon the highest hill
found an answer to almost every question,
but girl, still

I stand along here in complete surrender
I have felt all a man can feel
though they say someday i'll love another,
girl, I still

Got your picture in my mind though I let it go a thousand times
and gave it up to Gods will
I threw your letter on the ground
said goodbye and turned around
prayed your life without me is fulfilled
but still, i love you still
i love you still

I would die right here where I lay
I would count all my blessings until
In my final breath id say,
girl, i still

Got your picture in my mind though I let it go a thousand times
and gave it up to Gods will
I threw your letter on the ground
said goodbye and turned around
prayed your life without me is fulfilled
but still, i love you still"

2007-04-08T17:20:00.001-07:00

Did Sugarland Just Read my Mind, or What?

Fifteen minutes left to throw me together
For mister right now, not mister forever
Don't know why I even try when I know how it ends
Looking like another "maybe we could be friends"
I've been leaving it up to fate
It's my life so it's mine to make

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just not giving up this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything, yeah

With some good red wine and my brand new shoes
Gonna dance a blue streak around my living room
Take a chance on love and try how it feels
With my heart wide open now you know I will
Find what it means to be the girl
Change her mind and change her world

I ain't settling for just getting by
I've had enough so so for the rest of my life
Tired of shooting too low, so raise the bar high
Just not giving up this time
I ain't settling for anything less than everything

2007-04-08T17:16:00.000-07:00

Someday Maybe

Lost in this moment with you
I am completely consumed
My feeling's so absolute
There's no doubt
Sealing our love with a kiss
Waited my whole life for this
Watching all my dreams come true
Lost in this moment with you

2007-04-05T12:33:00.000-07:00

Introducing Raisa Kathleen Bakker, 6lbs, 9oz.

2007-03-18T15:39:00.000-07:00

YOU MAY BE A FARMER IF……

Your dog rides in your truck more than your wife does.

You wave at every vehicle passing by whether or not you know the occupants.

You have ever had to wash off in the back yard with a garden hose before your wife would let you in the house.

You have buried a dog and cried like a baby.

You have used a tractor front-end loader as scaffolding for roof repairs.

You have animals living in buildings more expensive than your house.

Over half of your clothing comes from feed or seed dealers.

The meaning of true love is that she’ll ride in the tractor with you..

You know cow pies aren’t made of beef.

The most watched and anticipated program on TV is the Weather Report.

You have used a velvetleaf plant as toilet paper.

The one thing you love most next to your wife and dog is your John Deere.

You don’t call it DIRT…..you call it soil.

Your favorite stop in town is the Rural King because of the free pop corn.

You convince your wife that an overnight, out-of-state trip for equipment parts is a vacation.

The prettiest site you can see are thunder clouds in the West.

You have enough ball caps to match every shirt you own, but you only wear one so you don’t get the others dirty.

You have eaten many a meal on the back of a pick-up tailgate.

You can remember when your grandfather worked all day to farm what you can cover in one hour today.

Your biggest social events are auctions and farm dinners at local agriculture dealers.

You’ve made it BIG TIME when you get the name of your farm put on the side of your farm truck.

You know many of your farmer buddies who flunked retirement and had to keep on farming.

More than once you've came in from feeding the cattle or hogs and you're wife complained about the smell, and you replied, "Honey, it smells like Money to me.."

2007-02-05T16:07:00.000-08:00

Sunday Thoughts
It seems like the last few weeks, the messages at church have really been hitting home for me, no matter which church I attend. This week it was about Joseph...how God took him from the prison to the palace in a matter of minutes. I mean, how awesome is that? You're life is going like crap, and God can suddenly make you the 2nd most important person in the world, just like that. Sometimes we forget to look at life from God's perspective.
Last week it was all about Moses. He was complaining about what a crappy job it was to be the leader...all the people were telling him they wanted meat to eat, and then God says, "Hey, I can give a few million people more than enough meat to eat for a while month if I want to." And Moses doesn't get it, so God says, "Is the arm of the Lord too short?" Indeed, is the arm of the Lord too short?
In closing yesterday, we sang this song, and it just tied it all together for me...

We are a moment, You are forever
Lord of the Ages, God before time
We are a vapor, You are eternal
Love everlasting, reigning on high

Holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb Who was slain
Highest praises, honor and glory
Be unto Your name, be unto Your name

We are the broken, You are the healer
Jesus, Redeemer, mighty to save
You are the love song we'll sing forever
Bowing before You, blessing Your name

2007-01-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

Giving Thanks
So lately it seems like I've had a lot of crappy stuff going on in my life, and I've been stressed out about a lot of things...worried about Carmen and the baby, thinking about putting my name in for the full-time teaching thing next year, what God has in store for me in terms of a special guy in my life, etc, etc. Anyway, it has been quite the roller-coaster ride this last month or so, and I am so tired.
This morning in church, the message was from Isaiah, "Comfort, comfort my people, says the Lord." And it was really good to hear that. That God still cares about you and loves you. I talked to two of my girlfriends this afternoon, which was another amazing blessing. I felt very comforted, and so much more at peace...more than I've felt in a long time. It made me really miss having them around, though. I miss all the late night girl talk, and the crazy stuff we used to do. I am glad that March break is coming soon. Hopefully I will be able to do some traveling and lots of visiting. Of course, in order to do that I will have to get through Valentine's Day first. Ah, well, everything in due time, I guess.

2007-01-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

Love this new Song by Keith Urban

It's called Stupid Boy:

Well, she was precious like a flower
She grew wild, wild but innocent
A perfect prayer in a desperate hour
She was everything beautiful and different

Stupid boy, you can't fence that in
Stupid boy, it's like holding back the wind
She let her heart and soul right in your hands
And you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
She never even knew she had a choice and that's what happens
When the only voice she hears is telling her she can't
Stupid boy, stupid boy

So what made you think you could take a life
And just push it push it around
I guess you build yourself up so high
You had to take her and break her down

She let her heart and soul right in your hands
And you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
She never even knew she had a choice and that's what happens
When the only voice she hears is telling her she can't
You stupid boy

Oh, you always had to be right but now you've lost
The only thing that ever made you feel alive

Well, she let her heart and soul right in your hands
And you stole her every dream and you crushed her plans
She never even knew she had a choice and that's what happens
When the only voice she hears is telling her she can't
You stupid boy, oh, I'm the same old
Same old stupid boy

It took awhile for her to figure out she could run
But when she did, she was long gone
Long gone, long gone
Ah, she's gone

Nobody's ever gonna love me like she loved me
And she loved me, she loved me
God please, just let her know
I'm sorry, I'm sorry
I'm sorry, I'm sorry
Baby, yeah, I'm down on my knees
She's never coming back to me

2007-01-18T12:46:00.000-08:00

Oh, the Irony of it All
So, I'm reading this book called "He's Just Not That Into You." And the basic premise is that guys should do the chasing, and if he doesn't call, or ask you out, then he's just not that into you. And you should not call him, or ask him out. If he's really into you, he will make the time and the effort to make it happen. And why would women want to waste their time with a guy who's just not that into them? Why settle for something okay, when you can wait for something great?
Just something to think about. Still not sure if I totally agree.

2007-01-15T15:55:00.000-08:00

Reflections for 2007

I've been doing lots of reading and listening this week, and these are some of the lines that jumped out at me and are close to my heart right now:

"perfect love drives out fear"
"my ways are not your ways, says the Lord"
"whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice saying, this is the way, walk in it"
"for I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future"
"my peace I give you...I do not give it as the world gives"
"in this world you will have trouble, but take heart, I have overcome the world"

~you give and take away/you give and take away/ my heart will choose to say/Lord blessed be your name/ blessed be the name of the Lord...
~no power of hell/no scheme of man/ can ever pluck me from His hand/ till he returns or calls me home...
~father of lights/you never change/you have no turning...every good and perfect gift comes from you/father of lights...
~i'm falling on my knees/offering all of me/ Jesus, you're all this heart is living for...
~amazing love/ how can it be/ that you my king should die for me/ amazing love/ i know it's true/ and it's my joy to honour you/ in all i do/ let me honour you...
~how can I say there is no God/ when all around creation calls...
~better is one day in your courts/ than thousands elsewhere...
~Jesus, be my vision/ be my path/ be my guide, Jesus...
~show me your glory...

2007-01-12T14:56:00.000-08:00

To Call or Not to Call
I'm the kind of girl who likes the guy to do the chasing. I don't like to come off as clingy or needy, so I hate to be the one who initiates everything. So, here I am waiting for this guy to call me (well, not waiting waiting ...I mean, I go to work, watch TV, clean my house, bake cookies, cook supper, etc. But I'm still hoping he's going to call me.) My cousin Tim who's my age, says that it's fine for guys to do the chasing, but that "some guys need a kick in the ass because they're pretty stupid." So, do I go for the "kick in the ass" move, or do I keep waiting? Maybe he's just not that into me.

2007-01-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Donna the Heartbreaker
Who would've thought I'd ever call myself that? But that it occurred 2 times in one 1 week...I think I can safely assume that I have become one. Hopefully one of these days I'll get the guy thing right, and I can stop breaking hearts.

2006-12-27T17:12:00.000-08:00

The Decision
I was finally decisive and made a huge decision about my future. I put it off for far too long, but now I finally feel at peace in my heart...I'm pretty sure it was the right one. Unfortunately, I ended up hurting someone and it's breaking my heart to know that somebody else is hurting because of me.

2006-12-27T16:44:00.000-08:00

All's Right with the World
Funny how a little email can change your perspective and turn a crappy day into a great one. (Thanks, Ben.)

2006-12-22T16:58:00.000-08:00

Boys are Dumb, Throw Rocks at Them!
Okay, well maybe that's a little violent and extreme, but still... I am having a frustrating time of it. It seems like the only guys I ever meet or start to fall for, are either alcoholics or workaholics. Go figure. I'm not saying that they weren't genuinely good guys, but I wish God would just TELL me in a very loud voice: "Donna, this is the guy I have planned for you" and point me straight in his direction, and save me from all this guy crap. I apologize if you're a guy and you're reading this, and for some strange reason, God has put you in my life, and I have just insulted you or hurt your feelings. It has just been a wierd week.

2006-12-09T17:45:00.000-08:00

Living Room Photos

2006-12-09T17:40:00.000-08:00

Kitchen Photos

2006-12-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

SNOW!
We got our first real snow last night. It looked really pretty. But then I couldn't get my garage door open this am, and I had to run back to the house to get a shovel, and spend 10 minutes digging my way around the door. By this time, by feet are soaked because I also have no boots. I had to drive very carefully to work because it was pretty slippery...I was 10 minutes late. Anyway, I'm sick of the white stuff already, but at least a certain county boy will be happy because he can go snowmobiling. :)

2006-11-28T09:42:00.000-08:00

Return of the Crazy Lady
So I got a letter in the mail from the crazy old lady who was trying to set me up with her grandson. Thanks to her I am now currently in possession of his cell number, home number, dorm room number, mailing address and email. I hope she's not insulted that I don't take her up on her offer....I'm a little busy. Anyway, I'm glad she's not my grandma.

2006-11-17T15:51:00.000-08:00

DONE!
I moved in my house last weekend (minus the cat), so it's been nearly a week now. I'm kinda cheating, since I've only had to cook 1 meal so far, though. It's been good. I bought a couch today. That was fun. My living room looks a little better now. We had about 2 1/2 inches of rain in the last day, so the sump pump has been going quite a bit, but no major floods in the basement yet, so that's good.

2006-11-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

Moving
I'm probably moving this week. Just a few finishing touches to do yet, and then I'm in!

2006-11-02T14:37:00.000-08:00

FYI
Just so you know, $400 later, my car is up & running again.

2006-10-27T13:15:00.000-07:00

Here's My House
The chimney has since been repaired. :)

2006-10-27T13:03:00.000-07:00

Good Weekend so Far...
Having lots of fun at the teacher's convention..had 1 or 2 good workshops, but the most fun has been seeing everyone again.

2006-10-27T12:59:00.000-07:00

I Love a Mechanic!
My rad needs to be replaced. Somehow all the tranny fluid got into it. And apparantly, that's not good. It wasn't under warranty, so my wonderful cousin Tim broke into the car dealership and stole my car off the lot. He is fixing everything so by the time I get back from Hamilton my car should be back to it's old self.

2006-10-21T16:07:00.000-07:00

Crazy Night
I was at a conference in Toronto yesterday, and everything went great all day. Then I'm only 20 minutes from home when my car dies. I just stopped for gas, and the next thing I know, my car's not running well and the check-the-engine/transmission-it's-an-emergency-light starts blinking. So, being a friday night, my car is now sitting in the parking lot of the Dodge dealership and it won't even get looked at till monday. I am so pissed. I am however, thankful that I was so close to home and was able to drive to a pay phone. I still have 3 years' worth of free roadside assistance left from Dodge, so I didn't have to pay for the towtruck. If it's a tranny problem, it should still be under warranty, but there's a $100 deductable still. I'm just hoping it's something simple like a broken tranny fluid hose. It's really frustrating not having a car...I need to get to the OCSTA convention next thursday.

2006-09-07T12:49:00.000-07:00

Tragic Accident
Last saturday morning, the younger sister of a fellow teacher was found killed in a car accident. Lesley Westervelt was killed when her car rolled into a pond friday evening. I went to school with her for almost 10 years; she was only 2 years older than me. Her family goes to my church. Please keep them in your prayers.

LESLEY ELLEN WESTERVELT
Suddenly as the result of an accident, on Saturday, September 2nd, 2006, of West Lake, at the age of 25. Cherished daughter of Alex (Ike) and Cheryl. Loved sister and best friend of Angela and her husband Tracey Rogers of Plainfield, Janelle of Port Hope and Brian of West Lake. Special auntie to Zoe-Anne and Liam. Beloved granddaughter of Johanna and the late John Westervelt, Jack Harrington and his wife Ingrid and Lois and her husband Brian Bruckshaw. Loved by her aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. The Funeral Service will be held at, The Bethany Christian Reformed Church, Bloomfield, on Thursday, September 7th at 2 P.M. Pastor Kasey VanderVeen Officiating. If desired, donations to Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital Foundation would be appreciated by the family. (CHEQUES ONLY PLEASE). Friends are invited to visit with Lesley's family on Wednesday from 2:00 till 4:00 and 7:00 till 9:00 p.m.

2006-09-07T12:41:00.000-07:00

First Week of School is Done!
Well, I've survived my first week...I am teaching JK again, in case you weren't aware, so my week at school officially ends on thursday. :) I have 11 kids in my class this year...6 boys, 5 girls. So far they seem like a pretty good bunch. There are a few that I will need to keep a close eye on though. It's always that way. Anyway, I really enjoy having a smaller group to work with, and it is really nice to have last year's experience coming into this year. I am so much less stressed, and feel a lot better about how things are going already this year. Although, it is only the first week, so we'll see.
I am excited that I have had no tantrums yet this year. :) I heard from staff that the one child I had last year threw like 5 tantrums in SK yesterday. I am so glad I was not there. I feel like I survived last year only by the grace of God. It is funny to compare classes to each other. Last year I had really messy eaters, and everyone needed help to put on shoes. This class is not like that at all, but only one little girl can write her name. So, I have my work cut out for me, I guess. Last year, all but 3 could print their names. So, a different class, a different set of gifts and abilities. Next month when school photos are done, I'll post a picture of me with my class. I'd love to hear from you all.

2006-08-29T12:28:00.000-07:00

This is my House!
Sorry, none of my pictures would upload....I will email them to you instead.

2006-08-12T20:02:00.000-07:00

House Update
So, my kitchen and living room are all finished now, and we've been doing work on the bedroom and bathroom. After a trip to Rona with my dad, the new window was put in my bedroom (by my dad and bro), and the old bathroom wall was completely taken out. We've framed in the new wall, and my cousin came this week to do the plumbing for the new sink. Now, it's on to drywall...and then I can paint my bedroom. And that will be all for my room. I still have to decide on a sink/vanity for the bathroom, get new tiles for the floor, and paint the walls. And that's just about it.... Next, are the expensive things: I need to get my furnace inspected. I need a new oil tank. I need to get the chimney fixed. And then I'll be ready to move in! This past week wasn't too hot, so I did a lot of work outside, like painting trim, doors, my proches. It looks so much better. It's amazing what a little paint can do.

2006-08-12T20:00:00.000-07:00

The Big Promotion
So I just wanted to let you all know that as of July, I have been the new Assistant Manager of the bakery/cafe where I've been working. It's going well...I'm off of dish duty most of the time now. :)

2006-07-18T08:08:00.000-07:00

This Old House
My kitchen is finished! (except for the floor...but that's a winter project.) I got a china cabinet from my cousin last week, and it makes my kitchen look really homey. It goes well with my country-themed decor too. My walls are white, but I've painted all the trim, cupboards, and doors, "cottage green." It's so cute. My curtains are white, with a yellow stripe. I made them myself. It was only the second time I've used a sewing machine, so they look pretty good considering...
On to the living room. I painted right over all the ugly brown panelling. I knew I wanted a dark pink, but who knew pink was so hard to get just right? After some mixing of my own, I got it pretty close to what I wanted. It's not too dark, but it doesn't look like bubble gum either. I painted all the trim and the doors white. It's my "girly" room. I love it. I got the carpet cleaned, and some furniture is moved in. It's starting to look like home.
Last week, I bought drywall, studs, a bathroom mirror, and a new windown for the bedroom. Now we just have to put in the window, put up a wall, and do some plumbing and electical. So, my goal of moving in October is looking pretty realistic still, at this point anyway. Sorry I don't have pics to post.

2006-07-18T08:04:00.000-07:00

Pay Attention, Donna
So, I have not heard a thing from the guy I met at school, who by the way, was super-nice and very cute. I told him where I was working this summer, and he gave me the impression he was going to come by.... I haven't seen him yet. The big problem is, I can't remember his last name!!!! I'm absolutely certain that he told me the first time we met, but for the life of me, I haven't got a clue what it is. That'll teach me to pay attention when some handsome stranger introduces himself.

2006-07-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Stood Up
Well, the bossy old lady from the cafe and her dark, and handsome grandson stood me up. That's right, they never showed. I think it's funny. Here's what I think happened: I think this Queen's engineering student finally got some backbone and told his grandma where to stick it. Although i'm sure he was more polite. But really, I understand. She's probably a well-meaning (but overbearing) grandma who wants her grandson to find the right girl to marry and make beautiful babies. I totally get it. But if he's as hot as she described, I don't think he need help from his grandma. So, the awkward situation is avoided. Yay.

2006-06-11T06:48:00.000-07:00

All Set Up (part 2)
So, next weekend is the day. The old lady is bringing her appartantly hottie grandson into the cafe where I work, so she can hook us up. I'm a little bit excited...he could turn out to be a really sweet guy, but I'm kinda embarassed about it too. He's supposedly kinda shy, and this is already an awkward situation...Anyway, I can't stop her from bringing him by. She was pretty insistant that I be at work next saturday. I hope that once we meet, she'll just but out and quit bugging us about it.

2006-05-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

All Set Up!
So I was at work in the cafe yesterday and this little old lady and her friend were talking to me. When they found out that I was 22, and not 17 (I hate when that happens!), the one lady started asking me if I was married (not yet), dating anyone (not at the moment), and what I would look for in a guy. Then she quite persistently told me that he grandson was single, she thought he needed a girlfriend, and would I be willing to give her my name and number so she could hook us up. (No joke, she was dead serious.) Anyway, I didn't cuz I thought it was all a bit wierd...a complete stranger who doesn't even know me, trying to set me up, but I told her she could bring me a picture and maybe I'd think about it. Apparantly he's a local boy, in the engineering program at Queen's, and supposedly tall, dark, and handsome. Ha! Ha! It totally made me laugh...AND realize what kind of crazy things God could make happen any time he wants. So we'll see, I guess. I mean, who knows, this mystery guy could turn out to be Prince Charming after all. Or not. I'll just let God worry about it.

2006-05-16T09:47:00.000-07:00

Moving Out!
Yup, it's official...pending the completion of renovations on my house, I will be moving out of my parents' basement! :) The new roof is on, the porches are fixed (well, not totally yet...they still need to be painted), the old carpet and linoleum is all ripped out (there was some pretty interesting stuff under there, believe me), and the old bathroom wall is torn out.
So, what's left to do, you say? Quite a bit actually....
1. new windows in the bedroom
2. new wall for the bathroom
3. new sink and toilet
4. frame in the pipes that are hideously visible in the kitchen
5. plaster in the holes in the walls
5. prime and paint 4 rooms
6. put in new kitchen, bedroom and bathroom floor coverings
7. fix chimney
8. paint porches and trim outside
9. put in a woodstove
Those are the major things anyway. Then there's details like getting some furniture, curtains and blinds, buying a fridge........ The plan is to be done before the winter (or all the water pipes will freeze.) So, that's my big project for the summer. Good thing I have some time off!!!

2006-04-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Weekend
I had a really great weekend.... Dave and Carmen came down so we hung out on saturday. And I got to see Jaben finally. He looks just about the same as Christmas, except for bigger, of course. :) He's a regular chatterbox. My favourite thing is when he points to the picture of a skunk and says, "peee-oooo." It was pretty funny.
Sunday I went to Time and Mark's house...They've been living there since November and this was the first time I was over. (They only live 15 min away too.) Anyway, their house is pretty nice if you like '70's decor...and it basically looks like a guy's dorm, but the bathroom was clean, so no worries! :) Dave and Carmen came by so we all watched NASCAR and hung out. Good times. And, ha, ha to all of them who didn't like Dodge cars...Kasey Kahne won the race! :)
Tim cooked us burgers on the BBQ and we had supper, then watched "Just Like Heaven." (I'd already seen it, but I liked it.) It's funny watching it with a bunch of guys. :)
So, all in all, a good weekend.

2006-04-06T09:54:00.000-07:00

Prayer Request
My uncle Jim Bakker was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer-the worst kind. He feels great, but has been given 18 months to live. Keep our family in your prayers.

2006-04-06T09:47:00.000-07:00

Random Update
Just thought I'd better put up another posting...
1. This week has been busy on the supply-teaching front. I've been full-time this week. (Finally...call-ins were getting few and far between lately.) I did SK and grade 3. They both went really well, but I am exhausted from getting up EARLY every morning. Can't wait for the weekend.
2. Our house cat was really sick all week. We think she ate some of my mom's plants. She likes pointsettias, which are supposed to be poisonous. :( Anyhow, she didn't eat for a few days, and her skin was kinda yellow. Not good. She's on the mend though, minus one cat life. (I think she has about 5 left).
3. The roofer for my house didn't show up to give us an estimate, so I have decided to fire him. My dad is paying for the roof, which is super nice, but it needs to be done now. It is leaking pretty bad in spots.
4. Dave, Carmen and Jaben are hopefully coming down this weekend. I am excited to see my little boy!
That's all I have time for at the moment, Recess is almost over. :)

2006-03-28T12:27:00.000-08:00

Playing House
So my parents were gone for almost 2 weeks to Florida, and I got to be the boss of the house! (Yes, I'm still living at home with my parents.) It was busy but fun.Who knew 2 people could make so many dishes?! Anyway, I had some friends over, watched a lot of movies, got freaked out when the furnace started making wierd noises (it stopped after the first night), cooked for the first time in almost a year.......Lots to do. So my parents came back yesterday and I realized that I really need to move out. My mom and I were fighting again almost right away over how I put the dishes away and forgot to water her plants. Not fun. Anyway maybe by the fall my place will be ready to move into...assuming I learn how to frame, drywall, paint, become a plumber and electrician! :)

2006-03-12T12:37:00.000-08:00

March Break
Sorry to all of you who visit my blog expectantly looking for a new posting every week...I actually don't really like blogging. Plus, not too much exciting stuff ever happens to me. Anyway, I just found out that some people actually still read my blog, so here goes....
Anyway, I went away to Hamilton and London for March Break, which was kind of exciting. I'm glad that I got to see some of my really good friends. I had dinner with Marijke on friday, then went out for drinks with Karmyn to our usual spot, and then Marijke and I drove down to London to visit Jen. We got in pretty late, and then we stayed up till almost 2am catching up. Good times. Jen took us around London on saturday (how could we visit Jen without doing a little shopping?) and then made us dinner. We watched movies and played Sorry. It was not unlike anything we usually did when we were in school. Anyway, it was so good seeing everyone again. I miss being so close to everybody. And to those of you who weren't home when I tried to get in touch with you this weekend, sorry we missed each other.

2006-01-19T15:32:00.000-08:00

Back to the daily grind...sick or not
It's back to school and I can hardly believe it's the middle of January already. Where is the time going? Last Sunday I went to Caleb's baby shower, and then this Sunday Caleb was baptized. Boy has he grown! He's more than 10 lbs now. Anyway, it was a really nice service, except that I started to feel really sick about halfway through. I spent the whole rest of the day at Jon and Kristin's laying in bed, while everyone else was having fun. It wasn't till about 8pm that I finally puked. I seriously haven't done that in almost 10 years and I was sure glad that I ate very little all day. Anyway, that was it, but I still felt pretty crappy the next few days. I even took my first sick day of the year at school this week. (I have 20 of them, so I didn't feel bad about this at all.) I pretty much slept the whole day. And watched Little House on the Prairie, my favourite show EVER. And Dr. Quinn...I watched that too. (Nikki, I thought of you!) :)

2006-01-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

A really good Christmas break
I know Christmas is long gone, but I did want to say a few things about my Christmas break. (Now that I have pictures back anyway...Someday I will get a digital camera and this will not be an issue. Until then, though, I will have to put up with the waiting!)
Dave, Carmen, and Jaben came down for Christmas and we had our Bakker-Dykstra Christmas on Christmas Day this year. This was the first time in about 5 or 6 years that everyone was actually there. Usually we have to spread out the family Christmas over several days if we want to see everybody, but this year all 16 of us were in the same room for some length of time. It was really great. Jaben is so big! I last saw him in August. Now he was about 23 lbs, and getting into everything. He loved the Christmas lights, and actually just about anything that would fit into his mouth. The biggest surprise was him saying "da-da," "ma-ma," and "bep-pa." His grandma was so excited. She would come running every time she heard him say it. Hopefully soon, he will learn to say my name. :)
We also got to see Caleb. He was so little! We were all used to seeing Jaben, and Caleb was only 2 weeks old then. He was very cute though. And he has red hair.
So, Christmas was really good. We saw a bunch of people from the other side of the family too, but not till New Year's. Some of them I hardly know, so it wasn't as much fun. I spent New Year's Eve hot-tubbing... in a blizzard nonetheless, but it was much more fun than babysitting. :) The best part of all was that I did NOT get sick this Christmas!

2005-12-12T11:00:00.000-08:00

Congratualtions!
I have a new baby cousin. (Again--that's 2 this year!) His name is Caleb Mikai (I hope I spelled that right) Bakker. He was born on thursday to Jon & Kristin. Congratualtions guys! I can't wait to see him at Christmas. And Jaben too.

2005-11-07T16:47:00.000-08:00

Fantastic Long Weekend
I had a great time at all the conventions, but the best time spent was with friends and family. After driving around lost for over an hour, I finally found Monica. We had dinner in Cobourg and a really great chat, catching up on all the Redeemer gossip. (The biggest surprise for her being that a famous former pot-head–now RUC alumni– is a phys ed teacher in a certain Christian high school. Funny how life changes in four years.)
It was great coming back to the old stomping ground of Redeemer, and our great old place at 581 Garner. I even slept in my old room for one night. I was in for a surprise when Jen showed up on Friday night. Marijke, Jen and I had a great time catching up at Jack Astor's. (And by the way, Marijke, your engagement ring is amazing!)
It was also great seeing my brother Andy. It's funny that he's at Redeemer now. (Dorm 19 for anyone who wants to know.) Thanks to the great coupons that First Years get in September, we enjoyed two totally free fish and chips dinners! :) I watched The OC with his dormmates. (Hee, hee–that was an experience...sitting with a bunch of 18-year-old guys who are all yelling at the TV calling Marissa a bitch for taking Ryan for granted yet again!) It was great. I miss being in dorms.
I still didn't get to catch up with half the people I wanted to, but I'm thankful for the time spent with those I could. It was an amazing week.

2005-11-07T14:14:00.000-08:00

Who's This Little Cutie?
It's Jaben, of course!

at 6 months at 3 months

2005-11-01T11:46:00.000-08:00

Summer Photos
Who are these gorgeous gals? Why they're cousins of course!

2005-10-20T16:00:00.000-07:00

Another Week Done
Well, it's the end of another school week for me. Tomorrow it's back to Schroedter's Market/Cafe for a weekend of fun. (Ha! Ha!) These last 2 weeks at school were a bit crazy. The kids are so comfortable with each other and with me, that they stop paying attention and listening because they're having too much fun goofing off with each other. Today was a bit better, though.
All in all, it really has been fun seeing them develop socially as well as in other "school skills," especially pre-writing! In math, we have been doing patterns, and it is amazing to see them make patterns of their own already. Everyone can make an ABAB pattern, and some can do AABBAA and more complicated. Everyone can count to 10, some to 20 already. Let me tell you, there are some pretty awesome parents out there who really work with their kids! That is great to see!
After the days where I question whether this is really what I want to do with my life for the next 40 years (okay, at least 5 more!), I always have to think about those great kids who do actually listen and pay attention; the kids who are quiet, work well with others, share, play nicely, etc; Those all-around good kids are what keep me going. And thinking that maybe I'll get through to some of the others too. It's funny, even when you think no one is listening, there is always one or two who surprise me!
Well, that's it. Happy weekend!

2005-10-06T16:03:00.000-07:00

Feel Like Throwing a Temper Tantrum?
I have a difficult girl in my class...At first she would just cry all the time--if someone looked at her funny, if I asked her to do something, if she couldn't get her way, etc. Basically, she cries at the drop of a hat. Most of the time, it's best to ignore here. Last week she was gone becasue she had chickenpox. We had a nice quiet week. This week, it's a whole new ballgame.
Now she cries when she doesn't get what she wants. She stomps off, cries, and then sulks for 10 minutes. Afterwards, she acts like nothing has happened. Today, she threw a full-out temper tantrum several times. She screamed, "I hate you!" threw her shoes, threw blocks, threw paper, almost threw a chair, she ripped her nylons on purpose, and then she refused to be moved to a quiet area. I tell you, I had my hands full! This kind of behaviour cannot be ignored!
Anyway, after she calmed down, (she refuses to do anything or listen to anyone when she's crying), I took her to get a drink of water, and then we had a nice chat about why she can't behave this way. It helped for the rest of the day (all of 20 minutes.) We'll see what happens next week...I am exhausted.

2005-09-29T16:01:00.000-07:00

Another Week Done
Another week has come and gone. I can't believe the first month of school is already done. The kids and I are settling in well. I'm definitely not as tired at the end of the day! This week was pretty good because a bunch of my kids were gone. (The chickenpox is still going around.)
I've been keeping busy doing bulletin boards (that's one of my favourite things) and photocopying things (one of my least favourite things, thanks to the new "improved" photocopier!), plus looking for new craft ideas. All in all, it has been a really good first month. I still am in shock that I am actually a teacher, but God has been so good. It is amazing how everything is working out.
On the other job front, I recieved a raise this week. (Finally!) It's not that much, but it puts me over minimum wage, and tells me that at least someone (other than a certain cutie who like summer sausage sandwiches) is appreciating all my baking and dishwashing!

2005-09-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Yay, It's the Weekend!
Wow, am I ever wiped out. Today was a good day, though. I had two kids absent today (chicken pox as well as that nasty cold/sore throat is going around, and I'm sure it's either one or the other) and found twelve kids to be a little bit more manageable.
Well, it's thursday night and you know what that means for me... it's the weekend already!!!! (Before you all get mad, I do still have to work weekends.) Tomorrow is actually a PA Day, which means I have to go into school. I am getting paid, though, so don't fret.
In case some of you don't know, tonight is my TV night. I don't know how many of you "grown-ups" are into The OC... It's big in high school and we watched it at Redeemer a lot, but I can't help it: I am addicted to it.
Well, I'm going to go home, kick back, eat some junk food, and RELAX!

2005-09-10T12:48:00.000-07:00

It's My Baby!!
Some of you may remember my incessant rambling about my baby cousin Jaben Silas back in March. Anyways, since this is my page, I thought I'd brag some more! This is Jaben when he was born. What an answer to prayer! He's 6 months old now. I saw him in August and he was more than 20 lbs. He's a chunker! (I have some recent pics but I need to find a scanner first. I'll add them as I get them.)

2005-09-07T13:50:00.000-07:00

First Staff Meeting
So, this may be a two-day-a-week job, but I still have to come in separately on wednesdays. I wouldn't mind so much but it's a 35 km drive, and with gas up to $1.31/litre, it makes me a little grumpy to come in for an hour meeting. Such is the life of a teacher, I guess.
I worked at the market today... peeled 14 lbs apples for pies, did dishes and priced stuff. It wasn't too busy, now that summer's over. My bosses are a little crazy though.
Well, tomorrow is Day 2. We have to practice for a fire drill. That should be fun with 14 4-year olds. (Note the sarcasm!)

2005-09-06T15:26:00.000-07:00

First Day of School
Well, I did it! I survived my first official day of school!! Boy am I tired, though!
I have 14 JK students. They are pretty well-behaved, considering this was the first day of school. Today was really hot...my side of the school doesn't have a/c, so, I think every 5 minutes, somebody would say, "Miss Dykstra, I'm thirsty!" The heat makes some of the kids pretty restless.
The painting centre was a big hit. Unfortunately, my hands are permanently blue-coloured... Some of the kids weren't that into story time, (trust me-we will change that in a hurry!!!) Most of them were really good about sitting still, though.
Nap time was funny. I had 3 girls who got up every couple of minutes to rearrange their blankets or move to a different spot.
Some of my bus buddies forgot to come, so home time was very chaotic. I got everyone on the right bus-with time to spare even!
Well, I think I'm going to go home. I could really use a nap.