Food on a Stick

These are pictures of the kids at the Iowa State Fair this summer.  John made "Monkey Tails" as part of a 4-H craft.  It's a banana with peanut butter spread on it and then rolled in Cheerios.  Emma's eating her popsicle after complete Little Hands on the Farm.  The kids really enjoyed the fair this year!

first day as a substitute!

Hello, family,

Yesterday morning around 7 I received an email from one of the area school districts informing me I was eligible to sub in their district. I was just leaving the house to go for my walk when the phone rang. It was the substitute coordinator, who asked if I could work that very day! I had only about 20 minutes to get ready before I had to run out the door. The adrenaline was running!

My placement was in a 6th grade classroom. It was a great day. I enjoyed teaching but not having to plan, hanging out with 6th graders but not having to worry about any ongoing discipline problems. And the best part? No grading! The whole staff was very kind and helpful and the kids were fairly well-behaved. It feels good to finally make some money!

The ironic thing is, I signed up for unemployment on Wednesday night! I'm not sure how steady subbing will be. I am currently signed up for one more half-day position next week, but otherwise I'm playing the waiting game. Hopefully unemployment will allow us to keep up with our bills and put a little more in savings until I have more steady work.

Thank you for all your prayers and good wishes! It was great to see Grandpa & Grandma, Uncle Al, Uncle Ken, Aunt Arlys & Aunt Marlys last weekend at Al's wedding. Enjoy these beautiful fall days!

Love,
Andrea & Philip (and Ophelia...)

Montana Weekend Oc 2-4

Hope you enjoy this odd assortment of pics!

Some of these pics on Facebook... but what else do we put here then?!

Kentucky!!!

Well, Jackie and I made it safely to Kentucky and are now settled into our new home. Check out the videos for a tour!

2009 Vander Hart Vacation

Thought I would update the blog. Anyone else?? Feel Free. =0)

A lot has happened to our family over the past couple of months. We lost a close family member Doug Vander Hart. He will be missed but he is in a better place looking down after us all. It doesn't make us any less sad, but there is a comfort there knowing he is in heaven.

We also had a family vacation in Arkdale, WI. We had a good time being together. I've posted some pictures to my blog and facebook and I'm sure I will be posting more as the weeks to come.

As I was driving away from vacation, I started to tear up a little. Brad asked what was wrong and I said I LOVE MY PEOPLE and I MISS THEM ALREADY.

I am so BLESSED with such awesome family.

~Alyssa

NW IOWA Weekend in June

Pics of our great weekend in Sioux Center! Congrats once again to Philip & Andrea on their tieing the knot! Sorry- but the one pic I took of them was blurry. The ones here are in not particular order- just enjoy the few I posted! love you all and looking forward to vacation with you in August!

Where else would you find Wes?!

Chase making sure Drew & Emma behave!

Planning details for vacation.

Do I do as the big boys do?

Caught in the rain.

squeals of delight!

Fascinating what can entertain!

Yummy pizza!

Eating in the mall!

Emma enjoying cottage cheese.

Yep- this boy loves cucumbers!

Posted by Arlys. :)

A Sunday Afternoon with Family

On Sunday after church, we (Marlys, Matt, Jackie, Julie, Scott, John, and Emma) went to the Iowa Cubs game. Then Grandpa and Grandma came to Mom's house and joined us for dinner. It was good to have us all together, and we can't wait for family vacation and upcoming weddings! Julie