We're moving!

Hello, family,

Most of you have seen the news on Facebook, but Philip and I will be moving in 1 1/2 weeks. Not far (only 15 miles or so), but to Bellingham, which is a fantastic city! We found a good deal on a decent-sized apartment. It even has an extra bedroom (hint, hint). Allison & Greg are hopefully coming out to help us move that weekend, which we are really looking forward to! Pictures will be posted on FB and maybe here if I'm organized. :)

Other than that, life is going pretty well. I've been subbing 2-4 days a week, and last week I subbed at my old school. I'm enjoying it for the most part. Philip is good at his receptionist job, but some days he feels discouraged because it's not really challenging him at all. He's hoping to go back to school soon to become a teacher, but we're waiting on some details.

In animal news, Ophy has been quite entertaining to have around the last couple of months. She's also been getting pudgy. I realized I've been overfeeding her. Oops. So now she's on a lighter diet and we chase her around the apartment more for some exercise!

That's all from the Northwest! Hope you all are well! Love you!
Andrea~

Crochet hobby?!?!

Hi Family,   As if life isn't busy enough I have a new "business" thanks to a crocheted Mesh hat with flower I made for Emma!  My blog is new but feel free to visit!  
http://hatsbagsandmore.blogspot.com/
Love you!

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