Grandpa

My Grandpa passed away last night. He was 87 years old and my dad said that it happened quickly and peacefully. I love him a lot and I will miss our conversations on my drives to school and the daily "I love you" to start my day. Kyle and I will be going to Kentucky on Thursday to be with my family and to celebrate the life of a man that I admire and love so much.

I always thought of him as the one who could open and fix anything. He carried a pocket knife everywhere he went and could always open the presents that Santa brought me. He could fix any appliance and told me stories of some of the tough times he had in the Army during WWII. I didn't even know that he was one of the first to land in Normandy until just last year. He taught me to fish and told me that he loved me all the time. He had a strong love for my Grandma and was still deeply in love with her when she passed away 6 years ago. I pray that my marriage has the strength their's did.

He was a man of few words but he is probably one of the strongest men I know. When I asked him whether or now he believed Jesus Christ is his Lord and Saviour, he answered, "I'm alright, Sarah. I'm okay." I trust that God knew his heart and my prayer is that I will see him again someday. I love you, Grandpa. I am so blessed to have had you in my life.

Please pray

My Grandpa was taken to the emergency room last night and my dad spent last night driving from Chicago to Kentucky to be with him. We are not sure yet if he fainted or what exactly happened but he in still in the hospital and my dad is there with him. Please pray for strength for both of them and that God's peace and comfort would be with them both. Thank you for your prayers.

New friendships forged

This weekend was pack with more friends than we have ever had here in Cleveland. Besides seeing Abbie and many of my teacher friends from work on Saturday, today I got to spend the evening with two other teacher friends from school who I am finally getting to know better. Sarah teaches 8th grade special ed. and Teresa teaches 8th grade math at my school. This evening, Teresa had us over to her house to eat a delicious pot roast she prepared for us and to play with her two dogs and 15 month old baby, Claire. We had some good laughs because little Claire is OBSESSED with babies. She knew that my cell phone had a camera on it when I took her picture and the whole evening she chased me around (more like my phone) saying inquisitively "Baby? Baby? Baby..." That girl has a good memory! I am so glad to finally be making some friends here in Cleveland. Kyle is skiing with his Dad, Chris and Uncle Bob and I am glad this has forced me to forge new friendships. Hooray!

Isn't this a cute mix?

This is a bulldog/beagle mix. I'd never seen one before but she made me smile. Isn't she cute?

Our first win and free Applebees!

Last night, the Edge-U-Cators (aka the teacher soccer team) had their first win of the season 6-4. The team we played was called Progressive so I am assuming that they probably work at Progressive Insurance and are in about the same shape as we are. I am playing defense again and it is good to be back in the same position I played in my childhood soccer years.

I spent the day with my friend Abbie (trying to stave off the winter blues) and we really took the grande tour of Cleveland. We started the day at one of the bigger malls in the area. I bought Kyle a pair of dress pants for Christmas (which I was so excited about because they were on sale) only to find out that I had a 38/32, NOT the 33/32. Maybe I need new contacts. Then we went on an adventure without maps to the Aurora Farms Outlet Mall and although we took a small detour through Summit county, we found it with the atlas and got some really great bargains.

This evening, Abbie and I had a FREE 4 course meal at Applebees in Cleveland's newly built shopping area Steelyard Commons. As you can guess, this area was formerly part of the Cleveland steel industry and is still surrounded by steel mills. We wouldn't have been able to have this great free meal if my friend's husband hadn't told us about the new restuarant opening. He works for Applebees and his job is to train, build and open new franchise Applebee's restaurants in the area. I love being a part of the training/teaching effort (hence going to the beauty school for my haircuts) and I was very satisfied with my meal and the great wait staff. Thanks for inviting us!

SNOW...and cold

This has been the first significant snow storm to really pound the Cleveland area (and by that, I mean the east side only because we live in the "snow belt"). Unfortunately, this snow did not come on a school day but since it was so cold abd blustery, I couldn't resist a few photos.

Here is the view out our front door of my neighbor Gloria's house yesterday morning.



This is Kyle shoveling. Riley came to help too.

Finally, here is my strong feathered friend who stayed here and tried to stay warm at my bird feeder.

Long overdue holiday pictures

My parents came to visit us a few days before Christmas and we decided to check out one of the local tourist attractions: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. We had a good time there, but if it weren't for the free tickets that the Rock Hall sent in the mail, I don't think that I would pay the $20 admission fee to go again.


Kyle's family came to visit after Christmas and it was fun to have everybody at our house. I put some of the classics on here: Amber's new bathrobe and Ryan's new fleece and who could forget the cool gold thing (I'm sorry...I forget what its called) that Chris got to enhance his photography skills. It was a good time had by all!

FCA

Today, I had the priviledge of leading the Fellowship of Christian Athletes group at the middle school where I teach. It was a really cool thing for me because up until this point, I haven't gotten the chance to talk openly with my students about my faith. Our topic today was music (how fitting!). We asked the students to bring in the lyrics to some of their favorite songs. After reading through the lyrics of the songs they chose last night trying to come up with where I wanted to go with the discussion, I wasn't tooo surprised to see that many of the songs they liked most have great rhythms and melodies, but the words were a bit vulgar.

I asked the students to share why they liked the songs they chose and many said that they liked the beat or the tune the most. I can identify with this so much. However, after further discussion, we came to the conclusion that whether we mean to or not, the lyrics stick in our heads - specifically the choruses to many of these songs. Therefore, what we listen to day to day really does stick with us whether we like it or not.

I shared with the students that I enjoy almost all styles and genres of music and that it is possible to experience God through music even if it isn't labeled specifically as "Christian" music at all. God has gifted each one of us differently and whether you experience Him through hearing hip hop or rock, He has used the creativity of these musicians to bless so many though song.

So, even though that talk went a few different directions, I think a few important lessons can be taken away: 1. Lyrics are easily memorized (be careful what you put in your memory bank), 2. We each experience the same song differently (and that is good), 3. Be open minded about how God might use music/musicians to bless your life.

My new class

This past Monday, I started my next class at Cleveland State for my master's degree. The title of this class is "Music and Politics in the Third Reich." This basically means the music and politics of Nazi Germany.

How would this help a middle school choir director? Well, I am still working on that one. In my degree program, everyone is required to take a music history seminar. Since this is at the graduate level, the professor can choose to make the class about anything they want. My professor is quite young and just finished her dissertation on this exact topic. I am a bit intimidated since I know absolutely nothing about this topic. It should be interesting though. And who knows, maybe the insight I gain in this class can be of some use to you too!

No power = No School!

I am pleased to say that I am home today because the power went out at school and it was cancelled. However, the phone call to inform me of this came pretty far into my morning routine as I was drying my hair. But hey, a bonus day off is never a bad thing, no matter what time it is.



Kyle and I have had a good start to 2008. I am playing soccer again with some of the other teachers from work on a co-ed adult league and Kyle has joined the weight loss competition at work. I don't think that he needs to lose weight but since all the guys at work are in on it, so is he. One of my resolutions this year is to work out at least 1 day a week (I know they recommend 3 but I figure if I start with lower expectations, I can't disappoint myself). Soccer is helping me get a start with this new goal.

The weather this week has been quite wild. Monday and Tuesday were 65 degree days and Riley and I could even take our walks again. Last night, a wild thunderstorm with strong winds came through and knocked out power at my school (luckily not at home). I am happy to say that I actually slept in today and I think I am making up for the sleep debt I incurred in the fall.


Kyle and I made our first big furniture purchase this week and bought a new bedroom suit. We decided to go with the dark cherry/mahogany wood (Kyle's mom helped us with this) and it will be delivered on Saturday. Now you will have to come and visit to see it for yourself!

My next grad school class starts next week and I think this semester will go quicker than the first. I really want to go to see a movie today and I have never gone by myself. It may be dorky to do that but I just might do it anyway...

Merry Christmas to all!

It seems like Christmas has been going on in my life for a while. Our first concert of the Christmas season was December 11 and was followed by 4 Christmas parties and visits by my parents to Cleveland and us to Kyle's family in Syracuse. The holiday season has been very good to us and there is still so much more fun to go.

We are now in Syracuse where it is definitely shaping up to be a white Christmas. I hope each and every one of you has a restful day full of the love that friends and family bring...and of course the miracle of Jesus!

One grad school class done...27 more credits to go

Hooray! This past week has been crazy with the Christmas concert at my school on Tuesday night and my big presentation in my grad school class on Wednesday night. Both went well and I am glad to say that I am done with these big events...at least for a little while. It was weird for me to end a class and say good bye to my classmates and to know that I probably won't see them again for a long time. Grad school is odd that way. All of us entered the Master in Music Ed. program at different times and each one of us has different classes to take. I am pleased to say that one of my classmates will be joining me next semester in a music history class entitled, "Music and Politics in the Third Reich." I was a bit confused as to what the subject matter of this class was and when I asked my friend, my suspicions came to reality. Indeed, the music of the era of Hitler. This should prove to be interesting.

Only 3 more days of school left to go until break...

Congratulations, Joel and Allison!

The last trip in November took place the weekend after Thanksgiving. Kyle and I got to travel home to Chicago for me to be a bridesmaid in my dear friend Allison's wedding. I got to see my other great friends Michelle and Jessica and this pretty much made my entire winter.

Now for a short story about Allison. I have known Allison since first grade. We met at church and were in the same small group from first grade through senior year in high school. Although she traveled to Texas go to college and I to Michigan, that didn't cause our friendship to suffer; in fact, it made it even stronger. She is such a dear friend to me. One of my favorite memories of her is at Camp Paradise in seventh grade. At our church camp, they had each small group navigate a high ropes course about 40 feet up in the trees in the UP of Michigan. I was scared enough to climb the tree let alone walk on a tightrope connecting the two trees together. All through the climb (as I was staving off extreme fear and hugging each tree trunk I made it to), Allison stood below me on the ground encouraging me with Phillippians 3:14, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." That verse sustained me then and continues to encourage me to this day and each time I hear it, I hear Al's voice. She is a person who brings out the best in everyone around her and my friendship with her continues to give me an example of Christ's love in real life.

So, I got to see her marry her best friend last weekend and it was one of the best things ever. This is the first time I have been in a friend's wedding as a bridesmaid and it was so cool to see the look on Joel and Al's faces as they said their vows to one another. Al looked like a princess. Congratulations, my dear friend! Here's to a beautiful marriage!

Thanksgiving in NY

We went to Syracuse for Thanksgiving and for Christopher's birthday. I apologize for taking so long with the pictures. The month of November put about 4,500 miles on my car so its been busy to say the least. Look how much the puppies loved each other!

Hip Hop Cockatoo

ROCK YOUR BODY RIGHT

The holidays are almost here

It'd the most wonderful time of the year...or so they say in an old jingle. Last night, I tried my first attempt at Christmas shopping. I was wandering through the store after school trying to postpone the much needed paper writing I needed to do for my class when a few Christmas songs that just make me laugh came on in the store. Here are some that I find funny (still haven't quite pin-pointed the reason, maybe irony). Maybe it is because I have such a love of the Christmas movies when every good intention goes awry. I'm getting in the Christmas spirit...there's nothing quite like singing holiday songs before Halloween. Just one more reason that teaching music is so much fun!

Maybe you have a story about a song to share and add to the list. If so, please do!

1. Its the Most Wonderful Time of the Year
2. Sleigh Ride ("just hear those sleigh bells jingling...")
3. The Christmas Song ("chestnuts roasting on an open fire")
4. Have a Holly Jolly Christmas
5. Here Comes Santa Claus
6. Let it Snow
7. Little Drummer Boy

Happy belated birthday, Kyle!

I thank God every day that I have the greatest man in the world to be my husband! Happy birthday, Kyle!

Our trip to Detroit

This past weekend, we got to travel to Detriot where Kyle was in his good friend Jeff's wedding. We had such a great time and got to reconnect with some friends that we hadn't seen in a long time. I also got to see my college roommate Amy, who I hadn't seen since my wedding. It was great!

On the way home, we stopped at Grandma and Grandpa Fisher's house to celebrate Kyle and Grandpa's birthdays. We went to Max and Erma's to eat and when they found out we were celebrating their birthdays, they both got free desert. Also, Grandpa gave us a really cool boat that we LOVE! Happy birthday, Grandpa! We love you!

Congratulations, Jeff and Lauren!

We are so happy for you and know that God is going to use you both to bless others in so many ways! Thank you for letting Kyle and I be part of your special day!

Cleveland Metroparks

Hello! Life has been full of choir, grad. school and trying to have fun enjoying nature before it gets too cold. In the past month or so, Kyle and I have discovered the joys of the Cleveland Metroparks. First, they are FREE! No admission or stickers. Second, they have great hiking trails through some pretty scenic and hilly terrain (which makes me happy because some are reminiscient of Kentucky). Also, since we have discovered a few already, our goal is to make it to many of them before the year is over. I am happy because one of my coworkers is going to let Kyle and I borrow his family's cross country skis (which I have never done before but that should prove to be an adventure). So, I leave you with some pretty pictures of the metroparks including a walk down the Grand River, a hike through Chapin Forest, and our fun times at Squire's Castle. Northeast Ohio is actually a pretty place to live!

Traffic Cone Kid

This 3-year old wanted to look like Harry Potter so he put an orange traffic cone on his head. Too bad it got stuck on his huge noggin, it took 6 firemen to remove it! Haha that stinks for the little guy. PS: this post was by Kyle at Sarah's request. :-)

Let's go TRIBE!

Yes, its true. The Indians are doing so awesome and tonight is game 3 of the ACLS against Boston. The games are actually really exciting to watch and Kyle and I have gotten out our jerseys and are pumped for tonight's game here in Cleveland. This is quite the place to live for good sports teams! Tune in to the game tonight on Fox at 7:00. GO TRIBE!

What being an introvert means to the minds of sixth graders

So, today I was teaching my sixth grade general music class about Frederic Chopin, who was an extremely introverted composer of the Romantic Period. I first asked if anyone in the class knew what it meant to be an introvert. No response. Then I continued to explain how different people have different ways of getting energy and that extroverts get their energy from being around many people. Thinking that this was a decent explanation, I again asked the class where introverts might get their energy. One girl raised her hand and said confidently, "From sugar." The rest of the class agreed and it was all I could do to stifle a laugh. So that leads me to the question: Are we all introverts? A thought to ponder for a Monday...

Isn't he the cutest?!

We love Riley and he really is one of the cutest dogs I think I've ever seen! Don't you think? Also, the rainbow in the back of the Devil's Lake picture was so cool! Now you can see it too!

September busy-ness

Hello! Its been so long since I have last written anything on here but I figured that for the few of you that might still check this, I will update you on our lives. On labor day weekend, Kyle, Riley and I went to NY to visit Kyle's family. We had such a great weekend and Riley really loved it there (especially running up the driveway as fast as he could after his walks). While we were there, Kyle and I found one of our new favorite restaurants: The Dinosaur Barbeque. This place is pretty great and was filled with really interesting motorcycles and people. I took some candid photos of some of the locals so you too can enjoy.

My graduate school class is also in full swing and I am reading about all sorts of interesting topics such as the different philosophies towards music, the psychology of sight-singing and the history of American music education. I am also in the middle of compiling research for a big paper that I am actually really interested in. Going to school at rush hour in downtown Cleveland proves to be a challenge, but I am happy I am tackling it at this phase of my life.

During the month of September, we have also had a few more visitors. Kyle's family and his grandma came to visit us for the weekend and we luckily had beautiful weather. Also, our dear friend Lisa Walters came this past weekend to visit and to be a guest speaker at my school. She told my students about her past year studying to be an ethnomusicologist and how she plans to use her gifts to write music in the people's native style starting this winter in central Asia. This past Saturday, Abbie and I drove down to Canton to hear Lisa perform in the Gospel Joins Symphony concert. She shared her story about her journey through cancer and played two of her own songs for an audience of over 1,000 people. She is so gifted in many ways and I can't wait to hear how God uses her to bring his word to Asia through music!

On top of all of this, school is going well and I really like what I do this year! My students are showing great progress and our first performance is this Friday night at the high school's homecoming game. A choir of 300 and a marching band shouldn't be much to handle, right? Hehe. Well, this is a short glimpse of our life in September as official buckeyes and it has been quite good. I'll try to do this more often.

Happy Birthday Amber!

We love you and think you're the greatest sister ever! Hope you have a great day!!!

Recap of the end of summer

Hi everyone! Sorry it has been so long since I last posted but with all that has been going on in the past few weeks, life has been pretty great and busy too. Over the past weeks since my last post, we have had more company come to visit us than I've ever had visit me in my life. Some of our friends came from Hope, some from home, and some were family. My dear friend Abbie Rockwood has been staying with us a lot this summer and has been like a sister to me. While she was here, Joe Turbessi came to visit us first and brought some momentos from Holland with him including the new Chapel Choir CD. I was so excited to see him and it was great to visit before he goes back to Boston for his last year of grad school. Next, Aunt Wanda and Bob came to visit and Kyle and I went with them to see the Cleveland Browns play the Detriot Lions. Needless to say, the Browns lost but the fans sure do have spirit! Then, our friend Matt Schwabauer came through on his long journey from Washington state to Boston for his new job at Gordon College. The school sounds a lot like Hope and we were so happy to see him, since we hadn't seen him at all since our wedding. Next, Mom and Dad Cox came through on their way back to NY from Michigan and got to spend some time with us. Finally, my friend Michelle passed through for a short visit on her way from her physical therapy internship in Connecticut back to Omaha. It was so great to see everyone and reconnect, if only for a short while.

This past week, my students started back to school and I love my new schedule. I am now teaching choirs grades 6-8 as well as 6th grade general music and beginning band. These classes are so much fun because the kids truly want to be there and I am sure this is going to be a great year. Also, I started my first class towards my master's degree in music education this week at Cleveland State University and although this class seems to entail a great deal of research and papers, I am hoping that it will be a good experience and make me a better teacher. In a nutshell, this summer has been restful and has really allowed us to open up our home to our friends. That has been the best part!

Now, we are in NY visiting Kyle's family and the weather here has been so great! Yesterday, we returned to Green Lake State Park and walked around the lake. This place is beautiful and I love coming here. Riley also loves running around the yard here and playing with Rudy. I really think that they like each other a lot and the get along great. I will post some pictures soon. So, this is our life: visiting, laughing, traveling, learning, and just plain having fun. What a great summer we've been blessed with!

Fun times at Devil's Lake

This past week, Kyle and I took our vacation at the Cox family cottage at Devil's Lake, Michigan. We had such a fun time! Kyle's friends Jeff, Jon and Lauren joined us for two days of the trip and it was so great to reunite with the friends we haven't seen since our wedding. Also, Riley took his very first swim at Devil's Hole and to our happiness, he did great (despite trying desperately to cling to the life vest when I brought it out to him). While at the lake, Lauren took some funny pictures of us all. What a great time and a welcome break!