Tuesday, October 21, 2008

The Intermediate Multiage Monsters



Mr. Moore and Mr. Bulthuis are having a very enjoyable year teaching 61 adorable students. To some, our children may appear strange, almost peculiar; but to us they are stunningly stellar students that fill our hearts with joy. You can check out our pool of pupils here.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

another Buthuis?


a family weekend
Originally uploaded by Southworth Sailor
The whole family came home to Southworth for the weekend. It was somewhat of a celebratory event as we were rejoicing in the announcement of a new Bulthuis entering the world next spring. Yes, you read it right, Esther and I will be grandparents! Though the young couple was not expecting the pregnancy, they are excited about the prospect of becoming parents. Jenny is doing well so far in the pregnancy; a little morning sickness, but otherwise, feeling pretty good. Her work in the early childhood program at Nooksack Elementary is going fine as well. Markus broke away from his busy college life to join us for Sunday. Esther had the additional treat of connecting with longtime friends who live in Montana and Bellingham. (she gloated in her 'gramma' status)

Saturday, October 11, 2008

the year of the boat

I recently read a book that I really enjoyed. Unlike my usual fare of epic sailing adventures, this book was about a local writer who took on the challenge of building a small wooden sailboat. The author is Lawrence Cheek, who lives in Seattle and writes travel books and magazine articles. With the skill of a wordsmith, the author describes his frustrations and joys of the boatbuilding project. It is not a book of building technique, but a diary of self-doubt and determination. He often digresses into philosophical musings about life which emanate from his boatbuilding. An added connection for me is his interaction with 'my boating world': the Puget Sound, Wooden Boat Festival, Sam Devlin boatyard near Olympia - settings with which I am very familiar. I have often contemplated building a wooden boat, and though I can't say that this book has inspired me to get started right away, it has given me a clearer picture of the challenges and rewards of taking on such a project.