Winter Wernets 2025

Key words: Sickness (more here), music (more here), reading, basketball, family, Arizona, homecoming, fireplace sitting

When I think "winter" I usually mean that period from when school starts up again to spring break. It's a season that blends hard work at school with a spirit of hibernation. We had fun and made it through bouts of sickness, but let's face it - winter was mostly basketball with practices and Annie's games during the week and Eddie, Mary, and DJ's games on Saturdays. But they all had great seasons, worked hard, and got better! DJ's time even took 1st in the tournament! That has been a fun group of boys to watch play together.

I had the opportunity to spend a few days at the Franciscan Renewal Center near Phoenix as part of the Van Lunen Ascending Leaders program. There was a lot of learning, but also mountain hikes, new friendships with Christian school leaders, and sunshine. I'd love to go back to Arizona!

There was more to grieve when my young cousin passed away suddenly, but that also meant time with family, sharing memories and love. 

And of course, there was some time for my favorite winter activity - sitting by the fireplace doing anything at all, whether it's work, reading, or watching football and (more) basketball!

Gold medals! These guys play great together and fought through some challenges.

I've perfected the homemade peppermint stick mocha. I'd be happy spending my life here forever. 

We found a spot to ice skate in late winter!

We made a decent showing at Battle of the Books, but missed DJ during his basketball tournament.

Great food, great crowd at Breaking Break & Building Bridges, a Black History Month event at LCS

Dressed up for homecoming

Franciscan Renewal Center

Sunrise hike up Mummy Mountain

Quality time with Nellie

We've had a lot of good times with Nellie this winter as she lives out her senior year as a flute player and future music major. 🤞We've been to Holland, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Haslett, and East Lansing in the last couple of months for auditions, lessons, and All-State Band - and we're not done yet! It's been fun, though a tiny bit stressful as a parent waiting and hoping.

First was the All-State Band prep and concert in Grand Rapids. Kevin and I met Nellie after work on Thursday and stayed through Saturday. We got to stay at the Amway Grand, which was an experience in itself! It felt very metropolitan, and we got to eat good food and go ice skating at the Rosa Parks Circle ice rink, which was a highlight even though I was terrified about broken bones the whole time. And it was freezing. The concert was beautiful and we were blessed and thankful to have lots of family there!

Ready to perform!

Fancy dinner the first night

Skating!

It was totally her idea, and I'm glad we went.

With the best music teachers around!

It was hard to get a picture, but here are the flutes!

The view in the hotel

The view from the hotel

As soon as that was over, it was time to audition. We were at WMU, Hope, and MSU all within a week. The WMU audition was a fun way to spend Valentine's Day - we carpooled with Nellie's bestie and her mom and we got to introduce them to our favorite coffee shop!

Waiting at WMU

Before

After

Waiting in Holland

Finally, I got to accompany Nellie for both district and state solo and ensembles. Those are always great days for me - we have a routine now that includes good food (Thai Princess) and coffee (Moka and Co.) And I've gotten over my nerves on Nellie's behalf because she's always so calm, though I definitely teared up during her solo at states. 

My favorite sign at Haslett High School

Woodwind quintet

All those notes!

A duet with Ellie, a super talented freshman! Nellie and Ellie - adorable.

Bonus photo of us driving to Hope for a flute lesson on a very snowy and cold day

It's hard to believe this particular season of our lives is coming to a close! I'm so thankful for these experiences this year.