Ballet Recital

Here are a few pictures from Anna's recital today. She has finished ballet 1 and now will be moving into a 14 week program that ends with a dance recital on May 17th. This is the day after I graduate from seminary, so those out of town- if you come up that weekend, you will get Anna on Friday and Nate on Saturday. Make your plans now!



The girls were all very cute and fun to watch. A couple of them kept having a difficult time staying on their feet. It was a lot of fun.
Little Miss Anna took a moment to turn around and look at her mother. It was obvious that she was so happy to be there and was quite happy that we came to support her.

She also got to learn a number of French words and the instructor would call them out and the little girls that were listening would get into their formations. The instructor (Miss Heidi) also was good at making little stories for the girls to dance to. It was obvious how much fun they were having.
Below are a couple of videos to show you what a fun little time Anna had.

Thanksgiving Day Parade

All semester I have been seeing a turkey or two on my way to class in the morning. This is strange because it is in a residential neighborhood that is literally 3-5 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. I have been telling the kids about the turkey and Lydia has suggested that it was actually an illusion of a turkey due to being early in the morning. Wow! Turkey hallucinations? Could it be?

I tried to prove this to Lydia by taking this way to church week after week- but believe it or not, no turkey... ever on a Sunday. Am I in need of special medication?

I had an idea. I would take my camera in the car to see if I could capture, on film, the large bird. Nope. Twice without a turkey. How come when I am alone I see a turkey in the middle of the street almost EVERY morning- but when I am with another, or with a camera there is no turkey?

I must be under a lot of stress to see turkeys marching up and down Michigan Street while traffic slowly goes around it. Do I need help?

I thought I would try one more time for photographic evidence of the crypto-urban turkey. I got it! I am not seeing things!

If this first picture was all of the evidence, I am sure a case could be made for a large bird-shaped piece of West Michigan snow.

I pulled right up to her and she attempted to duck (turkey?) out of the way. I got this one of her going down. She stayed low and I refused to move my vehicle despite the line forming behind me.
Then she looked up and made eye contact, bird to man. I knew that this was enough evidence of the crypto-urban turkey!

Or it is a hood ornament? Nope. It is the real deal.

Watson and Friends

Watson is getting so big. It is amazing how quickly this is all flying by. Three kids....wow. The picture below illustrates the fact that he is so big that only his foot will fit in one frame. Well, that is not true. Anna took this picture and liked it. We share it here.
Here is Anna teaching some stretches to her brother. It is great having siblings that love each other as much as our three kids love each other. They have their moments, but they are kids.
Of course, Owen needs to get in on the action as well. There is never an event in our home where Owen is out of the center of the controversy. Here it was just some harmless stretches though.
See you soon.
If you wonder why the blog has been slow- I think that the 85 inches of snow are too depressing. You cannot post on snow everyday and basically that is what the outside world of Michigan is at the moment. She will thaw in a month or so.

Tug of War: Sedgwick Style!

Nothing says fun like tug of war with Sedgwick. (Of course Sam is playing in this picture as well... he doesn't count for this story though).

Lydia and I were having a quiet cup of French Roasted coffee and discussing our plans for the afternoon when Anna and Owen decided to play a little game with Sedgwick. They tied themselves together and convinced Sedgwick that the tie was actually a badger and a fox. Sedgwick's job was to take down the badger and the fox... who happen to be Anna and Owen.

If all that I gave you was this picture, I am sure that many would cry "get rid of that dog!" or, "you still have that dog... with children!" or "how can you stand that animal?". I know- you are all sweet and swell, but Sedgwick is my dog and part of our loving home. At any rate, if this picture was all that was published you would see Anna thrown towards the love seat and Owen defending his honor. Thankfully (for your amusement) we have actual live footage of the event. Do enjoy! We loved watching them play it!

Eliana Flood

Congratulations to Durell and Marleen Flood on the birth of their fifth child! Eliana Gloria Flood was born today after a few days of hard work! Congratulations!

Psalm 127:3-5 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. 4 As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them: they shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate.

Mitt Romney For President?

Today we got an email asking us to consider Mitt Romney for president. One of the claims was that he believed in traditional marriage. Mr. Romney is a Mormon... he believes that God was married and that Jesus and Lucifer were his sons. They are historically polygamists. They believe that you can have many wives in heaven and that you will forever procreate to fill your own planet with spirit children.... traditional marriage, huh?

She is Getting SO OLD!

Today Anna started her ballet classes, as part of a gift from Tante Heidi, at the David Huntington YMCA. She has been asking to begin because she thinks that ballet is the height of femininity. We have also wanted her to begin some organized activity/sport/class.

It amazes me how quickly she is growing into a nice young lady. Of course, there are still the battles that come along with shaping a young will, and that is all part of Christian discipleship. Anyhow, she is really excited and loves the class.
We got her ballet gear at a great little store downtown called Kicks. They have a really strange 15% off all things at all times rule. Why don't they just reduce the costs 15%?

The gym requires a certain uniform for the sake of 'uniform'ity. It is really cute seeing a dozen little ballerinas all lined in a row.
We have watched a couple of classic ballets to prepare her for class. Of course, she realized that she would not be prancing about, but learning little skills of discipline and grace.
Pray for her as she begins this new phase of life. She also wanted to tell Pastor Lanning that she has begun ballet because he is such a big fan of it. He actually recommends that all seminary students take at least one semester of ballet to learn some grace.

My Favorite Political Ad Thus Far

There are a ton of political ads online that are in support of Ron Paul (R). This is not an endorsement, but because the ad is done well. Anna and Owen are voting for him because of this ad!

In the Meadow We Can Build a PC Snowperson

Here is a picture that I snagged from Mrs. P's vacation from her vacation pics. It was taken at Paige's house a bit before Christmas. Paige made us all a wonderful soup and salad lunch. The wine was flowing and the laughter was abundant.

Behind Bill and Paige's house is the perfect hill for toddlers and pre-schoolers. We had a great time sledding and it helped Tammy to feel at home (she is from British Columbia... notice this snowman drinks Tim Horton's).

In the picture from the left: Owen, Lydia, Marion, George, Snowthing, Tammy, Paige, Anna's head, Nathan, Anna's body. Shawn was taking the picture and Watson was asleep in the house.

I am glad that Mrs. P brought her camera, because it may be the only outdoor activity for me until the golf courses open! (Notice I am in my winter clogs).

To My Critics

I have been criticized (in good fun) for wearing obnoxious ties and shirt/tie combinations to church. Rev. Lanning apologized to Owen for this and said that he would just have to deal with it because his dad was an art major. Owen will always have to put up with ugly tie/shirt combos. Huh.

One of my favorite obnoxious combos is the orange polka dot tie with a blue Oxford under a grey sport coat! Who wouldn't LOVE to wear that combo?

Well, the news has spread. I have started a new fashion trend amongst the rich and powerful. President William Jefferson Clinton wore this same combo to the Iowa Caucus today! Who would have thought that Billy boy and Nate had the same tastes?

So, to my critics: If President William Jefferson Clinton can do it... so can I!

Quiet Day

Lydia has been sick since Christmass. She is not feeling well, swollen throat, aches all over, etc. Not good. Saturday was deemed 'quiet day' by executive order of... well, me. I decided that Lydia needed a day to rest some. Now those of you that know Lydia... lying around resting is for those of lesser genetic makeup. Germans do not lie around!
It began with taking the kids to D&W for some groceries. Now I was not too excited about a cart full of kids, along with a list in one hands and a Starbucks mocha in the other, but we made it through. When I got home I noticed that I do not buy as wisely as Lydia or think family. I think like a college guy at the grocery store. I guess that is one other reason she is great! We then made arts and crafts for a good part of the afternoon. We made dolls and glasses and monster teeth and glasses and other fun things.
We colored and stickered and taped and glued. Anna bade this ballerina. I am not sure about the square jaw though.
Here are all of them in their crowns. They thought this was super cool!
Owen had me make multiple pairs of glasses in diverse colors. I cannot imagine where that comes from!
Watson got some new specs too, but they were a bit too small.

It was a nice quiet day. Lydia still does not feel well, but she will not get another quiet day- unless she hires someone to do it!

Some Watson Pictures for Your Enjoyment

Here are some Watson pictures for your enjoyment. I have been somewhat negligent because we have been putting the files onto Lydia's laptop or into an external hard drive and they are not as readily available. Sorry. I will try to do better. So today, I took my flash drive and took some things from Lydia's laptop and transferred it to mine. Yeah! Watson pictures.
He is a very happy baby. His personality is great. Lots of smiles and coos. Anna and Owen were quite happy as babies as well- but Watson seems to have a very optimistic outlook on life.
Now, he is not the skinniest of our children. Actually he weights at 4 months what Anna weighed at one year. We are comforting ourselves with the 95/95. He is 95th percentile for weight and height. There would be serious issues if he was 95/30!
He has been trying to roll over and show us his abilities. So far he gets stuck on his fat rolls! When he is on his stomach though- he really enjoys it!
The boys love to snuggle and nap.
What are we thinking? Who knows... we will see what kind of little guy you will grow up to be.

Today It is Fulfilled

Today marks the end of Shawn's 6 year vacation. Welcome home. Now let's get back to work.

Meet Wyatt and Hannah

Anna and Owen have been playing with their cousins all day. They really love to have other kids to play with. Hannah lost her head at one point, but Anna got it reattached. The moral of the story? If your parents won't take you to see your cousins, just make them out of construction paper.

A Nicey Icey Saturday

Today was quite chilly in the morning. We woke up to a home at 48 degrees. The heat sometimes likes to sleep at night and needs to be aroused manually. It was cold, even by our standards. We got it going after a couple of minutes. The morning moved on. The kids played while Lydia prepared some things for the Lord's Day. Anna suggested that they go outside and play for a while, which was fine by us.
So Anna, Owen, and Samson all headed outside for some fun in the blowing snow. They went on the slide and climbed a tree. They made snow angels and all the other things that kids love to do in the snow.
Lately they have liked taking sticks and writing in the snow. They make pictures then the sticks quickly turn into guns. They shoot the house, trees, the dog and sometimes each other, even though this is off limits (we shoot things and animals, not people). They played some more.
I continued writing a sermon while Lydia was baking something chocolaty in kitchen. After a while I heard a slight gasp from the kitchen. Lydia commented that Owen did not have his gloves on and, of course, we don't want our children to lose their fingers. She also informed me that he was running around out there BAREFOOT.

Wow.

Cold.

Bizarre.

Closed Until December 12th

I am completing my semester at Puritan Reformed Seminary. There is a lot to do between now and December 12th. I am closing until then. Of course, our children are all well and there will plenty of pictures coming after then.

Sit back, enjoy some good coffee, and watch this a few more times! That should keep you entertained until then!

If First RP had a Christmas Pagent...

If my church had a Christmas pagent (and we do not, nor will we) I am sure that this would somehow be included. Me, Brian, James, and Mark doing a jingle bells ditty!

What Thirty is Like

Well, I am now 30 years old. What is different? Well, not much.

I had a nice birthday. I got some cards in the mail and a Lowes gift card from my parents... I am sure that Lydia suggested it. She has been asking for me to repaint the bedroom for a number of months. Now it will get done. Heidi got me some coffee and a new Starbucks cup. I love it. Irma and Lawrence sent some cash. That is always appreciated.

Bill and Paige Kamp (who are expecting in May) volunteered to watch our 3 little ones on Tuesday so that we could go out for a birthday dinner. We took them up on the offer and went out to Olives in East's Gas Light Village. It was a great time. We had Martinis and Mushroom Crostini as an appetizer. For dinner I had Tenderloin Napoleon and Lydia had Garlic-herb marinated steak. It was wonderful! The conversation was adult and the company was splendid! It was a good way to bring in my third decade.

From there we walked to Starbucks for some hot chocolate. We talked some more and really did not want the evening to end. Of course, with small children you cannot be away for long! We picked up the kids and headed home.

On my proper birthday (Wednesday) we did not really do anything. I had class in the AM and prepared for Bible study that I was teaching in the evening. We took a short break for a Mangiamo pizza for dinner, and then it was time for me to go to Bible study. Lydia made a delicious blueberry cake and a chocolate cake to send with me.

At Bible study Ray and Linda sang happy birthday in Dutch and Ray and James sang it in German. We also sang the 30th Psalm in commemoration of my birthday. It was a good night there.

Today (Thursday) was class and writing as usual. I got the mail at 5:20 and to my surprise there was a package addressed to Lydia. I opened it and found a splendid birthday gift! She got me a book that I have been looking for for about a year. I have NOT been able to locate a copy and was hoping to not have to pay $100 for it! She got it for me! The book is Sketches of the Covenanter Ministers, 1888-1930 by Owen F. Thompson. She found a minister in Kansas (Rev. Ken McFarland) that had two copies and was willing to sell one to her.

This is the follow up book to Glasgow's History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church that Ray and I wrote the introduction for upon its reprinting. What a great gift! It takes a very special wife to search long and hard for a bibliophile's gift. What I could not do in one year, she did in one quiet month of searching and emailing. It is good to start my 30th year of life with a woman who knows and loves me so much. She loves books and fine food too, of course.

Happy Birthday

Today our precious Anna Grace turns four.

Happy birthday, honey.

A Nice Weekend; A Nice Week

Tante Heidi was here this past weekend. We all had a nice time. We did those things that we always do: coffee, Target, watch a movie with the kids. We also had a really nice conversation at Carlos O'Kelly. We love those times.

Of course, we forgot to tote the camera along with us- but be assured: we were all present. Not much has changed, except Heidi is toting a new hair color. She has gone much darker and lost the red and blonde highlights. It is a different look for her. Anna liked it a lot (and we all know that she has good taste).

Since she has left we have been looking forward to heading out for the week with Brian to good ol' Corry. We are going there for the National Day of Thanksgiving. Of course, in modern terms that means turkey, gluttony, football, turkey, and more football. It is nice to be with the family doing what we all do well together!

This year we are adding a Turducken to the menu. My dad and I have been planning on it for months! It is going to be great! Anna turns 4 on Thanksgiving as well. It is amazing how quickly they grow up! We will also be going to the Meadville RPCNA on the Lord's Day. I believe that is one of the congregations without a pastor right now.

So we wait for Wednesday to take our trip. Here are some things we are doing in the meantime:

Anna and Owen continue to run their used car lot in the dining room. They have been playing a cars and dolls combo game together for awhile. I wonder how a Barbie could get inside of a little Matchbox car... oh well, imagination is a good thing.
Sedgwick continues to be suspicious that we are leaving him. We have talked of Brian going with us which means that he has a new sitter for the week. Who could it be, Sedgwick wonders? It is a whole pack of Lannings with Evie at the lead. We all know that she has power and authority over children and pets. She will do just fine!
And I have been reading away. Here I am reading an article by Rowan Williams, the Arch-bishop of Canterbury on the Arius and Athanasius debates. Personally, I think that Ach-Bishop Williams is a bit off of his rocker (he claims to be a Druid and a Christian at the same time), but his historical analysis of this debate is quite good.
While reading to Watson, he was amazed that there are people who believe that the Son of God was created! Watson's reply: "There was not a time when the Son was not!"
I know, little buddy. I know.

We look forward to some time away from Grand Rapids. Family, friends,fun, furkey, fand Fanna's firthday. Foo fould fask for fore?