Watty is All Smiles

Watson is getting so big! We cannot believe what being stuck in the house all winter can do. He has started getting out of that fat baby stage and heading towards the little toddler phase. Of course, we all know he still is a baby- but he sure is growing fast!

He has two teeth now which are really cute. He is also starting to creep on his own and sits up. He also is trying to crawl- knees up.. but it is in vain. He is not ready yet.

Here is a hat that Tammy Anderson of Scarlet Stitch made for Anna. She thought that it would be cute to have her little brother wear it.
I love the blue eyes with the blue PJs. He has great big eyes!
Here is a 'hey ladies!' smile.
And a great big smile again! What a guy.
We all love him quite a bit. It is hard to imagine that love grows in home- the more there are- the more to love!

First Sun Equals First Trip to Meijer Gardens

We made our first trip to Meijer Gardens this week. We have had some beautiful sun and used the opportunity to get out and walk and enjoy the sculptures and the butterflies.
We had a lot of fun with the Meijers' family. We sat on their laps and tickled them and basically acted stupid.
I thought I would tell Fred thank you for all of the good times we have had there over the years.
Lydia and Watson had a nice time too.
Watson, in his young life, does not realize how much time we will spend there this spring and summer. Anna and Owen know it- they call it 'the place they go with Noah and Seth'.
I love the look on Owen's face here. He adores his big sister.
Here he is in the tunnel. Anna reminded me that we came here last year with Justin and Miss Moes (it was on their anniversary I believe).
I caught one of those butterflies. You are not supposed to; but he landed on my pants.

Here is Lydia and Owen at the 'Grand Rapids Arch'.

We look forward to many days at the Gardens. We look forward to you all coming too!

Andy Warhol, Eat Your Heart Out

Today Lydia had an eye doctor's appointment at the mall. She always asks me to go along with these things so that I can give input on which frames to choose. I always choose one and she goes with the one that she likes anyway! Why do I do it?

Well, Watson was sleeping in the stroller and Anna, Owen, and I were walking through the mall. I could not bare to sit and watch all of the children in that play area today- so we kept walking.

As we passed the GAP, I noticed that it has a new ad scheme which includes a number of Warhol prints and one giant self-portrait of him. I love Warhol! He was absolutely crazy and eccentric. Now if you know anything about his form of art, his prints often began in one of those photo booths. I got to thinking about all of the ones that I know are attributed to Warhol. There are many!

As we were walking and thinking about pop culture and overly commercialized art we passed a photo booth! I could not resist (and they take debit cards)!

Since Watson was sleeping I let him sleep. Anna and Owen had no clue what this thing was, but they obediently got in.

The first picture was a stunning experience for them- they laughed and laughed. It seems that the next three are the natural human response to the photo booth. Silly faces and kisses... is there anything better than that?

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!