What would you say?

THE SCENARIO: After our Fellowship Group tonight, it was 8:35 (past the kids' bedtime). Our guests had left and Aaron was asleep in his crib. Seth was getting his jammies on upstairs. I turned around and saw Robyn lounging in the big chair reading and Nathan flopped on the couch reading.
Mom: "OK Guys, time to head for bed."
Robyn: "But I can't head to bed - I'm reading the Bible!"
Nathan: "And I can't head to bed, either - I'm reading the dictionary!"
Sure enough, they were reading those exact books....

So, how would you respond? I called Ken in and with a smile shared with him how N & R had responded. He had them snuggle next to him on the couch and said, "I'm glad you like reading the Bible. And I'm glad you like learning new things!" But, I have something to read to you. He looked up Ecclesiastes 3 and read, "There is a time for everything, a season for every purpose under heaven: a time to plant, and time to pick what is planted; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to keep, and a time to cast away, a time to keep silence, and a time to speak, a time to brush teeth, and a time to go to bed."

I believe that was read from both English Standard Version (ESV) and the KCV version......

And of course Nathan (who was listening, not reading along), said, "Hey! The Bible doesn't say to go to bed!" Smart Kid. Ken told him he was right, but even though it didn't say it, there certainly is a time for everything.

A little more encouragement, and off they went. :)

I like how Ken finds clever ways to handle situations and thought it was neat they had chosen those books to read. Sometimes with the kids I need to NOT go with my initial response and think of a different route or creative response and that would be better for all.

p.s. Dad - they love their Children's Bible Hour stories and music! Thank you!

Fun in the Sun? Well, the Pool.

We love Aunt Kay!
Ken the Klever One
Here's your blogger...

We have a pool pass for our high school pool and I took the kids tonight. What fun!! Nathan got out about eight noodles and was laying on them like a raft. Robyn got a kickboard and swam all over the pool. Seth felt he needed three noodles at all times, except when he had 6 and made a raft like Nathan. They have a ball swimming, playing chase, lounging, jumping, etc. The swim lessons there have been great for our kids. The teachers are knowledgeable and kind, there's a great teacher/student ratio, and they are good little swimmers now! There's also a school program that N & R have had - once a week for six weeks. Not long, but anything is good for the kids. I watched them having fun while sitting poolside. That's weak, I know. Aaron and Ken had some bonding time at home.

Nathan had his first soccer game last week and did well. It's fun to see the improvement from season to season in coordination, understanding of game, drive, etc. Ken is coaching again, and it's especially fun that the Weeks' boys are part of the team as well. Pastor Chris is the assistant coach and Joe and Gio are in the lineup. Nathan enjoys it, but not when it's cold and rainy outside. He's like his Momma - I enjoy competition, but rain and cold are a lousy combination. I think my brothers called me a pansy while growing up.

Ken and Nathan are headed to Nathan's first MLB game! There is a Home Plate event on Saturday, May 2. The KCBC charter bus is headed to the Tigers' game. The neat part is the pregame program, where players from both teams give their testimonies. I hope Nathan hears that to realize that no matter what the occupation, a person can be sold out for Christ. The day will be extra special because both Grandpas and cousin Stephen are going. Mom +3 will figure out something fun to do. I think I'll take S & R to the pool for open swim that Saturday.

Are you tired of hearing about our decrepit economy? I love reading the newspaper, but am tired of all the dismal news regarding the economy. I understand it's bad, but it seems like it's all they know what to write/talk about. Combine that with crimes and that seems to cover half the newspaper.

We are part of a parent group called "Champions for Children" that is encouraging Kent City School residents to vote yes in our school millage renewal on Tuesday, May 5. We are trying to spread the word that it is a renewal, NOT a tax increase. It is so important these two renewals pass to protect our children's education. I think most people support the local school, but the voter turnouts are so low that a few votes can make a big difference. So, please vote yes if you are in the district to protect our community and our children! We need your vote! :)

Good night to all. Happy 68 degree Friday! Yay!! :)

Good Quotes

I picked up a book off our shelf a week ago called Book of Great Thoughts and Funny Sayings. It is organized alphabetically by category. While perusing it, some quotes stood out to me - made me think, smile, or laugh! I brought it to school to use, and since there are so many good ones, I told my students they get quadruple their $$...I'm doing FOUR quotes of the day for my students between now and the end of the year! Hope you enjoy as I did:

• I don't know who my grandfather was; I am much more concerned to know who his grandson will be. - Abraham Lincoln
  
• Growl all day and you'll feel dog tired at night.
• Advice is like snow; the softer it falls, the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind. - Samuel Taylor Coleridge
  
• Congress is so strange. A man gets up to speak and says nothing. Nobody listens, then everybody disagrees.
• In youth the days are short and the years long; in old age the years are short and the days long. - Nikita Panin
• Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold. - Maurice Scitter
• It's a rare person who doesn't get discouraged. Whether it happens to us or to an associate we're trying to cheer up, the answer centers around one word: perseverance.
• Putting off an easy thing makes it hard, and putting off a hard one makes it impossible. - George Lorimer
• If a friend is in trouble, don't annoy him by asking if there is anything you can do. Think up something appropriate and do it. - Howe
• A decision delayed until it is too late is not a decision; it's an evasion.
• Money talks. It says, "Goodbye."
• Few sinners are saved after the first twenty minutes of a sermon. - Mark Twain
  
• The best insurance against car accidents is a Sunday afternoon nap.
• A ounce of practice is worth a pound of preaching.
• An ounce of discretion is worth a pound of wit.
  
• My secretary is very efficient. She hasn't missed a coffee break in ten years.
  
• As ye smoke, so shall ye reek.
  

We're Spring Breakin'!

I was on maternity leave last year, and forgot how enjoyable Spring Break is! Ken has taken two days off, and we've had fun doing this, that, and the other thing together. We're trying to treasure the moments, and that's easier sometimes than others in our active household. This week has been a joy.

Highlights have included:

• Sleeping in a bit (7:45 for me). Nathan was up one day at 6:00 instead of his usual 6:30. I believe he takes after Grandpa Vanderwest!
• Meijer Gardens - the daffodils, tulips, HYACINTHS, butterflies, tropical areas, etc., were beautiful. I love seeing God's designs in all the natural beauty and creativity at the gardens.
  
• Edna, our former neighbor, calling up and asking if she could come stay for the weekend...she had a ride to GR. She enjoys just being around the gang and we enjoyed seeing her.
• Making a scrumptious spiral ham dinner - complete with mashed potatoes and HAM gravy (the best kind), topped off with strawberry shortcake! It was a special treat, since I usually make a simple Sunday lunch (i.e. sandwiches). Edna helped me and it was good to have a friend in the kitchen.
  
• Worship Night at Family Night on Sunday night...and having two good friends (the Sytsma's) became members.
• Cleaning! Yes, a highlight! Things tidied, cleaned, etc. - the kids were given jobs beyond their regular chores, and they did a good job overall. I can't tell you how good a freshly scrubbed kitchen floor/entryway feels!
  
• Aunt Kelly (Ken's sister) and Leslie (our niece) coming over....dinner, chatting, Wii playing (kids AND adults) ....we sure like them. Schedules these days make our visits too far apart.
• Tuesday - Ken took today off - a new library (the kids put on a cute puppet show for me), Pizza Hut (redemption of Book It coupons), finding a new playground (Walker Charter School), Easter Egg Coloring, finished with me taking the three older kids to the KCHS pool . . . truly a great day, not just because of all the activities, but moreso because everyone got along so well and was kind to each other. We sure enjoy each other. It made me look forward to camping/vacationing this summer. Any suggestions where to go?
  
• Not a lot planned the rest of the week....hangin' out with games, puzzles, reading books, playing outdoors, etc. Ken and I plan to watch "The Passion of the Christ" to help us focus on Christ's incredible sacrifice for us. I will not be going to the Good Friday service (too difficult with our young children and no nursery), but we try to focus on the sorrow and significance of Christ's death before heading into the celebration of His resurrection. I appreciate Good Friday services.
• We're hoping for a date sometime on Saturday to celebrate my birthday...My Coldstone free birthday ice cream is calling my name!
  
• We hope to spend the day with Ken's parents and family on Easter (can we come over, Mom?) :) The kids are counting down the days to "Easter and Mom's birthday." They are sweet.

Here are some pics of our adventures: