Something I would have never done in 8th Grade!

For those of you who were not able to make it to the Pella Christian's 8th Grade Graduation, here is a video of Jonathan's speech. He was voted for class speaker by his classmates. According to the letter that was sent home, "The class speakers were chosen by students based on Christian character, humble use of talents given to her/him by God, classroom performance, demonstrated respect for authority, rapport with classmates, and ability to speak in front of an audience." Jonathan didn't really feel that he could say no because the teacher mentioned that no one has ever said no when asked.

We didn't know how it was going to go because Jonathan was very solemn when Emily (classmate) was giving her speech and didn't crack a smile or anything while he was up there on the stage. He said he felt like he was turning as red as his graduation robe. Needless to say, he made it through his speech and we couldn't have been prouder! I know that I would have never been able to give that speech when I was in 8th grade.

Hannah and Jonathan have been a blessing to us and been real good example for Joshua. I can't wait to see how God will use them the next four years. Thank you so much for all your support and interest in our kids and their activities.

Maybe we should move to Wisconsin?

Here is a picture of Joshua back when he was two years old.....

7 years later........safely buckled in eating a twizzler!

I was thinking that Doyle and I should move to Wisconsin soon where kids can't start driving until they are older because.....Scary thought......Jonathan and Hannah could get their permit in August.

I wish they would always be happy to "pretend" to drive.

Truth be told...Mama is a little anxious about them driving.

Did any of you with older kids have the pit in your stomach when your kids started talking about driving? Do any of you have pictures of your kids when they started to drive or an encouraging story? I'll keep you posted on how things are going and if and when they actually get their permit. I hear that we have to start saving when they take drivers ed. I guess I will find out soon enough. Hope everyone is enjoying the summer. I'm going to appreciate my summer when no one is asking me if they can drive. --Susie

EASTER

As promised. Here are some more pictures from the Veenstra Easter Egg Hunt.

Ready...Set...GO

Thank you Jonathan for helping Drew fill his basket

Yes Drew, all the Eggs are here

Cutie Patootie

You just gotta love her spunk

Kyle and Joshua looked happy I was taking their picture

Games in the yard

I'm sorry Travis....

but this gave me a good laugh....and I needed a good laugh. Thank you. 

I was going through my pictures and came across this one and I laughed out loud.  So I HAD to share.  Beware of what you do while you think no one is watching....or has a camera around.  I had no idea this was going on when I snapped the photo.  I love little surprises like this.  =0)

I have some other good Easter shots, so I'll post those another night....if anyone reads/checks this anymore.

Seussical

Well the first weekend is done for the musical this year with three performances left.  This musical is basically a combination of a number of Dr. Seuss books.....a fun high energy show. I'm glad they get to perform it that often after all the work they put into it.  We really enjoyed having Wes and Arlys and Mem come to see us this weekend...it was fun to spend time together and have them see the show.  I will post a few pictures that I have but forgot my camera for the matinee that Wes,Arlys and Beppe were at so you'll have to check Arlys' facebook for those pics.  Hope you all have an awesome week, enjoying the beautiful weather....at least it is in the midwest...... a great day for a family of skunks to cross the road at night....but thats another story that Anson can tell you :)

Horton hears a "who"

Horton sitting on the egg

the bird girls---Katelyn was a swan named Sierra

Seussical the Musical weekend fun!

Wes, Arlys and Beppe left on Sat afternoon for Baldwin, WI to visit with the Veenstra's and most of all to see Katelyn in the play. We thoroughly enjoyed a great time. If you have opportunity to get up there, I would encourage you to do so. Katelyn was a beautiful swan...- hence her lovely makeup and costume. Can't imagine how much time and practice went into this production by all involved.
thanks for a great time!

Horton the elephant with the bird girls

Horton keeping the egg warm...

and of course the CAT IN the HAT!

great mingling of a few of the Dr. Suess books.

Seussical

Hey, just wanted to let you know the dates for the musical here that Katelyn is in...sorry I forgot to put the dates on the last post.  The play will be November 6-8 and November 13-15.  Check the earlier post for a few more details or if anyone wants to come and see call us we'd love to see you:)

Sarah, Plain and Tall - November 20 & 21

We have actors and actresses in the family! (The drama queens are putting their skills to good use.) I went to post information on the blog about the play since some of you asked details and saw that Katelyn is busy with play practice also. The below was in the school news so I was just going to paste that for information.

Come see the classic and heartwarming story of Sarah, Plain and Tall come to life on stage. The story is set on a farm in Kansas during the early 1900’s, where widower, Jacob Witting, is trying to raise his two kids. With the urging of a friend, Jacob places an ad for a wifeand mother for his two children in a number of newspapers across the country. The result is a reply from a young, headstrong woman in

Maine, Sarah Wheaton. The story unravels as Sarah endures her one month stay with the Witting family. During the course of her stay, Sarah both challenges and teaches the Witting family in many ways, while learning of few lessons of her own. When the month finally comes to a close, Sarah and the Witting family must make an important decision. Find out more and share in the touching tale of

Sarah, Plain and Tall on November 20 and 21 at 7:00 p.m. in the PCGS gymnasium. The play is based on the classic children’s book by Patricia MacLachlan and has been adapted for the stage by Joseph Robinette.

Note: Hannah, Jonathan and Jennifer have parts in this play. Hannah is Sarah in Act II, Jonathan is Judson, and Jennifer is Hester.

Pues, volleyball is done for another year, and we have a little time off of after school activities until basketball starts......although Katelyn still has play practice most nights from 7:oo to 9:30.  The school play they are doing this year is called "Seussical".  It's musical based on Dr. Seuss' stories, primarily "Horton, Hears a Who" and "Horton sits on an Egg".  There is a lot of singing (imagine that :) and Katelyn plays the part of a bird girl.  We are hoping the cast stays well or those who have picked up the flu or H1N1 going around will be well the first two weekends in November!!  We heard today that 19% of the school district was home sick with something......there are confirmed cases of H1N1 in every school.  If we hit the 20% mark the schools will be closed for a week.  

Next weekend (Oct 31 & Nov.1) we are all hoping to take a trip to Grand Rapids to see Rachelle.....she just informed us that there are a couple of confirmed cases of the swine flu on her floor and her friend that she eats lunch with and has a couple of classes with now has a headache, fever and is achy all over!!  I'm praying we all stay healthy!!!  It'll be fun to see her again.....skype is great but not the same a visiting in person :o)  I hope you are all well...I'll try to get some pictures up with the next blog.  Take care and love you,  the Veenstra's in WI

Drew photos of Sept stay at G-pa & G-ma's house!

Enjoying scrambled eggs & french toast... Drew sitting on the chair.. he thought he was big stuff not sitting on his booster seat!



Yummy Muffins! - He learned how to climb up on the kitchen
chairs.

Loves the rocker Pake made for our kids!

G-ma spoiling him - letting him sit on counter for a bit with his french toast!

Drew "driving" with G-pa!

Drew loves being behind the wheel!

August Equipment Sale

Frantic food find!

Awh...

Finally some 4th of July pics!

Thought about time posting pics from the 4th of July!

Vote!

Vote! I entered our picture in the Custom Ink Photo of the Week Contest. Vote so we win!

Click Here for the Link

P.S. I have not ran since the Freedom Run. OOps. Here's to starting over.

Alyssa

Making memories!

Alyssa & Drew came on Thursday evening to our house. We spent some of the time uptown and then Alyssa went on a run and Gma trimmed Drew's hair outside. so the picture with me behind him is the before shot!

Helping his mom spread all the
goodies on the tortillas for July 4
gathering!



They were delicious!

I always enjoy flowers- this is a small part of the 8ft Hollyhock plants in our backyard!