Thursday, November 6, 2008

Grandparents!

Our children are blessed with grandparents from both Chuck and I. The kids love all their grandparents very much.

But our kids have a special set of grandparents. Don and Robyn Henise, Grandpa Don and Grandma Robyn. Their American Grandparents.

We met Don and Robyn 10 years ago as we started our second year of Bible College in Jackson, MI. We become friends with them over the next year and Eli and Hala got to know them throughout this time. As we went on to Missions Institute in Durham, we kept in contact and they even came to visit us. Throughout the coming years we kept in contact and somewhere along the way our kids became their grandbabies. Whenever we can, we take the time to go to Jackson, MI and visit them and let them spend time with their grandchildren. Over the years Robyn has enjoyed introducing her grandchildren to friends, as they all know that she doesn’t have any children!
We were able to see them this last July and again in October as we spoke in chapel at NTBI Jackson. We have really enjoyed spending time with them over the years.

So if you ever see Don and Robyn Henise at NTBI Jackson, be sure to ask them how their grandchildren are!!!

What do our kids say?


This last Sunday was a very busy day for us all. For the first time we spoke in 2 churches on the same day with all the kids in tow. On our way home as the kids slept, Chuck and I commented on how well they had coped with the full day and how it could have been like some other Sundays. So here are some of the things that we have said to the kids and some of the things that they have said and done as we have travelled. Hope you enjoy!

Food
The most common thing the kids say to us, in front of people in churches is, “are we eating lunch here?”
Or we hear, “what’s for lunch?”, “where are we going for lunch?”
It seems that no matter what we say they always seem to ask this at the worst times possible!
Bodily Functions
One Sunday as we were eating lunch in the back of a church, I heard in a loud voice, “Somebody farted” and before I can get that child of mine, again I hear, “Who farted?”
I about died, as I am sure the whole group of people eating heard this.
This was after, I had dropped my plate of food on the floor and I had found my 8 year old son playing with real playing cards in the front pew of the church, as the pastors kids watched!
As we got in the van and left, Chuck asked me if we needed to stop anywhere, I answered, “ya somewhere for me to get lunch!”
Best Behaviour
The last thing we say to the kids before we get out of the van each Sunday morning is, “best behaviour!”
I am sure by now that they have learned to answer yes, and just carry on their way.
Regardless of how we feel about their behaviour, every Sunday we hear really nice comments from people in churches about how well behaved they have been. Do know that this “good behaviour” comes with great stress from their mother!

Thank you so much for your grace and understanding of our children. Thank you for understanding that they are just kids. Thank you for having us in your churches and homes. We have truly enjoyed all our time with you all.

A Huge accomplishment for Eli

We are proud to announce that Eli has finally learned to ride a bike!!
We have encouraged Eli for several years to learn to ride a bike. But out of fear and lack of desire he did not want to do this.
Only a few weeks ago, Eli thought that a new game was a good incentive for learning to ride a bike. In just 3 days he was able to get himself going and ride a bike.
We are very proud of his accomplishment.