What an amazing God we serve through the most amazing church on the planet! I didn't go to the Gauntlet so my information comes from twitter, vimeo and Facebook updates.
The annual youth trip to Daytona Beach had 1350 students, 450 adult small group leaders, and 100 support people. Forty buses carried people from 5 campuses, leaving early Monday morning. There were 130 kids who surrendered their lives to Jesus and 287 who publicly declared "Jesus is my Lord and Savior" and got dunked in the ocean at sunrise on Thursday. WooHoo!!
One of the things I like is the way the leadership strives to focus on Jesus and focus on building friendships. It starts at the very beginning by putting the guys and girls on separate buses. The trip is about Jesus - as is everything NewSpring does.
They stayed at the Daytona Hilton which is NOT a shabby place. They had morning and evening worship and teaching times - with big screens and lights and live band - everything the kids are used to at NewSpring. Pastor Perry even led worship for one session. In between times they had personal devotional time as well as small group discussion time. But of course, you're at the beach so there has to be play time as well. Nate thought it was cool that Perry and Charisse rode the slingshot.
I got to go with Holly and Bella, Nate's mom and sister, to pick up Nate when he got home Friday evening and he just couldn't stop talking about all he heard and learned. He told us about Jonah. He read us Bible passages he's going to memorize. He talked about wanting to read all the New Testament. (He read Mark, Ephesians and started on Timothy while there. He read John and Acts before he left.) He talked about idols in his life - cell phone (texting), video games and computer time. He talked about being asked to pray for his bus, up front, over the microphone and was excited to do it.
Thank you, NewSpring, for taking this child - he just turned twelve 2 weeks ago - and helping him get excited about Jesus and the Bible by presenting the Truth in a way that captures his attention and helps him to understand how great our God is.
Showing posts with label grandchildren. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grandchildren. Show all posts
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Nate's Best FUSE Ever
When Nate got in the car on Wednesday night after FUSE, he said this was the best night ever! I said so tell me what made it so great. And he said...I got to lead my small group!
Now Nate is 11 years old. I know lots of adults who would not think being asked on the spur of the moment to lead the group of 10 or so with the regular leaders sitting around listening something to be excited about. LOTS of people would be so intimidated they might never come back. Not Nate. He was ecstatic!
And this Grandma? I was thanking Jesus as Nate told me all about it. Thanking Jesus for the work He is doing in Nate's life. Thanking Jesus for his small group leaders who see potential in him. Thanking Jesus that Nate found it exciting and wants to do it again.
Next Wednesday, he will be representing the 6th grade in reciting from memory Psalm 23. This will be in the main ballroom at CFC and they are encouraging the kids to invite lots of friends. The leadership is praying for 400-500 students to come.
I can hardly contain my excitement as I think about where this might lead Nate in the future. Now that I think about it, it was MY best FUSE ever too!
Now Nate is 11 years old. I know lots of adults who would not think being asked on the spur of the moment to lead the group of 10 or so with the regular leaders sitting around listening something to be excited about. LOTS of people would be so intimidated they might never come back. Not Nate. He was ecstatic!
And this Grandma? I was thanking Jesus as Nate told me all about it. Thanking Jesus for the work He is doing in Nate's life. Thanking Jesus for his small group leaders who see potential in him. Thanking Jesus that Nate found it exciting and wants to do it again.
Next Wednesday, he will be representing the 6th grade in reciting from memory Psalm 23. This will be in the main ballroom at CFC and they are encouraging the kids to invite lots of friends. The leadership is praying for 400-500 students to come.
I can hardly contain my excitement as I think about where this might lead Nate in the future. Now that I think about it, it was MY best FUSE ever too!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
FSKO 2011
My grandson got to go to his first FUSE Summer Kick Off on Wednesday night as part of the NewSpring student ministries. He is so pumped to be part of all that is happening there. This year was even bigger and better than last year!
More than 3100 students showed up - regular attenders and their friends - across 4 campuses and 469 of those were in Greenville. In all the fun and games and give aways, the message is always Jesus. NewSpring ALWAYS preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why else would anyone do anything through the church? Fun and games can be had in lots of places but only the Church has the message of Life. And new life was in abundance. Dan Lian preached from the prodigal son on God's love for us. One thing he said that stuck with me was if you could cut God's arm, He would bleed love. The visual I got was the spear piercing Jesus side as He hung on the cross and blood and water flowing out. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
I haven't seen the final numbers on salvations but I know it will be high. God is doing a mighty work in the lives of students all around South Carolina. I am so glad I am part of a church that places a high value on the next generation. If every kid that attends is impacted like my grandson, God will use the next generation in ways we can't even imagine now! And most exciting for me is to see what He does in the life of my grandson.
More than 3100 students showed up - regular attenders and their friends - across 4 campuses and 469 of those were in Greenville. In all the fun and games and give aways, the message is always Jesus. NewSpring ALWAYS preaches the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Why else would anyone do anything through the church? Fun and games can be had in lots of places but only the Church has the message of Life. And new life was in abundance. Dan Lian preached from the prodigal son on God's love for us. One thing he said that stuck with me was if you could cut God's arm, He would bleed love. The visual I got was the spear piercing Jesus side as He hung on the cross and blood and water flowing out. "Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
I haven't seen the final numbers on salvations but I know it will be high. God is doing a mighty work in the lives of students all around South Carolina. I am so glad I am part of a church that places a high value on the next generation. If every kid that attends is impacted like my grandson, God will use the next generation in ways we can't even imagine now! And most exciting for me is to see what He does in the life of my grandson.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Nate's Graduation
Well, an era has passed in Spartanburg City Schools. Nate is part of the last 6th grade at Pine Street School as the city school district changes the way they've always done school. Beginning next year District 7 will move 6th graders to the Junior High/Middle School level and shift 9th graders to the high school.
His graduation ceremony was long to say the least. I actually left before it ended having been there for 2 hours - for 6th graders!! There were awards in 7 different categories and one teacher, visual arts I think, gave out so many, I wondered if there was anyone who didn't get an award. Well, Nate didn't but that's OK.
The guest speaker was the football coach at the local college. He was great. He kept everyone's attention and had the kids participating in what he was saying. What struck a chord with me was his story of himself as a young man in Ohio working as a garbage collector. Although he didn't intend to always be a garbage man, he had plans and dreams, he was the best garbage man he could be. One day in a neighborhood on his route all the garbage cans had been knocked over. He picked up all the trash that had been scattered and put it in the hopper of the truck. Then he heard a crack and was struck by something. When he turned around he saw a boy, about 12 or 13, pulling a gun back in the window of his house. The police were called because the boy had shot him with a pellet gun. Mike, the coach, didn't press charges but wanted to know why the boy shot him. The boy said, "He's only a garbage man."
I thought about the times Nate had been upset because kids at his school made fun of him because his clothes weren't the right label or because of the brand of skateboard he had or because he didn't have a cell phone as a 2nd grader or because he doesn't have a Nook or an iPad or an iPhone now. The saddest part to me is the kids learn to consider what you have to be more important than who you are from their parents.
The coach went on to talk about what's inside is more important than how you look on the outside. He talked about God given gifts and talents and blessings on his life from his Savior. I wanted to stand up and cheer!
Nate didn't get any awards, any pieces of paper, to say his teachers think he's special but that doesn't mean he's not special. Parents told his dad after a trip to Barrier Island a couple of months ago that Nate was one of the nicest kids on the trip, always polite, always going out of his way to include those who were not being included. His small group leader at church told me yesterday that Nate is the neatest kid he knows; he has a maturity and understanding of God's word and a hunger to know God that the other kids in the group don't have.
Nate's got plenty of stuff, just not the stuff that matters to his school mates. He might not have any awards for a scrapbook. But I would much, much, much rather Nate have character built on the word of God. I am so proud of Nate and can't wait to see what God has in store for him!
His graduation ceremony was long to say the least. I actually left before it ended having been there for 2 hours - for 6th graders!! There were awards in 7 different categories and one teacher, visual arts I think, gave out so many, I wondered if there was anyone who didn't get an award. Well, Nate didn't but that's OK.
The guest speaker was the football coach at the local college. He was great. He kept everyone's attention and had the kids participating in what he was saying. What struck a chord with me was his story of himself as a young man in Ohio working as a garbage collector. Although he didn't intend to always be a garbage man, he had plans and dreams, he was the best garbage man he could be. One day in a neighborhood on his route all the garbage cans had been knocked over. He picked up all the trash that had been scattered and put it in the hopper of the truck. Then he heard a crack and was struck by something. When he turned around he saw a boy, about 12 or 13, pulling a gun back in the window of his house. The police were called because the boy had shot him with a pellet gun. Mike, the coach, didn't press charges but wanted to know why the boy shot him. The boy said, "He's only a garbage man."
I thought about the times Nate had been upset because kids at his school made fun of him because his clothes weren't the right label or because of the brand of skateboard he had or because he didn't have a cell phone as a 2nd grader or because he doesn't have a Nook or an iPad or an iPhone now. The saddest part to me is the kids learn to consider what you have to be more important than who you are from their parents.
The coach went on to talk about what's inside is more important than how you look on the outside. He talked about God given gifts and talents and blessings on his life from his Savior. I wanted to stand up and cheer!
Nate didn't get any awards, any pieces of paper, to say his teachers think he's special but that doesn't mean he's not special. Parents told his dad after a trip to Barrier Island a couple of months ago that Nate was one of the nicest kids on the trip, always polite, always going out of his way to include those who were not being included. His small group leader at church told me yesterday that Nate is the neatest kid he knows; he has a maturity and understanding of God's word and a hunger to know God that the other kids in the group don't have.
Nate's got plenty of stuff, just not the stuff that matters to his school mates. He might not have any awards for a scrapbook. But I would much, much, much rather Nate have character built on the word of God. I am so proud of Nate and can't wait to see what God has in store for him!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Nate the Great!!
I am so excited to see God working in my grandson's life. When he gets in the car on Wednesday night after Fuse, he immediately starts telling me what the message was about. This past week he went on and on about how great his small group meeting was.
But what thrilled this grandma's heart more was as we talked, he remembered something from the sermon on Sunday and related it to what they were talking about in small group. I know adults that can't or don't do that - and he's only eleven. I thank God for opportunities to encourage his enthusiasm for the things of God and to pour truth into his life.
But what thrilled this grandma's heart more was as we talked, he remembered something from the sermon on Sunday and related it to what they were talking about in small group. I know adults that can't or don't do that - and he's only eleven. I thank God for opportunities to encourage his enthusiasm for the things of God and to pour truth into his life.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Whatever You Do
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17
"Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23
These passages made me stop and think about the things I do - or used to do. When I was working, how much of what I did was done in the name of Nancy because I was good at what I did? Did I work heartily for the Lord or for a paycheck and promotion? Did I remember to give thanks to God because He gave me the ability to do what I did? And what about now? As I spend my time volunteering, do I remember to thank God for the opportunities to serve?
When I stand before God one day, I want my time as a business owner and subsequently as an employee to be something that does not burn up as inconsequential because that was such a huge part of my life - 8 to 10 hours a day for years and years. The relationships I formed with business associates, customers and clients were opportunities God put before me. Was I sensitive to God's leading when He directed me to speak of His love or to offer a word of encouragement or perhaps a word of correction? And was I obedient to do what He asked? I can't change any of that now but hopefully I do still have years of service ahead of me.
Now that I am retired, it seems harder sometimes to keep that focus of doing everything for the Lord, especially on days when I am not doing something specific. But as I volunteer at Mobile Meals and at NewSpring, I want the tasks I do and the words I speak to be not my own but God working in and through me.
I also have more time to spend with my grandchildren. Nate, at age 11, is especially eager to learn about God and I love being able to talk to Him and take him to FUSE and to things like Winter Jam. He and I have a special bond and of course I want him to love Grandma but more than that I want to be sure our relationship leads him to love Jesus with all his heart.
"Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23
These passages made me stop and think about the things I do - or used to do. When I was working, how much of what I did was done in the name of Nancy because I was good at what I did? Did I work heartily for the Lord or for a paycheck and promotion? Did I remember to give thanks to God because He gave me the ability to do what I did? And what about now? As I spend my time volunteering, do I remember to thank God for the opportunities to serve?
When I stand before God one day, I want my time as a business owner and subsequently as an employee to be something that does not burn up as inconsequential because that was such a huge part of my life - 8 to 10 hours a day for years and years. The relationships I formed with business associates, customers and clients were opportunities God put before me. Was I sensitive to God's leading when He directed me to speak of His love or to offer a word of encouragement or perhaps a word of correction? And was I obedient to do what He asked? I can't change any of that now but hopefully I do still have years of service ahead of me.
Now that I am retired, it seems harder sometimes to keep that focus of doing everything for the Lord, especially on days when I am not doing something specific. But as I volunteer at Mobile Meals and at NewSpring, I want the tasks I do and the words I speak to be not my own but God working in and through me.
I also have more time to spend with my grandchildren. Nate, at age 11, is especially eager to learn about God and I love being able to talk to Him and take him to FUSE and to things like Winter Jam. He and I have a special bond and of course I want him to love Grandma but more than that I want to be sure our relationship leads him to love Jesus with all his heart.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Nate
I am so proud of my grandson, Nate. A couple of weeks ago I mentioned that he should give a tithe from his allowance and money he earns before he ever spends it on all the stuff he wants. Last Wednesday when I took him home from Fuse he mentioned to his friend, Justin, that he had put aside $1.00 for his tithe. Today he put that money in the offering plate.
Friday I mentioned that it would be good for him to memorize the names (in order) of the books of the Bible so he can find references easier. By Saturday he had learned the Old Testament from Genesis through Lamentations. Today when Perry said he was reading from 1Samuel, Nate was able to find it easily as he was also able to find the verse in Job.
Then as we started home, he started memorizing Ephesians 3:20 that Perry said he wanted everyone to memorize this week. He got the first half of the verse down by the time we stopped for lunch. And I didn't even mention that to him!
I can't wait to see what God does in his life as he continues to go to Fuse and as he goes to the Gauntlet this summer.
Friday I mentioned that it would be good for him to memorize the names (in order) of the books of the Bible so he can find references easier. By Saturday he had learned the Old Testament from Genesis through Lamentations. Today when Perry said he was reading from 1Samuel, Nate was able to find it easily as he was also able to find the verse in Job.
Then as we started home, he started memorizing Ephesians 3:20 that Perry said he wanted everyone to memorize this week. He got the first half of the verse down by the time we stopped for lunch. And I didn't even mention that to him!
I can't wait to see what God does in his life as he continues to go to Fuse and as he goes to the Gauntlet this summer.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
KidSpring Takeover
On July 4, KidSpring took over the services at every campus of NewSpring. My family went to the 6 pm service in Anderson. Jeremy and Holly really liked the church facility there and the whole atmosphere. The grandkids - well all of us - loved the actual service.
The acting was very well done and really kept the attention of both children. They clapped and danced and sang all the way through the performance. I thought the message "God has a plan for my family" was clearly presented along with the message about making right choices and that cheating and being mean don't honor God.
After the service was over we went to the little park down the road and had a picnic. There were lots of ducks there and room for the children to run and play. Then we went back toward the church for the evening fireworks.
We had been to downtown Spartanburg for the fireworks on Saturday night as well. I was pleasantly surprised that the fireworks in Anderson were really pretty different from the ones we had seen the night before. We had a really good view too because we were just off 81 in the back lot of the church on the corner of Concord Rd. LOTS of people at both events. Great way to close out July 4, 2010.
The acting was very well done and really kept the attention of both children. They clapped and danced and sang all the way through the performance. I thought the message "God has a plan for my family" was clearly presented along with the message about making right choices and that cheating and being mean don't honor God.
After the service was over we went to the little park down the road and had a picnic. There were lots of ducks there and room for the children to run and play. Then we went back toward the church for the evening fireworks.
We had been to downtown Spartanburg for the fireworks on Saturday night as well. I was pleasantly surprised that the fireworks in Anderson were really pretty different from the ones we had seen the night before. We had a really good view too because we were just off 81 in the back lot of the church on the corner of Concord Rd. LOTS of people at both events. Great way to close out July 4, 2010.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wii
I bought a Wii this week. I'd been saving my money for a while so I could get one for Christmas so the kids would have something to do here when the weather is bad during the winter. But I found out the price dropped a few weeks ago by $50 so I had enough money now to buy one.
To say Nathan and Bella had a good time playing is probably the understatement of the century. I was really surprised how well Bella could do. She KO'd Nate once in boxing and almost beat him in bowling...she did beat me in bowling. And she loves playing golf. Although her score has always been too high to win, she did get a birdie on one hole.
They played a gazillion times and mostly Nathan won but Bella was really able to hold her own. I think it was good use of $200 - especially since it was a planned expenditure.
To say Nathan and Bella had a good time playing is probably the understatement of the century. I was really surprised how well Bella could do. She KO'd Nate once in boxing and almost beat him in bowling...she did beat me in bowling. And she loves playing golf. Although her score has always been too high to win, she did get a birdie on one hole.
They played a gazillion times and mostly Nathan won but Bella was really able to hold her own. I think it was good use of $200 - especially since it was a planned expenditure.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Bella Started School
Bella started school last Monday. She is in K4 at Pine Street School. She was excited about going to school because her big brother, Nate, is in 5th grade and she has been dying to be able to go to school too.
When she and Nate came Friday night, I began to ask Bella questions. I knew she wanted to go initially, I just wanted to be sure she wanted to go back again. And she does! She has 3 friends Mattie, Madison and another girl whose name she couldn't remember but said she is always nice. There is an AnnaBella in her class who uses both names. I had hoped Jeremy & Holly would start using Arabella instead of just Bella but they didn't and with an AnnaBella it's probably just as well.
Bella has decided she doesn't like the spaghetti at school but the hot dogs and sloppy Joe's are good. She also likes taking a blanket & pillow so she can take a nap. I don't think Bella has taken a nap in a long time. She is older than most of the other children because she will be five in October and some of the children have just turned 4. Being older is not a bad thing though.
She is excited about all that she is learning and being where Nathan is and just growing up. Had to measure her this weekend to see how tall she has grown. I hope she will continue to like school and her teachers and make friends easily.
When she and Nate came Friday night, I began to ask Bella questions. I knew she wanted to go initially, I just wanted to be sure she wanted to go back again. And she does! She has 3 friends Mattie, Madison and another girl whose name she couldn't remember but said she is always nice. There is an AnnaBella in her class who uses both names. I had hoped Jeremy & Holly would start using Arabella instead of just Bella but they didn't and with an AnnaBella it's probably just as well.
Bella has decided she doesn't like the spaghetti at school but the hot dogs and sloppy Joe's are good. She also likes taking a blanket & pillow so she can take a nap. I don't think Bella has taken a nap in a long time. She is older than most of the other children because she will be five in October and some of the children have just turned 4. Being older is not a bad thing though.
She is excited about all that she is learning and being where Nathan is and just growing up. Had to measure her this weekend to see how tall she has grown. I hope she will continue to like school and her teachers and make friends easily.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Back to School
Saturday I took Nate to buy school supplies. Stuff was really pretty inexpensive. He already has a book bag so we just had to get notebooks, paper, pens, pencils...all the utility stuff that 5th graders have to have.
And now tomorrow is the big day. Nate is really excited about getting back into school. He gets pretty bored sometimes over the summer. He really is a sharp kid who does well in school. Teachers mostly like him although he can be a challenge to keep focused sometimes.
One of the things we talked about was foreign language. He currently studies French but I wanted to know if he thought he might change. He will have the opportunity in 6th grade to switch to Spanish. He said he really wants to do that because he doesn't know anyone who speaks French but does know people (like at McDonald's :o) who speak Spanish. He already understands that it will probably be a much more useful language for him.
Bella doesn't start school until next Monday. She is really looking forward to school also. I just hope her excitement lasts beyond day 1. She has never been in a structured situation before so I don't know how well she will do. She is certainly smart enough to do well if she can tame some of her impulse to tell everyone what they are doing wrong.
I want both of my grandchildren to be successful in school and in all of life. I want them to use the gifts and talents they have to expand their world now and in the future. It is fun watching them grow and change and learn. It's especially nice to be able to send them home when I get tired!!
I thank God for them and hope that the words of wisdom and love and Jesus that I speak to them will bear fruit in their lives.
And now tomorrow is the big day. Nate is really excited about getting back into school. He gets pretty bored sometimes over the summer. He really is a sharp kid who does well in school. Teachers mostly like him although he can be a challenge to keep focused sometimes.
One of the things we talked about was foreign language. He currently studies French but I wanted to know if he thought he might change. He will have the opportunity in 6th grade to switch to Spanish. He said he really wants to do that because he doesn't know anyone who speaks French but does know people (like at McDonald's :o) who speak Spanish. He already understands that it will probably be a much more useful language for him.
Bella doesn't start school until next Monday. She is really looking forward to school also. I just hope her excitement lasts beyond day 1. She has never been in a structured situation before so I don't know how well she will do. She is certainly smart enough to do well if she can tame some of her impulse to tell everyone what they are doing wrong.
I want both of my grandchildren to be successful in school and in all of life. I want them to use the gifts and talents they have to expand their world now and in the future. It is fun watching them grow and change and learn. It's especially nice to be able to send them home when I get tired!!
I thank God for them and hope that the words of wisdom and love and Jesus that I speak to them will bear fruit in their lives.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Nathan at the Beach
Nathan has gone on his first long trip away from the family. He left last Saturday to go to the beach with his friend Cole and Cole's mom and dad and won't be back until this Saturday. Nathan has been away with Cole for the weekend before but never for this long.
Sunday night he called and wanted to come home but Jeremy told him everything at home was good - everyone was well and missing him BUT Nate should get a good night's sleep and call back Monday morning. If he still wanted to come home, they would drive down to pick him up. By Monday morning, he was ready to stay. They had outings to the skate park and the water park planned for the day.
When Jeremy & Holly go to the beach with the children, they also have Holly's mom and dad, her brother & his girlfriend, her sisters (at least one) and some of their friends. The house is always full but it is always family. Going away for a week without any of your family is a big deal for a 10 year old. This is a great growing up experience for Nate and I hope he sticks out the week.
Sunday night he called and wanted to come home but Jeremy told him everything at home was good - everyone was well and missing him BUT Nate should get a good night's sleep and call back Monday morning. If he still wanted to come home, they would drive down to pick him up. By Monday morning, he was ready to stay. They had outings to the skate park and the water park planned for the day.
When Jeremy & Holly go to the beach with the children, they also have Holly's mom and dad, her brother & his girlfriend, her sisters (at least one) and some of their friends. The house is always full but it is always family. Going away for a week without any of your family is a big deal for a 10 year old. This is a great growing up experience for Nate and I hope he sticks out the week.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Fridays
Fridays always come with mixed blessings. It is the end of the work week but it is also a slow day at work (usually) so the day seems longer than most.
Friday nights I have my grandchildren here with me. I love Nate and Bella so much and I really enjoy watching them grow up. But having them here means I never get to "sleep in" on Saturday morning. Of course I don't sleep late anyway but having them here means fixing breakfast and being active at an early hour. There is no sitting and reading a book or drinking a cup of tea QUIETLY on the deck. Bella is 4 and talks constantly about everything and nothing. But it won't be long until they will be doing their own thing on Friday nights - football and movies and dates - and they won't have much time for Grandma Nancy.
This week will be just Bella and me. Nate is spending the night with Cole because he is going to the beach with them and they are leaving early Saturday morning. It is a much slower pace when it's just us girls. Bella enjoys being able to watch the movies she wants to watch with no argument from her brother. Nate, at 10, takes great pleasure in taunting his little sister so with him away, Bella won't cry and won't get angry and won't have to tattle all weekend. MUCH quieter!!
Friday nights I have my grandchildren here with me. I love Nate and Bella so much and I really enjoy watching them grow up. But having them here means I never get to "sleep in" on Saturday morning. Of course I don't sleep late anyway but having them here means fixing breakfast and being active at an early hour. There is no sitting and reading a book or drinking a cup of tea QUIETLY on the deck. Bella is 4 and talks constantly about everything and nothing. But it won't be long until they will be doing their own thing on Friday nights - football and movies and dates - and they won't have much time for Grandma Nancy.
This week will be just Bella and me. Nate is spending the night with Cole because he is going to the beach with them and they are leaving early Saturday morning. It is a much slower pace when it's just us girls. Bella enjoys being able to watch the movies she wants to watch with no argument from her brother. Nate, at 10, takes great pleasure in taunting his little sister so with him away, Bella won't cry and won't get angry and won't have to tattle all weekend. MUCH quieter!!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Nathan's 10th Birthday
Nathan's birthday is actually today but we celebrated last Saturday. Seven of his friends went with us to SPOG (Skatepark of Greenville) for several hours of skateboarding, pizza and cake.
Nathan really has some nice friends who gave him gifts he really wanted...like skate shirts and these little miniature skate boards and ramps. The thing that made me so proud of Nathan though was how many times he said thank you - to each person and to the group as a whole.
Nate can be a little over the edge sometimes in his excitability and this day was no exception. But his genuine pleasure in the gifts he was given was great to see. He continues to amaze me when I see a different side to him that I have not seen before.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Skateboard Park
Last Saturday I took Nate and a friend to Skateboard Park of Greenville, SPOG for short. It was the third time Nate had been to such a place. I was really impressed with how well Nate can actually skate. All I had ever seem him do was ride in the driveway but when he had ramps and flat spaces and lots of room, he really did well.
Spartanburg is about to open it's first park which will be outdoors. That will be a lot different from the indoor park but that will still give Nate a close place to practice. He really wants to learn to do a lot of tricks. I think his problem right now is not staying with a particular trick long enough. When he doesn't get it after 10 or 15 tries, he starts on another one. Some of the tricks are really hard. At the park we watched some of the big guys try the rails or jumping steps over and over and still not accomplishing it so I think that helped Nate see that everyone has to really work at what they are doing.
I talked to one mom who had brought her son up from Canton GA for the competition they were having. He was 15 and started skating when he was 10. It took him 5 years to get good enough to be sponsored by his skatepark. I think that encouraged Nate too...to know it might take a long time to accomplish his goals.
Spartanburg is about to open it's first park which will be outdoors. That will be a lot different from the indoor park but that will still give Nate a close place to practice. He really wants to learn to do a lot of tricks. I think his problem right now is not staying with a particular trick long enough. When he doesn't get it after 10 or 15 tries, he starts on another one. Some of the tricks are really hard. At the park we watched some of the big guys try the rails or jumping steps over and over and still not accomplishing it so I think that helped Nate see that everyone has to really work at what they are doing.
I talked to one mom who had brought her son up from Canton GA for the competition they were having. He was 15 and started skating when he was 10. It took him 5 years to get good enough to be sponsored by his skatepark. I think that encouraged Nate too...to know it might take a long time to accomplish his goals.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Nate the Great
Nathan made me so proud last night. He came to my house to cut the grass. With all the rain and great spring we have been having, the grass was really tall but Nate jumped to it and got the grass cut in record time for him. And nary a complaint!
We were planning to go spend his earnings at New Gen on a tool to repair his skateboard - or maybe a tee shirt. We had just come in the house when his mother called to say one of his friends was at his house. Seems they had to put their old dog to sleep and they didn't want Cole to be part of that. When I told Nathan what was going on, he immediately opted to go home to be with Cole. I said Cole might already be gone by the time we get there but he said it didn't matter. Cole didn't do well with stuff like this and he might need Nate.
Wow...that boy constantly amazes me!
We were planning to go spend his earnings at New Gen on a tool to repair his skateboard - or maybe a tee shirt. We had just come in the house when his mother called to say one of his friends was at his house. Seems they had to put their old dog to sleep and they didn't want Cole to be part of that. When I told Nathan what was going on, he immediately opted to go home to be with Cole. I said Cole might already be gone by the time we get there but he said it didn't matter. Cole didn't do well with stuff like this and he might need Nate.
Wow...that boy constantly amazes me!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bella
A week or so ago I wrote about my grandson Nathan. Now it's Bella's turn. She is so much like her daddy; I see Jeremy all over her. That can be good and bad...because Jeremy was a lot like me! Strong willed, determined, self centered are just a few of the characteristics I would use for Maria Arabella.
But she is also very loving, tender, and helpful. At 4 1/2 she is a dynamo. She loves her big brother and wants to do and like everything he does and likes. She is a study in contrasts - she will ride a skateboard in a ballerina skirt or practice wrestling moves in a dress. Such a tomboy in so many ways (because of Nathan's influence) but such a girlie girl in others (probably MeMaw's influence).
Sometimes she calls me Grandma Nancy, sometimes MeMaw (which is Holly's mom) and sometimes Grandmother. Doesn't really matter to me. When she walks up and looks at me with those big blue eyes and says, "I love you!" she could call me George for all I care.
She will start school this fall. I know she has the ability to do really well but has the personality to be in trouble all the time. She'll either be head of the class or in detention. I don't see any middle ground for her.
More than anything I really look forward to the day when she comes to know Jesus as her personal Savior. I hope I'm even a small part of the influence that leads her to Him.
But she is also very loving, tender, and helpful. At 4 1/2 she is a dynamo. She loves her big brother and wants to do and like everything he does and likes. She is a study in contrasts - she will ride a skateboard in a ballerina skirt or practice wrestling moves in a dress. Such a tomboy in so many ways (because of Nathan's influence) but such a girlie girl in others (probably MeMaw's influence).
Sometimes she calls me Grandma Nancy, sometimes MeMaw (which is Holly's mom) and sometimes Grandmother. Doesn't really matter to me. When she walks up and looks at me with those big blue eyes and says, "I love you!" she could call me George for all I care.
She will start school this fall. I know she has the ability to do really well but has the personality to be in trouble all the time. She'll either be head of the class or in detention. I don't see any middle ground for her.
More than anything I really look forward to the day when she comes to know Jesus as her personal Savior. I hope I'm even a small part of the influence that leads her to Him.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
I Love Nathan
The grandkids were here this weekend and I have to say I love my grandson!! Biologically, we are not related. His mom, my son's wife, was married before and Nathan is Holly and Matt's child. But...Jeremy and Holly have been together since Nate was 3 and he is about to turn 10 so he's been "ours" for a long time.
Nathan is just the coolest kid. I'm not sure "cool" is the correct word to use today but that is what Nate is in my mind. He's an intelligent, kind-hearted, honest, all boy kind of kid. He's loud and raucous and into skateboarding. He has several close guy friends that he shares life with at school and at play.
Nate thinks I'm a the "best" grandma 'cause I let him do all the stupid, 10 year old boy stuff, like yelling lasagna out the car window at guys riding bicycles. I don't make him take showers or sleep in pajamas (it's just one night a week). I'll watch YouTube with him and help him learn the skateboarding tricks he sees. I don't buy him stuff accept for special occasions but he cuts my grass for money and if he wants to go spend it he can. He listens to the things I say about saving and tithing but doesn't have a "got to" at home for those things.
Nathan asked Jesus into his heart a few years ago. He loves Jesus and does know what is right and good and what is bad.
One skateboarding show he showed me a couple of months ago on Hulu featured this awesome skateboarder - Nate's description - named Bam. Nathan had seen the video on TV but when he found it on Hulu it was full of awful language. He told me he didn't like that. As I watched the video I told Nathan that Bam was a spoiled brat and I didn't like his attitudes or actions or his nasty mouth at all. This weekend, Nathan told me Bam is not his favorite any more. Seems he had an opportunity to actually see Bam in person at a skate park. Nathan's comment - he's a punk. From Nathan that is not good. Bam was obnoxious and rude and Nathan has no use for him anymore. Good decision, Nate!!
I can't wait to see how he takes on the world as he grows up.
Nathan is just the coolest kid. I'm not sure "cool" is the correct word to use today but that is what Nate is in my mind. He's an intelligent, kind-hearted, honest, all boy kind of kid. He's loud and raucous and into skateboarding. He has several close guy friends that he shares life with at school and at play.
Nate thinks I'm a the "best" grandma 'cause I let him do all the stupid, 10 year old boy stuff, like yelling lasagna out the car window at guys riding bicycles. I don't make him take showers or sleep in pajamas (it's just one night a week). I'll watch YouTube with him and help him learn the skateboarding tricks he sees. I don't buy him stuff accept for special occasions but he cuts my grass for money and if he wants to go spend it he can. He listens to the things I say about saving and tithing but doesn't have a "got to" at home for those things.
Nathan asked Jesus into his heart a few years ago. He loves Jesus and does know what is right and good and what is bad.
One skateboarding show he showed me a couple of months ago on Hulu featured this awesome skateboarder - Nate's description - named Bam. Nathan had seen the video on TV but when he found it on Hulu it was full of awful language. He told me he didn't like that. As I watched the video I told Nathan that Bam was a spoiled brat and I didn't like his attitudes or actions or his nasty mouth at all. This weekend, Nathan told me Bam is not his favorite any more. Seems he had an opportunity to actually see Bam in person at a skate park. Nathan's comment - he's a punk. From Nathan that is not good. Bam was obnoxious and rude and Nathan has no use for him anymore. Good decision, Nate!!
I can't wait to see how he takes on the world as he grows up.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Grandkids and the Rain
I wasn't sure how this weekend was going to stack up. It's been raining a lot for several days. When the grandkids come on the weekend, I like having options...like going for a walk or going to the park or riding skateboards and bicycles but when it's pouring down rain those are not really good options.
While we were at supper Friday night, Nathan's best friend called to ask him to go to the 7 PM movie. So we met Cole and his mom and dad at the theater and then Bella and I headed home to a Little Rascals movie. By the time it was over Nate was home so we watched Shrek. When Bella fell asleep...she brought her princess tent and set it up in my bedroom, Nathan wanted to watch I Am Legend. Since his mom sent it with him, I said OK. About 30 minutes in we turned it off and put Shrek back in. I Am Legend was just too intense for a 9 year old, and me too.
I think we watched Shrek 5 times this weekend. I hope I don't have to see it again any time soon. I guess we didn't REALLY watch it all those times, but it was playing. Nathan was busy with his Teck Decks most of the time and Bella was jumping on the mini trampoline.
Teck Decks are little finger skateboards with removable trucks. He also has a ramp, some stairs with a rail and a quarter pipe for doing tricks. I knew he had 'em but I didn't know they are such a big deal. We watched several videos on You Tube about how to do tricks with them. Nathan amazes me sometimes. He can do all the tricks with his fingers on these little boards that he can do on his real skateboard.
We also went to the hardware store and got Nathan a roll of duct tape. Seems there is a fad where kids make hats and wallets and such out of duct tape.
Bella, the little princess, got to help cook breakfast and lunch. At 4 1/2 she is REAL slow but loves to help so I try to slow my pace to hers. She was so proud of all she did to help. All in all it was a much quieter weekend than we usually have and don't really know why. I love it when they come, but I also love it when they leave! Ah, the joy of being Grandma Nancy!
Now, for a long night's sleep and a full day of volunteering at NewSpring Church.
While we were at supper Friday night, Nathan's best friend called to ask him to go to the 7 PM movie. So we met Cole and his mom and dad at the theater and then Bella and I headed home to a Little Rascals movie. By the time it was over Nate was home so we watched Shrek. When Bella fell asleep...she brought her princess tent and set it up in my bedroom, Nathan wanted to watch I Am Legend. Since his mom sent it with him, I said OK. About 30 minutes in we turned it off and put Shrek back in. I Am Legend was just too intense for a 9 year old, and me too.
I think we watched Shrek 5 times this weekend. I hope I don't have to see it again any time soon. I guess we didn't REALLY watch it all those times, but it was playing. Nathan was busy with his Teck Decks most of the time and Bella was jumping on the mini trampoline.
Teck Decks are little finger skateboards with removable trucks. He also has a ramp, some stairs with a rail and a quarter pipe for doing tricks. I knew he had 'em but I didn't know they are such a big deal. We watched several videos on You Tube about how to do tricks with them. Nathan amazes me sometimes. He can do all the tricks with his fingers on these little boards that he can do on his real skateboard.
We also went to the hardware store and got Nathan a roll of duct tape. Seems there is a fad where kids make hats and wallets and such out of duct tape.
Bella, the little princess, got to help cook breakfast and lunch. At 4 1/2 she is REAL slow but loves to help so I try to slow my pace to hers. She was so proud of all she did to help. All in all it was a much quieter weekend than we usually have and don't really know why. I love it when they come, but I also love it when they leave! Ah, the joy of being Grandma Nancy!
Now, for a long night's sleep and a full day of volunteering at NewSpring Church.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Let It Snow
Well, just when I thought Spring was here...the yellow bell and Bradford pears are blooming...we're having a big snow. Big for SC that is. It's been snowing for about 5 hours and we have over 5 inches of snow on the ground. The snow isn't supposed to end until around 3 AM.
It is a pretty snow. I like the purity, the whiteness, the cleanness of the snow before it gets to be dirty slush; before people put their feet in it; before the cars streak it up. I also like the quiet. There are no cars or trucks running up and down the street. No loud stereos booming as they go by. No nothing. Just snow and quiet. That's kinda nice. I wouldn't want it every day but occasionally, for us once every 4 or 5 years, a quiet snow is nice.
And then there is the 1/2 day I'll take off from work tomorrow. Every one else will take a full day because the schools are closed but it is supposed to be warm enough by mid day to melt the snow. I'll play it by ear and may just stay home too. I'm caught up on my work for the first time in about 3 weeks. I was able to see the top of my desk when I left on Friday...that's practically a miracle.
I hope Nathan and Bella build a snowman tomorrow and make snow angels and snow ice cream and have a snowball fight; all the fun stuff. This is probably Bella's first "real" snow. Can't wait to hear what she thinks of it when she's here on Friday.
It is a pretty snow. I like the purity, the whiteness, the cleanness of the snow before it gets to be dirty slush; before people put their feet in it; before the cars streak it up. I also like the quiet. There are no cars or trucks running up and down the street. No loud stereos booming as they go by. No nothing. Just snow and quiet. That's kinda nice. I wouldn't want it every day but occasionally, for us once every 4 or 5 years, a quiet snow is nice.
And then there is the 1/2 day I'll take off from work tomorrow. Every one else will take a full day because the schools are closed but it is supposed to be warm enough by mid day to melt the snow. I'll play it by ear and may just stay home too. I'm caught up on my work for the first time in about 3 weeks. I was able to see the top of my desk when I left on Friday...that's practically a miracle.
I hope Nathan and Bella build a snowman tomorrow and make snow angels and snow ice cream and have a snowball fight; all the fun stuff. This is probably Bella's first "real" snow. Can't wait to hear what she thinks of it when she's here on Friday.
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