of the Lion

Start using Mint.com to manage your money today!

2010-09-29T13:52:00.001-07:00

"I love using Mint. It is a great resource for being able to hold all of your money information secure and in one local. It's got a lot of bank info in it, and it will hook you up with your account. I use it all the time."

With Mint, you can:

* Get set up in minutes
* See all your accounts in one place
* Set and track your budgets & achieve your goals
* Find hundreds of dollars in personalized savings
* Stay safe and secure...and it's free!

View >>

poetic response to pain

2009-02-13T15:58:00.000-07:00

The pain you express makes me hurt within
I don't understand the suffering which you are in
But along the way we may turn and find
That someone will listen, even pay you mind
Is that what you cry out for? Not just from the pain?
Can it be that what you need is Christ's soothing rain?

If those who bear His name have hurt you as such
I apologize and empathize because you've hurt much
While people suck and we fail left and right
Truly, truly, I say to you, Christ still is Light
Though the flesh we're in will rotten and decay
Still the LORD is caring, loving without delay

Too much is made of our failings by us
Christ has dealt with it, in Him I will trust
If peace is what you seek, don't look away
His arms are open wide, ready to comfort today
Are you willing to just let it all go?
Grace and new life He's waiting to show

REST! He provides what I need
My neediness must yield to His incredible deed
REST! Precious gift
Made alive for His glory and praise to lift
REST!

new blog

2009-02-07T17:08:00.003-07:00

Please go to our family's new webpage, Clan Van Liew, which now hosts our current blogging and our pictures (both with rss support so you can subscribe to be made aware of any new updates). We'd love to have more readers! So, share it with your friends and family who know us. Our latest blog update shares the ordeals we've faced this week. I think it's a good read (and I hope you agree). Go check it out!

tryin' sumthin' new

2009-01-20T01:19:00.006-07:00

I'd like all you faithful readers out there ::grin:: to check something out for me and give some feedback on whether you think we should move this direction or not. I just created a sample new site for our family which would include photos, videos, and blogs. If you end up liking it, I think we're going to switch to it instead of using blogger. Please, leave a comment and let us know what you think about the project: Clan Van Liew. Thanks!

student quote

2009-01-08T14:55:00.003-07:00

Directed to a student of mine, M.A. (Period 3):

"My first mistake was listening to you instead of Van Liew."
~C.K. (Period 3)

six already

2008-12-29T10:50:00.002-07:00

Yesterday was our sixth anniversary! We went to second service, took the kids home and fed them lunch. The kids took a nap, and we had Ben & Amanda Fagerlie offer to babysit for the evening so we could go out together, so they came over at four so we could leave. We ant to the DV30 AMC theatres but stopped in the Starbucks to get a drink first. Amy got a grande caramel macchiato with an extra pump of vanilla, and I got a triple venti white mocha. We went to see Madagascar 2, which had already been out a month but we'd not seen. We both thought it was quite funny and an overall good sequal. We then ate dinner at Olive Garden near Arrowhead mall. We ate a lot and still had leftovers to bring home. It was a great day together. My wife is an incredible blessing from the LORD. Thank you all for your well-wishes and congratulations.

personal shopper #19

2008-12-23T15:25:00.005-07:00

The Neighborhood Ministries is a group that meets the needs of the poor community in the Metro area. Their headquarters/church/meeting place is in downtown Phoenix. One of the ministries they have is to the parents of needy families. They allow adults to volunteer there in exchange for ministry money. It's not actually money redeemable for cash, but it is redeemable for brand new items during the Christmas store. People donate brand new items to the Christmas store so that these parents can purchase them with the volunteer dollars they've earned throughout the season. Why have a store instead of just giving handouts? Well, the idea behind doing the store comes from wanting to give people a sense of dignity in providing for their families during the Christmas season when so many needy families find they have no ability to give to their children. Instead of someone coming in, giving them things, and the parents being left with a remorse and lack of dignity from not being able to support their family, they now are able to earn these gifts for their family. All that to say, KAIO, the college-age and twenty-somethings group at ncc, got to join in on helping out during the Christmas store. There were lots of different jobs, but we all were set up as personal shoppers. We got to partner with a parent, take them through the store's mad rush, carry their gifts, keep a running total of what they were spending, and make sure they didn't go over their amount. We got to do this three times. It was quite an ordeal. People rushing to and fro, looking for what they could get their family. There were bikes, video games, a PSP or two, an iPod Nano, a couple TVs, jackets, things for him, things for her, children's toys for both boys and girls, balls, movies, and even kitchen appliances (nothing huge, but there were a couple of smaller refrigerators about 3-4' tall). Carrying it all, getting it to the holding area, keeping a running total, trying to understand their Spanish (most were Hispanic and couldn't speak English), getting them checked out, and helping them to their vehicle. And all of that three times. It was quite a rush. I was truly blessed to be a part of it (and I got to utilize my Spanish a lot!). I was personal shopper #19.

aidan wearing daddy's glasses

2008-12-23T15:23:00.002-07:00

Aidan just really wanted to wear my glasses, so I let him. Don't know how well he could see...what do you think from his expression?

old scruff to hot stuff

2008-12-23T15:19:00.003-07:00

Now, I had not shaven or trimmed for some time at the point of taking the before pictures here. I decided it was time. What do you think?
The before scruff.

Nicely trimmed.

Neck scruff.

Cleanly shaven.

chilly weather

2008-12-10T19:37:00.004-07:00

It has been pretty chilly around these parts for us desert rats. We decided to take a cartrip down to Pinal County, AZ, and we thought it might be good to make sure the kids were warm. Truly, they didn't end up even needing the hats but...

...yeah, we pretty much have the cutest kids on the planet.

amy's burn

2008-11-21T22:53:00.003-07:00

Amy burnt herself last weekend pretty bad. She was trying to pan sear a roast before putting it in the crockpot when some of the oil splattered up on her hand and arm. She's dealing with pain and discomfort with the burnt areas still. We aren't sure how much will be left over scars. She is handling it like a trooper. She's an amazing woman, what can I say? I love her.

births

2008-11-21T22:46:00.004-07:00

On the Van Liew side of the family, there were two births in the past week. Tammy (Van Liew) Plummer gave birth to her third son, Jeremiah David, on 11/17/08. Courtney (Van Liew) Steinman gave birth to her first child, Hunter James, on 11/20/08.

new hat

2008-11-21T22:41:00.004-07:00

I got a new hat because a couple of guys from ncc and I have joined a program called the Timothy Program through Scottsdale Bible Church. It's a program geared to help men learn to be godly men. SBC regards the class as leadership training for men. Kent DelHousaye, my pastor, can see this as deacon and elder training. Anyway, all that said, I got a hat. The kids saw me wearing it and wanted to wear it, too, instinctively wanting to be like me...you know how it is. I thought they looked cute, so I took some pictures.

the kids

2008-11-21T11:46:00.002-07:00

Here are some semi-recent pictures of the kids. Aidan likes to hold Isaiah on the couch now. And Isaiah has a comb over.

new words

2008-11-21T11:41:00.002-07:00

This morning at the breakfast table as we were eating, a plane flew over outside. Kate heard it and turned around to look at....the window I guess. Like she could really see anything. Anyway, she said, "what's that?" Aidan then promptly answered her, "that's a plane." She then repeated, "plane" sand Aidan said, "yes." It was cute to see Aidan teaching Kate words that he already knows. I think he has been waiting for her to be able to talk to him.

cell phones

2008-11-21T11:37:00.003-07:00

Aidan has always liked pretending he was talking on a phone. Now Kate likes to do it too. The other day at lunch they were sitting at the table while I was feeding Isaiah on the couch. They both had their hands up to their ears and were having a lengthly conversation with each other on the phone. It was really funny. They were talking back and forth, laughing. They ended the conversation by saying bye to each other. Aidan has now gotten to the point of taking a "phone" out of his pocket, pretending to dial, talking, hanging up, and then putting it back in his pocket when he is done. That kid...

new shirt

2008-11-21T11:33:00.002-07:00

I have been amiss at posting on here again. What's new? I realize that there are people who read on here that aren't on face book so I need to post here too. So just a couple of funny updates on the kids. At the beginning of the week Aidan had some kind of sickness that was making his stomach hurt (eventually he did throw up). All morning he kept lifting his shirt up and asking me for a new shirt because he thought that the shirt was making his stomach hurt. It was kind of sad.

soft

2008-11-09T16:37:00.003-07:00

It is hard to believe that we've not posted anything in over a month now! One cute story that's recently happened I would like to share. Aidan was eating dinner, sitting to my left. He started petting my arm (I guess he was feeling my hair) and he said, "Soft.". Yes, my son called my arm soft. Not the most hypermasculine of terms, I must say, but Amy had a good laugh, and that makes it worthwhile.

big shoes to fill

2008-10-06T22:01:00.001-07:00

What a blessing it is to watch Aidan grow. He wants to be like me. What a challenge, therefore, to be the man of God that I am to be in order that he may see what the LORD desires of us so that we may honor Him together.

student quote

2008-09-25T08:33:00.003-07:00

Background: there is the picture of a cartoon bee in the bottom of the new urinals here at DV. Some of the guys have said to "aim for the bee while you pee." This was a female student's response:

"I wish I was a guy. That sounds like fun."
~A.M. (Period 3)

student quote

2008-09-16T14:09:00.002-07:00

Background: I was telling my students they can't add "x" and "x squared" together because they're not like terms. I used the example that I can't add up my scrambled eggs and all my chickens to say that I then have more chickens then I did before (even though the eggs that I scramble do come from chickens originally). After the students on their own discussed chickens, eggs, and the like, a student seriously asked:

"Are chickens reptiles?"
~M.E. (Period 4)

student quote

2008-09-12T23:56:00.001-07:00

That's the picture I drew on the board trying to visually represent the last student quote I posted. What do you think?

tagging

2008-09-12T23:55:00.001-07:00

That tag really does say "Van Liew." Can you see it?

dan procknow

2008-09-12T23:54:00.001-07:00

charlotte procknow

2008-09-12T23:53:00.003-07:00

the procknows

2008-09-12T23:53:00.001-07:00

student quote

2008-09-12T10:39:00.002-07:00

"Do you talk to a tornado before it eats you?"
~P.M. (Period 3)

student quote

2008-09-09T11:07:00.003-07:00

"I wasn't slapping him. I was high-fiving his face!"
~ B.C. (Period 3)

service

2008-09-05T23:28:00.000-07:00

highlights of Palin's acceptance speech from RNC

2008-09-05T23:26:00.001-07:00

Makes me believe my vote might truly be worth something.

cardboard testimonies

2008-09-05T00:50:00.002-07:00

NCC will be doing something similar Thanksgiving weekend. The worship team I lead will have the privilege of being the team leading worship for this exciting event.

Update: they changed the date and my group will NOT be the group playing.

bloody (inoffensive) murder

2008-09-04T18:31:00.001-07:00

Katelyn took food out of her mouth. Guess what happened? That's right, she got her hand slapped. Don't you just love that face?!

a man and his phone

2008-09-04T18:28:00.001-07:00

Me looking schnazzy with my schnazzy new shirt and schnazzy first gen iphone.

combed and dangerous

2008-09-03T19:41:00.001-07:00

Isaiah got his hair combed after his bath tonight and looked all debonaire.

kate's babydoll

2008-09-03T19:21:00.001-07:00

The babydoll that Kate now loves to hold, play with, take care of, was Amy's doll from her early childhood. I think that's pretty neat, myself.

hi agoo

2008-09-03T19:15:00.001-07:00

Aidan decided his bath time play would include a phone call from Agoo (Mike Ogle, his grandpa, Amy's dad). He even raised that sifter up to my head for me to say hello. Yeah, he's a cute kid with a good imagination already.

katelyn walking

2008-09-03T18:39:00.001-07:00

Now, Kate still prefers to crawl, mind you, but she can walk. She walked from the couch into the middle of the room today. I guess Amy says that she's already taken five strides in a row, but now I've seen it with my own eyes. She's still chicken, though, so she won't walk all the time. She'll get there. Just give her some more time.

aidan counts again

2008-09-03T18:15:00.001-07:00

"1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 3, ketchup!"

more onlookers

2008-09-01T18:13:00.001-07:00

Aunt Valene, cousin Ashley, Gma Irene, cousin Violet, and Barbara Hays, all watching cousin Levi and uncle Howard open their gifts for their birthdays.

birthday presents

2008-09-01T18:11:00.001-07:00

In this picture you see a bunch of family members watching Levi open his birthday gifts.

allison, susan, and audrey

2008-09-01T18:09:00.001-07:00

These three ladies were just sitting there having a pow wow while the birthday boys were opening their presents. It was great to see everyone at the party. Amy and our kids could make it because the kids are all still sick. I had to represent the Adam Van Liew Clan by going in my family's stead. I had a good time while there. I had to leave early so I could finish grading and help get dinner together for the fam.

caleb and charles

2008-09-01T18:06:00.001-07:00

Caleb and Charles are cousins of mine. We were all gathered for our uncle Howard and cousin Levi's birthday celebration. I took the picture to display the beauty of the Van Liew men, but Charles looks like a moron.

definition of cuteness

2008-09-01T13:47:00.001-07:00

not one to mince words

2008-09-01T13:44:00.001-07:00

We were all about to eat lunch and it was time to hold hands and pray together as a family. We all grabbed hands and I started praying. Katelyn decided I was taking too long, said Amen, let go of my hand and pulled away. Maybe she just likes it short, sweet, and straight to the point.

belly button

2008-08-31T21:58:00.001-07:00

amanda & beth ddr

2008-08-31T21:54:00.002-07:00

amy & beth ddr

2008-08-31T21:54:00.001-07:00

After

2008-08-31T14:15:00.003-07:00

Before

2008-08-31T14:15:00.001-07:00

mccain's vp nominee

2008-08-29T22:22:00.001-07:00

ballgame

2008-08-29T22:04:00.005-07:00

Amy and I got to go to last Sunday's dbacks game. Southwestern College gave alumni free tickets and food vouchers. It was a nice gift, and I got to see Tim Reed (long-time friend of my father, one of my old profs) and Brent Garrison (family friend from Palmcroft, president of swc).

Sure we were in the nose bleeds, but we still had a great view.

And I got to spend the afternoon with my lovely bride. Isn't she amazing, folks? Love you, beautiful.

Thank you, Ogles (though you never read my blog), for giving us the afternoon without kids so we could enjoy the game together.

glasses

2008-08-29T21:53:00.005-07:00

My new glasses! Aren't they sweet?! Just a tad vintage? Maybe "fighter-pilot goggle"-like?

Just kidding, these are the ones I bought.

Wow...look at that beard. At least you can see I'm wearing my ccc shirt.

Not a bad pic, just a tad out of focus.

The pièce de résistance...my proof to me I need a haircut, beard trim, and some more exercise...racquetball anyone?

A bit ego-centric?

kate packin'

2008-08-29T21:47:00.005-07:00

"I like to eat."

"No, really. I can pack away more than Aidan now."

"This is a staredown if I've ever seen one! Bring it on, mama."

"Yep, me putting more food in my mouth."

"Chicken nuggets rock! And I'm cute, too."

aidan pickin'

2008-08-29T21:30:00.006-07:00

"I'm not picking..just scratching my face."

"And by 'face' I mean 'inside of my nose.'"

Oh, too cool.

Well, not too cool to drool.

the office

2008-08-21T23:26:00.000-07:00

student quote

2008-08-20T11:18:00.003-07:00

Okay, this one's purely an inside joke. I don't expect anyone to get it.

"Arrrrrrse...where's me booty?"
~L.H. (Period 2)

threat down

2008-08-15T21:02:00.001-07:00

march to enslavement

2008-08-15T20:56:00.002-07:00

one man's thoughts on Saudi Arabia's influence

2008-08-11T15:31:00.003-07:00

There are a couple of words in this vlog that you might not appreciate as much as some others, but the message is worth paying attention to as this Brit gives his thoughts on what is happening in his own country as it is being effected by Islamic extremists.

facebook

2008-08-07T22:35:00.004-07:00

I was just recently told that KAIO (college-age and twenty-somethings group at ncc) had a facebook page, I should join facebook, and that I then would be made an admin of that page so I could help everyone in KAIO stay informed and build community. I didn't take it seriously at first, but then I decided to try it out. I set it up last Friday at 1am. I had 100 friends within two days. I now have 159 friends. It is one of the coolest things I have dealt with online. Myspace can be really trashy, but facebook seems to be different, for all of my exposure so far of less than a week. I liked it so much that Amy made a facebook account for herself, as well. There is an iPhone app for facebook, so I am on facebook on my iPhone as much as I am on my computer at home and my computer at work, as well. I have connected with friends I had in high school who've I've not seen nor heard from in 9 years until facebook. It is an amazing networking tool. I just hope I can keep blogging and doing facebook without it killing me for time.

school about to begin

2008-08-07T22:26:00.005-07:00

Yes, it is that time of year again: monsoon weather in phoenix, heat still there, sun still rising early, and children about to head back to school. DVHS is where I call home for my teaching career at this stage. I do love it there. I am looking forward to another good year. I am teaching 3 classes of freshman level algebra and 3 classes of junior level algebra. My schedule is as follows:

Per 1 - Algebra 3-4
Per 2 - Algebra 1-2
Per 3 - Algebra 3-4
Per 4 - Algebra 3-4
Per 5 - Lunch
Per 6 - Algebra 1-2
Per 7 - Algebra 1-2

I can already tell you that my second hour is going to be the most challenging. LORD give me grace! Oh how at times like these I wish I was more merciful and understanding of others. Pray for Deer Valley's population, would you? Pray the LORD would reveal Himself in ways that could only be explained as that He showed up. Pray for CCC (Christian Club on Campus). Pray for CCC's leadership. Pray for Diedrich Wasserbauer and I as we sponsor CCC. Pray that it will have an impact for the Kingdom of our LORD, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory!

kate walking

2008-07-25T20:23:00.003-07:00

Nice pic of my knee. Oh yeah, that's Kate with the cart.

There's Amy helping Kate.

Oops! Need to learn to turn.

Aidan was watching Kate do her thing.

He also watched Amy help Kate turn the other way.

kate learning to walk

2008-07-25T14:55:00.002-07:00

Katelyn is really about to start walking now. So she's not the quickest learner, that's alright, but she's pretty darn close as is. She was using Aidan's cart to get moving around the livingroom. She did pretty well at it this afternoon. See? More pics later.

ben fagerlie

2008-07-25T14:43:00.003-07:00

Ben and Amanda came over last night when Amy was at a baby shower for Holly King. They brought me a sundae from DQ and we talked about movies some while Amanda used my iPhone. What they really wanted to do was to play DDR on our Wii. Dance Dance Revolution is fun, and we did play for about 30-40 minutes. That is a picture of Ben taken by Amanda when she was using my phone.

cupcakes

2008-07-20T14:11:00.002-07:00

Aidan enjoyed Eli's birthday cupcakes, too!

eli's bday

2008-07-20T14:09:00.002-07:00

We were over at Chris & Nicole Blackfords' house Friday to play games, but it also happened to be their son Elijah's birthday. He liked his cupcake. Can't you tell?

kate's napping position

2008-07-20T14:01:00.002-07:00

Yes, I went in to get Kate up and that's how she was laying. Go karate girl!

tired aidan

2008-07-14T13:22:00.002-07:00

He loves his blankie. He was watching something before going to bed and that's how he laid on the couch to do so. Crazy kid.

ggg

2008-07-14T12:59:00.006-07:00

Great Grandma Ginny (for the kids, just grandma to me) is coming to town with Ernie this coming Monday through Wenesday. We are looking forward to introducing them to the AZ great grandkids. I've not seen Grandma Ginny in quite a while myself, so this will be a treat for all of us. We'll take pics and post them as soon as we get a chance.

iPhone post

2008-07-14T12:55:00.004-07:00

Wow! I never thought I'd be able to use Blogger on my iPhone, but, then again, I didn't try all the tricks, I guess. Yes, I am typing this post on my iPhone. And I could have been doing this for a year now! Go fig.

aidan, kate, and NASCAR

2008-07-14T00:54:00.003-07:00

Aidan and Kate were watching NASCAR. Why? Because it was on TV and they love to watch. We were over with the Van Liews at Larry & Susan's house. They family got together to celebrate Bethany and Josiah being in town. It was great to see them. Hopefully I'll put some picks of them up soon. That's first cousin once removed Ashley Van Liew helping Kate stand. You can kind of make out Chuck Van Liew, one of my uncles, sitting at the table in the background.

aidan, kate, and movies

2008-07-14T00:52:00.001-07:00

This is how Aidan and Kate laid on the couch as they were watching movies Saturday morning.

Aidan loves to cross his legs.

surf's up

2008-07-13T16:59:00.002-07:00

Now, I know what you're thinking, but, no, that's not a surf board (misleading title to be sure). It is an ironing board. Yes, after 5 1/2 years or marriage, I've finally broken down and bought my wife an ironing board. Sure, we had one that hung from our closet door (that she hated), but this one actually stands on its own. I know...amazing technology they have these days.

KAIO study

2008-07-12T00:49:00.003-07:00

I took this picture a couple months ago, I suppose. We are doing a study through Colossians together in KAIO (college-age and twenty-somethings at ncc). This diagram represents Col 2.6-7. Look it up!

new be eyes pics

2008-07-11T13:20:00.002-07:00

Yes, that is nub in the pic with Isaiah. Nub remembers such experiences as being in Aidan's mouth and being in Kate's mouth. Yes, he's a hand-me-down, but he's part of the family.

The tongue sticking out is my favorite.

Oh, and he still has blue eyes.

By the time the other kids were Isaiah's age, they already had their permanent eye color.

Yep, good lookin' boy, though this picture kind of freaks me out. Can't tell if that's a smile or not.

be eyes' feet

2008-07-11T13:15:00.001-07:00

The poll was conducted, and though the response was a little "underwhelming," I'd say we have a winner: Be Eyes is the best nickname for Isaiah from Aidan. Just as a little added bonus, here are some pictures taken at the same time as the family of five pictures, but these are just of Isaiah's feet. What do you think?

family of five

2008-07-11T13:12:00.002-07:00

Yes, we've had to move to zone defense. So far, so good.These are our first pictures of the five of us.

Quite the handsome family, wouldn't you say?

watching aristocats

2008-07-11T12:35:00.002-07:00

Last night, before the storm, Aidan and I got on the ottoman and watched his favorite movie: The Aristocats.

He asks for it all the time: "Watch meows? Watch meows?"

He says it incessantly, "Watch meows? Watch meows?"

That is, until you finally give in and watch.

kate's sleeping habits

2008-07-11T12:27:00.005-07:00

Kate had play time, but she took a nap instead.She had placed herself up against the side of the pack-n-play.

I don't know how comfortable she could possible be in that position.

But, she slept really well, so what do I have to complain about?
She's quite a cutie!

aidan biffed it

2008-07-11T12:20:00.003-07:00

So there was a big storm last night, and it had just started downpouring, so I got up from the computer, went out to the living room, where Amy and Aidan were, and we decided to go out back to see and touch the rain. Aidan was so excited that he started running toward the back door. He tripped, face-planted, and started crying. I felt so bad for my little bud: he was so excited and then biffed it hard. Take a look at his nose: that's where he took it the hardest.

Yet, he can still smile this morning.

We very much enjoyed playing with the rain, though.

He's fine.

What a happy kid!

nicknames

2008-07-04T23:23:00.006-07:00

Aidan has a way with words. He counts with incredible accuracy (read the previous post on it) and he tells great jokes (again, read more posts). He is also extremely caring toward his siblings. He's started giving kisses and hugs to both Kate and Isaiah just whenever he feels like it. It melts the heart, let me tell ya. He also has special things he calls his siblings. For Kate, he calls her "Sissy." He'll say things like "Sissy's cup" and "where's Sissy?" For Isaiah, well, he's kind of transitioning back and forth between names. If he's just trying to say Isaiah, he says "Eyes Eyes." He might also just say "Baby." When he wants to put those two together, he says "Baby Eyes." He's now started shortening that to "Be Eyes." I think I like that one the most. What do you think? Vote on the new poll in the side column. You have one week! Let your voice be heard.

happy independence day

2008-07-04T23:11:00.003-07:00

We ended up taking the family (Adam, Amy, Aidan, Kate, & Isaiah) over to the Blackfords' place tonight (only family was invited, but we got on the list!). We went there because they live very close to the Peoria Sports Complex which hosts a fireworks show each 4th of July. Since fireworks are illegal in AZ, that's about all one can LEGALLY do in Phoenix to enjoy the bright lights and loud sounds of fireworks. We really wanted Aidan to enjoy it because he loved Christmas lights so much and would Oooo and Ahhh at them every time we went by some. Aidan wasn't that into it, sadly. They didn't start the display until 9:15pm, and that's already about two hours past his bedtime, so he was a bit fussy and didn't focus well. We still enjoyed the show. And we got to hang out with people we love (yes, Ben & Amanda, that means you, with a special shout out to Bill & JoAnn, Steven, Chris & Nicole, Sarah, Matt Bill!, even the child Rebecca -inside joke-, Miles & Terri, and the billion dogs that you all have). Overall, it was a good evening. JoAnn...I love your homemade ice-cream! Thanks!

counting with aidan

2008-07-04T23:02:00.003-07:00

Counting with Aidan is fun. I am quite enjoying this as a new pastime. He has his own number system that I would like all of you to accept. As he starts counting things on his own, he counts: one, three, four, nine. And that's it. Now, I was listening to him count the other day and he counted: one, three, nine, four. 1394 just happens to be the IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) number for firewire connections (speedy digital transfer connection for computers, similar to the concept of USB, but in competition with it, if you're familiar with USB). That's my boy! (Especially because firewire was developed by Apple. Booya!)

aidan's first joke

2008-07-04T22:57:00.003-07:00

Yes, I am posting this as Aidan's first joke. Amy would disagree with me, but I thought it was so funny I couldn't stop laughing when the conversation took place.

Aidan: "Knock, knock." (yes, that's what he actually said...he had just heard a knocking sound)
Adam: "Who's there?"
Aidan: "Bird."
Adam: "Bird who?"
Aidan: "Outside."

I was almost rolling on the floor. It was great. And that was on June 13th (not as remiss as my previous two posts).

lunch with Amy

2008-07-04T22:52:00.002-07:00

Back on January 26th (yes...again, I know), Amy and I were at lunch at Abuelo's Mexican Restaurant.

Amy (who was pregnant) said: "It's a good thing I already have heartburn," as she started to enjoy her bowl of shrimp chowder.

convo with aidan

2008-07-04T22:50:00.004-07:00

This one is from January 2nd (yes, I know...I've been remiss). I was talking to Aidan.

I said: "I love you, buddy."
Aidan said: "Cars."

What love!

high five

2008-07-01T11:10:00.002-07:00

Lately Aidan has been wanting to give everyone high fives, all the time. I am not sure where this fascination came from because he already knew how to give high fives. He likes to give them while getting his diaper changed, while sitting at the table eating, while watching a movie (to the characters in the movie), while playing with Kate, he even tries to give them to Isaiah. Yesterday while we were eating dinner at the table he tried to give one to everyone at the table. He says, "Daddy high five" "momma high five" "sissy high five". Since he was told not while we were eating by Adam and I, and since he had already gone around the table he said, "Aidan high five" and he gave himself a high five. I had to turn my head so he wouldn't see me laughing at him.

not as funny maternity story

2008-07-01T11:00:00.002-07:00

While we were walking the hall ways because we were waiting for a room to open up. I was having a contraction while Adam was talking to his mom on the phone. He decided that it would be fun to poke me in the stomach while I was having the contraction. I told him not to touch me. He, for some reason, didn't seem to understand why I told him that. I consider my self pretty easy going, but poking a pregnant woman in the stomach who is in labor while having a contraction just isn't a good idea...no matter who the person is.

funny maternity story

2008-06-30T17:08:00.004-07:00

We left the house at 3:40am 5/24/08. The nurse checked Amy out, hooked up the monitors, and after a while told her to walk. We walked for about and hour and a quarter, from 10 to 5 until 6:05. We walked the hallway from one end of the hospital to the other at least five times. I made Amy laugh once just as she started to have a contraction. She was talking about wanting her water to break so they had to admit her, since they still hadn't at that time, and I said...

Water? It's not water. It's disgusting crap. [The question should be:] "has your disgusting crap broken yet?"

the band

2008-06-20T23:38:00.003-07:00

I have been given the amazing responsibility to create a new band that will start leading worship once a month at ncc for the entire congregation. We're not talking children's worship or student ministries worship, we're talking church-wide worship. Don't get me wrong, all of those time are important and shouldn't be taken lightly, but my group has been honored with bringing some more youthfulness into the mix for everyone. It is going to be quite the task. The LORD just finished off the group by giving us an electric guitar player who's rapidly becoming one of my favorite people musically, philosophically, and comically. So here's the group; pre-named "analogue groove" (it won't stick, I'm sure):

Adam Van Liew :: Leader/Vocals

Jenny Brothwell :: Rhythm Guitar/Vocals

Daniel Kwast :: Electric Guitar/Vocals

Kha Do :: Bassist/Vocals

Ben Esh :: Drums/Percussion

Jenny (23) has been a friend for years, but never really close; I respect her insight and ability. Daniel (20) and I just met on the KAIO get away trip to Lake Elsinore, CA, but he has impressed me with his philosophy of worship and his desire for excellence in what he does before the LORD. Kha (18) and I have known each other for years; he is an incredible musician with an amazing heart; I am truly blessed to be working with him (and we share the same birthday!). Ben (23) is now one of my best friends; I can truly say that I love this man; he's about half my size, so I make fun of his height all the time (yes, I'm cruel and rude); he has a great heart and I am just glad that he and I can talk and learn from each other. I am so pleased to be a part of this. We practice as a group for the first time tomorrow morning, though Kha will be missing (he's at a student ministries lock-in right now and will need to be sleeping when we are practicing), and our first time to lead the congregation will be July 6th. We've got three Saturdays to be completely ready. These are an excellent bunch of musicians who care about the LORD and I have no doubt that we'll all put our effort in to make this worth something glorifying to the LORD.

summer

2008-06-20T23:31:00.003-07:00

Yesterday was my last day of summer school. I am now official experiencing my summer break. It's amazing, but there are always things to fill a day. As for summer school, I had only eight students, all passed, and we had a pretty good time of it. I won't say that I will remember this time as fondly as I do my first summer school teaching experience, but it was still quite a bit better than the normal semester was. I love that I had every quiz and test graded just minutes after the class was done and it was handed back to them immediately with immediate feedback, as well. I love that I knew exactly where each student was on the worksheets. I love that I didn't have to take anything home, and I didn't have to make them do homework, either. I love that they had no other subjects to worry about other than this one. I love that we only worked for four hours at most per school day. I love that a full semester's worth of material was completed in less than four weeks time. I love that I've been able to be home with my family more. I really love that summer has now started and I can be here to help Amy with tons more (like potty training Aidan: next week!). I'm sure I'll have much more to post over the next few weeks.

gma irene and children

2008-05-30T21:26:00.004-07:00

This picture is near and dear to me, and I have been amiss for not posting it yet. This was taken at my great grandma Van's 100th birthday celebration and family farewell. My grandparents (Gma Irene is pictured in the middle) had 7 children. Here they are listed in order as show in the picture with the order of birth noted: Kris (7), Susan Irene (5), Vaughn (1, my dad), Larry (2), Marcie (3), Chuck (4), and Valene (6).

fred?

2008-05-27T20:00:00.003-07:00

For any of you who might know who my Great Uncle Fred is, does this guy look like him, or what?!
We were walking around Thunderbird Hospital, trying to induce labor and get those contractions closer, and this picture was on one of the walls in the hallway we were walking down. I couldn't believe the resemblance, and I thought it was funny. Amy didn't seem to care too much. ::tongue in cheek::

isaiah is hot stuff

2008-05-27T19:42:00.007-07:00

Check out the majesty, the beauty, the Icy (Isaiah, that is).

A bit of an update: Amy is doing well, and the pain meds are working fine (she's not having to take but two pills a day - unless she's a lot more active for whatever reason). Isaiah got circumcised today (the Dr. said he slept through most of it - he also had his first bit of sugar at the time). Aidan and Kate are now sleeping in the same room (as of Sunday night after we brought Isaiah home for the first time). It has been a challenge to make sure that Aidan and Kate are getting enough sleep, since they love each other and love to interact. They were completely and utterly exhausted tonight, so hopefully they'll sleep well and wake up tomorrow refreshed. We've had people over helping us a ton (THANKS!) including Mike & Francy (agoo & zsa-ji), Grandma Irene (Meema), Ben & Amanda Fagerlie, and now Melissa Hundley (she's going to be spending the next few nights with us while her townhouse has some work done). Amy might not say much, or ask for much, but she is extremely grateful for all everyone is doing (and so am I - especially as I started teaching summer school today and need all the help around the house I can get). JoAnn Blackford has put together a list of ladies who've volunteered to bring us meals over the next two weeks. THANK YOU ALL!!!!

isaiah cole

2008-05-26T00:20:00.001-07:00

Meet Isaiah Cole Van Liew!

Born 2:55pm 5/24/08, 6lbs 12oz, 19.5in

kate's birthday celebration continued

2008-05-25T23:55:00.005-07:00

Kate had two birthday parties. The first one was on her actual birthday, Friday (5/16), with just Amy, Aidan, and I. The second one, this past Wednesday (5/20), involved Agoo & Zsa-ji and Nannie & Poppie, as well. She got to have chocolate cake (as you can see). Isn't she just absolutely adorable?!

computer been down

2008-05-25T23:40:00.002-07:00

Sorry I've not been posting as much lately. The computer hard drive crashed on us earlier this week. There's been a lot going on, most of which I was able to talk about in the last post, but there is another pretty incredible thing that just recently occurred that I want you all to know about that I was unable to post about last night. Stay tuned!

six posts for the price of one

2008-05-23T21:31:00.004-07:00

Yep...this has truly been a crazy year. I am proud to say that I have now successfully made it through school year 2007-2008. Graduation was this morning, and what a day for a graduation! It was about 110 degrees F just five days ago, but today it was stormy and topped out around 70. What gorgeous weather. Enough weather talk, though, because I want to simply give an update on life...

I was not accepted for the MSTF program through ASU this summer. There were over 40 teachers who received an invitation to the fellowship, and none rejected it. Another over 100 teachers were outright rejected right away, but then I fell in a third category, a category of suspense and torturous waiting. I knew all of the other teacher's who'd applied at DVHS were either accepted or rejected, but I received no word from ASU at all. It left me hanging and wondering if I should be doing the summer school gig or if I should plan on doing the MSTF. I wrote in and got a response a couple days later. I was told I was in the third category and I would know by last Friday whether I was in or not. I did not receive any word Friday. I didn't receive any word at all that weekend. I decided to wait until Monday morning to write and email asking whether or not I was in, and there was still no word. I wrote in and received a response in a couple hours: I was not in. So, I was bummed, but what could I do? Therefore, I will be teaching summer school starting this Tuesday. I get three days off in between second semester and summer school, and I plan on using them to the fullest.

The Van Liews in Phoenix will be getting together for the couple of birthday celebrations all rolled into one this Sunday at 4pm AZ time. Charles and Allison will be in town, and I am looking forward to being with family. It has been awhile since we've all be together out here. If you've not heard, Chuck Van Liew, Charles' father, just quit his job and is in limbo right now, but at complete peace because of his faith in the LORD Jesus Christ, and will be looking for a new job. He's been in the same employ for the last 25 years or so, so this is a major change for his family. It is a good move, so no worries there, but it still would have been a huge decision, though the right one. Aren't the hard ones normally the right ones? The whole family is proud of him and wish (pray, actually) for the best.

Amy, as of yesterday, is 3cm dilated and lost the rest of her mucus plug (gross). She had her membranes stripped at the Dr. appointment. She has been having contractions every 10 min or so this evening. We are hopeful that Isaiah Cole Van Liew, our third child (in three years), will be joining us this weekend. This is perfect timing as I am off from work right now and have a three day weekend. As mentioned before, I want to use this weekend to the fullest! Amy is looking forward to being finished with pregnancy for at least a couple years here, though she's said she's still willing to have more. God gave me the perfect woman for me, I'm tellin' ya!

Kate just had a check up this afternoon. She is now 17lbs. 14oz. That's a pound and a half since the February appointment. She is a lean one still, but she is about perfect on the ten percentile curve. We are extremely happy with that report. We weren't sure if she was gaining enough, but that gives us relief and comfort. The LORD has been good to us. Kate's had her struggles in life already, but she is bouncing back well, and she's one of the happiest babies you'll meet to boot. She just had her first birthday a week ago. Aidan turned 2 a month and a half ago, so we have a 2 year old, a 1 year old, and an about to be born (year old). I don't say anything with tongue-in-cheek. And that last sentence wasn't in the least bit sarcastic. Or that one. :)

Aidan's a stud and continuously gains new vocabulary daily now. I love watching him love his sister. I love hearing them laugh together, seeing them play together. Their interaction makes me wonder about Bethany and me: did we act like that when young? I hope so. It's brought Amy and I so much joy and enjoyment that I hope that was given to my parents for their joy and enjoyment. I am in complete wonder. I am so proud to be Aidan's daddy. It is amazing to watch human development and how intelligent such a small child can be. God created some incredible beings, I must say. Too bad we screwed it all up with our stupidity in pride and now that same intelligent child is also an evil, wicked sinner (a.k.a. "sack-o-sin").

Speaking of pride, I got to counsel a student who used to be a CCC leader until midway through last semester (Fall 07). She's had issues with her self-view and has hated her body and it's affected her entire life. Now, I'm not one to go for self-esteem as being key, but a believer needs to view him/herself in the light of God's holiness as well as His grace. We need to see the sinner part, but we also need to see the beauty. The phrase I was given (thank you LORD) during our conversation that brought the first true smile to her face that I've seen in months was: "you're the most beautiful thing He's ever seen." Let me explain. When the LORD looks at us, He sees His Son covering us, and, therefore, He sees the most beautiful thing He's ever seen. True, we have our issues, but we're covered by the blood of the Lamb, people. how incredible is that? Yes, we have our responsibility to live rightly in the LORD's sight, but we have His grace, as well. "Should we go on sinning so that grace may increase? May it never be!" But, on the same token, we are not to beat ourselves up and hold on to guilt for something He's already paid for and taken care of completely! How beautiful the blood! And it's all for His glory. Hey, don't forget...

You're the most beautiful thing He's ever seen!

pigtails- the aftermath

2008-05-19T11:07:00.003-07:00

so, the pig tails are cute but whenever we put her hair up now this is what it looks like at the end of the day when we take it out.

pigtails

2008-05-19T11:01:00.004-07:00

last week was our first attempt at pigtails for Kate. There isn't a lot of hair to work with but it was still really cute.