Steve Aves - My Thoughts #GrandchildrenSteve Aves - My Thoughts #Grandchildrenhttps://www.steveaves.com/blogs/tag/grandchildrenSun, 08 Mar 2026 08:58:11 -0700http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Grandson Is Confirmed at Church]]>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/grandson-is-confirmed-at-churchMy grandson is confirmed into St. John's Lutheran Church.]]>

I'm a proud grandfather

Below is the video of the complete church service. I have it starting at the point where the confirmands are joining in the "children's sermon." Then I marked highlights if you don't want to view the entire service, though I recommend you do.

5:11 children's sermon
14:01 sermon. Good sermon, particularly if you are not familiar with the Lutheran traditions.
34:02 confession. The confirmands AND the church make the confession of faith.
37:10 Markell is confirmed.
49:35 photos of the confirmands
]]>Mon, 04 Dec 2023 08:44:06 -0600<![CDATA[Grandpa, what is Spam?]]>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/grandpa-what-is-spamAttempting to describe the undescribable at times requires you to just, let it be, because it just, is.]]>

File under, careful what you ask for

    My 13-year-old grandson noticed the image on the left as the wallpaper on my phone. He inquired about it.
                                                                                                                           

Markell: "What is that a picture of?"

Me: "21st Century Schizoid Spam. It is an artistic rendering of a famous album cover by the rock band, King Crimson. "

Markell: "OK. What is that made of?"
Me: "Spam."
Markell: "What's Spam?"
Me: "Spam is a canned meat product made by Hormel foods. I think it was introduced in the 1930s. Very popular worldwide."
Markell: "I want to try it."
Me: "Some people really like, and others really hate it. Let me show you........."
Monty Python's Spam Sketch
Attempt to explain Spam Sketch
    Markell: "WHAT WAS THAT?"  "WHAT DID I JUST SEE??!"
    Me: "Monty Python's Spam Sketch."
    Markell: Looking confused, "WHAT was that ABOUT?!"
    Me: "Ummmmm, Spam."
]]>Tue, 29 Nov 2022 09:43:49 -0600<![CDATA[Grandson and 7th grade band roused the crowd]]>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/grandson-and-7th-grade-band-roused-the-crowdGrandson and 7th grade band roused the crowd. Rabbit ears on you mother Markell?!]]>

The 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 2 high school bands in Bloomington had their extravaganza concert last Thursday. 
Grandson Markell plays clarinet in the 7th grade band - everyone had a ball, and all the bands sounded excellent.
Turnout was very good.

The video below is only 2 1/2 minutes.  Worth a listen.
]]>Mon, 11 Apr 2022 10:01:50 -0500<![CDATA[Hands-on Activity: Trebuchet Design & Build Challenge]]>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/Hands-on-Activity-Trebuchet-Design-Build-Challenge

Now we're talking!  A wonderful activity with your middle school children.  Build a trebuchet and fling that garbage towards the jerk at the end of the street.


Also good for launching manure at opposing fraternities.

Trebuchet Scheme

Oh, and if you don't get the tongue in cheek suggestions above, then you lack a sense of humor... well, my humor.

]]>Fri, 27 Sep 2019 15:10:58 -0500<![CDATA[Satchmo Fest 2019 - Getting There]]>https://www.steveaves.com/blogs/post/Satchmo-Fest-2019I love New Orleans. The music, food, sounds, smells, people, and history. I would not want to live there though; no sleep and too much fun will kill m ]]>

I love New Orleans. The music, food, sounds, smells, people, and history. I would not want to live there though; no sleep and too much fun will kill me.

 

I took my 10 year old grandson to the Satchmo Festival last August. He is starting to play the clarinet and I figured the best way for him to experience "real fun" clarinet playing is in New Orleans.

 

We took the Amtrak's "City of New Orleans" train out of Champaign. We had a "Roomette" on the train. Comfortable and serviceable for two. Grandson enjoyed the ride!

Sleeping in the top bunk 

Sleeping in the top bunk was just fine for the grandson.


Enjoying breakfast and watching Tennessee go by.

Enjoying breakfast and watching Tennessee go by.


Train travel is delightful with children. They think the sounds and movements of the train are pretty cool. The private compartment was a nice respite from sitting with everyone in the lounge car.

]]>Tue, 10 Sep 2019 16:20:23 -0500