Sometimes you can not improve on what is done, so if you want to know what is going on in our family lately go to www.hondorpnews.blogspot.com/
You will see lots of neat pictures and all of our grandkids and much more.
Have a wonderful summer.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Second half of 2009
Can you believe that the year of 2009 is half over? The month of June passed by without my input, and I can not think of anything special that occured, but it was a good month and filled with 4 kids birthday's, an anniversary, and a grandchild's 16th birthday.
Backing up a little, I went to SD twice in May. The second time I picked up Joel, Brenda, Emma and Sam on the 23rd of May and made the 875 miles to SD in one day, although it started a little later than we had planned!! I had set the alarm, but it did not go off, and Brenda called when I had planned on being at their house, so we started an hour later. We got off at 6 AM and the next few hours were just a bit noisy as we had a turtle car top carrier on the car, and with the straps going every which way, we ended up with noise that was very annoying. Needless to say it was irritating, and wore on all of us. Finally Brenda had an idea, and we removed one strap, and the noise was gone. That made the rest of the trip much better. We finally made it to Sioux Falls airport at 7 at night, and picked up Emily, had supper and finally made it to our destination. It was a long day, and we were all tired. Thankfully Emily stayed in good humor waiting 6 hours for us to show up at the SF airport.
We spent time visiting Mom, which she enjoyed so much. Brenda and Emily took lots of time to massage her back, arms and legs. We took her to Ken and Margie one morning, and also took her in her chair to Leisure Living (her former residence). She enjoys all the extra attention and activity. It was beautiful weather most days, so we sat outside on the patio also.
Joel was able to get in 2 games of golf at the Platte Golf course. Emma had a wonderful time playing with Cassidy, Ken and Margie's grand daughter. She is a year older, and Emma refers to her as the girl with the white hair. Cassidy is as blonde as Emma is dark. They were a cute combination, and had lots of fun together.
Emily stayed until Tuesday, and Margie and I took her to Sioux Falls. It was a quick trip with out shopping, although we did stop in Mitchell for some items and had lunch.
We left on Friday and drove home again in one day. When Emma got out of the car, she ran to her tricycle and rode around the van as fast as she could go, then she got on her bike, and did the same thing. We would have all felt better if we had joined her, but somebody had to unload the van!! I made it home about 11 PM. It was a great trip and the next time I saw Emma she said she wanted to go to SD again with Grandma.
We also enjoyed 2 nights at a Bed and Breakfast in Fennville, MI, the 2nd weekend of June, compliments of our kids ( a Christmas gift), and had a great time. We just spent the 2 days sitting by Lake Michigan in Saugatuck ( even rode the Duck) , South Haven and Holland and walking the piers in all 3 towns. Thankfully we had the weekend with good weather. The next weekend the lake shore received up to 8" of rain along with tornadoes and lots of wind.
I still take one day a week to take care of the local grandkids and that is always a fun day. One day that sticks out in my mind was the afternoon, when both Abe and Teddy had escaped outside while I sat outside with Emma and Sam. Emma went in to get a juice box, and while there, Abe wanted to come into the house, so she opened the door and let him in, with a live chipmunk in his mouth. When I walked in with Sam a couple of minutes later, Emma was standing in the kitchen with a live chippie in her hand. I was so surprised I said " Oh, Emma", and she dropped the critter. Then the chase began. I laid Sam in his crib, and made many futile attempts at catching it. I made one more try and had the chippie by the tip of his tail. I had him!! Just that quick it jerked and I was left with about 1/2" of a chippie tail in my hand, and the chippie was on the way down the basement. The opportunities for the chippie were much greater and he made the most of it, by running into Emma's room, then in the family room under 3 chairs that I turned over in the chase ( and then forgot to turn them right side up), and then he made a dive for the laundry room and behind the washer. Abe was with me the whole time, and kept catching the chippie, but would drop it every time I got close. He did make a great catch by the washer; and I heard Abe hit his head on the washer, but he caught the chippie. A few more attempts and I finally caught him and threw the chippie and cat out the back door. Emma had not left the scene for a minute and watched every move that was made. It was a crazy afternoon, and Brenda seemed to think it was quite funny!! Imagine that.
Last weekend we had a nice time with friends on Friday evening by taking our pontoon boat to Murray Lake and took a 3 hour boat ride, and supper on the boat. It was so beautiful out and fun to be with friends. We hope to take the boat out this holiday weekend again.
Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend, and stay safe.
Backing up a little, I went to SD twice in May. The second time I picked up Joel, Brenda, Emma and Sam on the 23rd of May and made the 875 miles to SD in one day, although it started a little later than we had planned!! I had set the alarm, but it did not go off, and Brenda called when I had planned on being at their house, so we started an hour later. We got off at 6 AM and the next few hours were just a bit noisy as we had a turtle car top carrier on the car, and with the straps going every which way, we ended up with noise that was very annoying. Needless to say it was irritating, and wore on all of us. Finally Brenda had an idea, and we removed one strap, and the noise was gone. That made the rest of the trip much better. We finally made it to Sioux Falls airport at 7 at night, and picked up Emily, had supper and finally made it to our destination. It was a long day, and we were all tired. Thankfully Emily stayed in good humor waiting 6 hours for us to show up at the SF airport.
We spent time visiting Mom, which she enjoyed so much. Brenda and Emily took lots of time to massage her back, arms and legs. We took her to Ken and Margie one morning, and also took her in her chair to Leisure Living (her former residence). She enjoys all the extra attention and activity. It was beautiful weather most days, so we sat outside on the patio also.
Joel was able to get in 2 games of golf at the Platte Golf course. Emma had a wonderful time playing with Cassidy, Ken and Margie's grand daughter. She is a year older, and Emma refers to her as the girl with the white hair. Cassidy is as blonde as Emma is dark. They were a cute combination, and had lots of fun together.
Emily stayed until Tuesday, and Margie and I took her to Sioux Falls. It was a quick trip with out shopping, although we did stop in Mitchell for some items and had lunch.
We left on Friday and drove home again in one day. When Emma got out of the car, she ran to her tricycle and rode around the van as fast as she could go, then she got on her bike, and did the same thing. We would have all felt better if we had joined her, but somebody had to unload the van!! I made it home about 11 PM. It was a great trip and the next time I saw Emma she said she wanted to go to SD again with Grandma.
We also enjoyed 2 nights at a Bed and Breakfast in Fennville, MI, the 2nd weekend of June, compliments of our kids ( a Christmas gift), and had a great time. We just spent the 2 days sitting by Lake Michigan in Saugatuck ( even rode the Duck) , South Haven and Holland and walking the piers in all 3 towns. Thankfully we had the weekend with good weather. The next weekend the lake shore received up to 8" of rain along with tornadoes and lots of wind.
I still take one day a week to take care of the local grandkids and that is always a fun day. One day that sticks out in my mind was the afternoon, when both Abe and Teddy had escaped outside while I sat outside with Emma and Sam. Emma went in to get a juice box, and while there, Abe wanted to come into the house, so she opened the door and let him in, with a live chipmunk in his mouth. When I walked in with Sam a couple of minutes later, Emma was standing in the kitchen with a live chippie in her hand. I was so surprised I said " Oh, Emma", and she dropped the critter. Then the chase began. I laid Sam in his crib, and made many futile attempts at catching it. I made one more try and had the chippie by the tip of his tail. I had him!! Just that quick it jerked and I was left with about 1/2" of a chippie tail in my hand, and the chippie was on the way down the basement. The opportunities for the chippie were much greater and he made the most of it, by running into Emma's room, then in the family room under 3 chairs that I turned over in the chase ( and then forgot to turn them right side up), and then he made a dive for the laundry room and behind the washer. Abe was with me the whole time, and kept catching the chippie, but would drop it every time I got close. He did make a great catch by the washer; and I heard Abe hit his head on the washer, but he caught the chippie. A few more attempts and I finally caught him and threw the chippie and cat out the back door. Emma had not left the scene for a minute and watched every move that was made. It was a crazy afternoon, and Brenda seemed to think it was quite funny!! Imagine that.
Last weekend we had a nice time with friends on Friday evening by taking our pontoon boat to Murray Lake and took a 3 hour boat ride, and supper on the boat. It was so beautiful out and fun to be with friends. We hope to take the boat out this holiday weekend again.
Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend, and stay safe.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Spring is HERE!
Do we dare say it? It has been an up and down teaser, with warm days and cold days, but as they say "hope springs eternal".Ha. No matter what the weather, we have had a great time in the last month, with many days of travel, and also many days of enjoying the work at home.
My 62nd birthday was celebrated by a 7 hour flight to the Netherlands with Everett and his sister and husband, Ken and Margie Vanden Hoek. We joined the rest of the tour group at the Sciphol Airport, from all over the U.S. for a waterway cruise on the rivers and canals of northern Holland. We had amazing weather for the entire week, which is not always the case when you travel in the Netherlands. The first day was filled with activity to help us adjust to the 6 hour time change. We started at a bed and breakfast/cheese factory called the Clara Maria, near Gouda. Then on to Gouda to take a walking tour to see the St. Jans kerk (church), had lunch and shopped, and then on to Arnham to see the WWII cemetery and later got on our ship there. Sunday was a quiet day, with a church service and then a walking tour through Deventer.
We also went to an organ concert at the Reformed church in Kampen, many more walking tours through cities where we were docked. We went to the Island of Texel, stopped in Sneek, and toured the replica of Noah's Ark in the dock there. The wonderful part of the tour is the relaxing, as the boat cruises through the country side with the quiet pastoral setting of the land passing by. We saw many old dutch homes with lace curtains at the windows, cattle grazing in the pastures, sheep, Frisian horses, storks nesting on tall poles along the water. We passed by many old windmills and also many of the new windmills that provide power.
We had a group of Frisian folk dancers perform for us one evening, and also a folk band another evening. We also spent time playing cards while we relaxed on the promenade deck.
The last day of the tour we went to Keukenhof Gardens to see 72 acres of the most beautiful spring flowers. The colors and varieties are amazing, with tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, of every color and variety imaginable, as well as other types of flowers. There is also a building filled with orchids of every kind.
We also went to the Alsmeer World Flower Market. They have acres of boxes on skids filled with every kind of cut flower to be sold by auction and shipped all over the world, all in a matter of a couple of hours, so they are delivered fresh. It is an interesting business.
On Sat. we were all brought to the airport to either fly home or in our case, we rented a VW minivan, and headed out to meet our extended cousin, Peter Hekze. We spent the next 4 days seeing the Netherlands with Peter as our guide. He was fluent with the English language, so communication was not a problem. He showed us many interesting towns that were fortresses during the Spanish war, shaped like a star, with water all around it. The towns were mostly built with a very beauiful old church in the center and usually on the highest point. We were able to go into some, and took pictures of those that were located in the towns where our ancestors came from. We went to Wolvega where the VT family immigrated from. Grandpa Vander Ley came from that area also. We also went to Goudriaan where the Vanden Hoek family came from.
We went to one town that was so interesting and lovely, I would recommend it to anyone visiting the Netherlands. It was Giethoorn. It has canals all over, and is called the 'little Venice" of the Netherlands. The houses and bridges were just lovely.
Peter's wife Annika was very gracious and prepared dinner for us each evening. We had delicious meals. Peter took meat and cheese and juice boxes in his back pack ,and we bought bread at a bakery and that was our lunch each day. We ate at a picnic table or in the car if it was raining.
We also visited various cemetery's, and couple of castles, got lots of history regarding polders, dikes, land taken from the sea, the pumps used to remove the water etc. It was all very interesting.
We stayed in Almeer which is quite a large area, that was only acquired from the sea since 1956, and that is where Peter lived as well. We stayed at the Bastion Hotel in that same area, which was very nice.
On Wed. we flew home and were very grateful that all our flights and connections went without a problem.
One very important event took place while we were on the ship, and that was on Tues. April 21 when we got the word that Samuel Aaron had been officially adopted. We were all thrilled, and so thankful that the process had gone so smoothly. He is a precious baby, and so grateful that he is part of our family, and joins Joel, Brenda and Emma.
We were home one day and had time to do the laundry, sort the mail, pay the bills , and mow the lawn, and then on Friday left for Sioux Center, Iowa to go to our neice Karissa Stel and Eric Sjaarda's wedding. We had a wonderful time and it was a beautiful wedding. It was so good to see so many members of the family.
On Sunday we went to Corsica to see Mom. We were with her for 2 days and then drove home on Wednesday. It was a good visit, and great to see her again.
This coming Sat. I am taking Joel, Brenda, Emma and Sam with me to SD to spend a week with family. We plan to drive straight through so will be interesting to see how we do, especially with a 3 year old that is a high activity child. The DVD player should help some.
Well, until next month........
We also went to an organ concert at the Reformed church in Kampen, many more walking tours through cities where we were docked. We went to the Island of Texel, stopped in Sneek, and toured the replica of Noah's Ark in the dock there. The wonderful part of the tour is the relaxing, as the boat cruises through the country side with the quiet pastoral setting of the land passing by. We saw many old dutch homes with lace curtains at the windows, cattle grazing in the pastures, sheep, Frisian horses, storks nesting on tall poles along the water. We passed by many old windmills and also many of the new windmills that provide power.
We had a group of Frisian folk dancers perform for us one evening, and also a folk band another evening. We also spent time playing cards while we relaxed on the promenade deck.
The last day of the tour we went to Keukenhof Gardens to see 72 acres of the most beautiful spring flowers. The colors and varieties are amazing, with tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, of every color and variety imaginable, as well as other types of flowers. There is also a building filled with orchids of every kind.
We also went to the Alsmeer World Flower Market. They have acres of boxes on skids filled with every kind of cut flower to be sold by auction and shipped all over the world, all in a matter of a couple of hours, so they are delivered fresh. It is an interesting business.
On Sat. we were all brought to the airport to either fly home or in our case, we rented a VW minivan, and headed out to meet our extended cousin, Peter Hekze. We spent the next 4 days seeing the Netherlands with Peter as our guide. He was fluent with the English language, so communication was not a problem. He showed us many interesting towns that were fortresses during the Spanish war, shaped like a star, with water all around it. The towns were mostly built with a very beauiful old church in the center and usually on the highest point. We were able to go into some, and took pictures of those that were located in the towns where our ancestors came from. We went to Wolvega where the VT family immigrated from. Grandpa Vander Ley came from that area also. We also went to Goudriaan where the Vanden Hoek family came from.
We went to one town that was so interesting and lovely, I would recommend it to anyone visiting the Netherlands. It was Giethoorn. It has canals all over, and is called the 'little Venice" of the Netherlands. The houses and bridges were just lovely.
Peter's wife Annika was very gracious and prepared dinner for us each evening. We had delicious meals. Peter took meat and cheese and juice boxes in his back pack ,and we bought bread at a bakery and that was our lunch each day. We ate at a picnic table or in the car if it was raining.
We also visited various cemetery's, and couple of castles, got lots of history regarding polders, dikes, land taken from the sea, the pumps used to remove the water etc. It was all very interesting.
We stayed in Almeer which is quite a large area, that was only acquired from the sea since 1956, and that is where Peter lived as well. We stayed at the Bastion Hotel in that same area, which was very nice.
On Wed. we flew home and were very grateful that all our flights and connections went without a problem.
One very important event took place while we were on the ship, and that was on Tues. April 21 when we got the word that Samuel Aaron had been officially adopted. We were all thrilled, and so thankful that the process had gone so smoothly. He is a precious baby, and so grateful that he is part of our family, and joins Joel, Brenda and Emma.
We were home one day and had time to do the laundry, sort the mail, pay the bills , and mow the lawn, and then on Friday left for Sioux Center, Iowa to go to our neice Karissa Stel and Eric Sjaarda's wedding. We had a wonderful time and it was a beautiful wedding. It was so good to see so many members of the family.
On Sunday we went to Corsica to see Mom. We were with her for 2 days and then drove home on Wednesday. It was a good visit, and great to see her again.
This coming Sat. I am taking Joel, Brenda, Emma and Sam with me to SD to spend a week with family. We plan to drive straight through so will be interesting to see how we do, especially with a 3 year old that is a high activity child. The DVD player should help some.
Well, until next month........
Monday, April 13, 2009
April is here!
A new picture deserves some kind of update. We had all the children and grand children home for Easter (except Emily) and had a marvelous time as always. It began with Elton and Lauri and kids coming here at supper time on Friday night. Hamburgs on the grill with all of the fixins' were a hit, and then we had the evening to catch up on the latest.
Saturday was a day filled with all sorts of activity. Everett had a great time with all his boys, as Elton, Brett and Joel helped him with all kinds of jobs outside, and in his garage. There is no end to the projects around here. It is also important to note that Everett has made that step into 'retirement'. So far I have not noticed a big change in life around here, and knowing the way my husband operates, he will not be hanging around me waiting for things to happen. It certainly would be boring for him if he did. I also know that I should keep the "honey do" lists short.
It was also an opportunity for the family 'shutter bug" to take some pictures with our newest grand baby, Samuel. He is the latest miracle added too our family. He was born April 1, weighed 7#3oz and 19.5". He is an absolute doll, and sleeps so well, and gives Mom and Dad a big break. Emma is getting used to having the competition, and Brenda and Joel are about as happy as any new parents could hope to be. Brenda and Joel were with the birth Mom as she gave birth, and they were able to take care of him in the hospital until they took him home 24 hours later. Samuel Aaron got lots of attention from all his cousins this weekend, and even at that, he slept through most of it.
Saturday evening every one was here for pizza and ice cream sundae's to celebrate Sydney and Ethan's birthday. It was great fun. Most of the little kids were pretty tired by then, as it had been a busy day. Oh yes, and for me it was great having Lauri go shopping with me and helped me pick out some wall hangings in Hobby Lobby, and with some advice from Brenda and Roxanne we got them hung. It is a good feeling to have the help and finally take care of a job that I needed help with.
Sunday we celebrated Easter with a wonderful service at church. Praise God our Lord and Saviour has risen and is reigning in heaven until he comes for us. We enjoyed a delicious dinner together at our house the family, and before we knew it they had all left for their homes. It was a WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
We are looking forward to going to the Netherland's soon, with Everett's sister and husband Ken and Margie. They will be arriving at our house on Wed. and I have lots to do before then.
I better get at it!!
Saturday was a day filled with all sorts of activity. Everett had a great time with all his boys, as Elton, Brett and Joel helped him with all kinds of jobs outside, and in his garage. There is no end to the projects around here. It is also important to note that Everett has made that step into 'retirement'. So far I have not noticed a big change in life around here, and knowing the way my husband operates, he will not be hanging around me waiting for things to happen. It certainly would be boring for him if he did. I also know that I should keep the "honey do" lists short.
It was also an opportunity for the family 'shutter bug" to take some pictures with our newest grand baby, Samuel. He is the latest miracle added too our family. He was born April 1, weighed 7#3oz and 19.5". He is an absolute doll, and sleeps so well, and gives Mom and Dad a big break. Emma is getting used to having the competition, and Brenda and Joel are about as happy as any new parents could hope to be. Brenda and Joel were with the birth Mom as she gave birth, and they were able to take care of him in the hospital until they took him home 24 hours later. Samuel Aaron got lots of attention from all his cousins this weekend, and even at that, he slept through most of it.
Saturday evening every one was here for pizza and ice cream sundae's to celebrate Sydney and Ethan's birthday. It was great fun. Most of the little kids were pretty tired by then, as it had been a busy day. Oh yes, and for me it was great having Lauri go shopping with me and helped me pick out some wall hangings in Hobby Lobby, and with some advice from Brenda and Roxanne we got them hung. It is a good feeling to have the help and finally take care of a job that I needed help with.
Sunday we celebrated Easter with a wonderful service at church. Praise God our Lord and Saviour has risen and is reigning in heaven until he comes for us. We enjoyed a delicious dinner together at our house the family, and before we knew it they had all left for their homes. It was a WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!
We are looking forward to going to the Netherland's soon, with Everett's sister and husband Ken and Margie. They will be arriving at our house on Wed. and I have lots to do before then.
I better get at it!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Checking In
February is on the way out, and will March come in like a lion or a lamb? We will wait and see what happens. One thing for sure we are watching the river rising again. It has just gotten in its banks and is on the way up again. We had quite a bit of rain last night. I have not heard how much we had, but it came down quite hard for most of the evening. We even discovered a leak by the new windows in our master bedroom. What a disappointment!
I was very excited last evening when my sister in law's sister called to say she would be happy to ride with me to SD in March. I feel it is time to go see Mom again, and I have a few things I want to check out with her, so finding a rider was really an answer to prayer.
We were saddened when we got a call yesterday morning that Aunt Harena Vanden Hoek had passed away. She was 95, (almost 96), and her body was just worn out. She experienced quite a lot of pain the last week, as various organs shut down and caused her such misery. We are so grateful that the Lord took her to be with Him.
Yesterday I was able to finish the cleaning project down the basement. I am always amazed at
the amount of work it takes to keep a house in order. Today I want to get to the upper level and that will be more of a challenge. Notice the emphasis! Later I will report on the outcome.
I was very excited last evening when my sister in law's sister called to say she would be happy to ride with me to SD in March. I feel it is time to go see Mom again, and I have a few things I want to check out with her, so finding a rider was really an answer to prayer.
We were saddened when we got a call yesterday morning that Aunt Harena Vanden Hoek had passed away. She was 95, (almost 96), and her body was just worn out. She experienced quite a lot of pain the last week, as various organs shut down and caused her such misery. We are so grateful that the Lord took her to be with Him.
Yesterday I was able to finish the cleaning project down the basement. I am always amazed at
the amount of work it takes to keep a house in order. Today I want to get to the upper level and that will be more of a challenge. Notice the emphasis! Later I will report on the outcome.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
February's Latest
Since I went on Facebook I have not been very faithful at blogging. I find Facebook a source of instant gratification, as communication is so quick. I really like how one sentence from many friends and family allows me a peak into their daily life, and since I am more of a sentence person rather than a journaling type I find it easier to keep up.
There has not been much of a change in weather from January's blog. We just had another thaw, and this time the water got just above 17'. Now it is coming down and it has turned very cold again, with snow coming this weekend.
We had a safe trip to South Dakota with mostly clear roads. Mom was so glad to have us there, and each time I talk with her she is waiting for us to come back again. We had a very good time, and good turn out, for Mom's 87th birthday. She had arranged many of the details for her party, and had invited most of the people she wanted to celebrate with her. She also had chosen the food for the party, so all we had to do was carry out her wishes.
Since we were there she has been moved to another room to accomodate some other residents needs, and also her own. She now is with a lady that is able to converse with Mom which is more enjoyable for her.
Seems as though most of our days are routine, but very enjoyable. I have been out with a few friends for lunch, spent time with the 4 local grandchildren . Emma spends one day a week with me. Lately she has been coming to Little lambs on Wed., the children's program at the Coffee Break Bible study, where I lead a group of women. Emma loves the interaction, stories, crafts etc. This week they all came in their pajama's. It was so cute. Aidan, Olivia and Regan were here today, because they had a half day of school. Olivia came early as she had strep. She seemed to be doing quite well, and the medication was working.
Our caring ministries group at church sent out care packages to the college kids that live away from home. We sent out 17 packages. I am in charge of that segment of the ministry, so had a few details to work out, like get the boxes for mailing, bakers to make the cookies, packing peanuts, and then take them to the post office for mailing. The young adults seem to enjoy the goodies and the warm thoughts.
Our church family group had a dinner after the morning service the 8th. We had an enjoyable time of fellowship with the group. In fact we have been to 3 dinners involving our church. We had another group that met at a local restaurant. We find that fellowship is such an important part of the body of Christ. Last Thursday we went to the Sweetheart dinner put on by the young people as a fund raiser for some of their projects. They served us a delicious dinner, with ham, scalloped potatoes, creamed corn and a salad. Then the dessert buffet was a chocoholics dream. Every kind of dessert was available and very tasty. It was an evening of great fellowship with 3 other couples at our table.
Our church family has had many trials the last while. We have had many surgeries, including, knee and hip surgeries, replacement of a heart valve, a leg amputation. Tragically a mother of one of our member's, was killed when a drunk driver hit their vehicle. The father was injured, and had many broken ribs. It has been a very difficult time.
This has been a peek at some of the activities we have enjoyed. Everett continues to look forward to his change of career. There will be a retirement party the 25th of March.
Till next time.
There has not been much of a change in weather from January's blog. We just had another thaw, and this time the water got just above 17'. Now it is coming down and it has turned very cold again, with snow coming this weekend.
We had a safe trip to South Dakota with mostly clear roads. Mom was so glad to have us there, and each time I talk with her she is waiting for us to come back again. We had a very good time, and good turn out, for Mom's 87th birthday. She had arranged many of the details for her party, and had invited most of the people she wanted to celebrate with her. She also had chosen the food for the party, so all we had to do was carry out her wishes.
Since we were there she has been moved to another room to accomodate some other residents needs, and also her own. She now is with a lady that is able to converse with Mom which is more enjoyable for her.
Seems as though most of our days are routine, but very enjoyable. I have been out with a few friends for lunch, spent time with the 4 local grandchildren . Emma spends one day a week with me. Lately she has been coming to Little lambs on Wed., the children's program at the Coffee Break Bible study, where I lead a group of women. Emma loves the interaction, stories, crafts etc. This week they all came in their pajama's. It was so cute. Aidan, Olivia and Regan were here today, because they had a half day of school. Olivia came early as she had strep. She seemed to be doing quite well, and the medication was working.
Our caring ministries group at church sent out care packages to the college kids that live away from home. We sent out 17 packages. I am in charge of that segment of the ministry, so had a few details to work out, like get the boxes for mailing, bakers to make the cookies, packing peanuts, and then take them to the post office for mailing. The young adults seem to enjoy the goodies and the warm thoughts.
Our church family group had a dinner after the morning service the 8th. We had an enjoyable time of fellowship with the group. In fact we have been to 3 dinners involving our church. We had another group that met at a local restaurant. We find that fellowship is such an important part of the body of Christ. Last Thursday we went to the Sweetheart dinner put on by the young people as a fund raiser for some of their projects. They served us a delicious dinner, with ham, scalloped potatoes, creamed corn and a salad. Then the dessert buffet was a chocoholics dream. Every kind of dessert was available and very tasty. It was an evening of great fellowship with 3 other couples at our table.
Our church family has had many trials the last while. We have had many surgeries, including, knee and hip surgeries, replacement of a heart valve, a leg amputation. Tragically a mother of one of our member's, was killed when a drunk driver hit their vehicle. The father was injured, and had many broken ribs. It has been a very difficult time.
This has been a peek at some of the activities we have enjoyed. Everett continues to look forward to his change of career. There will be a retirement party the 25th of March.
Till next time.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
January's Cold Snap
We have had some real winter weather so far this season. We had a white Christmas, and then "the big thaw". The Grand River, which runs behind our property, reached 20(twenty) feet. At 14 feet it covers the path we have between us and our neighbor's the Bielema's, and then picture it 6 feet above that. Thankfully we are not affected anywhere close to our house, but we can see lots of ice glistening in the sun as we look toward the river. Now the temperatures are right around zero, so all liquid has turned to ice. So much for the weather.
Tomorrow we will be leaving for SD to see Mom, and be with her as she celebrates her 87th birthday, January 20. Mom has not changed much, that we can tell, since her stroke in May. She has not been eating too well, so is losing quite a bit of weight. Glenn and Donna were with her a little over a week ago, and she loved that. She just looks forward to having us around. Visits, cards and letters are some of the things she looks forward to, and we appreciate each of you that remember her.
Our December was relaxing with the family parties held during the Thanksgiving weekend. We did have the Dan Vos Christmas Party which I did not make, because I had a bad case of bronchitis. The medication helped, but it took over a week to get it out of my system and get my energy back. We enjoyed a Christmas concert at the Grand Rapids Christian High School De Vos Worship Center. The GRCHS students choir, orchastra and band did a very nice job. We also went to hear the Kings Choirliers at LaGrave CRC as well as Aidan, Regan and Olivia's school Christmas program.
Everett will be making a change in lifestyle the end of March when he quits his job at Dan Vos Construction. He will be working from his garage office dealing in investments. He also has a couple of side jobs to keep him busy. We are looking forward to the change with some mixed feelings, but I guess that is quite normal, as it is a new experience for us.
This past Wednesday we started the Coffee Break Bible study after the holidays. We had a good turn out in spite of the cold weather and slippery roads. Brenda brought Emma so she could attend Little Lambs, and then I took her home for lunch and a nap so Brenda could work at her office. Emma and I have a good time together, and she never seems to accomplish all she wants to do when she comes over.
Check back in a month and hopefully I will have another update!!
Tomorrow we will be leaving for SD to see Mom, and be with her as she celebrates her 87th birthday, January 20. Mom has not changed much, that we can tell, since her stroke in May. She has not been eating too well, so is losing quite a bit of weight. Glenn and Donna were with her a little over a week ago, and she loved that. She just looks forward to having us around. Visits, cards and letters are some of the things she looks forward to, and we appreciate each of you that remember her.
Our December was relaxing with the family parties held during the Thanksgiving weekend. We did have the Dan Vos Christmas Party which I did not make, because I had a bad case of bronchitis. The medication helped, but it took over a week to get it out of my system and get my energy back. We enjoyed a Christmas concert at the Grand Rapids Christian High School De Vos Worship Center. The GRCHS students choir, orchastra and band did a very nice job. We also went to hear the Kings Choirliers at LaGrave CRC as well as Aidan, Regan and Olivia's school Christmas program.
Everett will be making a change in lifestyle the end of March when he quits his job at Dan Vos Construction. He will be working from his garage office dealing in investments. He also has a couple of side jobs to keep him busy. We are looking forward to the change with some mixed feelings, but I guess that is quite normal, as it is a new experience for us.
This past Wednesday we started the Coffee Break Bible study after the holidays. We had a good turn out in spite of the cold weather and slippery roads. Brenda brought Emma so she could attend Little Lambs, and then I took her home for lunch and a nap so Brenda could work at her office. Emma and I have a good time together, and she never seems to accomplish all she wants to do when she comes over.
Check back in a month and hopefully I will have another update!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
