Latest Lowell Family update 1/31/07

Dear Ones, Thank-you for your prayers. Please continue to pray. Ashton will be having tubes in his ears this Friday the 2nd instead of the heart surgery because of continuing ears infections. His heart surgery has been re-scheduled for the 9th of March. They will go in for testing on the 8th. We so appreciate all the love & prayers on their behalf. Love Aunt Donna

0 to 14 in 10 hours

Yee hah we got snow in Hamilton. We went from hardley any to about 14 inches overnight. I love waking up and watching(after I put my glasses on) the snow fall and seeing the world bright and white. I am about to go snow blow, which is just plain fun as long as it doesn't happen everyday. wish I had a pitcure of the snow haven't taken one so an updated one of Avary will have to do. Enjoy today and laugh out loud, laughter is carbonated holiness you know.
In that nature I will tell a couple of G-pa jokes.
How do you catch a unique rabbit......? unique up on it.
How do you catch a tame rabbit...? The tame way, unique up on it.

Mystery Bug

Okay so this is kinda gross but necessary so hang in there. I found this "thing" on the wall by Makayla's bed as I was putting her down for her nap last week. Ewww!!

I tried looking it up online already but couldn't find anything that looked like it. I tried ticks, mites, bed bugs, fleas....nothin'.

It freaks me out just a tad knowing it was in my nice clean house....if anyone has any clue post a comment will ya?

Thanks - Kim

Hi-Ya from T.C.

Sooo...does anyone else hate "naming" your blog everytime you post one?!? Not so much likin that step of posting a blog!! =)
We Veldermans have got lots going on here. First and foremost is the exciting news that I'm pregnant with a little miracle!!! Needless to say all 3 of us, especially Makayla, are very excited and anxious already for the baby to come! Dan and I keep laughing to eachother saying it's going to be a long 9 months because Makayla talks about the "baby in mommy's tummy" at LEAST 3 times a day. Then she'll proceed to say that she'll be able to help with the baby's bath, changing the diaper (hmmm...how can mom use that one to her advantage?!?), holding the baby, putting the baby in the wagon, etc.
After rambling on for several minutes yesterday morning she stopped suddenly and said "Mom, where IS the baby?" I explained that Jesus is growing the baby in my tummy and it won't be for quite a while until it's ready to come out and she suddenly burst into tears and buried her head in my legs. She got herself all excited about helping out and then realized it's not going to be anytime soon. I felt SO bad for her and of course scooped her right up and we talked about it. What an awesome big sister she'll be!
She figured out that the room in the basement which is currently the guest room will be her's soon - and the fact that it'll be next to Poppy and Nana's room (the guest room that we're adding in the basement) thrilled her beyond belief. So here's your warning Mom and Dad, once you're both down there together you may get woken up a TAD earlier that you may like!! =)
Which brings me to the basement.....might I just say what a FABULOUS handy husband I have!! Handy Danny .... that's his new nickname! He's got everything framed in and has his boss coming over this afternoon to go over the electrical stuff which apparently is the next step. I have been very impressed with his knowledge of finishing a basement....especially since he's never attempted something like this before. He always get's all embarrassed when I tell him how smart he is, but seriously he was blessed with brains!!! I'll have to take some more pictures on his progress and post those.
I guess other than that, we're just keeping busy with day to day stuff. Barb and Aaron stopped by for a "hello" on their getaway weekend. Always so nice to see family up here. We'll put it out there again that anytime you guys are in the area please look us up. Dan and I both LOVE to entertain and it's really fun to get to know everyone a little better while they're here.
Oh and by the way my due date, which could always change once I get to the doctor (that won't be for a month or so yet) is Sept. 25. Prayer for a healthy baby and pregnancy is always apprecited.

Lots of Love,
Dan, Kim, Makayla and Baby =)

California or Michigan?

Thought I would post a couple of pictures . . . one of the beautiful view from the pier at Pismo Beach in CA looking back at our hotel. . . (if you look closely, you can find a surfer . . .kind of like searching for Ms. Beasley in the White House gardens, however, there really is a surfer . . .Leah)

Anyway, I went with my friend Amy, just for fun, and she couldn't have found a more perfect spot.

The other picture is the snow coming down through the pine trees at home today. So although CA was sunny and NO snow, I have to say that it is quite beautiful here in Michigan.

Other news, Ryan broke his wrist last night snowboarding down his own backyard hill; he went and had it checked out today and is wearing a semi-hard cast until the swelling goes down. Ross hasn't flown yet as the weather conditions and/or mechanical issues have kept him grounded (good flight lingo, don't you think Ross?)

NEW CHANGES!!!

OK obviously this looks a little different than before, but since we're changing...might as well go all the way! Change is GOOD! From now on you will have to sign on to the new blogger, and use the information that I gave you. If you didn't get it. Email me, or post a comment. I hope you enjoy. stacey

Blog Updates

Hello Everyone....I have sent most of you emails about changing the sign in information for posting on the blog. If you did not get the email just email me at staceyshrontz@yahoo.com and let me know and I will get the info to you. I am changing it so that we will have the most current version. I think it will make everything faster, I know my blog does. Anyway...email me or post a comment if you have ANY questions at all.~Stacey

love.....from the U.P.

I love being a mommy!

hello all,
this is Lindy! Ah, I have gotten out of the house and am back to life in a somewhat "normal" fashion! Thank you Kim for posting the pictures of Isabelle for us, that was much appreciated! Yes, adam and I have a daughter, boy, that is wierd to say, and if I might brag just a bit she may just be one of the cutest babies I have ever come across...not that I am biased or anything. Things are going great! My labor and delivery, although kinda long (24 hours, I was induced) I actually felt little to no pain ( I love the person that invented epidurals) so for all of you gals who have yet to have a baby, its not that bad if you have an epidural, actually, I would do it again in a second....its the weeks following the birth no one tells you about...thankfully your on a high so you don't think about it so much. I was given Pitocin and it didn't work so my Dr. broke my water and I went from four to ten in just a few hours..four pushes and there she was....and we couldn't love her more!
Adam is an awesome daddy and Isabelle is definately a "daddys girl" because when she gets upset he can calm her right down. She is getting so big already. I'll post another picture soon, when I can find a local scanner that I can put the pics on.
Anyway, just wanted to say hi. Ben and Robin, your daughter is beautiful! Hope this finds you all healthy and well.
Lindy

Katie's beau.....

So uncle david. This post is for you. I am dating a firefighter and thought you would like to know that.

His name is eric and he works for the Colorado Springs Fire Department. He is the one on the right by the way. It is kinda fun dating a fire fighter, except today we had a huge apartment fire in the springs and he was working it and you have no idea if they are ok or really what is going on.

Just thought you all would like an update since I don't get to live by ya'll for you to meet him.

love you all and hope you have a great day!!!

katie

Lowell Family Update

Dear ones, if you didn't already know, Vince & Lisa have asked me to communicate with all of you and request prayer concerning their 15 month old son, Ashton. Ashton has to have heart surgery. He has two issues; a 40% blockage in one of his arteries that supplies blood to the lower extremeties and Ashton has a heart valve that should be three parts, but has only two. The valve will require monitoring in the future. It is not an emergency, but it is very serious. They will be traveling to Ann Arbor on February 1st for some more tests, to verify his condition & then he will have surgery on the 2nd to repair the blockage. They will be staying in Ann Arbor for three to four days. So, you faithful prayer warriors, please remember Ashton & Vince & Lisa.
Thank you in advance for listening, caring & praying. If you would like to contact Vince & Lisa their phone number is 616.844.3023.

Love Uncle Jon & Aunt Donna

Traverse City

After a full day of delivering Ross to Northwestern College in Traverse City, everyone is settling in and adjusting . . . Here are a few pictures of his dorm, West Hall, his room and very helpful, sweet girlfriend Ashley helping him unpack. He insisted that he did NOT want to mix his underwear and socks with his shirts. . . . .hello. . have you seen his room at home??? There was lots of 'mixing' going on . . . on the floor!

He has orientation 8:00 Monday morning at the airport and will have his private pilot's license by spring! We are excited for you Ross!

Here is his contact information:

231-995-1662 room phone
rmtb191@hotmail.com (he will have internet on Monday)
616-446-0655 cell phone

Ross M. TerBeek
Northwestern College
West Hall 256
1701 E. Front
Traverse City, MI 49686

Ahh...the joys of a house

So...guess ya can't guess what we're smack dab in the middle of doing up here in Traverse City? You guessed it....we're finishing the basement!!! We're VERY excited to get this project underway, Dan's had the itch for quite some time and now that the funds are in the bank it's finally a go! Me-maw (aka Dan's mom) works for Lowes so we thought she'd enjoy these but also Makayla is just naturally a helper. To say she was excited to get a tool bag like daddy was an understatement.....she thought she was pretty darn cool!!! I keep snapping pics of Dan in action even though I must say he's not always real thrilled about it. I just keep telling him he'll be glad when he looks back on them and can say "look what I built". (guys really like to do that don't they?!?) =)
We finished painting the upstairs FINALLY....talk about another huge project marked off our to do list! We did it ourselves in stages and it actually wasn't too terribley painful. Probably the worse part was the last 2 walls because we'd been painting non-stop and were SO close to being done. That aside....we're happy campers!
In other news we've been trying out a new church and the jury's still out....but we have a good feeling about it. It's the church that hosts the bible study I've been going to so it's nice that we know a lot of people our age which was a big problem with our other church. Last Sunday he preached on following God's plan - not your own - and knowing when to stop and listen to the holy spirit so you follow the right path. In the end they had open contracts out for anyone who wanted them simply stating "I Will Follow..." then signing your name and dating. The idea being you follow Jesus no matter where He leads you. Just imagine all the great (or not so great) adventures you'll be able to fill the blank in!! His paths are always teaching us something, good or bad, always learning..... It was good stuff...
I think that's about it for now. We're heading down south for Dan's work Christmas party (yah I know...isn't Christmas way over?!?). They always plan it after the business of the holidays slows down which actually works out really well. It's always nice to catch up with everybody again.
Love you all, keep on blogging!

The Veldermans

This was our new years eve party there WAS an theme but my cousin kate and meghan were party poopers i was tinkerbell and megan sue was the princess and the pea haha Happy Late New Year!

I am So grown up!!

I finally did it!! Im not really sure what i have to report but i have been reading for a long time on everyones doings and i felt left out so this may not be interesting but thats ok :) I live a pretty simple life i work at Sananda Spa and salon in east kentwood i still live in the farm house with my cousins and my half sister megan sue. I have been dating the same man for a year and a half we met samon fishing hes just a peach, oh P.S yes he loves jesus ! Any way thats about it with out boring you with little detales thanks for listening Loves Andrea Joy

Isabelle Joy TerBeek

Hello To All! Kim here....I took these of Adam and Lindy's beautiful bundle when I stopped in on Saturday. Oh heavens is she just an adorable princess....no doubt her mommy and daddy were still on the "high" from her delivery. They said they could just sit and stare at her for hours and had no idea you could love someone that you just met that much!!! God is good! I'm sure they'll want to post all the details...I just thought I'd share these photos.
I'll post more about the Velderman happenings later - love you all!!!

angels

i have to tell this story, it's a good one.
jason and i were on the way home on suday night and were about and hour and a half from home on M-77 going north and i was going about 73 mph. and if you have ever driven on a stretch of road with no other cars, it's hard to drive 55 or even 60 (73 is slow for me). Well, i saw a car drive by and hit it's brakes, i've been pulled over to know that i might as well pull over now. sure enough, it was a state cop and i was trying to find my licence and for the life of me it was not in my purse anywhere, i dug and dug and pulled stuff out and looked again and it was NO WHERE!!! i did have my old licence with my maiden name (from 2 years ago) and he took that and went back to his car. now here is why i know he was an angel, i have never heard of a state cop not giving a ticket and not even comenting on the fact that i gave him the wrong licence. he just told me to slow down and watch for deer and drunk drivers.
about 15 minutes later on M-28 i was cruizing along at 60 and there she was, a HUGE doe, right in front of my car. I was able to stop in time and just grazed the deer. there are no scratches at all on my car at all. If I hadn't been pulled over I would have been going 80 or so and wouldn't have been able to stop in time. God knows that it takes a little bit for me to listen (like cops)
the other thing that happenedl, is that jason and i got into a HUGE argument that stemmed from me not ever know exactly where my licence is. we needed to have that argument, it was just one of those thing that has to happen in order for growth to happen in our marriage and for us to understand each other.
God has a great sense of humor because after unpacking and putting a few things away i went through everything i thought my licence could be in and finally i tried my purse, i went through all of my pocket and then pulled out my planner on my lap fell my licence. So funny...it was in there the whole time.
not bad for a trip home. i just have to share...God will use anyone and anything to let us know he is still there and he knows how to get our attention, so keep an eye out!!!

Barbara Grace

Hi Fam!! I have just spent the last hour, no kidding, reading up on all the "happenings"I LOVE this blog thing!! We have such a really awesome family. Happy New Year!! Won't it be great to see just what The Lord brings into our lives this year? No pictures from me yet as I have yet to learn how to do that but I WILL learn. Hey just as a side trip, does anyone know how to text message from a BlackBerry?Having a little trouble finding someone who can explain that to me. I can get/SEND EMAIL BUT CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE TEXT THING YET. sO IF YOU KNOW i'D LOVE TO HEAR. wELL BACK TO me. Guess I should look up more often:) I didn't feel like going back to re-type all that so have a laugh, yes I hit the caps lock and didn't know it. So I officially an off the job as of today, no real answer on the next move but I am Thanking the Lord for it, cause I know He knows He just hasn't told me yet. Thanks for all the loving words concerning my Representative days. I feel like I owe MANY of you a thanks. It was you all who helped get me to Lansing, Prayers, Door 2 door, stuffing envelopes, walking in Parades,DONATING, and so much more. Really thanks to each one who has helped. I was so honored to have had the job.
We spent New Years eve over at Brent/Brenda's with Dan/Kim we played games,ate, watched RV(which is a funny movie) and then we all stayed over night. Today of course was Happy Birthday to Kurt 28 and Derek 13.

Tomorrow I am going to be at the airport to be apart of the arrival ceremonies for President Ford's body. What a prevlidge to be able to be a part of history.

I really need to go but love to all .Barbara