Andrea's Shower

Hi! It's Stacey. I just wanted to post a couple of pictures from Andrea's shower. Thanks to everyone that came out and blessed Andrea and Tim with your gifts.

By the way, the last picture is of Tina at 25 weeks and Tashina at 38 weeks. Hopefully we'll hear something soon!

a mysterious image

Coming home...

Hi. I just wanted to let you all know my brother, because he went to Argentina for 6 weeks this year on vacation, his boss wasn't able to let him off for another several days. He is the general manager of a restuarant in town...and that means he isn't coming. I'm sad because I really wanted him to meet all of you and you him. But, la vie c'est la vie, oui?

I love you all. Life is going good. I will see all of you on the 16th for Grandma and Grandpa's 59th anniversary bash! Wahoo.

Jenny

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY TO KATIE TOO

kATIE POLAVIN HAD A BIRTHDAY (25) ON AUGUST 4 ALSO ! we were up north so this post is late too. Love you Katie :) See ya next week. Mom

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAYS TO BRENDA (August 2)& LISA (August 4)!

Now but not yet

Jennifer's post made me think about a conversation that I have been sharing in and processing for a few years now. The struggle of living in a society that God calls us to be in but not of, calls us to go to them in love yet not succumb to their temptations, nor judge them because that is not our job. I think of freedom, wealth, security in these contexts, what does it mean for me to feel secure, where do I put my wealth and what does that word mean to me, and am I free. These questions seem to fit in or perhaps continue to spur on this conversation of "now but not yet". Jesus says differnt place that the kingdom of heaven is now, and he refers to the kindgom of heaven many times throughout his time here on earth, and even teaches us to pray for the kingdom of heaven to come here.
The conversation we have had has been what is now but not yet mean to us, as we see the joys and the people helping each other, as we see the faminie, pandemics, war and as we continue to feel the pull in ourselves, the battle that rages within to flip-flop inbetween these realities facing our world.

Today I have spent the day with my daughter, with her laugh at my antics and crying for seemingly no reason and I can't help but think what is her heaven going to look like.
One of Robin's family friends is facing death and he is an avid Michigan football fan. Last week they made an early morning trek to Ann Arbor, to the hospital there, that he has made so many times before to sit in the big house and watch his beloved Wolverines, he ws riding with his wife, which makes up his family having no children, and he looked over in pain but happy and said.
"Do you think this is what Heaven is like?"

Where do you all see heaven on earth, His kingdom come here, His now reality? And how are we helping to bring His kingdom here to earth in a more real way?

I think I am loving my wife and daughter the best I can, loving and being the best friend I can, trying to walk alongside folks and share moments of life with them good and bad trying to grab the moments of wisdom and teachable moments, I spend time in His glorious outdoors and I am reading this blog and continueing to share in your hearts and this community of electronic heaven. I pray for each of you a piece of heaven today and may you share it with another you love.

Thoughts from the West Side

It's peaceful here in my little studio of 250 sq ft. It's cozy and quaint. I really like it. I guess it's home...the closest I've had to home in a long time. That feels good. I can hear the train blaring in the background, the distant sounds of the city and the 5's south bound traffic. It's become gently familiar, like the comfort I find in Barber's Adagio for Strings. My job is going really well. I'm happy and productive in it. I sleep well. I have wonderful friends. I'm finding my way in San Diego. Kind of feels like a bubble...

There is a fragility to life that surrounds me, lives in me. Security and freedom are illusions we try and protect not only as individuals, but as communities and nations. The reality of it all is that those things can change suddenly. I wonder who we would be as a nation if we lost the freedom and security we hold so dear. I don't think most people would survive. I live near an 81 year old woman who lived through the depression in the early 20s. She said people were committing suicide every day, jumping off buildings, didn't know what to do, despair and fear set it in so deeply they did not want to live.

How strange that we are what we buy?

I had a co-worker/new friend in my office today sharing with me the realm of watches. I was looking at watches the other day. I haven't owned one in a very long time. I thought it might be nice to have one. He had sold Rolex watches for a living, and asked me how much I thought an expensive watch was...and I said, $500.00. He said that some of the Rolex watches he sold were over $100,000.00. Yes, count the zeros. Given I grew up in a 3rd world country, those zeros represent to me a small school, hosptial, nutrition clinique, a well for fresh water and several teachers' salaries for a few years....all on my wrist. The grossness of all of it still amazes me. I think I'd have a hard time spending $500 on a watch.

The comment he made that stuck with me...that's rolling around in my head tonight was, "If you have a big diamond in your ear, a Rolex on your arm, Gucci shoes and a BMW, you're successful." I didn't say it, but I thought it... "Or really in debt to placate your insecurities or play a game that's swallowing you whole."

Nice things are not bad, but many times the motivation underlying their ownership is less than wonderful.

Here's to true security and freedom...the kind that if everything was stripped away from you... You'd still rejoice in being alive and capable of utterances of gratitude no matter what because you know what you are and who you are... That solidarity remains a precious possession that exists in places where no one can steal it, unless you let them.

Rest in the intrinsic value of you...as God declared over and placed within you by His breath and His Word.

Be encouraged. You are loved...today and every day.

Jennifer
2341 Irving Ave
San Diego, CA 92113

Marquette

I just read Stacey's blog and what she said is true! We love Lake Superior and Marquette! We had a great time biking/hiking/wading/eating french fries/touring/picture taking/eating french fries/collecting moss & rocks/ and did I mention eating french fries??? My dad ordered some at every place for an appetizer . . . . we've tried every kind offered in the U.P.

We really did have a great time seeing more of where they live, now that they have been there a year and where they both work. If you visit while Stacey is working, she LOVES it when you hit the bell for service so make sure you ding it several times!

We stayed in the campground in Marquette very close to Jason & Staceys and on the way home stayed right off hwy. 2 about as close to Lake MI as you can get (last picture). We couldn't have had more perfect scenery every where we went.

The Eisen family

Well hello my furry friends! I thought i would write and say a great big HELLO. The house is going good, were getting ready for shingles and windows. We have been so blessed with all the help from family and friends. The kids are great getting to big. Eli starts school this fall omg I can't believe it, makes me wanna cry. Lily is almost 1. Jason is busy working, working on concrete and building our house. Me.......... I'm good just enduring this time of construction. Well that's about all for now. toodles from Jason, Audrey and the kids.

update on the canoe trip

hey cousins,
just wanted to update you on the canoe trip. we are still going on aug 4 but are leaving at 10 am from wisners canoe rental in newaygo. as of right now I have matt and courtney, andy and kim, joel and megs, dan and kim and carlos and tash down to go. if you are not on this list and still want to go please call me asap 862-5334.
we are doing the four hour raft trip. if you are on the list and can't go please let me know asap too because i haveto pay for the rentals if we use them or not so I have to give them a definate soon. love you all. lindy

update on the canoe trip

Hello from California

Hello all,

I just went to view the blog I'd written, went back to edit something and lost it all. In a nutshell...

1. In the past three months, I have a new home, a new used car, several contract jobs which I've finalized, and a new job as a Project Manager for a small publishing company, www.weddingsolutions.com. It's a fantastic company, great people and a wonderful boss, decent pay... And no, I don't have a boyfriend. ;)


2. I'm coming home for Grandma and Grandpa's 59th wedding anniversary. I'm bringing my adopted brother from Agentina with me. I lived with him for almost a year. He is one of the craziest, most caring people I know. He was in the Argentinian navy for 15 years--the US equivelant of a Navy Seal. He smokes, cuses and drinks like a sailor, but he took care of me, never broke his word, never lied to me, loved and honored me even when it cost him... I moved out to my own little house, but in leaving it was on my heart to offer him a family in the United States. When I told him I wanted him to be my brother, he cried. "Ess lika...wha you call it? ay...I hah a noodle een my troat, JJ... You know when som-ting ees stuck dare?" He said no one, in particular an American, in the 7 years he's been here had offered him the deep abiding love of family. Isn't that amazing... And he puts himself out there...he'd give the shirt off his back to anyone who asked. It was sad and wonderful at the same time. I felt like it really was a Jesus moment... I hope all of you will make him welcome. He's been giddy about coming home with me since I asked him. He promised to try hard not to swear around the little kids. I told him my family was wonderful, and that he would be and is most welcome. Just look for the black haired Italian with a cigarette in his mouth...attempting to push my brother Matt away from the pig roaster. GG (Guillermo) is a master chef in Argentina, and grilling/roasting happens to be his speciality. He's actually well known in various areas of San Diego for his cooking/grilling. Hilarious. Tease him all you like. He's got a great sense of humor.

I'm sure you'll be at the party for G&G TB (sound electrical, doesn't it?), so we will both look forward to seeing everyone BIG TIME!

3. I'm going to Mexico tomorrow for my first time with GG and a friend of his named Paula. My very own tour guides/interpreters. :) Happy day.

Pic was taking July 1, 07.

Love to all today...and every day.

Jennifer

Hello from California!

Hey all,

It's been a while. In a nutshell...

1. I moved again to a small studio of about 250 sq ft. I like it. I'll stay here until around October, which is when my furniture from MI will arrive and I'll need to have more space than I currently have... If you imagine in your mind a room 15 ft by 16 ft, you'll have a good picture of my little house. I have a small kitchen, bathroom, bedroom just big enough for a full sized bed and a little space for my piano and desk. It's comfy and cozy, and I sleep great.

2. I contracted with a lawyer for about 3 months for work, part time. I did some business development for him and managed his office. Since then, I got a new job, which I started this week as a Project Manager for a small, blossoming publishing house www.weddingsolutions.com. I had a GREAT first week.

3. My Honda Accord has been exchanged for a Nissan Maxima, 5 years OLDER than my Accord. It was a sudden death. My radiator, brakes, an axle and then the transmission went out. Every case the mechanics looked at the situation and said, "This is the strangest things I've ever seen." I maintained my car faithfully. The Lord has told me two weeks prior that I was going to be getting a new car. I, of course, thought it would be a Mercedes or something in the future...but I laugh now... Nope, a 1990 war torn beast with 161k miles on it that gets me where I need to go. I look like a pimp-mamma. Fatty tires. 5 star rims. It even has a huge amplifier in the trunk, which doesn't leave much room for anything else. And of course because the kid was a wanna-be mechanic he jacked the heater/ac, removed the interior to the driver and passenger doors, ripped both seats (yep the coils were showing), jacked the electric window panel and rerouted the front speakers to the back. Ha! I'm blessed. It is running, gets me down the road, and I only had to spend $2800.000 to get it insured for 6 months, smogged, registered, pay taxes, purchase the car, fill it up and get $1100.00 worth of repairs. The mechanics said it was the best model for the Nissan engine, and that it would certainly, if I cared for it, get me down the road another 100k miles. I pimped my ride with new plether seat covers front and back with a steering wheel cover to boot...to a song of $45.00.

4. I'm not dating anyone.

5. I'm coming home for Grandma and Granpa's wedding anniversary party being held at the Stellema Ranchero. I'm bringing my Argentinian brother (I adopted him. We lived together for about a year.), so please come and see me and meet him...of course all of you are going to be there ANYWAY, because it is the social event of the YEAR, maybe of the CENTURY... 59 UNBELIEVABLE years...

Love to all.

Jennifer

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

A VERY happy birthday to the Head Cheese of this family. WOW 78 years! We love you Dad,Grampa,Great Grampa. Hugs

Calling All Cousins

Hello Friends,
this will be brief but I wanted to let all the cousins know that we are in fact planning a canoe trip for August 4th at noon at Wisners Canoe Rental in Newaygo (right on the river). If you want to come your more than welcome. The number to Wisners is 231-652-6743 and the reservation is under Lindy Terbeek. You can call and rent your own canoe or tube. Any questions, give me a jingle 862-5334. Later folks

IT'S A BOY!!

Hello Precious Family!!

This is Cory and Tina writing to tell you that we are having a boy!! :) Here are some pictures from the ultrasound!

Love you all!
The Stickneys

SCott News

GOOD NEWS!

Paula is coming home July 25, Tashina is coming home on July 27 and Carlos is coming here Aug 1!! Tasha and Carlos will be here to have little Carlitos. Baby V is due Aug 31. Also, Levi is tentatively coming home Aug 9. He leaves on Nov 5 for a 7-12 month cruise to the Mediterranean Sea. That is all the comings and goings of the Scott familia.

summer is fun

Yes I find myself loking out of my window at green grass and green trees after this beautiful day. I ate burgers and dogs off the grill took a walk with my family...summer is fun. Last night we were out on the deck until almost midnight with Robin's sister and her new boyfriend getting to know him and sharing stories and laughing... I like to laugh. I had a laugh yesterday as Avary had her first experience with icecream yesterday she loved it. (picture) The mess didn't last long b/c her mommy was there with napkin in hand to clean it up but we had fun!! I have noticed that not many people are blogging and I am glad we are all out making memories in these beautiful summer monthes. Avary has also begun to sit up it makes her seem so much older just that little thing.(Picture) I will talk to you when ever I can drag myself in to sit in front of the computer again.
Ben

Tash & Carlos Update

Hi All,

Leah here - I'm giving you a quick update on the goings on of Tash and Carlos. They do not have internet access at their new home yet so Tash asked me to drop you all a note. On June 15th Tashina and Carlos got married. They had a civil ceremony and then went back to his mom's house, exchanged vows and rings and had lunch. On Saturday they had a reception with friends and family which they said was a great time! Tash wore some really fun orange polka dot shoes and Carlos had a polka dot lime green tie - they looked great :) If you haven't already heard (and with our family I'd be SUPRISED if you hadn't!) they found out they are having a baby boy - Carlos Jr. Everything is going fine with mom and baby. Can't wait to meet the little guy :) I'm obviously taking over the role of favortie aunt ;) Which I have to say seems to be working quite well because when I called the other day, I asked her to put the phone to her belly so I could chat with him for a minute. She did and said he started moving - I think he's on board with whole favorite aunt thing!!! On another note - I'm sure you all remember Tasha asking for your prayers regarding Carlos getting a visa. Well he had an appointment today and THANK YOU JESUS he got one - not just any visa, but a 10-year visa!!!! Thank you so much to all of you who prayed - we know it makes a difference!! So that means you'll all get to meet him - we're excited :) Anyway, thats all the news for the momment. Blessing to you all!

Tash & Carlos, via Leah :)

Catching up with the Veldermans....

Hello fam!
WHEW....can anyone say crazy busy around here?!? It seems as if we've been extremely busy with lots of different things. I'll try to update you without taking up TOO much time seeing as I have a tendancy to do that! First & foremost I'm happy to report that our basement is officially finished!!! Dan, bless his heart, has put so much time and effort into it and should be very proud. You can see for yourself how beautiful it turned out. It's pretty much going to be a play room for the kids so Makayla is loving that. We're going to be moving her downstairs into her 'new' room in the next couple weeks, she says she's excited but I'm not sure if she completely understands that 'binkie' is bye-bye once she's moved down there! We've been preparing her and it's defintely time so no matter what - Dan & I are gonna take it away cold turkey and stand our ground! =)
We had a great Mothers Day & Fathers Day - got to spend time fishing on both occassions which is always a treat for each of us. Thank heavens I got my fishing license now...the DNR busted me on Mothers Day for fishing without one! OOPS! That was quite embarassing but luckily they gave me a break and didn't fine me!
My tummy is growing more rapidly now but all looks good so we're happy about that. We didn't find out what the sex is....we wanna be surprised like we were with Makayla. I don't have a hunch but other people have said they're sure it's a boy...we'll see!!! Sept. is fast approaching and the baby just can't get here fast enough! While I feel the need to spend lots of quality time with my first baby, I'm just so anxious about having a newborn around again. It doesn't help that Bren was here for 3 days and Evan gave me baby fever all over again! What a good baby they were blessed with! The pictures of him (and the rest of the kids) are from this week.
Well I promised to TRY and keep it short so adios for now! Hopefully we'll see most of you at the Stellema's in Sept. It'll be fun to have a huge gathering with everyone there like we did in the good 'ole days! =) Enjoy your summer - we love you!
Dan, Kim, Makayla & Baby

the Shrontz's

Hi all! I just thought I would write an update about the Shrontz's.
Jason and I are both in the last 2 weeks of our first summer class. Jason is taking a Literature class and I am taking a black and white photo class. I love my class, but I am so ready for it to be over. It's normally over 16 weeks and we are fitting everything into 6 weeks. Talk about intense.
Jason is working at the Red Fox Inn as the midnight desk clerk. He is also on a softball team, which he is the captain of. They practice twice a week even if only 2 people show up and have a game once a week. He loves playing! Plus it gives him a chance to be outdoors with his crazy sleep schedule.
I am working at a retail greenhouse. Our hoop house is set up in the parking lot of our "really great" mall. We sell almost everything from annuals to perennials, shrubs and trees. I really like working there, but will have to look for a new job again once the selling season is over, which will be July 12th.
In the mean time we are really looking forward to having family come visit. We can't wait to show everyone around the city we have fallen in love with.
Speaking of having family come to visit. On Sunday, I was working at the greenhouse and I turned around and then did a double take. Sure enough it was Joel and Travis. They were passing through on their way to Isle Royal, and needed a place to take a nap. So they called Jason and slept in my living room for a couple of hours. They came to visit me before they left though, because they knew they would have one mad cousin on their hands if they didn't. It was so great just seeing them for a couple minutes!
I hope everyone is taking time to enjoy their summer, I know we are.
Lots of love, stacey

ENGAGEMENT PICS!

Hello~
Andrea has given the OK to post a link to her engagement pictures. I don't know how they are going to decide on one, they are all so great. Click on the title 'ENGAGEMENT PICS' and it will take you to the online gallery.

Andrea Shower

Hi there wonderful family. Just thought I would put the word out there that we will be giving Andrea and her Love a shower 0n Aug 20. My house 7pm. I will get beck with you as to where they will be registered later. Now you can all pout the date on the calendar.

Uncle Nick,Dan, and Brent are heading to the cottage today to pour a sidewalk in place of the little round cement pads. YES, no more stubbed toes on the little rounds.It will be blue-gray stampcrete so it will look like a stone path.What a great gift the kids gave Uncle Nick for his birthday.We are venturing into the world of renting starting this week hope it goes well. Kinda scary sharing this family treasure with others.We are praying they will have as blessed a family time as we have had over the years.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY, a little early to all you awesome Dads out there.You may not realize it but, in the"cement" of those little hearts The Father has given you to shepherd, YOU yes YOU are the one that establishes their understanding of TRUST.Be there for them, choose them, love their mommy, and keep your word to them.Being a Daddy is THE most important "job" you will have in life.Well enough of the preaching.

Love you
Barbara Grace

Andrea shower

Hi all you wonderful Family members
Thought I would put the word out that there will be a shower for Andrea and her love at my house 7pm on Aug 20.Now you can all put that on your calendars. Will get back to you later as to where they are registered.

Uncle Nick, Dan, and Brent are heading to the cottage today to pour a sidewalk in place of the little round cement pads. No more stubbed toes on the edges of those cute rounds. The kids gave this to Nick for his birthday last year. It's going to be done with stampcrete, so it will look like a stone path.

A little early,but HAPPY FATHERS DAY to all you Dads out there. You may not realize this but,in the "cement" of their little hearts the Father has given you to shepherd, YOU set the foundation for trust, for how they will relate to others as well as their heavenly Father. BE THERE, follow through on your word, and be merciful. Well enough of the preaching.

Love to you all,
Barbara Grace

Gramps and my most precious

Hey Stacy where did you go? we miss you are you still breathing?



let us know. while I have the Blog open I will tell you all about our

trip to Norfolk Va. to spend a day with Levi and the Scotts on the ship

Harry S. Trueman or HST a nucular powered Aircraft carrier .(BIG)

WOW BIG!!!!!! it is just about the size of all our property here on

Jackson 1096 feet long and 271 feet wide, thats about 10 acres with a

crew of 5000 and we had more than 4000 guests aboard for the day

we went out in the ocean at 7:30 A.M. and returned at about 9:ooP.M.

they fed us breakfast, lunch ,and supper. food available all day on the

hanger deck. also port-a-potties. they had bleachers set up on the

flight deck for the air show. we had a fly over of four fighters, two

AWACKS planes, a helicopter landed they tried the catapults a few

times . then the four fighters landed at 180 miles per hour and stopped

right in front of us AGAIN WOW. then the four fighters were catapulted

off right in front of us. they had a cruiser , and a destroyer , and another

boat that launched hovercraft boats three of them.and came right up to

us. then they had asupersonic fighter fly by and break the sound

barrier and when that happens (suprise to me , you can see the shock

waves) it looks like a flash of lightning all around the plane for a

second or a split second then BOOOOM it had four booms along the length

of the ship then , right straight up till out of sight that happened

three times and was to me worth the trip out there just to experience that.



Well then Levi was our guide and did a fine job of showing us his home

in the Navy he is now out to sea for about 10 days they are getting ready

to go out for a prolonged time, maybe 8 months. He met us at the airport

showed gramma and me around norfolk, took us into the base,showed

us all around the ship, arranged for our Motel , stayed with us for Sat.

nite and took us to the airport on Sunday morning, what a guy!!!!



It was a fast trip but lots of new experiences, O Yeah almost forgot

Sally arranged our Flights thru " Cheap seats " and they had'nt gotten

seat arrangements for us , so when we got to Detroit they sais we will

assign seats at check in so I went up to the counter she said I'm just

getting started I'll call you. So I said will you call us by name yep

so when she did I got our boarding passes and did'nt pay attention to

where we were seated, then will all who are in FIRST CLASS and those

needing extra time or assistance board now., we went over near the

gate and stood there , she motioned for me to come up to the desk,

and I said ARE WE IN FIRST CLASS? she shook her head yes, I blew

her a KISS and we went aboard she said ENJOY! we did. First time

we ever flew in FIRST CLASS ------ IT's NICE.



Gramps and my beautiful traveling partner

Baby Evan Thelen!

Im just a blogging machine tonight!! I know these are a little old as well but i just thought they were too cute not to share! Im sure he is just changing and growing so much already! These are from our visit to Brent and Brenda's when Evan is only 3 days old! You can tell what a proud big brother Gavin is! And I just love the picture of Uncle Kurt and Gav playing video games...those 2 will always have such a special bond and I know Kurt just treasures that!! So I guess that's all from the proud Auntie!! Love you all-Lis

WE DID IT!!

I am so proud of you Jen!!!
I know that I am a little late in posting this but I just now finally downloaded all my pictures onto my computer and I found a couple from the big race.
This picture was taken after Jen and I ran the 53rd River Bank Run this year! It was 15.5 miles and we never walked!! Notice I didn't post any picutres of us during the race...let's just say we didn't have such huge grins on our faces!
This was my 3rd time running this race but it was Jen's 1st and I just had to post this so everyone could know how proud I am of her...she did awsome!
Now onto our next big feat...were training for a Marathon (and for those of you that don't know how far that is...its 26.2 Miles)...yeah...I know what your thinking...and sometimes we think were crazy too! Notice the key word was TRAINING though, we haven't quite committed to actually running the race yet. So you can keep us in your prayers about that! I hope everyone is doing great and having a fun-filled Spring!
Love, Lisa Vander Veen

The Eisen Family

So Hello family this is Audrey here, thought I would update everyone with some things that are going on in this part the neighbor hood. So Elijah and Lily are growing so fast Eli just turned 4 and Lily is 9 months now. The house.................. yeah the house is going good not as fast as I would like it but.......... it happens. we're just waiting for our loan to go threw to finish the house if it weren't for the money waiting we WOULD have it done cause it's really not that big. :) But I feel bad for Jason he's doing a hundred miles a min. doing work, working on the house then trying to get his concrete Bus. going, so I try to help as much as I can. Well enough with the house, other than that things are good. I love being able to read about every one and what's going on with people, life what a great adventure. Well I must go cause my Lily is crying and she needs to be fed and put to bed. So i shall bid you all a happy farwell and much happiness.

( this Pic. is a little old we have the joices on and r ready for the second story floor. )

Toodles Jason & Audrey w/ eli & lily

The Eisen Family

Jessie and Gilbert's Wedding

Hi wonderful family,

Sally here to say a BIG , HUGE Thank You to all you fabulous people who came to my rescue and made this event come off so great. !!!

I am overwhelmed with the support, both prayer and all the other. Everyone pitched in and we are Sooo grateful!! We couldn't have pulled it off without all of you. Nothing went unnoticed and my heart is blessed!
You guys are AWESOME!

The newlyweds are packing their cars and we begin the treck down south this weekend. We are driving Jessie's car and stay a few days to help them get settled and then fly back :) Whoa! Crazy!

I'll post more when we get back. Once again, Thank You All So Much!!! love Sally and Michael :)

Save The Date!!

Friday October 12, 2007
Yes i know i have 4 months and 2 weeks and counting i cant wait!! Love Andrea Joy (Speyer) :) hehe

gramps and the fellow traveler

Hi there we are back from Norfolk , and what a DAY IT WAS , on

the GOOD SH .IP LOLLYPOP. cancel out the last word of the last sentance. It was the good ship HST HARRY S T RUEMAN Aircraft

carrier of the U.S. Navy and for which the honorable Levi Scott are

responsible to get going. He is in charge of getting all the stuff aboard

for such a monster ship as that is. 1096 feet long and 271 feet wide. It

takes quite a canoe paddle to get that thing going , I'll tell ya. We

saw everything that was'nt locked off, saw where levi,s office is, his

bunk room, his kitchen , exersize room flight deck , rode up and down

on the elevators they bring the planes up and down to the flight deck'

they served food all day, breakfast, lunch and supper. Good food.they

even had ice cream, cake ,and other deserts.

The Captain of the ship walked the Flight deck talked with people

had his picture taken with some, we had a VERY NICE AIR SHOW

they had a fly over by four fighters which later landed and were launched

by catapult, back into the wild blue, then these boys did several landings

withthe hook NOT down so they would come in at 180 miles per hr.

just touch the deck and kick in the afterburners and roar ROOAAR

off again . they had awacks planes fly over too, and one supersonic

fighter fly by and of great suprise to me you can see the shock wave

when

they hit the sonic barrier . it looks like a halo of lightning,AMAZING!!!!

they also had ship accompanying us that they can flood part of the

stern and launch hovercraft they sent four of them out the back and

later retrieved them.also there was a large helicopter accompanyin us

all day. and they had other ships along too, destroyer, cruiser, a sub

is normally too but I did'nt see any that Day. so you can see it was

QUITE A DAY for a little dutch boy from the Dutch Getto. Levi seems

to be enjoying himself. now if we could only get him to behave(joke)

We also had one more First--- We got to fly From Detroit to norfolk

First Class how bout that?

That is our report for now Gramps and Gramma T.B..O.G.I.G.

Thankyou!

Hey family! I just wanted to say 'thankyou' for all your love and support and gifts these past few months! I leave tomorrow morning (June 3) EARLY to fly home to Honduras...it has been wonderful to be home, and it will be wonderful to go back!

To all my 'favorite aunts' ;)...thankyou for the shower! Cousins who couldn't make it, but contributed...thankyou! And to all of you who were there...it was so great to see you!

I'll be sure to post pictures of the house and what we have purchased with your help when things are settled in Honduras.

Important dates coming up for Carlos and I:

June 16: Legal wedding- subject to change due to paperwork

June 22: (7:30a/9:30a MI time) Carlos' Visa appointment at the US embassy! PLEASE pray!

Aug. 31 (give or take ;)): Baby Valladares! pronounced Vy-ya-dar-res ;)

I'll continue to keep you updated on what happens in the Latin end of the TerBeek family :)!

Again...THANKYOU, from both Carlos and I...we love you!

Tasha

CONGRATS LUKE!

The youngest of the grandchildren graduated from high school on Thurs! We're so proud of you and we love you Luke!

Grampa & Gramma Terbeeks 59th Anniversary Bash/ Family Party

--Dear Precious Family, We want to invite ya'll to our farm on September 15th for a combination Cell Anniversary /family party celebrating the 59 years of marriage that Gramma & Grampa TerBeek have survived? NO enjoyed and modeled to us all that yes, it can be done. Matthew Stellema has volunteered to roast a pig / or chicken on his big Barbeque's spit. We would need to know how much of a pig to order if we decide to go that route. We have plenty of land for quads, bikes, motorcycles, golf carts.... we also have land to camp or plant your RV on for the weekend. We are just wanting to have a time of celebrating & connecting with each other. We love you all and miss seeing everybody. The official party time is Saturday from noon - til whenever... we can roast marshmallows... sausage... play spoons ( now I know that is going to be the big drawing point. ) Well, enough rambling... Sept 15th.... BIG FAMILY PARTY ...... Stellema's ....Please put it on your calendars. Please all RSVP by August 31st...... or else it's Mac N Cheese . (:-)
Aunt Donna Home - 616-895-7148 /Cell 616-299-8188 E-mail mom6996@aol.com LOVE

canoe trip

hi everyone,
this is lindy. hey i have to be quick, i'm at the library any isabelle is blowing mouth bubbles really loudly but i wanted to plan a cousins canoe trip this summer, perhaps thefirst weekend in Aug, but i wanted to see if peopple were interested. either the muskegon or the white river, sat or sun. let me know if your interested and when it would work best.
lindy 862-5334

Gramps and you know

well we got back yesterday from PA. Landcaster that is we went on
one of those OLD PEOPLE Tours on a COACH (not a BUS) for
four days, don't think I'll set down now for a few days , because of
F.B. ( thats flat butt) disease . We saw the Flight 93 memorial,
the musical Joseph,s coat of many colors, Creation, a production of
that,Psalms of David And had a tour of The amish country around
the Town of intercourse (yep thats no mistake) very interesting.

WE had lots of good food, good company, . wewill be home for a few
days then off to see our naval hero Levi , and the aircraft carrier he is on
we will be gone for the next weekend then back home till the next
adventure comes along.

while we were gone we got notice of an upcomming marriage Jessie
and Gilbert are going to tie the Knot next Sat. WE wont be able to
be there , so------ HAVE A HAPPY LIFE KIDS. I'll comunicate my
normal advice to newly weds somehow. Well thats all for now

LOVE & PRAYERS Gramps O.G.I.G.