Tour?

Ok ladies.....are we too late to set a date for the tour of homes?

Diane

1st Day of Fall

Today is the official first day of fall and it always causes me to reflect on the greatness of our God. When we see the leaves changing and the crops being harvested, I am once again reminded of the provisions that God has given to each one of us.

I know I don't tell you each very often how much I love you, but I love and respect every member of our family. We are so blessed with gifts and talents that only God has given.

Take a moment today to praise God and thank Him for all of our goodness.

Love,
Karen

Van Wyk Family Dinner

Just wanted you all to mark your calendars and plan on Sunday dinner at our house on Sunday, Oct. 4. Mari will be home as well as Abby and Kim and their families. They're hoping all of you can come. I like fixing a big meal with meat, potatoes, etc. So let me know if you want to bring a salad or dessert to round things out.
Dinner will not be served till at least 12:30 as Abby has to teach Sunday School. Hopefully that allows time for all the Des Moines area kids to come.
Love to you all.
Bonnie

New Seasons

Okay, I just had surgery yesterday and I'm not feeling the best, but I feel a bit introspective (big word for a girl on painkillers). I am realizing once again how blessed I am to have a great support system. I feel loved in this family. You have prayed for me and each showed your love to me in this process. Thank-you for loving me well.

I pray for God to bless each one of you in your "stuff". Bonnie, may you find joy in those beautiful grandchildren and bless you for all of your time praying for your children, friends, and family. You are a prayer warrior!

Norma, I know you have stuff in your marriage that sometimes seems insurmountable (another big word, hum), but you are perservering and I am proud. Don't give up, keep putting it at the foot of the cross.

Karen, that job stuff is a pain in the kister. You are a valuable person and I pray that God will lead you to the job that will show your gifts and you will shine!

Diane, yes I had my apprehensions about your doing the foster care thing, but you are definately making a difference in those kids' lives. It is cool to see you being "Jesus with skin on" to those boys.

Joy, between your family and your job and your volunteerism, you are a busy person, but you make time for what's important and you do what you do well.

Mom, I am so happy to see you happy. I feel so blessed to have you as my mom. Thank-you for praying us through our "stuff". We all know you love us very much.

So may God bless all of us in our new or maybe just new perspective season. I love you all and just wanted to let you all know.

Rosa

Quick Update on the boys

Looks like both Russ & Skyler will be with us for the next several months. Russ' mom starts her rehab mid-August. That's a 3 month stint and then she'll have to jump through several hoops to get him back home with her.

Skyler's parents have run out of family to ask. No one is willing to take on the responsibility of 5 kids, one of whom has a severe disability. So, mom decided she wants them to stay in the foster homes they are in currently. They are almost finished doing time in Marion Co, then they will have to go to Washington Co. for another set of charges, and then we'll see what happens with Minnesota and their charges. After all that is done they will have to find a home to move the kids back to, which they currently do not have. And...then they'll have to jump through lots of hoops to prove they are financially stable, etc. before the kids can come home.

So, I wouldn't be surprised if both of them are with us for close to a year. Russ came in March, and I really don't expect him to go home permanently until close to Christmas, maybe longer depending on how well she does with her hoop jumping. Skyler...who only knows....there is so much unknown about that situation.

They are great kids. Russ was a little upset when the boys at camp teased him last week. He's pretty fragile about that since he knows he can't use his fists to solve the problem. I told him that sometimes kids can be mean and you just have to walk away from it or laugh with them so they see it's no fun to tease you. And Skyler has been talking more and more.

We're looking for a bigger vehicle...need a mini van again if we are going to number 7 for awhile. :-)

Love you guys!

me

Thanks, Diane

It seems that Diane's birthday is the one to challenge a stretch us. She has had us walking the Klompen, making ceramics, and now playing with children. I am starting to wonder what next year will be. I don't stretch willingly, so I need the push and you gave it to me. God blessed my stretching by allowing me to hold a sick little girl and sing songs to her and love on her while my sisters and mom ran after six little kids (actually only, Mom, Bonnie, and Diane chased kids. Karen convinently had to stay inside, air conditioning, to iron on transfers. Joy took a boy in to potty and didn't come back....).

So, yeah, thanks Diane. Seriously, it was great. Happy Belated Birthday!!
Rosa

Summertime laziness....

Hi, Today is the last day of school for the kids and boy are they ready for summer. It's too bad it had to be so chilly and wet...just didn't quite feel like the last day for summer, maybe spring break? Oh well, tomorrow will be sunny and soon they will want to be inside to play because "it's croakin' out there!" :-)

I am not taking classes this summer. I am down to needing 4 classes, and none of them are offered during the summer semester. And I have to take them 2 x 2 next year. One is part 1 in the Fall and part 2 in the Spring...so it looks like an easier road for the last year of school. Sometimes I think "how slow can this be to get an associates degree?" And "What am I really going to gain from all of this..." I guess the answer to the first is very and the answer to the second is that only God knows what I will gain from this experience. :-)

Angie moved into a little house with a couple of girlfriends last week. She thinks its pretty cool to not live on campus...she's on to the next stage of life...living independently from mom & dad and from school rules. She has one semester of classes and one semester of student teaching and then she'll be done too. We'll have a big party next May for us college grads! Then the next year it will be Katey's graduation party...just call us May Party Central!

Matt went up to Prairie Meadows today for the Bass Pro Shop job fair. After 1 1/2 hours of waiting they called his name and he had an informal interview. He had to tell them how many years of fishing, camping, hiking, etc. he had under his belt. When he told them he was an Eagle Scout the guy said, Good enough for me, come back next Wednesday for a second interview! He took the Compass test for DMACC last week and is set to start classes in the fall. Plus he has a few odd jobs that have come his way to tide him over financially. I am continually amazed when I see God at work in my kid's lives...how things just "fall into place" at "just the right time."

Katey is babysitting for Brian & Lisa Zylstra's little boys this summer as she recuperates from surgery. Lance broke her heart this week and ended their relationship. Time will tell how that all plays out, but for today she's heartbroken. She is glad to be done with school and ready for upper classman status. I think she'll have senioritis beginning next fall...at the beginning of her junior year! She really needs prayer covering during this time of her life...discernment, wisdom, wise choices, seeing herself as God sees her, etc.

Lauren would go to school almost all summer if it was available. She wrote the sweetest note to Mrs. Vos. She let me read it to see if it "sounded right." :-) She told her she was one of her 2 favorite teachers so far. She thanked her for making learning fun, even when it should have been boring! How sweet is that? She is singing on the Tulip Toren Thursday night with all the school kids if you happen to be uptown for the first Thursday Night event of the summer.

Russ has a long way to go academically. Hopefully he'll be receptive to some summer "learning opportunities" around the house and we can work on some math & reading skills informally. I have a call into his SW to see if we can enroll him in something like Apples of Gold and be reimbursed for it. I spoke with him about maybe repeating 3rd grade. He wasn't keen on the idea, but seems to understand that he really is far behind all the other kids moving on to 4th grade...socially, academically, physically. He doesn't think mom will approve, so we'll just pray that she see's the benefit of it since he's had a rough year. We are also praying for some good friends for him this summer.

Bob has been busy working on the bed in the garage during the afternoon's. He's home by 1:30 every day so that gives him a few hours to putter around on it before I come home. He garden is looking great. We've got some strawberries out of the patch this week...yummm!

So, while I titled this summertime laziness...it sure seems like we are all busy at our house. I'm busy at work getting things together for the Golf Classic and working on the triennial General Policy Manual review. It's been reviewed by lots of people, now I get to put it all together, make sure its formatted right, etc. bleck...least favorite job! Good thing it only happens every 3 years! At home I had some fun with the Cricut machine and Bonnie's project. I hope Mari & Jesse liked it! I'm also working on refinishing the porch swing from mom's front porch.

I am so thankful for all the good things God has given to me. The other day I felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders with everything that was going on in life...and then I remembered the song from the wedding "Great is Thy Faithfulness" and knew that no matter how heavy my burden was, God would be faithful to lift it for me and take care of my "problems" which, in comparision with other people's PROBLEMS are pretty puny.

Ok, so this is really long...sorry for that...but let's hear what you guys and your kids are up to this summe!

Love you!

Diane

What is everyone doing?

Okay, are you looking at this and leaving because you can't think of anything to add? I have done that a few times, but it is no fun to not find anything there, so here I am....Bernie and I did the dam to dam on Saturday. It is a 20K race in which almost 10,000 people participate. 6,000 some finished and we came in in front of about 50 of them. No, we didn't do so great, but my body didn't even want to finish. It was trying to stop me in every way, but I zoned out and kept putting one foot in front of the other and we DID IT! That would be 12.4 miles in 3 hours and 11 minutes. Rianne ran/walked the race. She finished it also.

I am enjoying walking nearly everyday. I enjoy the weather and feeling like I am doing something positive for my body. I am not committed to any Bible Studies, classes, family, or organizations, so, at this time, my time is my own. Hopefully, I can continue when life sets in.

Brandon started a new job today. He is working road construction. He left at 5 this morning and it is after 9:30 tonight and he is not back. 5:00 am will come awfully early tomorrow at this rate.

Karen, how is the job hunt? Bonnie, are you recuperated from the wedding yet? Norma, how are things going? Joy, are you baseballed out yet? Diane, are your classes finished for a bit or are you going through the summer? Mom, enjoy your time with your siblings and your vacation from selling a house and the craziness of Pella.

Love you all!
Rosa

Something to Ponder

As Gold is essayed by fire -- By Rev. J.B Victor

The Nine Impending Yet Rewarding Tests That Every Christian Will Face

WilliamWordsworth, an American literaturist, if I may thus coin my own lexicon, said:

"This world is all a fleeting show
For men's illusion given;
The smile of joy, the tears of woe,
Deceitful shine, deceitful flow,
There is nothing true but heaven."

As it were, William Wordsworth understood the truth that true happiness is not of the mundane; it's not in either the physical, the materialistic or the visual which are only extrinsic and transient, but that it is in a vertical relationship, or heart connection with
Abba. He realized that even in the midst of happiness, sorrow can be knocking at your door. Thus, his resolution draws us to reason and thereby points us heavenward.

In this life, this pilgrimage, or trek, whatever you choose to call it, we are going to be tried.
And as they say, "A man's true mettle is known through adversity as gold is essayed by fire." Job for his part said, "After He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold..." That understands there is a beauty that comes from our trying times if we will embrace it all with the right mindset and attitude towards God.

Now here are 9 tests that can cause you to flinch and break but with a little bit of faith, positive attitude and trust in GOD, you won't break as you allow those tests to prepare your heart for your promised land. And it's okay to be flexible; flexibility does not mean weakness. Blessed are the flexible for they shall not be broken.
The Nine Impending Tests Every Christian Will Face:

1 - The Wilderness Test
2 - The Time Test
3 - The Motivation Test
4 - The Failure Test
5 - The Self-will Test
6 - The Discouragement Test
7 - The Misunderstanding Test
8 - The Frustration Test
9 - The Servant Test

The Bible says that Those that trust in the Lord shall be like mount Zion which shall not be moved. The testing should not cause us to back out, cave in or backslide; they are only there to strengthen our roots, training us for the tougher and rougher Red Seas that lie ahead. N.B, every Red Sea you cross, your faith capacity is increased considerably and your mustard seed is multiplied. So, in our walk with the Lord, while being a fellow workers with Christ, we'll realize that Testing is:

* Inevitable
* Continual
* Necessary
* Productive
* Influential
* Transforming
* Crafted by God
* Purging
Tonight, regardless of what test you're going though, I encourage you not to get discouraged, but simply look at the result through the eyes of eternity. Sometimes you may have to encourage yourself by saying positive statements like "This too shall pass," or "It could've been worst" etc. And at times, you may bend like a reed under the influence of the storm, but you won't break because you know in Whom and how deep your roots are dug.

Dangers of the Testing
* People become DISILLUSIONED
* People become DISTRAUGHT
* People become DISTRACTED
* People become ANGRY
* People become BITTER
* People become HARDENED

The purpose of every test is:
* To reveal what we understand
* To reveal what we don't understand
* To reveal to us the applicability of the lesson
* To show our true color

After the drought, the rain,
After the desert, the promised land
After the tears, the rejoicing
After death, life,
After the testing time, the reward.

Just hang on

The will of God will never take you
Where the grace of God cannot keep you,
Where the arms of God cannot support you,
Where the riches of God cannot supply your needs,
Where the power of God cannot endow you.

The will of God will never take you
Where the spirit of God cannot work through you,
Where the wisdom of God cannot teach you,
Where the army of God cannot protect you,
Where the hands of God cannot mold you.

The will of God will never take you
Where the love of God cannot enfold you,
Where the mercy of God cannot sustain you,
Where the peace of God cannot calm your fears,
Where the authority of God cannot overrule for you.
The will of God will never take you
Where the comfort of God cannot dry your tears,
Where the Word of God cannot feed you,
Where the miracles of God cannot be done for you,
Where the omnipresence of God cannot find you

Lauren's Choir Conerts

Hi there,

I forgot to mention this today so I guess this is the next best thing and hope you all talk to each other at some point this week! :-)

Lauren has a Jr. Choir performance on Sunday evening at 6:00 at church. She has a couple of speaking parts and will be singing a duet (I think? I get confused b/c it was just a solo, then it was a trio...but now I think it's a duet). I know she would love to see familiar faces in the audience!

Also, on Monday night there is a free concert of the Pella Children's choir at 2nd Reformed church. This will be their spring concert. The concert doesn't start until 7:30 which tells me it won't be very long...maybe 30 minutes or so. Again, I'm sure she would love to see faces she knows!

Russ went to the Elzinga's without any trouble. He was a bit overwhelmed by all of you today. He said "Man Diane, your family is HUGE! Everytime I turned around there were more people!" :-)

Would appreciate prayers for all the kids this week. They are pretty set for food most nights. A couple of nights there are people bringing them food. And its a busy week with something almost every night so that should make the time go by quickly. I hope!

Love you!

Diane

Thanks!

Hey, I just wanted to thank each of my sisters for accomodating my request to laugh together. I had a great time and kindof wish I could see it again because I can't remember enough of it. I also loved lunch! I will go back there. The food and the service was great.

Today I really have fond memories of the great food because I have been fasting today. I have a colonoscopy and an upper GI tomorrow. I am looking forward to being on the other side of these tests, although I hear the sleep is pretty sweet. AND, I DO feel thin....if only I could actually be thin....

I had a great weekend with the women of my life. My girls make me laugh as only they can. And Jessa just warms my heart. She slept on my lap for over an hour the other night.

I hope you all get to meet Russ soon. He is a bit shy, but what a cutey! His timidity warmed my heart. May God Bless you, Diane and Bob, with what you need to show that young man a safe, caring home.

Hey, I am feeling some peer pressure on this college education thing. Everyone of you have or are doing your part at bettering yourself educationally. Maybe I should persue it....it could mean a new car....Hee-Hee. I don't know what to think. Well, you guys run ahead and let me know how it feels. I may join you or not.

Have a blessed Holy Week! I love you! Rosa

Still giggling?

What a great way to spend a Saturday! I don't think any of us will re-cork a wine bottle without giggling ever again!

Diane

Placement

Hi all,

Just wanted to give you a heads up that we had a 9 y/o boy placed with us this weekend. His name is Russell, he goes by Russ. Social worker seemed to think he'd be with us through the end of the school year, but we won't know anything for sure until after Tuesday.

Of course, we appreciate your prayers for all of us. Please don't ask us much about him, we really are not allowed to share. He's all boy and despite having his world turned upside down, is settling into somewhat of a routine. He had fun with the neighbor kids this weekend, adores Matt b/c he likes to hunt and fish. He has bonded with Katey, says she reminds him of a favorite cousin. He and Lauren play well together, tonight they were battling it out on Stuart Little, helping each other along the way and yet some friendly competition going on.

Love you all!

Diane & Bob

Mom's email?

Does anyone know Mom's new email address? I'm assuming it changed since she left MCHSI but I haven't heard what it is? Any ideas?

Thanks!

Just wondering....

I've been thinking alot lately about how our lives are all so different, and yet we have the common thread of love for each other and committment to our family. What I am wondering about what your "mandate" is from God. What do you believe you personally are called to do to further His Kingdom?

I think about this because I know that many of you ar concerned about our Foster Care journey and how that will affect our family. And that bothered me for awhile. Then I realized this...that just because we are called to love these kids in foster care in our home, doesn't mean that it is for everyone. In fact, it isn't. Because? Because it's not God's mandate on everyone's life. Your mandate is something completely different. Does that make mine wrong? No. Does it make yours wrong? No. It just means that God is using us to further His Kingdom in many different ways. We all have different personalities and different spiritual gifts that we are called to utilize in a variety of ways.

So, tell us....what do you believe your purpose is in this life? What is it that you uniquely are called to do? Put some thought into this and post it up here for all to see. Then we can pray for each other and further His Kingdom together.

Diane

It is now March and life just keeps rolling....I think I just finished my responsibilities with the simulcast and now I can look forward to Cancun. Don't worry about us there, we will be responsible and not do anything that puts us in harms way.

I am looking forward to celebrating my birthday with you. Thank-you for allowing me to take your Saturday...

Tell me what you think...I just got an email from someone thanking us for our work for the simulcast, I don't know them personally, but they signed it "Race you home...". It kindof makes me smile, but not, because I love life, but I sure look forward to heaven....mixed emotions came
with that little phrase.

Rosa

Thought we needed a new post

Hello all! It's been several days since Karen's last post and I it seems that I can't let a blog get too far behind. I am thinking about starting my own little blog I am having so much fun the 2 I currently post on.
Not much new here. Went to Parent Teacher conferences last week and found out the teachers aren't doing their job. :) My kids are not at the top of their respective classes. They are not flunking out but they all suggested they started falling off after vacation with pointed looks at me. I finally told one, we had a great time and I'd do it again. They will catch up.
I would like to ask for prayers for Isaac. He is going through some anxiety or something. Bless him, he has such a heart. He wants me to pray with him and find him Bible verses. I gave him the one's you shared, Rosa. I think he has something going on and doesn't have the tools in his tool kit to deal with it or articulate what is going on. It kind of reminds me how I felt when Diane told me the Russian KGB was going to come and take us all away. Ok maybe she didn't say that exactly but that's what I heard and that's why I didn't sleep and drove Mom and Dad nuts for many nights. Anyway, we could all use our prayers. It is not easy to be patient and reassuring at 3:00 am.
Looking forward to the Marriage Simulcast this weekend as it seems like it's been a long time since Steve and I have had any extended alone time.
I echo Karen's sentiments. I am so proud to be part of a family as unique and beautiful as ours. Love you all,
joy

Hello Family - thought I would try my hand at posting on our web site. I just wanted to let everyone know how proud I am to be a part of such an awesome family. When I stop and think about how blessed our family is, I truly realize how great our God is that He has blessed us beyond words.

Happy Anniversary, Rosa on your taking ownership of the store - it is so awesome to walk in the store and look around and see God in every display. It is a bright spot on the south side of the square in Pella, IA.


I am in the middle of a study of Esther and what is so amazing is that God placed her in the palace for such a time as this - and that is my wish for my family that we all realize that God has a plan for each of us for such a time as this.

God Blessings on each of you - Karen

Hello...

My only thought was someone had to post so Mom and Paul moved on down the blog. They are in the process of moving so I don't know if that what happiness looks like today or not.
Busy week...can't believe it's Saturday. Started another blog this week for the women of Grace Fellowship. This had been on my heart for over a year now but this week it all just kind of came to a head. If you want to read about it check out the blog www.gfwomenofgrace.blogspot.com
I also started a facebook much to the chagrin of our younger nieces and nephews. But all I have to say about that is if you don't want me seeing it 1) you shouldn't be doing it and 2) you shouldn't be broadcasting it on the internet. :) Anyway I really like that face book thing. I had a nice chat with a friend from church last night. Saw a cool video that another had dedicated. I wonder if I can post that here? I will try before I am done. It's By Your Side by 10th Avenue North. I have lots of friends. More than I ever knew really. So that's affirming.
Nope can't put it here. Go to you tube and watch it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU I like it.
Have a great weekend and coming week everyone!
joy

This is what happiness looks like....

Mom's wedding pictures

I am sitting here at Mom's and I wanted to add a favorite wedding picture and oh yeah one of Mom and Paul. :)

Verburg family

It is finally quiet in our home. We had a great time with all of our guests since the middle of December but have to admit that sometimes the peace and quiet feels good. Having said that I am already trying to figure out when I will see the kids again, nothing officially planned until Graces birthday in March, that is a long time.
Mari will be home at Easter, with Jesse this time. She asked me to find out when the entire Van Wyk family can get together that weekend. Does Easter Sunday work for everybody?? She is anxious to see everyone and also wants you to meet Jesse.
We are in the middle of wedding plans, details, details, details but I really don't mind most of the time, but there are days.
John and I are so pleased that Mari is marrying a Christian man who loves her and God with all of his being.
The last three weeks we had the pleasure of hosting Peter, a South Korean teacher. It was a time of fun learning about his culture and sharing ours with him. I'm sorry you didn't get to meet him, he would have been amazed at the size of our family. In Korea no one has more than two children.
I don't think I ever said how I felt God working the night we got together to divide some of Mom's stuff. It would be a lie if I said I wasn't worrying about that event. But since worry and prayer can't live in the same house, I prayed and prayed and prayed. God chose to honor those prayers and showed all of us how mature Christian women act in times of challenge. What a blessing that all of us love and serve the Lord and when push comes to shuff we walk the walk and not just talk the talk.
I love you all!
Bonnie

We are so blessed. The other night I was in a group of people and we were working on recording an ad for the radio station about the marriage simulcast. The sentence was "Marriage is...." and we had to fill in the blanks. It was good to be in a room with couples who actually loved being married. I am surrounded on a daily basis by people who simply tolerate their husbands or as one person said, "I loathe him". And these are people in our churches and claim to love Jesus. I cannot understand it.

Then I was thinking about marriage and how easy it is to let your marriage go in the tank. A little disrespect for him, a little white lie, a nasty comment, looking at someone else, someone else looking at her and if not admitted or acknowledged, the beginning of huge problems.

Well, marriage is heavy on my mind and I hope you all take some time compliment your spouse and love them for the person they are.

Looking forward to next Saturday and taking Mom out for her birthday - I love Latin King!

Rosa

We are back

A breakdown: (it's not a video-I'll work on that)
6 people
1 car
12 days
Almost 3000 miles
40+ hours in the car
12 states
3 hotels
4 children lost (only 1 knew he was lost so I think he is the only one who should count)
4 parks
Unknown number of roller coasters-Jett could ride all but 2
18 character autographs
2 Beaches=1 very happy mom
1 Kennedy Space Center=1 very happy dad
2 Birthdays-Steve and our friend Elliot
200+ pictures
Best of all, abundant, blessed hours with friends and extended family
No flat tires, breakdowns, lost tickets, below freezing days or events that could derail this trip-Hallelujah!
Do it again? Absolutely!
I love this picture because it is taken as we got on the Small World Ride at Magic Kingdom. It is the end of the day and we are all still smiling.
Thank you to those of you who prayed for us on this trip, helped with the animals, shoveled our drive way and shared in our excitement. We are very happy to be home and back to our routines. We have some incredible memories and sweet moments I know I will hold on to for a long time.
I thought of Mom and Dad often on this trip. I remembered Mom when I saw the ocean and felt the overwhelming happiness just from being there and the joy I experienced when my kids saw it for the first time. I morphed into Dad when I was driving into the Blue Ridge Mountains I hollered at my kids "Look at the mountains!" and then feeling so frustrated because all I got was a glance up from whatever square screen they happened to be staring at. "Look! You may not see this again!" Became my parents. Funny how that happens isn't it? I am thankful to Mom and Dad for teaching me that although it is work and it requires some sacrifice it is worth everything to take a step out of life even for a short while and make memories with your family.
joy

Trying something new

Katey spent quite a bit of time putting this together for me as a new "techy" way of sending out our year end letter. However, I couldn't figure out how to upload it. So, drumroll please, we are going to try it here and see how it works. If you don't want to hear Christmas music, just turn off your speakers and enjoy the pictures from our year in review!

Diane

Checking in...

We made a quick trip to KC yesterday. Angie was supposed to have a dentist appt. on Monday, but the crown didn't come in so we went down there to bring her stuff that she left at home before she went to Mexico. We didn't want to have her drive 4 hours this way, pack her stuff and then drive 8 hours back to school today before the storm comes in tomorrow. It was a nice little get away for Bob & I too to have some good conversation about life and kids and such.

Classes start tomorrow at DMACC. I'm taking math and speech this semester. Two extremes on my like scale...totally do not like Math and totally love to talk! :-)

Not much else new here. Back into the routine of a new year...anybody have a new year's resolution they want to share?

Diane

Another week has passed. We have Charra (Joy & Steve's dog) at our house. The Flinchums are at Disney World and other sights in Florida. I hope they all come home together. Joy threatened that if one got lost, she was not going to look for them - it takes too much time and she has things to do and see.

Mom and Paul left the wedding and Mom slipped and fell and has been nursing a sore knee since. I hope she is feeling better soon.

Life here is good. We are working on a couples ministry vision. Bernie has been talking about this for over a year. So we are stepping out to see where this thing goes. There is a simulcast on Feb. 28 that we are hosting that will kick it off. This is a challenge because we have no idea how many people will want to come to Pella for a boost in their marriage. The simulcast has Beth Moore, Gary Chapman, Gary Thomas, John Trent, Jeremy Camp and others. It is a great lineup and we have an awesome team to help, but we are still walking blindly. "We walk by faith, not by sight"- a little un-nerving!

I started tanning this week for our trip to Cancun in March. Dot and Duane Bruxvoort invited us along for a trip through the store. I love this part of being friends and Bernie working for the Bruxvoorts. What a Blessing!

I was impressed to see that Mari and Abby commented on the grandchildren blog - I know they are checking it - you may post also.....I would love to see what everyone is up to. My kids don't want me to get facebook - and I am choosing to honor them on that. Besides I don't have the gumption to try to figure it out.

I love you all!
Rosa

The weekend

I just read Diane's beautiful post about those awesome nieces and nephews. Every bit of it is true and I too am so proud of them and are thankful they are our "next generation." I am thankful for my place in the family because I get to have my feet in both generations.
I am almost tearful as I think about the weekend-maybe a little tired but also overwhelmed with emotion. I believe God moved in all of our lives in ways we never expected. He was faithful and what could have been difficult situations only drew us closer and actually created some very sweet memories.
The wedding was beautiful because of Mom and Paul's love for each other and for the Lord. We were ourselves and got to know the Vos's a little bit better. Paul is a wonderful addition to our family and it is wonderful to see Mom with that sweet sparkle in her eye.
As is all the time we spend together I am reminded of what I think is our family verse-
"Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy... The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy." Psalm 126:2-3
I will never forget the joy, blessing and faithfulness we received this weekend.
Love you all,
joy

What a day!

I'm sitting here tonight reflecting on the day and sorting through the pictures that Matt took. I came across this one and thought "Wow! What a great group of kids to represent us into the next generation!" Seriously, have you thought about it? Let's do:

Abby--first of the next generation, beautiful woman who is a loving mom to 3 adorable little girls...the next generation! The love of God and family is written all over her face!

Kim -- another beautiful woman of God, loving mommy to 3 more sweet little girls....the next generation after these kids is in good hands if these great neices we have are any indication of where it's heading!

Mari -- successful, beautiful, and planning a wedding from a distance! What charm and talents she has. We missed her today, but we understand! We'll see her soon, right?

Jenny -- a lovely young lady who loves nothing more than to play at the zoo all day! We are so proud of her...plus it's nice to have someone with connections at Disney, right Joy? :-)

Kris -- a preacher in the making. I mean really, who else walks around with CS Lewis in their back pocket? With this many family members, it's high time we had an official preacher in the family! Yeah, I know, youth pastor...but its as close as we've ever gotten!

Steph -- successful, beautiful, stylish and a lot of fun are just a few words that best describe Steph! There is never a dull moment when Steph is in the room, and we love you for that!

Teresa -- did anyone else think that girl looked like a super model today? Oh my goodness, she was STYLIN' and gorgeous! And yet, she can stick her hand in cow's stomachs! Which is more than anyone else in this family is willing to do!

Randy -- oldest grandson, the one who gave Dad hope that he wouldn't be stuck in a sea of girls forever! Cute as can be, isn't he? Doesn't someone have a girlfriend for him to hook up with? Thanks for walking Mom down the aisle today, you've been there for her through a lot of stuff and we appreciate you!

Becky -- what a lovely young lady, I mean really...who else could be in Mexico earlier this week, drive from Denver, have the flu and still look so darn adorable? Plus she's mom to a darling little Jessa, who wouldn't say a word to me, but teased me anyway by not telling me about her braids!

Rianne -- with a sunny personality and beautiful looks, Rianne turns heads when she walks in! And her heart is so caring that I know she's perfect in her current job!

Brandon -- ok, so Rianne said I could call him Bubbles, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. He's so handsome and bigger than me... :-) His artistic gifts will make him famous some day, even if it's just among his aunts!

Angie -- missed her today too. Her heart is so tender for little ones that I know she will be a great teacher one day! I'd like to say she missed us today, but I'm thinking that she only thought of us once or twice. Josh has a way of distracting her these days!

Matt -- so did any of you know that Matt even owned clothes other than blue jeans and a hoody? He cleans up real nice, doesn't he? I am so proud of him and cannot wait to see where he will be 5 years from now!

Katey -- poor thing, every time she turned around this week someone else was telling her how much she looked like her mom! I only wish I was that cute when I was 17. She did a fantastic job handling the little kids table with grace and beauty...and a whole lot of fun!

Lauren -- she had so much fun today playing with the little girls and getting to know Lydia better! She likes being looked up to by Grace, Jenna, Ella, Audrey & Jessa...instead of feeling like the little kid she feels like the big one when they are around her!

Brady -- he is growing up so fast! His voice is deeper and those eyes are going to steal some girl's heart one day! What a kind and compassionate young man he is!

Isaac -- Smart is the word I'd use to best describe Isaac. He is taking in every detail and will one day be the one who will remind us of things we'd long since forgotten. Plus he's durn cute with those mischevious eyes!

Libby -- Princess Libby, Dad would have loved to have spoiled you sweet girl. You are independent enough to walk clear to Third Church to get your baby brother, and yet you love to be doted on too! Your independent spirit will get you a long way in this world Princess...just not yet, ok?

Jett -- baby boy who is turning into this little boy who is absolutely adorable with those long eyelashes. Dad would have loved making wooden cars for you Jett and taking you fishing with your brothers. You bring up the end of this generation. They all seem so much older than you, but the truth of the matter is that it was just yesterday that Abby was your size. Hopefully, when you are all adults, you and Abby will share something special as the first and the last of the next generation.

So there you go.....what a great bunch of kids we've brought into this world! They all did so great today! It spoke volumes to me when Christine said last night "I just couldn't miss this opportunity to see you guys again!" What we have is special, unique and amazing.

I love all of you!

Diane

Reindeer Games

I thought that we had lost these pictures right after the Christmas tour of homes. Happily tonight, I found them again and just had to post this picture of our Reindeer games! We do love to have fun together, don't we? These are almost better than Mickey Ears!

Diane