"The thief has come to steal and destroy, but I have come that you may have life and have it to the full." - Jesus, John 10:10

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Promises, Promises

Last Saturday we took Abby, Sophie, and Noah to a Native American powwow in Holland while Tom and Anna enjoyed an afternoon and evening at the MSU football game.


The kids were intrigued with the beautiful clothes and the dances, but the highlight of the afternoon was the $1 grab bags filled with goodies - sunglasses, candy, and trinkets :)
Sophie and Noah

Abby

We were invited to join in the dance - Abby had the steps down immediately, Noah figured it out soon after, and I mostly walked along :)

We went out for supper after the powwow and then settled in to watch the big game on t.v.
Watching (?) the game with Grandpa


We enjoyed lunch with good friends on Sunday.....
Me, Bill, Cal, Ann, Carrie, Stan


Monday noon the 'sistas' celebrated Marva's birthday and, along with other gifts and cards, there was a little surprise for her - a bottle of Murine I had saved for 42 years! (The 1967 expiration date can still be read on the bottom.) It's a bottle that I 'borrowed' from her back then with the promise that I'd return it - can't say I don't keep my promises! There's more to the story, but I'll just say that it's a memorable tale :)

Beckie and Marva

Denise and me

Happy Birthday, Marva!
You are an incredible sister
and I love you!



This next shot was taken Tuesday afternoon while watching Tom & Anna's kids - it's Noah and Sophie putting on their scariest faces.


Just a note of thanks to our friends Gary & Shirley for their hospitality Tuesday evening. They welcomed us into their home and we enjoyed a meal and great conversation together, especially the stories of Shirley's spectacular vision (another inside story). She is recovering from major back surgery and we are thankful that she is making steady progress.


Wednesday was another really great day! First was coffee at Marcia's - love their home and love her!

Then it was off to lunch with Sarah - more great conversation with another wonderful and cherished friend!

Bill and I then went to niece Ricki's soccer game. She plays for Davenport University and they had a great 1-0 win against Aquinas in the 2nd overtime!
Ricki (in the middle) with her teammates

Bill and Beckie

Then we met up with Rick and Joey for a nice dinner out - tough day, don't you think?


Thursday night we ate outside (!) with friends Kathy & Tom. It will likely be our final al fresco dining of the season, but it sure was nice :)

Then off to Holland we went to watch Noah's football clinic. He loves every minute of it!

Bill and Sophie, Tom & Abby

Abby wishes for a 'real, live horse' :)


May all YOUR wishes come true,
may your family and friends be loyal and true,
....and may you be true to your word :)

A tiny bottle of old Murine
brings back memories of quite a scene;
suffice it to say
it's important each day
that we learn from our years as a teen!



Saturday, October 24, 2009

Day by Day

It's been a full week with lots of sporting events and time with family and friends. The first pictures are of Noah's football clinic last Thursday, the 15th. He's learning basic running, flagging, hiking, and throwing skills and you can tell from the pictures that he loves it :)

Running past the opponent

Hiking the ball to dad


Friday I went to hear nephew Ben's band play...
The haze is smoke in the air...

Brad and Ben

Great fans - Emily and Beckie


Saturday was the final soccer game for Abby and Sophie. They had great fun this season!

Halftime break - Sophie, Anna, Abby


Monday I enjoyed lunch with Beckie and her sister Susie who was in town for several days. It was great to see her again, get caught up on family news, and to have Susie join us for Bible study on Wednesday!

I had a wonderful visit with friends Gerry and Grady :)

Monday night was Deven's last game of the football season. He had several really great runs and it was really special that his great-grandma was able to watch his game. She lives across the street from where the game was played and we're thankful the weather was nice enough that we could take her - she enjoyed the game, the fresh air, and seeing lots of friends.
Deven - # 28.

Great-grandma and Tori

Deven ready to block

Me, Mom B., Bill

Bill, Mom, Deven


Tuesday afternoon the 'trips' and I spent sometime downtown Holland, making the usual stop at their favorite candy store.
Sophie, Abby, Noah

We were able to see Anna's classroom at Hope College :)


Wednesday was Joy Club and a meeting at church in the evening. I was able to spend some time with Tori in the afternoon and am once again the Uno Champ :)


Thursday I worked at church, filling in for the secretary. My buddy Luke came in and we had a nice chat together :)


Noah's football clinic was cancelled Thursday night due to rain and the gym being used for another event. We found out after we arrived....
Tom and Noah

Because of the change in plans, I went to watch Tom and Anna's kids while they visited friends who were blessed with a new baby boy that morning.
Fun before bed - Abby, Noah, Sophie


Friday morning I had breakfast with my friend Shannon and her fiance Jeff. It was so good to spend some time with them and to hear about their wedding plans :)

After breakfast, I picked up Rachel from work and we had lunch together (tough day :). We both have October birthdays and always celebrate with a nice meal together.

Friday afternoon I visited Bill's mom with Anna and the kids.
The kids are always so sweet to their Great-grandma and she loves their visits!

Sophie and me

Next was a trip to the mall for hot chocolate and bagels and a ride on the carousel...
Serious business - spreading the bagels

Noah's cream cheese moustache

Sophie and Anna

Noah

Abby

Nephew Kenny got to start and play in the final football game of his senior year!!! It was almost unbelieveable after breaking his leg just before the start of the first game of the season. He had his cast off last week and got his doctor's permission to get in the game. The coaches were wisely cautious and he was put in and carried the ball for only two plays, but it was enough to make it a great night for him. As co-captain of the team, Kenny has shown great leadership from the sidelines this year and we admire his determination and grit!
Kenny - # 27 - ready to get in the game :)

Excited fans - sister and mom

Kenny and his dad

Kenny and Ricki

Kenny and Beckie


And last, just a couple pictures uploaded from Laura's site. They are pictures taken during her recent trip to Kona, Hawaii where she was able to spend time with friends Andrew and Chandra and to cheer on Andrew during the Kona triathalon.
Chandra and Laura

Amelia loves Chandra!


Tom and Anna and their kids picked lots of Concord grapes and made juice, pie, and jam :)

Day by day
may your time be jammed
with family, friends, and fun!