Tulip Time!

And so it is! Tulip Time in Pella. I've been away from "blogging" for a bit..my companion around the house does NOT like sharing computer time...but this morning I'm up before she is, so a quick picture or two and a few words to let you know, we're still here!

Georgia was not thrilled with Dutch costume pictures...we have lots of pictures of her walking away. So she's earned herself a spot AT HOME during this years festival.

It's been a busy month, with grandparents day at Pella Christian Grade with Noah and at Sully Christian with Colby. Both boys are growing up so fast..and learning SO much! We found it rather a challenge to be "allowed" to help with the spelling pretest!! It was fun that Dennis and I could both attend and my parents as well! I believe Colby may have set a Sully Christian Record for the child with the MOST grandparents in attendance!

If you're in town for Tulip Time, stop by the Best of Thymes gift shop by the Opera House, I'll be there from 10 to 5 Thursday and Friday! Love to sell you SOMETHING with a tulip on it!

take care

Cabin 24 at Honey Creek on Lake Rathbun.



Noah and Henry take to the water!

Jessa all dolled up in her suit surveys the possibilities in the water..

while Henry and Georgia ride on Nemo and Colby and Tysen announce their arrival at the water park.

May I suggest a weekend away at Honey Creek on Lake Rathbun for any of you with kids or kids at heart who are just sick of being cold and looking at snow! The kids had a blast, and we all enjoyed food and fun at the resort and in our cabin. We got in on the Family Fun Special at the resort, which I'd almost do again next weekend, but they are booked full and I'm still trying to recover that lost night of sleep!

More from us later...

We're back, again! I had no ability to post pictures, which is part of the reason for the blog, i dropped my 6 year old digital camera on the cement front step on one of those frigid nights, and it did not fare well...so after going a few rounds with Walmart on how to get an advertised camera (order on line, have it shipped to the store it is supposed to be on sale at..) HERE we ARE! Georgia is now ONE, as of Feb 6. and walking as of the day after that! so we've been busy..

Like most of you, we've about had it with winter, snow, cold, car seats and coats, roads drifting shut, and all the rest...but there is always the promise of spring!! someday....

I'm continuing my work at Best of Thymes in Pella, about one day a week, it's been a slow February, and with all this weather to deal with, my employers have been quite generous with me, allowing me to stay home with the winter winds howl.

Our family hopes to get together this weekend, and I'll be taking that new camera, and sharing pictures with you of all the kids...

A little heads up..Peder Eide will be in concert on the 24th at Pella Christian High. Remember the Christmas concerts we had with Peder at 2nd church, and the concert two years ago at PCH in such terrible weather? so many of you came, and were blessed by his ministry and enthusiasm..I hope to attend this year and would love to see many of you too!!

Take care my friends, there are "better days" just ahead!

Good to be Back

Our 9 year old Toshiba laptop died. After a week of no Internet, no email,I packed up the office computer and brought it home. I refuse to face another weather situation that might leave me at home with out contact with my friends. I've also upgraded a bit to service though us cellular, which brings me up to speed with my DSL friends...no more DIAL UP! (so yes, you can now reach me on my home phone again mother...) I hope to upload some pictures tomorrow, Georgia cooperating, and talk more with you all about things happening in the world, most of all the situation in Haiti, and the amazing story of the Poulters trip there to bring back 5 precious children. Catch the story on ABC, hopefully more tonight on Nightline.
til later
I'm BACK!!

Not exactly Seven Lords a Leaping...but it is Seven De Vries girls sitting! These are the Seven baby girls born this past year as great grand daughters of Harold and Leona De Vries. Starting at the left: Ella Dykstra, Meagan De Vries, Jessa De Vries, Cambria Van Dyke, Breckyn De Vries, Georgia De Vries and Abigal De Vries. Whooooh! We feel we accomplished quite a bit getting this picture, they started crawling away within seconds! We celebrated Christmas and Grandpa's 80th birthday Saturday night with over 60 family members in attendance. and no, it wasn't at our house...we are thankful for the use of the Peoria Grade School gymnasium!!






Santa appeared at our gathering to hand out presents to all the good girls and boys. Cambria, just a year, was fascinated by Santa and several other children reserved judgement of Santa, but managed to get close enough to open a gift. Santa does hold a special place in his heart for Colby...who kept Santa's "real identity" to himself.

This was my first Christmas in over a dozen years to NOT be on the radio. I always enjoyed working Christmas morning, sharing songs i loved with the listeners who had become my "extended family". I was not looking forward to getting through yet another season of my lost life. But, because of snow and situations, I slept through what would have been most of my morning radio shift. and as the day progressed, I found I didn't miss it as much as I had thought i might, though I do still miss so much talking with so many who touched my life over the past 12 years. My work at Best of Thymes has brought contact with some old friends as well, and it's always good to catch up. If you're one of those people I miss, please feel free to email! I love connecting in this new way, while still missing the old way!

At our Christmas gathering with my husbands family, my sis in law gave a brief over view of the things our 9 different families have to be thankful for. It made me pause to think of what an amazing year we have had. While I am thankful for the things she mentioned, a new home for Randy and Jodi, a new place for Scott and Stacey, and Val's passing of her LPN year at Indian hills, we have many more reasons to be thankful. This past year brought Valerie through a difficult pregnancy with the end result of the healthy delivery of Georgia Naely. And though the next 2 months found us in situations we never saw coming, Valerie's Congestive Heart Failure and immediate start on Chemo for her leukemia, my losing my job, position, financial support ,and mission at KCWN, and many other life style changes for all of us, we have found that God is always faithful. True friends have remained to offer support and joy through this new season of our life. So I am thankful for God and his promises, that JOY can remain even when life is hard, and that a baby's smile can make any day worth living.

I am thankful for my family..great kids and 6 grandkids, a husband who has learned all over again the art of raising an infant, parents who are healthy and happy, a church family that feels like family, my class at Third church, my new work at Best of Thymes, with good people who make me feel important, needed, and worthwhile. I am thankful for Salvation, full and free, for a God who is very fond of me....and disciplines those he loves. I am thankful for all of you.

Merry Christmas
Blessed New Year

Poppa and the girls at snack time..does anyone look overwhelmed??
Georgia has discovered mobility with her walker...to the point of getting INTO the drawer that holds that prized above all possessions: the remote!
and a glimpse into a typical family gathering these days, kids and babies everywhere!!

Just a few pictures of life with us these days
and while you're all sending out Christmas cards and writing those annual letters..I'm thinking of doing the same, only right here, once and for all!
Getting snowed in might just be the stimulus needed to complete such a project! Stay safe and warm, travel only if you need to, make sure the cell phone is charged!

Mid November

Time is rolling along, as is Georgia! Crawling seems to still baffle our 9 month old baby girl, but rolling has become a wonderful way to get from point A to point B...along with scooting backwards. All this brings us to places we never dreamed possible, like UNDER the sofa, BEHIND the footstool, well, you get the idea! The baby walker also helps further our sense of independence, especially at Aunt Stacey's house, where a large amount of hardwood floors makes is possible to FLY!
As Georgia's world expands with each day holding another room or object to be discovered, so it is with my life too. I'm finding my way back to work, helping Dennis a day or so a week, and spending Monday's and Friday's (and one Saturday a month) at Best of Thymes in Pella (next to the Opera House) The work is all very different from my last 13 years, and I'm learning more about what makes life meaningful. My old radio job made it easy to believe that I was doing ministry and fulfilling a purpose..my new life makes it harder. It was easier to proclaim Christ while playing Christian music and programs, it was second nature to encourage people from my 'pulpit;, now I have to find ways to let my little light shine in the way I conduct myself while waiting on a customer, checking in inventory, or using my time. My circle of influence has become much tighter, but that doesn't make it any less meaningful. So while I always considered one of my greatest abilities that of being able to "be real: and connect", I now find myself being more like 'everyone else". Being reminded that it's not so much about doing Great Things, but doing small things with Great Love.

Thanksgiving is only a week away, and there is much to do! May I remind you, and me, that it's not about the cleanest house, or the best turkey, it's about the people around the table. For the first time in a LONG time, I'll be home to start my Thanksgiving feast! I rather enjoyed working that Holiday and leaving a nice long note on the table for my husband about when to start the turkey, and what to put in the oven, before we met at church. I have a funny feeling, I'll be the one up alone early on Thanksgiving morning!

For the day AFTER Thanksgiving, I will not be shopping, but I will be in a store! I'll be working at Best of Thymes, so if you'd like me to help you with your Christmas list, stop by! The coffee (flavored and wonderful!) is always on and always free and I would imagine a snack or two to taste as well!
The morning is getting away from me, I best get dressed, thanks for checking in! One huge thing on my Thankful For list this year: Val has completed her LPN year of nursing and just this morning started her RN year, with a clinical assignment in Grinnell!
God is good.

Travel

What I do not like about traveling ( and mind you, I'm not talking world wide..for me "travel" means a trip to NW Iowa for a family wedding)

• packing. I am bad at it. I keep trying, but I do not seem to be able to come up with a system that allows one to find what they pack...any suggestions??
• living out of above stated suitcase (probably because it is NOT packed correctly...
• repacking to go home one day later, which means throwing everything that was tossed out back in...
• unpacking at home...again, do you see a flow of the problem here???
• playing, tickling, soothing, feeding, changing, singing with a baby in a car seat for 300 miles

What I do love about traveling...

• arriving safe and sound at a destination (even with a traffic ticket and fine....)
• checking into a hotel, finding your room more than adequate, and several family members already checked in!!
• attending a family wedding, seeing cousins and siblings, several children..witnessing vows and exchanging well wishes, and of course, receptions and dances!
• Saturday lunch at Uncle Willy and Aunt Joyce, the usual warm welcome, the abundance of food, complete with the famous Cinnamon rolls, and more family than I could count...
• walking in my own front door and thinking," isn't it good to be home?"

We did totally enjoy a weekend jaunt to Sioux Center for Cousin Laurie's daughter Jenna's wedding. A quick trip indeed, but as stated above, so good to see family and catch up just a little!

Georgia and I can't help but notice the combines, tractors, wagons, and semis all busy with the work of bringing in the harvest. The weather will be cooperating this week, and I'm even thinking we might plan a picnic for Sunday, with a forecast of 60's and sunshine for the weekend!This will be a busy week for us, Noah turns 7 on Friday, and Jodi will celebrate a birthday too! This Friday, I'll be giving my sister her Christmas gift..a ticket to the Mercy Me concert in Des Moines, with one little catch...she has to take ME along! We are soo looking forward to it!!

Enjoy your week, more from us later!

trick or treat

Tysen and Jessa came to play today, and with matching trick or treat T's for the girls, we tried to take a picture...tried very hard to get both girls LOOKING at the camera! Not so easy.

I hope you're enjoy October, even though this weather is a little cooler and damper than I or all the farmers around me would like. It's been an interesting week..i attended a seminar by Jack Hayford at the Vermeer Pavilion...the KEY to your future..so this week, of all weeks of the year..I've been listening to advice to Forgive, Release, and as my dear friend KC put it "sista, don't ever LOOK BACK!"

I'm seriously thinking of writing a book. Now who would read it? What would I have to say? Those thoughts whirl around my head, mostly at 3 AM, and then I can't remember at 9 AM what my conclusions were! When I get the Preface written, I'll post it, and you can help me decide if I should proceed. I do still value the opinions and input of those I respect and admire.

Enjoy your weekend, and the sunshine that's promised, worship our Creator and Lord this Sunday (and every other moment of the week..) and I'll see you on the flip side.

Every October

For the past 13 years, I've been involved in the annual fundraiser for KCWN, Sharathon. Even before I was the station manager,I volunteered and have been at the station for the final hours of Sharathon (except 06 when I had to leave a half hour early with a severe stress induced migraine...) to rejoice in what God had done to support the ministry of KCWN. So tomorrow, for the first time in 13 years, I'll be home, listening. for a while at least. I was invited to do a 2 hour hosting on Wednesday morning, I felt I had to decline. I still can't seem to put that part of my life in a box. I still hear things that make me want to "do it my way", or be in on what I thougth would be the only job I would hold until the retirement checks starting coming my way. How wrong we can be......
I remember so clearly the day KCWN signed on, 14 years ago. I was standing in my kitchen at 6 AM, and I heard my dear friend Lisa Williams sign on, and in the studio with her were Marion Vink and the rest of the board members. They prayed, played God is Good all the time, and I stood right here in this kitchen and cried. I was so happy to have Christian radio, and I wanted so badly to be a part of it! Well, God granted my request, and for 13 years, I was a part of it. I got to be a part of the growing and building of KCWN, of moving the station to it's permanent home, of updated equipment, bringing the station to more people via the Internet, and well, lots and lots of other "accomplishments". But none were as sweet as the relationships I was able to build with my co workers, my dear Sister in Christ: Cinda, many others over the year, and with you, the listeners. We helped each other through a lot of hard times..and we could do so because of our common bond in Christ.That;s what I miss, being there for you (being an "at home "mom" has caused me to realize what so many of you told me for years, how sweet it was to have a real person, talking with you, going through your kind of day, just keeping it real...) and having you guys be there for me. But going through these past 8 months without my KCWN listeners has made me grab more firmly onto the One who can comfort and heal. I know that He will continue to bring me through..even though I STILL don't understand.
So, join me tomorrow, in your kitchen or wherever 6 Am finds you, and be thankful for all the gifts God has given us. Even if a few of them still cause a tear now and then.
I did do what I could to start sharathon, in my own little way, i dropped off a pan of home made cinnamon rolls! You just can't do sharathon with out Cinnamon rolls!
okay, I've got laundry to do, dishes to wash, and a baby to rock.
thanks for listening...

October

Anyone else surprised by this? Today the sun shines so brightly, the air is warm, windy, but warm, but they tell us by the weekend we could see snow flurries! Yet another reason to be thankful..no more school closing announcements for me ever, and no more getting up in the dark to see if I can make it to work by plowing my way on a snow covered gravel road. See, always something positive to observe...
I have lost my Internet explorer connection at home on my trusty old 2002 laptop. this is very sad. Anyone who is a computer genius and would like to help me, Email me! or if you have a newer computer you'd like to give to a worthy cause, let me know! So now I have to go to the De Vries Cabinet's and Countertops location in Leighton to use the Internet! This has truly slowed down my blogging, and my craigslist obsession! So perhaps a good thing...now I have more time to devote to ...to whatever it is I do with my day.
Georgia is now 8 months old. She'll be crawling soon, if her current body movements and always anxious looking forward face are any indication! Jessa is 9 and half months, Henry will be TWO in Feb! Tysen will be 4 in December, Noah turns 7 in November, and Colby turned 8 in August. oh my, no wonder I feel old, and tired....But God is good, we are enjoying these new stages in all their little lives...
I've started teaching Sunday School again, and our lessons have been about Healing. My LHM class is talking about Personal Values, Relationship in Leadership, and Observing from the Balcony. I am learning so much! Who would have thought it was possible? And my part time employment at Best of Thymes..I'm learning there too. I made a sale on a cash register! See, you can teach on old dog new tricks!
I've got a great story to tell about my changing Personal Values..I'll do that next time for sure, but for now, I see a sunny outdoors calling my name...one last time perhaps before the REAL Fall weather hits!
thanks for checking in!! Come see me at BOT or at DVCC in Leighton!! (and if you are considering a little remodeling work at your house..we'd love to talk to you!!)
miss you all

October

Did it sneak up on you too?? I watched the wind and rain today, almost in disbelief, after how many perfect weather days..could we really be cold, damp, and tossed here and there? But the forecast holds promise of more typical fall weather..and it's been a wonderful summer!
Life continues to hold changes for me that I never saw coming, so, for the most part, I've stopped looking! I've been told that my "spirit" seems calmer...maybe it's just more rested! I have not set an alarm more than 3 times in the past 8 months! Of course, I also sleep across the hall from a natural alarm clock..an 8 month old grand daughter! But, it's interesting to hear people's perspective on what has happened, and where it's taking us. So my spirit , my body, and my mind, all try to take it as it comes...and here's what's come lately...
I've started my second year of Leaders of the Harvest Ministries at Third Church. I Love my Class...it's hard work, it's looking in and looking up, looking back, and looking ahead, and it is so what I needed right now. Isn't God good? I would love to share everything I'm learning in class, but perhaps just this one thing for now will suffice: If you think you've got it all figured out, You Do Not. Yes, that was a revelation to me. And the part about losing your life to find it...If you've never had to give anything up, I'm not sure you'll really understand that one either....More on that as the year proceeds...
I'm employed! The Gals at Best of Thyme's in Pella have granted me a part time position on Monday's and Fridays! I'm excited to be around such good people and beautiful things!! This part time work will give me the excuse to dress up and get out of the house and give Val the opportunity to enjoy her daughter on Friday's with out Nana! It's a win, win! so please, starting in November, come see me on Franklin Street (hmmm back where I spent 8 years) in downtown Pella!!
Okay, I think that's enough about me! What's going on with you??? If you're reading this, I consider you a friend and I would LOVE to hear from you!! email me bevdv@iowatelecom.net
love to all

One man's trash

Is another mans' treasure...here a a couple of my garage sale finds from Saturday. New art work for my dining room, is the picture of the dog on the bed, sleeping. Sleeping. I'll close with a little poem about that.

Below is a girl from lopng ago, that I felt had to come home with me. I found her at the Teen Challenge Garage Sale. (a VERY worthy cause, please support them whenever you can!!) I don't know why I feel drawn to her, but I do, so I'm looking for just the right spot in my home for her.

Also, at the TC sale, this sofa table, which fits perfectly under my front window.

all in all a good haul for under $80..

On the way to Sully, to pick up the De Vries Grands and to watch Colby in Sully Soccer on Saturday. I was chatting with my sister on my cell, What's up for you today,she asked. I started to list off my VERY busy day, feeling a little pity that I should be so busy on a Saturday." Well," I said," I've already been to a garage sale with Georgia, dropped her off at home with Val, along with my new table and portrait, am on my way to Sully, have Noah with me, will pick up Colby after soccer, then get Tysen and Jessa, go home and get Henry, keep all 6 kids all day, bring a meal to the Leighton house" well you get the idea, oh WHOA is me, is the tone I had....

When I hung up the phone, Noah, who was riding along to get Colby, remarked, "Well Nana, it sounds like you're having a GREAT day!"! I looked at him, and he continued," You've been to a garage sale, you get to see Colby play soccer, and you're going to get lots of help with Gigi today."

and I just had to say, "You're right Noah, it's a Great Day!"

It's all in your perspective.

So I pray your perspective today, no matter what, is that Today is Yet Another Great Day.

oh yes, the Poem:

Whatever is foreseen in joy

Must be lived out from day to day

Vision held open in the dark

By our ten thousand days of work

Harvest will fill the barn, for that

the hand must ache, the face must sweat.

And yet no leaf or grain is filled

By work of ours; the field is tilled

And left to grace. That we may reap,

Great work is done while we're asleep.

When we work well, a Sabbath mood

Rests on our day, and finds it good.

Wendell Berry, A Timbered Choir

LHM One

That being said, I've been up since 2:30 AM, when Miss Georgia rolled over on her tummy in bed and "couldn't get up". She has long since gone back to sleep, but alas, I cannot. This should make for an interesting Tuesday.....

Thanks for checking in. I miss you all.

No pictures

To share for this latest post. I checked my camera and I've taken no pictures since Sept 2, also the last date I blogged....so what's been up? A brief recap....
Val is at school, so the homework continues..she's struggled with being super tired, but is adjusting, and continues to fight her way through this. Georgia and I have kept busy...as you'll see!
Our daughter Stacey and her family will be moving this coming week to Leighton, their house at 308 Washington street in Pella has sold! The house in Leighton is NOT yet finished, so this will be a very very busy week for all of us! Everyone who could helped at the house this past Saturday and all SIX grandkids stayed at nanna's. (sorry there are no pictures of that, but maybe that's for the best...) AT one time, I did have 3 out of the 6 taking a nap, and managed to make a zucchini cake, puppy chow party mix, and another of one of my latest best creations in the kitchen: Creamy Pear Pie. things went somewhat down hill after that! I had to call in a few extra troops: Val helped a lot and my sister Jude came after putting in a few hours at Stams greenhouse Autumn Acres. We kept a pretty good eye on everyone, even managing to spend some time outside, cleaned up a few weeds, trimmed a tree or two, and got everyone feed and bathed before settling down to watch the horse movie "Spirit". All in all, a good day.
4 years ago, I took a life changing course at Third church, First year of Leaders of the Harvest. For the next 3 years, my classmate and best friend, Dee Van Wyk, tried to convince me to take year 2 with her. I refused up until this year, and wouldn't' you know it, Dee isn't' ready! So she is my official mentor for this year, my Year Two LHM; With only one class session under my belt, I know this will be a process that I need to go through. There is so much in my life that has changed, so much of ME that has changed..and I am praying this will help me come out on the other side a better person. A little self analysis of things will be good, and the opportunity to put some closure on other things (trying that myself lately didn't work out AT ALL...) so it's back to the classroom at Third for me. I'm excited about the new friends I will make and the opportunity for growth. When I look back at what I thought I knew about myself and my life just 4 years ago, I am amazed at how much of that has changed. But when I look at what I learned about GOD, I realize that He does not change..and whether I am feeling confident and full of doubt, He is still the God of the universe..and of my corner of it. Though at times I may feel betrayed and defeated, God is loyal and victorious, and He invites me to be a part of that. I think it's going to be an AMAZING, hard, eye opening, teary, thoughtful, and surprising year.
Georgia and I have occupied our time with garage sales, homework, the Start of Sunday School on the third floor of Pella II, learning how to roll over, sitting up alone, eating strained peas, and enjoying being together. You may figure out which one of us is doing which of our listed accomplishments!
I've also applied for a part time job, meet some great Pella business women, and am waiting on the outcome of my interview. I would be most happy to begin working, but will be understanding if this is not yet my time, or my place.
My sweet Georgia is having a little trouble settling down tonight, so I shall close with this from my first LHM class: "We cannot live in the absence of purpose". You don't get to choose your time, your time choose you. You ARE where and WHO you are for a reason.
God bless you all

Home work and High Chairs

Valerie has returned to school full time, last term of her LPN year at Indian Hills, Georgia is happy to be helping in her new garage sale hi chair. Such is life the first of September at the De Vries household. We are enjoying the weather like all of you, and wondering how long fabulous fall will last.
Now that Val is a full time student, that makes me a full time nana. Communication from other adults, through email, or you can now leave a comment on this blog without becoming a member I believe, is most appreciated!
More later...

The Swim Snugglie

Ever since I left my last job expectantly, I've been looking for a way to recoup lost income. I think I've found it. The Swim Snugglie. You've seen a prototype on the TV for months now, you know, the blanket with sleeves. well let me introduce you to the next big break for the blanket, the swim snugglie. The SS allows you to hit the beach (believe it or not, there is REALLY a picture of a woman wearing this thing ON THE BEACH on the BOX) in a less than perfect beach body, without the worry or embarrassment sometimes encountered on Swim suit day. Of course, we all know how important skin protection is, and with the SS, your skin will be protected (I'm including a tube of my favorite sunless tanner with each purchase, just to make sure you still get that summer glow...) Perhaps one of the best features of the SS is featured in the above photo. If we once again experience another summer like that of 2009, where several weekends left us with hi's only in the 70's, the SS keeps you warm and cozy, even when the water temperature in the good old back yard pool remains under 80 degrees....way under 80 degrees. So if you like me can see how the SS can change the way you think about summer, sign up today! Our Swim Snugglies will be ready for shipment in plenty of time to give for the holidays (like Labor Day, and Halloween perhaps) or you can wait for our SSS (the Super Swim Snugglie) which will feature a rather innovative personalization, to make your SSS REALLY yours.

Sometimes, after something bad happens to you, you find your just one great idea away from making it big.

Back to School

The routines of fall...with late summer weather..I'm enjoying good reports from Colby and Noah about the first days of second grade at Sully Christian and first grade at Pella Christian. I'm a little amazed as I sit in the rocking chair with Georgia that the school bus goes by on it's way back to school at 7:45! Somehow, now, that seems VERY early, how soon I have forgotten that my mornings used to begin at 4:30 AM!
Valerie will begin full time nurses training this week, with classes tomorrow at Indian Hills in Ottumwa. Her weekly routine will include clinicals at Knoxville Hospital on Monday's and Tuesdays, and classes inOttumwa on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Please pray for her to have the energy to handle this schedule! She is looking forward to getting back to the classroom, even though leaving Georgia at home with me is hard to do. She's growing so fast..rolling over, even though the end result of that procedure leaves her in great distress! Her nutritional requirements now include strained green beans, peas and butter nut squash (I should be on this diet....) and nothing seems to be outside her ever widening reach.
Just a quick note today, I'm expected at De Vries Cabinets today to help with a counter top installation. Soon i hope to post some pics of a new cabinet door we designed that is BEAUTIFUL if I must say so myself and a new option in counter tops, Formica that truly looks like marble! An affordable alternative that gives an elegant result! I think you'll love it!
Blessings
Bev

52

tomorrow is my 52nd birthday...how did that happen?? Two years ago, I remember Cinda helping me host a party at the station during my show..where we served cake that I had purchased to any one who was nice enough to stop in..about 40 of you did! The next year, last year, I didn't feel much like celebrating, wondering what THAT year would bring...THIS year, I celebrate 6 healthy happy grandkids, treatments for diseases that years ago would have been fatal, I celebrate Family, Faith, Friends, all of which I have in abundance. My lack of employment bothers me less, ( waiting for the day less paycheck doesn't bother me either!) and I'm learning to enjoy whatever the day presents.
As far as being 52..not sure I've totally digested that one yet. Of course, that's still 16 years younger that my "real age" as determined by the Quiz on line provided by Dr Oz.
Saturday, I was part of the Pella Christian High Catering TEAM that provided the meal for all who witnessed the marriage ceremony of Mandy Van Woerkom and Chad Klyn. I worked at PCHS 20 years ago when the hot lunch program began, and now they have not only moved into a brand new kitchen, but also branched out to provide excellent catering services. ( let me know if you have an event coming up! I KNOW people!!) It was fun to work with some of the ladies I started with 20 years ago, (hats off to Bonnie and Helen!!) and to enjoy the gals who "have come behind me!" ( Rayma, Kathy and Jan : they soo wanted their names on the blog!) the ladies did a great job, and it was rather fun to be "working" again, with adults! (for the most part!) and it's always good to celebrate the beginning of yet another good Christian couple. I must admit, my feet were killing me when i got home, not used to being on my feet for 8 hours on hard floors!
Friday night, we had a family picture taken at digital galeria. OH MY,,,, the kids did great!! Our photographer did a super job and I am quite pleased with their work (if only they could make me look 40 pounds thinner and poof up my hair....) Now to choose the ones we want...we've been viewing on line all day (let me know if you'd care to see our 99 proofs!)
thanks to those of you who check in on us from time to time, and I see someone almost every time I'm out "in the world" who says they read about us, or folks who still mention that they miss my mornings on kcwn...me too..
All this week, Val has off before starting full time school on the 26th..this will be her final term before receiving her LPN, and her plans include continuing to get her RN, another year..so when Val goes to school full time, Georgia and I become "full time" buddies too.
and yes, here I am, 52.
love to all
oh, check out my blog for the balance bit of the week...and my new website design
http://dvcc.vpweb.com/

RAndom thoughts

that's what I'm waking up with on this Friday, the last Friday of summer, if you consider that summer is pretty much over when school starts, which is next week....(see what I mean, random thoughts...so hang on, here we go...)
Yesterday was the start of the Iowa State Fair, and the opening concert in the grandstand was Steven Curtis Chapman, with Jeremy Camp opening. This is where I planned to be on August 13. I was not. Number One reason: ticket price....watching the budget these days...and I just wasn't' ready, to sit and hear all the songs that I put on the radio at kcwn, to hear about the ministry of music that I miss so much, to be reminded of just two short years ago, when we attended the Casting Crowns concert at the fair..and I was so excited to be a small, minute part of it all...so much has changed...but I could help but think about what a beautiful evening it turned out to be...not so hot, an awesome sunset, and I just knew it was a great event for those who were there..
Now i had plenty of time to think about the evening, I decided to mow the lawn around 7:30 PM, that's cool, except it takes over 2 hours to mow our lawn, and by then, it was dark. I found out that I do about as good of job mowing in the dark as I do in the broad daylight! It was fun to get up with the sun this morning to "inspect" my handiwork! Even my husband had to admit that what I had done wasn't any worse than what I usually do. In my world, that's a compliment.
Today, we're taking all 13 of us in for a Family Picture! The outfits have been chosen, but need to be pressed, and I'm looking forward to the end results...I'm sure you'll hear more about that later....
I am still amazed at how many people have no clue as to why I"m not working at kcwn anymore or what has transpired in our family over the past year. For everyone who thinks small towns are full of gossip and everyone knows every one's business, I have found that to not be true. For those of you who are new to this blog and are now totally confused, just go back a few posts, to February and March, and you'll catch up...might even have to check out the old blog, A New Day.
But this is a better day, and there are MUCH better days ahead.
Val finished her clinicals with top grades and is looking forward to starting the LAST term of her LPN year at Indian Hills on August 26. Then Georgia and I will be spending 4 days a week together! Pray for Val for Strength! She does still get tired easily..but is doing really quite well..and we are thankful.
I hear my little morning alarm, talking in her bed, which means it's time to start her day. May you find Joy in this day...and may you know the Source of All Joy...
Bev
and btw...Monday is my birthday! 52...Noah told me i look 30, 000 times younger than I am! and he added, You know Nanna, you're only as old as you feel! How old do you feel?
I told him 72.
well, how old are you nanna?
52
man, that blows my theory.

oh noah.

These pics are explained below...can't figure out how to move them....inside of the van up...broken out back window below...

Georgia hosted her first "over nighter" this weekend, inviting cousin Jessa to stay over on Saturday night. Both girls dressed for church in matching dresses provided by nana. We think they are both adorable!!

As it turns out, it was a good thing Jessa did vote to spend the night with us. Randy and Jodi and family were camping at a bow shoot in Eldora this weekend. Because of the intense heat on Saturday and a feeling that Jessa should just come to nana's, we picked up JEssa on Saturday morning.

If you've been watching the news, you've heard about Hardin county and Eldora today. A Major hail storm went through this morning. 3 inch hail stones broke windows in the camper, and both vehicles and caused all sorts of damage in homes and fields, but no one was injured in what could have been a devasting situation.

So tonight we are VERY thankful that the things in life we hold most dear, our precious family, are okay, and that everything else that isn't okay can be replaced. (As Colby wisely said, That's why we have insurance!")

Now, later i'll fill you in on how nana manages 2 6 month old girls!

love to all