Thanksgiving week

Mom came home from the hospital today. Please pray that she regains strength quickly.

I am looking forward to seeing most of you this week. Thanksgiving is truely about family and relationships. You are all a blessing.

Does Brad and Alyssa have news yet about where they are going? Hopefully not too far....

Our sympathies to the Cathy's family - May God give comfort.

We love you all! Bernie & Rosa

"State fair" and more

We had a great time with the Beltman's this weekend, (though our thoughts were definitely in Pella with Mem/Beppe and we wished she could have been here). The time just flew by...Susie, Hannah, Emily and I went to hear Katelyn sing early Saturday morning for her solo/ensemble competition for school. Doyle and Anson went to "iron men" study at church and the three amigos (Jonathan, Justin and Joshua) stayed home....oh ya, Rachelle was still home too...sleeping. At 11:00 the guys, minus Joshua, went to Justin's basketball game. We had a less eventful but fun afternoon visiting, playing cards. Laura Slings (a freind from Des Moines who now live in Minnesota) joined us for supper and the musical...... Sunday included church and a potluck. Then it was time for the Beltman's to leave :0( Thanks for coming guys:0)!
This Thursday we hope to head to NW Iowa and visit Dordt on Friday with Rachelle. In a couple of weeks we'll hit Calvin and Wheaton too. Hopefully we'll hit Trinity another time and maybe Northwestern in the twin cities.
We look forward to seeing some of you on Thanksgiving.....Love, Sylvia
PS-I tried to upload a video but it failed for some reason so maybe I'll try again later.

We are back

We are back ----- We only wish we could come back uneventfully. We had a very relaxing time, we watched lots of movies, lots of reading, got our homework done, lots of eating, a little shopping, and more sleep than we have had in too long. Thanks for all your well-wishing.

Also, Bernie's bday party was a ton of fun. It was so fun to be surrounded by so many family and friends.

We just came from seeing Mem. She was doing pretty good - enough morphine and all is well - I am glad she is good hands.

Bernie and Rosa

Drew- Punk Rocker!

If you read Alyssa's blog you saw a few pics of Drew- We were so glad they came- what a busy night for them- of course we showed him off to some of the neighbors as well. He was also trying to get hold of Bentley! He looks cute in anything- even spiked red hair! -Arlys

More Bernie 50th Ugly Sweater Pictures!

Becky & Rianne

Brad & Drew

John won 2nd place-great choice Susie.- Of course the Dr Suess hat topped it off perfectly!

Silly girls!

Sasha, Kyle & Bernie!

Rosa with her carousel sweater!

Alyssa, Brad & Drew in their ugly sweaters-

Doyle, Susie, Wes & Hannah in their ugly sweaters-

Actually, I think I have seen Doyle in one similar to this a few years back!

Beppe & Drew bond for a short time!

We had a great time at the party- lots of good food & great laughs at all the sweaters & the wonderful stories! Thanks for inviting us to your celebration! Hope your trip is going great Bernie & Rosa-

-Wes & Arlys

As you can see, fun was had by all at the Ugly Sweater party! Hopefully there are some more pictures out there to see! Thanks to all who came! Happy 50th, Dad! :)
Love,
Becky

Veenstra's Thanksgiving

 I love the holidays and family gatherings! It is great to get big doses of family this time of year.  Throw in the food and fellowship and you have a perfect setting for me.  Anyway, I thought I would get out what is happening at the Veenstra's for those who can make it.  This is what I know and below is what I would like each  "family" to bring:  

When: Thursday, November 27, 2008
Where: Mem’s house
Time: 5:00 p.m.

Who: (28 count so far)
Mem
Wes, Arlys, Alyssa, Brad, Drew, Kyle, Sasha
Bernie, Rosa, Becky, Tim, Jesse, Rianne, Brandon
Anson, Sylvia, Rachelle, Emily, Katelyn, Justin
John, Cathy, Travis & Jennifer
Doyle, Susie, Jonathan, Hannah, & Joshua

Supper:

Soup: Chicken Noodle Soup (Cathy), Chili (Susie), Taco Chicken (Arlys), Pea (Rosa)
Nice Bread: Sylvia
Crackers: Sylvia
Salad: Lettuce with Winter Fruit & Lemon Poppyseed Dressing (Susie)

              Strawberry Fluff (Cathy)
Dessert: Peppermint Ice Cream Dessert (Arlys), Pumpkin Pie (mom),
                 Punch Bowl Dessert (Rosa)

Thanks, Susie