Monday, January 12, 2009
Happy Birthday, Todd!
This past Friday was my dear husband Todd's birthday. I don't know exactly what to say about him......he's the guy that everyone loves to pick on, but he welcomes it! He can make conversation with anyone and by the end he knows atleast 20 of the same people as they do. (He reminds me of my Grandpa Vander Laan in that way!) He works so hard everyday, but when he gets home he is still willing to do whatever I ask of him.....besides dishes! He's just an all around good Christian man, a great father, and an amazing husband!! I never used to understand when people say that they love their mate more now than the day they were married.....you must not have been that much in love on your wedding day!! But I totally understand that now. I find more ways to love him (or more ways to overlook his annoying habits) everyday!! I love you, Todd! Thank you for all that you do for me and the kids! Happy Birthday!
Feyen Family Fun!
Once again, I was able to host some of the Feyen family for a little get together. Aunt MaryJo and Uncle Eudell who live in California were in Zeeland visiting Eudell's Mom. Also here was their son Steve and his wife Julie who live in Iowa, and who have twins: Cody and Joslyn. AND their daughter Juanita and her husband Jon were here. They live in Missouri and have 5 kids: Alana, Abby, Ethan, Bridger, Jeremiah, and Anna.
Anyway, we don't get to see eachother often, so when they come to Michigan, it's nice to get together. We had quite a houseful with 10 adults and 18 kids under 9! (I think 9 is the oldest!) Anyway it was a little busy, but we had a great time talking and laughing! With all that racket the twins were even able to get a little nap in!!
Aunt Linda (holding Anna), Aunt MaryJo (holding Cody), Grandma, and Aunt Judy
All the girls went from room to room collecting babies and playing "Mom".
Lisa and Juanita
I can't believe they're all still at the same time! Although there is food in front of them!
Anyway, we don't get to see eachother often, so when they come to Michigan, it's nice to get together. We had quite a houseful with 10 adults and 18 kids under 9! (I think 9 is the oldest!) Anyway it was a little busy, but we had a great time talking and laughing! With all that racket the twins were even able to get a little nap in!!
Aunt Linda (holding Anna), Aunt MaryJo (holding Cody), Grandma, and Aunt Judy
All the girls went from room to room collecting babies and playing "Mom".
Lisa and Juanita
I can't believe they're all still at the same time! Although there is food in front of them!Elders Christmas
Our last Christmas party was on Friday the 26th with the Elders family. We ate, the kids played, we opened gifts, and watched a video that Sara and I put together. It was a collection of all of our family pictures thru the year and we put it to music. Sara has made this a tradition and this year she asked for my help. It was a lot of fun and something that we can enjoy watching forever! HEre are a few pics highlighting our celebration:
We bought Dad E. a shirt that says: Retired with an attitude: seen it all, done it all, just don't remember it all!!
Me and my neice Cassey
I gave Mom E a puzzle with all of her grandkids in it.
Sophia and her twins!
Madelyn and Elizabeth and their matching watches.
Tawnya and I suprised our husbands by making a sign for our new business, Standing Stone Farms
Me and my man!
Me and Steve, Todd's brother
We bought Dad E. a shirt that says: Retired with an attitude: seen it all, done it all, just don't remember it all!!
Me and my neice Cassey
I gave Mom E a puzzle with all of her grandkids in it.
Sophia and her twins!
Madelyn and Elizabeth and their matching watches.
Tawnya and I suprised our husbands by making a sign for our new business, Standing Stone Farms
Me and my man!
Me and Steve, Todd's brotherChristmas Day with the kids
We began Christmas Day by going to church and then to my parents house for lunch with the Vander Laan side. It was a small and relaxed party, and a great day. We went home late afternoon and began our own celebration. After a nice dinner that lasted about 30 seconds before the kids said they were done and ready to open presents :), we went into the living room and started! I think the kids had a great time and so did Todd and I!
The kid infront of our "fancy" Christmas tree!
Eli was more interested in making towers out of the presents than opening them!
OOOHHH, new slippers! Very much needed and appreciated..
Princess Sophia
Todd looking thru his new "Hunting Adventures" Photo album
Princess Eli?
Madelyn in her new pajamas....doing....I'm not sure what?!
The Elders Family...Christmas 2008
The kid infront of our "fancy" Christmas tree!
Eli was more interested in making towers out of the presents than opening them!
OOOHHH, new slippers! Very much needed and appreciated..
Princess Sophia
Todd looking thru his new "Hunting Adventures" Photo album
Princess Eli?
Madelyn in her new pajamas....doing....I'm not sure what?!
The Elders Family...Christmas 2008Vander Laan Christmas
I have recently recieved a friendly reminder that I'm slacking on my posts! Aparently I haven't posted since December 12......ahhhh, what would we do without sisters? Thanks again, LISA!!
Anyway, I have a lot to catch you up on. We had a very blessed Christmas this year. I've always known the real reason that we celebrate, but I think I learn that lesson more and more every year. I get so much enjoyment out of my kids singing Christmas songs, reading with them about the birth of Jesus and watching them open their presents! God has provided everything that we've needed this past year and so much more than we've needed too!
To start off our Christmas celebration was the Feyen family Christmas party at my parents house. There were maybe 40 people there, I think. My mom comes from a family of 8 kids, so when we all get together it's a little busy! Because of all that business, I forgot to get my camera out and take pictures....oops!
Our next party was with my parents and brothers and sisters. Unfortunately because Michelle and Chris live so far away, we weren't able to celebrate with them, but thought of them often throughout the night!! We start with appetizers....everyone makes one and then we get to the presents! Here are a few pics from that night:
The Vander Laan grandkids! Lydia, Madelyn, Sophia, Ellie, Jacob, Garrett, Clayton, Eli, Chloe and Amaya. (Not pictured are: Ben, Hannah, Sarah, Sam, and baby Fredricks due in March)
Sophia and Gar-bear!
Anyway, I have a lot to catch you up on. We had a very blessed Christmas this year. I've always known the real reason that we celebrate, but I think I learn that lesson more and more every year. I get so much enjoyment out of my kids singing Christmas songs, reading with them about the birth of Jesus and watching them open their presents! God has provided everything that we've needed this past year and so much more than we've needed too!
To start off our Christmas celebration was the Feyen family Christmas party at my parents house. There were maybe 40 people there, I think. My mom comes from a family of 8 kids, so when we all get together it's a little busy! Because of all that business, I forgot to get my camera out and take pictures....oops!
Our next party was with my parents and brothers and sisters. Unfortunately because Michelle and Chris live so far away, we weren't able to celebrate with them, but thought of them often throughout the night!! We start with appetizers....everyone makes one and then we get to the presents! Here are a few pics from that night:
The Vander Laan grandkids! Lydia, Madelyn, Sophia, Ellie, Jacob, Garrett, Clayton, Eli, Chloe and Amaya. (Not pictured are: Ben, Hannah, Sarah, Sam, and baby Fredricks due in March)
Sophia and Gar-bear!
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