Remembering Caleb

Today, we watched our friends go through something NO ONE should ever have to go through. They buried their precious 14 year old son, Caleb. We just never know the plans God has for us, but we just have to trust in Him and He will pull us through. The next few days, weeks, months, years, and every Christmas Eve will be painful for Curt, Carla, Ashley and Heath, and Zach as they adjust to life without Caleb. Please continue to pray that God will heal their broken hearts, wrap His arms around them all, that God will forever be present in their marriage, and their personal life. Right now, Caleb is really enjoying life to the fullest, since he was not able to in his earthly body! Thanks to our wonderful God, Caleb is probably "running", instead of walking, the streets of gold and talking his big brother's ear off!

There are a lot of wonderful memories that our family has of Caleb, which we will cherish and hold so near and dear to our hearts . His big belly laugh, his love for Pooh, camping, hockey games, and the look, or I should say glare :), he'd give me if I were to stand between him and his Pooh show on TV.

We love you so much Caleb and we can't wait to see you at the gate!!!

The "bittersweet" Christmas season....

Well, as some of you may know, our dear friends had a son Caleb who was terminally ill. After a couple of rough months, Jesus called him home on Christmas Eve. This is all so bittersweet.... the family was all able to be there, Curt and Carla were having their party with just their kids. We now have the peace that Caleb is in a much better place with no disabilities and pain free. I know that I can't even imagine how wonderful Christmas morning must have been in heaven with the angels rejoicing! After a phone conversation, with Carla, they are still in much need of prayers. They are in a shock and are in the process of having to adjust to life without Caleb. Our friends have have had a lot of pain and suffering in their years, they not only lost one son but two sons to the same disease. So please send them prayers of comfort during this very difficult time and that God will show HIS presence in their lives with HIS loving arms.

Santa!!!!

We took the kids to see Santa, at my mom's work and it turned out to be quite nice. I didn't have the hastle of having to wait in line at the mall for a five minute, if that, encounter with Santa. Abbie told Santa that she wanted a Reindeer webkinz, which she got :), and Bryce didn't scream this year! When Santa asked Bryce what he wanted Bryce said, "candy." I believe the only reason he said that was because Santa was giving away candy.

Trimming the tree

Say cheese!

The finished product. The tree ending up being bigger than expected, and I think it topped off at 8 1/2 feet.

Daddy's little helper - or not????

Looks like quite tough-manual labor!

This is the one! Abbie picked it out....

Helene's baby showers

Helene had two showers within two weeks - man that girl was busy! The first one was at the Howard Miller Library and her sisters did a great job and had great food! Abbie was extremely excited 'cuz this was her first shower that she has ever been to. I don't think she fully understood what a "shower" is and why it is called that, but what child does at that age! Thanks Michelle and Bev! Then a couple of weeks later, my Aunt Gail and Sarah had the last shower. We all gathered at DeBoer's Bakery and had a fantastic breakfast buffet! Helene got such wonderful gifts and we all had a great time catching up with everyone's busy lives. It's just so amazing how many new baby items are out there now. My baby is two and a lot of the gifts that Helene got weren't even around two years ago! Wow how things change in such a little time! Another big thanks to Aunt Gail and Sarah for doing a beautiful shower! I am counting down, less than 6 weeks, for my brother and can't wait to meet my new little niece or nephew!

Thanksgiving with great families!

Abbie and Madisyn, Austin, and Hudson Lubbers at the kiddie table!

The gang is "feasting" away

Kim asked Ryan to help the kids with the craft. Man.... what a guy! He helped with the crafts instead of watching the football game and having "manly" conversations! Thanks again Kim and Ryan for having us over! Kim is starting to make me look bad and maybe I should have the family over next time!

Abbie's Thanksgiving School Play

Abbie and Maddie - two cute little Pilgrims!

Abbie's class did a play last week Tuesday for parents or V.I.P.'s about the Indians and pilgrims. It was a cute little play and the class had a great time working on the props! As you can see, the prop that the class was the most proud of was their deer! They even got creative and had made an arrow that stuck out of the side! Too cute and too bad that I couldn't get a good picture of that arrow!