Krista & Tim - Our Photo Journal

Another test-Libby Ryder Charity Golf Outing Flyer

2010-09-09T09:30:00.000-07:00

Still not there yet but getting closer. (Sorry the flyer does not fit on in the blog well.) For a better view CLICK on the words LIBBY RYDER GOLF FLYER just below this post to view and print this flyer.

Libby Ryder Golf Flyer -

this is a test...just a test

2010-09-09T09:28:00.000-07:00

I am trying to insert an HTML link to the Flyer for the Libby Ryder Charity Golf Outing Click on: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/document-preview.aspx?doc_id=54352842

Let's see it if works! Rats...it doesn't.

Meals for my "Baby"

2010-09-01T16:16:00.000-07:00

Dear family & friends,

I have established a meal registry on MealBaby.com for Libby and Justin as they juggle chemo, Dr. appointments, tests, and most importantly, their daughter, Ava. You are invited to participate by going to www.mealbaby.com/viewregistry/233925 if you would like to support them with a meal...or, a meal card, in the months ahead. They have identified local restaurants that they enjoy.

Libby and Justin prefer that this Meal Registry link not be posted on their blog, so I would appreciate your help by forwarding it on to any others who might be interested in supporting them in this way.

Thank you for your continued prayers. The Ryders have been blessed by them as well as your many expressions of support and love during these past weeks. We appreciate you all so very much!

Krista

Back Home

2010-08-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

Home "is NOT where the Heart is" because I am home, but my heart is still far away.

Last evening Tim and I met at the SeaTac airport-he was returning from China and I returned from 3 weeks in VA & MI. We had visited our daughters and their families and my parents. This was the first time we saw Libby, following her cancer diagnosis, and my Dad, recovering from a life-threatening infection this summer.

So what should I do today?
I promised myself I would try to update my blog once in a while (at least more than once a year.) But I also promised myself that all of our suitcases would be unpacked & back in the garage before Tim gets home from work. And since I shared that promise with him as well...I better get to it. So, this will be brief:

Someone wrote:

Happy moments, PRAISE GOD
Difficult moments, SEEK GOD
Quiet moments, WORSHP GOD
Painful moments, TRUST GOD
Every moment, THANK GOD

Now we ALL know what we should do today.

our life has taken a turn

2010-08-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

It took cancer for me to take the next step in technology. I was offered a smart phone by Verizon days before "The Call." I hit delete and forgot about it until my life began to held captive, by text messages, phone calls, email, and then "her blog."

My good friend from G R, Ann DB, arrived the day after the "News"...a GODincidence for sure, and her presence was so wonderful. We had made plans that filled anxious hours with activity that helped so much. And she knows Libby so it helped to be able to talk to someone who did. But after waiting half of a day near my computer for an email re libby' s first oncologist appt, I went back to my trash, retreived that email about being eligible for a Droid with the $100 rebate.

I now am the proud owner of a Droid am now able to access anything from anywhere on my phone...from WA, then VA, then Outer Banks (OBX) N.C., VA again, & currently MI. I can check her blog from anywhere...and I do.

I am laying in bed at Becky's house in GR, blogging now on the phone. I am also experiencing some numbness in my one "phone typing" finger, so eager to get back home and back to my keyboard.

Thank you, Tim, for agreeing to this new communication tool. It has transformed this experience. It is still miserable, but I have more immediate, constant access to my family and friends and that is a good thing. Also, thanks to my sons-in-love who have patiently mentored me on this thing.

Must run now to met some girlfriends at Rose's for friend-therapy. Libby is home from chemo and we are all glad that is over for them today.

libby & justin...diagnosis

2010-08-10T07:14:00.000-07:00

Just received word...her Dx is in: Nodular Sclerosis Hodgkins. For more info see her blog WWW.libbyryder.blogspot.com

Our world came crashing down...

2010-08-06T12:29:00.000-07:00

On July 26, 2010 a phone call stopped us in our tracks. Libby, our youngest daughter, was diagnosed with cancer. Lymphoma. She lives in Virginia with her husband, Justin, and 6-month-old daughter, Ava. Our world came crashing down...but our foundation hasn't moved an inch! God is on His throne and He is faithful...whatever the outcome, He is my rock and my foundation. We cherish your prayers.

To follow her journey go to http://www.libbyryder.blogspot.com/. Be prepared to meet an amazing young woman, her family, and her faith...

TAG (To Assuage Guilt)

2008-09-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

Tag
A- Attached or Single? Married for 33 years ...so happily.
B- Best Friend: my 3 wonderful daughter's and Ann & Lisa.
C- Cake or Pie: Lemon Meringue Pie.
D- Drink of Choice: Raspberry Lemonade...this summer.
E- Essential Item: my cell phone and photos of "the boys-Jack & Wade."
F- Favorite Color: green...almost any shade of green...the color of life & growth.
G- Gummi Bears or Worms: worms, b.c they are bigger.
H- Hometown: Lynden, but I have a hard time not calling Grand Rapids "home" & since "home is where the heart is" and Jack & Wade have stolen my heart, it should be self explanatory.
I- Indulgence: Cleaning lady-but I do not have you any more, facials, caramel apples.
J- January or February: February! Month of love, my birthday...and Abe & George of course.
L- Life, for me, is incomplete without: a creative outlet of some type.
M - Marriage Date: 11 am on 6.28.75.
N- Number of Siblings: 3...a sister and 2 brothers.
O- Oranges or Apples? Love oranges, but living in Washington I may shift my loyalty to apples.
P- Phobia/Fears: Losing my mind.
Q- Favorite Quote: "I have to disagree with the notion that we learn something new every day. I think I have had several days in a row where I haven't learned anything and even forgotten some things." (See "Fears" above)
R- Reasons to smile: my dear daughter, Allison, and son-in-love , Chris, & their 2 boys are arriving here 5 days!!!!!:)
S- Season: Spring: new life & re-birth, robins, daffodils, and sunshine after all the rain.
T- Tag Ten: Allison took all my names...I do not have that many friends.
U- Unknown fact about me: I can't recall...
V- Vegetarian or Oppressor of Animals? OA, but I just made a pet out of a slug, so that should count for something as far as being a generous lover-of-creatures...especially medium rare.
W- Worst Habit: arriving late.
X- X-rays or Ultrasounds? Ultrasounds, of course, my grand children's first baby pictures.
Y- Your Favorite Foods: Shell fish: Lobster, scallops, crab, shrimp...We live in a great place to enjoy them esp. fresh Dungeness crab & shrimp from the Hood Canal.
Z- Zodiac: I do not really believe in the zodiac. (no fun, am I?)

OK, Allison, I did one of these...now give it a rest...(just kidding)

Oma is back...

2008-03-06T10:07:00.000-08:00

I arrived in Michigan last week to be here for the birth of our latest grandchild. Such a blessing. I joined the Allison, Chris & Jack for the final maternity photo shoot at Poortenga's Studios-where Allison works. Linda creates wonders with a camera. Here are 2 favorite images.

Wade Sybrant Thompson joined our family at 8:05 am on Tuesday, March 4, 2008. At 7lb. 8oz. and 18.5 inches long he is just right...A new Big Brother was also created that morning and he is as proud as can be of "Cowboy".

For lots more images go to The Daily Jack blog by using my first Link (listed above & to the right)

The Newest Member of our Extended Family-MOKA!

2007-06-09T17:29:00.000-07:00

This is Jack, our 2 1/2 year old grandson with MOKA, an 8 week-old Yorkie. This puppy is currently under foster care in Grand Rapids until we arrive in August for Libby & Justin's wedding reception. Becky & Jason & their Choc lab, Dutch, along with Allison & Jack (and Chris), are looking after Moka. She weights 1 & 1/2 lbs and came from the same breeder as Katers, our 8 year-old Yorkie.

Moka will return to Lynden with me when I fly home on August 27. She will live with our 84-year old friend & neighbor, Maureen, & her 12 year-old Schnauwser, Max.

Maureen had dreamed out loud (to me) of getting a tiny Yorkie to join her family before anything happens to Max. I offered to call our breeder in GR and see if she might have a tiny Yorkie later this summer. I was surprised to learn that she had 5 Yorkie pups & that one was a teeny female who was ready to join a new family.

Becky went over to see all the puppies & assured us that this female is the one we want. Moka is darling & when she licked Becky's nose (rather than nipping her toes, like the others puppies) she had found herself a place in Becky's heart & herself a new home in the Pacific Northwest.

We are enjoying daily updates via video, photos, & calls. Can't wait to meet Moka ourselves & see Katers reaction to her. Her name is MOKA=Maureen Or Krista's Angel, following our established practice of acronym pet names (KATERS=Krista, Allison, Tim, Elizabeth, & S, for our last name.) Becky suggested the name, I concocted the first 3 words & Maureen added the "Angelic" part.

Our arrangement is that if Maureen is ever unable to care for Moka, this Yorkie will become a member of our family.

More to come, I am sure...

Mother's Day

2007-06-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

If you can tie your shoes,
look both ways,
eat your vegetables,
share,
say thank-you,
or do anything else
it takes to get through the day…

Thank your Mom.

Dear Mom,

This is a big Thank-you for who you are and who I have become. You have taught me so much!

It was such a very special Mothers' Day this year. Being in Virginia, surrounded by Mother's, daughters, sons, & a grandson celebrating Libby & Justin's wedding...& we had just been blessed with a brand new son! Welcome to our family , Justin. We love you all and feel very blessed to have a family such as this.

Love,

Krista

PS I am back to blogging after a recess due to Christmas, weddings & other time consuming activities. Hope to post some of the events I missed during this extended break from our web log. Sorry for the lack of blog activity. Thanks for coming back to check in on us & our family!

Halloween-Lynden Style

2006-11-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

HALLOWEEN

I did not know what to expect but purchased bags of candy, just in case. However, we had very few trick-or-treaters at our door. Maybe because our door did not exist last Hallowen. I did not know what box held Katers' parrot costume so she was not dressed for the occassion. She did enjoy greeting George, Laine & Tabby D.J. when they came for their treats.

Little Addison D.J., dressed as a dog, won the cutest dog contest...OK...maybe it was a tie.

Calvin Alumni Dinner

2006-11-02T21:25:00.000-08:00

CALVIN COLLEGE UPDATE

Two good friends from Grand Rapids were visiting Lynden as members of the Calvin College Development Office. Sally Vander Ploeg, an attorney, had worked in the legal department at Amway when Tim worked there. Jeff Plymert, and his wife Susie, were good friends from our Seymour School days.

They shared renderings of the soon-to-be-constructed Spoelhof Fieldhouse at Calvin College. Since our kids have all graduated we will have to wait for our grandkids (?) to take advantage of all of these beautiful facilities. (No pressure, Jack.)

In the meantime, I'm sure we will attend some Calvin basketball games and enjoy the fabulous new Arena & Fitness Center.

It was great catching up with old friends. Be sure to let us know when YOU are going to be in Washington. We love an excuse to have a dinner party!

Wedding Photos

2006-10-28T15:33:00.000-07:00

Here are a few wedding photos taken by Jason's mom (Thanks, Sherry!)

For lots more photographs you can go to this website until Christmas:
www.jasonbecky.weddingherald.com

Derby Pie

2006-10-07T22:16:00.000-07:00

Justin's Kentucky Gift

On my final night in Lexington I was presented with a most delicious thank-you gift from Justin R., Libby's fiance. He had a Derby Pie (as in Kentucky Derby) hand-delivered from Louisville, where they are made, to Lexington where we were hungry. He knows the family that produces these delicious pies so it was a very apropos dessert. Thanks again Justin. I really enjoyed it and appreciated the trouble you went to for that delicious pie.

Tonight I baked my first Derby Pie for dinner guests (Roy/Marilyn G,Rod/Carol DJ, & Carol DJ. ) They thought I said "Dirty Pie" which says more about their minds than my pie. It was a big hit and the name may stick. Libby, I will send you the recipe and you can try it...Justin will be impressed, it will definitely seal-the-deal, but now I have spoiled any element of surprise I suppose.

This all serves as intro to a quote I collected a while ago. In celebration of the end of my pre-wedding diet, let me share it with y'all. (How do your spell that anyway?)

"No diet will remove all the fat from your body because the brain is entirely fat. Without a brain, you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office."- George Bernard Shaw

This insight helped me more fully enjoy the wonderful Dirty Pie I ate tonight. Hi fat, hi suger and hi ratings from the guests.

Oh ya...I guess with a May wedding in our future, I will be going back on a pre-wedding diet. I knew it was too good to last...( I know, it is a "healthy way of eating" and a "lifestyle choice," etc. but we all know a diet when we are on one.)

If you would like the recipe for my Dirty Pie just send a Comment to this blog and I will be happy to share it. NOTE: I am working on a version with Bourbon in it, since everyone at dinner thought Dirty-Derby Pie ought to have some in it...and it does not...yet. On second thought, you may want to wait for this new & improved version.

Oh, by the way...Go Tigers & Go Blue!!!! What a night...the only one happier than Tim is my mother who allegedly skipped the chance to GO to the Detroit Tiger game so she could watch BOTH games on TV.

Wedding Was Wonderful

2006-10-06T21:30:00.000-07:00

Finally Back...

Since I last posted I have traveled to Michigan (twice), Kentucky (twice), Virginia, Washington state (twice), hosted my folks for 2 weeks in WA, & admired Libby’s new engagement ring* among other things…I am finally home, currently aka Lynden. I apologize for being AWOL but life has been full and now I have lots of blogging to do. [Wedding photos to follow, eventually.]

(*For Libby & Justin's ENGAGEMENT UPDATE please go to this blog’s LINKS and click on Sara&Tommy’s blog/Sept 4 for photos and details. Sara (My future son-in-law’s sister) is way ahead of me and takes wonderful photos.)

Here is a picture of Becky’s new Mother-in-Law, Sherry D. and I, at the very end of a very long and very happy day, September 15, 2006. We look tired but we each came home the mother of a new daughter or son and that’s a lot of labor. I love you, Jason. Welcome to our life.
(Remember, Jason: “Families are like fudge. Mostly sweet, with a few nuts.”)

For today's post I am including a list I just finished.
My thanks to Sara F. who challenged her blog guests to complete this for themselves…

I am: madly in love with my husband.
I want: to live a life of praise.
I have: so much to be grateful for & so much to do.
I wish: my family would all move to the Pacific Northwest, so we didn’t have to move again.
I hate: having to skip dessert.
I miss: our family & friends esp our kids & Jack, oh yeh, & I miss Utah & our Utah family!
I hear: Katers “calling” me...better see what’s up.
I wonder: if I will ever get all of our boxes unpacked?
I regret: that I have lived more than half of my life…but I expect the best is yet to come.
I am not: a morning person.
I dance: with my Dad, among others, at our daughters’ weddings!
I sing: with all of my heart.
I cry: during Hallmark commercials and other major emotional events.
I am not always: as confident as I may appear.
I make with my hands: biscotti, dishcloths, dollar rings, wedding stuff, & lots of other nonessential stuff. Dinner occassionally.
I write: lots of lists & e-mails to family and friends, and an occasional check that bounces. Recentl,y I wrote an agenda for my first tobacco issue train-the-trainer…
I confuse: just being tired with being older.
I need: to pray more and leave it all to my faithful Father in heaven.
I should: be ready on time more often, right Tim?
I start: watching 24 and can't stop.
I finish: each day with a prayer.
I must: get back to my blog…getting so very far behind.

That’s mine for this week…I am sure some things change with time and circumstances. Now how about you?…I’d love to read your list. It will fit in this blog's Comment box.

Kristin & Kids-Part I

2006-08-01T23:46:00.000-07:00

Today was Coffeetime at our condo...

in honor of Kristin (D.J.) M. and Nick and Isabel, who are visiting from Michigan. Isabel has a big smile and a big hug for her mom.

The special surprise guest was 4-day old Addison Jo, daughter of Jeff and Kelly D.J.

Here grandma, Carol D.J., is all pride and joy as Addison snoozes.

New mom, Kelly D.J., chats with Carol D.J.

We all sampled Brownie Biscotti from the practice batch of Becky's wedding reception favors....they got very good reviews.

Shelly rocks her daughter, Tabby, to sleep. It is hard work being so cute! Now that cousin Addison has arrived Tabby has some competition...and a eventually new playmate.

Continued in Part II...

Kristin & Kids Visit-Part II

2006-08-01T23:21:00.000-07:00

The kids had fun...

Cousins, Isabel M. & Laine D. J., played with shells and stones in their pretend beaches of rice or sand.

Cousins, George D. J. & Nick M. put the dominoes to work after a session of clay sculpting.

The girls brought their "beaches" inside and decided they looked like decorated cakes, so we had to add candles and blow them out...in honor of 4-day-old, Addison D. J., the guest of honor.

We wrapped up the morning by going on a Bear Hunt.
Thankfully, everyone survived!

Even the Bear.

Roses are Red...

2006-07-28T17:41:00.000-07:00

Roses are red,
Sometimes its true.
Ours are on fire,
For hottie's like you...

Poetry has never been one of my gifts, but sometimes I cannot resist...

One of the joys of living in Lynden, Washington, is that it does not take a green thumb to grow gorgeous flowers. The climate is perfect for gardening, and while we have very little garden area of our own we do have a spectacular rose tree just outside of our patio area.

I took this photo a few weeks ago. Right now the tree has three major stems with 10-15 blossoms on each tip...they look like 3 bridal bouquets growing on one tree.

I am the official 'dead-header' for the 4 trees in front of our building, so I keep them trimmed for the neighbors. (Most of these condos were empty last spring, so I started taking care of the roses--spraying, tieing them up, removing the deadheads, etc.)

The roses are called "About Face" with petals that are golden-orange on the inside and bronzy-red on the outside. They look like flames all over the tree.

I wish I could send you all a bloom but this will have to do.

Computers...

2006-07-23T16:14:00.000-07:00

"Computers used to take up entire buildings, now they just take up our entire lives." unknown

Recently we discovered that our poor computer is almost maxed out as far as memory is concerned. (Not due to too little memory but rather too much stuff.) I will be focusing on cleaning out/deleting things. As a result I may not post for a while until this project is completed.

(Have you DEFRAGMENTED your computer lately? I didn't know it needed to be done. But thanks to our recent house guest and friend, Jerry W., I now know how...and will do so regularly.)

Included in this post are a few photos of kids who have not been DEFRAGMENTED regularly...

I found them at the recent Botlab* company picnic.

*Botanical Laboratories - Tim's company.

Lavender Festival-Part III

2006-07-19T13:00:00.000-07:00

Lavender Festival-Part III

(Please see Parts I &II below or click on them at the Right)

The Festival included many local farms where one could enjoy live music, great food, and lots of things from artists and crafters, not to mention all the lavender stuff produced by the farms. In Sequim, there were street fairs (more music, more food, and lots more stuff to buy.) Jacque and I also thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Quilt Show. We'll see who finishes their purse project first!

The lavender was lovely and I think Tim might even consider another visit someday as long as we schedule a Mariner's Game first.

On Sunday, we took the ferry from Port Townsend to Whigby Island...

....and then headed home by car.

The purple bow selected by the groomer last week was so appropriate for the festive week-end.
Katers got tons of attention and seemed to enjoy herself as she shared the kingdom of "Ivory" and "Wegman"-her much larger canine hosts.

Lavender Festival-Part II (See Part I)

2006-07-19T12:46:00.000-07:00

Lavender Festival-Part II
(Start with Part I for the correct sequence)

Now here is a sign we all could get into...Note the little kids enjoying their peach lavender and blackberry lavender ice cream cones on the swing.

...reminded me of you, Jack. What flavor would you like best? There is lavender lemonade, if you get thirsty later.

Tom and Tim enjoyed their cones-they had some of each flavor. I think you preferred the Blackberry version, right?

When I saw this sunflower I thought of you, Libby...this almost looks like Kentucky, don't you think?

This sunflower reminded me of you, Becky...because you are so often "outstanding in your field."

(Pardon the Blog humor)

...Continue with Part III

The Lavender Festival-Part 1

2006-07-19T12:10:00.000-07:00

Lavender Festival-Part I

This past week-end we visited Tom and Jacque S, our favorite S. cousins in Washington. You may recall the shrimping story of a few weeks ago at their summer home. This time we stayed with them at their delightful home in Sequim (skwim), a very dry area of the Olympic Peninsula; rain is blocked by the mountains to the SW. This makes for a climate similar to Provence and well-suited to the cultivation of lavender. We had a great time sampling the aroma, flavor, and glorious lavender fields as we pretended we were back in France. This required just a short ferry ride...

Unfortunately, the festival folks were big into signs...some of which seemed needlessly restrictive.

Some more formal than others...but they did always said "Please."

We liked this sign better and brought home both white and purple* lavender to dry, as well as a couple other lavender mementos.

*There was also pink lavender...an oxymoron, don't you think?

Please read Part II, above, for the "Rest of The Story."

Sunset & Software

2006-07-18T12:30:00.000-07:00

This is one of the magnificent sunsets Tim and I enjoyed last December when we stayed at a lovely little cottage on Birch Bay while we looked for a place to live in Washington. I wanted to share it with all of you...

I also want to share some great software for storing and handling your photos. It is easy and FREE...just click on the colored icon at the end of this post and check out Picasa. (A part of the Google family.) I learned about it this week-end from Jacque while visiting cousin Tom and Jacque in Sequim, WA. Thanks, Jacque!
Check it out!

Utah Reunion

2006-07-17T21:47:00.000-07:00

I planned to post these in the opposite order so they would end up on the blog in chronological order but somehow I failed in that effort. To read them in a logical and correct timeline-start with the last (3rd post) and work your way backwards. For most of you it just doesn't really matter...

I will get this all figured out eventually...but not this late at night.

Utah Reunion: Lots of Socializing

2006-07-13T16:50:00.000-07:00

Shelly V. S., her husband Nik and their family, share our Dutch heritage. When we arrived at CEC, I think we doubled the Dutch influence there. Sorry we have abandoned you guys, but I trust you will carry on without us. Shelly, thanks for hosting me on Monday-sure appreciated your chauffeuring me around. Keep up your terrific work at the Pregnancy Resource Center-you are doing a fabulous job as their director. If you ever get up to this Dutch enclave in Washington, please stay with us and let us show you are around the Dairy Country of the Pacific Northwest.

We first met John and Lori T. at the church picnic we attended 2 years ago shortly after moving to Utah. Their hospitality was so appreciated when they invited us to dinner at their home later that week. We have been hanging out with these two ever since. This visit we shared a delicious (as usual) meal in their lovely garden-a favorite place to eat, drink, & share lively conversation together.

Hope you come to Washington so we can "Start slow and taper off." (John is a great philosopher and this was his latest insight.) We love you guys!

Tuesday evening we visited with Linda and Charlie H. who we also met at CEC. Unfortunately, they moved to Salt Lake City shortly after we arrived in Orem. We kept in close touch anyway and we have shared lots of great times!

Loved dinner at "The Avenues" even if there were a few rain drops...the rainbow afterward made it all worth while. Linda, thanks for driving me around the area during this visit. Loved Tai-Pan. It was so terrific to spend time with you, Linda & Charlie, and of course, Oreo (dark spot in the middle of photo-see eyes and nose). He was a perfect host to Katers. Come see us sometime!

We missed photos of other special friends...how did I miss you, Pastor Scott? Next time.

Utah Reunion: CEC Church Picnic

2006-07-13T15:42:00.000-07:00

When we learned that the Sunday we arrived in Utah was also the day of our church's annual picnic....we were delighted. This made it easy to see lots of friends from Christ Evangelical Church (CEC). I only caught a few on camera, but here is a little photo album from that evening in beautiful Provo Canyon.

Tim gets an update from Nick A. regarding the college ministry that he coordinates.

Annie M.K., our former dog-sitter and Kater's good friend, introduced us to her boyfriend, Nolan, who is looking for life after the AirForce. Best wishes in your job search...and whatever else you may be searching for!

Bobbie M.K. (Annie's not so little brother) is heading to Chicagoland this fall for college! Welcome to the Midwest, Bobbie.

Mark and Lili C., members of our small group at CEC, introduced us to the newest member of the family, Elias, only 6-weeks old. They moved in just down the "block" from our former home in Orem. Wish we could have been neighbors longer!

Now it is time to be embarrassed...Katers and I played with this little "doll" and her mom, but my memory is failing me...can someone please "Comment" with their names, so I can label this photo correctly??

Utah Reunion-Neighbors

2006-07-13T15:10:00.000-07:00

Tim and I traveled to Utah for business, golf, and reunion with friends. Our first stop was to visit neighbors who lived 2 doors from our townhouse in Orem. This is Samuel, who you may recall, was one of our first visitor when we moved in 2 years ago. The bell rang, I opened the door, and Samuel was standing there with his plastic golf club set and he asked me, "Do you play golf?" He is a very big fan of Katers and they played often..."Can Katers come over?" They even had a sleepover once!

Samuel's Mom, Kim, and Dad, Todd, were wonderful friends and neighbors to us during our short stay in Orem! (The photo of Samuel and Mom was too dark to use-sorry!)

Next stop on Sunday was to see the Budding family. Emelia and Edgar became good friends and their family often watched Katers when we traveled and had to leave her behind.

We were treated to Emelia's delicious empanadas, a traditional dish of meat-filled pastry from their native Argentine. Yum, yum! While we sampled some other of Emelia's good cooking, their kids enjoyed a game of Uno. Katers learned the finer points of the card game from Jennifer, Eric, Kimberly & Kevin (aka "Bob"). The gang posed for a photo-such a handsome group!

We met many terrific folks in Utah and we miss you guys!

Q. Where can I get a copy of your book?

2006-06-30T18:19:00.000-07:00

A. Please read on...

For my new friends: Beginning in 1995, following a part-time career as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist in microbiology, I had been working in the field of Tobacco Control. My work included prevention, advocacy (clean indoor air policy development), smoking cessation, and professional trainings and presentations. I was also involved in coalition building (including nicoTEAM, SAFE of Kent County, Tobacco Free Partners in West Michigan, & Tobacco Free Michigan.)

More recently, I spent about 2 years co-authoring a self-help book specifically to assist older smokers recover from their nicotine addiction; Tobacco Free After 50. Rick Delano, my co-author, and I have a website with more information about this project, including how to obtain a copy of our book. Use the link to this site at the start of my blog (see LINKS) , or you can go to www.tobaccofreeafter50.com.

My work as a consultant brought me around the country, including the state of Washington in 2002, when I presented for the Washington State Department of Health. Since my parents both came from Lynden, Washington, I welcomed the opportunity to travel back here. Little did I ever dream to find myself a citizen of this state, retracing their steps in Lynden, our new home. (Tim began working near here the end of Nov '05 and we moved to Lynden in Jan '06.) It is such a delight to live in Washington with its extensive smokefree policies! We breathe easier.

While I am taking what I call a "sabbatical" from my consulting, I am doing some work with local teachers and schools. Whatever the future holds, this work has been challenging and rewarding, but alwasy a most fulfilling experience. I have learned a lot and done so many new things. Most of all, I treasure the terrific people I have met and the friendships that have formed during this journey as we were..."working together toward a tobacco-free future."

Krista

P.S. I like smokers...but I have no use for the Tobacco Industry...just in case you were wondering.

Anniversary Celebrations

2006-06-30T08:54:00.000-07:00

Celebrating - Parts 1 & 2

Part 1: On Wednesday evening, 6-28, we enjoyed dinner with friends of my parents...and now friends of ours, Fran & Loe K. and their daughter, Jan. We tried Syros Greek & Italian Restaurant here in Lynden...our first visit. We had a delicious dinner and great conversation. Unfortunately, our camera eluded me as we left for the evening so--no photo for this posting. I'll try again another time. Fran & Lou send their best to Jim & Sylvia V.

Part 2: Thursday evening Tim & I drove to Seattle to join Uncle Dave & Aunt Kay C. for dinner. They were in town from Ohio for an Alaskan Cruise leaving the next day. (Last year we celebrated our 30th on the same cruise line in Alaska, this same week.) We met them at their hotel where they treated us to a delicious dinner...halibut and swordish...

Dinner was wonderful and since we had not seen Dave since Allison & Chris' wedding, 5 years ago, and Kay...we weren't sure how long it has been... conversation was lively as we "caught up."

Dinner's grand finale included some delicious dessert . In Seattle one can enjoy coffee on any corner and in any form. Had to enjoy the Coffee Trio of Ganache/Sorbet/and Creme Brulee. A picture is worth a thousand words...a sweet ending to a long overdue visit.

So glad they called and we made the trip!

Bon Voyage and God bless your travels.

Birch Bay Day...PS

2006-06-28T16:04:00.000-07:00

Amendment to 6/25 Birch Bay Day....
(I overlooked the picnic photos)

The small group from 3rd CRC met for a potluck picnic supper at the Birch Bay State Park. We roasted hotdogs and then enjoyed everyone's contributions to the food table. Tim is loading up on the beans...yikes.

Fabulous weather, fabulous food, and most of all fabulous new friends.

Recognize anyone, Mom & Dad V.?

Katers stayed safely out of everyone's way by using our camp chair as

her throne. "Now, if only someone would throw me a hotdog this would be a perfect picnic!"

I will omit last names, but maybe you can figure out who these people are anyway...

(Standing) Carol D.J., Mary & Bob M., Terese & Jim H., Sherwin V.M. & Betty D.B.

(Seated) Carolyn V.M., Toots K., Tim S.,Dennie D.B.

(Missing) Krista, the wanna be photographer

(OK, I am omitting more than last names...I cannot get the group picture to upload into this post. Tried 6 times doing everything I know, to make it work.. Anyone out there with technical advice - please comment. Thanks.)

What were you doing 31 years ago?

2006-06-28T10:39:00.000-07:00

What were you doing 31 years ago, today?

We were saying our vows to each other and have spent the last 31 years keeping them. Thank you, Tim, for everything! God has truly blessed us and our family. I look forward to many more happy years together...just can't predict exactly where they will be...but the adventure has been remarkable.

Thanks for sharing the good times and the bad with such faithfulness and love.

Thanks for giving me 3 wonderful daughters, and all that has resulted...Chris & Jack, soon Jason, and who knows what our future holds when it comes to more family?

Thanks for giving me the world...places I never even dreamed about seeing in my lifetime.

Thanks for sharing your faith in our awesome God. "Great is His Faithfulness."

Happy Anniversary, honey!

Krista

P.S. There was another thing we were doing 31 years ago...Wishing my sister, Debbie, a very Happy Birthday!!!! We love you!

A Birch Bay Day

2006-06-26T22:07:00.000-07:00

Today was hot-especially by Lynden standards-sunny and 82 degrees at 6 pm. My outdoor thermometer hit over 90. We appreciated our A.C.

Fortunately we had a picnic planned with our small group from 3rd Christian Reformed Church to be held out at Birch Bay (about a half hour from our home.) This is the salt water bay where cousins Rod and Carol D.J. have their cottage...The Milk House.

This is where we have spent Memorial Day & Father's Day (hope to be there on the 4th as well...fireworks!) Rod & Carol have been so generous to invite us to join their extended family & friends. They help us fill these days of potential homesickness with great fun, food & friendship.

Today Carol D.J. (Sister to Rod), "Toots" K. (from small group), and I drove out to the Milk House around 3 pm and escaped the heat-it had to have been 10 degrees cooler. Their porch was the perfect place to catch the breeze off the Bay.

Here is the view that we enjoyed...The San Juan Islands are off in the distance.

Here's a peek inside...it is so cozy and cute and comfortable. The perfect escape location. Thanks Rod & Carol for sharing it with so many, including us!

Libby-Our Grad!

2006-06-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Libby's Graduation from Calvin College May 20, 2006

We are so proud of you, Lib!

You can go to the Calvin Website for a family photo. http://www.calvin.edu/gallery/2006commencement/DSC09801
(Photo # 74 of the 96 posted)
I am sure there is a way to get this photo into this blog but it is currently beyond my technical abilities. Any suggestions? Wow!! I just accomplished it. Go to the box of LINKS (on the right near the top of blog) and click on the 3rd link and you will see our family photo at commencement. Aren't you impressed?....I am.

Next stop for Libby is the University of Kentucky in Lexington for graduate studies at their School of Social Work where she plans to get her Masters in August of 2007.

Libby moved to Lexington after graduation to share a zip code with Justin R. She is a nanny for a local family (please send a photo) and shares an apartment with Julie and Angie (please send another photo). Julie is a friend that Libby met at the Young Life camp, Rockbridge, in Goshen, Virginia last Summer, where she also met Justin. (Both of her room mates are Young Life leaders at local high schools; Julie leads with Justin R.)

Libby loves mail so e-mail or call me and I will share her contact info.

We will keep you posted on the Kentucky Connection.

(If you have not done so you can go to Sara, Justin's sister's, blog (www.tommyandsara.blogspot.com ) and check out the June 18 post with all the photos from the recent trip by Allison & Chris, and Becky & Jason to visit Libby and Justin. They all joined his family on their houseboat. Looks like great fun.
(I bet you could link your blog to this blog, but again...too technical. Sara can you help?)

News Flash from Chicago

2006-06-26T09:43:00.000-07:00

....Jack & Carol H. are grandparents!

(OK, so it is 7 month-old news. It takes a while to get news out here to the west coast.)

Let me introduce their grandson, Riley James H., son of David & Roberta H. What a family resemblance. It brings back Godwin Street days. Congratulations and welcome to the club. You are gonna love being grandparents.

Jim & Nancy's Visit: May '06 - Part 3

2006-06-25T23:39:00.000-07:00

The Farm, The Fish, The Fun

Lydia and Josiah had to visit "The Farm" aka Rod and Carol D.J. Dairy. Rod is my cousin and this is The Farm of my childhood and our daughter's.

George (the blond in this group), Rod & Carol's grandson, was our official tour guide...laser pointer and all.

First stop was at George and Lane's (the other blond in this picture) farm across the street. Their dad, Jon, is Rod & Carol's oldest son, married to Shelly. Baby sister, Tabby, slept through most of the tour.

Nest stop, see the calves. George demos how the calves are held in place for feeding.

Lydia gives it a try...and the calf gets some milk. I am not sure who is more uncertain about this, Lydia or the calf.

Now, lets see how a pro does it. Everybody looks much more comfortable.

Post tour fun crawling around. Lydia and Lane became fast friends!

The highlight of the visit for the girls was rolling down the hills together.

Back to see if the horse are hungry.

Lydia & Lane were convinced that "the horses like to eat those yellow flowers in the grass"... so they picked lots for them to eat.

Another favorite spot to visit in Lynden is the Sidewalk Cafe for a snack or lunch under the Big Windmill on Front Street. The canal that runs by this indoor cafe is filled with giant goldfish that were very popular with Josiah and Lydia. They "lived in a shoe"...wooden, of course.

Anyone who visits us can take advantage of a free Dutch contume photo op. Lydia and Josiah didn't want to miss this opportunity!

Lydia wondered how a picture would look if she used this alternate hole. Your wish is my command!

Last but not least, Lydia took advantage of Aunt Krista's offer for a sleep-over while her folks toured Vancouver, B.C. After visiting many of the businesses in Lynden to take advantage of their Welcome Wagon coupons-we collected lots of freebies (i.e. Lydia selected the style of our new free outdoor thermometer...I think of her everyday when I check the temperature on our beautiful rainbow thermomter.)

We finished our day with a long stop at the Lynden City Park. Slide, sliding poles, monkey bars- but the swings are the best!

Jim & Nancy's Visit: May '06 - Part 2

2006-06-25T20:19:00.000-07:00

Shrimping

We joined Tom & Jacque on the first day of shrimping season. You can only shrimp for 4 hours a day on four days in June, 9 am to 1 pm. 2 Saturdays and 2 Wednesdays.

The canal is starting to fill with boats of all sizes...with many more to come.

After 4 hours of lowering and later hauling up shrimp baskets (traps), Tom brought the day's catch up to their house. Almost made their limit (80 shrimp/licensed person. We had 3 licenses).

(... Jacque and I supervised from our kayaks.)

Cleaning the catch: Lydia (6) & Josiah (2) look on as Tom tears off the heads of the shrimp.

Josiah thinks "This looks easy"...rip...plunk, plunk. After watching for a minute or two he had reached in, grabbed a critter, tore off the head, dropped it in one bucket and the tail in another...like he had been this doing for years.

"Look, Lydia, its easy, you just do it like this..." much to Tom's entertainment.

Wasn't long and Lydia joined in, but no one cleaned with the enthusiasm of 2-year old, Josiah, master shrimp cleaner.

When they were finished he reached all the way down to the bottom of the bucket (used his entire arm) and looked up at us like...

"OK, there aren't any more. We are done!"

That evening back at their home in Sequim, we enjoyed the most delicious fresh shrimp we have ever tasted....I guess it was the FIRST fresh shrimp we had ever tasted. Fantastic! Worth all the trouble. The bar-B-Q chicken, corn on the cob, homemade potato salad, and strawberry shortcake were fabulous, but nothing beat the shrimp.

No doubt Josiah is welcome back next year for shrimping season....

We just hope we are, too.

Jim & Nancy's Visit: May '06 - Part 1

2006-06-25T17:16:00.000-07:00

Katers hangs with the Big Dogs at Tom & Jacque's

In May, Tim's brother Jim, his wife Nancy, and their children, Lydia and Josiah, came to visit us here in Washington. We met them at cousin Tom & Jackie S.'s summer cottage on Hood Canal on the Olympic Peninsula. Katers and their two dogs, Wegman & Ivory (?) got along well.

"Hmmmmmm...what might this little thing be?"

Katers, "Ever get the feeling someone is following you?"

Eventually, Wegman even allowed Katers to share his bed...but not quite yet.

Wegman, freezes midway between bites watching for Katers, also frozen, to try one of her speedy "snatch 'n grab" maneuvers that has resulted in the loss of some of his food. The competition continued with no casualties, I am happy to report... and everybody got some supper.

Three friends in the end!

Stay tuned for Part 2...the saga continues.

(I got the photos in, in the correct order and you may now read my posts from top to bottom, rather than bottom to top.)

Engagements and Engaging Grandson

2006-06-25T15:59:00.000-07:00

(Start at the bottom and work up)

I will end this post and try again. I have not gotten the layout thing exactly figured out but give me time...please note the different font, colored font, and photos, all newly aquired skills. Again this posting ends here, but starts at the bottom with Jack's photo.

Such a good looking bunch, don't you think? From the L in back: Joel & Kaleen(Jason's sis), Jenna (Jason' other sister), Allison (our 1st daughter) & Chris, (Tim was in Lynden), Libby (our 3rd daughter), Becky (#2 daughter) & Jason, Kendall & Sherry D. (Jason's folks).

This photo was taken by our fvorite family photographer, Justin R.! (The love of Libby's life.)

February 3, Jason & Becky, just engaged and all smiles. Wedding date is September 15, 2006.

( I added this second but it ended up here above Jack's picture...still trying to figure this all out.)
Just read this post backwares...

Sunday afternoon and I will try to get a photo or two in here. Here it is! Jack shooting hoops in the basket we got in Hilton Head. And if you think that is cute, wait until I get a picture of his face in here. (This child has a very serious ball fixation...do you think we can fix that? or was it inherited?)

Start here.

Name for the blog?

2006-06-19T22:02:00.000-07:00

Can't live with this boring name for our blog, but needed something quick. I plan to find something better. We are open to suggestions and may get your vote later. One idea is "Wolverines in Washington." OK, if you hate that, maybe you can offer another idea. Let me see how creative you guys are!

Tomorrow I hope to add photos...bet you can't wait.

Krista

Krista & Tim: Life after Relocation

2006-06-19T20:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my bog...it is really "our" blog since I hope it will help us all keep connected while we are so far from you. Be patient with me as I find my way through the Land of Blog. I look forward to posting photos and reading your comments. (Click on "Comments" at the end of each posting and send us your thoughts, poetry, or weather report-it happens to be sunny today in Washigton!)

Technical notes: You can have the photos we post by Right clicking on the picture, then select "Save picture as..." , E-mail picture..., Print picture..., or whatever you prefer. Feel free to call if you get stuck and I will offer what limited experience and understanding I have on this topic.

I believe in availing ourselves of whatever technology can offer to stay close to our family and friends (Yes, we have a webcam, so if you do too, call me and we can gaze into each other's baby blues. Jack and I love doing this...)

For those of you who are not immediate family here is some reference info:

Allison (28), our oldest daughter, is married to Chris T. and they live in Grand Rapids with Jack, our only and favorite grandchild, born November 4, 2004.

Rebecca (soon to be 26) is next in line and marrying Jason D. this Sept. 15. They will live in Grand Rapids in the new home they purchased recently.

Libby (22) just graduated from Calvin College and moved to Lexington, Kentucky to keep an eye on her boyfriend, Justin R. She has applied to the University of Kentucky for graduate school at their School of Social Work.

Katers is our adorable 2.5 lbs. Yorkie and she earns her keep by being a social magnet where ever we go. She usually attracts a crowd and thanks to her we have met all of our neighbors and then some. Trying to get around town can be difficult because so many stop us to chat. Katers travels with us by car, boat/ferry, train, and is especially fantastic on planes, thanks goodness.

We moved to Utah in 2004 for 18 months and to Lynden, Washington 6 months ago, on 1-9-06. (If you do not know this info maybe you should stop now because you probably don't know us enough to care about the rest of this blog.

Now you have a chance at following the postings and comments.

Stay tuned!

Krista