Gift Basket

We want to thank the married grandchildren for their thoughtfulness in sending us a wonderful basket of goodies for Christmas.  Thanks!  Thanks!  Thanks!  We are enjoying the fruit, candy, cookies, etc.

Coles Basketball Game

If you're looking for something to do on New Year's Day, Coles high school team will be playing in the Roundball Region Rumble at the Hammond Civic Center at 7 pm.  We don't know too much about the details (cost, how we'll it's attended, etc.) but his team was invited because they are ranked in the state this year.  Just wanted to let you know if you're interested.  We will be attending.  It will be a game against Pioneer high school.  We are 6-0 at the present.

Not Just One Brian Anymore...

I feel it's fitting after Uncle Keith's speech to let you know that there will now be another Brian in the family!

On Sunday the 22nd Brian took me back to Timothy Christian High School and proposed right at the spot where we met. I, of course, said yes. (I mean, who could say no to that handsome face?) Rudi got the whole thing on video so you can ask him for footage if you'd like to see it happen. He gave me a beautiful diamond and it's safe to say that I am on cloud 9 and don't plan to come down anytime soon.

Following the engagement, Brian had arranged for my parents, siblings, and Karley and Sam to be waiting at his parents' house in Libertyville along with his whole immediate family for lunch and celebrating. After that, and seeing a lot of you at Auntie Lee's party, and now going back home for Christmas, I am completely overwhelmed (in a good way!) at all of the support and loving people that God has put in my life. Brian is so excited to be a part of our big family and told me how welcoming everyone was to him. We're thankful for all of you :) 

I don't have many wedding details worked out yet, but I'll try to be good about letting you know as they come!

VAN DRUNEN CHRISTMAS UPDATE

On our original information we indicated we would meet at 4:00 p.m.  Keith & Cher are inviting us to come any time after 1:00 on Saturday, December 21.

Aunt Lee's Van Drunen Christmas

Dear Family,  We received an e-mail from Brenda with information regarding our Christmas Get-Together at Bethel Church (formerly Community Bible Church), 13620 Wicker Avenue, Cedar Lake, IN on Monday, December 23, at 6:00 p.m.  Our family is to bring:  bread & butter, 2 desserts, and vegetables & dip.  I'm not sure who received Brenda's e-mail, so I'm forwarding this information.  Let Brenda know if you are able to attend (219)613-6843 or bjdy22@yahoo.com.  Those attending - Let me know what you would like to bring.  I will bring a dessert.

Brenda mentioned the church is not charging for building use, but suggested we bring donations for their food pantry.

VAN DRUNEN CHRISTMAS - 2013

We are looking forward to our Christmas gathering on Saturday, December 21, at 4:00 p.m. at Keith & Cher's home.  Get your voices in tune for our sing-a-long.  Our menu will consist of the following:  The meat (ham sandwiches & chicken) will be provided.  Needed - salads, vegetables & dip,  buns, chips, desserts, drinks, or your specialty.  Comment on the blog what you will be bringing.

New Contest - "Geographical Mysteries" - bring pictures.  Information written on back should include:  who, where, date, possible occasion.

Ladies & Girls' Boxes - Ladies - gift that starts with the middle initial of your name.  Girls - do your thing.

FYI - Aunt Lee's Party is Monday, December 23 at Bethel Church, Cedar Lake.  (same church but different name)

Jon Gruden aka Jim Richards

Every week for Monday Night Football, Sam and I cannot get over the resemblance between our wonderful uncle Jim and Jon Gruden. What do you guys think?!

Sawyer Performs Katy Perry's "Roar"

She ALWAYS hams it up like this... but never for the camera.  Very rare for me to catch this.

I wonder where she gets this DNA that has her do unique/weird/crazy things like this.  Hmm...

Last-minute

Just wanted to let you all know this is last-minute but November 17 Joshua is being dedicated at our church at 10 am let us know if any of you would like to come so we can save seats

Sawyer and Xander Fall 2013

Casey is in town for the weekend

Hi Family, Casey came in for the weekend instead of coming over Thanksgiving. It is hard to keep up with his social life, however, we have managed to find a time that he will be hanging around at home. We would love for anyone to come by tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon/early evening for a visit. He will hang around until at least seven and we will serve supper. Sorry for the late notice, and hope it works out for some to come. Love, Kelly (proud and happy mom)

Special dates

Save the date:

Thurs, Nov. 14 - Ladies lunch to celebrate Aunt Lee's birthday

Thurs, Nov. 28 - Thanksgiving @ Mike and Kim's  (Off year for the VD family, but everyone is invited).

Sat. Dec. 21 - Elmer & Georgian's family Christmas party @ Cheryl & Keith's

Mon, Dec. 23 -  Aunt Lee's Christmas party for extended VD family at Bethel Church in Cedar Lake on Rt. 41.  Same Church as previous years (used to be Community Bible).

Pinochle party date is tbd.  (Maybe a date in January.)

Timothy Soccer Team: Super-Sectional Tomorrow Night

Over the weekend, my soccer team was fortunate enough to win our 3rd Sectional Championship in 6 years.  It was an exciting 1-0 victory that a nice group of Yous Kids attended (thanks to all who came).

Short notice... but we're back at it tomorrow night at Benedictine University (Lisle) at 7:00 PM.

It's the "Elite 8." Winner gets the Super-Sectional Plaque and a trip downstate this weekend (Friday/Saturday) for the final four!

Sectional Final Links:

Sectional Final Game Summary

Chicago Sun Times Article

IHSA Class 1A Bracket

Sectional Final Game winning goal:

Moving Day!!!

October 26th is the big day. Nicole, Adam, Joshua, and myself are about to embark on the next phase in our lives. I would like to thank Yous Kids for all your prayers and support for our family. If anyone would like to help us move all of our things to the new place we would greatly appreciate it. You can call or txt me or Nicole if you would like to help. Our numbers are (219)-707-6603 (Taylor) and (219)-929-6199 (Nicole). Either number works but Nicole will be more likely to get back to you sooner. Thanks

Fun on the Farm

Family, Farm, Fun; Food, Food, Food; Games, Guns, Gators; Barrel races, Barns, Brats; Three wheelers, Trails, Togetherness; Smores, Smiles, Stories; Cousins, Campfires, Competitions; Worship, Where? (Morocco), What a Weekend!

THANKS Uncle Wayne and Aunt Norma for your hospitality.

Late Notice: TC Soccer at Illiana today: 4:30

Any South Holland/Lansing area people- my soccer team will be taking on your beloved Vikings at 4:30 today on Illiana's campus.  We play at 4:30.

Just wanted to make sure it was out there- no pressure to come at all!

It's just not the same as when I got to coach against Mark!

Gesch Kids at the TC Soccer Game

Van Drunen Christmas

Santa and Mrs. Claus

Please mark your calendars for the Van Drunen Family Christmas Party taking place on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at the home of Keith and Cheryl.      A new version of the game "name that celebrity" has been suggested.  We are asking family members to submit photos of themselves in different locations (near and far), so teams can guess the location and later share memories or stories. More details coming later.

Day on the farm

Uncle Wayne and Aunt Norma Van Drunen are inviting the extended Van Drunen family to their property near Morocco, Indiana to enjoy a day or weekend on the "farm".  October 11-13.   We know the ladies will be celebrating little Morgan Rose on Saturday, but everyone is welcome to come for part of the day or the whole weekend.  Plans are still in the works, but ideas include a campfire, Trap shooting on Saturday for the men, activities, food,  a hayride...  Mike and I and Aunt Lee plan to camp there for the weekend.  The address is 741 W. Division, Morocco, Indiana  (The property is actually north of the town of Morocco, just East of Rt. 41.)  Wayne's cell is 219.682.4362.  RSVP by Oct. 4. 

Work Day - Take 2

We will be having a second work day on Sept 21st.  Taylor has classes on his days off this week and we have some things we need to get done by the end of the month.  If you have the time and would like to join us, let us know.  Of course, we will feed you.  We have some trees and shrubs to take out and some basic cleaning and painting that needs to be done.  Nicole's cell is 219-929-6199.  Thanks

20 Plus Year Dream Achieved!

It seemed like only yesterday Jason and I would be getting in the van with Grandma and Grandpa and their friends Lou and Alice. It would be our annual trip to Dog Lake in Ontario where we would fish a week and then Dad, mom and Nikki would come up for the second week. It was in those weeks that I started to dream about catching a trophy Pike. I don't know what it was about that fish, the size how aggressive they are or just chasing them as a kid but it has always been about that fish. Last week I was lucky enough to be heading up north to an out post 400 miles north East of Winnipeg to Silsby Lake Lodge. The fishing last week was really not that great due to the water being low and also a cold front that came in on the second day, but last week Friday around 1:30 in the afternoon while fishing a five of diamonds in a weed bed in between 6 to 8 ft of water I pulled out this 43 1/2 inch Northern Pike. It was a really cool experience and something that took me back to all of those fishing trips that I look back on so fondly and still really love today.

Isaac's First Birchwood Experience!

Pray For Room 25

Hey fam! I'm about five weeks into my year of teaching first grade in the city. Last year a lot of you were such blessings in my life by consistently praying for me (I'll never forget Uncle Jim checking in on me at each family gathering). Knowing that I have the support of so many amazing Christian people is humbling. Please keep praying for me of course, but I thought I'd put it out there to the family to send interested people information of how they can pray for my kids too.

Two of my girls buddy reading 

If you are interested in doing this, just comment below and include your email address. I'll send you a class list of only first names and something specific that each kid needs. Let me know and thanks in advance!

Work Day - You may or may not know that we have bought a house in Valparaiso.  We close on it September 6th.  There is a lot we need to do before we move in.  We are planning a work day on Saturday, September 14th.  If you would like to come help, we would love that.  There are shrubs and plants that have to be removed.  The previous owners had 3 girls so we have to paint all the bedrooms and do some major cleaning. 

We will definitely feed you so if you can make it please let one of us know so we can make sure to have enough food.  You can call either of us on our cell.  Taylor - 707-6603 or Nicole - 929-6199.  We will  appreciate anything you can help with.  Thanks for all your support.

Sawyer's First Day of School and Family Soccer Pics

Sawyer just started preschool at Timothy Christian (where I work).  She is SO excited to be in school.  TC also had our home opener for the soccer season and Steph and the kids were there.  A soccer dad took a bunch of pics.