Greatest family in the world

Prayer

2008-11-22T16:34:00.001-08:00

We just had a quick note from Kay:

"Please keep my brother Chuck in your prayers. He is in back surgery again this morning.Pray for God's healing to be on his back.This is the second back surgery. We pray it works this time.God's Blessings to all.Corky and Kay "

Jordan

2008-11-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

Please check out this link and keep Jordan (son of Lee and Lisa, of Uncle Herm and Aunt Joan) in your prayers.

Update on Chris

2008-10-18T06:19:00.000-07:00

Hi Everyone-
Chris' results from his biopsy came in today and the large lymph node is benign, which means its not cancerous. His biopsy was on tuesday and they took 5 samples out of the node, they said it is 50% larger than the rest, and there was another one that is slightly larger than normal. The nurse said that could be why he feels the pressure in his throat. He will go to the ENT doctor again for a followup and so they can work on a solution for this pressure. Thank you so much for all the thoughts and prayers for Chris, it means so much. I am just so thankful.
Love, Kim

New Bloggers

2008-10-15T05:59:00.000-07:00

Ok we have two new bloggers to welcome into the family blogging community...

First is Maria (daughter of Daryl and Kath, of Kryna and Dick).

Second is Bethany (daughter of Scott and Molly, of Arie and Betty).

Mark them as your favorite folks and for pity sake...please leave a comment or two, we all love it, you know we do!

Prayer Please

2008-10-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

Please keep lifting up Chris Wrathall in your prayers as he undergoes a needle biopsy of his lymph node in his throat today.. Also Corky's daughter and grandson from previous marriage as they undergo chemo treatments for cancer. Pray for God's healing hands on all of them. See Kim and Kay's blog for more info. God Bless All.

Info Please!

2008-10-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know it seems as if we are always asking for new information, but we really do need it this time! Things change so fast. We are putting together the address books for the reunion and it is crucial that we have up to date contact details.

To make it a little bit easyer, copy and paste the basic info below into your e-mail and fill in the appropriate information. Please send it to: sparkiethe8thdwarf@hotmail.com

Name and address:

Home phone:

Cell phone:
E-mail/e-mails:
Blogs:
Websites:

Date of births:

Anniversary:

We also would like to put your family picture under your imformation (like the last address book...love it!) So if can send a picture through sometime as well that would be great. If not, we may be forced to use ones which would normally reserved for blackmail. :)

Update on Kim

2008-09-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Here is an update on Kim, its a letter that Kay sent to me. Please keep praying for her.

Things were looking good, but not this morning. Kim had a bad night last night and had to go into surgery at noon. They removed about 10-12 inches of her intestine. The absess she had in there they think ruptured and that part of the intestine was perforated. So they removed that chunk and connected in again and sewed her up. She has an incision that is about 8 inches long going up and down the middle of her stomach. She's still experiencing alot of pain. They have her on a morphine pump so she can push it every time she needs it, or else it just gives her a dose every hour.

Please Pray for Kim and Jesse

2008-09-09T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hi All, I just received this from Kay, please keep them all in your prayers.

Just wanted to ask for some family prayers for Kim and Jesse. Kim was admitted to Luverne Hospital on Mon, afternoon. Had severe stomach pain. Did some tests and finally found an absess on or in (I'm not sure) her intestines. As of this morning(Tues) they were thinking of doing surgery to remove it, but decided to try treating with steriods first. They are going to keep her in the hospital and watch her and see what happens. If the steroids start to work they will keep using them to try and heal this, if not she will have to have it removed.

For now the pain has stopped and she slept well. Jesse was about to start his shift of work yesterday when her pain got really bad. He didn't have time to get anyone to cover for him, so he put Kim in his squad car and and drove down the road at who knows what speed, called her mom to meet them on the highway and her mom took her the rest ot the way to the hospital. Kim said that was quite the experience.

If you could please keep them in your prayers. Jesse for patience because he doesn't do so well with these medical things, and Kim to get thru this and we pray that this isn't the start of many problems with her Chrones Disease.

Thanks everybody! We love you all and will keep you informed!

Evon

Aaron & Meg

2008-09-06T07:50:00.000-07:00

Meghan McDonough and Aaron Rozeboom (of Gerrit, of Kryna) were united in marriage August 30, 2008 at 12 p.m. in Grand Rapids, MI.

Welcome to the wonderful world of VanHofwegen's Meg!

They will be living in Springfield, Missouri when they return from their honeymoon.

Ellie Marie denHollander

2008-09-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

This has been a very long time in coming, but here we welcome into the world little Ellie, born to Lanette and Tim (of Gerrit and Evonne, of Kryna and Dick).

Ellie was born June 2.

Jeff Nord

2008-06-23T19:02:00.000-07:00

It is with a heavy heart that we post today. Jeff Nord has gone to be with the Lord. He passed away on Friday evening. We pray that the Lord would grant much comfort and upholding to Jayne and the family.

Jayne, Dalaynee, Andrew, Zack we love you all so much and we are very privileged to be able to count Jeff not only as family here on earth, but also as a dear brother in Christ.

Please check here for memorial service details.

Like the New Header?

2008-04-24T05:49:00.000-07:00

A BiG THANK YOU goes out to cousin Laur for making a new header for our blog. Coincidently it actually goes very well with the theme Kryna has been working hard on for the '09 Reunion. Good work!

Note From Kay

2008-04-24T05:44:00.000-07:00

Be sure also to check out the links on the sidebar. Kay has recently started a blog. Here is the address:

http://kay-wwwcorkyandkay.blogspot.com

you'll also find it under "Members of the Clan".

This is an update on my dad, Case. He seen the nurologist today and got the results from the mri of the brain. Parkinsons was ruled out.What a blessing. They only seen one little wave and they said it was possibly from his sugar diabetes.Next week now they are supposed to see the heart specialist and get the results from the other tests.He started his therapy and mom said he seemed actually impressed.May God bless everyone.Corky and Kay

Aaron & Meg

2008-04-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Aaron Rozeboom and Meghan McDonough are engaged! Yeah!

The wedding is set for August 30, 2008 in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

If you can make it out to MI, they would love to see you.

Update on Uncle Case

2008-04-10T05:43:00.000-07:00

Uncle Case has been having some more testing this week . They have been having some frustrations with the Dr. so please pray it all goes well and for patience for Uncle Case and Aunt Albertha.

Roland

2008-04-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

As promised, here is a picture of newest memeber of the Van Clan.

Welcome Roland James!

Note: If anyone has any news, be sure to e-mail me. Or if you don't have a blog, just a quick little family update to post would be great too.

Roland James

2008-03-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

We welcome into this world, Roland James Neptune! He is the son of Bridgette and Allan (daughter of Char and Scott Pitman, of Aunt Liz). He was born Wednesday, March 12, 2008. He was 8lbs 5 oz. and 20 3/4 in long. He has lots of dark hair and is being very good for mom!

Update on Jeff

2008-03-22T08:11:00.000-07:00

This is the latest on Jeff via Laur:

"Today is a pretty good day. Jayne just called and they had an appt with another doctor today to see if Gamma Knife was a possibility for treatment. He first of all noticed Jeff's cap which had Isaiah 40 on it...he quoted the verse right to Jayne and Jeff, isn't that somthing? So, he loves Jesus, that is always a plus! He tooked at Jeff's films and said, I think I can help you. It's a treatment called Tomatherapy (sp?) and he says he thinks the odds are 50/50 that he can either stop it from growing, shrink it or get rid of it altogether. That's better odds than we've been given as of late. Jeff will have to have treatment twice a day for 3 weeks in a row...there in Illinois. We're trying to work out the logistics for that yet, but we'll make it work. Jayne is a little scared because one of the possible side effects is some permanent memory loss..so pray about that. She asked me to ask you all to please keep praying, they have definetly felt your support this last week. And with a God like we serve, we just might get our old Jeff back...wow, that would be cool, huh? Thanks for your support, love and prayers. We are blessed to have each and every one of you in our lives! Praise the Lord!"

For previous information about their IL trip, check out Jeff and Jayne's blog, www.nordsville.blogspot.com

Matter of Prayer

2008-03-21T18:07:00.000-07:00

This is just something to keep in prayer. Note last posts comments from Kay:

"Keep my dad (Case) in your prayers as he has been getting testing done to try and figure out why he is so dizzy and light-headed. He has seen the nurologist and has to see the heart specialist also.They did a brain scan, and are going to do a mri and echogram etc.One doctor thought he might have the start of parkinsons. We pray that is not it. "

"I was wondering also, does anyone know any family medical history? I know grandpa Van Hofwegen had parkinsons. Is there anything else for future reference.Mom had said to me, the Van Hofwegens never get sick you know.I think it would be good to know all these things. Pass the info on somehow if anyone knows anything. Thanks. Kay"

Anniversary Wishes

2008-03-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

We send out our warmest Anniversary wishes to Uncle Case and Aunt Albertha today!

It is 59 years!

A Little Update On Jordan Beld

2008-03-06T18:21:00.000-08:00

Hey Clan, I received this note from Lisa earlier today I just thought I would pass it on. -L

Hello everyone

We had our visit at children's today for Jordan's heart issues. I will try to make this brief and somewhat in "normal" terms.

So he has two problems 1) A-Fib 2) Right bundle branch blockage

both are rare at his age and even more rare together. The Dr at children's said he sees maybe 5 a year with one problem and rarely both.

All of the test we have taken so far,( the file is thick according to the Dr) have been fine, other than showing what we already know.

The Dr released him to start running and playing basketball etc so Jordan was pretty happy about that. (this morning he told us that last night while at the hotel him and his friend took the stairs down all 11 floors at a fast pace--nice to know! :)

So the next step we are taking is to have some Genetic Testing done. They want to determine whether or not it is an inherited problem and if its something the other kids could have. When I mentioned that I have glaucoma and how fast it came on, that seemed to have linked something that could show up as a heart issue in Jordan--very confusing.

We will have the tests done in Aug. along with another Treadmill, EKG and hopefully things will just settle down and not cause more problems.

So the Dr was not able to put what he has into a diagnosis with a reason or prediction on why it happened or where it will go from here. It will just be a bit of a wait and watch situation until we have more tests in Aug.

We are happy and relieved that he will be able to resume his normal activity and pray that his symptoms will not return.

I might not have emails for everyone so feel free to email this to more people that would like to know :)

Thanks for all your prayers and support I hope this makes some sense to everyone.

Lisa

Our Hearts Go Out to Corky and Kay's Family

2008-03-06T06:59:00.000-08:00

Corky's brother recently passed away from complications involving pneumonia. Corky's brother Joe went in a week ago with pneumonia and was put on life support until the family made the decision to remove him from it yesterday. He had been having several problems for awhile which were complicated by the failing of his kidneys and liver. Thanks to everyone for their prayers. Please pray for comfort for the family. We're all thinking about your family in this difficult time.

Another Blog in the Family

2008-02-23T13:20:00.001-08:00

Hey everybody, I just wanted to let you all know that Kim Wrathall (daughter of Corky and Kay Thibodeaux) now has a blog. Check it out at http://thibwrat78.blogspot.com/
Great job Kim, its good to have you on the web!

Prayer Request for Jordan Beld

2008-02-17T15:42:00.000-08:00

Hi everybody, just wanted to let you all know that Jordan of Lee and Lisa Beld has been having some heart trouble. We need to remember to keep all of them in our prayers. For updates and information on what's going on with them check out the Beld blog at: http://www.justusbelds.blogspot.com/

Two New Bloggers

2008-02-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

We just found out that Jessica, daughter of Tony and Arlys (son of Kryna) has started blogging. You can visit her at http://jessicaroze.blogspot.com/
So be sure to check it out and see what she is doing in Costa Rica!

Also Rochelle (daughter of Char (daughter of Liz) and her husband Brain have joined the blogging world. Keep in touch with them at http://photopiatwo.blogspot.com/

Sign Up Today!

2008-01-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Hey everybody, I just wanted to remind you all to think about registering for the 2009 VH reunion. Its not too late so be sure to contact us, there are lots of payment plans so hopefully it will work for everyone. There's been a good turnout so far but I know that its hard to keep up with all of this so close to the holidays and right into the new year. A few of you have asked about refunds later on if something arose. The facilities that we are working with are great so we should be able to refund as late as a month before the event. We have so much planned for this reunion, please try not to miss it. If you have any questions or concerns be sure to ask we'll work with you any way we can, our main goal is that everyone is able to participate and have a memorable time at this reunion!

Family Togetherness

2008-01-04T20:59:00.001-08:00

Uncle Bob

2007-12-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

I wish we could see more of this do.......

December Anniversaries

2007-12-14T20:56:00.000-08:00

Mart & Bernice: 12.7.62

Herm & Joan: 12.30.63

Congratulations to you All.

Uphold them in Your Prayers

2007-12-11T13:33:00.000-08:00

Please continue to remember Jeff & Jayne in your prayers. They really need us all behind them right now.
For a complete update check on Jayne’s blog at http://nordsville.blogspot.com/

Welcome

2007-12-11T07:38:00.000-08:00

Another one of the clan has joined the blogging world. Be sure to check up on Daryl and Kath and their family at http://hafdozenreasons.blogspot.com/

Could It Be?

2007-12-04T22:14:00.000-08:00

Yup Lauri, we agree with you. Maybe it was

Officer Beld that was causing such a stir…

Good Times at VH Reunion

2007-12-01T10:06:00.000-08:00

2007-11-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

What a handsome couple!

Family...one of the greatest blessings.

October 30, 1953

2007-11-03T11:47:00.000-07:00

Happy Belated Anniversary to Uncle Dick

and Aunt Mary who celebrated their 54th

Anniversary on October 30th.

Another VH Wedding coming up

2007-11-01T07:42:00.001-07:00

Meet Nate Van Zweden. He and Alissa Kattenburg hope to be getting married December 28,2007, in Rock Valley, Iowa.
Alissa is a granddaughter of Aunt Liz, and the youngest daughter of Harriet (Fluit) and Henry Kattenburg.
We welcome you, Nate to the VH clan and wish you two all the best.

Update and Prayer Request

2007-10-25T16:28:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to give you an update on Jeff Nord. His lack of short term memory is a huge thing right now. He hates doing the therapy. It's like going on a diet, he knows it's good for him, but he hates going through the motions. And they are going to do a MRI soon, so just pray that it's shrunk or that the lump is all gone. Be sure to keep checking Jayne’s blog at http://nordsville.blogspot.com/

It's a Boy and a Girl!

2007-10-24T18:21:00.000-07:00

Yea, and Congratulations to Pat (son of Liz) and Paula Fluit!

September 5, 2007 Kylie Ann Fluit (6 lbs 13 oz) and Ryan Nicholas Fluit (6 lbs 11 oz) joined big sister Makayla.

_____________________________

On a diffent note, we have an upcoming wedding to anounce as well. Actually it is this weekend!

Rochelle (second daughter of Scott and Char{daughter of Liz}) is marrying Brian Felland October 27th. We wish them all the best!

Congratulations Are in Order

2007-09-17T12:39:00.001-07:00

Congratulations Kathy (daughter of John and Jesse), Dale and the rest of the Wubben famiy on the arrival of Alex Dale. He was born Aug. 28 at 3:05 pm weighing 8 pounds and 4 ounces and measuring 21 in long. To my knowledge everything is going very well.
What a pumpkin!

Thoughts and Prayers

2007-08-22T10:54:00.001-07:00

Kathy (daughter of John and Jessie) & Dale Wubben are expecting their 4th child at the end of this month. The doctors have noticed some ventricals in the brain that are larger than they should be...Kathy will be induced on the August 25th...please keep the baby as well as the family in your prayers.
Also Dale graduated from the Police academy this past month. I hear he graduated head of his class! Way to go Dale.

Welcome to the Family Jess

2007-08-21T06:39:00.001-07:00

Bryan (son of Lee and Lisa Beld, Grandson of Herm and Joan) and Jess Beld were married August 3. Congratulations! What a cute couple.

The Eyes

2007-07-30T11:23:00.000-07:00

Here is the question. There are theories about blue eyes or brown eyes being dominate in families. We have a good bit of both as we all know. But looking at Grandpa and Grandma's pictures....all I see is black and white.

What did they have?

Blue Specimens Brown Specimens

And the Winner is...

2007-06-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Beld!

Congratulations to Lee Beld winner of the VH Reunion memory contest. Here you see him once again weaving a web of Mafia deception that even his daughter doesn't believe. But, where would our reunions be without him?

MY BEST MEMORIES COME FROM PLAYING MAFIA. THE YELLING, THE SCREAMING, THE LYING, THE CHEATING, THE FALSE ACCUSING, THE MURDERING AND OF COURSE THE BACK STABBING ALL MAKE FOR A GREAT TIME OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. WHAT STRIKES ME THE MOST IS THE AWESOME BELD DOMINATION. HOW I CAN TAKE GOOD PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELVES AND TURN YOU AGAINST ONE ANOTHER. IT WARMS THE HEART RIGHT DOWN TO THE SOUL. LAST REUNION I REMEMBER ONE OF YOU ROZEBOOM GIRLS (FILL IN YOUR NAME HERE) IN THE LATE MOMENTS OF A GREAT GAME LOOKING AT ME AND ASKING IF I WAS MAFIA OR A CITIZEN. I TOLD YOU THAT I WAS A CITIZEN. YOU STARED AT ME FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND THEN TOLD ME YOU BELIEVED ME BECAUSE YOU COULD SEE IT IN MY FACE. I EXPLAINED THAT YOU HAD TO TRUST ME BECAUSE IF YOU DID NOT SIDE WITH ME TO KILL "THE MAFIA" THIS ROUND THE MAFIA WOULD WIN AND ALL WOULD BE LOST. YOU SIDED WITH ME. WE KILLED AN INNOCENT CITIZEN AND I, THE REAL MAFIA, WON THE GAME. YOU JUST LOOKED AT ME AS IF I WAS THE DEVIL HIMSELF. AGAIN, IT WARMS THE HEART.

THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW I LEAD THE SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER HOUSE OF BELD INCORPORATED. MAFIA DEFINES OUR NIGHT LIFE. WE PLAY IT INTO THE EARLY MORNING HOURS. WE YELL AND SCREAM TO CONVINCE OTHERS OF OUR WAY OF OUR PURITY. IT IS WHERE MUCH OF OUR LAUGHTER COMES FROM DURING THOSE FEW DAYS. YES, I REMEMBER OUR FAMILY REUNIONS. I REMEMBER PLAYING MAFIA WITH SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF GETTING TO KNOW.
-LEE BELD

Thanks to everyone for all of your responses. It was really great reading all of the wonderful memories. Definitely worth adding a five dollar credit to Beld's account.

VanHofwegen Reunion Memory Contest

2007-06-14T05:54:00.001-07:00

Last week I begged you all for your favorite memories from the reunions past. Well here is what I recieved. I think they are great.

After reading these memories please take the time to vote for your favorite. (Just remember, no voting for your own memory) Just click on the word VOTES located directly at the bottom of this post. We will be voting for 1 week. All votes must be cast by midnight on June 21. The contest winner will receive $5.00 off the '09 reunion dues.
Alright, have fun taking a little trip back in time.
____________________________________________________________________

Harriet Kattenberg (Daughter of Liz)

Ok, I'm late but the one we still laugh about is the contest between two uncles on motorcycle riding. The first reunion in SD. We think it was Uncle Case's family that drew a motorcycle with cut out faces, hands and feet. The first uncle (was it Uncle Bob maybe?) had to ride the motorcycle making motorcycle noices. Shifting, revving, braking, back firing, etc. Louder was better.

Then Uncle Carl had to make more and better noises. Meanwhile these crafty nieces and nephews switched the cardboard motorcycle for a cardboard throne!!! Uncle Carl put his whole heart into it. The crowd laughed until they cried, and then laughed some more. Henry still recalls his head ache.

Uncle Carl won ... He was SO embarrassed when he left the lime light, looked back and saw that he was making noises on a toilet!!! We always recall how well he handled it. A good sport and classy, too
-Harriet
____________________________________________________________________

Lauri (Daughter of Bill and Trace)

Can we do more than one? Here's mine:

1. The first reunion where Gerrit and Danny did the auction. And Jayne and I and Michelle waited in my car (that little white convertible) on that gravel road to tell everyone where to go to get to the place. It was so exciting to see everybody drive up! It was the very first one and people really came! And late one evening, about 10:00 p.m., when a very young Aaron came up to his mom and said, "Could you fix me a little supper?". We also had a great game of keep away, with a volley ball I think, in the pool. Boys against girls. Girls won, I think.

2. In Colorado where the elevation was terrible high and we couldn't breathe and Danny drove up to me and Jayne one time and said, girls, I'm gonna be driving wherever we have to go...hop in if you want to. Me and Jayne also drove by ourselves to that one and we saw an eagle on the way, that was cool.

3. In Arkansas, where all the Rozaboom brothers did the auction..that was great. And the big pushing in the pool party that we had.

4. The many games of Mafia played late into the night at almost every reunion...and how loud they got, thank you, officer Lee.

5. The clam hunt in Washington and the great old fort that kept my nephews occupied for the whole weekend...oh and those porches, they were so cool.

6. The last one where Aaron was up on Uncle John's pickup to take the family pic and the Navy flag and the "homemade" Army flag...and the auction with Darrell, that was so cool.

My most favorite part of every one is when everyone is arriving. You find a good place to sit and then just watch them all come in....and yell out like, Eric and Beck are here....here comes Uncle Dick and Auntie Mary...I love that part...

-Lauri

______________________________________________________________

Becky VanHofwegen (Wife of Eric, daughter-in-law of Bod and Dee)

I'd have to say one of my favorite memory is from this past one at Canby Grove. It was during the always exciting auction when my dear husband had to hold up
and describe the beautiful handmade Hardanger. He wasn't sure of the name of
it, he thought it was a doilly but thought he had better ask his mom. She
corrected him and told him it was a Hardanger. He wasn't quite sure what she
said and didn't really think he wanted to repeat what she said because it
didn't sound quite right. He did his best trying to describe it. I think the
even better moment was him retelling the story over and over and over again and
listening to the Aunts just crying with laughter as he told it.
-Becky

____________________________________________________________________

Holly VanHofwegen (Daughter of Eric and Becky, Granddaughter of Bod and Dee)

Her very favorite Van Hofwegen Reunion memories are from the Square Skips.
____________________________________________________________________

Mia VanHofwegen (Daughter of Eric and Becky, Granddaughter of Bod and Dee)

Her favorite Van Hofwegen Reunion memory was from the last reunion when she and some of the cousins hand made cards and watched them get auctioned off.
____________________________________________________________________

Gerrit Rozeboom (Son of Kryna and Dick)

Memories, memories, memories, there are too many to list. But I would have to say among my favorites would be the square skip in Rock Rapids, the sing along in Colorado when Danny and Aaron helped the Uncles play while anyone who felt like singing joined in singing the gospel and old country songs that we all remembered from the Uncles. Jill's marriage proposal at the California reunion would be hard to beat.
I love the unending laughter. Every one has a laugh that is unique to only them and it is great to see and hear all the laughter. But the memories that are most precious to me now are probably those of watching how my Dad so totally enjoyed the V.H. reunions. I can remember him square skipping in Iowa, telling jokes in Minnesota, and staying up late, visiting, totally relaxed and totally enjoying the company. Like I said, memories, memories, memories. I could go on and on. Oh wait, I already have gone on and on. Anyway, I hope I never have to miss a V.H. Reunion. After all it's now a family tradition.
-Gerrit

______________________________________________________________

Mollie VanHofwegen (Wife of Scott daughter-in-law to Arie and Betty)

1988 First reunion-Iowa! watching the most beautiful thunderstorm I've ever seen from the balcony on the the last night...my kids were little but they liked it too!
1994 Colorado! Seeing all the cute hand-placed road signs as we entered the park. Presentation of the flags to all the Uncles for their years of service to our country...
2000 California! Meeting the Beld family for the first time and giving them a run for their money with who can trash/TP the other's room the most. Fun, fun, fun! Trying to make our son Scottie's face look normal for pictures after having a severe allergic reaction to the horse he rode earlier that day (he still loved the ride)
2003 Washington! Staying in the cool turn-of-the-century housing. Seeing those awful looking horse clams for the first time--we never did get to taste those puppies Lee! Seeing the infamous town of Lynden for the first time--beautiful
- Mollie
______________________________________________________________

Lanette den Hollander (Daughter of Gerrit and Evonne Rozeboom Grand daughter of Kryna and Dick)

The year was 1991, the sun was high overhead beating down on my freckled, six year old back as I lounged in the pool. Mom was inside the meeting room directing rowdy VanHofwegen traffic as they poured in for the reunion. It was all pretty cool because I got to swim in the pool for almost a whole week. Not only that but there was an ice chest full of soda and I had been told I could have as much as I wanted of it. At the time, that may have been my favorite part of the whole reunion. At six I don't think I had quite developed a sense of the bigger picture I was part of. Anyway, my all day swim was soon interrupted by a deafening sound. Men laughing and women shrieking. I looked up to see a bunch of guys carrying my Uncle Rick on a plastic chair with metal legs headed straight for the pool. If I remember right there were several men who got carried over to the pool and thrown in, fully clothed, still sitting on the meeting center chairs. So now you tell me that our family is more upper crust than yours, Beld.
Some of my other favorite memories are from the Minnesota Reunion. The young fry had a lot of late nights just hanging out and one night I remember Dary (of Pete and Shar) drew a mustache on his face with a permenant magic marker to get the rest of us to laugh, which I'll admit we did. The funniest part came as he emerged from the bathroom his face beet red from scrubbing, still sporting his new mustache. Sorry Dary, we had a lot of fun at your expense that weekend.

-Lanette
____________________________________________________________________

Tracie (Wife of Bill)

The great skit that Auntie Liz put on with her family for the talent show....she played gramma VH and Pat play grampa. It was outstanding!

And then when Uncle Dick's kids got up there and said they were going to perform all the songs that he had ever taught them. Then they proceeded to sing like only the first 2 lines of each and then faded away, cuz Uncle Dick could never remember past the first 2 lines of any song....that was funny.

-Tracie
____________________________________________________________________

Michelle Hielkema (Daughter of Bob and Dee)

1. I remember the very first reunion: when Rick and Karla were in a bidding
war over a wooden baby cradle for their brand new baby daughter. I'm
remembering that they had all boys up to this point, and now Rick was going to
go for broke for that new lady in his house!! I was 16 years old at this
reunion and I thought: I hope my husband will be so in love with our daughter
someday!!

2. At the Denver reunion, I can picture our square dance night. It was pretty
hot there, and the altitude was so high that everyone was out of breath and
sweating like crazy! I'll never forget when I watched Scott and Molly dancing
together, or rather meeting every once in a while throughout the skip. Many
times over, I heard Scott tell Molly he loved her each time they came together,
or Molly saying the same thing back to Scott. I thought: I hope Gary and I
will always love each other that much!

3. I remember sitting at the auction with Mandy VH at the reunion in Washington
up at the front to keep track of who was buying what. That reunion was alot of
work for Bob's family, as we were in charge and little did I know both of my
sister in law's were newly pregnant at the time. (neither had told anyone yet;
and to make matters worse Becky had the three babies instead of one!) On a bid
for a baby blanket by my brother Jason, I leaned over and blurted to
Mandy..."Are you pregnant?" By her reaction, I knew I had stumbled on their
secret and I felt so badly for having forced their hand! I thought: This
family will forever be blessed by new life...and I will never cease to forget
the blessing Pa and Ma VH gave us all by their heritage.

So there you have it, my best three memories. I seriously have visited them
periodically over the years, for different reasons and have never forgotten the
details of each one!
When we had Marissa, our first daughter, I really did think of Rick and
Karla, and the excitement they showed for thier baby in Iowa! And yes, Gary
resembled Rick pretty closely with the way he would have done anything for our
new baby girl!
I still get excited for all the news of the babies that all the VH's have,
no matter how far down the line, and I especially love the pictures posted on
the blog! Every new baby in this family just makes it better, and I can't wait
to get to heaven and see what Pa and Ma VH think about us all!
As for my second memory...well...Gary is still learning HOW to square skip,
and so I think I'll have to wait for him to express his true love for me in the
midst of sweat and fatigue! In all honestly I have been truly blessed and he
does deliver sweet nothings often! In the meantime.. maybe you can all give
him a dancing lesson at the next reunion????

-Michelle
____________________________________________________________________

Dixon (Son of Dick and Mary)

I remember Uncle Arie/Aunt Betty and Uncle Mart/Aunt Bernice singing "Keep on the Sunny Side of Life" They were doing a send-up of the song.. I'm pretty sure they had on straw hats and suspenders to get that "hayseed" look just right. Normally I love to hear the aunts Betty and Bernice sing and the uncles Arie and Mart play. But they were doing wince-inducing, avant-garde stuff here. Hamming it up, intentionally singing as far off-key as humanly possible, really belting it out. But what was weird, it was SO bad, it was - well, it wasn't good in the conventional sense. but it certainly was entertaining. I still get a chuckle out of it. And it has left me with a good memory all these years.
-Dixon
______________________________________________________________

Evonne Rozeboom (Wife of Gerrit Rozeboom, daughter-in-law of Kryna and Dick)

When I got Lanette’s email about the VH memory contest, I thought that’s easy. But no, this is hard. There are so many. We have been to every reunion, that is seven reunions, and a bazillion memories. Playing or watching Mafia has to be in the top list, along with Bruce proposing to Jill, Eldon holding 47 cameras, and all late night gabbing.
But I think of this and have used this over and over. When we were at the 1991 reunion in Arkansas, Aunt Trac, Lauri and Jayne asked if we (Kryna, Lanette, and myself) wanted “To Do Lunch”. Beings how we lived under a rock back in the hills, we had never heard that before and thought it was just the best. We have laughed over that again and again.
Thanks, Ladies. I would ‘Do Lunch’ with you any day.
-Evonne
____________________________________________________________________
Lee Beld (Husband of Lisa Beld, son-in-law of Herm and Joan)

MY BEST MEMORIES COME FROM PLAYING MAFIA. THE YELLING, THE SCREAMING, THE LYING, THE CHEATING, THE FALSE ACCUSING, THE MURDERING AND OF COURSE THE BACK STABBING ALL MAKE FOR A GREAT TIME OF CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. WHAT STRIKES ME THE MOST IS THE AWESOME BELD DOMINATION. HOW I CAN TAKE GOOD PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELVES AND TURN YOU AGAINST ONE ANOTHER. IT WARMS THE HEART RIGHT DOWN TO THE SOUL. LAST REUNION I REMEMBER ONE OF YOU ROZEBOOM GIRLS (FILL IN YOUR NAME HERE) IN THE LATE MOMENTS OF A GREAT GAME LOOKING AT ME AND ASKING IF I WAS MAFIA OR A CITIZEN. I TOLD YOU THAT I WAS A CITIZEN. YOU STARED AT ME FOR SEVERAL SECONDS AND THEN TOLD ME YOU BELIEVED ME BECAUSE YOU COULD SEE IT IN MY FACE. I EXPLAINED THAT YOU HAD TO TRUST ME BECAUSE IF YOU DID NOT SIDE WITH ME TO KILL "THE MAFIA" THIS ROUND THE MAFIA WOULD WIN AND ALL WOULD BE LOST. YOU SIDED WITH ME. WE KILLED AN INNOCENT CITIZEN AND I, THE REAL MAFIA, WON THE GAME. YOU JUST LOOKED AT ME AS IF I WAS THE DEVIL HIMSELF. AGAIN, IT WARMS THE HEART.

THIS IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW I LEAD THE SHEEP TO THE SLAUGHTER HOUSE OF BELD INCORPORATED. MAFIA DEFINES OUR NIGHT LIFE. WE PLAY IT INTO THE EARLY MORNING HOURS. WE YELL AND SCREAM TO CONVINCE OTHERS OF OUR WAY OF OUR PURITY. IT IS WHERE MUCH OF OUR LAUGHTER COMES FROM DURING THOSE FEW DAYS. YES, I REMEMBER OUR FAMILY REUNIONS. I REMEMBER PLAYING MAFIA WITH SOME OF THE BEST PEOPLE I HAVE EVER HAD THE PRIVILEGE OF GETTING TO KNOW.
-LEE BELD
______________________________________________________________

Jessie VanHofwegen (Wife of John)

I have fond memories of the whole reunion , It was all great!!!!
-Jessie
____________________________________________________________________

Sharla Ellens (Daughter of John and Jesse)

I really liked seeing Cory and Kaiden sitting on Uncle Arie's bass when he was playing in in Washington. I also loved being in CA and square dancing in the tennis courts as well as all swimming together. I miss watcing Danny (and uncle Bill) play with the brothers. It is had to choose what is our favorite but there's a couple.
-Sharla
____________________________________________________________________

Kryna Pohl (Daughter of Gerrit and Evonne Rozeboom, Grand daughter of Kryna and Dick)

Ok, I know this doesn't involve everbody. But the thing that keeps coming back to me is from the reunion in Washington.

Remember those great big awsome houses? Well we (as in the Van Rozeboom grandkids) were trying desperately to figure out what we were going to do for the talent show. Lots of ideas were thrown out for reveiw. Maybe, maybe not, maybe.....definately not!

The next thing we see is Aric walking/danceing/miming his way past us doing the 'lawn mower' and a few other dance moves.

Did that ever make the cut is what I am wondering?!?!? :)
-Kryna
______________________________________________________________

Susie Yarger ( Daughter of Bill and Trace)

I have a couple of favorite memories. One is of the tug of war we did at the South Dakota reunion, or was it Iowa? It was one of the early ones.. All the brothers were in it, and it was really fun..then, that arm wrestling contest they had at that one was amazing. I think Uncle Case won, but almost all of the brothers took part, and you know how strong they are.. I know everybody will remember that thunderstorm that struck in the early evening at that same reunion. A lot of us watched it from a screened-in porch, and there was a lot of lightening and thunder. It went on a long time, too.
-Susie
____________________________________________________________________

Bill Yarger (Husband of Susie, Son-in-law of Bill and Trace)

My memory is from the reunion in Washington. The Beld vehicle had just received a thorough toilet papering from a then unknown individual or group. Lee says words to the effect that he is a detective and he suspects that the guilty party or parties were relatives. He describes the scene when he was upon the throne and heard some noise in the vicinity of his vehicle. I suggested to him that he probably scared off the offenders when he racked the slide (pulled back the top portion of his service weapon thereby making a distinctive and unmistakable metallic noise), a technique used by police officers in case it becomes necessary to use their weapons. I said this in a comical manner and Lee responded in kind and laughed.
-Bill
______________________________________________________________

2007-06-13T21:49:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I just discovered something very interesting!!! Look at these photos...who is a denHollander (son of Nett & Tim) and who is a Wubben (son of Dayle & Kathy)????

PRETTY AMAZING!!!!!!

New Family Blogs

2007-06-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody, I just wanted to let you know that there have been some new additions to the links on this page. Check them out. Jayne and Jeff are up and blogging now and we also have a link for Amanda of Scott and Mollie as well as Scott and Mollie themselves. Its great to have more of the clan in the blogosphere.

Note From Jayne

2007-06-10T19:12:00.001-07:00

Hello all...just thought I'd enter a comment. What a blessing to be a part of a family that prays!!!! Jeff was able to come home on Friday evening...we are glad for that, but the adjustment to the whole thing is not easy! We hold hands and hug alot!!!! Being with Dalaynee does help keep his spirits up. In 2 wks we should know more about what they found in the sample and what the course of action will be...right now they are talking radiation and maybe chemo later. Because of the location of the tumor he should be able to work...to look at him you wouldn't even know he was sick. That will change though, I think, if the tumor gets bigger. We do feel God's presence and know that HIS will is perfect!!! Please pray for strength, comfort, and healing!!!! Thank you...much love and God's Blessings to all!!!!

Keep Praying

2007-06-07T07:03:00.001-07:00

Yesterday they did a biopsy on the mass found in Jeff's head. The doctors have said that it is cancerous and at this point it is inoperable. I'm unsure what other treatment options are available. I do not know any more right now but I will update as soon as possible. Please continue to pray for the entire family they really need us right now.

Update on Jeff

2007-06-06T11:37:00.000-07:00

Jeff is having a needle biopsy today at noon. The mass is about the size of a raisin. At this time they still don't know what it is. So please lift this family up, its a scary time for all of them. I'll try to keep you all updated as I get the info.

Please Pray for Jeff

2007-06-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

Jeff Nord, Jayne's (of uncle Bill and aunt Trace) husband has been admitted to the hospital. He has been sick for the last 3 weeks with what doctors thought to be a sinus infection until Saturday when he fainted in his front lawn. They have done a CATSCAN and are doing a second MRI today. The CATSCAN showed some sort of mass in his head. At this point he doesn't have any short term memory. Please keep him and all of Uncle Bill and Aunt Trace's family in your prayers. The power of prayer is a wonderful thing.

Welcome Casey

2007-05-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

Kimberly(daughter of Kay and Corky Thibodeaux, grand daughter of Case and Albertha), Chris and Cody Wrathall welcomed Casey Owen Thibodeaux Wrathall May 16 '07. He weighed 8lbs. 13 oz. and measured 20 3/4 in . long. Casey was delivered by C-section, but both mom and baby are doing well. I hear that his big brother Cody is very helpful. I don't know about the rest of you but I think Casey is quite a clever name and I am sure his Great Grandpa is very proud.

What a handsome boy, I believe he look a lot like his big brother.

Prayer Request

2007-05-25T06:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning around 11:00 am Uncle Adrian had a pace maker put in. So far (to my knowledge) every thing has gone well. Lets all pray for a full and speedy recovery. Thank the Lord all has gone well thus far.

Prayer Request

2007-05-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

This post has been taken from Eric and Becky VH's blog. Please remember the DeYoungs in prayer. For more info, you can check out Becky's blog.

Never take the gift of life for granted.

Our dear friends had there first baby, a boy, early Saturday morning. He is absolutely perfect. As perfect as he is he has some major hurdles ahead of him. I've added a link to his care page on our site since some of you who check our site know Kevin and Janelle and are concerned about what is happening with them. So if you are wondering who Alec is, this is him. When you think of him, say a prayer for him and his mom and dad. Sometimes becoming a first time mom and dad is way harder than it should be. We so often take for granted what a miracle babies are and how perfectly they are put together. Truly it is AMAZING how God put us all together.

Paige and The Cystic Fibrosis Bike-a-thon

2007-04-29T13:12:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone, Paige is Sharla (of Uncle John and Aunt Jessie) and Eric Ellens daughter. A few days after birth she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. We are all praying that they find a cure. Every year Paige and her family participate in the CF Bike-a-thon and Paige would love to have your sponsorship.

In Paige's own words:

Little Miss Cleo Neptune

2007-04-25T14:53:00.000-07:00

One month old.

Bridgette (daughter of Char and Scott Pittman, grand daughter of Liz Fluit) and Vassily Neptune Welcomed Cleo Alene on March 20. Cleo weighed 6lb. 3oz (I think, correct me if I am wrong) and was 21 in. long. Congrats to the new Momma and Daddy as well as Grandpa, Grandma, Aunties and Uncles!

Oldies but Goodies

2007-04-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

Van Hofwegens and smiles go together

Check out the hemlines....

This is NOT Hank Williams Jr. and family..

Check This Out

2007-04-05T08:15:00.000-07:00

What Year Is This??

Welcome Belds!

2007-03-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

The Belds have crossed over to the dark side. They have joined in the world of blogging. Check them out at: www.justusbelds.blogspot.com

More Van Hofwegen Blood

2007-03-28T08:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome Willem Justice Kattenberg. Willem is the son of Josh and Sharla Kattenberg, he is thier first child and was born November 1, 2006. Josh is the son of Harriet (daughter of Liz) and Henry Kattenberg. He looks like a real sweetie, Good job Josh and Sharla.

Answers to Quiz Bowl #2

2007-03-21T06:42:00.000-07:00

Back Row from left to right: Deedre, Dawn, Dixon, David, Lisa, Luann

Front Row: Michelle and Daryl

That is a lot of D's. Think Grandpa being a Dirk had anything to do with that?

FaGedAboudid

2007-03-17T12:29:00.000-07:00

Hey Beld, this you?

VH Quiz Bowl #2

2007-03-14T14:33:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken in March of 1972 at Grandpa and Grandma’s 50th Anniversary. How many of the cousins can you name? Do you remember being there and any stories from that day?

Cody Aidan

2007-03-12T12:15:00.000-07:00

This is 17 month old Cody Aidan Lee Wrathall. His is the son of Chris and Kim. Kim is the daughter of Kay who belongs to Uncle Case and Aunt Bertie. Cody is all excited because he is looking forward to a new sibling who should be joining the family the end of May. As you can tell from the picture, Cody’s daddy works for Union Pacific Railroad and he is very proud of his dad. We will post the newest little Van Hofwegen as soon as Cody sends us a picture. We will all be keeping you in prayer, Chris and Kim.

Aidan Jerome

2007-03-05T14:43:00.000-08:00

Say Hi to Aidan Jerome who was born on Thanksgiving day last fall. He is the first great grandson of Uncle Dick and Aunt Mary. Also the first grandson of their daughter Connie and Bill Van Gronigen. And the first son of their daughter Renae and her husband Phil Schonewill. That's a lot of first for the little guy.
Congratulations to you all.

Meet Corie

2007-02-28T15:56:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture of Kellie and Jared's baby girl. She's about 8 weeks old in this picture.
Good job Jared and Kellie!

Answers to VH Quiz Bowl #1

2007-02-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

Uncle Bill is on the bike. It is Uncle Herm's bike.

And the car in the background is Uncle John's.

Front row of cousins(L to R): Cora of Kryna, Lauri of Bill, Nelvina of Case,

Noella and Bonnie of Adrian, and Harriet of Liz.

Second row: Uncle Adrian, Aunt Ellen, Grandpa, Grandma, Aunt Liz

Third row:Uncle Bill, Aunt Trac, Uncle Tuenis, ?, Uncle Dick R. holding Rick.

Correct us if we are wrong with any of this. Our sources are pretty good but you know. If any one has any pictures they would like to share that would be great. Also the stories that go along with them.

VH Quiz Bowl #1

2007-02-23T18:21:00.000-08:00

How many of these Aunts, Uncles and cousins can you name?

Whose bike is this, who is sitting on it, and whose car is in the background?

Run Down the Mailman (but please not Tim)

2007-02-22T08:29:00.000-08:00

We've got the first official 2009 reunion mailing out so get down to the post office!

The Storks are Very Busy

2007-02-18T19:38:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Dale, Kathy (daughter of John and Jessie), Kaiden, Hailey, and Devin Wubben. Dale and Kathy are expecting their fourth child this summer ( I think its this summer, please correct me if I'm wrong). Yes, I remember this summer when I was as big as a pup tent, heaving myself around at the reunion, Kathy looked at me fondly and said "Don't you just love it? I'd be pregnant my whole life if I could." I was thinking at the time "Have you lost your mind woman?!?" But now I think I might agree. Way to go Kathy, I bet you are glowing.

The Wicks Family has Grown

2007-02-18T19:30:00.000-08:00

Jared , Kellie (daughter of Pete and Shar, grand daughter of Adrian) and Braden Wicks welcomed Corie Denise on Dec. 21 2006. She is a very healthy little girl and weighed in a 7lb. 15 oz. I do not have a picture of her, but her mother tells me she is very cute. She's a Van Hofwegen of course she's cute. :) Congratulations you guys!

Congratulations

2007-02-18T19:16:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Bruce, Jill, Ellie, and Ava Pearson (daughter of Pete and Shar, grand daughter of Adrian). The Pearsons welcomed twin girls, Emery and Reagen on Jan. 23 2007. Both girls are healthy and weighed 5 lbs. 9 oz.
Congratulations it looks like you are in for a lot of fun.

Reagen Austen Pearson

Emery Jae Pearson

Vote, Vote, Vote

2007-02-16T12:21:00.000-08:00

The Right Kind of Sunday Shoes.

As you all probably already know, Cousin Danny VH (of U. Bill and A. Trace) is in a successful contemporary Christian/old school rock band. They are called Sunday Shoes, pretty awesome huh? So check them out at http://www.sundayshoes.com/.
The thing is that one of thier songs is in a little bit of a duel and they need our help.
So head to http://www.myspace.com/newreleasetuesday
and vote. You can vote once a day through Mon. just rembember not to vote more than once a day.

The Wrong Kind of Sunday Shoes.

Ready, Set, Go!

2007-02-15T17:25:00.000-08:00

2009 VH Reunion Loction

We are proud to announce that we have a site and dates for the 2009 VH reunion! It will be held July 1-4 2009 at the C. A. Vines Arkansas State 4-H Center. The grounds are beautiful, the lodging is comfortable and convenient, and best of all it is inexpensive. All of the main facilities are very close together, so there will be very little required walking. Everything of necessity is located in the same building you will never need to leave the air conditioned comfort if so desired. There are also endless activities for young and old at our disposal. The center is located Just outside of Little Rock, AR just 30 min from the Little Rock Airport. Check it out at http://www.arkansas4hcenter.org/ (if this doesn't appear as an active link just copy and paste this into your address bar or look up "C. A. Vines 4-H Center" on a search engine). We hope you will be as excited about this as we are. The rough fees are as follows (please bare in mind that you will be receiving a mailer shortly with all of the official information, forms, etc. This is merely the sneak preview for all of you VIPs)

Rates:

Lodging - $180.00 for all three nights (rooms have enough beds to accommodate 6 people but you are welcome to have 1-100 people per room:)

Usage Fee -
- Adult $98.50 (for entire reunion)
-Child (4-18 ) $82.50 ( for entire reunion)
This usage fee includes:
- Meals from dinner on the 1st-breakfast on the 4th
- 24hr unlimited beverage service
- Conference Room w/all p.a. equipment
- All equipment for canoing
- All equipment for basket ball, tennis, and volley ball
- Unlimited Pool usage
- Nature Cabin (learning about nature and wildlife for children)
- Ropes Course (challenging experience for young adults)
- Rock Climbing Wall
- Outdoor Amphitheater
- Outdoor Pavilion
- Unlimited fishing in on site lake (lake is stocked by AR State Game and Fish twice a year)
- Unlimited use of hiking trails
- And much, much more

Here are a few pictures:

View of the center from the outdoor pavilion.

This is located directly outside the dining room.

The Dining Room

Unlimited Beverage Service.

Testing 1, 2 Testing

2007-02-12T16:26:00.000-08:00

These are just a few of the smiling faces of your '09 VH reunion commitee
(obviously I couldn't fit into my VH reunion T, What's your excuse Jess?)

Hello, Hello, and Welcome to the Van Hofwegen Family Blog! I am Lanette den Hollander daughter of Gerrit Rozeboom, Grand daughter of Kryna and Dick. My husband Tim and I will be planning the 2009 VH family reunion with the help of the other third generation Rozebooms. I am proud to unveil this brand spanking new blog made soley for keeping the VH family in touch and informed of all the very cool happenings that concern the '09 reunion. At this time I am the Blog Administrator, if you have any news, thoughts, etc. that you would like posted please contact me. If you are a Van Hofwegen family member and you have a blog please let me know. I would love to add it as a link on this blog. My e-mail is hautemomma@cox.net and my # is 870-321-0530.

As for the 2009 VH Reunion, plans are moving along nicely. By the end of this week we will most likly have the location reserved. One of our main goals for '09 is to make it as affordable as possible. We are also hoping for record breaking turnout so if you are not excited about what a great family we have just give me some time. I 'll do my best to put a fire under you. That's all the news I have for you now. Please check back frequently for updates.