Catch Up Time.......

I know, I know it has been a while again since I have posted. You will have lots of pictures below and some descriptions. This will catch you up and allow you to see all of the family.

On November 10 we flew to Texas to see our southern kids. Bobby did so great. I was so proud of him. He sat in the chair while I was patted down in security. The security people were so pleasant and kind to us all, but particularly to Bobby. We arrived safely and had a great time with Joe, Heather, and Baby Bib. No, we couldn't hold the little one. He didn't even have hands and feet then, but he is forming wonderfully in his mommy's tummy. We anticipate being able to hold him and love him like we do our northern grand-babies in a few months. We shopped for baby furniture while there. Bob did lots of odd jobs for Joe. Heather and I went to the Nutcracker Market and walked until we wanted to drop! It was a great time by all, and we look forward to our next trek in 2009.

Here is a back view of Joe & Heather's home. It backs up to an old golf course. We sat on the back porch a lot - it was a great place to play catch up for Bible study and eating lunch. Bobby just loved sitting out there. He would watch the kitty and all who walked on the paths.

Not all of our time was spent working or shopping. We found plenty of time to eat. After all, Joe gave me a list before coming of the meals he wanted his momma to make for him. It was long because he was hungry when he made it. I didn't make it to the bottom of the list, but I did leave the recipes for Heather. She has already made one of them. Here we are on Joe's birthday. We were having Thai food. It was delicious! I would definitely go there again.

Here is the birthday boy. He didn't want cake, so I made him the pumpkin pie off of his list. He enjoyed a piece of it. Actually, I believe it was the best pumpkin pie I have ever made. Tried to replicate it for Thanksgiving, but I don't think it was the same. Oh well.

PU/IU Game Day

Here is the Eric Bibby family on game day - all decked out in their Purdue attire. They came over to watch the game after we returned from Texas. It was a fun time. Of course, winning the game helped.


Granny Bib??
Jean decided to do something constructive during the game. We were winning by so much that we knew we wouldn't lose. I can't tell you what she is making because it is for Christmas. You may receive one, so just wait and see.

Old toys were brought out from Luke, and Krista had a blast. It was a toy purchased from Menards after Christmas. It was worth every penny spent on it. And it has held up wonderfully. Even Eric had to haul out some old toys - these used to be played by him and Joe when they were little. It is fun watching his kids play with them. Wait a minute - his kids or him? Who is having the most fun?!

Look Kayla!

Living proof of why we were not totally tuned into the game. It was a great way for Coach Tiller to end his career at Purdue. We hope the new coach does better though. A season of 5-8 is not really what we want repeated.

Thanksgiving Day 2008

Pam came down from Michigan to join us for a few days and to get in on the Thanksgiving celebration. She helped keep the kids occupied while we put dinner on the table. Fun was enjoyed by all. Way to go, Pam!! Luke probably won. He usually does.

Great-grandma had to get in on the fun too. They look pretty serious here. I think we ate before they were finished. This shot will be a great keepsake.

Josh came to live with Eric and Jean this summer. He is from Texas and Jean's cousin. Since the weather was pretty nice, they decided to get a photo shoot in that afternoon.

Eric was busy here doing what he does best on Thanksgiving Day. He gets the job of de-boning the turkey. This was an easy year for him. The meat fell right off the bone. He said he didn't have to cut it one bit. I guess the bag worked great. It sure beat the fire we had last year from the grease dripping all over the place. Now we have two wishbones. Tradition is for him and Joe to break them. We will keep them until they are once again together. The apron was made for me. It has all the grand-kids hands on it.

Here is a shot of most of us at the table. We were all happily eating the good food prepared by all. I was so thankful for those that could join us for a few days, but I was especially thankful my parents could be here. They are 80 & 82, and the Lord has richly blessed them. They have been married for 59 years! The weather held up for them until they returned back home in Michigan, and then the snow began. God is good!!

More dinner shots. My youngest brother Chuck is in the corner. He drove my folks down here. I was really thankful for his willingness to do that. We all had a great time. We talked, ate, played games (even great-grandpa!) and just enjoyed each other's company. Many memories were made with the four generations present.

Games were played even at the table! Grapes, Kayla?

My folks - Bill & Jo Van Den Toorn

After dinner some of the gang went down the street to feed the horses some apples. It was a bit chilly, but still nice to get out. Some of us stayed in to clean up the mess. The horses were glad to see them. You can see them running over. They knew what was to be had.

Kayla was cold, but she still had to feed them.

Pam really enjoyed herself. We were so glad that she was with us this year. She has such a great fun and crazy spirit. She made it fun for us all.

I needed to sit a while, so Krista and I decided to play with the peg board. She loves it. She was saying purple, blue, red, and grandpa that day. It was so much fun. I just LOVE having our grandchildren around. I just don't get tired of them. They truly are a delight. And just think someday we will have another, Lord willing. NO, not here. In Texas.

Grandma's Reward

This is what we all felt like doing after eating all that Thanksgiving dinner. Poor Pam! So tired, yet brother Bob won't leave her to a peaceful nap.

Let the bells ring! Thanksgiving is over, and now it is time to get ready for Christmas. At least that is what Krista thinks. Actually, she is playing with the only thing on my curio cabinet that is allowed. :-)

Krista is One!!

Krista Alaine Bibby was born one year ago today. Happy Birthday darling child!! We love you dearly. We were so thrilled when your mom & dad called to say you had arrived. It was a joy to bring your brother & sister up to the hospital to see you. They loved you at first sight. Your brother couldn't let you go. And now you are such good friends with your sister.

You are a blessing to our family, and we are so glad the Lord has sent you to join us. You light up our lives. When grandma & grandpa come to see you, you can't get to us fast enough. It brings such joy to our hearts.

It is so amazing to watch your child raise children. It is so heart warming to know that you gave birth to him, and now he has given birth (with help from his lovely wife) to you. May you never know a day that you don't believe in our wonderful Lord. We look forward to the day when you bow your knee to Him.

It was fun to call you this morning and hear you recognize our voices. You giggled, and it warmed our hearts. We hope you are having a great day. And we hope to see you soon. We love you a lot and are blessed to call you "granddaughter!" Happy Birthday!!!!

Mom turns 80

Today is my mother's 80th birthday. I am so very thankful for her. Bobby and I went up to Michigan last week to celebrate her birthday with my siblings. It was a wonderful time. (Of course, i don't have any pictures. I need to get some from my mom. Her camera works. Mine needs to get fixed quickly. Anyway, back to mom.) It is truly a blessing to have her for these many years. The Psalms say that "our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strenghth they are eighty years,.." We as a family have been blessed to have our parents reach 80+ years. They have given us a legacy that is God-fearing, and I am so thankful for them and what they have taught us over the years. Not only have they been married for almost 59 years, but all of their married children have been married for 28 or more years. They have taught us the ways of the Bible, and we all know how we should walk. Not one of us can say that we were not taught the truth. I am so thankful they have stood by me through all the errors of my ways. I am also thankful that the Lord has drawn me to Himself. Happy Birthday, Mom!!

Grandpa's Birthday

We had the most delightful time at Eric and Jean's this past Saturday celebrating grandpa's birthday. Joe and Heather even joined us via the telephone. We arrived about 4 pm to appetizers and ended with wonderful gifts for grandpa. Grandma loves them too, especially the remote. It is so easy to use. Thanks guys.

Anyway, Jean made a very delectable dinner for us. She made pork chops with an apple topping, sliced potatoes with seasoning, vegetables, and fresh baked bread. Then we opened presents (some made by the kids!) and sang happy birthday to our 'young' man. Grandpa then enjoyed some key lime pie.

Then while grandma and Jean cleaned up, the guys took the kids for a walk. Down the street went Luke on his bike and the girls were in the wagon. All was well.

We had a great time. Thanks for all your work, Eric and Jean. Let's do it again soon!! I love not making dinner.