MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL

WE WISH EVERYONE A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND MAY THE NEW YEAR BE BRIGHT FOR ALL.  WISH ALL GOOD HEALTH AND STAY WARM.  BE CAREFUL IN ALL YOUR BLIZZARDS BACK UP NORTH.  WE HAVE BLIZZARDS IN TEXAS ALSO BUT THEY ARE THE GREAT ONES (BLIZZARDS FROM THE DAIRY QUEEN)... MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR....

Cherry On Top

My Red Hat group in Texas went on a very interesting outing this past Friday.  Thought I would share with the family.  It was beautiful....

Queen Connie planned and had A great turnout of Leisure World Red Hatters as they enjoyed their outing to the CHERRY ON TOP on Friday, December 21st. Sherri Cherry is the owner of Cherry On Top which is located at 4300 South Bridge, Weslaco, Texas

Do you see WALDO?   Trudy is the 8th from left in back row (SUNGLASSES ON).  Phyllis is sitting down in the middle of the picture.  NO I'M NOT WALDO.... 

The dog got a lot of attention while we were there. He would have laid on his back all day if one of the ladies would stand there and pet his belly...

The roosters all roamed freely and were beautiful...

"Cherry On Top" gift shop was very interesting, as there were many different gifts to choose from - hams, pies, candies, jellies, and etc. Sherri's signature (trademark) is the "Cherries". Cherries decorating throughout the shop plus every gift going out has a cherry on top...

Owner Sherri Cherry invited the red hatters into her beautiful home which she is preparing for a Christmas family dinner.

The Whistling Ducks were in the hundreds as we enjoyed watching them around the pond.

After enjoying all the great outdoor scenery, we headed for the Olive Garden and enjoyed lunch and exchanged gifts. What a great day.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO THE DE JOODE BUNCH

It’s Christmas Time

Put your problems on probation

Run your troubles off the track,

Throw your worries out the window

Get the monkeys off your back.

Silence all your inner critics

With your conscience make amends,

And allow yourself some happiness

It's Christmas time again!

Call a truce with those who bother you

Let all the fighting cease,

Give your differences a breather

And declare a time of peace,

Don't let angry feelings taint

The precious time you have to spend,

And allow yourself some happiness

It's Christmas time again!

Like some cool refreshing water

Or a gentle summer breeze,

Like a fresh bouquet of flowers

Or the smell of autumn leaves,

It's a banquet for the spirit

Filled with family, food and friends,

So allow yourself some happiness

It's Christmas time again!

                                                                                   By: Bob Lazzar-Atwood

 

Christmas Eve

C for Christ, Son of God, and Lord of Love.

H is for Heaven, blessing each and all from above.

R is for Remembering the words to your favorite carol.

I is for the Icicles hanging inside every barrel.

S is for Stockings stuffed up to the knee.

T is for the Tinsel that Mom wrapped 'round the tree.

M is for Mistletoe hung from the wall.

A is for my Advent Calendars that decorate the hall.

S is for Santa and his eight reindeer.

E is for the Eggnog that fills us with cheer.

V is for Visiting all our family and friends.

E is for Everyone who is sad when Christmas ends.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DECEMBER FAMILY

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR DECEMBER FAMILY MEMBERS:  HOPE YOUR DAY IS A GOOD ONE.

12-02-68    KENNY SCHMITZ
12-09-06    KATLYNN DE JOODE
12-21-48    NANCY WYANT
12-21-49    BEVERLY PEARSON
12-21-49    BARBARA MCGREAN
12-25-84    CHRISTOPHER GASPER
12-26-70    MARK DE JOODE
12-27-69    BETH ANN SCHMITZ
12-28-2010 MADELYN MARIE SHRIFFLER
12-29-03    SYDNEE CURRY
12-30-99    SAMATHA WILSON
12-30-58    PAMULA WYANT

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR NOVEMBER CLAN....

11-12   Melissa LaFrenz
11-14   William (Jamie) Pearson
11-16   Clint Curry
11-17   Baylor James De Joode
11-19   Let's think of Dave Adams
11-21   Debbie De Joode
11-21   Let's think of sister Marian Adams
11-22   Rick Wilson
11-23   Steven Eiselstein Jr.


AND CONGRATULATIONS TO JON AND TAMMY
DE JOODE - I UNDERSTAND THEY ARE NOW MARRIED.
WELCOME TO THE DE JOODE FAMILY TAMMY....

Flea Market in Texas

Dick and Phyllis are now in Weslaco, TX.  After a nice breakfast with several Leisure World residents, A friend of Dick and Phyllis - Ruby Lowderman said she was taking Phyllis Connett to church. And this she did... At the Almo Mexican Flea Market...

The preacher man has his own little shanty set up at the Flea Market. He honks the horn on his car and announces that church is about to start. AND IF YOU NOTICE THE SIGN - IT IS IN ENGLISH and he began his sermon. 

It was quite interesting to see what all you could "purchase" at this flea market. Besides the usual jewelry, clothing, fruits and vegetables, there was beautiful plants, puppies, cats, snakes, spiders, fighting roosters, baby chicks and white doves. Phyllis didn't get too close to those snakes and spiders, but Phyllis and Ruby did get pictures taken with the beautiful parrots. We had to purchase a great watermelon for $1.00 before returning back to the park. It was a fun day.

Dirk, Carrie, Dick, Lynsley, Nick, Denver, Joseph, Danielle, Dakota, Phyllis and Chris - Union Dairy in Freeport, Illinois was the gathering place for great sandwiches and delicious ice cream on October 6th.  We had a great time....     

ANYONE OUT THERE?

OH WHERE, OH WHERE, IS EVERYONE AT????
OH WHERE, OH WHERE COULD THEY ALL BE????
I WOULD LOVE TO SEE SOME NEW NOTES ON THIS POST....
YOU KNOW THE BLOG JUST DOESN'T ONLY BELONG TO ME.....

HOW ABOUT IT FOLKS?????

October Birthdays

Man, this De Joode family gets bigger every day.  Happy Birthday to those who have a birthday the month of October. 

October 01 - Chris Hipsky
October 06 - Martha De Joode
October 06 - Ben Bieghler
October 07 - Allyson Pearson
October 12 - Vicky De Joode
October 18 - Ryan Finch
October 23 - Tracey Fultz
October 23 - Angela Ofstad
October 24 - Larry Richeson
October 27 - Kaden Ofstad
October 29 - Randall Schmitz
October 29 - Dar Derry
October 30 - Lylie Eiselstein
Such a pretty month.

Aunt Mary De Joode

Aunt Mary De Joode (Tony's wife) has a birthday on October 9th.  Let's wish her a great day...

Doesn't sound like Mary is doing to good.  She will turn 98 on her birthday.  She is at WestRidge in Knoxville.  Daughers Marlene and Rosemary are keeping an eye on their mother.  Aunt Lois asked me to let the family know. 

 

Congratulations Barb

Barbara McGrean from Altoona, Iowa, was presented this award on September 24th, 2012.  She was very surprised but very deserving. 

2012 Altoona, Iowa - Lions Appreciation Dinner Award

Barb McGrean was this years winner of the Warren Coleman award. This is one of the highest awards a Lion can receive. Great work barb. You are very deserving of this award. Shown with Barb are the selection committee members, Helen Phillips, Bob Aalbers, and Mo Gilkison

Bill knew all along and kept this a secret.  Good going Bill.

Hand Surgery

Dick had what they classified as Duputren's Contracture on his hand.  He could not lay his hand down flat.  The doctor had said once this happened they would have to do surgery.  If he waited too long, there was no correcting this and he would permantely loose the range of the knuckle.  As you can see below, the tendon on his "ring finger" was pulled tight not allowing the finger to fully extend.  He could not pick up anything and had no grip with that hand.  

 

 

 

Dick went into surgery on Thursday, 20th and came through the surgery just fine.  He will have to wear his "boxing glove bandage" for approximately 10-14 days.   He will then head back to the doctor to see how the hand is progressing.  He is  not to use his left hand until then.  What causes this???  They say it is inherited.  Thank goodness he is right handed. 

 

Coming Home From War

To All Our Family,

We have word that Tony Hunter(Teresa's husband) is heading home from his special Assignment in Afghanistan.  Him and his unit are in Kabul at this time.  They left the Southeastern part of Afghanistan just a short time ago from where they have been for almost a year.

We are asking for everybody's Prayers for Tony and his unit to have a safe trip back to our Free Country.  We are so anxious for his return.  He will be a grandpa this next January 2013 and is looking forward to that.  Teresa, Jennifer, Josh & Jessica can't wait to see him and get their family back to normal.  We will have the privilege of their visit to our home around the middle of October.  We are excited about that.

Thanking Everyone in Advance.

Trudy & Larry

September Birthdays

Happy Birthday to our September Birthdays


09-02 - William De Joode (Stevie's boy)
09-07 - Penny De Joode
09-08 - Bud Wyant
09-09 - Steve Curry
09-09 - Frank Pearson
09-14 - Ethan De Joode (Stevie's boy)
09-19 - Ashley Schmitz
09-20 - Robert Eiselstein
09-27 - Don De Joode
09-28 - Jessica Hunter
09-30 - Mackenzie Derry

Hope I didn't forget anyone.  Have a great birthday you all.

Willie DeJoode

Hi all!

As many of you may already know Willie DeJoode (my grandpa) fell a couple weeks ago and broke his hip. He had surgery and as a result is now at Mill Pond in Ankeny recovering and receiving therapy.  He is extremely homesick this time more so than last time he was there. He keeps saying he wants to come home already but the problem is he can't walk yet.  While I realize many of you cannot make the trek to Mill Pond in Ankeny to visit with him I would like to ask if you would consider taking a minute to write him a note or send him a card; it doesn't have to be anything fancy. Perhaps just some words of encouragement or a funny story you remember involving him to help lift his spirits. He LOVES getting mail and I know that he would love to hear from as many of you as possible. He can receive mail at Mill pond at the below address:

1201 Southeast Mill Pond Court
Attn: Willie DeJoode room #28B
Ankeny, IA 50021

Mill Pond Telephone: (515) 964-2273 

Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers while he is there.  I will try to keep this updated on his progression and when he finally will get to go home.

Warm Regards,

Katie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

We have three birthdays today (August 20th)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOSEPH HIPSKY,
BRENT MCGREAN AND BRIAN SAGER.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ALL.



Happy Birthday guys...Hope you all have a wonderful day....

Meeting An Old Friend

A couple friends and I decided it was time to meet up with an old friend from ABWA (American Business Women's Association) which we did on Saturday, August 18th.  We met at a very neat Tea Room (The original Fatt Cat Cafe) which is located in Rockton, Illinois.  We enjoyed past memory stories and brought all up-to-date on what we were doing in our lives. 

Angie Honchalk, Deb Downs, Me (Phyllis Connett) and Rozelle Carroll (sitting).  Although we have always kept in touch, we had not seen our friend Rozelle for approximately eight years.  Rozelle had been suffering with a broken hip.  After recovering she was working in her big yard pulling weeds and tending to her flowers.  She has a golf cart she uses, she got tired and pulled herself upon the golf cart only to fall on the floor of the cart.  It set the cart in the right gear and pulled her around the yard for several minutes before someone coming to her rescue.  Needless to say, she suffered more leg problems after that accident.  We all need to take the time for our old acquaintance and spend time with them.   What a great time we had.

Update

Bieghler boys!

Ben & Sully on the 4th of July before the parade.

This one is for Lois! She loved Country Woman magazine. This is Ben trying to be like daddy on a Sunday morning.  Daddy wasn't very happy about this. Mommy on the other hand, thinks it is funny!

Our little Sully Bully with his favorite monkey.

Our family picture. It doesn't matter how hard I try for some reason my hair in these things always looks all jacked up. I think next time  I need to just have the gal from the salon come with me.

Sully's 3 mos. pictures. 

We didn't make it to the reunion this year and trust me I have caught all sorts of flack for it.  Sooo....for those of you who missed seeing the boys here are a few pictures of them. They are growing like weeds! Sully will be 4 months on August 12 and is already getting his first tooth. Ben is starting to talk more and more each day and we are at that stage where everything is "mine" and "no." He will turn 2 on October 6th so needless to say right now we really have our hands full.  Chris is busy with football; he is a varsity offensive coordinator here in Newton it sounds like they should have a good team this year.  I'm working at the school again and we are busy preparing for all the kiddos to come back. We are both looking forward to the Iowa State Fair so we can eat our way through; mmmm.... corndogs and funnel cakes!!!  Sorry we missed everyone this year hopefully next year wont be quite so chaotic and we can make it.  If you are ever in the area feel free to stop in. Our address is 4957 HWY S74 S, Newton, Ia.  Hope everyone is doing well.

Remember the saying, "no pain no gain"?  Now I know what they meant.  We are getting it done, but the triple digit heat is slowing us down a bit.

Hope your all well

Bud

Carrie and Denver

Carrie, Denver and the Hope Mission Team all made it to Africa safely.  Denver's eyes are being opened wide.  I'm sure the days will go by quickly for them.  They will return on the 14th.

US OLD FOLKS IN KANSAS!!

All is going pretty well here in our state but if anyone has the powers to send rain our way we would love to get some!!

Larry is taking some PT for his back problems and hopefully that will help give him some relief.

I am getting ready to have my cataracts removed and will be glad to get that behind me.  This getting old isn't for sissies!!  We are proving that each day that goes by.

We hope this finds everyone doing well.  Be happy and we wish you the best of life.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday to all those who have an August Birthday...

Kristen Sager - 2nd
Stan Wyant - 3rd
Andrea De Joode - 5th
Abilgale De Joode - 5th
Ricky Carl De Joode - 5th
Shelbie Curry - 6th
Carolyn Richeson - 10th
Bill Eiselstein - 11th
Geri Wilson - 12th
Brent McGrean - 20th
Brian Sager - 20th
Joe Hipsky - 20th
Angela Sager - 21st
Bill McGrean - 22nd
Marvin Pearson - 25th
Carrie Christensen - 27th
Brian Mead - 28th
Gary Wilson - 29th
Nate Bettisworth - 29th
Travis Eiselstein - 31st

Hello All,

Our garden, which was a new adventure for us since we have moved here to Wisconsin, has a lot of room for improvement in the coming summers! The heat has not helped. We did receive a few tips from our neighbors - who are farmers... I think they just all laugh at us and say those Chicago Suburbanite folks! Joseph, my 14 yr old, had a nice little garden last summer in Cary, Il. We expanded on that and have gotten a few beans. Our tomatoes are doing very well and I was able to give a few to my neighbor, who said hers were not quite ready yet because she planted them a bit later to assure she had vegetables coming in stages and not all during her Rock County Fair time. Our corn flopped - but I hear Brent McGrean has some really good tomatoes?? Brent, let us know how your garden is doing! I am looking for a SALSA recipe. If anyone has one - would you be willing to share it?

Refrigerator Pickles

4 C sugar
4 C white vinegar
1/3 C salt
1 1/3 tsp turmeric
1 1/3 tsp celery seed
1 1/3 tsp mustard seed
10 medium cucumbers (4 lbs) sliced thin
3 onions sliced (more if you really like onion)
DO NOT COOK

Thoroughly mix spices, sugar, and vinegar. Fill jars with onion and pickles. Pour syrup over them. Refrigerate. Wait 5 days and EAT. Store up to 1 year in refrigerator.


I was given this recipe recently by a neighbor who lives down the road. She has a large farm and a wonderful garden! She gave me a jar of these pickles and they lasted a whole day at our house. They were fabulous!!  Let me know if you try them and how you liked them! I am anxious to try them myself.  Lyn

Two first cousins with the same name...

Phyllis June (De Joode) now Cremeens and Phyllis (De Joode) now Connett met for the first time at the Art De Joode family reunion this year.  It was quite exciting to finally meet and get to know each other a little.  We hope to continue to grow with our new found relationship.  Phyllis Cremeens is a daughter of Ben De Joode and Phyllis Connett is a daughter of Art De Joode.  This ole world isn't so big after all.

We would like to thank everyone for the beautiful 50th Anniversary cards which we have been receiving for a week or so. There is no better feeling then to go to the mail box and find a card or note from a friend. We really appreciate all our family and friends who helped us to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. Our daughters and families came to Illinois and we enjoyed a delicous meal out for the evening, played some silly games, watched some "ancient old" slides and had a great time.

Thank You

We would like to thank everyone for the beautiful 50th Anniversary cards which we have been receiving for a week or so. There is no better feeling then to go to the mail box and find a card or note from a friend. We really appreciate all our family and friends who helped us to celebrate our 50th Anniversary. Our daughters and families came to Illinois and we enjoyed a delicous meal out for the evening, played some silly games, watched some "ancient old" slides and had a great time.

We have never received so many cards in our married life, about 60 in all. Like Dick laughingly said, did one of us die, that is when you get so many "cards".... Thank you all for your thoughtfullness and for being a part of our celebration as it mean't so much. "In the picture is Grandma and Grandpa with most of the grandchildren" - Joseph couldn't make this outing as he is in New Mexico with his boy scout troop.  

Traveling On Down The Road

Traveling On Down The Road

We have been spending a lot of time in the RV this summer with our Cardinal Capers Group, family and friends. Recently we spent about three days at the Rustic Barn in Keiler, Wisconsin. This group gets together at least once a month and we have a great time. One of our games we like to play is the "Falling Towers". Try to pull out a block and place on top without making the stack of blocks come tumbling down. Dick took a turn first. Seems It alway fell when my turn came around.

Phyllis made it through this round, but Ruth wasn't so lucky - below...

Our next favorite game is bean bag baseball which is also a lot of fun.

But our favorite pastime is to eat, eat and eat.

Sometimes a lucky grandchild might get to join us...

As we wind up the day, we sat around a camp fire and enjoy the beautiful sunset. We left Keiler, Wisconsin after a few days and the group headed to Forest City, Iowa where we all camped for a week and enjoyed the Winnebago Grand National Rally. This year the theme was "Pirates", therefore there were some great decorations throughout the camp grounds and a lot of scary pirates running around. While there Phyllis met a friend by the name of Bones...

The rally always has an antique car parade. Very interesting cars of all makes and models. Our grandson Dakota was with us and he really was impressed with the different models.

Time to take our grandson back home, we ventured to Hartford, Iowa where we had a two day camping visit with Phyllis' youngest brother. We camped above the Des Moines river banks and it was beautiful to sit and look over the valley. The water tower in the background is the small town of Runnells.

 

Don and Martha with their camper.  And Don sitting on his new golf cart.

 

 

 

 

Dick and Don and Martha and Phyllis having a great time together.

 

 

 

Don took us all around the campground and above the banks of the Des Moines river.  It was very relaxing to sit and look over the valley and see so many miles across the fields and the river.

We finally made it back to Freeport just in time to celebrate our 50th Golden Anniversay. The summer is going quite fast...

Hi all.  Nancy and I are busy in our retirement continuing to build our lake home dream.  We are building a garage on the end of our house.  I do mean we are doing the building.  I don't think people ever retire.  They just change jobs because we become our own cheap labor.  Proud to have the skills and be able to do the work thou. 

Take care

Bud & Nancy

Blog looks great Lyn.  We had a good time camping with your folks this weekend even with the heat. Hello to all you DeJoode's out there. 

Happy 50th Dick and Phyllis.  Wow that's a long time!

Happy Birthday Willy.  Don't get too wild and crazy!

Hope all are doing well.

Don and Martha

Happy Birthday Uncle William "Willy" DeJoode!! We are all thinking of you today - Monday, July 23, 2012!

A Golden Anniversary!!


Happy 50th Anniversary to Dick and Phyllis Connett on Saturday, July28th, 2012! I just talked with them and they were amazed at how many e-mails and cards they have received! They are enjoying their notes very much! Thank you! to all of you who sent well wishes!

Hi From Hauserman's

Thanks for the invitation, I will try to get something posted in the near future. Great idea.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Looks like we have a few Birthdays for the month of July.  Happy Birthday to you all.  Hope you all have a great time on your special day...

Mike Timmins - 1st
Nick De Joode - 4th
Janel De Joode - 8th
Steven Eiselstein - 9th
Jean Harrell - 12th
William De Joode - 17th
Rick De Joode - 19th
Shane De Joode - 19th
Jean Wyant - 22nd
William Arthur De Joode - 23rd
Lilyah Pearson - 27th
Gretchen Derry - 28th
Zach Wilson - 28th
Jenny Timmins - 29th

HAPPY 4TH TO EVERYONE

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY TO EVERYONE - Hope you are all staying cool....

Hey Lynsley - this is a great idea.  Can't wait to see more posts from the "De Joode" families. 

Love you all...
Mom and Dad

Cool! Hi everybody :) I hope you all sign on, and send a post!

Welcome to the Dutch Connections Blog!

Hello to the Art & Orpha DeJoode Clan (Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Extended families, and Friends)!

I thought it would be fun to create a place where we can all come together, catch  up with each other, update everyone on family news, and stay in touch.

Anyone can view this blog. If you are interested in posting to the blog, email me at dutchconnections12@gmail.com. I will begin posting, hoping that many of you will want to do the same.

Please join me in this adventure...

Lynsley Hipsky (daughter of Phyllis DeJoode Connett & Dick Connett)