A new baby

I have a new nephew, and to quote Stephanie..he's "stinkin cute". Dean and Michelle adopted an African American baby- he is one week old today. His name is Ezekiel Layne (Zeke was Dean's nickname when we were young, Layne was my dad's middle name).

If you want to see pictures check out the Dykstra Family Website at www.dykstrafam.blogspot.com .

The picture we've all been waiting for.....

Congratulations to the newly engaged couple.

Keven and Renee we're so excited for you !!!

Spain pics

So yes, I have been back for nearly 4 months now, but I just got the rest of my Spain pictures online. (Hey, I'm a Lubbers, we never do anything right on time) :) Here is the link to the rest of the Spain pics from second semester....

http://community.webshots.com/user/StephanieinSpain2

Dennis, Happy 39th birthday today!! Hope you have many, many more! (I think I got that number right!!) 

Just 'Cuz It's a Great Picture

The Road Less Traveled By...

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,And sorry I could not travel bothAnd be one traveller, long I stoodAnd looked down one as far as I could To where it bent in the undergrowth; Then took the other, as just as fair, And having perhaps the better claim, Because it was grassy and wanted wear; Though as for that the passing there Had worn them really about the same, And both that morning equally lay In leaves no step had trodden black. Oh, I kept the first for another day! Yet knowing how way leads on to way, I doubted if I should ever come back. I shall be telling this with a sigh Somewhere ages and ages hence: Two roads diverged in a wood, and I-- I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference...Robert Frost

Having survived the train trail less traveled by, I shall now venture off to the country less traveled by. Thailand here I come. See you all at Thanksgiving!

A picture just for the fun of it...the "babies" of the family! 

Happy Birthday, Al! (Nov.1) Just add 30 years to Keven's age, and BINGO...it's 56! 

Birthday wishes!

Happy Birthday, Keven! (Nov. 1) You're 26...and almost married!! Congratulations on your engagement! You must be on cloud 9 these days!! Looking forward to seeing you at Christmas! God bless!

Happy Birthday, Jaden! You are 3 years old! Eat lots of birthday cake and have fun blowing out your candles! (October 24) 

Calanders for a worthy cause...

I am posting this e-mail from Melissa for two reasons. First and foremost, I believe each of us should consider getting one of these! For all the disasters around the world this year, God has shown us incredible mercy (rather than 'blessing). And, caring for those will less than us is part of our missional mandate, "Where were you when I was hungry?"

Secondly, to see that Melissa is a 'board member' makes me realize that she's 'all grown up.' To see her come alongside God's little people in the streets of Chicago humbles me. Who would have thought God would take a Bauer girl and give her a heart for hungry people in a big city... I'm proud of you cuz. You're allowing God to do good through your life.
____________________________________________

Hi Everyone,

I just wanted to get the word out that H.E.L.P. is selling calendars for a suggested donation of $20. This is a great opportunity to support a great organization that among other things, serves weekly sit-down dinners to 125+ guests who are experiencing homelessness or otherwise disadvantaged.

After handing out disposable cameras to 125 dinner guests, a panel chose 13 photos to be featured in the calendar for 2006. Since we had so many good ones to choose from this year, we also chose 8 Honorable Mentions, which you will see featured in the calendar.

If you would like to purchase a calendar for yourself and give some as gifts, just get in touch and I'll be sure to get them to you.

Thanks for all your support,
Melissa (H.E.L.P. Board Member)

Please forward this email to anyone who may be interested.

The Never Ending Story...

This is the train ride that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friends. Some people started riding it not knowing where it goes, and they'll continue riding it forever just because...This is the train ride that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend. This is the train ride that never ends... :)

The Never Ending Story

This is the song that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend. Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because...This is the song that never ends, yes it goes on and on my friend. Some people started singing it, not knowing what it was, and they'll continue singing it forever just because...

Happy Anniversary, Marci and Den! (October 2...that's today!) Enjoy the day; enjoy the memories!