Ten Reasons Why I Love Sara Bell!

1. Because she has 100 reasons why she loves my son, Treavor!
2. Because she has a style all her own.
3. Because she has confidence in herself.
4. Because she is like one of my daughters!
5. Because of her spirituality
6. Because she brings out the best in others
7. She is a good listener and is always interested in what you are doing.
8. She always shows gratitude
9. I love her laugh
10.Because she is giving me another beautiful grandchild!!

Ten Reasons Why I Love Pyper!

1. She has a matching bow for every outfit, thanks to her MOM.
2. She gave my daughter, Tristen the joy of having her own daughter!
3. She makes her daddy so proud and happy, he can't stop kissing her!
4. She's very strong!
5. She love to eat!
6. She will help teach her brothers how to treat a girl!
7. She is the first Van Leeuwen grand-daughter making Grammy and Papa Van Leeuwen very grateful!
8. Her big brown beautiful eyes!
9. The space between her two front teeth, showing she has Peters in her!
10. How she cuddles with me when I see her.

Tens Reasons Why I Love Rylee Jo!!

1. She's the smallest cowgirl I know!
2. She has her dad wrapped around her finger!
3. She makes her dad smile, her mother laugh, her brothers and sisters happy!
4. She was the best surprise her family will ever have!
5. She loves animals!
6. How she cuddles with her dad each night.
7. She is her mom's constant companion
8. Loves to be dressed up and get her hair done.
9. Loves to play with her cousins.
10.Always fills her Grandma Kat's heart with joy every time I see her!

On Being Grandparents!

With the miraculous birth of our latest grandchild, Bodie Dennis Van Leeuwen, Den and I continue to marvel at the absolute miracle that must take place in order to bring a healthy child into this world. While I was in Cleveland, I noted many young teenagers having babies in a very caviler manner, not even remotely aware of the sacred responsibility that bringing a child into this world means. It saddened me, but on the other hand, how grateful I felt for all my grandchildren who were created in sacred love, and then welcomed into this life with a tender unconditional love and devotion that will last far beyond this life. I know each one of our dearest grandchildren is receiving and will continue to receive all the most important teachings, physical care and virtues that is necessary to find their paths back to their Heavenly Father someday by their amazing and dedicated parents. Is it easy? NOT in the slightest! Is it worth it? Oh YES! Just wait until you become grandparents!!! To all my gifted sons and daughters numbering twelve, who are now parents or about to be parents, I honor and respect you for giving us the privilege of being grandparents. Your children will rise up and call you blessed.

Bodie Dennis VanLeeuwen is finally here!!

I've tried for two days to get the 100 pics I took of the birth experience on our family web page, but have been unsuccessful.  I tried at the hospital, the college and now at an internet cafe in town.  So out of 100 pics, here are a few of my favorites.  More to come, as soon as I can figure out Telisa's Mac!  It was an amazing event in Clay and Telisa's life, not to mention their entire families!!  Bodie is beautiful and perfect--we all couldn't be more happy!!  Enjoy a few pics for now everyone!

WAITING FOR BODIE!!!

So, here we are at the doctor's office on Thursday, March 20th, hoping to hear those most welcomed words, "Your baby is coming!  You are fully effaced, dilated to a 10, let's go have your baby!!"  Well, not today.  You are 75% effaced and dilated to a 2.  A little disappointed, but nevertheless, the heart rate was strong and healthy, so we will wait!  What else can we do?

Then on Friday, March 21st, the contractions were getting stronger and more painful.  For about four hours they were two minutes apart.  So we thought yipee!!  Let's go to a movie and then we will see what happens.  Telisa continued to have contractions all during the movie and experiencing quite a bit of pain and discomfort, so I suggested we go to the hospital and just have her checked out.  As you can see, it was lovely "Springlike"? evening in Cleveland.  After about two hours they sent us packing.  It seems it was false labor!  False Labor!  How can labor pains be false?

The next day Clay tried to show his support by pushing out his belly also.  Next, he tried shaking the baby out of her!  We are open for any suggestions at this point!  Today, Sunday, March 23rd is her due date!  Clay and Telisa are ready!!  Bodie, what is the hold up?

There are two kinds of people in this world.....

Here I am in Cleveland, Ohio awaiting the birth of my 17th Grandchild--Bodie Dennis Van Leeuwen.  It's been a blast staying with Clay and Telisa, however, they have a huge ginormous hairy, and I mean HAIRY German Shepherd named Titus.  Note the pile of dog hair from just one day!!?? Titus doesn't seem to realize my feelings for him.  He has made it his mission in life to be my constant companion and protector, following me where ever I go--to bed, to the bathroom and to each and every room I walk.  He  is always bringing me his bone and toys, laying them on my lap and expecting me to play!  Telisa can't believe that even when Clay is home, his usual constant companion, he still follows me!?    What to do?   Dog hair?  Yuck!  I must really love Clay and Telisa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And Titus really loves me!  Nothing is quite so sad as unrequited love!

Tiffany's Service Birthday Project

As usual, at these service projects, I forget to take pictures until it's almost over, leaving out the main crew that worked for hours! Kim, Kathryn, Dennis and Tiffany started working at 9:30 am cleaning windows and blinds on the main floor and basement inside and out. Tristen and crew came about 11:15. Cade was most anxious to help Aunt Kim clean the basement windows because he could stand in the window wells! Tara arrived at Tiffany's house about 1pm having to wait for Trinity to take her spelling test before she could check her out of school. Usual dilemmas: 1 flat tire, 1 dead car battery, 1 child vomiting all over herself and the car! Happy Birthday Tiff!

My Little Princesses!

Thursday evening Grandpa Dennis and I took six of our very own Princesses to "Disney on Ice Princess Wishes". The fact aside that it actually was an outstanding program, and we happen to have front row seats (that never happens!), it was my wish to be with our fun and giggly grand daughters, Jessica, Sabrina, Kourtney, Whitley, Bailey, Trinity, Grace and Morgan!! Den and I kept glancing at each other thinking these are some the rewards for being grandparents!!!