A new addition to our Clan!

Welcome

Marike Grace B!

Born November 30, 2010

Two weeks ago, our youngest, Maurice, and his wife Rachel, received a precious covenant child on loan from the Lord to raise for His glory!

Though the photos are lacking, we're "proud" to show you here God's blessing to our family.

We are humbly thankful for each one and for the Lord's goodness in keeping mother & baby safe and healthy.

Pleased Mommy, 2 days after the birth looks great! What a thrill to have another daughter!

and a sister for Anneke - her great hope fulfilled! This is their first meeting and Anneke was a little reluctant to go back with us once she got baby in her arms.

We had the privilege of taking care of these 2, the oldest of 5 (now) and we really enjoyed having them. (Thanks M&R - their good training made it all that much more possible & pleasant for us to have them during that week). They seemed to enjoy themselves as well and Jo, who is still quite affectionate, announced "Its so much fun here, I don't want to go home. I want to stay."- yeah, 3 adults doting on him! To which Anneke replied, "I want to be with Daddy, Mommy & Marike" to which Jo replied after a moment's thought, "Well they can come live here too!" LOL! Not to worry, this is the same boy who, when kissing mommy "goodbye" at the end of their brief visit, decided he was going to stay home with mommy! Fickle kids,eh? ;) The younger 2 boys stayed with Chris & Maurice- and from all reports (except maybe Kenny's) that went quite well also - despite the warnings re "Willy the terror" - he quite enjoyed rough-housing with his big cousins - especially Mark.

This past Sunday (Dec.12) baby Marike was baptized and the following photos were taken by Dad & Josh after that special occassion.

Grandchild Number #21! Niece #10!

Marike, like Anneke, is a good Dutch name (actually pronounced Marijke) - and we have 2 relatives in Holland by that name: Dad's sister-in-law, and Mom's sweet cousin (who lived close by for a time and left a lasting impression on us by her life devoted to relieving the suffering & rescuing the lost).

Bright-eyed little dolly already communicating