our car

I am sure some of you have heard stories about the car we owned when we lived in the Netherlands. It was a 1986, mostly white (one gray door) Suzuki Alto which had Bugs Life Movie stickers all over the windows. Well, that car lasted 9 months, and unfortunately, we have no pictures of it! sad...
Well, when we came to Blairmore, we had no car, so we used the team car. This was fine, but got a bit difficult since we shared it with 6-7 others. So when a friend of ours offered us her old car for free, we jumped at the chance to have our own car. So, here is our little car-a Ford Fiesta! This one is completely white and runs nicely...plus it has heat, which our other car did not have!
I realize this is not very exciting, but hey...oh well!

Alec Dale Kinne

Yeah, another baby! My sister Sarah had her baby on September 10th. She had a c-section, which was a bit of a surprise...and had a little boy! I was a bit shocked, I had really thought it was a girl, but I think everyone is VERY excited about another little boy.
Alec was 8 lbs 14 oz and 20 1/2 in longs....he already outweighs his cousin Rachel!

Pat, my brother in law, holding his little son!
What a face! He obviously knows how to cry! Sarah says he is a good eater as well...I bet that he grows like his sister!
Hannah staring at Alec, I bet this will stir things up at home! Below is Pat's parents, Chuck and Ellie Kinne. They will need no urging along with my parents to love these kids!!!!

Rachel Sharon Meskis

Leah and John on the way home with......Rachel Sharon Meskis, the newest addition to my family! My sister Leah gave birth to a little girl, Rachel. Her birth went well, but she was jaundice and had an eye infection. She is now over those two things, and Leah says she is an absolute sweetheart. Please pray for John, Leah and Rachel, though, as Rachel was born with a heart murmur.
My family told me Lydia was overjoyed with little Rachel... I guess she did not want to let her go! I love this picture as it shows how blonde Rachel's hair is!
Here is little Rachel: 6 lbs 1 oz and 20 inches long

My mom is thrilled with another grandbaby...I think my mom was born to have grandchildren!!!
Below, it is so good to see that my Dad does not change. Anywhere he is at, he will try to catch a nap! I think he also enjoys holding his little ones as well!

My Belly at 22 weeks

Well, it is getting bigger! My belly is growing and growing...I can feel baby move often, and usually Baby is the most active when I get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom! Figures eh? I am feeling good, and just now am I out growing my 'normal' clothes. So for those of you who never get to see me or my bump, here you go....

KIDS

Ahh, when we were in America, one of the best parts of visiting home was seeing my neices and nephew. They change so much when we are away, and to have mre that 2 weeks with them was great. Peter and I got to spend some time with the two babies, Molly and Anna. It was the first time Peter got to see them both. We had such a great time with the family, swimming and playing with the kids. The time went so quickly, and before we knew it, we were back in the UK...But our time was very restful, and we were happy to have not only had the time with the family, but just together, being away from our 'normal' life in Scotland. God used the time for both of us, and we are now trying to make sure we put to practice all those things.
So, below are some pictures from our time in America, mainly the kids...they are much cuter than the rest of my family!!!!

Hannah would have spent every minute in the pool, if her parents would have let her, even on the colder days. She was so much fun to watch.

Carmen and her girls,
Lydia, Molly, and Allison

My parents of course are thrilled with all the new babies...Here are Joel's Molly and Aaron's Anna... Sarah, Leah, and I will add more.

While we were home, there was a Huizenga reunion with my Dad's side of the family. It was held in a park...it was fun to watch the kids play...Evan liked the cars alot!

Lydia and Allie were so funny on these cars, making up stories and things....they entertain us so much!

It was great to talk with Leah and Sarah about all the fun parts of pregnancy. It is quite special to have all three of us pregnant at the same time.

Lydia and Molly...making faces!These three were so funny...Hannah just watch the two babies stare at each other...
nd the kids.
Allie was so cute on these tricycles...she is just so sweet and cute all the time...

It was fun to watch the four older kids play together, doing puzzles and what not. Evan and Hannah are not exactly able to play so well together, but the older two definatly liked playing with them!

My 20 week ultrasound

Well, we are half way through this pregnancy! I was amazed at how much bigger Baby was, he/she never fit into the screen fully. I have looked again at my earlier scan, and then Baby was small enough to fit into the picture, but not know. The lady was really nice, explaining to me everything she was looking for, and was very patient with our questions. She did comment (again) on how active our baby is, always moving around with hands waving.
Everything looked good and she had no concerns. We do not know what sex the baby is, although I really wanted to ask...but I am glad I did not as we are happy to wait a bit to find out pink or blue.
I am also starting to feel the baby move and kick. The other evening, I think Baby was all balled up on one side...it was so hard on one side, and so soft on the other! Amazing to already feel it and know what is happening. We feel very very blessed.
I have so pictures to post from our holidays, but have been busy. Last week, we helped run a course for the 'younger' generation. It was so great to have a bunch of young people our age around, and to interact and share with them what God has done in our lives. We had a lot of fun, but now I am exhausted!!!!
Well, enjoy our baby....

hmmm, a day off

Well, today had been a good day, we have the day off and have not done too much. I know appreciate the opportunity to sleep in as I still find myself very tired. I can't believe how much I can sleep! It is great, I feel like I am in college again. Peter's birthday was yesterday and we had a nice time going over to a friend's house for a meal and games. My gift did not arrive as there are postal strikes in England....bummer. All in all, we had a fun day and today we are trying to do our own 'business.' Not so much fun, but very necessary.
I have my 20 week scan on Thursday this next week. I am excited to get to see the baby, yet I can not believe that so much time has passed so quickly. It will be December before we know it! I am finding my jeans a bit tight around the waist, but my maternity pants are all too big and are a bit droopy. So I am in the in-between stage. I hope you enjoyed the picture of me with a round tummy. I got a sticker from Peter's aunt in the Netherlands which I think I can start wearing now...it reads: "I am not fat, I am pregnant!" It is in Dutch, but I think it is so funny!
well gotta run...have a fun day!

My belly

Well baby is getting bigger, and a few of you have asked to see a picture of my bump. It is not too big, and I have to admit that this shirt is fitted enough that is accentuates my growing belly. When we were in America, I got a lot of maternity cloths for my birthday (28 years old!!). It was great fun to put on the pillow and see what I might look like in a few months. I think I looked ridiculous, but....
Thank you to everyone who is as excited as we are...I will keep you posted on everything that develops!

Baby B's Cousins

Here are two recent pictures of Nathan and Rebecca. I can't believe how big Rebecca is! I hear she is very curious! They are both so sweet...It has been about 7 months since we have seen them, and they change so quickly!

Back from America

Well, we are back from our holiday to America. We were with my family for 2 1/2 weeks, and we had alot of fun. Both my sisters (Sarah and Leah) are pregnant as well, so we had plenty to talk about. Leah is 35 weeks along, and Sarah is 32, so they are both quite a bit bigger than me. I felt a bit smallish compared to them. My time will come though....
The best part of our trip was playing with our neices and nephew in the pool! It was so hot and we had plenty of time to relax and play...I am glad to say that my legs went from bright white to a pale brown. No more glare off them until next month!!!
We got back Tuesday evening, and had our next doctors appointment on Thursday. It was mainly about giving blood for all the tests they do, and we should have results in the next weeks. We also go to hear the heart beat for the first time. It was amazing, and even though I knew this, I was amazed at how fast Baby's little heart is going...what a miracle.
Peter and I are tired and still recovering, but we are happy to be back. We are looking forward to the next months of preparing for this big change, and all the moving we must do.
Luv to you all,

Week 13

What a busy time. We are leaving a few days for a visit to America, and work is a bit overwhelming. Trying to get everything done is tiring me out! I am getting excited about the trip, and ready to have a break.
Thank you for the many e-mails. Many of you asked how I was feeling, if I was sick or not. Actually the first months have been very smooth. I had a few weeks of feeling nauseous, but never sick. Usually a piece of toast or cracker in the morning, and the rest of the day is fine. The only thing that really has changed is that I am SO TIRED. I can sleep and sleep and sleep.
It has been very fun lately, because I can see that I am getting my 'bump' as the British call it. I am no longer thin in the waist!
Well if you don't hear from me for a bit, it is because I can't find a computer that works...but I do intend to write more now that we have interesting things happening!
Bless you and Luv to you all!

Some BIG news!!!

What else can I say? a picture is worth a thousand words, right... Many of you already know, but for those who don't, Peter and I have a major announcement. At least it is major for us! I am pregnant!!!! Yipee!!!! We are so excited, and can't believe how amazing the last 6 weeks has been. It has been very hard to keep it a secret, and I don't think my family has done very well since half my home town already know! But, Peter and I have decided enough is enough. So we want to share with you our news. YEAH!!!!
I am 13 weeks on Sunday the 25th of June, and in Scotland, they do a scan at 12 weeks, and another one at 20 weeks. So here are the first pictures of Baby Brokaar. The scan (that's what they call it here...ultrasound) was amazing and I could not believe how clear the picture was. From the first moment the instrument touched my belly (which is already bigger!) you could see this tiny figure moving around. Baby was quite active, and the tech said he/she had the hiccups...I have to say, tears just poured down my face. It was the most amazing thing.
After a few minutes, the baby was 'resting' so the tech said 'Let's see if we can get it to move.' Dangerous, as my bladder was about ready to pop, but nevertheless, the tech pushed down quite forcefully, and Baby turned to look straight into the 'camera.' You could see its little fingers, heartbeat, the legs kicking...I can't even tell you how it felt to see my baby.
Up to the point, everything has been a bit unreal...I knew that being a mum is different than being an aunt, but....
This is the pic of Baby looking right at me!!! love at first sight!!!

some guests...

I am writing to tell you that Blairmore is full again! We have had about 3 weeks with no guests, due to some courses being canceled, and it is no fun! This place was meant to be full, running retreats. Plus, with only 23 on staff, things can get a bit dull! :} I do enjoy working here, but we are all happy to get to do what this place is made for, and that is to serve the people who come.

On the flip side, Peter and I are getting excited about coming to America for a visit. We will be 'home' for over 2 weeks in late June, early July. I am excited!

There is not much more to say now...but my guess would be that I will write again with more fun news and stories! :}

Crazy Days

Well, it really has been crazy days here in Scotland. About a week after I got back from USA, Peter and myself & Lindsey and Johann went on a 2 day trip to the south of England for some training days. Ellel put on some training for a certain programme they run, and we got to go. It was very encouraging all the way around, but for Peter and I , it was very challenging personally. Outside of the details we learned, we felt God was really bringing up some things for us to think and pray about.
So we are back now; in 5 days, we traveled for 3 days, and were they for just under 2 days. We are tired and just a bit cranky!
These pictures were taken thy day we picked up our 'new' car. This is Fyvie Castle, which is about a half an hour from us. It was a magnificent day, and as you can see below, the trees were blooming and full of bees!
Hope you are all well...Luv and Hugs, Liz

Hard Times

As some of you know, my Grandma Bossert passed away recently, and I flew home for 4 days for the funeral and wake. She was 90, and in the end, was in pain. It went very quickly, right around a month from the real decline to her death on April 15th. I am finding it very difficult as we spent quite a bit of time as children with this side of the family. I am so glad I was able to talk with her on the phone before she went into the hospital.
So, I am very tired. 4 day trips to America are never easy, adding to that the funeral and interesting family dynamics...I feel I could sleep for a week. I know my mum feels that way too.
If you could pray for my mom and her family, they now have to go through Grandma's things, and that can/will be difficult.
On the very bright side, I got to see my nieces and nephew...they are so cute, and getting cuter! I got to meet Molly and Anna...and they both like me alot!!! It was great to get to play, and I am looking forward to out trip in June/July. Thank you for your thoughts and e-mails. I have been a bit slow in responding....Have a great day!

Our roommates!

Oh Happy Day! We have 4 new roommates to introduce to you...For Christmas, Peter received a fish tank, and a while later we purchased 3 goldfish and 1 bottom feeder. It has been a very exciting time...As most of you know, my side of the family has been producing alot of grandkids for my parents, and naturally there is a bit of pressure. So, we took the matter in our own hands and got the fish!!! no more pressure!!! hee hee I am really just kidding, my parents and family are easy on us!
The three goldfish are Sophie (she is mine), Erwin, and Huck; and the bottom feeder is Duke. I am not a big fan of Duke as he is a bit of a wierdo...
Anyway, I just wanted to show you our new 'kids.' Have a wonderful Easter!

Our big snow....

I wanted to put these on because they are so pretty. We had the biggest snowstorm in February...this place was covered in white, beautiful snow. We had a lot of fun sledding and throwing snowballs! We had an international course here at the time, and one lady from South Africa was a bit overwhelmed by the cold! We definitely enjoyed it...the Young People made an eight foot tall igloo...too bad it melted! Unfortunately, I did not get pics of that...
I hope you are all okay...love you all!

the last of the....

Brokaar pictures!!! I am so slow...things here have been a little busy, but really, after a full day on the computer, I struggle to spend time after work e-mailing or blogging. So I am trying to do it a bit by bit...These are the last of my bragging pictures...Nathan and Rebecca are so cute!
Edwin and Flora with Nathan and Rebecca


Oma Serry and Rebecca!!