VanStrien Family Website

Alanna turned three years old today. Much like her birth there was a snowstorm that helped celebrate her birthday. Because of the storm we stayed in and made breakfast/dinner with eggs, sausage and pancakes – Alanna’s favorite. Alanna is very interested in Princesses now and got her “priss-press” castle for her birthday. Sam and Audrey came over for cake and helped her play with her new toys. Alanna’s birthday party with friends and family will be on the weekend with a princess themed party in Grandville.

Christmas 2010 has been a lot of fun.  We’ve already had several Christmas parties including a party with friends and the Feuerstein Christmas on Christmas Eve.  We went to the 5:30 Mass in Belding and the kids behaved very well.  They must have knew Santa was watching.

We opened presents as a family on Christmas Day.  James and Alanna were very happy to see they made the good list as Santa left them full stockings and a couple big presents.  James was most excited about his BatCave and Alanna has been enjoying her princesses toys.  Alanna had a couple of meltdowns when she got a different present than what she thought was in the box.  After a long talk she came around as was ready to open the rest of her presents.

Later this afternoon we’ll be heading to Grandma and Grandpa VanStrien’s for the VanStrien Christmas where I’m sure they be spoiled with more toys!

Merry Christmas!

James celebrated his fifth birthday today with the start of Kindergarten.  It was a very busy day for James with his first day, presents and flag football practice.  James is really into Transformers this year, he was very excited with his presents.  We are all looking forward to his birthday party with family and friends on Saturday.

To one of the greatest friends I’ve ever had, who passed away today:

Chuck, you have been one of the most important people in my life. Since first meeting you in community college you were supportive and helpful. You encouraged me to attend CMU where we graduated with our BME  degrees. I know that if it wasn’t for your friendship and encouragement, I probably wouldn’t have made it through. Your continued friendship through out the years following college has truly enriched my life. We shared so many great memories and adventures of which I will keep with me forever. Chuck you were unique because you were not only a great friend to me but to everyone you met. You can’t say that about all people. That was your special gift. You selflessly helped others and made a difference in countless peoples life through your friendship and charity work. May your legacy live on in all the people whose lives you touched. I believe that God has called you for a greater purpose one of which we can not understand, but do feel comfort in knowing that your work will continue. Good Luck Chuck, We will miss you dear friend.

Alanna turned two years old today! The time sure seems to go quickly. Although it was a school and work day for the family, we celebrated when we came home. We took Alanna to get pancakes at Lickety Split and came home to ice cream, cake and presents. James was a good big brother and kept handing her the presents. We’ll celebrate with a party this weekend with family and friends.

Happy Birthday Little Girl!

After a slow but safe drive home from Grandma and Grandma Cooper’s house last night we enjoyed a great albeit early Christmas morning. The kids enjoyed opening their presents that Mommy, Daddy and Santa got them. Alanna was not a morning person and remained rather grumpy unless she was opening a present. After presents Amanda made a HUGE Christmas breakfast with pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon and toast. I have plenty of assembly to do this next week. My goal is to beat Kevin’s two hour assembly of the Kitchen that Alanna and Rosalyn got. James is excited about getting his room rearranged to fit in his new art studio. Additional photo can be found by clicking the Photo Album link above.

Merry Chirstmas!

James had an exciting first day of preschool. He’s been eagerly awaiting school for sometime and today he finally got to go. Mommy took him to a special donut (his favorite) breakfast before school and James happily entered the building with no crying. He enjoyed circle time, meeting new friends, reading stories, drawing, snack time and of course the toys.

James turned 4 years old today! We’ll be celebrating by taking him out to the movie UP! and playing with his new toys. James and his birthday party with family and friends this past Saturday at Long Lake park.

Don’t use hostmonster.com   This is the second time I’ve had to change hosting services due to bad customer support.  I’m now with hostgator.com and have a reseller account which basically makes me my own web hosting company.  The will be some links that don’t work yet until I get everything moved over….what a pain!