sevenschepers

Pregnant Bellies Unite

2009-05-06T19:13:00.001-07:00

So I'm thinking we need some belly shots on here of Becky, Christine and Danielle. Especially since Christine is coming up on that due date! In this picture I am 27 weeks...due Aug. 8th, and it's a girl for those of you who haven't been able to keep up with all the pregnant family members:)

Just playing around at the office computer today!

2008-03-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

Thank you, John and Cherri

2008-02-05T03:34:00.000-08:00

I'm sure glad that the Harley Davidson 'oil-can light set' gave you such a thrill and I can't wait to see pictures of it hanging in your pool room or outside in your bar this summer, but it was only a very small token of appreciation for having Tante Magda and me last week. From Dad's first surprise at seeing me (I don't know how you kept that secret so well), to the many guests you let tramp through your house -see Dad's 80th birthday pics on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28904&l=251ad&id=544953351, to the many big and little things you did for our comfort, this post's for you. Thanks, eh? - Marijke (I know I speak for Tante Magda, too)

Story in the Snow

2008-02-05T02:57:00.000-08:00

Once upon a time, in faroff Guelph, Ontario, Canada, a big black dog named Bear galloped to the rescue of what he thought was a helpless human in the snow. As he approached, he found that it was only Oma Marijke (visiting from faroff hot South Carolina) making snow angels!

By the way, it's hard to get photographs of snow to look as white as it really is, isn't it! This day was a little overcast, for sure but maybe if I studied my camera manual a bit more I'd have better results. Any tips anyone? ... OM

2007-11-24T17:17:00.000-08:00

You fine folks in South Carolina will appreciate who this is. Your one and only US Ambassador to Canada David Wilkins. On the occasion of a delegation from Greenville visiting Ottawa and touring my worldclass transit system(and our social housing), the Ambassador and his wife invited some Ottawa staff and councillors to a reception at his residence. Armed with local knowledge about a new pedestrian bridge and a revitalized downtown in Greenville coupled with a few strategically placed y'alls I managed to get a personal tour of the residence - a lovely mansion in Ottawa's premiere neighbourhood of Rockcliffe.

baker laker 2007

2007-10-10T06:49:00.000-07:00

it was a crazy week! what do you do with seven children when the oldest is three? daily run down: 36 diaper changes, 20 hours of breast feeding, 5 pack-n-plays and one moses bassinet, and a four high chair assembly line at each meal.

2007-08-13T17:38:00.000-07:00

Marijke, Magda and Nancy decided to take on a project and crocheted this lovely creation for Tante Magda. Truly a joint effort with most of the work completed by the m&m's of the team!!!

Tante Magda will no doubt appreciate it!!

Aaron Gets Married!!!

2007-08-01T18:33:00.001-07:00

Joshua, Rob, Kim, Brandi, Aaron, Justin, Nathalie, Andrea and Sean - the growing BC Schepers clan!!!

The official exchanging of the vows that brought Brandi into the family.

The lovely bride.
A more relaxed bride and groom receive their guests in the receiving line.

Oma Kim and Ethan.

The yard never looked so good!

2007-07-24T04:46:00.000-07:00

Thomas spruced up the yard so much in readiment for the For Sale sign - the bushes got trimmed, the mulch got spread (though I did most of the back-breaking weeding, I must say). In any case, I have a link if you want to see the pics.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=8321&l=5965f&id=544953351

Hopefully it won't be on the market too long - we'll keep everyone posted.

Forgot to say - Danielle's First Baby Shower is Today

2007-07-22T04:25:00.000-07:00

You're such a beautiful 'lady in waiting', Danielle. I bet you think a lot about your upcoming baby when you play with Olice - and especially when you hold Georgia in your arms. It'll be neat if you can keep the baby's sex a surprise until the big day - but if you slip up and we find out early, that'll be grand as well. In any case, we don't have too long to wait - October 3rd is just around the corner!!

Life is just full of waiting anyway - Olice had to learn that he can't pick the blueberries 'til they're ripe.

Waiting on the Gibbs' Contribution

2007-07-22T04:16:00.001-07:00

Wow - we're getting to be quite a crowd down here in the States. D&W's baby will be the 18th Blunder. On the scrabble board, notice how Ken is a bigger part of 'Baker' than the rest of us, with myself kind of joining the name vicariously. It worked out that all the girls are hanging on their daddy while Thomas is hanging with me. Kind of cute. Oh well, you know how I get...

Happy 9th Anniversary Bryan & Erika!

2007-07-17T06:34:00.001-07:00

Wow... it's hard to believe that we were all celebrating the first cousin's wedding nine years ago... a whole lot has happened since then to be sure! Congratulations Bryan & Erika! We love you two and your three little cuties... Hope you get some time to yourselves in the midst of the craziness of life to reflect on your marriage and what wonderful things the Lord has done.

There's a Bit of Confusion Over This Picture.

2007-07-02T06:34:00.000-07:00

OK, So everyone in the Schepers' clan knows the difference between these three sisters (from our reunion of a year ago). But apparently our very own grandson, Olice doesn't! He points to each of us in this picture and says: "Oma". Maybe he thinks his real Oma's done some sort of trick photography here. In any case, I sure would have loved to have seen his face if he'd been at the recent wedding in Canada.

In a year he may be able to figure it all out but at his age right now, I assume his little brain might flip if he were to see us all in the flesh together!

This is the picture I think I'll put on the fridge from this year's lovely affair, by the way:
It'll be a while 'til Olice can read but don't you think this shirt will help him to tell the difference? Hee Hee.

That was such a fun time, Laura - can't wait for the next Ontario wedding!!?

Aaron is next to get married, though! July 27th, right? Wish we could all be out west with you for your happy day! Take and share a LOT of pictures please!

July 1st - Canada and Thomas' Birthday!!

2007-07-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

2007-06-24T17:47:00.000-07:00

Well some of you might well wonder what it is I do up here in Ottawa. Here are two links to the local press which might help you imagine a day in my life. I'm sure if you read it you will be one of the very few.

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/columnists/story.html?id=5ed56144-1ebd-4e5b-8fd0-846b673345b2

http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/greaterottawa/archive/2007/06/19/an-interview-with-nancy-schepers.aspx

Lots o' wedding pics - laura

2007-06-04T12:06:00.001-07:00

At the Musee des Beaux Arts in Montreal

Hi family!

Thank you so much to everyone for your amazing love and prayers. Dan and I feel so blessed to be surrounded by such supportive friends and family. We had such a blast seeing everyone who could make it to the wedding and, to those of you who couldn't be there, you were most definitely in our thoughts!

Here are a bunch of links to various photos from the wedding:

http://picasaweb.google.com/home

http://picasaweb.google.com/bschepindeed/Amy?authkey=uJaO0TEsJB4

http://picasaweb.google.com/bschepindeed/2007MayMarijke?authkey=zKwxNylIIyE

http://picasaweb.google.com/bschepindeed/Nancy?authkey=K7VopVtgG9w

http://picasaweb.google.com/bschepindeed/PhotosFromDarryl?authkey=0XQAfGRnszY

http://picasaweb.google.com/bschepindeed/2007May20FromJim?authkey=4QFkKEtNhWo

http://picasaweb.google.com/bschepindeed/2007May19And20?authkey=bKPUIvaq1Xw

There are MANY more. But I figured these were a good start :) We still need to get our 'professional' photos from the photographer. . .he has over 200!

Dan and I returned from our honeymoon last night. We had an amazing time hitting up Kingston, the Laurentians and Montreal. I've posted a couple photos from our trip. Enjoy!

Love,
Laura

Minus an 'e' and what do you get?

Lac Morency, St-Hippolyte, QC

Picnic supper by the lake.

At the old port in Montreal

Do Two Halves Really Make One Whole (Brother?)

2007-05-26T18:18:00.000-07:00

Here's to you, Rob. You couldn't make an appearance so we had to put in two half Schepers' to take your place. Go figure...

A Four Generation Wedding Party

2007-05-26T17:46:00.000-07:00

Anyone want to add captions?

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Brandes!

2007-05-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

It sounds like many of the seven schepers had a fabulous time celebrating with Laura and Dan at their wedding last weekend... I am still dying for you all who were present to post some of the lovely pictures of their day! So until then, i thought i would post one from some that the bride herself shared with me this week... You guys look so happy - CONGRATULATIONS!!! ~danielle

To Share or Not to Share!

2007-05-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

Hare some shots of cousins Jack Greer and Olice learning one of life's greatest lessons! Sharing. (Boy didn't us Schepers' have to do a lot of that!?)

Legs in the background, by the way, belong to Ken, Nancy and Jim - not in that order.

Love you - Oma Marijke

How's this for a superhero?

2007-04-30T18:40:00.000-07:00

Canada's Super Heroes

2007-04-25T17:19:00.000-07:00

On the weekend I had the pleasure of attending an Enviro Fair where I encountered Oxygen Man. I also have pictures of Polar Man from Iqaluit and have heard but do not have pics of Bug Avenger from Winnipeg. Any of you know of any superheroes????

Take me out to the ballgame. . .

2007-04-24T13:16:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Daniel and I went to a Tigers game at Comerica Park for a belated birthday/end-o'-school celebration. We bought some peanuts (but no Cracker Jack) and had a lot of fun. Unfortunately, the Tigers lost. . .but the weather was amazing (check out that blue sky)!

Gathering in Guelph

2007-04-16T19:50:00.000-07:00

So, Rob was in town last weekend and Magda, Gwen and Derek came down for the occasion. Daniel happened to be in town also. Here are some photos from our mini dinner party.

2007-03-27T18:00:00.000-07:00

This is for you Danielle.

2007-03-26T18:55:00.000-07:00

Or how about this fine bunch???

2007-03-26T18:17:00.000-07:00

Hey can you guess who these fine folks are??

Ryan Takes Gold

2007-03-07T18:06:00.000-08:00

Ryan took the Gold in Hamilton this weekend!!! It was an exciting weekend and I was thrilled that John and Cherri were there to share the excitement. Televised on Sport Channel I was amazed how many folks actually watched... and I thought only I could get excited about VBall.

Happy Belated Valentine's! - Laura

2007-02-26T14:58:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos from the belated Valentine's supper we had when I was home on reading break. Mostly, I just wanted to make cupcakes. I got a bit carried away with the pink dye - hence the radioactive icing. Ha.

Bridal Shower! - Laura

2007-02-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, my maid of honour Julie gave me a bridal shower in Windsor. Here are a couple photos from the event.

The first is a photo of me with Anna (left) and Julie (right). Unfortunately, my cousin Sarah (the third bridesmaid) couldn't be there.

The second photo is of me in my ever-so-stylish paper-plate hat (handmade by Anna).

Snippets From Ottawa February 18, 2007

2007-02-18T08:18:00.000-08:00

Hey it is really nice to see the many postings to this blog. I am working a bit too hard these days but thought it good to add a little something. Ottawa is in the midst of its "Winterlude" festival - the weather, the ice, the sculptures and all are fabulous his year.

Ryan has once again received a sports award for the City of Ottawa for Volleyball. Here is a pic of Lauren accepting the award on his behalf from the Mayor and one of the local City of Ottawa councillors. Today he plays a critical game which if he wins he will be going to the national university championships in Hamilton next month. Please think of him!!

a couple of funny schepers...

2007-02-17T07:39:00.002-08:00

I think Aunt Nancy provided me with this lovely picture some time back, and i just thought these lovely schepers gals should make an appearance on the seven schepers page. Any guesses as to when this was taken? I love the goofy schepers grins!

dance! - Laura

2007-02-07T11:46:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

So, with the wedding fast-approaching, Daniel and I figured we should start practicing our dance moves. If you'd like to see our moves, check out this website (it may take a little while to load): http://www.dancesisterdance.com/myvid/index.php?v=60dba4c7b4a9d

Enjoy! Hahaha.

L.

Boys Will Be Boys

2007-02-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

Well, one thing we love about having 1/2 of the Stateside Schepers clan on the East Coast is the fact that they boys get to hang out quite frequently. Although i didn't catch them on the couch again last night playing Thomas' new Xbox, i did manage to snap a few shots of them on the couch recently doing what these boys do really well... just hang out.

uh oh...

2007-02-02T06:44:00.000-08:00

i think i might have caused a problem... this new "blogger stuff" is really confusing me... but they just asked me to sign in with my google account... so everyone might be messed up now. Please let me know and I can e-mail you the login id and password i used!!! (evelynfloyd@gmail.com)

lots of snow in Guelph! - Laura

2007-01-26T11:46:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos of winter in Guelph. It finally came! The photo of Dan is from last weekend and the photo of 7 Hales (where I live) is from today. So much snow! I love it!

Dan's new car! - Laura

2007-01-22T08:39:00.000-08:00

Here is Dan with his brand-new 2001 Chevy Cavalier!

Finally from Rob and Kim

2007-01-16T18:25:00.000-08:00

Love being grandparents! Ethan Sean Speirs is 6 now six pounds 4 ounces. He has doubled his lowest weight. He had his first outing when we were in Calgary. Mom was very nervous at first, but after seeing how people around us were amazed at her little miracle, she relaxed and played proud mom!

Oh, Did I Say I Couldn't Sing?

2006-12-16T13:45:00.000-08:00

Well, I CAN sing if I'm in a group like our Faith Sunday School class. Last night we went caroling - without accompaniment, mind you - to another local nursing home where Doris' and Iris' mothers are - and then to a few of the shut-ins of the church (Vivian Baer was the most delightful, to be sure!)

Afterwards we met at the home of the Graybeal's where we ate and drank, played a great game whose name escapes me. Then we were entertained by our host and hostess as they played one short piece on the piano and some other 'instruments'. I might have to try to blog the video for that - it'll definitely put you in the holiday mood when you watch it!! If nothing else, you'll know that this group knows how to have fun!! Love you - Marijke

And now for even more family talent at Christmas!

2006-12-14T15:33:00.000-08:00

This year Yours Truly got to be a wench at the annual Madrigal Feaste at our church. The Fellowship Hall was once again transformed into a meideval castle and the Lord and Lady of the manor presided over their invited 'guests' as they partook of seven courses of wonderful food and heard from different musical groups like the children's choir, the recorder choir, the adult handbell choir, the Madrigal Singers, the brass and the high school girls - all in costume for the period.

There is a jester - and a beggar who tries to eat from everyone's table all night long; at the end he is about to be beheaded but the Lord says: "Have we not learned anything of Christmas? And are we not all beggars at the Table of the Lord? Let the man come and eat at MY table!"

It's a very special evening with lots more work for me this year; when I was in the handbell choir it was fun, too - we got to process in and wear monk's costumes, then play in the balcony (can you see them in the picture?)

So, what is everyone else up to this Christmas?

Love and miss all y'all Canucks - Marijke, for the Southern contingent

Some of us, like Bonnie, can sing then there are:

2006-12-14T14:53:00.000-08:00

Those of us who Ring!
This picture was taken at a local nursing home where our church's 'Prime Chimes' group accompanied the residents as they sang carols...
Love, Directress Marijke

The Boys at My House

2006-12-14T08:18:00.000-08:00

Here are some shots for you of the boys in my life: Traveler, Todd and Jack Greer. I'm pretty much surrounded!

At The Office - bonnie

2006-12-06T19:34:00.000-08:00

This is where Albert spends most of his days. He could tell you lots more about it but I don't think he is an active blogger. Thought you would appreciate the suit. Ha ha.

It's Christmas Time - bonnie

2006-12-06T19:16:00.000-08:00

It's official. We had our first Christmas Concert on December 3. Here is a photo of New Life singing with our sign language interpreter, Kelly Ann. She signs the songs with wonderful expression. Albert even played guitar for us on ' O come all ye faithful'.

Socrates - Laura

2006-12-04T07:34:00.000-08:00

I know many of you have met (or at least seen photos of) Socrates but Marijke reminded me that not everyone is well aqainted with my one-winged turkey vulture friend. I've been handling Soc for about two years through Wildlife Education and Environmental Programs (WEEP) here at the University of Guelph. Socrates is one of our non-releasable birds used for outreach education. He was hit by a car in his hatchling year and his wing was broken. After much veterinary care, his wing was amputated in 1992. We also have two great-horned owls (Octavius and Einstein), a red-tailed hawk (Kaila), a broad-winged hawk (Whistler), a peregrine falcon (Calypso) and two American crows (Poe and Loki).

Rob's an Opa - What are you, Kim?

2006-12-04T06:04:00.000-08:00

The following email message with the attached picture was sent by Rob a couple of weeks ago. I didn't realize that not everybody knew this news. I also didn't realize that Rob wasn't going to share any more information as this little fellow started growing.

PLEASE send an updated photograph, Brother and let us know how Ethan is doing now. It's amazing how strong such tiny human beings are but it's such a worry for the family as they experience a preemie birth.

Monday, November 20, 2006 7:32 PM Subject: Ethan Speirs . 3 lb. 8 1/2 oz. 16 1/2 " long KIM AND I ARE GRANDPARENTS

P.S. Olice was all of 2 lbs. 6 oz. so that makes Ethan more than a pound heavier or almost 50 percent bigger! Yikes. And, just so you can see what can happen, here's a shot of Olice then and pretty recently- with the aligator that he got from one of his nurses in the hospital ... Love you all - 'Oma' Marijke

2006-11-30T16:33:00.000-08:00

Okay Marijke, your challenge has been issued so here goes. The following pictures will help to explain the lack of pictures of Hans and Ine. They appear to be very vusy hobnobbing with the Mayor of Guelph. Well I have connections and here are some recent pictures of them at the opening of the new library in Guelph hanging out with - yup - you guessed it the Mayor.

the tea/baby shots that I didn't get to blog earlier...Marijke

2006-11-13T04:17:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures that I wanted to put on last week. Proof that we were actually in Colorado with the three 'western' grands.

Jack Greer is in a stocking that I made for him - complete with matching hat that I guess he can use later in life to put cookies in for Santa!

As I type, Danielle and Nancy are out there with Olice; the pictures they have been taking are on the other blogspots... evelynfloyd.blogspot.com and erikacounts.blogspot.com. Enjoy... Love, Marijke

P.S. We need more participation on this Schepers site - how about some pics of Mom and Dad, etc.? We live so far away and long to be kept updated with plenty of photos of everyone's lives. Thanks...

Back from the 'Flippin Baby Mission' in Colorado - Marijke

2006-11-02T11:59:00.000-08:00

Last month, as most of you know, I got to hang out in Colorado for 3 weeks! Ken came out for a long weekend but that happened to be the time Erika spoke at their church's women's retreat. I had to go with her for moral support, of course - and we had such fun! Especially when we dressed up for the Saturday night dinner in 'high school attire'. For us that meant our prom dresses! Anyway, I got to see Ken for three nights and he got to spend extra time with the grands when I wasn't around!

The reason for going out there was to welcome Jack Greer into the world, of course, but a high tea in a castle with the two girls, as well as 2 snow storms, made for an extra memorable stay. Naturally it was great to see the other grandsons, too - more on them next blog.

Schelyn and Todd had put a lovely addition on the top of their 100 year old house so Ken and I slept in a real live guest room and had our very own bathroom, too!

In addition, Erika and Bryan's house was super welcoming and warm (as always).

Can't wait to go again!

Love, Oma Marijke (&Pops)

Congratulations to Aunt Nance!

2006-10-27T07:54:00.000-07:00

Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It's back to work she goes!

Congratulations to the new Deputy City Manager of Ottawa!

Our dear Nancy is going back to work with a superb new opportunity in her favorite city. We will miss you since you will probably be a little less available and considerably busier in coming weeks, but thrilled that Ottawa is going to benefit from the lovely, and fabulously talented, Nancy Schepers.

More Happy Thanksgiving! - Laura

2006-10-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some Thanksgiving shots from Windsor. We had a great weekend and lots of great food. I included a photo of my apple-squash soup. Mmm. If you want the recipe, let me know!

Jackson Greer Flippin

2006-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Since Schelijn & Todd have their hands full, and Mom is out there now with them, i thought i would make sure that Jack Greer was able to make his debut on the Seven Schepers site. He's of course also on www.bakercrowd.blogspot.com too! Anyway, here is a little shot of him getting into his carseat when leaving the hospital last week. Can't wait to meet him! ~danielle

Happy Thanksgiving

2006-10-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful thanksgiving with great food, great weather and great company like we here in Ottawa.

Here are a few shots Hans took in the neighbourhood as well as shots of Toos and Wouter Murenbeld and some of their family - Patricia, Robert and Patricia's daughter Kirsten.

And speaking of cats. . . - Laura

2006-09-14T19:24:00.000-07:00

This is Jack. He's my buddy.

2006-09-14T09:34:00.000-07:00

It is me again. Thanks Lauren for fixing my photo and for adding a great update - although it does sound like you party a lot!!!

In terms of work. I am still unemployed but actively looking. In the meantime, this is how Licorice and I spend our days. (For those who don't know Licorice is one of our cats who is the daughter of Gwen and Magda's cat.)

Just in case you are interested...

2006-09-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Hello All,
As I have yet to post anything on this blog... here is my contribution..
This is a photo of myself and one of my girlfriends (Tara) who is my going out to bars companion here in Ottawa...

Also myself and Tara.. This is from an Ottawa site where they have camera men go out to bars and take photos of people and post them online so you don't have to bring a camera out with you. Both these two photos are very recent, however the going out has slowed down with my return to school.
This is Sierra and I at a horseshow this summer. It was her first ever experience leaving the stable grounds since she has come to Ironwood. She was as well behaved as she could be, although we didn't place in any of our classes.
This is from my birthday. Twenty-one on the 21st of July. It was one of the best birthdays yet! This is Magda, my friend Jenn and myself at the Keg (where I work). We went out to dinner (8 of us in total) before I had a group of girls over and we all headed downtown.
My friends who joined family for dinner

Apparently... this may be the maximum number of photos I am alloted per post... Anyhow, as you can see I had a nice summer, filled with meeting lots of new people at my new job at the Keg. The Keg staff are very into partying and having fun so I fit in quite nicely. My birthday went off without a hitch and I managed to find time for my horse while working and partying... - Lauren

Update on Ryan and Stewart and other fine stuff

2006-09-14T05:41:00.000-07:00

Hey Family

Many of you tried to follow Ryan and Stewart in their quest to seek world domination in beach volleyball on the courts in Poland. Unfortunately it was over so quickly as they did not make it through the qualification round. The team that knocked them out went on to win the bronze medal and Ryan and Stewart's match against them was very close - going to a nailbiting third game. What an experience and an opportunity to meet people from around the world. The Kiwis and Aussies were particularly fun. Anyway as you can see from the picture they were certainy two very happy campers at the end of the day. Ryan like Laura is now back at school and I hope to travel to Winnipeg between now and Christmas to at least see him once.

Also for good measure here is a family shot taken at Cirque de Soleil when it was here in Ottawa. What a great show!!

2006-09-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

Hi family!

So, I'm back in Guelph for my fourth year of university (hoorah!). While this should be my last, I will be returning for a 'victory lap' next year so I can't quite get excited about graduation yet. Here's a photo of my friend Anna and I taken last week. She goes to school at Guelph as well and this was us on our first day reunited.

ttfn,
Laura

Home at Last

2006-08-21T11:09:00.000-07:00

Magda has just arrived chez "Gordon Castle" and the king and queen are firmly back in the groove. I know they are enjoying each other and the pictures do tell it all. I am leaving for Ottawa with Magda firmly in charge of keeping Hans firmly in relaxation mode.

King and Queen Safely Returned

2006-08-20T16:56:00.000-07:00

You can all easily see the pleasure that Hans had upon receiving this Sudoko cube. Actually he has just managed to receive his discharge papers after successfully using a special bottle!!

Ine looks pensive but I think she is hiding her excitement rather well!! I think by tomorrow the reconnection will be complete!!! Stay tuned as I will add a picture of the two lovebirds tomorrow.

Last But Not Least: The King and Queen

2006-08-17T06:09:00.000-07:00

I posted my best pictures of Mom and Dad along with Hans and Anke earlier in my blogging. But I bet some of you could add some to this post. Blogger hasn't been behaving this morning but I'll try to paste a shot of Mom being lifted by her four sons. It reminded me of how royal queens in certain countries get to ride around on the tops of elephants - or sit in boxes on top of long poles and are escorted all through town (waving like queens, of course!)

Bet someone could figure out how to post that lovely video to this site!! Albert maybe? I think googlevideo or something like that might work....

End of story for now??

My BAD! (marijke)

2006-08-17T05:58:00.000-07:00

Dad informed me that John was not the only family at the reunion with perfect attendance. Albert had his whole crowd there, as did Magda. WOW. What was I thinking? So I guess I'll have to take away the award I gave you, John. Sorry. On the other side of the coin, Ken & I, Rob & Kim and Nancy & Carl tied for the least represented branches. Maybe we would have tried harder if we there had been actual prizes to earn!? One day... Maybe at Laura's wedding. ? May 19th, right?

Almost Finally - Rob and Kim (marijke)

2006-08-10T03:48:00.000-07:00

I must say, Rob - you get the 'most improved' award! You say that you had that serious accident less than a year ago but you sure did fool us! Most of us didn't even detect a limp! I wouldn't have believed it except for the thumb and Kim's eye witness report. Incredible.

I particularly enjoyed dancing with you, Bro! Wonder when we'll see you again! Laura's wedding? That'll be a great occasion - we all have known Dan for so long!!!

(Pictures to come after blogger starts to behave again!)

Perfect Attendance from John! - marijke

2006-08-10T03:43:00.000-07:00

Guess I didn't blog John's pics yet either. There may not be a lot of them here but because Mike's WHOLE family didn't come, you won the 'attendance prize', Brother.

We sure had fun in your spendid backyard with your enormous Bear of a dog - and 'little' Havoc. Bet he's a lot bigger now. Your snake wasn't invited but he didn't eat much so that's OK.

Got any house renovation pics to put on here? Dad said you made some pillars! - Marijke

Now Most of Mike's Crowd - marijke

2006-08-10T03:38:00.000-07:00

I was looking through all the pictures of the reunion (and viewing that fantastic video with my friends yesterday) so I decided that I'd better not stop posting some of the pictures. Hope you don't mind. This is for posterity, you know! Besides, the kids will like to see them. Does everyone remember how to post, by the way. I see a lot of action from Nancy, Laura, Bonnie and me! We haven't got exclusive rights to blog, you know. Hee Hee.

P.S. We missed you Tyler! Glad I got to see you before you went to camp - how was it???

Magda in Ottawa

2006-08-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Magda has been visiting here in Ottawa for the last month. It just wouldn't be right to not post at least one pic of her. It has been great having her here including her continuous help with everything including weeding!!

Down By The Tabernacle - bonnie

2006-08-01T20:03:00.000-07:00

This is what I do in my spare time. It's a great occupation and the rewards are priceless. We had an audience of 150 people with lawn chairs. Not a bad way to spend a summer evening.

Didn't Post Magda's Family Pics Yet - Marijke

2006-07-25T19:33:00.000-07:00

Sorry, Marc, I meant to get these pictures to you before now. Are you able to copy them and paste them onto your computer? If not, email me and I'll see what other way I can get them to you.Maya, as beautiful as ever - and headed to school again - after visits out west - how's it going?Gwen, I didn't get to ask you where you are working now! Got anything you can blog to catch us all up?
Derek, you were the least photographed at the party. Hopefully you can come earlier next time! We'd all like to get to know you better!

A great representation of Schepers', Baillargeon's, Bevan's and Derek's (hee hee)!

a post from laura

2006-07-22T17:41:00.000-07:00

Hi All!
On this fine Saturday, dad and Daniel and I headed across the border to the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair. My favourite piece was a kaleidoscope with images from a container garden on a rotating stand - such a cool idea!

The kaleidoscope

Daniel and I walking along the sidewalk.

Supporting Cast - bonnie

2006-07-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

Albert, Bonnie, Kristine, Nathan, Janet, Stuart, Laura and Daniel.

Mazel Tov.

All Smiles - bonnie

2006-07-18T16:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Dad and Mom of the bride. (My brother and his wife Betty)

The bride and groom - now winging their way to Prince Edward Island.

July 15, 2006 - bonnie

2006-07-18T16:38:00.000-07:00

What event brought this motley crew together again so soon?

We had another wedding in the family on July 15, 2006. My brother Jim's daughter Esther, was married to Scott Braithwaite at Essex United Church in Essex, Ontario. Along with soaring temperatures the celebration heated up as the day wore on.

They could have danced all night.

Twelve and a half Bakers? - Marijke

2006-07-10T03:09:00.000-07:00

Yes, the Baker numbers have increased sizeably since the last time all of us were at a Schepers family reunion. That was in the summer of 2002, right? Mom and Dad's 50th wedding anniversary. Back then we were technically only 9 in number (Will and Danielle weren't engaged yet) - now we are actually 14-1/2 if you count us parents.

Erika and Bryan (Counts), as you know, have Garrison and Daniel now (born 2-5-04 and 11-26-05). They live in Colorado Springs, CO; here's a shot of them at their favorite beach house in South Carolina. These next 'kids' are responsible for the 'half' person. And I don't mean Traveller, their dog. Their next Christmas picture is going to look a little fuller after their little Flippin arrives around October 1st. Oma and Pops will be going out to Colorado Springs for that, to be sure - and to see Todd and Schelyn's amazing house renovation project (see baker.blogspot.com).Danielle and Will (Gibbs) are loving being back in Greenville after a year in Charleston, SC. We're so happy to have them, too and have had some fun helping paint and decorate their new home. Here's a shot with the incredible tree that's at the side of their yard. This closeup shot was taken on Danielle's 23rd birthday - but maybe they can submit something themselves now!!Stetson Olice Fisher arrived on 8/26/05 {correction: 8/28/05 - see comments} to Nancy and Reid and they couldn't be happier as a couple and family. They are renting a cute house in the country for the moment but with Reid's new job in construction management, I'm sure they will be looking for their own place before long - and possibly more babies!
Speaking of babies, Thomas is not really ours any longer. He had his 20th birthday on the day of the party in Canada, as you heard. Here he is holding his two littlest nephews (bibs compliments of Oma) but it's hard to get him behind the camera lens. I got this cute picture of him with nephew Garrison, too but usually he's off cutting lawns or golfing or shooting skeet or working out at the gym or playing poker or bowling ... (anyone ever seen the movie "Failure to Launch?") - Just kidding - we love having him around and single!!

Anyway, he'll be taking horticulture for one more year in Spartanburg and then he'll decide if he wants to transfer to a college somewhere else. We feel sure that he's dreaming of meeting a good girl someday but right now he's content with his 'freedom' and the cash he's able to save.

And now it's time for someone else to blog again!! Gwen - any news to share about your sister and mother? They're both on some exciting adventures this summer!!

Love you all - Marijke (& Ken)

Not done with the Schepers/DeBruyn/Vervoort clan - Marijke

2006-07-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

Thanks for blogging, Nance - and for posting pictures of Ryan and his beach volleyball partner. He doesn't look like he's changed much since we saw him last (yeh, right!). But neither have YOU. You still set the fashion statement for the family and take some of the best pictures. You know how to cook and how to take time for the things that count (like teaching Mariah to float). Plus you know how to pick good men friends! Carl, we count you as one of the most faithful of the outlaws! Coming all that way and putting up with so much nonsense is not easy - especially with a herniated disk! Kudos to you!
P.S. Lauren, let's hear from you next - got some pictures to share?? I know you and your brother missed being at the party as did the other 12-1/2 of the Baker clan.

Later, Marijke

Can we be Surprised at the Brothers Lack of Fashion Sense - Nancy

2006-07-08T13:26:00.000-07:00

So the brothers have started their own "tradition".

Given their lack of fashion sense as shown by the following pic, who is surprised that they embraced the boas and red hats. Nice shorts!!!
Ryan and Stu are in Toronto playing beach volleyball this weekend. Here are some shots similar to those I used in their fundraising poster. Anyone in Ottawa August 11th is welcome to attend a pub night to raise money for their trip to Poland.

Our Valuable Dutch Family - by Marijke

2006-07-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

As I told Bonnie in an email, the Molijn family is mighty special. To think that Mom's brother and his wife came all the way over from Holland (by way of Boston) to see her and Dad - and then so graciously put up with all the rest of the family invading on their space - it's very touching. It would be like Albert going to Bonnie's sister's family's reunion; I know it would happen but I don't know if that family would actually plan a reunion around their arrival!! Maybe so. There just aren't very many gatherings for any reason in the Baker famiy. In any case, we love you, Hans and Anke. And we'd love to see pictures of your three girls and their families in Boston, Holland and Germany! Email them over and we'll do the blogging if you like.

Yes, us Schepers' only get together sporadically and we can't all make it all the time but when we meet, it's as if we'd only been apart a week or so!!

Here's a picture of Hans and Anke at the small (yet great) outdoor art exhibit that Magda told us about. It is at the University of Guelph and is truly outstanding; it was a highlight of our weekend... (besides the party, naturally!) The sculptured face you see is actually concave but it doesn't look that way when you look at it from the front. Students say that the face watches them walk all along the sidewalk on Gordon Street and they're right!!

Love, Marijke

P.S. I took a few pics of Hans and Ine, too but I'm so glad you posted those other shots, Bonnie. Any more out there? Let's see them!!

a correction - by laura

2006-07-07T05:48:00.000-07:00

Hi family! This whole blogging-thing seems like a good time to me. I love seeing everybody's photos!

Before word spreads too far and Windsor is infiltrated by the Schepers clan two weeks early, I want to clarify that Daniel and I are getting married on May 19 of next year. Once again, that's the 19th of May. . .check your magnets, folks :)

More of Albert's tail - by Marijke

2006-07-07T03:26:00.000-07:00

Us Schepers' must not be all bad if someone as good as Bonnie can stick with us all these many long years. Didn't you say that you and Albert started dating when you were 15 years old? And what about Dan? How old were you when you and Laura found each other? It won't be long until May 7th is here (2007) and we will be gathering for the occasion of your wedding! (That's a very pretty ring you gave her, by the way!)

Kristine, you must be an awfully brave soul yourself - to venture to Guelph to be introduced to so many of this family in one place, at one time. I speak for all the Schepers' that were there when I say we were thrilled to meet you! It looks to us like you might have been Nathan's best Christmas present last year!! Hope to see you again in the spring for the big event! But feel free to blog something in the meantime - your comments could be more interesting than all of ours combined!!

The End is Near - by bonnie

2006-07-06T11:44:00.000-07:00

A captive audience.

Happy July birthdays! Sorry Thomas - (absent from photo)

Hail, hail the gang's all here.

the End.

Fun and Games - by bonnie

2006-07-06T11:27:00.000-07:00

July 1, 2006 Guelph, Ontario - by bonnie

2006-07-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

Here are lots more photos coming in from Windsor.

Kristine, Nathan, Laura and Daniel

And how about the original Seven Schepers?

But wait there's more ...

In-laws and Out-laws

It's all relative.

The 'Red Hat' Reunion - by Marijke

2006-07-03T01:27:00.000-07:00

Is everyone ready to blog? Let's start with this picture of the new and improved Schepers' sibs. Thanks to Hans and Anke (Molijn) who came all the way from Rotterdam, Holland to see our worthy parents, Hans and Ine, we had an excuse to congregate in Guelph, Ontario yet again. Notice that we are not in order in this shot - Magda thought she might look like the youngest if she got on the bottom end! Way to try and fool us, Girl!! (Didn't you think that everyone would notice the hole between Albert and Rob?) By the way: nice shoes, Nance!

More serious nonsense sister shots thanks to Erika and Mariah, Gwen and Maya, Christine and, of course, the three Schepers sisters! For the record, Nancy found all our colorful costumes at Zehr's and Ryan made her get the singing bear which played (very loudly) "Girls, Just Want to Be Girls!" P.S. What were these brothers thinking???