George

In a couple hours we are leaving for Chicago. We are taking Jake to see Curious George Live! Thanks to Aunt Kimmy for offering up her place and initiating the plan. We are hoping to hit up the Rain Forest Cafe tonight, and I might have to sneak over to the Apple Store. Extra warm clothes are in the bags, Chicago's unforgivable winds should be in full force!

I'm also hoping that Jake will not have his hands over his ears during the entire show! He still talks about the fire trucks from the parades. "Loud, Mommy, loud." He also thinks that fire trucks give out suckers. Every time we see one, he says "sucker!" We took him to the Van Andel for a basketball game on Monday. He faired pretty well, so I'm not too concerned.

Camp

Last weekend Kate and I took 16 middle school girls to Camp Geneva. We had a lot of fun. I have one complaint. Every year it takes me longer and longer to recover! It's all worth it though. 3 of my West Ottawa girls made 1st time decisions to accept the promises of Jesus Christ! It's worth every minute and dollar raised to get these girls to camp. If you think of it, please pray for Sonya, Vanessa, and Lateju.

Riverbank Run 2010 & YFC

Once again Youth for Christ is putting together a group of people to participate in the 2010 Riverbank Run on Saturday May 8 in Grand Rapids, MI. You are receiving this letter because you have participated before or we think you might be interested in joining our efforts. Remember, there is something for every fitness level- 5K run/walk, 10K, or 25K!

This year we are attempting to make it more fun than ever. We are attempting a new shirt design, prizes, and more participation!

Each YFC runner/walker is asked to have a goal of raising $500 in pledges for our organization. Your participation will include the following;
• YFC running shirt (in hopes you will wear this the day of the event)
• Friday night pasta dinner at City on a Hill. Families invited!
• Transportation on race day
• Additional gifts that are still being formulated (ideas are welcome – for example, if you know of someone that might be interested in contributing to our prize pool, etc.)

Each participant is asked to sign up individually for your chosen event (5K run/walk, 10K, or 25K) through the official Riverbank Run website (www.53riverbankrun.com) or by mail. This eliminates logistics for us. In addition, we request that you fill out the YFC form acknowledging your commitment to be a part of our “team.” This helps us collect t-shirt sizes, plan the dinner, prizes, transportation, etc.

We hope that you will consider being a part of our group that represents YFC at the 2010 Riverbank Run. In addition to your accomplishment of your chosen event, you are playing a vital role in helping us reach our financial goals at YFC. Thank you in advance for considering being involved in this exciting event. Please contact us with any questions or to let us know of your commitment!
Thanks,

Tara Follett
West Ottawa

Kate Stouten
Zeeland

4 months

Sweet Caleb

Happy Birthday Dad

This picture easily sums up the 2009 year. I am so thankful that my Dad is in this picture holding Caleb. One week prior he had a heart attack. Caleb decided to take a 10 day stay in the hospital after he entered the world. I think our entire family is familiar with the new layout of the Holland Hospital. God showed us his mercy and grace during this past year and I am thankful for His unfailing love.

Happy 61st birthday Dad! Looking forward to 2010.