JAJ Neighborhood News

Neighborhood Directory

2009-04-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

JAJ Neighborhood Directory

Neighborhood web address: www.jajneighborhood.blogspot.com

Eric & Maria Baker 1955 Amanda 457-2225 MariaVB@SBCGLOBAL.NET

Trent & April Bisonet 8945 Joshua 726-2679
april@ibs401k.com

Vince & Carrie Blumberg 1897 Jessica 457-7224

Tom & Gina Cina 1947 Jessica 457-0449
tdcin@sbcglobal.net

Jeff & Nancy DeGroot 1960 Amanda 457-3331
stillcropping@comcast.net

Jason & Holly DeHaan 1963 Jessica 667-2149
jhdehaan@sbcglobal.net

Ron & Kelly Elliott 1948 Amanda 301-9715
ronandkellyelliott@sbcglobal.net

Jeff & Stephanie Erickson 1971 Amanda 608-7511
jeff.erickson55@comcast.net

Jim & Lisa Faber 8925 Joshua 667-2715 or 334-7563
lisafaber24@sbcglobal.net

Derek & Kim Francis 1956 Jessica 667-2199
dkehfrancis@sbcglobal.net

Rob & Heather Gauck 1925 Jessica 457-2651
heathergauck@hotmail.com

Ron & Beth Gorter 1968 Jessica 457-4036

Dave & Tania Howard 1890 Jessica 551-2191
taniar51@hotmail.com

Tim & Sarah Huizen 1907 Jessica 457-2526
tshuizen@hotmail.com

Will Karadchy & 457-1045
Valeria Andree karadchy@sbcglobal.net

Chan Yin& Nil Klout 1930 Jessica 457-2352

RJ & Vicki Noorman 1944 Jessica 667-8553
RJANDVLN@yahoo.com

Scott & Brenda Pegg 457-8547
sbpegg@sbcglobal.net

Craig & Lori Ritsema 1918 Jessica 457-7209

Steve & Lindsay Roach 8959 Joshua 667-4065
lindsay@cedarcrest.biz

Laura Ruiz 822-2336
lruiz@specind.com

Mark & Sue Schoonover 1936 Amanda 667-3309
Bearcats7@aol.com

Todd & Melissa Troyer 1900 Jessica 457-4787
Cell 717-1973 mat4787@sbcglobal.net

Activities for the Year

2008-10-18T07:49:00.000-07:00

Hello All~

I have been wanting to post these for almost 2 months. Wow! Time does fly.

So here are the Activity sign up sheets with attendees and organizers.

There are still a few activities that do not have volunteer organizers, if you are interested in taking on that role please email me so I can put your name down. If you realize that you are not included in an activity that you want to join please email me that information also. If you are the organizer use these lists in your planning. I am looking forward to a great year of get-togethers!

If you did not attend the block party and would like to sign up for some activities, please email me~

I will be also printing off the updated neighborhood directory soon and will put it in your mailbox.

Ladies Night Out to Dinner- Heather Gauck (organizer)

Thursday October 30th @ 6:30pm~ Olive Garden on 44th

Kim Francis

Lisa Faber

Lindsey Roach

April Bisonet

Maria Baker

Holly DeHaan

Kelly Elliott

Heather Gauck

(If you would like to come and I have not received an email yet, let me know!)

Cookie Exchange-Stephanie Erickson (organizer)

Heather Gauck
Sarah Huizen
April Bisonet
Sue Schoonover
Maria Baker

Lisa Faber
Kelly Elliott
Kim Francis
Val Andree
Lindsey Roach
Holly DeHaan

Progressive Happy Hour~ Elliott (organizer)
Party Stops- DeGroot, Roach, DeHaan

DeGroot
Erickson
Faber
Elliott
Francis
Noorman
Andree/Karadchy
DeHaan
Gauck

Progressive Party~ Kim Francis (organizer)

Party Stops- Huizen, Erickson, Roach,Francis entree'

Huizen
Erickson
DeGroot
Baker
Faber
Elliott
Francis
Karadchy/Andree
Roach
DeHaan
Howard
Gauck

Four Winds Casino Trip~ Gauck (organizer)

Francis
Elliott
Faber
Gauck
Karadchy/Andree

Mexican Theme Dinner~ Roach (organizer)

DeGroot
Francis
Baker
Schoonover
Elliott
Faber
Bisonet
Karadchy/Andree
Roach
DeHaan
Howard
Gauck

Italian Theme Dinner- Still looking for organizer

DeGroot
Francis
Baker
Schoonover
Faber
Elliott
Bisonet
Karadchy/Andree
Roach
DeHaan
Howard
Gauck

Ice Cream Social-Faber (organizer)

Erickson
Huizens
DeGroot
Elliott
Faber
Francis
Cinas
Bisonet
Andree/Karadchy
Roach
Gauck

Pando Tubing Trip-Cina (organizer)

Erickson
DeGroot
Elliott
Faber
Francis
Cina
Karadchy/Andree
Gauck

Griffins Game- Ron Elliott (organizer)

Francis
Elliott
Faber
Karadchy/Andree
Gauck

American Theme Dinner- Still Looking for Organizer

Fabers
Elliott
Francis
Karadchy/Andree
Roach
Gauck

White Caps Game- Tim Huizen (organizer)

Huizens
Erickson
Noorman
Elliott
Faber
Francis
Karadchy/Andree
Gauck

Progressive Deck Party- Gauck (organizer)

Party Stops- Gauck, Bisonet, Roach

Elliott
Faber
Francis
Gauck
Bisonet
Karadchy,Andree
Roach

Hawaiian Theme Dinner- Gauck (organizer)

Faber
Elliott
Francis
Karadchy/Andree
DeHaan
Gauck

Golf Outing- Still looking for an organizer

RJ and Vicki Noorman
Ron Elliott
Jim Faber
Rob Gauck
Jason DeHaan

Picnic Pops Concert- Elliott (organizer)

Elliott
Faber
Cina
Andree/Karadchy
Gauck

Family Game Night- Still looking for an Organizer

Erickson
Elliott
Faber
Francis
Bisonet
Karadchy/Andree
Roach
Gauck

Family Sports Night- Still looking for an organizer

Erickson
Elliott
Faber
Francis
Bisonet
Karadchy/Andree
Roach
Gauck

Homecoming Tailgate

2008-10-09T18:02:00.001-07:00

Eventhough it was chilly, we had a nice time at the Jenison Homecoming game. Thanks to Lisa for organizing an impromptu tailgate party. The kids all had a great time together and so did the grownups!

Fifth Annual Block Party- 08

2008-09-13T20:27:00.000-07:00

This year we had another great block party! We had good food, talk and awesome games for the kids! As the night fell we were lucky to have use of a firepit which kept us warm as the rain started to fall. We die harders sat around the firepit ignoring the rain as long as we could. We finally packed it all up around 1:30am.

Sign Up sheets will be posted on the blog soon.

Thanks for Coming to Our U of M Deck Party!

2008-06-27T21:06:00.001-07:00

The annual U of M party was a big success! We would like to thank Ron and Jeff for participating in the painting of the M on our clothes and for taking it one step further and painting their foreheads!

Progressive Dinner 2008

2008-06-21T22:13:00.000-07:00

What a great idea it was to move the Progressive Dinner to nice weather. It was much nicer walking between houses without the snow and ice. We started at Jason and Holly's house for awesome appetizers and cocktails, then moved on to the Huizen's for seven layer salad and ceasar. The main course was at our house for Chicken Parmesan and great bread from Panera! It was wonderful fitting all 17 of us in one long line of tables on the deck. We then had a variety of delicious desserts at the Ericksons. We were happy that the new comers to the neighborhood, the Howards and the DeHaans could join in the good times. Until next time..... We look forward to the Block Party and be thinking of some new activities we can make sign up sheets for and if you come up with anything let me know!

We learned some interesting things!

2008-03-12T12:20:00.000-07:00

Below are the pictures that we took before my camera broke. Costco allowed me to exchange it for a new one so we will be all set for our next picture taking opportunities at the next party. So, the cocktail and appetizer party turned out to be another great time. There was an abundance of food and drinks that we all enjoyed. The Cina's brought a great game that was found on the internet and we once again learned some interesting tidbits about each other. Here are a few I could remember..... One of us......met Miss America, has no spleen(sp?), been robbed at gun point, was 4ft 10in during Senior year in high school, has been to a nudist beach, was voted Homecoming Queen, was voted most flirtatious, was punched in the face by two guys behind a fast food restaurant who were trying to steal a car, almost got caught skinny dipping and lived on the island of Crete. Happy Spring to All!

2008-03-12T11:48:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Neighborhood Once More!

2008-03-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

Below you will see the start of what pictures we could take last night before my camera broke. We had a great time and were so happy we got to meet Jason and Holly and get to know them a bit better! We look forward to more good times and also are happy to welcome Tonia and Dave into our neighborhood! They moved in this weekend and we look forward to the warmer weather when everyone is outside more! Welcome to the neighborhood!

More pictures will be coming once I get the time to upload. Thanks for coming last night to everyone who made it and brought all the awesome food and drinks!

2008-03-08T22:36:00.000-08:00

What a Great Time We Had!

2008-01-25T13:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures that were taken during the dinner. Sorry if not everyone was photographed but these were the best ones I received! The night started out with appetizers upstairs and then we moved downstairs. There were 3 tables set up with checkered table cloths and red, white and green streamers. It was just like being in an Italian restaurant with a party of 20! Dinner was delicious and was followed by a round of Chit Chat. Thanks to the Cinas who brought this card question game we got to know each other a bit better! I heard it took 3 hours for Jeff to make dessert and you could tell! We also had incredible brownies that I heard got someone a raise once! What a great neighborhood we live in. The next get together is March 8th at the Gaucks house at around 7pmish... More info will be coming!

Italian Theme Dinner

2008-01-25T12:57:00.001-08:00

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD!

2007-12-15T12:15:00.000-08:00

We are happy to have two new neighbors on Jessica Drive. Jason and Holly moved in the day before Thanksgiving. We are looking forward to getting to know you! Hopefully we will have an opportunity during our upcoming Theme dinner or Cocktails and Dreams Night. During the winter months there are less opportunities than during the warm weather when everyone is outside. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Christmas Cookie Exchange~

2007-12-15T11:50:00.000-08:00

The fourth annual Christmas Cookie Exchange happened at the Pegg's house this year. What a festive time we had including dinner, gift exchange and cookies swap. We all were able to experience a Martini Potato Bar which was delicious! Creamy mashed potatos in Martini glasses with gravy and meat tips and a variety of toppings. Salad and dessert topped it off. The boxed wine was great too :-) Thanks to Brenda and Sarah for organizing this great night out for the women! We missed those of you who could not make it. Happy Holidays to all!

Christmas Cookie Party!

2007-12-15T11:36:00.000-08:00

Wow! Look at all those great cookies!

Chatting before the cookie swap....

Swapping cookies....

2007-12-15T11:31:00.000-08:00

Notice the fancy ribbon in Kim's hair :-) Each Martini glass had one of these making dinner extra festive.

2007-12-15T11:24:00.000-08:00

The swapping continues....

The Melting Pot

2007-10-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

What a fun filled evening! The Melting Pot was a unique and different experience making the evening a great night out. I heard the waiter say they have tables that can seat even larger parties. Since we have a coupon this year for two free desserts in the Entertainment book we will have to make this a repeat event :-) Those who were unable to make it this time around will have another chance. Next time we will have to call ahead and warn them about all our coupons! Thanks Kim and Derek for organizing this one!

Thanks Ron for being the picture taker!

A party of Twelve

2007-10-30T11:29:00.000-07:00

Kickball, crafts, picture taking and Fun!

2007-10-02T10:50:00.000-07:00

Kid Swap Pictures

2007-09-29T13:44:00.000-07:00

Kid Swap with the Gaucks

2007-09-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

The house is quiet at 11pm after all the kids have returned home. I just have to say that I am so happy that Sarah Huizen mentioned this idea when she first moved in. It has been a lot of fun watching the kids get older through the years and see what nice kids we all have! At one point Mr. Matthew was getting into something and Easton said "Be gentle with him he is only little and doesn't know!" This just made me realize how nice it is to see the older kids watching out for the little ones! Tonight was a full night with mac and cheese, hotdogs and lemonade for dinner along with polite manners. While the mac and cheese was boiling some of the kids whipped up a batter of boxed Chocolate Chip Cookies for the snack. Before dinner we played kickball and took video clips with my old camera of some different kid skits. They are a bit blurry but it's just neat to see them uploaded onto this blog. We then did a craft (plaster molds that were decorated with mosaic designs). I was not planning on doing a craft this time but found a kit I have had in RJ's closet for over a year. The movie Flushed Away was watched while I got Matthew to bed with the help of Avery who fed him his night time cereal. While the movie was coming to an end Jack and I were able to upload the video clips for most everyone to see themselves. While I was doing that it was very cute watching Jenna reading Polar Express to Peyton. After the movie we were able to squeeze in one of those home made cookies and a round of German Flashlight Tag. After everyone left, I realized that its not only the kids that have fun! :-) I am glad that we will continue this. We do have some kids graduating from the group who will be missed! This means we will be down to 5 families. We are going to skip November and December due to the busy holidays. Then we will do 5 months through June just having to skip one. A list will be made to hand out at next Kid Swap at the Fabers. We should all be very proud of the kids we are raising!

Alexander on the Monkey Bars

2007-09-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Cade and Peyton on the Tramp

2007-09-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Jack on the Tramp

2007-09-22T18:13:00.000-07:00

RJ and Easton Doing Star Wars

2007-09-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Jenna and Hannah

2007-09-22T18:07:00.000-07:00

Macey on the Tramp

2007-09-22T18:04:00.000-07:00

Avery on the Tramp

2007-09-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Flower Mystery Solved

2007-09-17T18:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Everybody,
I received the card that everyone signed yesterday. Now I know who sent the flowers. :-) Thank you, they are beautiful and I am glad everyone had a fun time at the Block Party! We really are a team and everyone does a great job at pitching in to help pull off all of our neighborhood functions! Thanks again!

Thank You Flowers

2007-09-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

To Whom ever sent these.... They are beautiful! Thank you! I enjoy getting the neighborhood together because I have GREAT neighbors! :-)

Kid Swap Info.

2007-09-12T16:34:00.000-07:00

This month September we will have kid swap at the Gauck house on September 22nd from 5:30-10pm.

October will be at the Fabers house.

As we come to the close of this rotation I know that some families may be opting out of kid swap due to the older ages of their children :-) Lucky for them! I know that most of the kids enjoy getting together so it would be great to still have everyone but that is more work for the parents.... so..... at our kid swap I will have a sign up sheet for you to choose an upcoming month for your next turn or sign under the "finished with kid swap" section. I will be taking pictures of the kids and then posting them on here so they can look it up online and see the pictures! I thought that might be fun for them.

Block Party Sign Ups

2007-09-12T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here are the results of the block party sign up sheets:

Activity - Organizers:

Cocktail and Dreams Night- Gauck
Ice Cream Social- Francis,Cina
Bon Fire Night- Faber, Huizen, Erickson
Cooking Among Friends- Gauck, Faber
Christmas Cookie Exchange- Pegg, Huizen
Progressive Dinner Party- Elliott (party stops- Roach, Faber, Francis)
Golf Outing-
Theme Dinner Evening- Bisonet
Recipe Exchange Party- Francis

I will give each of you a copy of the sign up sheet so you know who to invite!

More pictures of the block party

2007-09-12T15:52:00.000-07:00

2007-09-11T19:42:00.000-07:00

September Block Party 2007

2007-09-11T19:01:00.000-07:00

Another successful block party for the Joshua, Amanda, Jessica (JAJ) Neighborhood. The weather cooperated with us this year and the food spread was wonderful and yummy. We had quite a large turn out and were happy to see families who could not make it last year. The kids had a great time together and were treated to a fish pinata brought by the Cinas. Star wars, polish horseshoes, boche (sp?) ball, hoola hoops were all part of the entertainment. The conversation was good and the party lasted until after midnight including interesting ways to use a Pixi Stix and a pow wow in the grass that woke up some sleeping neighbors (which we apologize for!). Following are some pictures of the party. We will use this blog to post pictures of different functions throughout the year.