4 minute read
From My Farmhouse Kitchen
FROM MY FARMHOUSE KITCHEN By Renae B. Vander Schaaf
As is our custom after each meal, we Their acreage doesn’t lie directly on the read out of the Bible. On Dec. 10 our vers- busy thoroughfare of Highway 60; but es to read were found in the book of Luke. the lights can be seen by anyone travelNormally around this time of year, the ling the highway. If a person is wise, they focus is on the second chapter of Luke. will take the time to turn north onto the But we weren’t reading the Christmas story. Instead, the Apostle Luke was C12 highway. All you need is to drive towards the lights. about finished with writing this book “I just love the lights at Christmas that bears his name. Right there time,” said Val. “I never tire of seeing the towards the end of the last chapter he lights as we come over the hill towards records that Jesus said, “Peace be to you.” home. To me, it depicts the real reason There are several possible reasons why those words spoken by Jesus demanded my attention. Obviously the news is filled with tragedies and calfor the season. Jesus is the light of the world. Sometimes I try to imagine the brightness when Jesus comes for those who believe on His name.” amites. There are The lights are rumors of military turned on for the conflicts. first time each Or it could also be that that the Christmas season has me thinking of the words that the angels sang at His birth: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will towards men.” season on Veteran’s Day. Perry has a deep passion for the military. He has many friends who have served to protect freedom. He loves America. He respects what the flag stands for. Thus there are sections respectfully done honoring this country.But rather I think it has more to do with the conversation I had enjoyed with Val Dykstra earlier that morning. She and her husband Perry have a Their special Christmas display has an airplane or two. Yes, I even saw a helicopter. Christmas display on their acreage between Orange “My dad and uncle loved to fly,” explained Val. “My City and Le Mars that exemplifies peace, joy, love uncle made the plane. Once he was finished with and hope. flying, he gave it to us. I also have a brother in law
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About 12 years ago, the Dykstras began setting who is a professional pilot.” up a small display. Since then it has grown Planes were a natural inclusion. immensely so that the lights can be seen for some distance — which is a good thing.
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The Dykstras have added at least one new item every year. Their ideas often were found in magazine devoted to patterns to be used for seasonal displays. They would spend time looking through it. If a certain pattern jumped out, they would work together to make the item. They both also enjoyed painting the new exhibit. This year Santa was presented with a boat while more was added to the military display.
I am positive that the cutouts of Santa Claus kissing Mrs. Santa Claus will make you smile.
No doubt you will be surprised when you see figurines doing gymnastics. Hmm?
Gymnastics have played a huge part in their family. Val has coached this sport for over 30 years. Her Siouxland Superstar Tumblebus travels to 20 different preschools/daycare centers every week. Young children learn the basics of gymnastics while their parents are at work.
In 2018, teaching gymnastics expanded even further. She and her daughter, Alisha Dykstra, opened VIP Gymnastics, Ninja and Cheer in South Sioux City, Neb.
It’s amazing that this 21,135 square foot building was at one time a place where Gateway manufactured computers. It is now a place of physical activity. What a change!
I don’t think anyone is going to say, ‘there is nothing to do here’ as the facility is well equipped with a long trampoline, rod floor, two vault runways, two in-ground trampolines, pit bar, channel bar, full set uneven bars, high and low balance beams, two full spring floors, ninja equipment, and its very own preschool gym.
But it’s more than a place to run off some excess energy for the 500 to 600 kids who come every week. The gymnastics and cheer sports can be coached on the competitive level.
Yet, I must say, there is even more.
“In the business name, the first three letters VIP reveal its true purpose,” said Val. “Our goal is to make everyone feel special, a very important person.”
She continues to spend time coaching as she pours out her love towards her students to help them feel as though they were a super star. The roles are
