Happy New Year!

Here I sit with only a half hour left of 2008--I can't believe the year is over!

~~~

Abby is celebrating New Year's Eve with Grandma Deb and Grandpa Ken and all of the Chippewa Cousins at Auntie Bev's house in Chippewa Falls tonight. They are hosting a family party there--I am sure it will be a lot of fun with games, food, and lots of big talking!

~~~

Andrew was invited to a party tonight at his friend, Brynn's, house. After the bringing in of the new year, the boys will be coming back to our house for the rest of the night--or should I say morning--for an all-nighter of video games. I am glad they will be in the basement, two floors down from me, so I won't hear them hooting and hollering!

~~~

Austin is partying tonight at his friend, David, A.K.A. "Sparky Sloan's", house. David invited a house-full of kids over for the night to ring in the new year. I am sure they are watching movies, playing ping-pong, playing pool, and probably playing guitar hero--maybe even hitting the hot tub, although it is about -9 degrees here tonight--brrrr!

~~~

And what are Jamie and I up to, you ask? Well, he ran to work a little bit ago to exchange a vehicle, and I scrubbed some toilets--HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! We are really living it up this year--we just shared the two sections of the Barron News Shield for some light reading, and now he is watching TV, and I am on the computer. All of this excitement has really tired me out, so I am thinking of heading to my bed (where my electric mattress pad has been on for a while) and reading until 2009!

~~~

Oh boy--when did we get old?!?

*sigh*

~~~

Here's to a more exciting 2009!!! (But not TOO exciting--it might raise our blood pressure!)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!

Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!

Happy Anniversary to my Mom and Dad on December 28th!!~~~
Thanks for all you do to be great parents and grandparents! Enjoy your anniversary!
love,
Jamie, Shana,
Austin, Andrew, and Abby
Jack and Sophie send special kisses to Grandpa Denny!

Attention Lurkers!

This blog post is for all of you "Lurkers" out there. "What is a 'Lurker'", you ask? Well, a "Lurker" is someone who visits a blog, but never leaves a comment! Yep, that's you!!! I know there are people popping in and reading my blog--I have a visitor counter on the side bar that lets me know these things! Wouldn't it be great if you would leave an occasional message when you stop by? (the correct answer to that rhetorical question is "yes"!)

Now, now. It doesn't have to be anything fancy! Don't feel any stress about it! Even a sentence will do! Or a simple "hello"! It is really easy, too. All you have to do is click on the comments section, which on my blog is labeled "Intellegent Insights". Once you click on "Intelligent Insights" (which is located at the bottom of EACH individual blog post), you can type in your comments in the box that appears. Then, all you have to do is enter in your user name (e-mail address) and password! SO EASY! If you do not have a blogger accout yet, you can simply make one by clicking on that option, entering in your e-mail address, and creating a password for yourself.

Now, I know you can do it! I can't wait to read your comments on my blog! Even if it is just to say how boring my life has become!!!! *smile*

I'll be watching for you...

~~~

oh yeah--be sure to scroll down (and scroll, and scroll, and scroll)--I finally updated my blog with posts long overdue.

A Manor Family Christmas

Our Manor Family Christmas, A.K.A. "Christmas at the Plaza", A.K.A. "Grandma Lila's Christmas" was held on Saturday, December 27th at the Plaza in Eau Claire. Once again, it was a great time for a gathering of our family and some friends over a meal and some fellowship. We had 62 people for the meal, and then 12 more family members came after the meal to join in the fun of our annual program!

~~~

Uncle Jack was our illustrious MC of our family program this year in honor of Sharon. He did a wonderful job as Master of Ceremonies, and kept the program running smoothly. He looked very festive in his infamous red sweater!~~~

Grandma Lila spoke to all of her children on this special day...
~~~
Aunt LaNita had a good humored story to share with us all...

~~~
Uncle Louis read the birth of Christ to us in a very unique way this year--he really captured the attention of the kids and involved them in the reading!

~~~
Paul lead the singing with his baritone voice--great job, Paul!

~~~
A quartet!
Robert, Amanda, Damara, and Paul

~~~
Robert and Amanda sang a duet--Robert plays the piano beautifully!

~~~

In addition to the program, there was a lot of visiting that took place during the day...

~~~

Great-Grandma Pat and Baby Ty Cameron Lewis celebrating his first Christmas

~~~
Cute little Ty Cameron!

~~~
I was accused of being a "baby hog" when it came to little Ty--but who can blame me?! Look at this bundle of sweetness! He is just begging to be pinched and squeezed!

~~~
Rosy-red cheeks to match his bright red Christmas hat! Couldn't you just eat him up!?!

~~~
The Manor Kids-

Betsy, Becca, and Philip (Who, I might add, looks and sounds so great! We are all proud of you, Philip!)

~~~
Sweet Little Abby--she was walking all over today! It was hard to believe she was just recently in Children's Hospital so sick! I was lucky to be singled out by Little Abby for a great big lovey! She is such a sweetheart!

~~~
Jordyn and her cute little lips...

~~~

Baby Ty enjoying some time with his Great-Great-Grandma Lila. Grandma Lila hemmed the blanket that Ty is holding in this picture on the day Heather was in labor with Ty. We were all (not so) anxiously awaiting the birth of little Ty at Sheri's house in Fergus Falls (we were there for Timmy's graduation), and Sheila hadn't yet finished hemming the two duckie blankies for the baby, as Heather wasn't quite due to deliver yet. So, Grandma Lila and I offered to help her out by hemming (is that the right terminology?!) the edging on the blankies. Well, Gram put me to shame! Her sewing stitches were all nice and even, and she finished her WHOLE BLANKIE before I was even done with two sides! It was awful! Every time I see Ty with one of those blankies, I cringe, thinking it may be the one I hemmed with the horribly uneven stitches! Anyway, Ty and Gram look cute with the duckie blankie! I am sure that is Gram's blankie!!!

~~~
Deb and Ken were able to join us today--they were both looking smashing!

~~~
Cousins tend to get weird when they get together--just look at these guys!

Zac (looking constipated), Abby (resembling a flamingo), Emily ("Aye, Matye! Land Ho!"), and Morgan ("What you lookin' at?")

~~~
More cousins...

Matthew, Andrew, Austin, and Jordan

Big news was shared that Jordan proposed to his long-time girlfriend, Brittany, on Christmas Eve and she said "YES"!!! Also, Andrew was kind enough to announce with his best "fog horn" voice that Matt now has a girlfriend--way to go, Matt! And thanks, Andrew, for making sure everyone is in the know!

~~~
three girl cousins

~Abby, Emily, Morgan~

~~~
The overwhelming excitement on their faces...

Morgan, Andrew, and Austin

~~~
The overly-enthused Black Brothers:

Hunter and Brett

~~~
Amy and Jack enjoying the day~~~
Pat playing with Cruz and Ty

~~~
First Married Christmas--the newlyweds, Tara and Paul

~~~
When the meal and the program and the gifts are done, the highlight of the day for the younger kids (and some of the big kids), is to go swimming! This year was no exception!

~~~

Here are the girls having fun with little Allie as she floats in her duckie around the pool.

Emily, Abby, Morgan, and Allie

~~~

Little Jordyn tried out the duckie, too! Gilbert gave her a ride around the pool. She liked it so much, she almost fell asleep! She had had a wild day, as earlier, she had slipped in the baby pool with a life jacket on and her face had gone in the water. She didn't know enough to get her head out of the water, or didn't know how with the life jacket on, and she was stuck with her little face under the water! I am proud to say that my cousin/ brother-in-law, CHAD, jumped into the kiddie pool with his shoes and jeans on and grabbed her and helped her out of the pool! Chad, you're a hero!!! As you can see, everything turned out fine, and Jordyn was back in the pool again in a bit! Chad went shopping for some dry clothes and shoes and was as good as new!

~~~
It was another great year at the Plaza continuting a tradition that was started aproximately 33 years ago by Grandpa Lyman. Thank you to all who were able to attend, and we missed those of you who were not able to make it this year. Also a HUGE thank-you to all of my family members for your prompt payment for the meal--everything went smoothly once again in the planning process! Thanks!

~~~

SAVE THE DATE: Manor Family Christmas 2009 will be held on Saturday, December 26th at the Plaza--mark your calenders!

~~~
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Christmas Day--Celebrating Jesus' Birthday in Indee

We woke up on Christmas morning to find that Santa Claus had found us in Nelson at Grandma Pat and Grandpa Denny's house--our stockings had goodies in them, much to everyone's delight! Abby informed me a few weeks ago that Santa always seems to give her "dental hygine" products in her stocking, and he didn't disappoint again this year!!! *smile*

~~~

We loaded up all of our newly received treasures, our bags, and the dogs to head to Independence. The dogs were with us on our trip this year, as there was "no room in the Inn"--the Holidog Inn, that is. In an obscure, somewhat sacreligious sort of way, that reminded me of how poor Mary was due to give birth to baby Jesus, and there was "no room in the inn" for her and Joseph, but a kind innkeeper offered them a spot in his stable. A humble beginning for our Savior!Jack and Sophie were also offered some kindness when there was "no room in the inn"--a kind grandpa offered them a spot on his back porch--with a space heater! Thanks, grandpa!

~~~

When we arrived in Independence, we had another Christmas celebration -- this time with Grandma Deb, Grandpa Ken, Grandpa Edward, Chad, Nicole, Carter, and Bradley.

Here is Austin and Carter opening their gifts...

~~~
the Klimek Boys
~~~
Grandma and Carter
~~~
Opening gifts--the Dorwin Family and Grandma Deb

~~~
Grandma Deb spoils our dogs--Jack and Sophie love her! Look who thought he was hot stuff when Grandma let him sit on the sofa with her!

Jack and Grandma... (I think he is smiling, too!)

~~~
Grandpa Ken, Grandpa Edward, and Abby

~~~
Ken, Grandpa, and Deb~

This was our first Christmas without Meme. We missed her! We were able to take some special time to go around the room and share some memories of Meme and reminisce about some of the good times we shared with her--I know Grandpa enjoyed that!

~~~
Grandpa Edward and Abby

~~~
Andrew John--modeling his new Vikings hat

~~~
Austin Craig

~~~

Poor Toby had a traumatic day, as Jack and Sophie kept sniffing at him. Now, just imagine being a five pound little dog and having two big Golden Retrievers with their big, wet noses coming at you from all ends sniffing and licking--SCARY! He spent most of his day hiding in the comfort of Chad or Nicole's arms, as far away from Jack and Sophie as possible!

Here is Toby with his new toy...

~~~
We had a fun Christmas Day in Independence. Our ride home was not as fun, as Jamie had to drive in blowing snow. There were some times when he couldn't even see the road due to all of the snow covering it, but he did a great job, and we made it home without incident.

~~~

What a Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve 2008--A Day in Pictures

Christmas Eve Day started the Christmas Festivities for our family. When Jamie finished work at noon, the kids were anxiously awaiting his return home so they could sort presents and check out their "loot"!

~~~

Here is Abby with her pile of goodies

~~~
Andrew enjoying a refreshing Coca-Cola as he waits for his turn to open a present...
~~~
Austin found a corner to open his presents...
~~~
Even Jack and Sophie got some presents--Abby was more than happy to help them open their new toys!
~~~
Here is Abby showing off one of her Christmas presents--a My Twinn doll that was made to look just like her! Can you see the resemblence???
~~~
After our family gift-opening in Barron, we loaded up the kids, the dogs, and all of our extra goodies and headed to Nelson to celebrate Christmas with the Strand/Davis/Breidung side of the family. This has always been the tradition since I was little--Christmas Eve with Grandma Bonnie. We don't always get to make it for Christmas Eve every year any more, but I was glad to be able to get together with family this year!
~~~
We enjoyed a Christmas Eve Feast that mom made with contributions from everyone who attended--it was delicious!
Here is Grandma Bonnie, Corrine, and Baby Brett enjoying the grub...

~~~
Aunt Connie, Olivia, Allie, and Kara found some tasty morsels, too!

~~~
Little (or not so little!) Baby Brett was celebrating his first Christmas this year--he is so cute, and such a good baby! Here he is getting some love from his daddy...

~~~
My sweet little Allie Marie

~~~
A Squirrel and her Dad

~~~
Great, Great Grandma Bonnie Marie getting some lovin' from Allie Marie with Olivia ever-present. Allie and Olivia had so much fun playing together! They were so cute talking back and forth, sharing toys, and playing with Abby!

~~~
Sweet Allie telling Grandma Bonnie good-bye

~~~
Abby and Grandma Bonnie

~~~
Andrew emerged from the basement long enough to visit with Grandma for a few minutes...

(Andrew, Austin, and Jake played X-Box 360 the whole night!)

~~~
Austin and Grandma Bonnie givin' some squeezes

~~~

Bon and Bob--aren't they a cute couple?!?~~~

Bob, Mike, and Gail enjoying the Christmas Eve Feast!
~~~
Amber, Gail, and Jacob--the Davis Kids are getting old!
(But Gail still looks like a Spring Chicken!)

~~~
Grandma and Grandpa Davis with two of their grandkids...

~~~
Amber and Jacob

~~~
Oliva and her Grandma Connie

~~~
the Young Breidung Family~

Cory, Corinne, Brett, and Olivia

(the dumb photographer had her thumb over the flash--sorry!!!)

~~~
the Young Fyllings

Allie, Jeremy, and Kara

~~~
These four guys sat out on the back porch and solved the world's problems, one conversation at a time. I sat in on one of the conversations, and boy, let me tell you, it sure was stimulating!!! It was like bad episode of Seinfeld and Cheers, all wrapped in one--right there on the Wodele's back porch!!!
The Philosophers: Denny, Al, Clint, and Bob

Actually, when I asked the guys to pose, this is the first picture they gave me...

aren't they funny.

~~~

After all of the guests left Grandma and Grandpa's house--well, all of the guests besides us, that is, we had our own little Christmas with just the Klimies and Grandma Pat and Grandpa Denny.

Here is Grandpa opening his new hoodie...

~~~
Grandma got a hip new sweater and vest to wear...

~~~
the Klimie Boys had lots of goodies to open from Grams and Gramps...

~~~
Abby got an awesome present of her very own flamingo corn-on-the-cob picks!!!!

We had a very Merry Christmas Eve!!!