A Gathering of Friends at a Fondue Party

I wish I had all the photos of the fondue party because some of my friend's pictures were quite hilarious. I didn't have a chance to get them from her before she left for vacation...aw shucks! Anyway, after we all were stuffed beyond capacity, we played a game of Catch Phrase. Then myself and two of the guys (Steve and Bryan) decided standing on our heads would be a fun thing to do. Okay, not so much! Although I was impressed that I could still do it, at 31 and many pounds heavier, one's head can't withstand the pressure for very long. Needless to say, I had a headache and my neck and back haven't been the same since. We also thought it was a good idea to do cartwheels...I think I pulled a hamstring :) Can you believe that all this was done without any alcohol in our systems? Oh, to explain the "Ouch, too much pineapple" picture. Felicity ate too much pineapple which caused her lips to swell and have the "chapped" feeling. The carrots were cooling them off. We all had a good time and are looking forward to the next party whenever and wherever it will be!

Kory's cold did not escape the family...Jason and Kyle came down with it; however, not as badly as Kory. I have yet to get it and I am crossing my fingers that it doesn't catch up with me! Kory has his first official school program on Thursday evening. I have no idea what they are singing, I just know that he is part of the drama section (how fitting), playing a gingerbread man. He is very excited. It should be pretty good, he has some characters in his class!

I have to apologize that my posts aren't very interesting or newsworthy...it's just that the winter months in Wisconsin get quite long and nobody really comes out of their houses, unless it's a necessity. And, if our family isn't out doing something, we are pretty much doing very mundane things within the confines of this house. I am hoping that as spring and summer approaches that more excitement will fill our lives and I will have more to report. However, for now, you'll have to endure the mundane and wait with anticipation for the excitement :)

Anyway, as Patsy Clairmont puts it in her book entitled, "The Shoe Box", "A flip-flop is like a slipper with it's top down. Their casual approach suggests ease and relaxation. The kicked-back pace of a flip-flop day or week allows us to contemplate our blessings." So, here's wishing you a flip-flop week!

A Night Out....At the Symphony

Jason and I broadened our horizons this past weekend by attending the Hamburg Symphony at the Grand Theater. A friend of ours had two extra tickets and invited us to join her. It was a wonderful evening out. A long overdue evening out! The music was beautiful and it was amazing to watch them master their instruments. However, by the third composer and 2nd movement of the piece, we were ready for it to be over. I don't know if they were playing to our unsophisication , but they ended with what we know as "Beef, it's what's for dinner". We laughed at the fact that that was the only piece we recognized. Anyway, I'm good for another year or two :) At least I was able to get dressed up and act sophisicated for an evening.

Kory came down with a bad cold so he has missed two days of school. I am hoping he gets over it quickly and none of the rest of us come down with it.

This weekend we are going to a fondue party at our friends' house. I hear the chocolate & strawberries calling my name...yum! Oh yeah, the steak and chicken should be good too.

Anyway, there isn't too much to report this week. We are all doing well (except for the cold) and looking forward to enjoying a very unscheduled, relaxing week. Take care and God bless.

Whew...what a Christmas!

CHRISTMAS #1

This Christmas we made the 3 hour trip to to my mom's house in Balsam Lake, WI. We left on Friday, December 22nd, right before the big storm hit Wausau. We missed the ice, 8 inches of snow and a 20-hour power outage!



Keeping up with tradition, the boys and Grandma baked sugar cookies (mom doesn't have the patience!). Grandma had already had so many goodies at her place that looking at another cookie was just too much. I think most of the sugar cookies were tossed. Mostly because no one could stand to eat them after the boys finished decorating them -- two inches of frosting and another 1/8 inch of sprinkles. We also baked a cake in honor of Jesus' birthday, which we did eat.

These were the edible ones!

The boys endured the time-honored tradition of having to wait to open gifts until after the evening Christmas Eve service and supper. At least this year's meal was a quick and easy clean-up...Turkey and Wild Rice Soup...yum, yum! It was a request from Grandpa. I'm really not sure why this tradition has stuck. I remember being a kid and having to wait the whole day before being able to rip off the wrapping paper to see what was inside. If I have to admit it, I really don't enjoy it as an adult!


Kyle was in charge of the camera for part of the gift opening. He did fairly well, only a few pictures that needed deleting. He said we needed a good picture of Jason and I so I think that this one will do :)

Grandma and her boys!

The boys were very excited when ripping off the wrapping paper revealed a PS2. Here they ALL are testing out the car racing game. Kyle and Jason didn't do so well using the steering wheel and foot pedals so Kory opted to not even try. Look at them, could we be any more zoned out?!

CHRISTMAS #2

On Christmas Day we went to my dad's house in Osceola, WI (20 minutes from mom's) and celebrated our second Christmas. It was a very relaxing day and there wasn't any waiting this time. We snacked vegetables (a welcomed addition to our diet), opened gifts, watched the movie "Cars" ( for about the 10th time). The boys got a tractor ride on Grandpa's tractor, played on the hay bails in the barn, and pet and fed the horses. They are anxiously awaiting summer when they can ride them. Later in the afternoon, we went to my aunt and uncle's house for ham, augratin potatoes, salads and too many scrumtious desserts to choose from.

After devoiding ourselves of all sanity for 10 minutes, we came back to reality which revealed two new monster trucks, a game of Perfection and roller blades. I now have monster trucks zooming across my kitchen floor and Kyle has even given his roller blades a whirl.

Grandpa Harlan and the boys

We came home on Wednesday, the 27th. Jason went back to work Thursday and Friday. The boys and I just relaxed and enjoyed not having an alarm clock to awaken us! We spent time with friends on Friday and Saturday evening and rang in New Year's by ourselves (barely made it until midnight)...watching the ball drop in Times Square. Jason spent New Year's Day watching football and bow hunting, I cleaned out closets, and the boys played playstation and enjoyed some time outside . I think all levels or episodes of the Legos Star Wars game have been conquered.

Nothing like an alarm clock to snap you back to reality...vacation is over and school is back in session. Today was brutal; however, I am hoping for sunshine and flowers tomorrow :)

I hope that you all had a safe and relaxing holiday season and that 2007 brings you many blessings.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." Matt. 1:21

We thank God for the grace He gives us through the birth, death and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ. We hope that your family is doing well this holiday season and are looking forward to what 2007 has in store.

Christmas at the Hilton!

Last weekend was spent celebrating Christmas with my sister and her family at the Hilton in Bloomington, MN. We arrived Friday evening and stayed until Sunday afternoon. Saturday we went to the Mall of America and did a little shopping. The kids enjoyed playing with the legos at Lego Land. Jason, Kyle, Blaine, Brian, Tara, Jeremy and Kayla all tested their courage on the Twister (a rollercoaster whose car spins as it goes along the track). There was alot of screaming and laughing. I enjoyed the experience from the ground. Kory enjoyed a ride on a train and then braved the big roller coaster with dad. When he got off he exclaimed, "That was fun!" However, dad's version was a little different..."You spent the first part crying and then screaming. You didn't laugh or smile until it stopped moving." They all enjoyed the rides, but I don't think that Blaine will ever go on the Twister again!

They are all poised and ready to rip into the gifts. Five short minutes and the hotel room looked like a bomb exploded. We went the easy route this year...they all received board games, except for Kayla who received clothes and and IPOD shuffle.


Kyle's sporting a new look since my last post. He got glasses on December 4th and is loving them. He is so happy he can see things clearly now. It's amazing how little prescription you need, but how much it makes a difference. I can't get over how much older he looks.

He got the boardgame Sorry and a 90 piece Magnetix. We have played many games of Sorry and he has made some pretty cool creations with the Magnetix. Unfortunately, Kyle wasn't feeling well all weekend. He came down with a cold with a fever and sore throat. He spent Monday and Tuesday at home getting rest.


How innocent does Kory look? Looks are deceiving! He is still trying to play Junkyard Jalopy without making the car honk at him. However, according to Kory's rules of play, it's okay if he makes it honk, but if you make it honk you lose your turn.


Kayla is 11, almost 12. She is becoming your typical teenage girl...loves clothes, make-up and the like. But, she still loves to goof around and have tons of fun with the boys. She is in 6th grade and is on the swim team and just started drama. She still has a smile that can light up and room and is the sweetest girl ever. Oh, and thankfully, boys are still gross!


Blaine is 9, in 3rd grade and full of energy. He is all boy. He loves to be outside and especially loves to hunt with his dad. When at home he spends time playing PS2, shooting his BB gun and bow. He also wouldn't be a typical younger brother if he didn't tease his sister :)


Brian is 7, in 1st grade and is still mischievous as ever. He enjoys spending time with Blaine and hunting with his dad. Whatever Blaine is doing, you can pretty much bet Brian is right beside him. They get along great and have alot of fun together. He also likes to pick on his sister :)

The kids enjoyed spending time in the pool. They would go from the pool to the hot tub many, many times. While the kids swam, we adults relaxed at a poolside table. We played a few rounds of Mab Gab. Can you guess what I am saying... "Putty Stale Beet Weenies Legs". We laughed until we cried and just thouroughly enjoyed spending time together.

(the answer is "Put his tail between his legs")


It was so much fun spending time with my sister and the family. It's funny how you can spend months apart from each other, but when you see one another again, you just pick up where you left off, as if you've just see eachother yesterday. It's always fun to confuse the Jason and Jeremy when we are together. If Tara and I are not in the same room as them and one of us speaks, they can never tell, which one it is. Also since we have both colored our hair similar colors, from the back, it was difficult to tell who was who. Hee, hee, hee!

Since last post, Jason and I went deer hunting. I spent around 3 hours a day for three days sitting in a tree stand extremely still and quiet not seeing a thing, which is quite a feat for me. Well, I saw one deer at the end of the first day, had a clear shot, but not shell in the chamber. AAAAH! So Jason shot it. He also shot another doe the next morning. Of course, they would all have to be running around when I am absent from the stand!

We have G180 and One Way tonight and Kyle's Christmas concert tomorrow night. Tomorrow is also Jason's 32nd birthday and I have yet to get him a gift! I am hoping to find what I am looking for today while I am out shopping. Anyway, have a wonderful week and God bless.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

This time of year is used by many to reflect upon their lives and what they are truly thankful for. We as a family have so much to be thankful for that I'm not sure there is enough space on this page. I will get us started...

I am most thankful for Jesus' sacrifice for me and that all in our family have come to a saving knowledge of Him and accepted God's gift of salvation. I am so thankful for a wonderful husband that God has blessed me with. A man of God fully of great strength, integrity, diligence, loyalty, and wit (which his blesses us with always). A man who loves his family completely. I have been blessed with two wonderful sons. Kyle, my sweet, compassionate boy whom God has blessed with intelligence, creativity and laughter which comes from his soul. Kory, my merciful one. God has blessed him with intelligence, humor, spunk, determination and joy.

Jason says...

I give thanks first and foremost to Jesus Christ and His sacrifice for me; for making full atonement for a debt which I could not pay on my own. God is so faithful and I am in awe of the way He provides for us. I am thankful for a wife who is more wonderful that any words can express; for her discernment and mercy and who has been supportive and patient with me even when I don't deserve it. We are blessed with two wonderful boys who both have accepted Jesus as their Savior and want to live for Him. I thankGod for the unique gifts He has given them and for all they teach me every day.

Kyle says...

I am thankful for my family, God, house, clothes, toys and food.

Kory says...

I am thankful for school, my cousins, God, toys, clothes and my family.

I pray that you all have spent time with family and friends and have much to thankful for.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Surprise! We took the boys to the Lodge at Cedar Creek (hotel with an indoor waterpark) on Thursday evening. But, first enjoyed or endured, depending on who you ask, a meal at McDonalds. Kory's choice since it was his birthday. We arrived at the hotel at 6 p.m., put our swimming gear on and head off to the waterpark.

Here they are shortly after arriving in the room. They could hardly contain their excitement.

Kory enjoyed plugging the holes in the fountain until he discover the waterslide. The cycle began...down, climb the stairs, down again, climb the stairs..... Where do they get their energy? There were two waterslides, one red (all open), one green (completely enclosed). Kory chose the red one since it was not enclosed. When asked to try the green one, he declined stating, "I don't want to go down that one because it is too dark!" Maybe someday he will finally decide conquer his fears.

Jason and Kyle grabbed the tubes and headed to the toilet bowl (the big slide which emulates being flushed). They enjoyed the other two slides as well and playing basketball in the water. Before calling it a night, Kyle and I decided to go down the toilet bowl a few times, but it was cut off at two due to a slight accident. While being flushed, the tube turned backwards and flipped over throwing us both out. Upon landing, Kyle whacked his head on the slide and got stuck under the tube. I came shooting out of the slide first, then Kyle. However, I couldn't see him right away (not a fun moment as a mother), then he popped up, holding his head and screaming. There wasn't any blood, thankfully, but he did get one big goose egg and a headache!

We headed back to the room at 8:00 p.m. The boys jumped in a hot shower, put their p.j.'s on and the wrapping paper started flying. I won't bore you with a picture of every present opening so here's just one with their favorite gifts!

Not surprised Kory's favorite is an excavator!

Kyle is enjoying "Calvin and Hobbes". When he is home he spends a good portion of that time reading the comics and laughing. I just hope that he doesn't get any bright ideas and try any of Calvin's stunts.

It's always an adventure staying in hotels. Jason and I never sleep well, if at all. And because Kyle and Kory have to share a bed, Kyle doesn't sleep well. For being such a little person, Kory can sure make himself big in a bed! It was a good thing that Kyle just had a 1/2 day of school Friday and enjoyed going to a play.

The first quarter of school has ended, which means conferences. We had our first parent/teacher conferences for Kory. I'm glad to report he is doing famously! Kyle's are on the 28th and I'm sure they will have nothing bad to report. Or, at least I hope :)

On Friday evening we surprised the boys again with a visit from Grandma and Grandpa. Unfortunately Kory had already fallen asleep. Kyle was extremely tired, but was awake when they arrived. Kory was very surprised in the morning.

We hung out with Grandma and Grandpa on Saturday and in the evening we had a party for the boys. A few of our friends came over and we all enjoyed cake and ice cream.

Our big 5 & 9 year old

Kory jammin' with Grandma to "Veggie Tales" Worship Songs. The boy loves music.

Kyle is helping Alaina listen to his CD on his new CD player/radio. Grandpa made him a CD of various artists. So he is also jammin' to Toby Mac, Todd Agnew and the like.

We were so happy that we were able to pull off the surprise and that the boys had a good time celebrating their birthdays.

I hope this week finds all of you enjoying a little happiness and peace in your lives. God bless ~

Trick or Treat

Our own little "Happy Feet"

The Red Ninja

On their way into the frigid night...

I know you can't tell, but they both have 3 layers of clothes underneath their costumes! It was only in the high 30's on Tuesday and extremely windy. But, they survived and made it around our block and each got a pumpkin full of goodies (which they are not sharing very readily with mom and dad). Our doorbell started ringing around 4:30 and I was out of candy by 6!

We had a wonderful visit with my dad and his wife. Dad was kind enough to help out with some electrical stuff in our basement and cut up some fallen trees in our backyard. We are tremendously thankful for his help. It feels so good to have that done.

Kyle enjoyed a field trip to the school forest on Tuesday, while I helped with painting in Kory's class. There was alot of creativity happening. It's always fun to watch them and then ask what their painting is of and be completely surprised by their answers. I went to computer lab with Kyle's class on Thursday. They are learning how to type correctly and I am quite impressed at the accuracy. Friday was crazy hat day and game day in Kory's class. We enjoyed playing Candy Land, Hi ho Cherrio and Caboozle, while wearing our crazy hats.

This evening we are going to a wine tasting party at our neighbor's house. Should be interesting, since neither Jason or I even like wine. But it will be fun to just hang out with some friends and neighbors.

This next week has surprises in store as we approach the boys' birthdays. I can't wait to see the look on their faces (and to fill you all in on it)! Along with our surprises, they are going to busy at school. Kory goes to the fire station on Tuesday and is having a Teddy Bear Picnic on Thursday (his birthday). Kyle is going to the play "Remarkable Farkle McBride" at the high school on Friday and only has a half day of school too.

I'm sure I'll have much to write next week. God bless ~

Pheasant Hunting

Our time away from the business of life in Wausau was wonderful. We spent 4 days in Valley City, North Dakota pheasant hunting. We met up with Jason's dad and younger brother, Christoper, our friend from Kansas, Dan and his son, Zach and our friend longtime friend, Rob, his daughter, Bethany and her boyfriend, Brandon.

It was my first time going along and joining in on the hunting experience. I have to say that it is truly an adrenaline rush! We were up and at 'em at 6 a.m. the first day (each day got a little later!). However, each day we were out walking through cattails (which were at least a foot over my head) and CRP by 8 a.m. It was a little cold, but at least it didn't rain or snow.

Here the troops are headed out.

I did have success in killing two pheasants in the 3 days of hunting. Not bad for the first time :)

On Saturday we had 7 people hunting and we filled out our limit...21 pheasants!

This was also Kory's first time "hunting". They walked along with us a couple of times, but mostly just stayed back at the truck and played while waiting for us to return.

Here's us and the boys with Jason's brother, Christopher (center), Zach (right) and Dan (back right)
Jason's dad just switched places with Dan.

The last day's limit.

It was just me, Jason and Dan on Monday. We saw around 30 rooster pheasants, missed quite a few, but did fill out our limit. I don't think I will ever be able to anticipate or get used to a pheasant exploding out from the grass right under my feet. This happened on Monday while walking a tree line. The rooster flew up, I screamed and Jason shot. I, of course, couldn't shoot since I was recovering from a heart attack. It was a good thing I had already gone to the bathroom, which is an experience in and of itself (multiple layers of clothes and a corn field!). Unfortunately, Jason just winged it and it took off running down the corn row never to been seen again.

I have found that I am extremely out of shape. I used muscles that haven't been used for quite some time. I will know for next year to climb multiple flights of stairs for a month before we go. Anyway, we had a very successful time hunting...51 pheasants total in 4 days.

We stopped in Fargo for breakfast and a visit with Jason's cousins on our way home on Tuesday. It was a great time visiting over a "delicious" McDonald's breakfast burrito and steak sandwich :)

We arrived home on Tuesday evening and jumped right back into our busy schedule. The boys had one day of school and had Thurs/Fri off for a teacher's convention. This weekend's schedule is to do NOTHING. My dad and his wife are coming into town this afternoon to visit. We are looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the time spent with them.

I hope that your week was filled with God's blessings, joy and maybe even some excitement. Take care and God bless.

First Snowfall and a Pumpkin Patch!

THE FIRST SNOW!

Winter decided to spit on us early this season. Nothing like snow to get you depressed :) It snowed for two days and the wind howled. It almost felt like a day in December. The cooler weather has decided to stick around, but the snow has left us...thank goodness! This week has been cold and rainy, but I believe the sun is suppose to reappear towards the end of the week.

CRAZY HAIR NIGHT AT G180!

This is as crazy as Jason and I get in our old age. It was also the best I could do with $5 and Wal-Mart. Many of the kids were much more creative. I am very grateful that Jason doesn't sport this look often...pretty scary. He was likened to Carrot Top, Howard Stern and some rock star.

A DAY AT THE PUMPKIN PATCH

Kory and I spent the morning at the pumpkin patch with his class. It had rained all day yesterday and a little bit this morning so it was quite muddy.

Kory walked through a hay bail tunnel and corn maze.

We enjoyed a hayride through the "forest" (as Kory called it). There were some places where I thought we might get stuck.

There was a pen of baby goats, which the kids loved. And, they were kind enough to let us pet them.

Kory enjoyed driving his own "tractor" through the mud!

Please don't think that Kyle is neglected, he just hasn't been around when the camera has been. There will be plenty of pictures of him next post as we are going pheasant hunting this weekend. Hopefully Kory's cold will be gone by then and nobody else will get it. We are popping Vitamin C like candy around here! Anyway, have a wonderful week and God bless.