Saner Moments

Grand Tetons/Jackson, Wyoming~Vacation '09

2009-09-10T19:20:00.000-07:00

Grand Tetons

Wyoming
Could not get enough of this view

Snake River Float

Jackson didn't know how he'd like

a white water rafting trip

so we chose the evening float instead

Brad, Jackson and Ian

Snake River Float

"My, what Grand Tetons you have my dear"!

The view of the mountains from the river

Our river guide told us

that "Tetons" was french for

a certain female body part

~ooh, la la~

Photo op

We didn't see much wildlife
on the river float
but we caught this moose on
our drive back to the campground
along the side of the road

Bradley insisted we stop
and take a picture of this gorgeous sunset

I'm so glad we stopped
~simply breathtaking~

The view on the drive into Jackson

Welcome to Wyoming, Jackson!

The ski area in Jackson

sans snow

A lonely stagecoach driver
in Jackson

Jackson and Brad at lunch in Jackson

Mollie and Ian

Mollie and I showing our guns

It seemed appropriate in this town

Under one of the many Elk antler arches

Digging this beautiful part of the country

Vacation '09...Lewis & Clark Caverns

2009-08-19T07:10:00.000-07:00

After driving over 600 miles our first day

we spent our first night at The Warbonnett Hotel in Butte

and got up the next morning and drove

to the Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park

Our tour guide took us on

a long hike up to

the entrance to the caverns

Once inside we had to speak
quietly so as not to disturb the bats

The further down we go the colder
it gets. The bats don't like the cold
thankfully

The kids and I were goofing around so much I don't even think I heard from
our tour guide what the heck these
formations are made of

Going deeper and deeper into middle earth
I hope we don't run into Gollum down here

The size of these things was amazing

It was very chilly and damp

No flash on this one
Pretty cool

Some parting wisdom from

a fellow cave dweller!
~Good Advice~

In The Garden II

2009-06-16T08:06:00.001-07:00

Jimmy and Colleen

2009-06-14T08:29:00.001-07:00

My nephew Jimmy his wife and three boys
came to visit from Wisconsin
We got together for a picnic

Their three adorable boys

Quintin, Kellen and JJ
Jimmy and Colleen are expecting another baby in December

Kellen and JJ

Kellen with his mama Colleen
Kellen looks pretty beat up
He is all boy: head down and full speed ahead

Quintin is the oldest, not even five yet

Quintin adores Jackson

JJ and Ian enjoying some quiet time after dinner

Even AJ couldn't resist playing with these cute guys

It wasn't long before the wrestling began
Boys love to wrestle

More wrestling
Bradley's turn

My niece Erin with Kellen
Waiting to pet Nellie Thunder,
the horse my parents have on their property

My Mom Mary and sister Diane

My Dad caught JJ for a picture

My sister Julie playing with the baby Kellen
They are having some fun

My brother Eric grilling the burgers

My oldest brother Gary
I don't think I ever see him without his bluetooth
I think it is permanently grafted to his ear

With my sisters Diane and Julie

Jimmy and AJ showing the love

My niece Colleen, Mom and Diane in the kitchen

Mother and child......oops, young man

My pretty niece Erin
She is my sister Julie's youngest

My nephew Brian, my brother Eric's boy
He's a recent high school graduate

Father and sons

Gary with Nellie Thunder
He was holding her still so the kids could pet her
The kids also made her a little nervous

My parents live next door to a Llama farm
They had just been sheared for the summer
So cute

We had a wonderful visit with Jimmy, Colleen and the boys
It is always too brief

~Lisa

In The Garden

2009-05-31T21:05:00.001-07:00

Worked in the garden today.

This is half of my perennial garden

Nothing is blooming yet

The other half

Michael constructed 8 planter boxes

for me for Mother's Day

They are each planted with something
but aren't quite completely planted yet

Michael worked hard this weekend
filling them with 3 yards of good garden soil

I caught him taking a much deserved break

I made this little bench quite a few years ago
It is well weathered
Just right!

A little color

The Columbine is blooming~purple

We have six hens and one Moscovy duck
They get the grass clippings
and scratch for any bugs

Our duck is a bully
She chases the hens away
from the newly dumped grass clippings

Chickens are really pigs.
They will eat anything.....
even chicken!

We enjoy their eggs very much

~Lisa

Golden Chain Beauty

2009-05-27T23:02:00.001-07:00

My favorite tree
in our yard
is the Golden Chain

It is in full bloom
and I just love it

~Lisa

Ian, Friends and Baseball

2009-05-27T22:08:00.000-07:00

Ian turned 12 years old on the 20th.
This is all about Ian, his friends and baseball

Ian's team: The Giants, placed 2nd in
a Memorial Day weekend tournament

Ian's wind up
It amazes me how high he can get his knee;
well past the 'Giants' on his jersey

Later that evening he had a few friends
over for pizza, a movie and a bonfire
with S'mores to celebrate his birthday

Tyrus, Ian and David being goofy

The girls turn:
Mackenzie, Tatum, Taylor, Sarah and Rachel

I joined Ian and his 6th grade
classmates on a field trip
to see the Tacoma Rainiers play baseball

Here are all the kids at the game that day on the field
getting autographs from the players

It must have been 'field trip day' at Cheney Stadium

Pitcher Jared Wells
signing an autograph for Ian

Rainiers before the game

Showing respect during
the 'Star Spangled Banner'

The Rainiers mascot, Rhubarb
decided to streak across the field

He gave the official a good chase

I've never seen a naked moose before

Taylor, Tatum and Ian
enjoying the game

William, Ian and Tyrus

Me and Ian
Our seats were not directly in the sun
but we got to enjoy it before the game started

Ian with his best friend David

David's mom with Ian's mom

Ian's teacher
Mr. Martin

These guys are gonna miss each other next year
He's been a great teacher

It was a great day for a baseball game
The Rainiers lost: 6-8

~Lisa

rRed hHot rRhoids......Then & Now!

2009-05-23T17:10:00.000-07:00

THE RRHOIDS

THEN AND NOW

In December of 1986 the rRhoids had their first gig.

Our guitar player Ken Partlow was in a Book Club

and they were having a Christmas party.

The rRhoids were asked to play.

I think we only knew three songs at that time

and one of them was a Christmas song.

That was our first gig.

Our last (?) gig was

~July 12, 2008 ~

'THE BIG DADDY TOUR'

Ken retired from his orthopedic practice

and the rRhoids played at his party for old times sake.

These are some of my very favorite people on this planet.

We had some really good times together.

Enjoy this blast from the past!

****************************

BILL GARRETT

~ May 18, 1989 ~

Practicing at Debbi's house for a Beach Party gig

Turkey Trot ~ November 1989 ~

We hit the big time playing a New Year's Eve gig
at the Governor House
~ December 31, 1989 ~

It was a '50's Sock Hop

The Big Daddy Tour ~ July 12, 2008 ~

Still smiling after all these years
***************************************

DEBBI HOGLE

The Book Club gig
~ December 1986 ~

Practice at Debbi's house ~ May 18, 1989 ~
Carolyn Tenwalde (L'Amie) Kristi Gratzol (Wick) Sue Bender (VanderBeek)

We would have some of the OR crew come for a practice the
Thursday before a gig. They were great parties!

New Year's Eve ~ December 31, 1989 ~
Governor House

This would be early New Year's Day ~ Jan. 1, 1990 ~
Relaxing in one of our complimentary rooms
after the gig.

~January 1, 1990~
Balloon Soccer
(you can't see the balloon she is batting)

The Big Daddy Tour ~ July 12, 2008 ~

Doing her lead-guitar thang

Debbi didn't sing as often as we should have made her
over the years.
She is singing harmony with Suzanne
She can sing!

She's bitchin'

"What key is that in?"
Oh wait, that's Ken's line!
***************************

DON VOLKMANN

Don became an honorary rRhoid pretty early on.
He wasn't at the first gig but he joined us
many times over the years.

Practice at Debbi's house ~ May 18, 1989~

(Carolyn was one of our rRhoidettes
Robin Ellilngson (Miller) was the other)

Lucky Carolyn
~May 18, 1989~

Don probably only sang one song at this point in time
but his song list has grown over the years.

Before and after his songs he would get to party with the ladies.
Partying with Sue and Kristi

'Milk Jaguar'
Beach Party
~ May 19, 1989~

See, in between songs.....dancing and partying!

I think Don is dancing with Kathy Woods.
Robert Budinski is on the right in shades.
Tony Wheeler is on the left in shades.

Turkey Trot ~ November 1989~

The Big Daddy Tour ~ July 12, 2008~

Don waiting his turn to perform

Suzanne is wondering what he is up to.
He always has a trick or two up his sleeve

Channeling his inner Mick Jagger

'Milk Jaguar'
Shirtless!
I wish someone had had the presence of mind to take
a picture of the women dancing in front of him
and going absolutely nuts when he took his shirt off.
He eventually threw it into the crowd.
************************************

JIM REUS

Practice at Debbi's house
~ May 18, 1989 ~

Beach Party ~ May 19, 1989 ~
Sexy legs Jim!

Turkey Trot ~ November 1989 ~

Post New Year's Eve gig
~ January 1, 1990 ~

We trashed this room in a very mild way
and I remember the sliding glass door somehow got knocked out
and I think Jim was responsible.

The guys got it fixed in the end though!

Happy New Year
~ January 1, 1990 ~

The Big Daddy Tour
~ July 12, 2008 ~

Jim had the most picturesque setting
on the patio for this gig.

Such concentration

Love this picture
~ July 12, 2008 ~
********************

BIG DADDY ~ Ken Partlow

The Book Club gig ~ December 1986 ~

A Pajama Party at Garrett's house

I don't even know the year.

That is Roger next to me and Bill.
He is a friend of a friend of mine who graced us with his presence

for a few gigs.

I can't even remember his last name.

Roger thought he was so cool. I don't think any of us did.

New Year's Eve ~ December 31, 1989 ~

Governor House

Ken and me post New Year's Eve gig
~ January 1, 1990 ~

Partying like the rock stars we weren't.

But oh did we have fun!

Ken is the only person I can recognize in this picture.

I think it is a Halloween fundraiser we did one year.

I don't know why I don't have anymore pictures of it.

The Big Daddy Tour ~ July 12, 2008 ~

Big Daddy working (or playing) at

his own party

How did he get the shady spot?

Ken and Bill watching Milk Jaguar perform

Congratulations on your retirement

Big Daddy.

You've earned it
**************************

MY TURN ~ LISA WILSIE (SANER)

Pre-function function

The Book Club gig

~ December 1986 ~

This was the first pre-function function of many.

I believe this is the first gig we had rRhoid juice:

Vodka frozen in a chunk of ice!

Courtesy of Bill-rRhoid

In the beginning Debbi, Ken, Bill and some other people

from the OR were getting together once in a while to jam

on their instruments.

Debbi heard me singing to the radio in the OR one day

and apparently thought I could sing and asked

me if I wanted to join them somtime to sing with them.

I had never sung in front of people much less through a

microphone.

I remember thinking I sounded odd through a microphone the first time.

Well, I have since gotten over that and the rest is history.

It has been one fun ride with these guys.

Beach Party ~ May 19, 1989 ~

Turkey Trot ~ November 1989 ~

Gerry Fay's 40th Birthday party

At Bob Hipps

(Don't know the year)

The Big Daddy Tour ~ July 12, 2008 ~

Smilling and keeping the beat

Doing what I do
*******************

STEVE SCHLENKER

Practice at Debbi's ~ May 18, 1989 ~

I cannot remember when Steve and Suzanne joined the rRhoids.

Steve plays bass, sometimes lead guitar and he even sings!

He has worn many (trucker) hats over the years

Lookin' pretty fly Steve

Turkey Trot ~ November 1989 ~

Bob Hipp's house

(Diana's birthday?)

Steve is still rockin' the bass

and the hats!

The Big Daddy Tour ~ July 12, 2008 ~

Steve amazes me in that after all of these

years he can recall every song we play.

What key they are in, the arrangement, etc.
(I know Debbi would disagree)

Over the years we have added so many songs to our set lists.

Way more than the three we started out with for the Book Club.

For The Big Daddy Tour we were able to scratch our not-so-favorites.

We scratched 'Love Shack'. Steve sings that one. But that's not

why we scratched it.

I promise.

*********************************

SUZANNE RADEN (SCHLENKER)

Who is this young thing?

Practice at Debbi's ~ May 18, 1989 ~

I love singing with this woman.

She has got some pipes!

She is also our sound maiden.

Beach Party ~ May 19, 1989 ~

The Big Daddy Tour ~ July 12, 1989 ~

Suzanne usually sings with Don.

She keeps him on the beat and in tune!

It's a tough job but someone's GOT to do it.

Love ya Don!

Suzanne and Debbi blessed Michael and I

and sang at our wedding in 1990.

Like I said, I love singing with her.

*********************************

Well, that was my trip and fall down memory lane.

It has been so much fun making each and every one

of those memories.

I hope you all enjoyed it.

~Lisa-rRhoid

Gorgeous Happens

2009-05-23T09:07:00.001-07:00

This gorgeous sunset was happening

right outside the door while

we were all watching the American Idol

Finale inside

I didn't want anyone to miss it.
~Lisa

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner

2009-05-22T20:12:00.000-07:00

AMERICAN IDOL 2009 FINALE

AND

CHICKEN MARSALA COOK-OFF

Our office had an American Idol 2009

finale party at

Bill and Sherry Reus' to watch the big

American Idol Finale show.

We also had a little competition of our own

with a Chicken Marsala Cook-Off.

There were two American Idol contestants left:

Adam Lambert & Kris Allen

The Chicken Marsala Cook-Off contestants were:

Katie Schelmerdine & Amy Kouyian-Bates

AND THE WINNER OF THE CHICKEN

MARSALA COOK-OFF 2009 IS....

It's a tie! They are both winners!
Both dishes were absolutely wonderful. It was hard to choose a winner.

*****************

There was lots of good food, good people and good fun this night.

Bill Reus and Shannon Keizer

Lauren and Sherry Reus

Bill Schelmerdine

Carol Howard and her daughter Danielle

Carol is a big Adam Lambert fan and wanted him to win

desperately.

She even had a special shirt made for the occasion.

'Lambs for Lambert'

'We love baaaad boys!'

Jim Reus

hanging out in the kitchen before dinner

Pretty lady Diane Reus

Amy Kouyian-Bates

Enjoying the beautiful evening

on the deck

Carol Howard mustering

more support

for Adam

in his final hours

before the finale

Its no use Carol.

The place was filled with

Adam haters.

Bob VandenBerg

Me, Jackson and Michael

enjoying a wonderful

dinner

Ian waiting for the show to start
It was Ian's 12th birthday.

We had cupcakes and sang 'Happy Birthday' in his honor.

Diane Reus, Shannon Keizer and Jim Reus

enjoying the show

Lauren and Diane Reus

Michael and Ian with Shannon
in the background

(Ian really did have a great time)

My boys
Jackson, AJ, Bradley and Ian

(they seldom sit this still!)
Mollie was in Boston with family

Sherry Reus and Sharon VandenBerg

Jackson and Sherry discussing

who they think will win:

Adam or Kris?

They were both Kris Allen fans.

Bill Schelmerdine is enjoying the show

**************

Jackson got a hold of the camera and took a few shots of Carol and Sherry

So enjoy these next few pics!

Carol made a bet with Jackson that if Kris won American Idol she would give him a dollar and if Adam won he would give her a dollar.

They didn't know Jackson was zooming in this close. Wow!

Carol I think you have strep throat!
Are you feeling well?

*************

AND THE WINNER OF
AMERICAN IDOL 2009
IS......?

Carol was shocked.....

.....to say the least!

Jackson with his winnings....$1!

Carol paid right up!

I need to apologize to Tammy Alsdorf, Connie Bowles and Ron Bates.
I did not get pictures of everyone at the party. I am sorry for that.

Thank you Connie for
taking some amazing pictures for me.

~Lisa

He Is Risen

2009-04-12T06:42:00.000-07:00

"He is not here; for He is risen, as He said."
~Matthew 28:6~

Have a wonderful resurrection day!

~Lisa

Easter Egg Fun

2009-04-11T20:17:00.000-07:00

Jackson's friend Trevor came to play

today and color Easter eggs.

Q: Why did the Easter egg hide?

A: Because it was a little chicken!

They had a hard time being patient
and leaving the eggs
in the color long enough.

Q: How does the Easter Bunny stay healthy?
A: Egg-xercise!

The boys were impressed
when I showed them how
to draw on the egg with a white
crayon before putting it in the dye.

I couldn't resist. I had to join in the fun too.

We only have a few green eggs.

Jackson accidentally knocked the cup
of green dye on the floor~oops!

A true friend is somone who thinks that you
are a good egg even though
he knows that you are slightly cracked.
~Bernard Meltzer

Happy Easter
~Lisa

A Seaside Trip

2009-04-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

The kids and I took a short Seaside trip.

Even the upper end of the river believes in the ocean.

~William Stafford

Crossing the Columbia River over the Lewis and Clark bridge

The whole gang in the hotel lobby

Mollie, Bradley, Jesse Hoeschen, Lisa and Jackson

God gives every bird it's food,
but He does not throw it into it's nest.
~J.G. Holland

This beautiful piece was hanging over the fireplace in the lobby of our hotel.

Jackson and Mollie

out on the deck enjoying the beautiful morning.

As the ocean is never quite full of water,

so is the heart never full of love.
~Unknown

Jackson, Bradley and Jesse

in the arcade where they spent

most of their time!

Serious fun.

Brad and Jesse (mostly Brad) goofing around

for the camera.

We ran into Daniel and Laura Williams

in the arcade. Daniel is the youth pastor

at our church and his wife Laura is Ian's

piano teacher.

While the boys were playing in the arcade

Mollie and I went shopping!

I came home with this hat.

Mollie, did you forget something

this morning?

'Just Do It'

We had gone to the Nike factory store earlier and

we are all wearing something we purchased.

Brad and Jesse channeling

their inner Lewis and Clark.

Tillamook Head

We all met back at the Aquarium

to feed the seals.

Jackson and Mollie

throwing fish heads

to the seals.

The seals would do tricks and compete

for their food.

They were so much fun to watch.

If we didn't throw it fast enough

they would splash us.

Wolf Eel

Beautiful anemone

Getting in touch with nature

The Starfish are Jackson's favorite

Outside the Aquarium.

Tillamook Head in the background.

Mollie's friends Michael Smith

and Brian Kohler 'ran into' her

while at Seaside.

They all went to the movies later

while Jackson and I stayed back to watch

American Idol and swim some more.

Dinner at Dooger's

Jackson at dinner

We took the Astoria Bridge going home

View of Astoria from the bridge

Lewis and Clark's Dismal Nitch

Nowadays it's a full service rest area.

They could have used that back then I'm sure.

Stopped for lunch before arriving home.

We saw Spongebob Squarepants

on the roof of the Burger King.

We stopped at McDonalds!

Our memories of the ocean will linger on
long after our footprints in the sand are gone.
~Anonymous

~Lisa

Take Me Out To The Ball Game!

2009-04-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

Capitol Little League

Opening Day Ceremonies 2009

The day turned out to be a great day for baseball.
(Click on any picture to enlarge. Click the back arrow to get back to the blog)

Jackson's team

The 2009 Orioles

Ian's team

The 2009 Giant's

Ian was in Mexico on Spring break and missed
the Opening Day ceremonies.
Ian's team had two 3 inning games this day.
They won both.

vs. Mariners ~ 4-3
vs. Reds ~ 1-0

Mollie and Jackson

Mollie, Jackson and Bradley

Mollie and her friend Amanda

Amanda's brother Noah plays on Ian's team
(lovely background girls)

Me and Jackson

Jackson and Michael

The Tacoma Rainier's mascot

Rhubarb came for the festivities.

Jackson said Rhubarb smelled.

He is a moose after all Jack!

The Parade of Teams
(through the fence)

Mollie caught this little guy

sticking his tongue out at someone.

Rob Watilo
Captitol Little League President

Rob made announcements and introductions.

He led the players in the:

Little League Pledge

I trust God
I love my country
And will respect its laws
I will play fair
And strive to win
But win or lose
I will always do my best

He then introduced the

2008 Capitol Little League
9-10 Year Old All-Star Team

District 3 Champions

The boys from that All-Star team
were introduced
and given a very enthusiastic round
of applause.

#26 Ian Saner!

There are over 500 players in the league this year.

The youngest player is 4 years old ~ Seth
The oldest player is 14 years old ~ Daniel

Here they both are with the Deputy Mayor of Tumwater.

Seth threw the ceremonial first pitch
of the season to Daniel.

Michael is an assistant coach
for Jackson's team.

Jackson at catcher
(click on this picture~Jackson's watching this guy)

1st base

Jackson leading off 2nd.

In the dugout waiting

for his turn at bat.

Waiting for the right pitch.

Jackson plays AA ball

which is machine pitched.

Keeping his eye on the ball

Nice swing Jack!
(click on this one~ check out that face!)

Lining up for
the best part of the game:

the base race!

Oh ya.....the snack at the end is considered
the best part too!

Jackson waiting to be tagged

so he can run his leg

of the base race.

Loving that well-earned snack!

It's been a long day!
Jackson's pooped!

What a great day for baseball.

I'm so thankful the weather was sunny and warm.

~Lisa

BugZ!

2009-04-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

East Olympia Elementary

and the 2nd Grade

Proudly Present

BugZ!

Jackson was an Army Ant.
Here the ants are waiting for
their evening performance
to begin.

Jackson is rockin the little bit of choreography
they did while
singing the songs.
Off to the left is the Stink Bug. When he would cross
the stage all the other "bugs" would say

"Ewwww"!

The Army Ants performing their song
"This Is The Army, Mr. Ant"

The Ladybugs singing
"Be A Lady"
You'll notice that not all the Ladybugs are "ladies".
Max is the only boy in the bunch.
He was doing his best to be a manly
Ladybug!

All the BugZ performing.

It was such a cute performance and all the BugZ
did an excellent job!

I just had to share these.
I hope you enjoyed the pictures

~Lisa

Many Hands Make Light Work

2009-03-28T21:45:00.001-07:00

We all came together to kick off the gardening season

on March 22nd (Elmer and Mollie's birthdays) to get Dodie's yard
prepared for the spring and summer.

Susie found herself the (un)official crew leader
Everyone kept coming up and asking her what and where?

She loved it!

Greg, Jeff and Lisa edging the side garden
filling up one of countless wheelbarrow loads.

Chris and Jenny were dueling lawnmowers!

We had a classic rock station playing on the radio
Greg is playing air-rake?

Coming together is a beginning.
Keeping together is progress.
Working together is success.
~Henry Ford

Our mascot~ Greg the garden fairy!

Susie, these boys need something to do.
No standing around allowed!

Gardening requires lots of water -
most of it in the form of perspiration.
~Lou Erickson

Kevin manning the leaf blower.

Ryders job was to walk around looking cute.
We had cousin Sam making sure Ryder didn't
go after the sharp garden tools.
I think he made it home with all 10 fingers and toes.

Luke helped his Mom for a long time clearing out

the little garden patch at the front gate.

Here he is taking a much deserved break
doing his Harlem Globetrotter's tricks

I was very proud of all the kids who rolled up

their sleeves and lent a hand.

Any and all help was appreciated.

Work is either fun or drudgery.

It depends on your attitude. I like fun.

~Colleen C. Barrett

So does Desi

Bradley taking a break from all that "fun".

Jordan giving Nellie a new coat of paint
for the new season.

Opportunity is missed by most
because it is dressed in overalls
and looks like work.
~Thomas Alva Edison
Ian and Devon making the most of their opportunities.

Desi taking his turn unloading top soil.

Cousins Nick and Jordan
showin' the love.

Jordan, Mollie and Nick

This was Mollie's birthday and she was very sick
She mostly watched Ryder and kept him out
of trouble so his Mom could do some work
Aren't they cute?

Quick Brad....look busy......here comes Susie!

Many hands make light work
~John Heywood

Some of the fruits of our labor.
When all was said and done the pile grew pretty tall.

Here is the Thurston County Work Release crew
on loan for the day.

Lucas brought his pick-up loaded with the dirt

and then he took home the brush we cleared out

It was quite a load! We were worried Lucas would

get a ticket on the way home.

Lucas, Greg and Jeff making room for more.

Jordan and Nick volunteered to assemble the

Reuben sandwiches we were having for dinner.

They were made in honor of Elmer...his favorite

sandwich, sauerkraut and all!

They were yummy!

Good job guys

I hope they washed their hands! Yikes!

The beautiful result of our hard but happy work.

We hope you enjoy the view Dodie.

Happy Spring!

Love,

~Your family

Our Miss Mollie is 17 today

2009-03-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

March 22, 1992. Mollie Marie came into our lives

4 months old

Every time the camera would point at her she would give this smile.

She still loves pickles!

A little lady

She has become a very good friend
I love her so much

She is one of my very favorite people to be around

Mollie Marie at 17

Beautiful inside and out

We are blessed to have her

Spring Daffodils

2009-03-16T09:10:00.001-07:00

A house with daffodils in it is a house lit up,
whether or no the sun be shining outside.
~A.A. Milne

Awake, thou wintry earth-
Fling off thy sadness!
Fair vernal flowers, laugh forth
Your ancient gladness!
~Thomas Blackburn, "An Easter Hymn"

Mac-N-Juno

2009-03-05T07:19:00.000-08:00

Our friend Mikel brought his sweet Husky puppy, Juno, over to meet us.

He is such a sweet, well-mannered puppy of 15 weeks.

So playful and curious.

We have two dogs ourselves, Baxter and Daisy.

We slowly introduced them to Juno.

They all eventually warmed to each other (sort of) as all dogs do.

Mac, our cat, was a different story.

The pictures below will tell you exactly what Mac thought of this intruder.

Not much!

Mac kept this steady posture throughout the entire evening.

A low, menacing growl could be heard coming from him.

For the most part, Juno could have cared less about Mac.

But he would cut Mac a wide berth when going past the table.

Every once in a while Mac would give a good hiss.

Juno truly desired a closer proximity to Mac

But Mac was having none of it.

A few times Juno would try to get closer and Mac would

hiss and swipe at him. Juno was sufficiently

intimidated by that.

He didn't know Mac had no front claws.

Look at that face. Who wouldn't want to get closer and get a big

wet puppy kiss from him?

Mac.....that's who.

This behaviour does not win many friends Mac!

That is just fine with you I see!

We love you too Mac.

But how can you resist such a sweet face?

He is smiling at us.

What a sweet puppy.

~Lisa

Shoe Mania...by Ian & Jack

2009-02-22T09:01:00.000-08:00

Ian's newest drawing.

He seems to have a shoe fetish lately.

Jackson's latest drawing.

He takes his cues from Ian.

It keeps the T.V. off
~Lisa

Mother/Daughter Lunch

2009-02-16T21:52:00.000-08:00

My sister Diane came to visit our parents for a few days so we took the opportunity to get together and have lunch.

My Mom (Mary), my sisters Julie and Diane and me

Who is it that loves me and will love me forever with an affection which no chance, no misery, no crime of mine can do away? - It is you, my mother.
~Thomas Carlyle~

To have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy or confidant - it is to have a soulmate for life.
~Victoria Secunda~

A Love Story

2009-02-14T08:08:00.000-08:00

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

John 3:16

In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

I John 4:10-11

Happy Valentines Day
~Lisa

21 Years Ago Today!!!!

2009-02-12T23:45:00.000-08:00

Anthony Jeffrey Wilsie was born.

What a wonderful life it has been with him.

Experimenting With The Camera

2009-02-10T15:21:00.000-08:00

Taken in the backyard today

I'm experimenting with the color settings on the camera

Some shots from the weekend

Life Rocks!

2009-02-08T11:12:00.000-08:00

LIFE ROCKS!

This is one of the many cool pictures Ian will spend hours making.

Enjoy!!!

~Lisa

Clam Ya Dig It?

2009-02-08T10:53:00.001-08:00

The Pacific Razor Clam

We embarked on an adventure to dig these things from the safety of their sandy homes.

When we left home it was cold, gray and foggy.

This was waiting for us on the coast.

Gorgeous sunshine.

We stopped at a little grocery store to ask directions

and while Michael was inside doing that we spotted this

out our windows.

This creepy guy seemed to be spying

on another group of creepy guys. We were there about 5 minutes and he never moved.

Sherry and Katie had to show us the rest of the way to our spot

on the beach. When we got there Bill Reus had a fire roaring and lunch on the grill.

After lunch we all just enjoyed the lovely weather visiting and doing various other

things such as playing in the surf.

Jackson

Taking pictures in the warm sun.

Ian, Mollie and Mimi

AJ was working and Bradley was at a basketball tournament

so they couldn't be with us

Splashing in the water.

Reading "Clam Digging for Dummies" brushing up on our digging techniques.
Bill and Sherry already had their techniques down. This was our maiden clam digging adventure so we were the 'dummies'.

Jackson and Ian drawing in the sand

The Reus' dog, Abby. She finally held still long enough for me to get a picture.

Hanging out by the fire.
Bill Reus, Bill and Katie Schelmerdine, Sherry Reus, me, Mollie and Mimi

Beach combing
Mollie, Mimi and Ian

Bill and Katie Schelmerdine
AKA: Mommy and Daddy!

Enjoying the lunch Bill Reus grilled for us.
Thank you everyone for fortifying us so well before the work ahead of us.

Mimi redoing Mollie's french braid. Gotta keep the hair out of the way while digging.

Sherry and Katie enjoying the sunshine after lunch! Glorious!

Soon after we got busy dressing for the adventure as it was about to begin.

There is no fashion statement to be made while clam digging. The name of the game is staying dry...or as dry as you can. It's a given you will get a "little" wet but it's worth trying to stay dry. Some in our party were better at it than others!

So here are a few pictures of everyones statement!

Barb favors hip waders. She looks rather cute in them I must say.

Thanks to our friends the Sigmons it looks like Mollie and Ian are going to be nice and dry.
Watch out for those waves though.

Sherry and Bill are striking a pose in their clam digging attire.

Phil needs a bit of help from the Clam Guru Bill S. Katie is showing me how fine her booty looks in her fashionable hip waders! Shorty get low!

Michael and I are as ready as we ever will be.

As it turned out we both stayed very dry.

While going after his second clam it attacked Michael and cut his finger badly. He had to stop digging for the day. He went back to the car for first aid and came back with the camera and became the photographer for the day.

Poor Michael.

I dig....you dig....we all dig.....FOR CLAMS!!

Ya dig?

There were hundreds of people out this beautiful day

digging for the elusive Pacific Razor.

Jackson going after a clam.

He was able to master his digging technique with the shovel.

He also picked up one or two clams just off of the beach, no digging needed.

He kept a sharp eye all day. He helped me get my limit as he could spot the spurt holes the clams made from under the sand.

He was very good at it.

Mollie and Mimi watching for the next place to dig

Success!

I wonder if this is the one that Mollie fought so hard to hang onto?

As she was digging down for this clam and just as she got a hold of him

a wave came up and sunk her arm into the hole up to her armpit.

She had to wait until the wave went back out before she could pull her hand out still clutching the clam. Well done girls!

After I reached my limit of 15 clams, I helped Ian get his

Barb and Phil and Sherry and Bill all using their muscle and their clam guns.

Barb only went after the really big clams. So she had to work extra hard for those.

Bill Reus going after a clam. He preferred the shovel technique.

Bill S. helping Ian and me get a clam just as a wave came up

Bill and Katie were so patient in helping Ian and Jackson learn how to dig for clams.

Jackson paid attention too because he could spot where those clams were better than I could and he got two by digging with the shovel. I never did get the hang of that technique.

Way to go Jack!

This picture must have been taken after the wave that knocked Katie down

and wouldn't let her back up. She got drenched from head to toe. Her hip waders were full of water but she kept digging.

What a woman!

After a full day of digging we all made our way back to the fire for dry clothes.

Mollie and Mimi took a few action shots jumping off a piece of driftwood as it got darker.

Jackson and Ian in action.

Mimi and Mollie

Ian, Mimi and me warming by the fire. I'm eating the last of the Brats.

Me and Michael warming up

Fine Art Plastic Surgery staff:

Dr. Bill Reus, Office Manager Sherry Reus, Surgical Assistant Lisa Saner, Nurse Katie Schelmerdine and Nurse Anesthetist Barb Klube.

I couldn't ask to work with a better group of people.

The rest of the staff are: Nurses Connie Bowles and Kristi Holterman.

Front Office: Carol Howard and Tammy Alsdorf

Bill and Katie trying to keep Chu warm

They gave up and just put his coat on him. How cute.

Bill R., Katie and Barb staying warm by the fire

Barb Klube and Phil Ouimet

After we left the beach we headed home.

Jackson promptly fell asleep. We stopped in Aberdeen for dinner.

We arrived home by 9:30.

We had an awesome clam digging adventure!!

We're ready to go again.

Look at 'em! Aren't they beautiful?

We came home with approximately 35. I say approximately because some

clams didn't come out of the sand whole!

Now the fun really begins! Cleaning them all!

Before we left the beach the night before Bill Schelmerdine gave us a tutorial on how to clean razor clams. I am so glad he did.

So the cleaning continued for about an hour and a half.

My fingers were waterlogged before I was through.

I put my apron on pretty soon after I began cleaning as it was a wet, messy job.

Lots of running water is very helpful to rinse all the guts away.

My pile of "extra" parts was almost as big as my pile of cleaned clams.

They were given to the chickens. Michael is going to smash the clam shells up and we will give them to the chickens as well for a little extra calcium!

The fruits of our labor.

The bowl on the left are the bodies and the bowl on the right are the "feet" or "boots".

Dinners ready.

Fried clams, New England Clam Chowder and Caesar Salad and Breadsticks!

"Dig" In!

~Lisa

Boys to Men.....How did it happen?

2009-01-25T14:56:00.000-08:00

AJ (Ian) and Mikel Pizzolo in 1999, just young boys.

Mikel and AJ in 2009!
When and how did they turn into young men?

They have known each other since the 3rd grade and have been friends ever since.

Frank, Tammy and Mikel Pizzolo joined us for dinner on Saturday. We have been trying to get together for too long. It's embarrassing how long we have been trying to get together since the boys....er, young men graduated high school. But we finally did it!

Lisa and Tammy

I can't remember the last time Mikel has lounged on my couch.
He looks pretty comfortable here! It was nice to have him hanging around again.

Frank and Mikel
I have always admired the close relationship they have had
as father and son.

We have enjoyed a great friendship with the Pizzolo's over the years.

The ornament of a house is the friends who frequent it.
~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

The Crash of 1929!!!

2009-01-18T15:39:00.000-08:00

January 14, 1929 that is!

Delores Cecilia Miller crashed into the world 80 years ago!

We had a big celebration to commemorate that happy day.

What a blessing she is to all who know her.

Dodie with her children.

In back: Mike, Chris, Dodie, Greg and Charlene.

In front: Jeff, Susie, DeaDee, Kevin and Sharon.

Missing are our dear Elmer and Beverly.

(Sorry Kevin but it was either you looking like this and looking at the camera

or Chris not looking at the camera at all)

Dodie with her sister Angie and her husband Frank who made a special trip up from Texas and their brother Norbert's daughter Carol who came from California to join the celebration.

Chris

Chris' oldest boy, Craig.
Janelle, Chris' daughter, was not able to make the party.
She was missed.

Chris' second oldest boy, Brian

Chris' youngest, Jason

Bev's son Daniel.
Bev's son David and his wife Sarah and Bev's daughter Sonya, Richie and Dodie's great-granchildren Joshua and Jacob could not join us for the party. They were all missed.

Daniel blessing us all with his amazing God-given talents.
Simply beautiful.

Dodie, Craig and Diane (Dodie's pastor's wife) enjoying
Daniel's performance.

Jordan, Greg's oldest.

Lisa with our oldest, AJ

Jackson and Ian waiting their turn on the ping-pong table
getting hopped up on Mountain Dew!

Steven, Kevin's oldest son. Kevin's wife Leann, daughter Anna
and her husband Jason could not
join the party. We missed them too.

Kevin's youngest, Joel

Jeff and DeaDee joining the ping-pong fun
in the garage.

Sharon and her son and Dodie's youngest grandchild, Ryder

Sharon's son Nick

Greg's wife Laura, Sue and DeaDee

working their magic in the kitchen. The dinner was amazing.

Charlene and DeaDee taking a rest from all their work in the kitchen.

Charlene and Richie

Charlene's oldest, Tim and his girlfriend Keisha

Charlene's daughter Rochelle and our daughter Mollie.

They were the only girl cousins at the party.

Charlene's boys, Jake, Cole and Alec

DeaDee.

She made the trip from San Jose to come be with us all. DeaDee left her husband Nick and kids, Nick and Andrew home this trip. We missed them.

She and the other ladies planned a great party for Dodie. It all came together well.

Well done ladies!

DeaDee wearing her apron doing dishes.

Charlene and DeaDee made up some questions to test how well we all knew Dodie and the major events in her 80 years.

Charlene made up the questions for the grandkids.

Here are the questions and answers:

1: What year was Grandma born?...1929
2: What is Grandma's middle name? ...Cecilia
3: What kind of car does Grandma drive?... Lincoln Town Car
4: What city does Grandma live in?... Tumwater
5: How old was Grandma when she married Grandpa?... 22
6: What is Grandma's favorite food?... Spaghetti
7: How many grandchildren and great-grandchildren does Grandma have?... 31 and 2
8: What is Grandma's mom's and dad's name?... Teresa and Alphonse
9: What state was Grandma born?... Ohio
10: What is Grandma's favorite place to go on Sundays?... Church
11: How old is Grandma today?... 80

Some of the answers were pretty funny. Wrong... but funny!

Dodie looking at Jackson's "test" paper.

Jason, Joel and Bradley trying to come up with the funniest answers to the questions.

I'm sure they weren't correct but they were funny!

Charlene administering the "test" while sitting with Ian, one of the winners.

Ian tied with Jackson for first place. They got 9 out of 11 correct.

Their prize was lots of candy!!!

DeaDee, Steven and Susie playing the adults game to test their knowledge of how well they know Dodie.

DeaDee made up these questions. There were more of them and were way more detailed. Michael, Sharon and Charlene all tied for first place with 20 out of 25 correct.

For a tie-breaker they had to choose a number between 1 and 80.

Michael was the victor! The prize was two movie tickets!!!

Yeah, another date night!!

Sharon with Dodie and her cake.

Blowing out the candles!

All the cousins posing for a picture, which was no easy task!

Missing are: Sonya, Anna, Craig, Janelle, David, Daniel, Tim, Rochelle, Mollie, Brandon, Casey, Nicholas, Andrew

and Lucas, who was at the party but was missing for some reason.

Dodie opening up her gifts.

The main gifts were a water purifier she has been wanting for a long time and

a yardwork schedule for each weekend for the summer to help

Dodie maintain her yard.

The party was a great success and so much fun.

Dodie's pastor Dennis blessed the food and prayed a blessing over Dodie and her family.

It was a wonderful night and I know Dodie was blessed by it.

God bless Dodie.

~Lisa

A Good Tree

2009-01-10T10:22:00.001-08:00

Matthew 7:17-18,20: Likewise every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.... Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

If I were accused of being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict me?

I want to be a good tree.

~Lisa

A Good Book & Time to Kill

2009-01-08T10:05:00.000-08:00

The pleasure of reading doubles when one lives with another who shares the same books.

~Katherine Mansfield~

The kids had a two-hour delay for school today due to water over the roadways. After breakfast Ian and Jackson grabbed a book and read while waiting to catch the bus. I can't think of a better way to kill time than with a good book.

Ian spent most of his free time over the Christmas break reading. I think he read at least 4 books! He caught the bug for reading for pleasure after he started and finished the Twilight series. So, I think his love for reading is rubbing off on Jackson.

Jackson is in the top reading group in his class. He has caught the bug to read for pleasure...from Ian. Also, his teacher has a "Pizza in the Park" day in June for his students who have read a certain number of minutes over the course of the school year. All of my children have had this teacher for the 2nd grade and all have earned "Pizza in the Park". Jackson doesn't want to be left out. Read on Jack!

~Lisa

Button, button, who's got the button...?

2009-01-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

Michael and I took advantage of our "dinner and a movie" gift we received

for Christmas from

our good friends Barb and Kerry.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button is a fantastic movie.

I recommend you see it.

~Lisa

New Years Eve Fun

2009-01-01T17:25:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year! Welcome 2009!

After midnight we were all sitting around talking about which resolutions we were going to make, if any. Michael and I didn't have any. Butch and Tina talked about a few but for the most part no one really seemed excited to make any. As I was cleaning up the dishes I flipped my perpetual calendar to January 1 and read the verse:

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalms 34:1

Everyone agreed that this was a pretty good resolution for the new year.

We invited our good friends Butch and Tina Williams with their children over for a night of good food and good fun. Our neighbors Steve and Diane joined us too.

The kids were playing the Wii, Guitar Hero and Apples to Apples and Catch Phrase with us.

Go Team 1!

Butch is declaring that his team is #1 but he was on team 2

so that would be impossible.

Tina peering into 2009

Michael looking festive

Carmen looking cute

Neighbor Steve telling a story I'm sure! He's got some good ones.

I told Butch that this photo was going to be put on the blog because he would not stop mugging for the camera. We were trying to take a semi-good photo. So, it is what it is, as Tina likes to say!

Tina and I were posing for a picture of just the two of us but before I knew it she was posing for the camera all over the place and whoever was taking the pictures just kept snapping them. So this is Tina giving face!

The Williams Family
Tina, Carmen, LC, Maisy and Butch

Good fun!

From Old to New

2008-12-31T09:40:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year (almost!)

I have been spending a lot of time over at Holy Experience. I encourage you all to spend some time there as well. Ann Voskamp is a very gifted writer. Her post for Dec. 31 is about lessons she has learned from this year to carry into the new. Enjoy.

~Lisa

God is Good

2008-12-29T19:13:00.000-08:00

I leave for work in the early morning hours. I usually leave while my children are still sleeping soundly in their beds, all warm and snug and wishing I could still be warm and snug in my own bed. This morning as I was leaving and praying for my family and their day I was overwhelmed with thankfulness to God for His many blessings in my life: my husband and my children. It was such a palpable feeling which prompted more fervent prayer for them and a few tears of gratitude for Gods goodness to us.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. ~Psalm 23:6

May you all be overwhelmed with thankfulness to Him for what He has done, what He is doing and what He will continue to do in the coming new year.

~Lisa

A Meatball Christmas Eve 2008

2008-12-27T08:56:00.001-08:00

Yes, the title is "A Meatball Christmas Eve".

We spent Christmas Eve with Michael's family at his Mom's house. This is a very large group. Each family was to bring a hot dish and an appetizer and various other things. Usually everyone is assigned a specific dish to bring but we didn't do that this time so there ended up being three crockpots of meatballs. All of varying flavors, thankfully! There was plenty of food for sure. So, it was a meatball Christmas Eve! Those Saner girls sure can bake. This table is covered with goodies! Yum!

The battery in our camera died before I could get a picture of everyone there. I apologize for not getting at least one picture of everyone.

The Saner boys:

Jeff, Kevin, Mike and Greg

They are in Dodie's garage standing in front of Greg's favorite work of art, a velvet painting of dogs playing pool. He is so cultured!

Scott, Lucas and Mike

Cousins Sam, Alec and Cole

Mike's brother Jeff and his lovely wife Jenny

Mike's brother Greg and his beautiful wife Laura

The youngest cousin, baby Ryder and his Dad Scott.

They belong to Mike's sister Sharon

Mike's sister Susie and her husband Lucas

Jackson opening his gift from cousin Joel

Awesome! Hot Wheels!
Cousins Desi and Luke in the background

Cousins Casey, Brad and Joel

Greg's wife and son, Laura and Luke
Jeff's wife Jenny in the background

Mollie and Nick (Sharon's oldest)
Mollie and Charlene's daughter Shelly (both of whom I have no picture :()were the only girl cousins there on Christmas Eve. Out of the 31 grandchildren Dodie has there are only 5 girls, the rest are boys!
Casey, Joel and Jeff are in the background.
Missing this year are Aunt Leann, Aunt Deanna, Uncle Nick, cousins little Nick and Andrew, cousin Sonya and Richie and their two boys Joshua and Jacob, cousin David and his wife Sarah, Uncle Chris, cousins Daniel, Craig, Janelle, Brian and Jason, cousin Anna and her husband Jason and cousin AJ (we missed you all)
And as always Elmer and Bev are sorely missed.

Here are some of those cute boy cousins:
Cole, Jackson, Ian and Sam

Ryder playing on his new Sesame Street drum set that Aunt Susie gave him. He would play a bit and then look at everyone and start clapping his hands to elicit our applause.
We all happily obliged!
Ryder's daddy didn't like this (noisy) gift and is plotting how to get back at Susie for giving it to Ryder. Watch your back Susie.

Pretty Mollie with cute Ryder

Me with goofy Greg!
We all had so much fun this night.
What a great family to be a part of.
Merry Christmas!
~Lisa

Christmas Day 2008

2008-12-27T07:30:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

I opened the first gift at Christmas this year. Michael and I gave each other a new camera. A Nikon D60! It is very nice and this is one of the first pictures I took.

All the photos from here on out are taken with our new camera

Jackson and Ian opening their Christmas stockings.

AJ is playing with his new toy! He was so surprised to get this for Christmas. I agree with my sister Diane, it is nice when you hit a home run as a parent! Mollie's in the background not wanting her picture taken!

Jackson's army set all put together and positioned just right!
This was also another home run.

Before we left for my Mom's we all walked next door to visit our favorite neighbors Steve and Diane Vanderhoof to wish them a Merry Christmas.
They are the best neighbors and we love them dearly.

This is a picture of us just before we left Mom and Dad's. It's a bit out of order. AJ had left earlier to get Carissa's car back to her.

Mollie and I earlier in the day at Moms. This is also a bit out of order.

These next pictures are of the "opening of the gifts" at my parents home. It is quite a crowd and each gift is opened one at a time so everyone can see what everyone receives. It is loud and crazy but it is so much fun.

Jackson played Santa Claus this year (with a little help from his big sister Mollie!). He did a great job!

At the center of this picture are Danielle and Taylor with Ian, Ricky and Diane looking on. Betsy and her husband Dan are concentrating on something else.

Dad, AJ and Mom. Jackson is getting ready to give the next present.

In this picture are Brandon (Erin's friend), Erin, Brian, Paige, Bradley, Julie, Rich and Gary.

Jonathan wearing his beloved Minnesota Vikings colors. He is wearing his brand new hat. If you draw Jon's name at Christmas this is what he will have on his list for you, a new Vikings hat. It is said that Jonathan wears the Vikings colors every day. I believe it. I've yet to see him in Brun Hilda braids though! Maybe I'll draw his name next year and get him that!

Here I am opening the gift my sister Diane gave to me this year. For her birthday I gave her a silver necklace with "Sisters" engraved on it. She gave me the same one for Christmas. I also bought one for our sister Julie to give to her on her birthday in January. After opening this I had to spoil her surprise and tell her that she had one coming in a few weeks! So we will all three have one. Next to me are my brother Gary's wife Bernie and Gary.

Here are the six of us Wolbert kids with our parents Warren and Mary.

In birth order: Gary, Diane, Eric, Jon, me and Julie. This was the final shot after many attempts below. I had to show the goofy ones because they are so funny. The view that we see are all the cousins with cameras trying to get their shot. I should have taken a picture of that scene.

My favorite!

Here we've added our spouses. (those that have them)

Gary and Bernie, Diane and Rich, Michael and I, Julie and Dennis.

Beautiful cousins.

Back row: Sarah, Danielle, Paige, Erin and Taylor

Front: Betsy and Mollie

(we miss you Colleen and Angie)

Handsome cousins.

Back row: Ricky, Tyler, AJ, Dan (Betsy's husband)

Front Row: Jackson, Bradley, Ian and Brian.

(we miss you Alex, Jimmy, Quinton, JJ and Kellen)

I love this picture of Ian and Brian.

After we left Mom and Dad's we stopped at a house near our home that has an amazing display of lights. We took a few pictures there.

Here are Mollie and Ian.

Mollie, Brad, Ian and Jackson. Jackson didn't really want to get out of the car. He received a new Ipod for Christmas and you can see it in his hand here. He didn't want to take it out of his ears for the photo. Okay Jack!

Action shot!

Michael and Lisa

We had a wonderful Christmas day from beginning to end.

~Lisa

Christmas Cheer!

2008-12-24T13:52:00.000-08:00

My beautiful, sweet and very funny friend Tina Williams and I have a standing coffee date every Wednesday morning. This snowy Christmas Eve morning was no exception.

I love her.

~Lisa

Christmas with The Sigmons

2008-12-24T06:35:00.000-08:00

Our friends and neighbors Scott and Kristi Sigmon and their family came to celebrate Christmas with us. They are such a lovely family. Michael and I have been blessed and privileged to watch the Lord transform their lives.

We love the Sigmons.

Our son AJ and his girlfriend Carissa joined us for dinner as well. Carissa is home from Gonzaga University for Christmas vacation. They have been dating for a year. She is sweet and we all love her. We love it when they can spend some time with us.

AJ helped me finish up making the pretzel rods before dinner. He did a pretty good job. Everyone was waiting anxiously for these to get finished....especially Jackson. Our microwave died on us this week so we had to melt the carmel the old fashioned way. It worked but took a little bit longer. Well worth the wait.

Scott and Kristi's oldest, Cameron and his girlfriend Amanda.

Our whole crew. This picture includes Mollie's boyfriend Jimmy. This picture is too far away. I will get better about taking pictures for this blog...I promise.

The Sigmon Family:
Scott, Kristi, Connor, Cameron and Amanda.

After dinner Michael and Scott got on the internet to plot out our summer vacation.
The rest of us played a rousing game of Apples to Apples. Ian and Kristi tied for first place. I thought Connor was going to explode from all the fierce competition. It was really fun! This picture includes Jackson's friend Zane.

This is our Willow Tree Nativity. I just love it. It is so beautiful.

Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given.

"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life". ~John 8:12~

Have a blessed Christmas.

~Lisa

Scenes of our White Christmas

2008-12-23T06:01:00.000-08:00

This is our Christmas tree for 2008. I just love it.

This is a great view out our front window. I just love this snow too!

That mound you see at the bottom is the top of Mollie's car. She has not been driving since this snow started. It is really in the deep freeze!!!

This is the view out our back door. There have since been trails shoveled through to make a snow maze courtesy of the hard work of Ian and Jackson. And this table and chairs has been tipped on their sides to make a fort...so Ian informs me.

~Lisa

Christmas with The Gansbergs

2008-12-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

Every year we take time out of the busy Christmas season to celebrate with our dear friends Kerry and Barb Gansberg and their two daughters Addi and Elsie. This year we celebrated with them in their beautiful, new home.

We ordered dinner out and when it came time for Kerry and Michael to go pick it up they first had to dig out our Suburban from the snow which was a big job and included chains and lots of shoveled snow. We eventually ate our dinner and exchanged family gifts. We had agreed that we would get each other a family movie pass. We also included dinner at a pizza place.

We can't wait to go.

While the guys were digging out the Suburban the kids were sledding down their steep driveway. They had a ball. It amazes me how long the kids can stay out in the cold and not be cold. Kerry and Barb own a snowmobile and Kerry pulled the kids on their sleds behind the snowmobile. Kerry also gave rides through their neighborhood streets. It was really strange to be riding a snowmobile through their neighborhood but it was soooo much fun!!! We are loving this snow!!!

We had a wondeful time.

God bless

the Gansberg family this Christmas.

~Lisa

Larger Family Pic

2008-12-20T11:20:00.000-08:00

Sonja requested a larger family photo than the one on the right so here it is. Just the kids this time. It was taken at a family picnic.
~Lisa

Let It Snow!!!!

2008-12-20T08:51:00.000-08:00

I thought I would add a recent photo showing the amount of snowfall we received this week. This is a photo of Jackson with Zane and one of three snowmen they spent hours creating. All three are pretty cute, don't ya think? (I'm sorry for such a small photo)

~Lisa~

A New Adventure

2008-12-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

I'm dipping my toe into the blog pond! I have no idea what I'm doing but it has been fun so far. I hope you will check back every once in a while to see what's new. I can't promise that much will be new at first. I'm just learning.
May each of you have a blessed Christmas!
~Lisa~