Christmas 2010

It was great having so many of my children home for Christmas. Jeremy and Krissy couldn't be here but everyone else was. I picked up Angela in Minneapolis on Dec. 19 and she is here until after the New Year. Cristy and Cindy drove up from KC in some bad weather but we were glad they made it safely. Tim, Amy, Ben and Ashley surprised us by arriving at 9 a.m. Friday morning when I wasn't expecting them until later that evening.

We enjoyed some fun games at our place Saturday night with Warren, Carol, Brett, Cindy, Cristy and Mom. And then Brandon and the kids joined all of us out at Mom's on the 26th for Christmas at the farm. It was good times together but as always the time goes by too fast.

God blessed us with beautiful frost laden trees and bushes. It truely was a winter wonderland.

Thanksgiving Blessings

Well, Thanksgiving has come and gone. Yesterday, I had to say good-bye to Ben and Ashley and Tim and Amy. We had such a fun week-end and holiday together that I wish it would never have to end. The house that seemed so small when everyone was here now seems big and empty.
Thanksgiving dinner at my house was a first. We always have it at Mom's house on the farm but since I had to work and wouldn't be able to go out to the farm, they decided to have it here. And it was doable because the numbers were small, there were only 7 of us so my small table held us all, barely. Saturday was almost a repeat of Thursday except instead of John Rivera, we had Brandon, Cole and Jordyn join us for dinner.
Since the kids won't be home for Christmas we invited Warren and Carol up and had our traditional reading of the Christmas story by candle light with eggnog and cookies after, with a toast with sparkling grape juice. The kids opened their presents and we had fun playing Rock Band/Guitar Hero World Tour.
It was great hearing from Angela and Brett. I missed Brian's call once again. It would be so great to all be able to be together for the holidays always but that will never happen in this lifetime I'm afraid. But I treasure every moment that we can get together or talk. I hate that so often I let work and "life" get in the way of spending time doing things that mean the most, time with family, friends and God. I am thankful that they all forgive me for my occasional thoughlessness.

The Renaissance Festival

I can't believe that is has already been a week since we were in Shakopee, MN for the Renaissance Festival. It was the most fun time I have had in forever! I felt like I was in some fantasy world. I think being dressed up made me feel more a part of the real time period.
Our self portrait
We went to the Feast of Fantasy on Friday afternoon and it was amazing! The seven course meal was fantastic and the entertainment was lots of fun but the humor was very crude( hense the name "Bad Manor"). One of the vendors told us that unless we wanted to wait in line for an hour to get into the festival on Sat. morning we should make sure we got there early so we arrived at 8:30 am. The gates open at 9. So we got to see the whole opening ceremony and everything. The whole day was full of entertainment and all the food you could ever want. The shops were also fun to look through. There was so much to see and do, music and dancing... I wish I could post all my pictures but here are just a few. I definately think this will be an annual event for us. All week I have just been longing to be back there. I just have a hard time trying to put my experience into words, it was just wonderful!!

Terri in front of Bad Manor

The buildings

Waiting for the gates to open
Curt eating a smoked turkey leg

Terri getting kissed by the wizard

A wood nymph The hosts of the Feast of Fantasy



The joust

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Well, I just returned from McDonald's for my annual Shamrock shake. I'm not sure when it all started but for many years this has been our way of celebrating St. Patrick's Day. So I hope that all my children will continue on with the tradition. It makes me feel connected with them today knowing that they too will be visiting McDonald's and enjoying that minty green ice cream delight.

Super Bowl Phenomena

Curt and I are not avid football fans, but every year it seems to be a tradition that Curt makes what he calls his "Super Bowl Chili" and we watch the game. To be truthful, Curt watches it mainly for the advertisements. And me, I usually fall asleep or something. Not that I don't like football because I can really get into it but it's not my passion or anything. But none the less we have our chili. Even this year, Curt works evenings so he won't even be home to watch but he made a crock pot full of chili just for me. Isn't he the best?! So I will continue to keep the tradition and eat my chili alone.