Mizzou Basketball Game

Last night, Mom, Ryan, Brice, and I went to the Mizzou Basketball Game. Mom got free tickets at work. Our seats were in Suite 4, which was center court. Food and beverage was provided. They had a taco layered dip and chips, a vegetable tray, hot dogs, the best mini cheeseburgers, popcorn, and cookies.

They also had 2 refridgerators stocked full of beer and soda and there was wine also.

It was a good game. We were never behind. We ended up winning by 28 points! We have decided we are ready to do this again. The suites are the only way to go!

Merry Christmas!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas season with their loved ones! Ryan and I had a wonderful Christmas. Yes, it is very hectic with all of the places we have to go, but it is well worth it.

Last Saturday, we went to dad's for Christmas for Janice's side of the family. We had about 35 people there. Most of us were in the kitchen standing around the island. We laughed, talked, drank, munched, and had fun.

Then Sunday, we went to Ryan's mom's and Doug's for Christmas. Here is picture with him, his mom and his sister in front of the tree.

Ryan has been wanting an iron skillet for some reason! Like he cooks! Well, here is a pic with his anticipated gift! Now, let's see if he uses it!

Tuesday night, Ryan and I got into the car and went to look at Christmas lights. I have to say, I was very disappointed this year. I assume it has to do with the economy, but not that many people had lights this year. Hopefully next year will be better.

On Christmas Eve, Ryan and I opened our presents to one another. Ryan got me a new coat, because I kept saying I didn't have one for the fall season. I love it! Ryan got new shoes, a few shirts, and a new game I can't wait to play with our friends. It is called, The Dirt Game. Howie had presents too of course. He got a toy, cookie, and toothpaste and a toothbrush! He was soooo excited! :)

Then, we went to Vienna to his godmother's house. He has done this every year since he was a child. His dad, sister, brother-in-law, and many family friends were there as well. Lavern had lots of good food to eat, especially a Italian Sausage Soup that I have to get the recipe for. It was delicious.

On Christmas morning, Ryan, Brice, and I got up and went to dad's to have Christmas with the Jones'. We arrived at 9:00 that morning. Grandma, Grandpa, and Uncle Jerry were already there and eating the most disgusting meal, with dad of course. They love to eat mush on Christmas. Uncle Jerry cooks in the garage. It is corn meal or something deep fried in oil. They eat it with sunny side up eggs on top. The smell is the worst smell ever. Dad and Janice's garage will stink for 2 weeks! NO LIE! Dad was saying that he didn't know how my great grandparents did it because they cooked it in the kitchen! The rest of the family starting showing up and eating normal food like bacon, sausage, and eggs. Afterwards, we headed out through the garage, were I almost puked (because of the smell) to the driveway, were grandpa had his brand new BMW. It is very nice. He is enjoying it while he can, because when he leaves for Florida in a few days for 2 months, he is leaving it in the GARAGE! I would be taking that baby to Florida!

Later that day, we did presents. Everyone got wonderful gifts. Around 3:30, everyone left, so we could finally have Christmas with dad. We had an enjoyable evening.

Sunday we have Christmas with mom and Randy. Trent and Kassandra are able to make it this year. We always have Christmas at my house, so I am cooking fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, Madison's salad, and cresent rolls. I can't wait!

BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

Ryan and I had a very busy Thanksgiving. You are about to read a book.

I need a vacation now from the holiday. It is going to be so hard to get up and go to work tomorrow. Wednesday, my day off, I went to work and put in a full days work 8-3. When I got home, I got ready and we headed out for the Thanksgiving Eve festivities. We met the Christian's at Bones about 5:30. They were there with their realtor friends. Kent, Chris, and Alicia met us up there as well. Brice made it into town around 7:30 from Carbondale, IL and met us at Bones. His friends Bardwell, Phillip, and Art made their appearances as well. It was a night filled with lots of laughs, friends, and family.

Thursday morning, Brice, Ryan, and I all got up and were lazy for a while. We had to be at my uncle's in Columbia by 1:00 for lunch. All of the Jones' were in attendance this year, except my Aunt Paula and her son, Dustin. The food was awesome. I enjoyed turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, and rolls. Yes, there was more, but nothing more for me.

When we left Jerry and Carla's, we had to ride with Brice to go to Wal-Mart to get oil and then to dad's shop so Brice could change his oil. Well, Brice being the genius he is, changed his oil in his good clothes, getting oil on his good pair of jeans. I will get back to this in a second. Then, we headed back to Jeff, dropped Ryan off, and headed out to mom's to visit with her and Randy. Brice finally got his birthday presents from mom, which was Oct. 18th, but Brice hasn't really been around lately.

Brice and I got home around 8:00m that night. Brice, got home and went to bed. He had to head back to Carbondale Friday morning at 4:00 a.m. Well, that left me to take care of the oil stained jeans. I 'Spray and Wash'ed them, with no luck. I then got on the computer to see what other people had to say about oil in jeans. Well, I found it. I washed his jeans with a can of coke!!! BINGO, no more oil.

Friday, we got up and headed to the lake around 11:00. I did not get out in the crazyness of the holiday shopping. People are crazy and I have no interest in giving up my sleep to go deal with greedy people who have no respect for others. But, I did make one stop on our way out of town, which took me 5 minutes tops. I ran into Shoe Carnival to get Ryan a pair of Clark's shoes for Christmas. They are usually $89.00 and I got them for $37.00 and some change!!! Then we left town. We went to Ryan's mom's and had some more turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, and rolls. After we ate, we played The Game of Life. Ryan hates the new version of it. It is about luck and nothing else. I ended up not going to college, first I was an entertainer, but I had a mid-life crisis and became and artist. I had twins (1 boy and 1 girl) and another son, all living in our car. I ended up making 1.2 million dollars. Tony, my brother-in-law won with 1.8 million. He was a computer tech with no college degree and a couple kids. He also lived in his car. After the game, we visited for a little longer and headed back to Jeff.

Once we got back to Jeff, we went and met Wes, Kent, Chris, Chris, and Alicia at Kegley's. We had a good time. We went and ate at Madison's around 9:45 or so. It was wonderful, but the company wasn't that great. I was surrounded by drunks. Wes even came very close to making my throw up when he took a chunk of butter on his fingers from the ramikin and ate it. Absolutely disgusting! Ryan and I were home in bed by 10:30.

Saturday, we laid around the house all day! Then, we headed out again to meet Wes and Kent At El Jimador (a few others were there as well). Once we left, we headed to Soggy Bottoms. I wasn't looking forward to going out, but I enjoyed myself. The guys played pool, and I spent most of my evening talking to Jay and occasionally my husband. :)

And finally, Sunday, Ryan and I slept in, then headed to his uncle's in Koelztown for a fish fry. We were there all afternoon. We finally got home around 5:30. I am exhausted! Christmas isn't going to be any better!

I hope everyone else had an enjoyable Thanksgiving with their friends and families.

Little Boxes

My mom is a fan of the show Weeds on Showtime. She enjoys it so much, that she has purchased the DVD's. Last season, she asked Ryan to burn a couple copies of her DVD's so she can let her friends borrow them. Well, Ryan burned a copy for us and he watched season 1 and 2. He starting singing this ridiculous song around the house in a high pictched voice. I realized one night when he made me watch the first show of Weeds where this song came from. It is the theme song of Weeds. He absolutely loves this song. You should ask him to sing it for you sometime. It's great! (He will only sing verses 1 and 2 though since those are the only verses on the theme song.) I wish I could record him and put that on my blog instead of the recording Malvina Reynolds.

Anyway, a couple weekends ago, there was nothing on tv, so Ryan suggested we watch Weeds. I agreed. I watched the entire first season. It was good. Sunday, I decided to watch season 2. It was GREAT! I had to call mom and get season 3 because I knew she had recently purchased it as well. I am in the middle of season 3 and I am really enjoying it! I can't wait for season 4 to hit DVD. I never thought I would enjoy a show such as this one, but suprisingly, I do. Lots of twists and never knowing what is going to happen next!

Enjoy the song!

Just The 10 of Us

Last night, the 10 of us got together for the first time in a very long time. We decided to go bowling. We had a good time, the girls on one lane, the boys on another, as usual. We had good conversation and were able to catch up each other on the goings on in our lives. I think at one time or another, all the girls got a strike. (Except Amanda, who just came to visit, no bowling for her.) At one time, Ryan was being, well--Ryan. He was giving Janelle a hard time about something, and the next thing we know, he is sticking his finger up her nose. It was so gross! I WISH I had my camera. They both refused to do it again for a picture. Janelle says her nostril will never be the same. Good times!!Notice the names!

After a strike!

Another strike!

HAHA! Amanda is imitating Kim's twins bouncing up and down when she laughs. It was funny.

I don't know what he is doing! I think he is also imitating Kim.

After bowling, we picked up the kiddos and headed back to Beth and Jim's. Had to grab my camera for this one.

Welcome to My Life

Tonight I had dinner with my friends that I worked with at the state a few years ago and when I got home, Ryan was on the computer. He is back in full force with his online gaming. He has moved on from World of Warcraft onto Warhammer Online. Don't let the name fool you, it's still the same old "beep". This is where you can find Ryan most weekends and weeknights, talking to computer game nerds, playing with kids and adults who act like kids, and enjoying something to drink. If you are interested, I know he would love to share.

Game Night

This past weekend, a few of us got together to go to the Weider's for game night. We had a wonderful time playing Catch Phrase, when Kim and Katie showed up. They had just been at Runge for Halloween fun. Katie was still in her Super Woman costume. She was adorable. Once she warmed up to everyone, she was the life of the party. She ended up staying up with us until midnight, when mom was tired and ready for home. But, before she left, she danced to the boys playing rock band, and Janelle happily danced with her. She played school with the girls, and we weren't too smart. She played mom and I only hope our kids aren't as hard to control as the three of us were for her.

HOW BORING! The boys stood around the first hour or so talking politics. Look at the concentration this conversation takes!

Do the twist!
Just as tranfixed as they were talking politics!

They are both so photogenic.

Katie in Gizmo's pumpkin costume.

Ok, I must explain! Katie enjoyed using Kim as a slide and then it was Janelle's turn and oh yes, I got a turn, too. Too funny.

Yet Again?????

October 2008

Home on Leave

Ryan tried learning how to ride a wave board. He did pretty well.

Mom was having fun!
Oh brother! My Uncle Kent was having way too much fun. He already was complaining of back problems. I think he is in for a world of hurt tomorrow morning.
Heather and Heath's 3 kiddos: Kaden, Dax, Trace
Lance, Angie, and Keeli
Keeli is riding Haus. She doesn't like Haus, because he is too big, but she loves horses!

My cousin Lance is home on leave for his second tour in Iraq. He goes back a week from today and has 4 months left of his 15 month tour. My cousin Heather had a lunch for him and some of the family today. Lance and Angie live in Hawaii, so we have never met their daughter Keeli. She is an absolute doll and you would have never known she didn't know us. She absolutely loved the trampoline, but I had to hold her and jump and "go high". At one time, Ryan was throwing a ball back and forth with one of Heather's kids, Kaden. Then Ryan tried to hit me and hit Kaden in the stomach instead. Another time he hit Keeli right in the face. I must say, she was a strong girl. She didn't cry at all. Ryan felt bad and came and said he was sorry. I told Keeli to tell him to kiss it and make it better and of course, she did. I wish I had my camera, because it was the cutest thing to see him kissing a little girl on the cheek. Overall, we had a great visit and will miss Lance. We pray these last 4 months go by quickly and he returns home safely.

Am I Just Being Paranoid??????

June 2005October 2006

September 2007

Drinking Jenga

Rule: You must make a moose antler with your right hand while drinking.

Kick his butt Kim!
Something was really funny!
HA HA! Helmet head!

We had so much fun at the Schmidt's house. The girls (and Wes threw in a couple) made up a drinking Jenga game and I have to say, I have some of the best memories from this night. "It doesn't fit in here..."

A Night Out

Wes is loving life!
Here is a picture of Amanda and Ryan with Janelle's newly acquired china! She guarded it with her life.
A few weekends ago, a bunch of us got together to go to Deja Vu Comedy Club. We had a really good time.