New Christmas Ornaments

Earlier I mentioned that Bob and I buy Christmas ornaments when we vacation or visit a place that we really enjoyed. Well, this year we received some ornaments as a gift from Ryan, they will be a welcome addition to our tree in coming years. Thanks Ryan!

New Christmas Sweaters

We got new Christmas Sweaters from ND !

My Mom (Sybella), started a tradition years ago and she would buy all of us girls the same sweater but in different colors and same for the boys - same shirt/sweater, different color. The tradition has been that on Christmas Day, each of us that meet up for the holiday all wear our new sweaters - and let me tell you, it makes for a great annual photo! Cindy has kept the tradition alive since Mom is no longer with us. Bless her heart - it's not an easy task with so many of us! Thanks Cinsia :)

The blizzard this year put a damper on all of that..... The Larry's Rahrich's and the Hougen's had planned to drive up to ND to celebrate Christmas with Dad and Cindy along with everyone up there. No travel this year, it's been quite frustrating for Christmas celebraters :(

So, no group picture - but, here are pics of our new sweaters. Thanks Cindy!!

Happiness Is.....

Happiness after a blizzard is a path to the hot tub :)

Let it snow, Let it snow

Sara called tonight to tell us how nice the weather is in Bismarck right now..... :) Well, I thought I'd try to show her how it is here! Let it snow , let it snow. We have about 1 1/2 feet of snow right now - thanks Sara and Tom for thinking of us!

Christmas Cards

This makes the few hours of writing out Christmas cards so very worth it. One of the top things I enjoy is receiving cards from friends and family at this time of year. It's so fun to hear from everyone, and a bonus is if they send a picture :) Happy Holidays to everyone - hope 2007 is a real great year for you! Love, Bob and Donna

Week Number Six

The sixth week is finally here! Bob is scheduled to have his neck brace removed on Thursday of this week, it's been a long time coming for him.

Congratulations Bob! I love you.

Will Work for Wine

Today at work it was announced that the company I work for was SOLD to our #1 COMPETITOR. What news, huh! I've never been laid off before, but looks like that is my future for certain. Lots to think about.......

Week Number Five

We're getting there! Today is 5 weeks post surgery for Bob. Unfortunately, I can't say that the time is going by so fast - I think Bob will tell you it's been the longest weeks of his life. But, on a bright note - one more week. He is scheduled to remove the neck brace a week from Thursday - it can't come fast enough. I think we may enjoy some drinks that evening :)

Stay strong Bob - almost there! I love you.

Love Lost

A friend of ours lost her husband, today we attended the funeral. I didn't know him that well but Robin is a gem, and I can say one thing - she lost her love. I hope that I never have to live through that. Bob, I love you.

Jolly old St. Nicholas

We have what some will call 'retro' decorations for Christmas. I think it was the first year that Bob and I lived in our home for Christmas and I found this Santa. I still love him on our front porch, and he will never be replaced.

Jolly old St. Nicholas, lean your ear this way..........

Oh Holy Night

Our house has multiple levels, so we have the live tree in our family room and we also have this tree forest in our 'formal' living room. We used to have a second decorated tree, but found the forest last year - we love it! Note, our nativity scene also - I add on it each year. Happy Christmas :)

Oh Christmast Tree, Oh Christmas Tree

This is the tree that we have in our family room to enjoy. When Bob and I married (8 years ago), we started a tradition of buying Christmas ornaments when we traveled or just visited a real neat place. These ornaments, along with any that we both already had decorate our tree. It is so fun decorating and just admiring the tree when we're finished as it's filled with so many memories.

Week Number Four

Today marks the 4th week since Bob's surgery. He has two weeks to go until he can remove the neck brace - I know it is so constricting and uncomfortable for him. He's a good patient though, following all of his doctors orders. He's amazing, actually!

Stay strong Bob - I love you!

Ryan loves Mom

I think it's safe to say that Ryan loves his Mom! Jamie spends her days taking care of Ryan and she's doing a great job - he knows all of his colors and is counting too - he can probably count higher than I can by now!

Son and Grandson

Do I need to write anything? What a great picture huh! This is Aaron and Ryan - when the two are together, you will see them just like this. Ryan loves sitting on Dad's shoulders. Neat. They are very close.

Snow Angel

The other night Bob and I were in the hot tub. Outside, the temperature was about 14 - in the hot tub approximately 104. It was snowing, and, well, if you own a hot tub you have to make a snow angel at least once in your life. This was my night. I took pictures because when I was finished and I looked at it - I thought to myself, "Self, that is one nice snow angel".