Sunday, December 21, 2008

Gunnar and Ranger playing in the snow



Ranger, a black lab, that lives across the street came to our front door looking for his big buddy Gunnar. So, we let Gunnar out to play with Ranger in the snow. They went full tilt for about half an hour. They would race from the front of our yard down to the back and into the forest. It was hillarious. Then they played tug -o-war with a stick.
One night last we our neighbor called. She said, "Suzanne, this is Cherise. When Ranger and Gunnar are done playing in your backyard, will you send Ranger home?" This was a surprise to me because I did not know that my pup was even out side add to that, that he was outside causing mayhem and mischief with Ranger.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Christmas Letter

Letter from Jesus Christ, concerning His birthday celebration

Dear children,

It has come to my attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of the year and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of a pagan festival. Although I do appreciate being remembered anytime. How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER. Now, having said that let Me go on.

If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santas and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town. Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. You can and may remember Me anytime you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish: I actually spoke of that one in a teaching explaining who I am in relation to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look up John 15: 1-8.

If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from it.

1. Instead of writing protest letters objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in a nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing George complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year. Also pray for Barack, for it is he who will be tending to your country. Both are my children. Then follow up. It will be nice hearing from you again. There are no politics in heaven.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you there. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile - it could make the difference. Also, you might consider supporting the local Hot-Line: they talk with people like that every day.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. Give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas," that doesn't keep you from wishing them one.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary, especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name. You may already know someone like that.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them (and I suspect you don't) buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Marines, the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Mine.

PS Don't forget: I am God and I can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love and remember.

I love you.

Jesus

Friday, December 19, 2008

Hippie Girl


C'mon people, now smile on your brother, ev'ry-body get together, try to love one another right now.
Chet Powers/Youngbloods

Rylee went to a YW/YM end of year decades party this past week. She is into the peace symbol and usually good example of "peace and love" so it makes sense that she picked the sixties as her decade.
Peace out!

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Mothers

My mom

Kim's mom
The holiest words my tongue can frame,
The noblest thoughts my soul can claim,
Unworthy are to praise the name
More precious than all other.
An infant, when her love first came,
A man, I find it still the same,
Reverently I breathe her name,
The blessed name of mother
I am grateful for a gentle, soft-spoken mother. She has given me and my brothers not a fortune of finance but, rather, a heritage of wealth in example, in sacrifice, in obedience. I always know that my mother loves me and that her greatest treasure is her eternal family.
I love you mom!

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Marley and Me

I am so excited for this new movie Marley and Me. It is based on the book of the same name. If you have not read the book or seen the trailers you have been living under a rock. First, Jen Aniston is in it (my girl crush). Then Owen Wilson (funny) and of course there is a yellow lab (the worlds best or in this case worst dog).
Our family loves our yellow lab so much so you can imagine how excited we all are to see this movie. I hope Big Grandma and Big Grandpa are ok with seeing this movie first. LOL.

Saturday, December 13, 2008

Blizzard possible over much of Minnesota... oh goodie


So, one of the great joys of living here is of course the balmy winters. I mean who could give this up? Winds are expected to pick up tonight and then we can expect between 6" to a foot of snow. My hope is that it will miss us. But there is no escaping the high temps we are expecting all week. Can you say 1 degree with a windchill of -30. REALLY?! This is supposed to be the coldest winter since 2000. For those that remember, that was the year we moved here. Tis the season to be jolly.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Christmas Past

Poor Gunnar

Poor Gunnar had to go to the vet today. He has an ear infection and other maladies that are too delicate to mention. So, as part of his treatment, he is on a strict food alergy diet for the next 8 to 10 weeks. That is correct. 8 TO 10 WEEKS. Special food, special treats! We have to be very care to not even let any crumbs get on the floor that he might pick up. OK, now to be honest this part does not upset me. Because my family loves this dog so much that they might actually pick up after themselves if they know it will help Gunnar. Yea!!! A tidy kitchen! Anyway, we love our buddy so we will do whatever we have to to keep him healthy and happy.

Sunday, November 30, 2008

I LOVE FAMILY

Thanks to my sisters in law(Chris & Christine) for helping me with my cute background.

Thanks girls!!!

Friday, November 28, 2008

We are Thankful

We had the most wonderful Thanksgiving. We were supposed to have Thanksgiving with friends this years but plans changed. So, that meant Thanksgiving would just be the four of us. I will tell you that even though there was only four of us that does not mean that we scaled down this feast either. Oh no, because that would be silly.

It was the most wonderful day. I got up early to fix the guys butterbraid bread before the Turkey bowl (tradition). Then I started the preparations.

Once Rylee got up she helped and we watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade while we worked in the kitchen. Once the guys got home they finished putting the lights on the house. Thanksgiving is our official "Lights On".

Dinner came together beautifully. While I was at the gym on Tuesday or Wednesay I was Watching Oprah and she had Christine Ferrari (spelling?). Anyway, she was making a Thanksgiving turkey marinade that sounded really good. So, since we were alone I thought "why not". Oh my goodness! It was Delicious! I highly reccomend it. Oprah.com, check it out.

Our dinner was so good and our conversation was wonderful! We each said what we were thankful for and I of course broke down into tears. I am such a baby. I just love my family. Not just my immediate family but my extended family.

TJ pored the "wine".


We even let buddy join the feast. We added turkey and carrots to his kibble. He is such a good boy. Asking him to sit for this picture while the scent of that delicious food was in front of him was pure torture.
You know what happens to humans after they eat turkey... well I am not lying, not two minutes after he licked his bowl clean he feel fast asleep. LOL!


This is Miss Rylee and Gunnar in front of the fire while the rest of us were watching the Bond Marathon.

2008 Turkey Bowl

Blaine Ward Girls Win Multi Stake Volleyball Championship

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Blaine in the Prep Bowl

blaine football

In four years of Blaine football the prep bowl was never in the cards for TJ. So, this is bittersweet for him to see his school finally go to the prep bowl. Blaine knocked off two nationally ranked teams to get to this point. The championship game is the day after Thanksgiving and will be played at the Metrodome. Go Bengals!

Monday, November 10, 2008

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Magazine Covers

HI,
SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF OUR BLOG TO VIEW SOME AWESOME MAGAZINE COVERS.

Gobble, Gobble, Gobble


Thanksgiving dinner will be good this year. Seriously, these turkeys walk through are yard everyday at this time of year. Rylee used to call them "naked turkeys" because their feathers were not out.

Gorgeous Ghoulies




Rylee and her best bud Megan went to a party dressed as these gorgeous ghouls. After their party, they went to the Blaine Football section finals.
Blaine beat Coon Rapids 24 -21. On to state.



Friday, October 31, 2008

Who says big boys can't dress up?



Will the real Dark Knight please stand up?
TJ went to the Young Adult dance with Luke Lehman. While there TJ made a new friend, none other than the Timberwolves Mark Madson. We are hoping for a friendship to bloom and maybe score some centercourt seats againsts the Jazz.
Other highlights to his evening include coming in second in the pie eating contest.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

8 Days Till the Happiest Place on Earth


WE ARE SO EXCITED!!!! THIS WEEK BETTER GO BY FAST!!!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Look who is finally excited for Disneyland


Apple Orchard




Last Saturday we went to an apple orchard in White Bear Lake with the Bennetts (I know shocking, we almost never hang out with them). Anyway, the kids picked out pumpkins in this HUGE pumpkin patch, then we went into their store and bought a ton of apple delights.

Princess Surprise Party




Some may think I am a little long in the tooth to have a princess party... but then you must not know me very well. LOL!!!

My sweet husband and Dorothea plotted, yes I said plotted because I don't like secrets( I must have control at all times), to give me a surprise party. But not just any surprise party, a Princess surprise party and not just any princess my favorite princess Cinderella.

It was great. Kim told me he was taking me to a park to boil shrimp (not fun). Then we drove to the Bennetts and he said oh they are coming too. But really as you can all guess that was his diabolical plot. Oh he is so tricky. We had Steak, shrimp, crab legs, twice baked potatoes, salad, homemade bread and cake and ice cream. Dorothea decorated the house so cute and it was so much fun. But the best part of the whole evening was when Crane got down on his knees and bowed to me. If only we had a picture. I do have witnesses.

Friday, October 3, 2008

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Six shopping days left....

Disneyland or bust!



The Dorney and Hoyt famlies are doing their part to boost the economy. We decided to throw caution to the wind and take our traditional trip to Disneyland. We even travel on election day.
This will be the first year that TJ will be able to vote and he will be the swing vote in our house. That is all I am going to say, you will have to draw your own conclusion as to what side Kim and I are on. Needless to say, we are having some heated debates. You think you know someone....
Anyway, we are really looking forward to this trip, especially me and my brother Brandon. We get more excited about this trip than the kids.
34 days! Make sure to vote.