Barepaw in the Park

Finally! The sun is out and there is warmth to it. Dorothea and I decided to take our poor house imprisoned pups out for a play date. We met at a park that is between our two homes and let the dogs loose. They had a blast running and chasing each other. Libby and Sam (Dorothea's children) came to play as well. It was so good to be outside and not freeze. It feels like maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel that we here in the Great North call winter.

In the NAVY

TJ enlisted in the NAVY this last week. He took the ASVABS this week at Fort Snelling and tested out very high. The field he has is looking into is Rescue Diver. Think the movie The Guardian with Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher. All he needs to attain this goal is a physical test. I don't think that should be a problem for a life long athlete. However, he has let himself go... a little. So, he is off to the gym everyday running, swimming, lifting etc. LOTS OF SWIMMING!

TJ will head off to basic in March or at the latest June. There is only one Basic Training facility and that is on the shores of Lake Michigan near Chicago.

We are very proud of TJ

Snow Days Week at Blaine High School

Snow Days at Blaine High School is a lot like spirit week at Olympus. They have events every day of the week with the week ending in a big dance. This was Rylee's first year going to the Snow Days dance. As she is not yet 16, she went with a big group of friends.
It is very difficult to find a modest dress. I think girls now a days like to look more like hookers (yeah I said it) then pretty young women. Well, I think Rylee and I did very well with her dress. I had to stitch up the bust line an inch or so and we added a shrug to cover the shoulders. In the end, I think she looks like a princess and apparently so did everyone else.
She modeled her dress for Kim and TJ without the enhancements and it was the funniest thing I have ever seen. When she came down stairs without the shoulder covering and with the plunging neckline, all the color drained from TJ's face. "She can't go out like that". Kim said, "Oh, she is going to put a shirt on underneath.” Really?! A shirt underneath an evening gown. Men are so dumb! Anyway, there was much relief when they saw the final product.
She had a great time and we are very proud of her for being such a good girl!

You pansies don't know what cold is

We are finally coming out of the deep freeze. Today the high temp was 5 degrees. The lowest we got this week was -24 with a wind chill of -41. No, you never get used to this.

I went to Target on Saturday and they already have seeds and lawn care products displayed. That totally lifted my spirits. There is an end in sight... just not for another four months.

Blow Out Your Candles Kim

Well, as you can see, Kim had another birthday. That just gives his family even MORE opportunity to tease him. It is a good thing he is such a good sport.

Rylee made him a cake out of a cupcake mold. To say that it didn't exactly come out perfectly is... well... you can judge for yourself. I looks more like a big turd. I frosted the cake so I can be critical.

We love you Kim and we are so grateful for all that you do!

FINALLY!!!!!

It has only taken Kim 37 years to finally pick out a new pair of glasses. The last time he picked out glasses I believe Nixon was president. As you can see technology has made huge advances. He doesn't look like a complete dork anymore. FYI - I was in kindergarten when he got these glases (it just makes me feel better to say that LOL).

You have heard of 'Sybil', and 'The Three Faces of Eve', Now meet the Many Sides of Ry

What Animal was Kim in a Past Life

You Were a Fox

A good observer, you often watch others while remaining unseen. Cunning and courageous, you also have a gentle side.

What Animal Were You In a Past Life?

What Does Kims Birthdate Mean?

You Are an Altruist

You are a born idealist, with more pet causes than you can count. You prefer be around others, both when working and while relaxing. Generous and giving, you believe you can change the world one person at a time. You're open minded and tolerant. People feel like they can tell you anything. Your strength: Your go-with-the-flow flexibility Your weakness: Your flair for the over dramatic Your power color: Pine green Your power symbol: Circle Your power month: September

What Does Your Birth Date Mean?

You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely - Ogden Nash

In 1954 (the year you were born)

Dwight Eisenhower is president of the US Nautilus, the first atomic powered submarine, launches Senator Joseph McCarthy begins leading televised hearings into alleged Communist influence in the Army Roger Bannister, a 25 year old from England, breaks the 4 minute mile with a time of 3:59 Supreme Court rules unanimously that racial segregation in public schools is unconstitutional Hurricane "Carol" hits the Long Island - New England area killing 60 and injuring 1000 Senate condemns Joseph McCarthy for contempt of a Senate elections subcommittee during his Army investigation hearings Playboy magazine issue features Margie Harrison, the first playmate Howard Stern, Oprah Winfrey, Christie Brinkley, John Travolta, and Jerry Seinfeld are born New York Giants win the World Series Cleveland Browns win the NFL championship Detroit Red Wings win the Stanley Cup Lord of the Flies by William G. Golding is published

http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href= Happened the Year You Were Born?

Doggie humor

Thank you Sandee.

They're gone

How quickly it came and went! It just seems like yesterday we were picking Mom and Mike up from the airport and now they are gone.

It was a very special Christmas. I was worried that Mom would have a hard time adjusting to Christmas away from home but I think she did very well. After all, she was with me. I am like Christmas and Summer all rolled into one happy shiny package. LOL!

I think it turned out to be a special Christmas for everyone and one that I know I will never forget!

Mii.. Wii

Winter Walk

Gunnar and his Christmas Shoes

We thought it would be a good idea to buy Gunnar some dog boots so that he would not slip and fall on the ice when we go walking this winter. Last year, an experience like that ended up costing us $3000. I know, some will say we are crazy. I don't care. At lease enjoy this video.

Christmas Day

They're here!!!!

Mom and Mike came to spend Christmas with us this year! What a blast! Kim and I picked them up at the airport. Mom and I ran into each others arms and danced right there at passenger pick up. From there we went to the Galleria for a little last minute shopping then home to see the kids.

We had an awesome Christmas eve. We prepared a great dinner and then went caroling to some of our dear friends. Afterwards, we opened our PJ's watched "Joy to the World" and put the kids to bed.

You would think that by now we could sleep in on Christmas morning since we have teenagers. Ah... no. They were up bright and early. But that is OK. It was a great Christmas morning.

We then met up with our best friends the Bennett's to see the movie "Marley and Me". SO GOOD!!! We could not get home fast enough to love Gunnar and Rusty (Rusty is the Bennett's dog).

It's been a Wonderful Christmas!

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.

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

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!