Happy Anniversary

Happy Anniversary

Tiffany & Jarrod

MERRY CHRISTMAS

MERRY CHRISTMAS

from all of us

to

ALL of you

As you go through the day take time to relax and enjoy.

Christmas Wish

I was reading family blogs and thinking of how I wish we could all be together for Christmas. At that moment Rod (Ken's brother) called us on our newest find - Skype.com. It allows you to talk computer to computer on webcams - absolutely free. It allows you to see family as you are talking to them, if you have a webcam. Otherwhise you can talk just like you are on a phone, and yes it is still free. I recommend if you have family that is spread out like ours, check it out. We are going to have a family conference call on Christmas with Ken's brother in Arizona, sister in the Bahamas, and niece & nephew in Colorado Springs. I can't wait to talk and see them all.

I hope this finds all who reads it happy, healthy, and ready for the holidays.

Remember the reason for the season and happy holidays.

Ramblings & Holiday Wishes

I feel the need to just ramble for awhile. Work has been totally insane (and no I don't work in retail). This is my busy time of year at work and this year seems to be even more insane than last year. Some of our customers seem to have an exceptionally high level of nasty going on. In their defense I tell myself it is due to the worries about the economy.

The holidays are fast approaching and so is the newest snow storm. The silver lining to all of that is they say the second half of winter will be warmer than normal. I sure hope they are right!!

Talked a bit with Ian on the phone Wednesday night. He had to say his new words for me -- football & puppy. Can't wait to take him to a UNI football game. Hunter was being his normal silly self. Wouldn't talk to me on the phone, but had plenty to say via his Mom. Maybe we can go to a movie over the holidays - - Bolt is playing in Grundy Center this week.........

Just want to say Merry Christmas to all and have a safe & happy holiday season.

Remember the reason for the season....................

Holiday photos

Hunter w/ his new nerf dart assault rifle

Getting ready for Hunter's Birthday party

Jarrod, Tiff, Brad & Andrea w/ Vicky's sister Lisa

Grandpa & Grandma with Jarrod, Tiff, Brad & Andrea

Dinner time

Big kids table

Grandpa & Grandma w/ Brad's dad,Ron, who is always welcome

The cooks

Decorating time

Who needs expensive toys when you have a car

Ian & Tiff

Hunter & Jarrod

Video - Hunter's presents ??????

Quick Update

With the assistance of fans and heaters we are now dried out and the fridge is back where it belongs. We are going to have to replace the hose that runs from the water outlet in the basement to the fridge, but until then we are back to the old fashion ice cube trays.

All the flu victims are back on their feet. I have never seen such a sick looking crew for a couple of days. It's nice to have them upright and feeling better. I am hoping with every fiber of my being that I don't come down with it. I am certainly hoping that my luck holds up and I don't get it. I just can't seem to shake the cough from the crud I had a few weeks ago. They say it hangs on for awhile, but enough is enough and it is time for it to go!!

Wish all the family could be here with us to share the holiday, but will be thinking of all of those who can't. Have a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving!!

Water Everywhere & The Flu Bug

Today Mom woke us to let us know we had a leak in the refrigerator. The water line to the ice maker had sprung a leak and we had water in the kitchen, down the hall to the bathroom, in the garage, and in the laundry room. After shutting off the water, Ken started up the shop vac and I mopped up down stairs. We set up fans and heaters to help dry out walls and carpet. It was at this point Ken said he didn't feel well and needed to lay back down. I was hoping it was just because we were woke up so suddenly, but no such luck. That makes 3 in the house with the flu and have resigned myself to the fact that I will probably be next. I think our weekend will be filled with lots of rest and relaxation. Thank you Jess for offering to come up, but didn't want you to get it again. This is one ugly strain of the flu. Better now than next week when everyone is coming home. Everyone is resting again, so I better do the same. Have a great weekend!!

Thanksgiving Prep

I have been sitting here putting together the Thanksgiving dinner grocery list. It's amazing the price differences between the 3 different store ads I looked at. I almost forgot to put the AE dip on the list and that would have caused chaos. Tiff & Andi, I promise to have the chips and dip on hand before you arrive.

The flu has made an ugly appearance at our house. Grandpa & Grandma are both under the weather. We will need to make sure they get plenty of rest in the next few days so they are up to have the family around. We have already told Grandma that this is her year to sit back and relax! The rest of us will take care of the holiday cooking and clean up.

I am looking forward to having a house full of family and being thankful for all we have. To all who read this - God's blessings to all and enjoy the holiday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BROTHER

Veteran's Day

We would like to thank the Veterans current and past for the service to this country.Dad (Grandpa) and Jarrod. (see Tiff's blog for photos) . We salute the current and past veterans, alive and for thiose who have passed. Also a special salute to those who have lost their lives in defense of this great country. I found a website that says it all http://members.tripod.com/~xmjr/militarysalute.html

Updates

Grandpa is still up & down with his pain. Four doctors appointment's last week & more meds. So hopefully something will start working better. He is getting anxious to be getting things done.

For those who hadn't heard, Grandma decided it was her turn. Tuesday morning at 02:30am, she decided to wake everyone one up by hitting the floor. Her heart rhythm went screwy and we thought we were losing her. A quick ambulance run to the hospital & then to Waterloo. Doctors (& nurses) were able to control the rhythm by medicine, so (thank goodness) no other procedures or surgery was needed. It is now believed that in July when she had an episode on the way to Waterloo was the same things, but her rhythm corrected itself. So more medications for her.

However they both have time to smile :)

GAS Price 11-04-08

Gas prices are getting better :)

More Random Photos

Living room - Val (sister), Debi (Chuck's girlfriend), and Robbin (sister).

Bedroom

Kitchen - looking from Living Room


Lisa getting to know her new kitchen.

These are some photos from the weekend Lisa moved (Labor Day weekend). She is all settled in and thriving. She made cupcakes last Friday for me to take to work on Monday. The team I work with have given her some small appliances, send cards with words of encouragement, and are always wanting updates on how she is doing. This was her way of saying "Thanks". She has made the adjustment to being on her own with such ease and there are not many things we have to help her with. She is independent and having a great time!!

Random Photos 2

Bottom two photos are from church picnic and the top 2 are photos from when the boys stayed over the weekend. Made sure we got outside to enjoy some of the nice weather.

Random Photos One

Papa Jack put Hunter's horn on his bike. Now he is all set and

had to make sure it worked.

Yes It Is Snowing

Believe it or not, winter reared it's ugly head today. About 6:45 p. m. on October 26th, the snow offcially started to fly and not just flurries. It's hard to believe they are saying it will be 63 degrees by Friday. Trick or Treat!!??

Grandchildren are Fun

We just spent another fun weekend with the boys. Jess and Chad had to work so we took the boys Saturday morning and headed for Waterloo. We had intended to go to a pumpkin farm, but the cost to get in was a bit too pricey. If the boys were older and could do more of the activities it would be more fun. Instead we found an alternative way to burn some of their energy. We headed to the mall shopping.

We shopped a little and then took a ride on the carousel. After that we went to the mall play land and climbed, played, and went down the slide. We were soon ready to head out for more shopping. We found great deals on clothes, shoes, and some great grocery bargains too. The best part was Hunter picking out pumpkins for him and Ian. If you need to pick out a pumpkin, he's your guy!

Arrived home and was greeted by Nana and Papa Jack. We ate supper (what great little eaters the boys are), played some, and it was soon time for bed. I love the fact that you can ask Ian if he is ready for bed and he tells you. Soon we were in our jammies and dozing off. Hunter, who always goes to bed great also, followed closely behind. Guess we were all worn out.

Sunday Ian made sure we were all ready to get up when he did. Nana fixed eggs and sausage for breakfast -- yummy!! Ian added some cheerios and a banana. Hunter had a bowl of cereal and a glass of milk. I think the boys' legs are hollow -- they can eat. Soon we were smartly dressed and headed to church. I think the draw for the boys are the cookies, live band, and all the folks that say hi.

Sure got a surprise when we left church, Mommy met us outside. She came up to join us for some of Papa's great chili and cherry cobbler. Yummy!! It was soon time for them to head home with their pumpkins (or balls as Ian calls them). Can't wait for the next fun but exhausting weekend. Will post pictures later. Hope everyone has a great week!!

More photos

Random photos

FINALLY

Grandpa had a MRI on his back. Guess what -there's problems which radiate from the back, thru the side and around to the front. Dr. told him that he wasn't crazy (grandpa), the pain is real. Dr. wants him to see a neurosurgeon. Said he would hope for an appointment in 3 weeks. The nurse got him an appointment for this Wednesday. SO hopefully thing will start clicking and pretty soon on the road to recovery.

The Postels

Hunter & Ian

G'pas flag

Grandpa's new flag pole. (If you look close, Hunter is peeking out the living room window)

Sept. 13

Remembering 9/11

"A day that began like any other and ended as none ever has." Please take time to remember those who lost loved ones on 9/11.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM (29th ??)

Old house 3

Living Room - wow how small
The guys

Old House 2

Fireplace
Dining room
The south bedroom that everyone wanted
even Ian

Old house photos 1

Basement
Den
West upstairs bedroom
Kitchen

For Andi & Tiff to remember (ha!) what it looked like when we moved in (Did change from those days) and For Jess - who was in awe as she had never seen the house this empty