Monday, December 29, 2008
Shoes From Poland
These are soccer shoes from Poland. You might be asking why I would post a picture of Polish Shoes. Well, at our Christmas gathering we were playing a friendly game of "Catch Phrase". One of the team members got the following "Phrase" on their turn..."Polish Shoes" They delieverd excellent clues and we guessed the right words "Polish Shoes". About three rounds later a team mate exclaimed...polish shoes!!! (as in get out the shoe polish and a rag) not Polish Shoes (shoes from Poland). One family member nearly passed out from laughing. This event will not soon be forgotten. 
Friday, December 26, 2008
Christmas in Minnesota
Mom and Jesse with mom's great new winter hat. Looks a little like Heidi. 
Beth and Barry craft a beautiful Gingerbread House.
What a masterpiece. Bravo.
Jesse not at all impressed with the house. 
Sue's stunning decorated spritz cookies.
Beth spritzing away.
Sue the master decorator.
Josh and Whitney the batter tasters.
Famous Cranberry Pudding. Dad's favorite. Christmas in Iowa
Jude and Ava having some Christmas fun.
Zach, Amber, Luke, Jude and Owen.
Grandpa Steve with Jude.
Jude and Ava all dressed up with no where to go?
Ava's best present was an empty box and a ride from Grandpa Steve.
Grandma Peggy with Ava.
4 Generations of women. Jenni, Ava Peggy and Peggy's mom.
Mieska boys: Zach, Jere, Steve, Luke, Jude and Owen
Heartbreaker Ava.Monday, December 22, 2008
A Docken Christmas
The Docken family celebrated Christmas early this year on a beautiful sunny day with the snow coming down outside. Everyone got everything they wanted:
Health, joy, happiness, peace and family.
Josh and Barry trying to look happy about the gifts they got.
Sean, Whitney, Sidney and Josh ready for a nap?
Heather and Whitney with perhaps a massage happening.
Health, joy, happiness, peace and family.
Josh and Barry trying to look happy about the gifts they got.
Sean, Whitney, Sidney and Josh ready for a nap?
Heather and Whitney with perhaps a massage happening.
Docken Christmas
Sean, Josh and Barry with what looks like matching shirts. If it is I'm sorry. 
Annie with a cute new hat. You waskily wabbitt you...
Jeff looking stunned and amazed and Heather wondering what is wrong with her dad.
Heather, Sean and Sidney. By the look on Sean's face I'd say that Sidney just made peepee's.
Barry and Bethanie fighting over who gets to do dishes.
Annie with a cute new hat. You waskily wabbitt you...
Jeff looking stunned and amazed and Heather wondering what is wrong with her dad.
Heather, Sean and Sidney. By the look on Sean's face I'd say that Sidney just made peepee's.
Barry and Bethanie fighting over who gets to do dishes.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Photo Challenge
Gina was the first to reply to my holiday photo challenge. Come on everyone, start sending those photos.
Jude seems to be upset with Santa. Yes, you can have that new car you wanted. Just ask Grandpa Steve to get it for you.
Now this is more like it. Forget that clown in the red suit. This is where the fun is.
Little Angels????
Jude seems to be upset with Santa. Yes, you can have that new car you wanted. Just ask Grandpa Steve to get it for you. 
Now this is more like it. Forget that clown in the red suit. This is where the fun is. 
Little Angels????Mom's Blog Dec 14
It's almost time!!! And I don't mean for Christmas. It's almost time for me to catch the plane going north to Minneapolis. I'll be leaving Phoenix in 2 more days. I know it will be COLD. All my friends down here are reminding me of that but I'm excited to be going home for awhile. I brought my "cuddle duds" long underwear along with me when I came down in October so I'm all set!
Hello from Arizona,
It's been a good week. I helped Norine celebrate her birthday on Tuesday. I won't tell you her age, but she is a lot younger than I am.
Wednesday we had our Christmas Block Party. We had almost everyone who is here show up to get re-acquainted.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday were cocktail parties!! I realize that I have lots of friends and they all include me in their invitations. I'll have lots of reciprocating to do when I get back in January. It is always fun to get together and remember old times.
Today is my church Christmas Cantata. I understand it is very good. Norine is going with me.
Tomorrow I get a haircut and finish my packing and then I wait for Tuesday.
I won't be writing the blog while I'm home but stayed tuned--Sue might put some Christmas pictures on over the holidays.
I know there will be lots of fun things happening while I'm up there. One of the days, I will be joined by Orv & Blanche Schuett and Phyllis & Bud for lunch. Most of the family will be getting together to bake cookies and make caramel corn one day. Who knows what else will happen. Whatever it is, I'm ready for it.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Love, LaVerne
Hello from Arizona,
It's been a good week. I helped Norine celebrate her birthday on Tuesday. I won't tell you her age, but she is a lot younger than I am.
Wednesday we had our Christmas Block Party. We had almost everyone who is here show up to get re-acquainted.
Thursday, Friday and Saturday were cocktail parties!! I realize that I have lots of friends and they all include me in their invitations. I'll have lots of reciprocating to do when I get back in January. It is always fun to get together and remember old times.
Today is my church Christmas Cantata. I understand it is very good. Norine is going with me.
Tomorrow I get a haircut and finish my packing and then I wait for Tuesday.
I won't be writing the blog while I'm home but stayed tuned--Sue might put some Christmas pictures on over the holidays.
I know there will be lots of fun things happening while I'm up there. One of the days, I will be joined by Orv & Blanche Schuett and Phyllis & Bud for lunch. Most of the family will be getting together to bake cookies and make caramel corn one day. Who knows what else will happen. Whatever it is, I'm ready for it.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you. Love, LaVerne
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Decorations
Decorations Galore...
Everyone who feels inspired please send me photos of your holiday decorations and I'll get them posted on the blog. Then we don't have to waste gas driving around looking at others. Share your inside or outside photos today...
Everyone who feels inspired please send me photos of your holiday decorations and I'll get them posted on the blog. Then we don't have to waste gas driving around looking at others. Share your inside or outside photos today...
Monday, December 08, 2008
Mom's Blog
It's Sunday again and time for the blog:
It's a cool day today--I went up to the ball field to watch the annual charity tournament but I lasted only one game. I decided that 58 degrees was too cool to sit there and watch when I didn't have anyone in particular to cheer for.
Monday was a good day for me. Tony & Jean Pagano invited me to go with them to the Tempe Symphony. I have never attended a symphony before so it was a new experience for me. It was not something high on Marland's priority list to do so needless to say, I never suggested it. I really enjoyed it. Because it was close to the holidays, the audience participated in the singing of carols. Great!
Thursday I entertained 4 people for dinner. I opened my dining room table up and used a tablecloth and cloth napkins so I did things in style!! Enough of that---that's too much work! The food would have tasted just as good without all the fuss!! Anyway, I'm glad I did it just once. It shows me that I haven't forgotten how.
Friday I was invited to a cocktail party and then I forgot to go to the "Christmas Tree Lighting" ceremony. I was so disappointed cause I just sat home and could have gone. The "Good Time Singer" performed and I know it was a good show.
Saturday I attended a memorial service for Vona Fryrear. Bill & Vona used to manage the Richfield, Mn. park that was located just 5 miles from our Big Steer restaurant. They were regular customers of ours. Just last June, I met them at the Bid Steer and we had breakfast together. They are good friends.
Today I am invited to Ed & Norine's for Turkey soup supper. It's a good day for it cause it's cool outside.
9 days until I fly home. I haven't had any takers on who wants to come and get me from the airport! Maybe I'll have to hitch hike!! I could because I'm only carrying a carry-on bag and a purse. On second thought--I don't think so.
Love, LaVerne
It's a cool day today--I went up to the ball field to watch the annual charity tournament but I lasted only one game. I decided that 58 degrees was too cool to sit there and watch when I didn't have anyone in particular to cheer for.
Monday was a good day for me. Tony & Jean Pagano invited me to go with them to the Tempe Symphony. I have never attended a symphony before so it was a new experience for me. It was not something high on Marland's priority list to do so needless to say, I never suggested it. I really enjoyed it. Because it was close to the holidays, the audience participated in the singing of carols. Great!
Thursday I entertained 4 people for dinner. I opened my dining room table up and used a tablecloth and cloth napkins so I did things in style!! Enough of that---that's too much work! The food would have tasted just as good without all the fuss!! Anyway, I'm glad I did it just once. It shows me that I haven't forgotten how.
Friday I was invited to a cocktail party and then I forgot to go to the "Christmas Tree Lighting" ceremony. I was so disappointed cause I just sat home and could have gone. The "Good Time Singer" performed and I know it was a good show.
Saturday I attended a memorial service for Vona Fryrear. Bill & Vona used to manage the Richfield, Mn. park that was located just 5 miles from our Big Steer restaurant. They were regular customers of ours. Just last June, I met them at the Bid Steer and we had breakfast together. They are good friends.
Today I am invited to Ed & Norine's for Turkey soup supper. It's a good day for it cause it's cool outside.
9 days until I fly home. I haven't had any takers on who wants to come and get me from the airport! Maybe I'll have to hitch hike!! I could because I'm only carrying a carry-on bag and a purse. On second thought--I don't think so.
Love, LaVerne
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Yes, we are decorating...
For those celebrating Christmas in Minnesota this year, we'll be hosting it at our house. YES, we put up a tree and decorated...
Friday, December 05, 2008
Greetings from Cousin Eileen
Hi,Well it is sure fun to visit the blog and see your weekly updates. It sounds like you are keeping busy and at the same time looking forward to Christmas in Minnesota. Hope the weather cooperates for all you holiday travelers.I am still on a natural high after the great election!!! I now have faith that this counrty can move from out of the dark Bush years into the light and promise of Obama. I really have no idea how some people could vote Republican after seeing what has happened to us over the last 8 years. Better years are on the way!!!!Wow!!! Bethany's wedding pictures were so fun to see. Ann's daughters are beautiful. Josh is pretty good looking too. And all those beautiful great grandchildren you have!!!!! Your family always has alot going on that is for sure!!!!The other day I was at a bakery and I happened across a cookie that reminded me of one that Grandma Stock used to make. They called it a Scandinavian cookie. It was like a white refridgerator cookie with almonds. Do you remember these or am I crazy? It is great to get flash backs like these to remind me of the beautiful memories of times at Grandma and Grandpa's house. Of course the Christmas memories are the best. I try to tell my kids about how wonderful it was, but it is one of those things where you had to be there I think.Sure enjoyed the postings on the blog in memory of Uncle Marland. Wish I was there to give you a hug and tell you how much we all miss him.Hey, have a great holiday in MN and greet Bonnie, Ann, Steve and Sue for me!Eileen
Monday, December 01, 2008
Mom's Blog
Hi from Arizona
It's Sunday--I went to church and then spent some time looking for Christmas decorations. I don't know if I'll put many up this year or not. I won't be here for much of the time so we'll see if someone offers to help me. I can't see myself climbing the ladder to put up the icicles. We still have the lighted star and the shepherds following the star. I know, I know--it was the wise men that followed the star but in our case, it's the shepherds that are following it!!!
Sunday afternoon, I visited Peggy Fleming from Amboy, Mn. Charley passed away last summer and she decided to come down alone cause it's just too darn cold to stay in Minnesota in the winter. Especially when she owns a place down here. That evening I played cards at Ed & Norine's.
Tuesday Lorn & Kitty Schneeberger visited me. They were spending the Thanksgiving holiday with their daughter and husband down here. We had lunch at our Terrace Green restaurant and then they came back here for pumpkin pie and coffee. I caught up on all the news from Elbow Lake. That is still almost home to me at times cause I still know lots of folks from there. Three fourths of Marland's relatives still live there.
Wednesday I invited Eve & Jim Boyd, my closest neighbor, over for a cocktail. Clarence Smith, my 96 year old neighbor was here too. He still gets around pretty good. He puts my morning paper up on the deck each day--long before I'm up!!
Thursday was Thanksgiving Day. I joined friends and neighbors for dinner up at the Center. We each brought a designated dish and all was good.
Friday, Clarence took Stan & Jean Wheatley and myself out to The Country Buffet. We have Clarence over for a meal quite a bit so this is his way of saying thank you.
Saturday I took Eve & Norine shopping at Costco. I have the membership so they could shop as long as I used my card. Such excitement!!! I'm being factitious!!!
That's about it for this week. I'm counting the days now until I fly home for the Christmas holidays. 16 days, but who's counting?
Love, LaVerne
It's Sunday--I went to church and then spent some time looking for Christmas decorations. I don't know if I'll put many up this year or not. I won't be here for much of the time so we'll see if someone offers to help me. I can't see myself climbing the ladder to put up the icicles. We still have the lighted star and the shepherds following the star. I know, I know--it was the wise men that followed the star but in our case, it's the shepherds that are following it!!!
Sunday afternoon, I visited Peggy Fleming from Amboy, Mn. Charley passed away last summer and she decided to come down alone cause it's just too darn cold to stay in Minnesota in the winter. Especially when she owns a place down here. That evening I played cards at Ed & Norine's.
Tuesday Lorn & Kitty Schneeberger visited me. They were spending the Thanksgiving holiday with their daughter and husband down here. We had lunch at our Terrace Green restaurant and then they came back here for pumpkin pie and coffee. I caught up on all the news from Elbow Lake. That is still almost home to me at times cause I still know lots of folks from there. Three fourths of Marland's relatives still live there.
Wednesday I invited Eve & Jim Boyd, my closest neighbor, over for a cocktail. Clarence Smith, my 96 year old neighbor was here too. He still gets around pretty good. He puts my morning paper up on the deck each day--long before I'm up!!
Thursday was Thanksgiving Day. I joined friends and neighbors for dinner up at the Center. We each brought a designated dish and all was good.
Friday, Clarence took Stan & Jean Wheatley and myself out to The Country Buffet. We have Clarence over for a meal quite a bit so this is his way of saying thank you.
Saturday I took Eve & Norine shopping at Costco. I have the membership so they could shop as long as I used my card. Such excitement!!! I'm being factitious!!!
That's about it for this week. I'm counting the days now until I fly home for the Christmas holidays. 16 days, but who's counting?
Love, LaVerne
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