Hibachi Night!

While strolling the plaza Carol decided that it would be a special time to have a sit down dinner that would last, make the kids cook dinner at the table! This way conversations would linger, laughter would be shared and well she was tired from the drive sooo.... you guessed it everybody prepared their own meal table side. For once the food was not gulped down in a matter of seconds after hours of cooking, and everybody ate exactly what they wanted!

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Christmas 2008

Christmas eve was spent attending South Joplin Christian Church candlelight service then meeting family for snacks at Aunt Sherry's house.  The eggnog made by none other than, Grandma Moser, (some with bang, some without), was a treat to the palate. The numerous snacks could have feed all the homeless in Joplin! The kids were running with excitement, joy filled the house creating fun memories for everyone. The air outside was frightfully cold, the open door was a pneumonia trap, however the brandy in our drinks kept us cozy. The gifts were opened, played with and time flew by with much laughter in the home.  Sadly the time came to say goodnight to cousins, aunts, uncles, moms, dads, grandma and all!

Samantha's Birthday, December 21, 2008

Samantha started her birthday out with Banana & Nutella, Crepes for breakfast early on Sunday morning.  Shortly afterwards, Mom, Dad, Jordan, and Alex (her Christmas gift to her boyfriend)  joined her for a trip to Oklahoma City to watch the Oklahoma Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game. On the way to the game mom emailed the manager and public relations coordinator in hopes to get Samantha down on the court to meet the teammates.  However, it was a little too late, they were not able to get Sam on the floor, but several people showered her with gifts throughout the entire game.  She received a tray of cookies and brownies, free sodas, goodie bags filled with pom poms, flags, decals, t-shirt, and snacks.  The game was exciting, 92-102 with the Cavaliers winning.  Lebron James was an inspiration for Jordan and Alex, which made it difficult for them to not  jump on the court afterwards and play a little ball themselves.  Samantha had a birthday dinner at "The Melting Pot" with an amazing cake from Cupcakes by Liz.  The crew also went on a 3-D ride through Christmas Town, pretty dorky but mom made them do it! :)

Skiing in Beaver Creek, Colorado

Carol and her friend Elizabeth joined Bob in Colorado on December 16 to keep the lonely boy company! It takes two of us to keep up with that young man. Unfortunately, Bob had to put up with two women for the next four days....skiing, gyms, hot tubs, grottos, fine dinning and wines! (not whines on this trip!) The gang had a great time with lots of fresh  powder days! They made it home just in time for Samantha's birthday the next day!

Santa's Elves!

It is tradition for Carol to prepare the Christmas tree, delicately arranging the lights on the limbs and putting all of the ornaments on the table for the kids to  strategically place! It is always fun to remember their first ornaments, favorite ones and the "favorite characters" of their past that they put on the tree. This year was no different, Carol put on the Christmas tunes, made hot chocolate, except  nobody wanted the hot chocolate and it was difficult to find the time to share with family instead of computers and homework! The lives of busy teens. Finally, after some persuasion,  a little pouting, the tree became fashionably decorated and the kids did enjoy filling the house with a Christmas spirit. Carol was happy, and if momma isn't happy, Santa isn't either!

Linda and Dave's Wedding

Today is Carol's daddys birthday, and Linda wanted everybody to attend his party! Oh, well actually, we all attended her party! She is now married to Dave Miller! They will be honeymooning in January after the holidays on a warm cruise! Papa Steve, came over and went to the wedding with Carol, Samantha and Maty. Grandma Susie was already there setting up and preparing the bride to walk down the isle.  We were able to watch a beautiful ceremony and listen to all the little ones in the audience trying exceptionally hard to be calm. The reception was fun, the kids ran around the tables, photographers,  and guests.  The cakes were yummy and the many happy faces were enthusiastic for the happy couple. Following the reception, Olivia, Alexis, Maty, and Samantha came home with Aunt Carol and wrote letters to Santa after baking cookies.  The fun is now over, and Samantha studies for finals next week,  Carol is trying hard to figure out this blogging thing! :) Hope you enjoy it! P.S. Mrs. Jones, did you see the photo Carol took just for you?

Halloween, Click here to view slideshow!

Bob and I decided to be retired Hooters girls for Halloween, as you can tell times were tough for us, plastic surgery was out of the question with the stock market crashing we had to go "as is."  Samantha, Maty and their friends still enjoy trick-or-treating and the boys well they carved pumpkins.  Jordan had my car for a few weeks while his car was in the shop, loaded it down with a few friends and delivered a couple pumpkins to the teachers! :) We visited Julie's house and saw the cousins, the little ones all dressed up to trick-or-treat, what memories that brought back!  In my old house too! 

Becky, you are inspiring, how do you do it? Sometimes it is just not as easy for all of us common people, but I am going to try since I truly enjoy your blogs!  What a great way to keep everybody updated with family happenings! Here is to a Happy New Year! My resolution, to keep up with the Jones'! Ha, Ha!! I will try to figure this out! For now, Merry Christmas!