LOUIE!

Thanks Mom and Dad B!

Corey and I were treated to some laughs last night at the Northrop Auditorium for the Louie Anderson show. If you've never seen or heard Louie before you're missing out. He's a comedian who grew up in MN and has plenty to say about it.

We were actually quite lucky...last night he was taping his show for a upcoming comedy special. Can't wait to see it when it comes out. After the show we were given one of Louie's books..."The F Word, How to Survive your Family." I started reading it and it's really good. Thanks for the free book Louie!

Cameras were not allowed but I managed to sneak a few pictures of our memorable time...

NEW Family Traditions

This year Corey and I spent a lot of quality time with our families. We started celebrating Christmas on Friday night and didn't end until today, Wednesday. Family means the world to us and we couldn't have asked for a better gift than lots of fun with all of them.

Friday night Jackie and I (with some help from Corey and Todd) made some Christmas cookies. It was a great start to a wonderful Christmas...

Saturday Corey and I spent the day finishing last minute gifts for everyone. Corey used his wood crafting talent and made a lot of gifts this year. (Hopefully he'll post some of his work on his blog soon.) We spent the night watching Christmas movies at the Brower's and enjoyed staying up late.

Sunday was filled with Christmas at my mom's with my sisters, Brian and Parker and Summit. We were addicted to playing bowling on Natalie's new Nintendo Wii. Way to go Brian...he got the highest score! My mom, Natalie, Corey and I decided to head out in the snow storm and see the Holidazzle Parade in downtown Mpls. It was very COLD but beautiful...the snow was falling the entire time we were there. We drove to the Mall of America and took the Light Rail Train downtown. It was a lot cheaper than paying for parking. Plus, it was my mom's first ride on the train. After the parade we made our way to Macy's to check out the Nutcracker display and get a gingerbread cookie. AWESOME!

Monday was Christmas Eve and this year we spent all of our time at the Brower's. Almost everyone from Nora's side was present...even Bryen, Chris and the girls. This year everyone brought white elephant gifts and they were a hit! Corey ended up with a honey pot and I received some ugly ornaments. The cookies Jackie and I made were also a hit along with the gallon of frozen margaritas I had. Corey and I went to 11:00pm church service and were joined by Mom and Dad B., Mom L., and my sister Natalie. It still gives me goosebumps to sing Silent Night at the end of the service in candlelight. It's so peaceful.

Christmas Day was spent at two places. First the Brower family breakfast and gift opening (in our pajamas.) and then to my grandpa and grandma's for a late lunch. It was a little busy, but we still felt that we had lots of time to sit, talk, and catch up with everyone.

Today we were with my dad and Kathy. We enjoyed each others company and found out all the details to my dad's move to Arizona. We're trying to plan a time to go down and visit him at his new house. (Good Luck with your closing dad! We can't wait to come and see your new 'winter getaway.')

Corey and I had a long Christmas week, but have enjoyed every bit of it. It was nice to take it easy and spread out the time we had with our families over a period of days rather than cramming it into one.

We were spoiled again by getting everything we wished for.

We're looking forward to using one of our gifts this weekend. We're attending Louie Anderson's comedy show at the Northrup on Saturday. We're excited to share some more laughs with the Brower's.

Here are some highlights from our six day Christmas Extravaganza...

Merry Christmas!

I received the following letter via email and just had to share it with everyone else...

I wish for all of you:

"Sunshine in your heart no matter what the weather is outdoors.
The gift of friends and family surrounding you this holiday season.
Safety and ease and fun in your travels either in town or out of town.
The joy of the miracles from this season awakening something special within you.
The love of this holiday season entering all aspects of your life and those you love.
Good food, fun, laughter, cheer, and God’s blessings in your life and in the lives of all those you love."

OUCH!!

Last night I twisted my neck which resulted in an unbelievable sharp and constant pain throughout the back of my neck and shoulders. Needless to say I got about an hour of sleep. It hurts when I sit up, lay down or even turn my head. I actually called in sick to work today because it is so painful. I went to the chiropractor this morning and now I feel that I'm in more pain than I was earlier. I was told to keep ice on it because my muscles are so swollen and tense that my tendons sticking out. I haven't ever had pain like this before.

I am grateful to have a wonderful husband to drive me to and from chiropractic appointments this week and help me in and out of chairs. Thanks, hun.

I don't know how I'm going to function at school tomorrow! Ahhhh!

Family Traditions

I've always been a girl who has enjoyed family traditions.

I use to really love the holidays when I was younger. I'd have fun going to my Grandpa and Grandma Lentner's farm on Christmas Eve, eating popcorn balls, playing cards until what seemed to be midnight and then leaving and thinking I saw Rudolph's nose blinking in the sky. (Which I later found out was a radio tower. Hahahaha.)

I'd have fun waking up early on Christmas morning to a mountain of presents, cookies that had been nibbled on and a glass of milk completely empty and Santa and Rudolph's footprints in the snow outside our door.

I'd have fun going to my Grandpa and Grandma Zweber's house on Christmas Day for great food and games. We were always amazed at how we could fit so many of us in their tiny house. (Come to think of it...it was a big house.)

I miss those traditions...

Now, that I'm all grown up and married, there are more family traditions to be a part of and more chaos of running to five different families Christmas's.

I realize that the older I get and the more 'little' additions to the family the more crazy I get trying to get to every place. But, I've also grown to realize that all I want for Christmas is more time with my two families. More time together of sitting around and enjoying each others company without having to rush off. More time together...even outside of the chaotic 'holiday season.'

Many things will be different this year and for the years to come. I guess we will be starting new family traditions. I just sometimes wish I could go back...when I enjoyed family traditions more as a kid.

Quote of the Day

Christmas gift suggestions:

To your enemy, forgiveness.

To an opponent, tolerance.

To a friend, your heart.

To a customer, service.

To all, charity.

To every child, a good example.

To yourself, respect.”

KARE 11 News!

Watch KARE 11 News on Wednesday December 12th at 10pm!

My school will be making an appearance for the Toys for Tots drive.

We had a fundraiser at school and collected $1,000 to buy toys for Toys for Tots. Today was the field trip day. Two teachers (including myself) and five kindergartners were able to go shopping at Toys R Us and use the $1,000 to purchase toys of our choice. We bought baby toys, books, sports equipment, plug and play video games, board games, stuffed animals, and a sled.

Tomorrow the management staff from my school will be represented on KARE 11 News Toys for Tots drive.

I was really excited to be a part of this. It's a great feeling to be helping out little ones in need.

Quote of the Day

Happy Moments, praise God

Difficult Moments, seek God

Quiet Moments, worship God

Painful Moments, trust God

Every Moment, thank God

For Kathy...

O.k. Kathy, here's what I was talking about...

This is the nativity backdrop that Corey made for me...all I need for the top is a metal star.

This is the $89, 'store bought' version. Isn't Corey talented!

He can just look at a picture and copy it, adding a personal touch.

Brower Holiday Bash of 2007

I LOVE being able to spend the holidays with my friends. Thank you for always making it fun!

Merry Christmas.

Let It Snow!

Let It Snow...Let It Snow...Let It Snow...

On this cold winter day there's nothing better than hanging out at home in your pj's, drinking hot chocolate, and watching the snow fall outside.

So far today I've shoveled the sidewalk and back patio three times. I love shoveling light and fluffy snow. I also have enjoyed playing in the snow with Summit...she loves the snow! It's fun to watch her run through the snow, eat it and occasionally make a snow beard. How cute!

Let It Snow...Let It Snow...Let It Snow.

Christmas Wish List

Click on the link below...

http://www.amazon.com/gp/registry/registry.html?ie=UTF8&type=wishlist&id=1P8PSVCDM4LO9