Happy New Year 2011!

<h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="messageBody" style="font-size: small;">★˛˚˛*˛°★Happy 2011!!!★* 。*★* ˛.*.★*.˛* .˛。*.★.*˛.¨*.★<br /> ˛°_██_*.。*./ ♥ \ .˛* .˛。.★ 。**˛Happy New Years! From our<br /> ˛. (´• ̮•)*.。*/♫.♫\*˛.* ˛_Π_____.♥!!!♥♥ home to yours ♥<br /> .°( . • . ) ˛°./• '♫ ' •\.˛*./______/~＼*. ˛*.。˛*★* ˛.*.★*.˛* .*˛<br /> *(...'•...'.. ) *˛╬╬╬╬╬˛°.｜田田 ｜門｜╬╬╬╬╬*˚ .˛ ...★..*.*★*.★</span></h6><h6 class="uiStreamMessage" data-ft="{"type":"msg"}"><span class="messageBody" style="font-size: small;">(stolen from my friend Dana's FB page) </span></h6>

Happy New Year 2011!

★˛˚˛*˛°★Happy 2011!!!★* 。*★* ˛.*.★*.˛* .˛。*.★.*˛.¨*.★ ˛°_██_*.。*./ ♥ \ .˛* .˛。.★ 。**˛Happy New Years! From our ˛. (´• ̮•)*.。*/♫.♫\*˛.* ˛_Π...

Five Year Anniversary!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRng5_ahY3I/AAAAAAAAE50/bP5layjE0wI/s1600/Blog+anniversary.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRng5_ahY3I/AAAAAAAAE50/bP5layjE0wI/s1600/Blog+anniversary.jpg" /></a></div>It is hard to believe that I have been blogging for five years!  I have met many wonderful people through blogging.  The world is a smaller place now that I can write a post and have friends from all over the world read and comment on it!  Thank you for making blogging so much fun!

Five Year Anniversary!

It is hard to believe that I have been blogging for five years!  I have met many wonderful people through blogging.  The world is a smaller ...

Day of Organization

<span class="zemanta-img separator" style="clear: right;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Whewlogo.jpg" style="clear: right; display: block; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Whew!" height="216" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/b/b8/Whewlogo.jpg" style="border: medium none; font-size: 0.8em;" width="243" /></a><span class="zemanta-img-attribution" style="clear: both; float: right; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 243px;">Image via <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Whewlogo.jpg">Wikipedia</a></span></span><br /> <br /> Today is our day of organization at the house.  Bob is cleaning every kitchen drawer (whew) and I am going to do my dresser drawers and my side of the garage.  I am going to go through all of our slides and put them on a disk.  I bought a gadget from <a class="zem_slink" href="http://www.brookstone.com/" rel="homepage" title="Brookstone">Brookstone</a> to help with this task.  I plan to go through my computer and organize my photos, too, naming all the files so I can find them easier.  We have over 10,000 pictures so this will be a chore!<br /> <br /> We are trying to find something unique to do on 1-1-11.  Any ideas?  I am suggesting that Bob and Eric play golf.  It is going to be 60 outside.  What a way to welcome in the New Year! <br /> <br /> So, the organization starts as soon as this blog post is over.<br /> <br /> I can't think of anything more to say so I guess I better get started.<br /> <br /> Bye.<br /> <br /> Adios.<br /> <br /> Sigh.<br /> <br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_c.png?x-id=ff770160-fd80-412f-bea2-78a4e6802aa5" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript"> </script></span></div>

Day of Organization

Image via Wikipedia Today is our day of organization at the house.  Bob is cleaning every kitchen drawer (whew) and I am going to do my dr...

The Oliver Christmas

We celebrated the weekend before Christmas since that was a time we could all get together.  We had everyone there, even though Tammi had to be a little late, due to an employee who shall remain nameless but who will one day experience the wrath of Terri if we ever meet in person!<br /> <br /> Our food was great!  Mom ordered sub sandwiches and we all brought homemade treats.  Mom made eggnog, sugar cookies and her yummy peanut butter balls.  She used crunchy peanut butter and that was so good!<br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRixhUyykOI/AAAAAAAAE4M/S_6ZoFT7i1s/s1600/IMG_2368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRixhUyykOI/AAAAAAAAE4M/S_6ZoFT7i1s/s400/IMG_2368.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> We hung out together and caught up (Tich passed her GED and Chris has two fabulous job offers on the table!)  Tammi arrived with Pat and the celebrating began!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRiyI1NI0II/AAAAAAAAE4Y/OtDyNKN5YoU/s1600/IMG_2404.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRiyI1NI0II/AAAAAAAAE4Y/OtDyNKN5YoU/s400/IMG_2404.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /> After presents, everyone was trying things on to make sure they fit.  Ben had on his Old Navy sweatshirt with the built in earphones and then decided to "try on" his cologne.  He sprayed a big puff and then walked through it making the funniest face!  We all cracked up and made him do it over and over.  That led to Chris, Ashley and Ben doing funny poses.  Oh yes, got them all on digital.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRixxXltL9I/AAAAAAAAE4Q/fKZ16nPw750/s1600/IMG_2425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRixxXltL9I/AAAAAAAAE4Q/fKZ16nPw750/s400/IMG_2425.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRix9CObkGI/AAAAAAAAE4U/U-B-aYkVyEc/s1600/IMG_2434.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRix9CObkGI/AAAAAAAAE4U/U-B-aYkVyEc/s400/IMG_2434.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /> It was a fabulous holiday spent with fabulous people!

The Oliver Christmas

We celebrated the weekend before Christmas since that was a time we could all get together.  We had everyone there, even though Tammi had to...

Christmas Review

Yesterday we spent the day in Springfield for the annual Steffes Christmas.  We were all there!  It is becoming harder and harder to get us all in one spot but we all made an effort this year to do so. <br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRitRGXobKI/AAAAAAAAE38/csiwPZdwDeg/s1600/IMG_2616.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRitRGXobKI/AAAAAAAAE38/csiwPZdwDeg/s400/IMG_2616.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Irene Steffes crew, 2010</td></tr> </tbody></table><br /> <br /> Gary and Joy organized it this year and did a great job.  We were asked to bring stockings which we all did.  Gary stuffed them with all kinds of goodies, old fashioned candy, lotions, lights, body sprays, toys... we had so much fun opening them.  I hope we do it again next year.  Next we all drew out a candy cane out of a glass.  Numbers were written on the bottom.  We were each given a wine bottle from Jake's cupboard that had been melted down into a cheese tray.  Then we made our own unique wire decoration for the top.  Mine is of Mizzou colors!  Bob made his into an "s" shape.  Then we played our game for our annual gift exchange.  Each year we get a theme, this year "Stay Cation" and we each bring a $30 gift using the theme.  The candy canes determined who would go first.  A gift can be stolen two times and then it is "frozen" meaning no one can steal it again.  The gifts were awesome this year!  I got a gift card to Red Lobster and a movie and Bob had a bottle of wine and a cheese board.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRitjpsEGAI/AAAAAAAAE4A/bl-5WR-clD0/s1600/IMG_2621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRitjpsEGAI/AAAAAAAAE4A/bl-5WR-clD0/s400/IMG_2621.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> We had a deep fried turkey made by Tim and then Karen made all kinds of goodies:  two kinds of hot potatoes with cheese, green beans and corn and then Gary brought in rolls from Lamberts (Home of the Throwed Rolls).  It was fabulous!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRit86bSvaI/AAAAAAAAE4E/7y-UbSw5ODQ/s1600/IMG_2610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRit86bSvaI/AAAAAAAAE4E/7y-UbSw5ODQ/s400/IMG_2610.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> We all visited and caught up with one another (David has a beard! and Susan is pregnant!) which is one of the best parts of getting together.  Janie and Alex and Adam are such cute kids.  They entertained us quite well.  Can't wait to get Susan's baby in the crowd!<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRiuHwG0reI/AAAAAAAAE4I/4e6ie1IZGWQ/s1600/IMG_2643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRiuHwG0reI/AAAAAAAAE4I/4e6ie1IZGWQ/s400/IMG_2643.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Karen, Ashley and Susan</td></tr> </tbody></table>

Christmas Review

Yesterday we spent the day in Springfield for the annual Steffes Christmas.  We were all there!  It is becoming harder and harder to get us ...

Merry Christmas 2010

Ashley had us all up at 6:00 this morning ready to open gifts.  We started with Truman and Wilson's stockings.  They eat had three doggie truffles, a breath cleansing bone and a toy. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYxVGyH6kI/AAAAAAAAE3w/wW8SJNVjUH4/s1600/IMG_2559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYxVGyH6kI/AAAAAAAAE3w/wW8SJNVjUH4/s400/IMG_2559.jpg" width="245" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Then we each opened our own stockings.  We wrap each gift and go individually to unwrap.  Some highlight stocking stuffers this year were a beaded clutch, a tiger striped wallet, Farkle,  and a Straight No Chaser CD.  After unwrapping the stockings, we moved on to gifts.  Bob passed out the presents this year.  Highlight gifts Ashley: Cole Haan shoes, Eric:  Topsider shoes, Bob:  Kitchenaid Food Processor and Global knives, Terri:  screen door, microwave and a gold Tiger bracelet. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYwa1_VDYI/AAAAAAAAE3g/A1pOTezI0_Y/s1600/IMG_2546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYwa1_VDYI/AAAAAAAAE3g/A1pOTezI0_Y/s400/IMG_2546.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /> After gifts, we watched some more Glee, while Bob prepared us a breakfast of gingerbread waffles, homemade applesauce, sausage crescent rolls, brown sugar bacon and a knock off of Starbuck's salted caramel hot chocolate.  Before we eat, we pulled our poppers.  We had great gifts this time!  A key chain, a wine charm, a deck of cards and a golf counter!   Breakfast was wonderful.<br /> <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYwpuMiEwI/AAAAAAAAE3k/22jtp0yDxrk/s1600/IMG_2545.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYwpuMiEwI/AAAAAAAAE3k/22jtp0yDxrk/s400/IMG_2545.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYxFVAKytI/AAAAAAAAE3s/m9kMTSI_rLg/s1600/IMG_2571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYxFVAKytI/AAAAAAAAE3s/m9kMTSI_rLg/s400/IMG_2571.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> When we cleaned up, we played a game of Farkle.  We decided it was a great game and look forward to many more games this year. This Farkle game is in a container about the size and shape of a film canister (remember those?) and would be perfect to travel with.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYw2PL5EfI/AAAAAAAAE3o/BGChIHb53p8/s1600/IMG_2577.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRYw2PL5EfI/AAAAAAAAE3o/BGChIHb53p8/s400/IMG_2577.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Ashley and Eric are now at the Hasty's house where we will join them for dinner this evening.  What a great day for spending with family and friends.  Merry Christmas, all!

Merry Christmas 2010

Ashley had us all up at 6:00 this morning ready to open gifts.  We started with Truman and Wilson's stockings.  They eat had three doggi...

Christmas Eve!

It is Christmas Eve and we are ready for Christmas.  We have all the gifts wrapped, the stocking stuffers ready for putting into the stockings. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRTaNeiGquI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/WNfxbBO-S_0/s1600/livepreview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRTaNeiGquI/AAAAAAAAE3Y/WNfxbBO-S_0/s400/livepreview.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Our Christmas Eve tradition is to go to Mass and then come home to open the Santa Bag.  The Santa Bag has a game, a movie, a treat and our new holiday pjs.  This year is no exception and I am looking forward to seeing everyone's faces when they see the game and the movie Santa brings!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TQQjtunnguI/AAAAAAAAE1g/j8IC5fL5rTI/s1600/100_2474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TQQjtunnguI/AAAAAAAAE1g/j8IC5fL5rTI/s400/100_2474.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <br /> Our menu for tonight is:  Appetizers:  Meatballs Three Ways (Cinnamon Garlic Feta, Spiced with Orange, Curry Scallion), Christmas Shepherd's Pie, Corn and Black Bean Salad and for dessert:  Balsamic Chocolate Truffles.  We will have Christmas Cafe au Lait and a Sparkling Wine Cocktail for drinks.<br /> <br /> We will be tracking Santa on NORAD tonight.  That is always so much fun!<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/SlIPO1TiYeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/vo8wY8R34Ps/s1600/img70.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/SlIPO1TiYeI/AAAAAAAAC7A/vo8wY8R34Ps/s1600/img70.gif" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="color: red; font-family: "Courier New",Courier,monospace;"><span style="font-size: large;">Merry Christmas and God bless you!</span></i></div>

Christmas Eve!

It is Christmas Eve and we are ready for Christmas.  We have all the gifts wrapped, the stocking stuffers ready for putting into the stockin...

A Christmas Quilt

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRC8JXam6QI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/O7lZYDMZZvU/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRC8JXam6QI/AAAAAAAAE3Q/O7lZYDMZZvU/s400/123.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>A few years ago, some girlfriends and I made Christmas quilt blocks together.  I don't know how to quilt but I work at a school with a fabulous quilter.  I brought my project in to her and she pieced it for me and then took it to her favorite quilt shop for the backing.  I am so in love with Christmas plaid!<br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRC7I8xlnhI/AAAAAAAAE3E/TqrvIMsFblg/s1600/124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRC7I8xlnhI/AAAAAAAAE3E/TqrvIMsFblg/s400/124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls who made the quilt</td></tr> </tbody></table> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRC7MHyvJCI/AAAAAAAAE3I/zhw6LrYYosk/s1600/133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRC7MHyvJCI/AAAAAAAAE3I/zhw6LrYYosk/s400/133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRC7OZfEm6I/AAAAAAAAE3M/OHeJyzv3MH0/s1600/127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TRC7OZfEm6I/AAAAAAAAE3M/OHeJyzv3MH0/s400/127.JPG" width="400" /></a> </> </></></></><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful square</td><><><><> <div></div></></></></></div></tr> </tbody></table> <br />  <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

A Christmas Quilt

A few years ago, some girlfriends and I made Christmas quilt blocks together.  I don't know how to quilt but I work at a school with a f...

Bunco Girls Rock!

<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TP7fma03r_I/AAAAAAAAE0w/3MenpQ3YDes/s1600/IMG_2173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TP7fma03r_I/AAAAAAAAE0w/3MenpQ3YDes/s400/IMG_2173.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2010 Bunco Girls</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /> </td></tr> </tbody></table>Barb Kuebler, Shanna Dudenhoeffer, Ashley Angle, me, Letha Moeckli, Trish Alexander, Sue Snell,  Jan Griffin, Charlotte Dudenhoeffer, Jennifer Moss, Melanie Walsh, Linda Eisinger

Bunco Girls Rock!

2010 Bunco Girls Barb Kuebler, Shanna Dudenhoeffer, Ashley Angle, me, Letha Moeckli, Trish Alexander, Sue Snell,  Jan Griffin, Charlott...

A Charlie Brown Christmas...

... a holiday must.<br /> <br /> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody> <tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TP7eP6pN5rI/AAAAAAAAE0U/bZ1cV8J9p-U/s1600/IMG_2205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TP7eP6pN5rI/AAAAAAAAE0U/bZ1cV8J9p-U/s400/IMG_2205.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr> <tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Charlie Brown Christmas in our own backyard!</td></tr> </tbody></table>

A Charlie Brown Christmas...

... a holiday must. A Charlie Brown Christmas in our own backyard!

A peek at the weekend...

Delta Kappa Gamma...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvtlK5AnsI/AAAAAAAAEzE/kgRST5esbTQ/s1600/DSC00696.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvtlK5AnsI/AAAAAAAAEzE/kgRST5esbTQ/s400/DSC00696.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvtl3epbOI/AAAAAAAAEzI/_ZYWWyfbMNM/s1600/DSC00697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvtl3epbOI/AAAAAAAAEzI/_ZYWWyfbMNM/s400/DSC00697.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvtmUWyloI/AAAAAAAAEzM/RKQLybdhglo/s1600/DSC00706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvuBBuUMeI/AAAAAAAAEz4/Ge2kStrl7nU/s1600/DSC00735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvuBBuUMeI/AAAAAAAAEz4/Ge2kStrl7nU/s400/DSC00735.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /> Looking at Lights...<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvueSMkAUI/AAAAAAAAEz8/0BY-F4nV7rM/s1600/IMG_2151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvueSMkAUI/AAAAAAAAEz8/0BY-F4nV7rM/s400/IMG_2151.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvuhLHRHyI/AAAAAAAAE0A/87EdMOtemUw/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPvuhLHRHyI/AAAAAAAAE0A/87EdMOtemUw/s400/IMG_2155.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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A peek at the weekend...

Delta Kappa Gamma...   California Historical Homes Tour.... Looking at Lights...

Weekend Fun

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPkGIth6L_I/AAAAAAAAEyw/_b-WmDHdGDs/s1600/merrychristmas060.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TPkGIth6L_I/AAAAAAAAEyw/_b-WmDHdGDs/s320/merrychristmas060.gif" width="320" /></a></div><br /> This weekend will be a busy one for us.  Friday night is the my school's holiday party.  It is being hosted at the home of one of the teachers.  We are doing a white elephant exchange, BYOB, and sharing an appetizer.  I'll let the evening speak for itself!<br /> <br /> On Saturday morning I travel to the Lake with Delta Kappa Gamma friends.  It is the annual Christmas luncheon.  It is the first one I have been able to attend.  I am excited to go!  In the afternoon I have tickets to go on the California Historical Homes Christmas Tour.  I am eager to see the homes on the tour.  I am hoping that Ashley can go but that still isn't a done deal.  In the evening Bob, Ashley, Eric and I have tickets to a play at the Stephens Warehouse.  I believe it is a Tennessee Williams play but I am not sure.  We will look at lights in the Columbia area before the play.<br /> <br /> Sunday we will celebrate the second Sunday of Advent at church.  No plans until Sunday late afternoon, when I host our December Bunco event.  I am so excited!  I have a great menu planned and some fun new ideas to do to celebrate the holiday season.  <br /> <br /> The holiday season is underway!

Weekend Fun

This weekend will be a busy one for us.  Friday night is the my school's holiday party.  It is being hosted at the home of one of the t...

A Study in Tradition

Bob's family (on the Steffes side) has a Thanksgiving tradition that involves pie.  Specifically, mincemeat pie.  A review of the literature (research!) says that mincemeat pie is an English tradition, which does not jive with Bob's very German family, but it's true nonetheless.<br /> <br /> While Bob was growing up, Aunt Lorraine would can jars and jars of mincemeat to be used in pies at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  When Aunt Lorraine passed away, a few jars of mincemeat remained but no one was worried, as Dianne took over the tradition of making and canning mincemeat.<br /> <br /> The Steffes/Fessler crew celebrated Thanksgiving at Dianne and Jim's house this year.  This is the first time in my 33 years of being in the Steffes family that it was somewhere besides Uncle Slim, Uncle Smoky, or Irene's house.  Dianne's home was a wonderful place to hold our dinner.  Perfect for kids and adults alike!<br /> <br /> I saw an opportunity to do a photo essay on the making of the Steffes/Fessler mincemeat pie.  Dianne is the pie baker in the photos.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_EQVv8SBI/AAAAAAAAEuM/QAnCDRxzCRE/s1600/IMG_1889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_EQVv8SBI/AAAAAAAAEuM/QAnCDRxzCRE/s640/IMG_1889.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_EW1BbaMI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/hu5_Os7HL18/s1600/IMG_1890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_EW1BbaMI/AAAAAAAAEuQ/hu5_Os7HL18/s640/IMG_1890.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_EaKSURjI/AAAAAAAAEuU/qcZFVDxP9K4/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_EaKSURjI/AAAAAAAAEuU/qcZFVDxP9K4/s640/IMG_1891.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_GgTn4hRI/AAAAAAAAEvM/mSw-6k2nzDU/s1600/IMG_1916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_GgTn4hRI/AAAAAAAAEvM/mSw-6k2nzDU/s640/IMG_1916.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_GvXWo5fI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/I859Yemj64c/s1600/IMG_1921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_GvXWo5fI/AAAAAAAAEvQ/I859Yemj64c/s640/IMG_1921.JPG" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_G1DbJU8I/AAAAAAAAEvU/zG-p6WlSRGs/s1600/IMG_1922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_G1DbJU8I/AAAAAAAAEvU/zG-p6WlSRGs/s640/IMG_1922.jpg" width="480" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_G43pTnqI/AAAAAAAAEvY/fu6hfor3x-w/s1600/IMG_1923.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/_IFkXfD3q6vY/TO_G43pTnqI/AAAAAAAAEvY/fu6hfor3x-w/s640/IMG_1923.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br /> Can't say all the Steffes/Fessler family members love mincemeat.... you can see Donna leaning away and I don't care for it... and very few of the younger generation like it (Eric does!), but as long as there are some around who will eat it, and Dianne is there to make it, I can see this pie remaining as one of the special traditions of the family.<br /> <div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"> <a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_c.png?x-id=bbdde9fb-07d1-4f60-90d8-f473e409bcac" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a><span class="zem-script more-related pretty-attribution"><script defer="defer" src="http://static.zemanta.com/readside/loader.js" type="text/javascript"> </script></span></div>

A Study in Tradition

Bob's family (on the Steffes side) has a Thanksgiving tradition that involves pie.  Specifically, mincemeat pie.  A review of the litera...