Christmas 2013

 Christmas 2013 was full of activity and full of love as well.  Just the way it should be.  We started out our Christmas celebrations by having a Pleshek family get together on Clare's birthday.  Adam got a "swig-a-joe" dino aka switch and go dino.  He climbed up on his great-grandpa's lap to tell him all about it.

Last year all of our children were in our home for Christmas morning and it was wonderful.  This year it was just Pat and I with our boys.  Just as wonderful.  We were able to watch Sammi, Jeff, Evelyn and Erin open their gifts from us via FaceTime.  Isn't technology wonderful?

 Andrew opened new Nike socks as well as two new t-shirts.

 You may think I posted the same photo twice but he is actually holding up his two different shirts.

 Tom loves Home Alone 2.  He watches it on youtube and loves the part where Marv gets fried.

 I found the triology of Home Alone and he was pretty excited. 

 Andrew asked for a new jacket just before hunting season.  He wanted a Carhart.  I couldn't find one on sale, but Fleet Farm carries an identical jacket for about $20 less.  The sizing on those was a little better as well.  I would have had to buy a Carhart that he would've drown in just to get long enough sleeves.

 He LOVES it!

 I asked Tom what he wanted for Christmas and he finally came up with something.

 A Packers Sweatshirt!  He loves it as well.

 I never know what to get for Pat but I do know that if it is something I make he's always appreciative.

 This year it was a scrapbook chronicling his first 6.5 years of being the stake president.  It has official communications as well as photos and letters from others.  He always puts the book in front of his face to hide his tears.

After Christmas we had the Holiday basketball Tournament which is basically our big fundraiser for the Booster Club.  Andrew's team won for the second consecutive year.  That's never happened before in all the years this tournament has been going on.  

On Saturday afternoon, we got together with Pat's Mom and siblings.  We had a good time being with them.  I have the best mother-in-law.  I love her immensely.  She doesn't give these grand gifts, but she loves us all and I appreciate that so much.  It is true that a mother is the glue that holds a family together.

Another Christmas in the books.  I love Christmas!

Today I am taking down my tree.  It's only been up for more than two months.  I'm ready to get my livingroom clean from top to bottom.

Here We Go Again

 I really love watching high school basketball.  I love it even more when one of my children is playing.  For years I watched girl's basketball but for the past four years it has been boy's basketball.  Andrew totally got the tip on this jump ball even though the other guy was taller.  Of course, the other guy jumped before the ball even started coming back down.

 I love the attempt to block the inbounds pass.  The kid has long really long arms when he stretches out.

 Andrew thinks in defense.  He's always been a better defender than ball handler or shooter.  I really enjoy watching him get set and take a charge or better yet swatting someone else's shot.

 You can see the job he had last evening against Rosholt.  See the guy behind Andrew?  He was about 3 inches taller and twice as wide.  Not too hard to be wider than Andrew, but this guy was huge! 

 One of the few times I've been able to get a photo of him actually taking a shot.

 It was a fun game to watch last night.  Of course, whenever our guys win, makes it more fun to watch. 

Our guys are 3-0 overall and 2-0 in the conference.  They have their toughest opponents coming up in the next week.  So far, they've played alright ball but they are capable of playing better.  Here's hoping we have a very successful year!

Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving with these people plus a few more not in this photo.  Clare asked me if I wanted to do the "Turkey Trot" in Green Bay.  My husband said there was no reason to go all the way to Green Bay to walk so we created our own.  Clare created the shirts and after our meal we went out for a walk.  It was a bit nippy, but still a lot of fun. 
On another note, I have to say that I absolutely love these two missionaries.  They are awesome!  They work and teach so well together.  They're both just young guys but we have had some amazing teaching experiences in our home with them and a myriad of non-members.  What a privilege it is to have the missionaries teach in our home.  So, this Thanksgiving with all the usual things I have to be thankful for I am also thankful for these two young guys who put their lives on hold for two years to come to Wisconsin and teach the gospel.

My Birthday Boy

 Today is my sweetheart's birthday.  He doesn't want anyone to make a big deal out of his birthday.  I guess I feel the same way about mine.  Still, he makes a big deal out of mine so how is that fair?
This is a man of many talents who wears many hats.  Here are just a few of those hats he wears.

He is a basketball official.  Unfortunately, Erin isn't doing the same this year.  Andrew, however, is doing a few games with his dad.  One being tonight.

 Here's that 19 year old face that I fell in love with.  This was taken just prior to his leaving for the MTC.  My parents drove him to Provo.

 How on earth did we ever find a photo of him on a Sunday afternoon/evening?  He's often gone until then serving the saints of the stake.

 He's a hard worker who gives service so willingly.  He uses the tractor now rather than the snow blower but still plows everyone out who need it.

 He's a very affectionate man who completely adores me.  I can't complain.

 He loves to serve the Lord.  He loves it even more when I travel with him.

 He is a Papa to our wonderful grandchildren.  The kids adore him.

 He arranges for us to go to General Conference once a year.  I do love that.

 He loves his sons.  Yes, even though his face doesn't show it.  They went to a movie together and bonded.

He is a true friend.  He loves his friends unconditionally.  He is compassionate and unshakable in his devotion to those whom he loves.  I love that quality in him.

I am blessed beyond measure to have married this wonderful guy.  I think he is a great man with much to give and much to do.  He puts the Lord first and I admire that.  I wouldn't want it any other way.  Happy birthday sweetheart!

What a Sabbath!

 Yesterday my boys and I rode with Clare to Green Bay for my nephew Evan's "farewell" prior to leaving on his mission to Ghana.  We had a good day with wonderful people.  Alyssa, Lance and kids were visiting as well so my grandchildren got to play with their 2nd cousins during Primary time.  Their Primary was practicing for their presentation next week, so Clare made up her own Primary for the children with Andrew assisting.  They sang and had a lesson about being thankful. 

I had a surprise in finding that my friend Sharmon Ward was in attendance.  Her husband was in town training the new stake presidency so she and I got to spend all three hours being instructed and visiting.  I absolutely love her.  She is such an example of faith. 

Following Relief Society my dad came and found me.  He told me that an event I have been waiting years for would be happening within the next hour.  I immediately felt overwhelmed and began to cry.  I shared that wonderful news with Sharmon and she just hugged me and I shared my joy.

Kurt and I were both able to be a part of a very personal, sacred experience with my dad.  It is something I never anticipated ever witnessing and hopefully I will never witness it again.  All I can say is that I look forward with greater anticipation to be able to go to the temple with my dad again.  Afterward, Kurt and I each had the opportunity to hug Dad.  He thanked us for our patience and for loving him unconditionally. 

I have learned to listen to the Spirit when he speaks words of comfort.  Through that still, small voice, I was assured 13+ years ago that this day would come.  I know that our Heavenly Father loves each of His children and yearns for them to come back.  I believe it is never too late for anyone to come back after straying away.  We need to be patient and loving.

I found this photo yesterday as well as this certificate of my parents' temple sealing.  It is now again, more than just a piece of paper.  It is in effect.

I cannot express my thankfulness enough for the atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I cannot express my love enough for the priesthood holders who helped my dad on his way back to Christ.  I love the Savior and the gospel he has provided and the key-holders he has given to assist us.  My joy is indeed full!

Happy Birthday Gramma O

 One hundred years ago today my Grandma Otto was born.  Of course she wasn't my grandma then.  Also, 81 years ago today she was a 19 year old bride.  I think my grandpa was smart to make their anniversary the same day as her birthday.  Although I really don't know why her birthday was chosen.

I love this picture of the two of them.  I don't know if I ever remember my grandpa having this much hair, but that's his smile.  He was the best grandpa ever.  I loved him so much.  He's been gone since July 1982.  She on the other hand spent many years being a widow.  She's only been gone six years.

This photo comes from one of my Sleger cousin's weddings.  I see my aunt Diane now and she is so old and feeble.  I much prefer to remember her this way.  This is also how I remember my grandma.  I guess because this is how she looked most of my life.  I loved going to their house.  There was so much to do in every season.   I loved the way their house smelled as well.  Wood smoke permeated the home as that was the only mode of heat they ever had.

I found this photo a couple of years ago.  I only wish swimwear was this modest today.  Isn't she a hottie?  I adored my grandparents.  A few years ago I made sure her temple work was done.  My daughters Sammi and Erin helped with the temple work as well as niece Alison.  I look forward to one day having a reunion with these wonderful people!

20 Years

It's been 20 years since these two were last together.  It makes me sad that they aren't together enjoying one another.  Twenty long years.  My kids were just little.  Andrew wasn't even born!  I was thin.  I miss our talks and especially her comments about the kids.  I imagine them and can even hear her voice.  This is not a milestone I wanted to commemorate. 

A few years ago when my grandma passed away, I mentioned to my husband that I was a bit envious of the reunion she and my mom were having.  I can only imagine how joyous it was.

 Mom was only 55 when she died so suddenly.  I am now 51.  That gives me a better perspective on just how young she really was.  I know I'm well into my middle age, but I still feel so young inside. 
Here's to you Mom.  Know that I'm thinking about you today and my heart is a little heavy because of missing you.  I love you Mom.

18 on the 18th

Andrew turned 18 on the 18th.  Yep, that's right.  His golden birthday.  Whatever that really means.  In honor of him, I'm posting a few (actually a lot) pictures of him throughout his life so far.  Enjoy.

He was born 5lbs 1/2 oz.  Here he is 1 week old.

 Apparently clean teeth are important even if you have to sit in the sink to do it.

 Sylvester was so patient with our children.

 All tuckered out.  Couldn't make it past the back door.

 He wasn't a "nuk" baby until about 6 months old.  Then it became his best friend.

 Four years old in his costume for the Nauvoo pageant.

 Three years old.

 One of my favorite pictures ever.  Love that he's oblivious to the camera.

 First grade with a very dark haired daddy.

 Second grade.

 A trip to door county.  I know his sisters will be grossed out by this photo.  He doesn't look a whole lot different now.  Just a bit more filled out.

 He helped out the bocce team one year by being part of the unified team.

 A sack of potatoes for Halloween.

 Kindergarten graduation with the other members of our church.

 Fishing at the lake with Maryellen.  He loves to fish but won't eat them.

 He's mister flexible.  Always has been.

 Not really a fan of being in the band but I love the low bass sound that our band needed.

 He finished all his paperwork and has submitted everything for his Eagle rank.

 A kite made with David Lau.  Pretty sure this was part of scouting too.

 Fashionable.  Just like the sisters.

 A show of support for breast cancer awareness month.

 Eighth grade recognition.

 Soccer this fall.

 A senior picture.

Andrew has been a light in my life.  His easy going personality and quick wit keep me on my toes.  He was the perfect child to be our last.  Such an easy baby considering the circumstances surrounding his birth.  He was the only child I scheduled with an induction.  (Doc was leaving town and wanted him delivered before he left.)  A blessing which I can never be thankful enough for.  My placenta quit working a few weeks before and he was starving.  The nurses informed me that another week until my due date would have resulted in a still birth. 

He is planning on a mission next year and I will miss him terribly but know that I will never be so proud of him as when he will serve the Lord full time. 

He's not an in your face type of person.  He's quiet about his good deeds and humble.  He serves without question and has really turned into a hard worker.  My Father in Heaven knew I needed him in my life and for that I am forever grateful!