As you've noticed, I've started to post most of my picture in collages to keep my posts shorter. They do get bigger if you click on them. But you probably already knew that!
I'll start this post with one last Christmasy picture. My sister Mary Ellen gave me this ornament, and I LOVE it so much!
Sunday, December 30
Dick and I packed up our van as much as we could on Saturday evening, then on Sunday morning we packed up the rest of our "stuff" and hit the road before 8:00 AM. This was the day for the annual Stauffer family gathering, and it was starting at 11:30! So I obviously was taking a Sunday off from church because we would have a 2 - 3 hour drive. We went first of all to Sam and Jenn's to pick up the children. There was a showing scheduled at 2:00, so that gave them time to get the place all ready for it - without kids!
As we have done the past few years, the Stauffers got together at Manheim BIC. They have a wonderful gathering room adjoining the gym. It's perfect for a big group like ours with energetic children.
As we waited for more people to arrive, the men sat and chatted. The children ran and tryked around the gym. Then Jess arrived and the kids gathered around her as they worked on the Frozen-themed floor puzzle that Sammy had brought along. Unfortunately Jess came without Bjorn because he was sick.
When everyone that was coming had arrived, we started the meal. Lasagna, garlic bread, salad, and desserts were our menu. Of course the babies had their own special menu. I loved watching the young daddies feeding them.
After eating there was lots of catching up to do. I actually didn't get to do too much of it, because Jess and I were playing Sammy's game, UNO Attack, with some of the children. Nobody took pictures of us, so you'll just have to take my word for it!
Before too many had scattered I managed to get a few important group photos. Of course, brother Bob and his wife Doris were missing. They live in Minnesota, and this week they left for a year-and-a-half of service in Haiti.
Steve and Faye are at the left side of this photo, then Dick and I, Grandma Arlene and Dad, Jim and Carolyn, Fred and Deb. As usual, there were lots of jokes being cracked as the pictures were being taken. I just love the one of Dad and Arlene.
We went back to Sam and Jenn's after we left there and had time to relax. I even fell asleep for a bit on the chaise lounge, covered with a cozy green blanket. When I woke up I discovered that one of the cats had been sitting on me. No wonder I slept! Bianca was intrigued with her Fishin' Frenzy game. Just couldn't get enough of it. She even roped me in for a while, and it really was fun!
In the evening Dick and I went on a big grocery shopping mission. The next day would be our annual family fondue with our PA crew, and we needed lots of food! After we got finished we picked up a couple of pizzas to take back to the house. It was a cold night, so we were able to leave most of our things in the van, which was wonderful. The one good thing about cold weather - outdoor refrigeration!
Monday, December 31
We have often had our fondue in Sam and Jenn's basement, but decided against it this year because of the house being for sale. Thankfully we were able to have it at our home church near Manheim, Grace Community Fellowship. Dick and I got there around 10 AM to set up tables and chairs, unload the van, make the cheese and chocolate for dipping, and heat the oil for frying. Many years ago, 1989 I believe, Miki had done a fondue meal with a group of young adults and asked if we could do it with our family. There were probably six of us at that time, lol! She brought me her handwritten recipes for the cheese and chocolate, including suggestions for things to dip into them. I still use those very same recipes!! I assured her that I was thinking of and missing her as I used them.
We were disappointed that once again the weather was not in our favor. Last year we had a lot of snow, which prevented both Anthony's family and Frank's family from being able to join us. This year we had rain. However, for Anthony and Lori it was rain and fog. They were on their way, but were barely out of Centre County when the traffic was just crawling along due to fog, and they decided to turn around. As I heard reports of freezing rain up in this area, I was actually glad they had done so. But we really missed having them there.
I didn't actually get any pictures of everyone at once, but we had fun eating and everyone had plenty! The children had a great time playing too.
Bjorn did join us, but was still not feeling great. So they were the first to leave. My sister Mary Ellen joined us this year. She brought a game to play - the game of Things. WHAT FUN for all ages!! So much laughter. Those of us that didn't start the game wanted to join in before long! I will definitely be getting this game.
Of course, there was time to just catch up with each other too. The church basement was a perfect location for us. We really had a wonderful time together. I just hope it doesn't smell like a fast food restaurant when they go to church tomorrow!
And then there was all the clean up. UGH!!! But we had plenty of help. I think we left around 4:00. We were so glad for the carport at the church and again at Sam's because it was POURING.
On the way back to Sam's, Dick and I went past the farm house, just two miles from the church, where we lived with our crew for 18 years. So many memories of our life there. Then we went through the square of Manheim so we could see the Christmas lights. It was raining, so I couldn't get a good picture of it this year. But it was still magical, just as it has been ever since I can remember.
We had a really fun New Year's Eve at Sam and Jenn's. Ray came over with his girlfriend Ashley and her son RJ. She had to work that day and missed our fondue. But we still had plenty of stuff left. We ate all evening long, watched the live show on ABC and sang along, laughed at Cocoa watching bird videos on Sammy's tablet, haha!! And we celebrated and messaged family members as the ball dropped in Times Square.
Tuesday, January 1, 2019
On New Years Day Dick and I were the first ones up, getting ready to leave. We had a little bit of time with the kids before we said our goodbyes.
Before heading back home to State College we went to Quentin Haus Family Restaurant for one more gathering - my Pennsylvania siblings. It was actually a last minute thing that amazingly worked out for all of us! There was lots of talking, good eating (again!) - most of us had pork, sauerkraut, and mashed potatoes, and of course, many laughs. I just love being with my siblings!
Actually, I didn't even know Mary Ellen had taken some of these pictures, but I decided to have fun with them, haha!
When we got home late afternoon there was SO MUCH STUFF to carry into the house and put away. But we got it done, and then I had to get right to work choosing the music for this coming Sunday. Later we made a quick run to the grocery store so I'd have the things I needed to cook for Anthony and Lori the next day. Bed felt really, really good that night!
First week of 2019
So it's been a regular work week for us. And the same old dreary weather. I told 2019 to stop trying to be like 2018!!
Maybe it listened to me! When I was working in the kitchen at Anthony and Lori's late yesterday afternoon the house seemed to have a glow. I looked out to the west and knew I had to get a picture QUICK!! It was truly spectacular!!
And now this afternoon we have glorious sunshine!!! It's incredibly wonderful after all the gloominess we've had most of the time for MONTHS!!
Have a great Sunday!
4 comments:
AND IT GOT SUNNY HERE TOO THIS AFTERNOON! Oops, wasn't going to do all caps but what the heck, I'm that excited about it! =))
Loved reading about your continued Christmas activities and all the pictures. Enjoy your Sunday too!
So enjoyed the pictures of everyone and all the fun. I know how you felt about the rain and the grloious sunshine...we had the same. Sure makes it extra special when it does shine. Hope the New Year is a blessing for you and yours.
I love the ornament too - it just shouts "Jean!" It looks like you had so much fun, all week long! Lots of family, fun and love. The sunset is glorious.
I like the collages - where do you make them? They are such fun shapes.
Those last two photos of those beautiful views and sunshine are just beautiful! Anthony and Lori really do have a slice of paradise where they live! You had a busy but great time full of family and laughter. Can't get much better than that! Love & hugs!
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