Christmas 2007

I'm not sure how well this will show up. But Phil, Chris, and Murphy had Christmas in Buelton, Ca. It's close to Solvang the Danish town that has a lot of holiday spirit. Grandma and Bernie came up and had Christmas Eve dinner with us and then came back the next morning for Chrismas breakfast. They stayed in the Anderson's Hotel which is famous for it's split pea soup. But, I guess it is a pretty old place which wasn't the nicest.

Wanted to show you how we decorated the " rig" with lights outside and a small tree inside. It was very fun, and we needed to change the tradition since Michelle went back to spend the holiday with Steph and her family.

Hope everyone had a great Christmas... Love Chris

Snow!

I looked at the weather station and it said we might have snow mixed with the rain in the Dean's neck of the wood's. That would be a pleasant surprise. I really like snow. My mother sent me my favorite childhood book about snow - it now sits in my hutch for all to look at in awe and delight as I did many years past.

The kids are really getting antsy...and kind of starting to pick fights in their boredom. Again, I'm so glad I'm working at night and sleeping in the day. I miss out on most of this. I did get a kink in my back trying to hold and turn a heavy woman last night. Took some aleve and iced it and am feeling pretty good. I have two training nights left and then I'm on my own. They lock me in at 11:00 and I open the doors at 4:40a.m. Our cook got sick this morning so the supervisor and I had to make breakfast. We managed to serve up oatmeal, ham, pancakes and fresh fruit. I told Sylvia, the supervisor, that this sucess was bad for our careers because they might think we're available to do that again and we both prefer working at our regular jobs.

Haven't heard much from anyone??

See you all soon.
Love,
Traci

Oh Christmas Tree!

Dean family update

Well it’s my lunch time- and I just have a few moments to send a quick message out.  My holiday form letter should enter the mail tomorrow- it will provide another account of the highlights of our year.  In case everyone didn’t get the word- you all are invited to our home for the holidays.  We will have bales of hay set-up for airsoft wars, a new big screen TV- for X-box gaming, and some other surprises for the outdoor fun. 

Family that I’ve heard from

My in-laws –Sid and Nadine -are coming to visit Saturday morning and leaving Sunday. 

My mother- and I assume father and grandmother- are arriving Christmas Eve day- Monday?- and staying at least a few nights

My sister- and the porter clan- I hope visit while we still have the boys- I got your message and - Traci I’ll return your call tonight J

My youngest sister- and family- I believe are arriving Christmas morning around 7:30, I don’t know if they are visiting Christmas Eve or not..hmm

I need to check with my husband and Vic- to find out how long we have the boys- I think it’s the entire week… because they’ve been begging to see their cousins for some time now and I’d really like to get them all together over the break for fun and games.

Keep your fingers crossed- I’m hoping everyone gets snowed in at our house- at least for a few days. 

My husband asked me to remind my parents to bring their dogs- we have not met Howie yet- and we’d like to.  We might even bathe our dogs before company arrives.

Well I’m really swamped this year with work- and looking forward to the break! 

Straight No Chaser - 12 Days

A little Christmas spirit for all of you.

my project

Necessary info

We need the address and any other pertinent info from the Porter Tribe

Motoring Mangers Give Thanks

Grandma and Bernie celebrated Thanksgiving at his son and daughter-in-laws house in Lancaster. We cooked our first ever turkey in our motorhome and it was very good. Made most of the food prior to the trip, but cooked the bird in the oven.

Michelle is going through a very sad divorce and needed a change in scenery. It's a hard time for her now, feels very lonely and wondering where her life is going. We hope next year is a happier thanksgiving for her.

Stephanie, Nate and Noah are doing well, had their first snow. We sure miss seeing their family.

Love to all,

Aunt Chris/ Sister

Polls

FYI, I am putting up a weekly poll on the right hand side of the screen. You are allowed to vote multiple times so you can add in a spouses respone as well or if you just can't decide you can choose more than one option.

Thanksgiving photos

Gift price range

FYI, I think that you should only spend what you can responsibly spend on the gift exchange. Just for a ballpark, I am throwing out a range from $40-$80 but it could be more or less just depending on whatever you want to do. I increased the amount just a bit this year since Mom and Dad wanted to be included and we would therefor not be getting them a separate present. If anyone has any issues please let me know.

-Mel