We blend so well...

The other day I was making a smoothie and our blender's engine started smoking...it was finished. I thought, "I know what I'm adding to my Christmas list." Well, Santa came early! When I came home from teaching religious ed. there was a present from Katie on the table. You're looking at my new blender! And it works great for smoothies, yum. Thanks Katie (and Kurt)! We blend together so well!

Homework for My Hon...

Poor Kurt...he's been doing homework for what seems like forever. He is disheartened with the amount of work this second to last masters course, including still to come up this pike this semester a 10 page book report and a 20 page paper. Ugh! I feel for the guy. I'd like to be more supportive though it is difficult to have him home but not 'here' in full because of his needed study time. I am impressed with stories of wives that worked their husbands through their doctorates. I don't think I've got that much stamina. I am already looking forward to May and God willing graduation of the second Master of the house.

Teething these days...

It really isn't as bad as it looks. Kate got her first tooth 10/10/08 and is working on #2. I have become grateful that I don't remember teething...it appears to be quite the experience.

A Belated Thanks...

You know who you are....thank you from the Snyders.

Fall Pictures

The neighbor kids came over to rake and play in our leaves. Kate and I joined in the fun. We have a lot of leaves for two trees. Thought these fall pictures were fun, fun, fun!

Poncho Katie

Gramma Gelhaus made this poncho for Katie. We love it! Thanks Gramma!

Re-wedding

We enjoyed a wedding again this weekend. Beth and Jaco van der Berg celebrated their 're'marriage in the States. They were married March 22 of this year in Namibia and have now finally returned to little ol' Medford to settle down and perhaps soon start a family. It was a wonderful celebration with a great crowd of friends. Beth and I have been friends since the womb. Both of us were born in January and our moms were friends. She met Jaco while in the Peace Corp in Namibia. We are so happy for them. May God bless their married life together!!














Kate decided the noisy reception was a great place to take a nap. She was quite the party girl wanting to dance into the wee hours of night after this re-energizing nap. Here she is dancing with our family friend Connie Riggle.














Kurt and I also enjoyed ourselves. He was a real trooper attending the whole event even though he'd rather been hunting.






















Also spotted at the occasion were Steve, Anne and Kelli Hayes, friends of mine from Winona. Anne and Kelli are pictured here. I have to bring them some syrup in November when I visit Winona. They are loyal Sap on Tap supporters and some of our distant exports. Ha!

We are family...

My family took the time to make the trek south this weekend for a visit and to see the Kieler Fire Prevention Parade. My sister-in-law took some awesome pictures of the cousins hanging together on a hike, at the orchard and in the tub but I can only offer you the ones I've captured on my camera from the weekend. Perhaps in another installment I can post hers as well. So for your viewing pleasure....

These first shots are of the cousins in action that first morning. As you can see it takes Kaylee a while to wake up but Katie is already really excited to have the company!

Here are the trio seeking a coveted spot on Grandma Ann's lap. There is never a dull moment with these three!

Trevor plays peek-a-boo behind Kate's back and Kaylee gets ready to pucker up and catch Kate with a smooch.

And The Kiss!

Here are Trina and I and the girls racing down the slides at IC playground.

Grandpa took Kate to see the fire trucks.

Kate enjoys a stroller ride in the fresh fall air! Her cousin Mary Frances made this fun hat for her!

Kate and Grandma at the apple orchard! What fun!

In Kieler The Fire Prevention Parade held the first weekend in October is a BIG deal. People come out of the woodwork for this small town parade where you'll find all the locals and their trucks driving the main drag and throwing a TON of candy! Trevor, Miriam and Kaylee LOVED the candy even though the weather didn't cooperate as we'd liked. It was still a great day and a wonderful weekend! We really enjoyed the time with family and friends!!

Film

OK, I previously mentioned that I had out the trusty film camera for the wedding. The neat thing about film is that it is a secret until developed. A sort of tiny time capsule. For example take that roll, there were four surprise pictures....


I don't exactly remember when I started it but it was, well awhile back...like before I became a mom, got married or well even engaged. Here's what I've deducted thus far from the shots. Did you look closely?


The first one, is a self portrait of Rachael and I. Where? I am uncertain. Some possible guesses...a Brewers game? A movie theater? Some place with a small crowd of people I don't know behind us.


The second shot is a pic of Rachael and Paula, I think that I took it at the Acoustic Cafe in Winona. I am guessing that because of the background bricks. Kurt also noted that there are two extra boobs in the shot. He's a real detective. Did you see 'em?


The third shot is an ad for no smoking with Kurt as the poster child. Kurt noticed that he's wearing his favorite blue Dickies shirt and it is in good condition. It now has the sleeves riped off and numerous paint spots and holes which helps us in estimating a date. Taken at a hotel? A university? I don't know but I sure like his cute grin.


The last picture posted I've got a date for June 2006, that's Kurt and I at Fr. Brian Sutton's Mass of Thanksgiving. Aren't we the cute dating couple?


Have you done any super-sleuthing to figure out more from this tiny time capsule of my life? Any clues or theories you have would be appreciated....