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Thanksgiving,Christmas,& New Years Letter...

‘Twas the night before Christmas and….wait wrong STORY!

Grab a warm cup of coffee or what have ya...its a long read...you'll find links in many areas too!

It’s that time of year when everyone becomes super busy, rushed, late, in a hurry, and you realize once again, there is just not enough time in the day! So much shopping to do, last minute pie shells forgotten from your list and the major question that we ask ourselves every year…“What are we going to buy the kids this year?” That question haunts me every year, as I am confident it haunts you too! Come Dec 26th, all the complications that troubled us all, are all but forgotten as we see the smiles on our children’s faces. The joys of looking out from our porches onto our neighborhood and seeing all the children (and Dads) enjoying all their new toys, is such a simple but a long awaited moment in time. Norman Rockwell style…

This past year has brought many wonder things and only a few unhappy times. Our family has had a great loss, with the passing of my Uncle Dennis, married to my Aunt Delores. He battle ended with cancer. Aunt Delores will be spending this holiday with her daughters.

Kirk (His mothers first cousin) just loss a cousin on Tuesday, Joel, 45 in MN. He just went to sleep, and passed. Not too many facts about that right now. He has another cousin Mark fighting cancer.

Sandie, a good friend to our family in Red Bluff has been fighting cancer and her treatment is going very good!

Homer, the husband to Cheri a Realtor I work with, has had a bit of trouble with his heart again, but with Cheri by his side, she’ll kick those doctors in the butt and get them moving. Homer is here in Sneads Ferry, but for many years up to 1986 lived in Antioch, CA, where I grew up. Small world.

To all those people mentioned above, please say an extra prayer to them and their families, they need it.


Now, onto the good! No big ER trips this year! No broken bones, very few colds, and just a few strange belly pains. The kids have settled into their new schools, sports and cub scouts just fine now. They have made several new friends and are running the streets of neighborhood like crazy kids! They love it! We love it!

Christian has had a busy year in Basketball, Baseball, First chair in his school Band, and he gave football a try! He’s doing very well in school and is looking forward to the upcoming basketball season with his buddy Alex. He also went to his first school dance and that made his mom very happy! I sat with Stephanie in the truck and watch all our babies run off the school for fun! He’s so big. He’s about 5’4 now. Watch out! We are very excited about his big night coming up at school!

Brittany also has been a bit busy with her basketball season and cheerleading! She turned out to be an excellent player and that shocked us all! She can’t wait for the next season to start in just a few weeks. She enjoyed cheer, but decided it was TOO girly! Strange. She’s been doing well in school. She still loves to stop and chat with everyone! She is singing at school and we all love that! She is growing tall and staying so darn thin! A beautiful young lady to be!

Gunnar, what can I say! This boy is a very proud Cub Scout. He’s a Bear now. Earning patches all the time and doing good deeds and making us very proud. If we could just get him to stop saying CRAP all the time. Gunnar is always eager to do well in school and loves to read his books. He also has done well in Basketball and Baseball this year. He says he’d like all those sports more, IF they wouldn’t make him run so much!

Kirk is the glue that’s been holding us together this year. What would we have done without this husband/father of ours. He has been attending college, cub scout den leader, basketball coach, dad and mom, chef, housekeeper, AVI guy at work w/80+ students to keep track of, my personal errand runner, car mechanic, lawn tractor mechanic (sorry),
my currier for papers between me and where ever I send him, open house helper, ice getter, balloon blower upper, my driver to my doctor appointments, and most of all, The man who loves me & our kids no matter what we throw at him….did I mention cat fixer too! We love you baby! You have been so busy taking over the MOM and DAD roll this year and we are so thankful for you! Kirk will also graduate college with his B.S. in March.. Watch the blog for that!

As for myself, its been a busy one too! I help Kirk when I can with the scouts. I tried to make it to as many games for the kids as I could and cheer them on! I am helping a little bit with homework. I have been lacking in the parenting department this year. I have become a Realtor and that took awhile and ALL my time. It was very hard for me and I will not for one second say it was easy. Those few months of school and testing were hell. BUT, its all over now. My real estate career has started off with a BOOM, thanks in part to some wonderful friends that hired me as their realtor. I have broken records at my company and just received an accepted offer for $1.76 million as a buyers agent! ! That’s HUGE. I have earned Top Producer, I had earned my first entire subdivision(54 homes) in the first 3 months and now I have a second subdivision (44 homes) that will break ground in March 07’ I have enjoyed all of the ups and down of this life. I could NOT have done it without selecting to work for the right company, Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty, Pete, Linda and Tim and most of all the support I have received from Kirk, my kids, my friends and family! Real Estate is really all I have done this year. I have had a couple bouts with that darn PTC crap I have. I had my second spinal tap this year Wednesday, my eye sight is bad and my headaches are heck! I promised Kirk I would take care of myself better and lose some of this weight, I have packed on an extra 25+ pounds effortlessly! Shocker! NOT! I have also made some great new friends at work, Cheri & Homer, Lori & Rich, Chuck & Sheri, Christine, Cynthia, Mary, Jo, Larry, Therese, Marie & Richard, Pete and Linda, Tim (the owner) and all the others at our 7 locations! Thank you for helping the “Rookie”

Taking a breathe and basting the Turkey…….

We have been blessed with wonderful people in our lives.
My parents are doing great now that Dad and Mom are no longer ran by the Ghost Classic Car Club! Mom made it out twice this year. Maybe dad will next year? The kids will be in CA for the entire summer 07‘, everyone is looking very forward to that! My sister and her family have had a very busy year, she has a blog, and is an avid blogger like myself! My little brother Pooh has moved in with this wonderful girl Michelle and her children. He has changed his career and they are all five doing great!

Kirks mother has retied from teaching after 30+ years and has been on a plane from that day on. Rather she is flying here or to Boston, or one of her other many vacation spots she has kept the airline in business! Doug has stays busy with some great cases to rule on, and fishing trips to plan! The kids had a great summer with them this year fishing and watching Nana paint Dala’s!

Our friends…….

The toppers are the new BABIES!

Kelly and Greg had a fourth baby. A son at last. Gregory Michael in VA March 29th. Welcoming him are his three big sisters, Tabby, The Bean, & Lilly Monster! Welcome baby!Melissa and

Derek had a beautiful baby girl July 3rd, Sidney! Oh I just love her to pieces. I am dubbed her Grandma. Welcoming her is Hannah her big sister. Thank you for letting me be there!

Bill and Adea in WA also had a baby July 11th, Baby Bronco Bill( Real name Logan). I have not had the honor of meeting him YET! He was welcomed by his big sister Ashley!Click Here

Boyd, Kirks long time friend got MARRIED to Michelle Oct 14th! Boyd is as close as a brother as one could ask for. It was a honor for Kirk to be his best man and toast his marriage to this wonderful girl! I both wish you many happy years to come, and some babies soon too!

We have so many other friends to thank for happy times this year. I will try to remember them all! If I got get you, well, I am not getting any younger!

Thank you to The Monte’s and The Jackson’s for so many fun BBQ‘s, Apples to Apples, sports, basketball, Indian Baseball games, hockey nights and so much more! Oh and the 30th birthday parties!! Its been our please getting to know you all again the past year. Thank you both, for buying a house with me! What an honor it was! Sorry about the flood and the short wall…

Gabe, Steffani, and kids…The BBQ’s have also been wonderful, the first bonfire the other night, taking us along on your new sweet boat, the foot rubs, girl talk and just fun we have with you all! You four are a blast and its great having you right down the road! CA girls rock!

Derek , Missy and girls…We are so happy to have you guys not only at the same duty in how many years???? But on the same street too! We have had so much fun getting to know Hannah, and watching your sweet baby girl Sidney be born. Watch her grow bigger from day to day is a joy. I still enjoy the stories of Kirk and Derek of “BACK IN THE DAY” So many years ago, almost 14 now. I love having you around too Missy! Your so thoughtful and always there to help out! Your all so special to us. Thank you too for letting me sell your home and help you buy one too (strange how you move just a few doors down…Mmmm) See you later on for Vikes Football!

Edit, and her kids. Edit has been doing it all on her own with her husband Rocky overseas with the Marine Corps. We’ve enjoyed the BBQ’s, boating and fires with you all too! Her kids are a joy, what would Gunnar do without his game buddy Tracer! Christian has enjoyed hang’ in out with the girls at home and at school! We have loved your cooking and look forward to years of that! I hope Rocky coming home tonight on Thanksgiving is all that you hope for!

Brandy, Matt and Kids….Although you live right next door we see you the least! But when we do its always fun! I know you have all been busy with Matt preparing for deployment, you teaching at your children’s school and the kids sport schedules! Let us know how we can help you while he is gone! We also send out our love to your mom Myra from all her advice while I was testing for the state!

Margaret, Brian and girls…We don’t get to see you very much, but when we do, its like no time has passed! Your are one of the happiest girls I know! In 2007, I will defiantly make more time for you guys! Congrats to Brian on retiring from the Marine Corps! Job well done!

Wendy, Chas, and Bradley! Its has been having you guys over throughout the past year! Halloween was a blast for sure! You’re a joy to sit and chat with Wendy! I was very happy to steal your great taste in paint colosr and put it in my own home! Thank you for being our friends!

Angel, Lou and girls…we are just getting to know you all! Your both super cool people! Your baking is great Angel, I will never forget the cake you baked for Kirk and I on our Anniversary/Viking party! Its going to be fun having you guys right down the road too!

Brian, Elizabeth and kids.. Thanks for your ONE trip over at out 2nd Annual Halloween party! Let’s make our visit’s a bit more regular and not in cars or in passing!

Kirk and I have so many other people in and out of our daily lives that we don’t always get to see, some live here in town and some are our Military families from coast to coast! Our friends we left behind in our moves and our dear friends from our childhood…..People in our thoughts today are……

Red Bluff Stephanie, Brian and her three children, Mitchell Drake, Keith, Cassy, CA
Rose, Roberto, Curtis, CA
Tiffany, Rob and Hunter, CA
Kristy and Girls, NV
Tom, Shauna and Shelby, MN
Jane Weenie, FL
Greg ,Kelly, and their four babies, VA
Jessica and family CA
Amy Gray, FL
Nadine a.k.a Nay Nay, James, and their four babies! FL (MOVE to NC)
Cheri and Homer, NC
Chuck and Sheri, NC
Linda and Pete, NC
Lori and Rich, NC
Larry, Therese, Jo, Christine, Cynthia and Marine, NC
Jimmy, Tracey and their three children, HI
Sarah and Will, NC
Mike and Jen, NC
Michelle and Ruth, NC
Jim, Marcy, and the boys, NC
Roy and Barbara , NC
Jimmy, Tracy and Kids, HI
The Browns, VA
Red and Delta, NC
Coach Dean Manning, NC
Peterson Family, NC
Stephanie, Tommy and the boys.. MN rocks.. Kirk says
Sheri, Paul and Boys, NC
Our Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nephews, sister, brother- in laws too! CA,MN,FL
Our Parents in CA & MN
Our Grandma Jean, FL

And everyone else who has touch our lives over the past year!
Have a fantastic Thanksgiving !!(after my long proofread, again, Christmas now) Thank your Family and Friends TODAY, let them know that you appreciate them! I am grateful for all the people who come and go in our lives…Enjoy today and don’t let the rush of the next few weeks get you down! No invite needed as always, stop on by for a cup of coffee or a cocktail, it’s up to you! Just keep on stopping by!

I just had so much to say…..If you know me, you know I talk!
From our family to yours, have a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.



Monteforte’s…We will see you guys at the HURRICANE GAME for New Years Eve! That will ROCK! 10 tickets, 2 suites, 6 kids+ New Years Eve= FUN FUN FUN!



See I told you it was long...but you made it...thank you for taking the time to read it...Leave me a comment below if you have a second! It would mean so much!

Happy Birthday Dear 223.........from 202

Today, Sunday is Steffs birthday! She should be headed back from her trip out for thanksgiving! SO I am not sure if I will get to see you in person, so I wanted to wish you a very special birthday here on my blog! I want to take you and Missy out to lunch this week in honor of you two!!!!! Its been great hangin' out with you for over 1.5 years...Just 2 California Girls trying to make it here in the South! Love you girl!

Happy Birthday to Missy! A Dear Friend!

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you! Happy Birthday Dear MISSY, Happy Birthday to you! I hope you and your family have a wonderful day! It has been a JOY having you guys right down the street! I can't believe we have known each other over 13 years! My first true Marine wife/girlfriend! Have a great Day!

We love you and your Lobster! Happy Happy Day!

Our Joshy Wally!

This is my sisters youngest son Josh. He is 4 years old and in preschool! Will he become a COP and save the world?

Or will he be a fireman and put out all the fires and save all the cats from tall trees!

Oh, Sidney! I love you!

Does it get any SWEETER!

I love my little grandbaby girl!

You are a doll! Thank you for your smile this morning..

Thank you Missy, it did make my morning!

You need to start YOUR BLOG!

Ashley and Baby Bronco (Logan)

Look at Bill and Adea's sweet babies! They carved away to make some cool stuff.(look at adea's blog---her link is on my list) We just wanted to tell you that we are thinking about you all and we would love to have to come to NC and stay a bit! Kirk and I miss sitting and laughing our butts off with you guys. Hearing stories about Tina, Bud, Deas Dad, the WATER....We love and miss you all!

Have a great holiday week!

We don't have HOT TUB like you but we do have plenty on 211 !!!

223 and Sarah----

223 Steffanie and Sarah----

Don't forget to send me your Ball pictures! The world is waiting!

Its been a could days!

Derek and Melissa

Missy and Derek at the MC Birthday Ball....Missy you looked GREAT! Derek....well she's hot. We had a great time with Hannah and Lil' Bit! See you Sunday for FOOTBALL...I will take the day off at last! Just for you!

Top Producer!

Thank you Linda, Pete and Tim..oh and my HUBBY KIRK... for a wonderful night at the Art Show preview in Wilmington last night. I was so happy and proud to be a "Top Producer" for Coldwell Banker Sea Coast Realty. I was so excited to meet our top agents from our Wilmington market. The art was wonderful, I must say! It was great to have Cheri and Homer there too! I am very proud to stand along Cheri!

Also, thank you for the excellent night Wed. at Wrightsville Beach for the New Homes Agents Appreciation Evening. I loved being around other agents who also have an entire subdivision to list and sell. I learned so much from them. I will be ready soon for my second one here soon!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Way too Funny!

MC BALL 2006---231st bday

What another grea ball...Thank you to our guests Pete and Linda Coach Dean and Kirk
Linda so the electric slide....
Look at my hunny! So cute! Me...no time to shop so I wore a great old dress

from CA and FL. Its being retired thid year...LOL

NHL and HomeBanc

What a blast...I met with my friend Jennifer up at the game last night. Kirk brought is sport date. I met Jenn RDU several months ago when we had our son's fly to MN alone for the first time. They met and flew and we have become friends. She works with mortgages...what good luck meeting her. So last night was a function put on for realtors by them and we all went. What great good at the tent(Kirk and Mike crashed it..lol) and OK game...NC lost big time!

Halloween

Thank you to everyone who came out to our party. It was by far the largest yet. Late year we all fit in one truck and drove around the other side. It was fun, but THIS year wow. We had over 50 great friends come for our 2nd Halloween Party. Extra thanks to Sarah and Jenn for making the long drive over.Sorry Mike couldn't come, but we home his knee is getting better!(missing the ball, you poop) Its always so much fun to share special days with friends!

Thank you Wendy,Missy,Edit,Steph,Angel, and Mom in Law for all your help and special treats you brought! I have several more pictures...But I do need to goto work! SO...keep and eye out for some more funny stuff!

Send me your pictures and I would love to post your fun too!

Trick or Treats

Jen and Sarah showing Kelsey the way. Look the candy is there, there and oh there! Good lord Derek and Kirk tell 53 stories again! Or bootcamp! Rich and Amber have not heard them all YET....
Traser and Gunnar---Boo
Trying to get the group together for the big night...Erin,Sara,Abby,Britt,Kelsey and Sarah.
Look at my Grandbaby ! and her wonderful Mom Missy! It just doesn't get any cuter!

Pictues--Halloween

Mom and her Dead Princess Here are all the BIG kids...Can't belive how old these kids are getting. Last year they seemed like babies...Clockwise..Christian,Erica,Victoria,Brittany,Josh,Erica,and Zack!
Sandie helping host the party! Thank you for all your help!!!

Plus the two Steph and Shane chowing DOWN!
Whats wrong with this?? Gunnar and Britty
Just a bit of the FreanchBread Pizza I made! I fed an Army f over 50 people! It was a great 2nd Swenson/Rutherford Way Halloween Party!

What a funny Man!

This is why we don't let Kirk QUIT smoking! How funny is this! We love you CHUBBY!