Unfortunately, Josh's Jets didn't make it to the playoffs but he was still proud of Leon Washington and proudly wore his new jersey to the game.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Josh...our up and coming chef
Josh has become quite a Food Network junky...so he got a cookbook of Guy's from Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. Happy cooking Josh!
Josh played Santa again this year.
It was so nice on Christmas day we had to open the door to cool off during present opening...pretty crazy. This must have been our first Christmas with green grass and temps in the 60's!
Ryan brought a special gift back from Puerto Rico
Ryan took a tour of the Bacardi rum plant while in Puerto Rico and carefully brought back this special Rum all the way from Puerto Rico to Chicago and then Chicago to New Jersey. Needless to say...Mark was very appreciative.
Josh gave me a Coach wristlet!
I am very spoiled by these boys...thanks Josh :>) Now I can go shopping without a huge purse on my shoulder. It is just big enough for all those credit cards and a lipstick!
Ryan gave Mom a new Cuisinart food processor!!
WOW...I cannot wait to try this out. I have a mini one but this one is an eleven cupper :>) Thanks Ryan.
Visiting Ryan in Chicago
Mark and I flew into Chicago on the 17th of December and spent til the following Sunday with Ryan. We went to his company Christmas party and Mark also met with the partners to help them stratigize 2009.
We were also able to go to Cam's (my sister Candi's husband) mom's funeral on Thursday. She passed away the prior Sunday after a long battle with her health, following several mini-strokes. It was a difficult day but also a celebration of Alice's life. Alice is truly one of the dearest ladies I have ever met. Her three children all gave tributes to her at the funeral and Candi's 3 daughters sang Steven Curtis Chapman's song "Home for Christmas". It was truly amazing to be there with this incredible family. Luther was gracious as always...taking everyone from the funeral out for a wonderful lunch. We will pray for you all as you miss your mom this Christmas and in the new year.
Ryan's company Christmas party
Ryan and Tara on the way to Meridian Consulting International's 2nd annual Christmas party. The guys have 8 employees now and are looking forward to 2009.
Ryan's company Christmas party
It was an honor to be invited to Ryan's 2nd annual company Christmas party...nice job Ryan, Ricardo and Andy!
Ryan's company Christmas party
Roger & Jaynie Trapp enjoyed the amazing food at Fogo de Chao. It was a Brazilian steak house so you just kept your little card on green if you wanted more meat & red if you were about to explode! And....as you can see the desserts weren't bad either!
Tara gave Mark some cool kitchen gadgets!
No more struggling to cut those avocadoes and he also got a giagantic grill flipper and some yummy marinade! :>) Thanks Tara.
Monday, December 15, 2008
NY Jets Game
What a great day. We left from Laura and Glenn's by 8:00am on Sunday (game day) and picked up two other friends. We tailgated til game time at 1:00 and then more after the game. We stated the day with homemade english muffins with eggs, bacon & cheese and quickly moved on to pulled pork sandwiches, jalepeno poppers, buffalo wings, steak sandwiches, chips, guacomole, warm apple pie, brownies, beer bread, warm pepperoni & cheese bread, mozzarella sticks & more! Oh...our tummies were full :>) and we cheered the JETS on to victory. It was a close one though. New Jersey LOVES Brett! It was in the 40's but there was a brisk breeze and our seats are under an overhang out of the sun in the corner of the end zone. Another memory made... that is for sure!
NY Jets Game
We have great seats...can see Farve up close and personal! We pulled this one out against the Bills.
NY Jets Game
The Jets fans are crazy about Farve...it was kind of weird to see all the jerseys with NY Jets vs Packers.
NY Jets Game
Laura and Glenn made tailgating so much fun. They had it all...from the tent and walls to protect from the wind, to the freshly made deep fried buffalo wings to the propane heater to keep us all toasty not to mention coolers galore with refreshments for the entire day.
These guys are just plain fun!
NY Jets Game
Mark playing football with one of Laura and Glen's friend's son right outside the stadium.
NY Jets Game
Glen, Mike and Laura doing a little tailgating...Laura and Glen are master tailgaters! Unbelieveable!
Holiday party at Ralph's place
We had a great time Saturday night at Ralph's beautiful home. It was so fun to meet new people and enjoy amazing food. Ralph cooked up his famous chili...two kinds and we had cookies, cheesecake, shrimp and drinks galore. His tree was beautiful and his house and especially his hospitality was even more amazing. Thanks to Ralph for getting us in the Christmas spirit. You have some really cool friends!
Friday, December 12, 2008
Amanda & Joey
It was so fun to meet Amanda, Joey Boersma's fiance and be able to be at her bridal shower. We are so happy for them and hope to try to make it to their wedding in January! Congratulations to them!Ryan and Ava ~ Michele's two little cuties
I was fortunate enough to visit my good friend Michele and meet her new little girl...Ava. Ryan was a pretty proud big brother too.
Michele has her hands full but is doing a great job! You are pretty blessed Michele! Enjoy these two little cuties.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Steph and Lori
Steph and I have known each other for about 10 years now. She has become a very special friend. We both tend to find ourselves in crazy situations from time to time!!!
Mark and I just flew home for her wedding over Labor Day and it was like a fairy tale.
Congratulations again Steph and thanks for being such a big part of our lives. We love you.
Two of my best buddies...Tammy & Deena
Shopping is something we do well together...let's take on NYC next girls! :>)
RE/MAX Preferred goes shopping in Chicago!
Here Deena, Tammy and I are at the Cheesecake Factory. A girl needs strength for her shopping you know! Yummmmm
RE/MAX Preferred goes shopping in Chicago!
Our broker chartered a bus and a bunch of us took off early Tuesday morning, December 2nd for a shopping spree on Michigan Avenue in Chicago!
It was so much fun...Thanks Dennis and Ruthie!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Sharla's birthday ... December 1, 2008
Sharla is a BIG Hugh Jackman fan...sexiest man of the year. We are going to celebrate her birthday by going to the movie Australia. Should be a good time, right Sharla!!!
Happy birthday!
My best buddy & neighbor...Ann
Ann and I had a chance to go to coffee at Lazy Jane's on Willy Street after Thanksgiving. What a great place! I miss my friend, & neighbor but enjoy every time I'm back home in Madison and can pop over to her house for tea or wine, book club or just a quick visit in my pj's. It is wonderful having a neighbor like Ann! Mark and I hope to get up to George and her home in Door County sometime in 2009. I like to think of Ann as my WI mom...even though she isn't near old enough; hope you don't mind Ann! :>)
Tim and Jackie at the Great Dane...aren't they cute :>)
We had a chance to be with Tim and Jackie Sunday night and enjoy some time at the Great Dane. It is always fun to be with these two...incredible friends for years. We hope they come visit us in NJ sometime in 2009!
Ryan's 27th Birthday...post Thanksgiving celebration!
It is hard to believe that 27 years ago on this day, November 30th, our little 7lb 13 oz precious Ryan John Meester entered into this world at 1:01pm. He has been a pure joy and a blessing/miracle from heaven above ever since.
We enjoy each and every visit we have together and look forward to many more.
This year he found himself in a new coat that Tara and Lori picked out together for his birthday gift. With all his travels to Canada, it will come in handy.
He takes off for an adventurous vacation to Puerto Rico next weekend with a couple good friends, where he plans to go canyoning (repelling down waterfalls for those who are not familiar!), kayaking by night, zip lines, etc. He is an adventurous soul. Happy Birthday Ryan...may it be a great year ahead! We love you...
Thanksgiving 2008 ... Mom & Dad!
Thanksgiving 2008 was another great time for all
who were able to come. This year it was Mom, Dad, Joel, Dina, Jennifer, Candi, Cam, Kyle, Carly, Lindsey, Ryan, Tara, Josh, Mark & me. We enjoyed a 25 lb turkey, 8 lb ham, 10 lbs of mashed potatoes, stuffing, 5 lbs of corn, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, Mom's potato salad, ginger snaps, Dina's yummy pumpkin bars and other goodies, pies of cherry, pumpkin, pecan, cherry o' cheese, etc. We did eat and laugh and sing, and play Rook, Catch Phrase, watched football & old family movies from Joel and Dina, went to Quantum of Solace, test drove a new car for Ryan, Lindsey interviewed Mom for a paper, and lots more.The weather was beautiful til Sunday but everyone was safely home by then, with most leaving on Saturday. We are blessed with a family who loves to get together and hang out. Like Dad said, it is just plain relaxing and fun. Until next year...I love you all!
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