Mom's Christmas Tag

I called Mom today and did this tag with her. Now she gets an updated blog and the rest of us get to reap the benefits!

1)Wrapping Paper or Gift Bags? Gift bags are easier when it comes to wrapping wine.
2) Real Tree or Artificial? I prefer what I got…so I can keep it up longer.
3) When Do You Put Up the Tree? Just after Thanksgiving.
4) When Do You Take the Tree Down? Right after the 1st of the year.
5)Do You Like Eggnog? Only with rum
6) Favorite Gift Received as a Child? My bike and my roller skates
7) Do You Have a Nativity Scene? I have 4: a handmade one from a close friend, a Mexican one, a European one, and a stuffed one missing pieces
8) Hardest Person to Buy For? Daddy
9) Easiest Person to Buy For? Grandkids
10) Mail or E-mail Christmas Cards? mail
11) Worst Christmas Gift You Ever Received? All gifts are given from the heart, none are bad
12) Favorite Christmas Movie? Miracle on the 34th Street, It’s a Wonderful Life, White Christmas… need I go on?
13) When Do You Start Christmas Shopping? I shop all year.
14) Have You Ever Recycled a Christmas Present? Yes
15) Favorite Treat at Christmastime? Homemade chocolates: like turtles and bing bars
16) Clear or Colored Lights? White lights
17) Favorite Christmas Song? The First Noel
18) Travel or Stay Home for Christmas? Prefer to stay home, but because my kids and parents don’t agree with that, I have to travel
19) Can You Name all of Santa's Reindeer? Yes
20) Angel or Star Tree Topper? Angel
21) Open Presents Christmas Eve or Christmas morning? One on Christmas Eve, the rest on Christmas morning…a blending of traditions between Fred & me
22) Most Annoying Thing About this Time of Year? Having to work long hours for budgets
23) Favorite Ornament, Theme, or Color? The ones my kids made for me throughout the year and the ones from my grandparents
24) Favorite Thing for Christmas Dinner? turkey
25) What do You Want for Christmas this Year? snowmachine
26) My Favorite Holiday Tradition: The Christmas Pageant (with my children)
27) Least Favorite Tradition: Having everyone want you at their place and not being able to make everyone happy
28) Favorite Decoration: My fire screen
29) A Memorable Christmas: The one where we were moving into our home in Belgium. Our household goods weren’t slated to arrive until the new year (so we had temporary Army furniture), it was Jessica’s birthday, the heat went out and we used a little reindeer for a Christmas tree
30) Most Missed Tradition: Large family gatherings

This Grandma is joining the 21st Century very slowly – just in back of Opa! I admired all the pictures (and text) that magically appeared even though I did not remember writing anything! The pictures on all three blogs are wonderful and I love them all. (Well – the mooning was a bit over the top.)

I did not realize that I had left my telephone on vibrate so I missed calls from all three daughters. But it all worked out. When I returned calls, both Dad and I got to talk to the girls! Of course we all talked about Christmas and it seems like everyone has their “giving” all thought out and under control. We are still thinking up ideas! Gift cards are sounding better all the time; it is just they seem impersonal at times. Then there are the birthdays, too. I delivered Lorelei’s gift when I was there in October. I told Jennifer that I would get something for Aaron when I got to Utah. Still leaves Jessica! Gee, I have some ideas, but nothing in the mail.

This past week has been incredibly busy. We have so many customers that none of the staff can keep up files or log notes. Of course our goal is house as many as possible before the holidays so that they can bring their families back with them after the holidays. That makes for big smiles and a glorious holiday. We are also feeling the brunt of martial discord. We get a list every few days of the people who have restraining orders against them and the group of customers who come in saying that they are getting a divorce and want out of housing or want help breaking their private rental leases.

I sent three evenings making gifts for my staff (18 people). I wanted to share the tradition of St. Nicholas Day as my Dutch friends have shared with us. I told them that since they had not left their shoes out for goodies, St. Nick improvised with gift bags. I made each person a jar of soup and a jar of cookie mix. I decorated the top of the quart jar with fabric and ribbon. (Recipe was tied on with the ribbon, too.) I decorated the top of the plain colored gift bag, actually it was a craft bag, with another piece of ribbon and a small European ornament that I had gotten at the Kris Kringle Marts over the years. For the Hoochies, I made similar bags, but added a bottle of wine and a small German liqueur. We are planning a
luncheon on the 16th, but I am not sure that I can make that. I really like the mixes in a jar and they seem real personal when I give them out.

I am still working on the gift arrangements for Grandpa and Grandma. We are setting up dates in our Time Share in Seattle and Oregon. They will have one night and hopefully a great day on the Seattle waterfront with Kassy and Jeremy. Then they will have 3 nights on the Oregon Coast with Tom and Lynette. Bruce and Dennis are pitching for meals and such. It should be a great time. Although they could stay in the apartment with Jeremy and Kassy, this gives them a bit more room and some entertainment that the kids would not normally enjoy. Hopefully Lynette is up to driving for a couple of hours. I know they will have to take breaks. Maybe the Coast will cheer her.

I am still working on my job objectives – only a month late getting them to my boss and he is on my case. So back to the toil. Of course as I do that I am watching a movie with Dad – Guarding Tess with Nicholas Cage.

The Ghost of Christmas Past

I'm getting so excited to see my cute mommy and handsome daddy for Christmas! I decided to look for past Christmas pictures. Oh I wish all my past pictures were on my computer!! It would be fun to find the ones from Turkey and scan them in, but that is a task for another day...

Anyway, enjoy the show!

Christmas 2002... Mom came in February that year for the Olympics. She came back at Christmas when I was HUGE and then came again after Anya was born!



Christmas 2004... Mom and Dad were incredibly generous and flew us all over to Germany for the holidays. Their house was so beautiful, I loved the space. We had a great time touring around and seeing everything.








Christmas 2005... Jeremy's graduation was in Laramie. We met Grandma and Grandpa Schultz there. Jeremy was living with us. And Grandpa Lehman was in town. We were missing Jessica's cute little family!!






Christmas 2006... Mom came when Aaron was born and helped decorate but left before the big day. (but I don't have any good pictures of that!!)

So Pretty!!

Finally - I am catching up!

Good Afternoon – Remember me? I am the one that said I would update my blog once a week. So here I am, only four weeks late! But that’s OK; I having loving children, fabulous grandchildren and they all forgive me. It’s Thanksgiving – and that is what I am thankful for. A very loving family!

Gee – Where to start. We just returned from our first Christmas party of the season. We have known Floyd and Angie for many years. She works for the Corps of Engineer Real Estate Division (lots of interaction over the years for housing) and after Floyd retired from the Air Force he started what is now the Elmendorf Air Show. So we went there for the afternoon. Dad’s luggage was on a different plane than he was, so that got delivered just past noon. As soon as it was delivered, I went to work for about 1 ½ while Dad worked out at the gym. This morning we just slept in – and at was wonderful. I had taken Kurt Norby (Dad’s new boss) to the airport because he was flying out about an hour after Dad got in. So they had a chance to talk for just a few minutes. Gee – that was around midnight.

Our troops are coming home – and it’s wonderful. About 2/3 (2200) were here by Thanksgiving Day. It’s bittersweet for the unit – 53 deaths and 229 with massive injuries. We are expecting several hundred more with injuries that will require up to one year in re-hab. I am one of many that meet the planes upon arrival. No family members are at the airfield. We have a goal – from the time the wheels hit the ground, we have 1 hour to in-process and get them on the buses headed to meet their families. I don’t play a big part – just there to make sure there is barracks space, housing or a hotel for everyone. Business in the office has really picked up with the return, but there will be a lull in the action. Block leave for everyone in the unit is 20 Dec to 25 Jan. I think there will be a lot of soldiers going “back home” to bring their families to Alaska. Meanwhile, I have plenty to keep my staff and I very busy. We have five construction projects in some phase of completion. One project is already returned and occupied, but under construction warranty and my last one has only begun the ground breaking work. When all is finished in 2 years, we will have 1254 units on the installation. We are taking over the management of the barracks – similar to running dormitories at the University. There are two major construction projects there. Over the next couple years between old, new and temp, we will manage a couple thousand bed spaces. We also have the referral for people renting downtown and home buying seminars. Fort Richardson is slated to privatize family housing by 2010 and that is the same year we are suppose to merge as Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. That is not the name, merely the project name.

I am supposed to have a staff of 14 plus a couple of contractors. One is Tom Petersen and he is awesome. I am not sure what I would do without him, his writing skills and his advice. I came on with only 7 staff; have hired 5 (in two areas) with delayed entry so that I can schedule two weeks of training for each. It’s not perfect, but seems to be working. My boss gave me the go ahead to hire at least 4 and maybe 6 based on the new requirements for barracks and referrals. Of course he is looking at the OT in the office. I average 40 and my deputy about 25. Others in the office contribute 10 -15 depending on the daily mission. With the planes coming in, Commander revoked all leave in my office until December. Just means the “Use or Lose” we have will have to be re-instated after January 1. It will all work out – I am just glad to get a couple of weeks in Utah!

Dad starts his new job tomorrow. He will leave for Fairbanks in the afternoon and stay until Friday. Forgive me if I am repeating stuff, but can’t remember if we told you about his job. He will be a project manager for APTISS. There survey buildings for installation of state of the art commo wiring; everything from commuters, phones, classified lines to alarms, etc. The company has several projects on Eielson AFB and Elmendorf AFB; smaller projects on Forts Rich and Wainwright. Eventually, there will be projects for other Federal agencies and law enforcement. Kurt is taking on projects in Hawaii and becoming the regional manager. Dad just wants to find a happy medium between working, flying and spending time with family and friends.

As Jessica can attest, seems like my two weeks in Arkansas was spent in the van. Dad and I were sure glad that both of us could be there and make things easier for the family. I sure had fun with the grandkids and Great-grandma, too.

Dad got to spend about 8 hours with Jeremy on his way back. Kassy was at work most of the time, but they had lunch together at the Mall where she works and then Jeremy fixed dinner. Kassy had just gotten off work and just before they had to take Dad to the airport. Dad said it was really fun.

It’s getting late and I need to write a performance appraisal before bed. Love you all – Mom.

Buff Daddy

I was clearing out my email and came across this picture and thought everyone might like to see!

Me Too!

This is the four generation picture I have. I desperately need another one. I had 5 to choose from and this was the best one!

Four Generation Picture

Gotta take advantage when enough relatives are in the same location at the same time. We took some four-generation pictures at the base chapel. Unfortunately this is the only surviving one. Grandma had this one plus individuals with the kids. Sadly her camera went AWOL on Halloween. Luckily, mom had her digital camera with her when we did the pics so at least we have this one.

I'm Too Sexy

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

Catching Up

I know that it has been a while since anything has been posted. Darn it all that mom has to work!! :)

Anyway...the kids had A LOT of fun playing with their Grandma and Opa. Houston was very sad to see them go. When we took mom to the airport (dad had left a week earlier) he told us that he wanted to go to Alaska to play with Opa and the "big toys". (what big toys he is talking about I have no idea)

Lorelei thrived with all the extra attention that she got. There was always someone around to hold her. Not sure how she is she is going to react after we take Great-Grandma to the airport and she has to wait her turn for mom to hold her.

Hopefully mom will do OK without all of the relatives around to help. She's going to have to get up with the kids now and make them breakfast everyday. They got used to someone (mom, dad, or grandma) actually cooking for them so I'm not so sure how satisfied they are going to be with cold cereal again.

The Newest Addition

Paisley Jean made her big entrance, and boy was it big, on October 12. She was born at 8:47 am weighing 7 lbs 8 oz and was 20 inches long. However, shortly after birth she was whisked away to the nursery to be put under an oxygen hood. By the next morning she was worse so she was transported to Big Baptist and is currently in the NICU on a resporator. She inhaled some amniotic fluid and has a pneumothorax. The air bubble is healing on its own. As of today her breathing was less labored but she is not ready to be extabated. That should happen in a couple of days. They are guessing maybe a week to a week and half before she gets to come home.

New Baby!

There had better be pictures up here ASAP as soon as that newest grandbaby of yours is born.... especially since you missed posting Sunday and last Sunday's post was pretty lame. Now that you have "lots" of time, let us know about all the fun partying you did with Jeremy and Kassy. Oh, and Daddy, I can't wait to see you again!!

It's Sunday - almost evening. This is a quick note to say that I am partying with Jeremy and Kassy and don't have time to write in my blog. Love Mom

Crow Family

Sorry Mom, but this is the best that I can do with cutting and pasting. I tried for about an hour just to get this crappy result. So this is the best you are going to get until Brian gets home from the desert and we take a nice picture.

Sunday Morning Quiet - And Catch Up

As always - chatised by my kiddos for not keeping a daily log, I am going to try and write once a week and THEN become a high achiever! (Like maybe twice a week!)

We are dog sitting(Kinsie the black lab) this weekend. A friend tied their dog in the back yard (Anchorage, near the airport) and then went to Seward for two days. Neighbors called her and said the dog chewed the rope and left the makeshift yard. They called Justina a friend who live nearby, but no success. Then she called Ellen who was working on Fort Rich with me. Ellen chased her down - Actually Kinsie is a very friendly dog and just wants to be with people. She is very needy in that respect. Ellen brought her to work, but could not take her home since she wants to be underfoot and Ellen's mom is elderly with an oxygen tank as a constant companion. Dad and I are used to dogs and as it goes, it is easy for us to dog sit. Kinsie runs crazy outside, but is very obedient and comes immediately when called. Dad took her for a long walk yesterday and again this morning. I took her for a couple of potty breaks and a short walk about 6 AM. She lays quietly in the house where ever I am, unless Dad is headed for the garage. Kathy and her kids should be her up today.

My new job is very challenging. First is my style of leadership - with enthusiasm and example. I spend more time outside the office then in and I am not a clock watcher. My predecessor worked strictly 7 - 4 and was out the door. Very little communication with the staff or outside agencies, until there was a problem. My first ordeal is dealing with lo employee morale. One employee (an inspector) has been allowed to come in whenever he felt the desire to work. He has accumulated 114 days this year with no pay due. He has not shown up since I became the chief. I am processing - takes time - leave abuse and job abandonment paperwork. He does call me and fax some doctor slips, but fails to show up as ordered. My next priority will be making employees permanent. Right now I have a staff of 15 overhires and most are entry level; so as soon as an opporturnity for something better comes, they move on. (as I beleive they should)

We had a very scary crisis in the office on Thursday. A wounded soldier, recently returned from Iraq did not like the answers to questions and went off the deep end. He threatened to bring guns back in and shoot us all. The MPs were called and he was cornered in the parking lot. The drama lasted for about 20 minutes, but the statements and aftermath for my staff about 4 hours. God has protected us once again and I am thankful.

Dad has worked hard to fix the driveway extension, but the drainage area has caved in once. H got more rock. When Jeremy comes, they will get more and bigger rocks! It does look good. I will see if h can figure out how to post pics to this blog....who wants to coach him? Still no luck in the job arena. It seems a lot worse for him since I work long hours (55-60 per week right now.)

Back to my job.. It is fiscal year end and I have LOTS if last minute projects and dollars to use. We also are the recipient of large unexpectd dollars from another installation that could not award a project of their own. So financial spreadsheets are run daily and starting Monday twice a day to show us obligations. I spent most of the day Saturday working with two people to make sure that my jobs were in negotiation. I am upgrading and burying overhead utility lines - a mere $3M for one housing area. I am adding 11 miles of blacktop for bike/walking trails that connect housing areas, playgrounds, schools, etc. My smaller projects include upgrading a warehouse to meet customer service needs and adding individual desks/workstations for each employee. Add to that the daily business of managing housing for 3500 service members and 65% with families. Oh yeah, did I member my 15 person staff has only 9 people right now. WHEW! Drives me crazy just thinking about it.

Now the fun stuff. I am still in Jazzercise, but I missed 5 days this week. Jessica - check the area and see if there are classes near you. I can take the kids 'cause they usually include day care for that hour. I decided to take a quilting class that comes with fringe benefits. It's at our church and I know all the ladies in Banner Babes. So the 4th Monday of every month we will be making a table runner for the holiday of the next month. Tomorrow night is one for Halloween. It's really an opportunity for spiritual companionship and an outreach to friends and ladies in the neighborhood. I have two friends that already quilt that want to share the time.

Jeremy and Kassy will be here 25 Sep to 3 Oct. We are excitd and nervous! Can you beleive that?!? We want the visit to go so perfect and really get to know Kassy. Dad really wants to get away with Jeremy for a day. Due to year end demands at work, I can not take more than a day off and I will be working regular shift - I don't want to miss a minute with them. But I also am not sure what Kassy will enjoy. Dad got a handgun to take with him when he flies. He and Jeremy (Kassy, too) will shoot it at the range. Dad also wants to sight in his rifle for a Black Bear hunt. Jeremy did not want to leave Kassy for the one day hunt, so Dad has not decided whether they will go. It's an open hunt near Hope, AK; about a 2 1/2 hour drive. Any suggestions???

We have our tickts for Arkansas - Yes darling daughters I will send the iteneraries today!

Anya - It is time for me to stop typing and go to the sewing room. Your Cinderella dress is 1/2 done and I want to finish it today.

Jessica and Jennifer - Did (Can) you guys link Grandpa and Grandma Schultz to this blog and coach them how to use. I really know that they would enjoy yours, too, but one at a time.

Jennifer - I love the picture that Jessica posted. You are really looking great! Keep up the run and the water! YEP, BIG Surprise - I read your journey.

Dad's on his computer, too and I am off to sew. That is between work calls. People are already calling me about work this morning.

Lehman Family

Johnson Family

Grandma and Opa - Moving slowly into the Electronic Age

After 20 minutes of trying to figure this out and then calling Jessica for help - here is my first entry. I can only dream it will be successful!

It's 8 September and I have just returned from a Senior Leadership Conference. I was the conference coordinator for the Directorate of Logistics and attendees were division chiefs from Forts Wainwright and Richardson. It ws held at Seward Rec Camp on the coast of Alaska. Very successful; but glad it is over. I am always glad to be back home...with Opa!!

In the midst of this adventure, I am changing jobs. On Tuesday I started as the Fort Richardson Housing Chief; division chief under the Director of Public Works and direct report to the Commander. It's the position I held before going to Europe, but as with the Army, there are a few changes. I have only the housing at Fort Richardson with all the staff. I am inheriting a staff that is 1/3 vacant positions; 1/3 positions I pay for, but at the moment do not control and the remianing work in the office managing 1200 units. I am getting lots of quick briefings on the construction status - 5 major projects in varying stages of completion.

For the remainder of September, I will work housing half days and my logistics job half days. I have three major projects with the latter. Two will be done by the end of the month, and the final project the end of January.

Opa is still applying for jobs and working on projects around the house (literally). He has filled in a section of the ditch along the driveway to widen it and enable him to park our trailers and camper next to the house. He has to make a drainage ditch in the process, so that is presenting challegnes for him. He will also be working with the contractor to fix the rain gutter----the one he backed the camper into. (Tee Hee) Tomorrow he said that he will help me pack my office and start that move. (What a special guy.)

Favorite Middle Daughter

Anya's in Preschool!

Today was Anya's first day of preschool! Can you believe she's old enough for school??!!

The bestest!

Whatever!!!! These grandkids are so way cuter!!!

The CUTEST grandkids!

A New Blog!

I love to blog and now I get to be an author on this one too! I now have a total of six blogs. So much fun!! Welcome Grandma and Opa and thanks for inviting me to your blog. I can't wait to read more.