Monday, November 30, 2009

Here come the HOLIDAYS!

The Elementary had their Christmas program tonight. Monte is in 2nd grade and actually had a small rapping part in the program. You have to love the little kids! Celine is up next week. She is in band and chorus this year and will be performing percussions and singing next Tuesday! Stay tuned everyone!

Monte's Christmas Program

Yes, the Goo man is way in the back, top left side, white shirt, blue jacket! This was taken at the end! Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd.










Sunday, November 29, 2009

Happy Birthday Jen

I'd like to wish my Dear Friend Jen a very Happy Birthday. She is a wonderful Mother, daughter, co-worker, friend and much more. The world is a better place with Jen. :)


Greatful

We traveled to Sioux City this Thanksgiving to celebrate with family all that we have to be greatful for. Good health, great family and friends, and much more. We ate, went to a movie, played a lot of games, shopped on and off through out the weekend, visited with family, and ate again!! We are truly blessed. Now I can't wait to get the new tree up. (Mom and I ventured out on Black Friday to get a bargain on a pre-lit fake tree 7.5 ft.) Monte and I actually put it together when we arrived home last night around 8:30. Today we'll decorate! Happy Holidays everyone!

Monte + Pie = Happiness

Lucky Monte had his own apple pie all to himself on Thanksgiving.



Happy Thanksgiving

Four Generations. Carrie, Grandma Wilde, Mom, and Celine.Celine and Georgia

Little Georgia




Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Happy Birthday Brenda Sue!

Sending birthday wishes to my sister who will be celebrating the last year of her 30's!! LOL! You rock Auntie "B"! WE love ya!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Carrie Visits Toronto and Iwona.

I must say life truly does come full circle. As a child I grew up in an area known then as "Pollock Hill." Little was I to know that my first year of teaching would be in Warsaw, Poland at the International American School. (it is still in operation) And to my joy I have made life-long friends with one of my former students and her family. Some of you will remember Iwona, (pronounced Evonna) when she came back to the USA with me the summer of 1994. She and Kristi were a year apart and had been pen-pals. She was brave enough to come over and stay with us for about a month and half that summer. Her mother, Hannah, then arrived to stay a short while before they returned to Poland. To make a long story short we have kept in touch throughout the past 15 years. I was privilaged enough to attend her graduation ceremony from the University of Toronto. She graduated with Honours in B.S. in management. I am so proud of her. Iwona has been living in Toronto with her beau, Lukas, for the past 4 years. He will soon graduate in the Spring of 2010. (What a great guy!) Her parents are in Toronto celebrating and visiting for 2 weeks. They now live in Switzerland. ( thanks for all the thoughtful gifts Hannah and Iwona!)We had a grand time telling stories, catching up, and making new memories! I/We hope to not wait another 15 years before visiting one another again!

Toronto Fall 2009

Carrie celebrating with Iwona and Lukas!

University of Toronto Campus.


Swiatkowska Family and Carrie.





Iwona's Graduation from the University of Toronto

Lukas with Iwona and her diploma!
Iwona in her regalia.


Carrie with her favorite student of all time!


Andre, Iwona, and Hannah.












The Canadian National Tower

Carrie and Iwona on top of the world!







The CN Tower




The revolving 360^Degree Dining Room.







Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy November Everyone!

November 1st. All is calm on the lake as I wake up to the honking geese! I can't complain because soon the lake will be frozen with the wind howling across it. I do enjoy my birds and water fowel! Geese, coots, and loons this a.m. We all enjoyed Halloween this year as the kids dressed up and went T or T in town with the moms! Later the adults attended a Spooktacular and Hillarious Halloween party at the Hansen/Rinas Compound on Clear lake! I think the grown ups have more fun on Halloween than the kids! What creative costumes and fun! Thanks for the invite Cheryl.
Little coots outside our house!



Halloween

Soldier MontePretty Celine did her own hair!
Mom and Celine


Our neighbors George and Mary. George is a Vietnam Vet and Artist. He did painted Monte's face and did a fantastic job! Thanks George.






The Before and After of Halloween!




Yes, even the mother's get into the Halloween Spirit!

TRICK OR TREAT! Parker, Damon, Monte, and Celine