Memphis Christmas

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas! As you can see, my little apartment was very full, Sara, Chris, Skyler, Nancy and Megan all joined me for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day-we had a great time! Can't wait to see all my siblings later in the week!!! Keep that nasty weather away!!

Christmas Break 2009

Merry Christmas to you all! It was a quiet albeit happy one in Indianola. Kenzie's sign said "Let it snow." It did. And did. And did. And did.

Addresses

I've just realized I don't have everyone's address. Could you all email me your addresses. Just send them to jamidget@gmail.com. Thanks.

- Jon

hi all...hope all is well with everyone....will try and quickly throw up a few things for my christmas list, sorry don't have much time!!

clothes (vanity jeans size 25x35, tops it really depends on how the shirt but S or M)
nickelback - black horse cd
lowes gift card
black boots (no pointy toes please, though rocky would say this is the last thing i need...lol)

thats really all i can think of, wish i could think of more or something fun and exciting but i am always too scatterbrained to even be able to remember what i may have seen that i wanted!! sorry i know im not much help, but trust me rocky is worse all i can get out of him is car parts which means visa debit cards which is so incredibly boring to wrap and put under the tree!! so i think my brain is distracted trying to come up with better ideas then just that...lol

see all you soon....

Ty

Ash- Does Ty have a toddler remote control car?

Wish Lists

Ty: books, clothes (2T) crayons, coloring books

Ashlie: Target gift card (I know boring but it's better than getting maternity clothes for me!) Walmart gift card, Barnes and noble gift card. I will love and appreciate anything though!

Benj: Barnes and Noble gift card, umm I will have him add more when he gets home!

Thanks,

Ashlie

My (Really) Boring List

Ok, so I'm boring this year. Here's my list:

Amazon Gift Cards
Lowes Gift Cards
Home Depot Gift Cards
JcPenny Gift Cards
Old Navy Sweetheart Jeans Size 12 Regular
Shirts L or XL


Kingdom Hearts 365/2 for DS
Professor L and the Diabolical Box

I'll try to think of somemore fun things, but this is it right now

Jon, Emilee, & Kids Wish List

Kimber: crayons & coloring books

Sam: colored pencils, activity books, puzzles (he can & likes to do puzzles with 100-200 pieces)

Patrick: baseball batting gloves, a hand strengthener (he needs to develop some strength in his hand so he can open and close his mitt more easily).

Emilee: Michael Bublé CD (one with "Fever" on it), Sunglasses (she's getting LASIK surgery in January, and will need some sunglasses to replace her perscription set). Or restaurant gift cards.

Jon: Nice pairs of socks—white or black athletic socks, crew length. Seriously, I always skimp on socks (sweet, 12 pair for 50¢), and it would be really cool to have a few pair that actually felt good. Or The Book of Basketball by Bill Simmons.

O Holy Night

Just for the heck of it, I've decided to post a bunch of my favorite Christmas songs this year. Actually, I think it would be cool if others did it too—so there's a challenge to you all!

I have a unique relationship with one of my favorites, "O Holy Night." Because everything depends on how the singer chooses to do the song. It can either be breathtaking wonderful or light-myself-on-fire disgusting. Just this past week I heard an R&B version (don't know the artist). It was so bad. I was driving home from work, and I yelled at the radio "find a note and stick to it!"

But then, the next day, I heard a Neil Diamond version that was equally atrocious. It made me realize that super-successful famous artists really need someone to tell them "No. That song just makes you look really bad." The tragedy, of course, is that once people are super-successful and famous, they don't think they need to listen to anyone saying they're not wonderfulness and all. But they really should.

But done right, and "O Holy Night" is divine. Perhaps the most beautiful song ever written. Here's the version I like best: Michael Crawford. No warbling, no screeching or throwing his voice to the high notes, no off-beat screwiness. Just a clear voice hitting the notes and holding them.

Enjoy.

— Jon

From the Helds

Brady- Think this is covered but if not, let me know. Sizes- 10 slim pant and 12-14 shirts, L or XL. Shoes 6 1/2

Kenzie- Kid's sewing kit or crafts; likes art; loves soft cuddly clothes, pjs or slippers. 10 slim pants and 12-14 shirts or L. Shoes 1-2

Eric- Short sleeved t-shirts in XXL (Hawkeyes, Cubs, Vikings); loves gadgets for his bar; long sleeve dress shirt XXL

Leslie- anything to help organize or keep me warm; size XL

Happy Thanksgiving to all & to all a good night!

Wish List

Chris-
Short sleeve shirts XL
Socks
Left for Dead Xbox 360

Sara-
Disiney Sing it Pop HIts Wii
Twighlight game for Wii
Dressy tops, jackets, and pants Kohls size M/L 7/9 will need gift reciepts because sizes vary
ASTATE Hoodie
new datebook/wallet

Skyler size 12 months
Books

I may update this later. Hope everyone has a happy thanksgiving. Love the Ladeaus

WISH LIST

Well, Christmas wish-lists seem to be the thing, huh? So here goes! First and foremost is a wish that everyone has a really, really, truly BLESSED CHRISTMAS. It will be so great to have so many of you here that week! Now for what I'd like to see (not necessarily under the tree but sometime around this place in the not too distant future-- a small window in our laundry room door to the garage that can be opened for a small screen. Why? There is a lot of dust and moisture that gets into the house and shutting the door between the laundry room and kitchen and having the moisture go out the screened would help tremendously. (You would have to see the arrangement there to understand this!) Next, some doors cut into the cabinets that divide the eating area with the kitchen. Why? Those cabinets are so deep that they are not very usable. Next is caulking around all the windows and door windows. Why? I think this may help solve the wet windows we have when weather turns cool. And how about some"Movin' Men" furniture movers? This is the ONLY brand that truly does work but they are kind of hard to find. Better make that 2 sets because I've used Dale's so much they are wearing out and then I can replace his. (Can't buy new furniture so I just move the old around.) Also need to have the living room window valance board put back up It was forgotten when all of you painted and so I haven't had the valance up since. It's getting late, tomorrow is a big day, I've got a sore arm and ankle drives me up a tree at times (really the foot more than the ankle) but you know what? God is always there and listens to all my complaints, takes my hand and I know that all is well. Love you all very much. Love, Mom or Grandma or Granny or whatever else you call me -- just remember to call. CONGRATULATIONS, BEN & ASHLIE. I must have had a dream - I knew you were having a girl. FANTASTIC!

ye ole dummy

Grandma says after reading my blog that can't spell know how to spell wisk e y...weskiy...wishkey....WHISKEY. I just can,t type!!!!!! do know ho w to drink it.

My Wish List

So a few things on my wish list:
*"An Echo in the Bone" by Diana Gabaldon (book)
*Taylor Swift CD
*Gold Earrings-medium size
*Sweaters-nice ones for work
*Cross necklace
*Certificate for pedicure and manicure (in Memphis-sorry Chrissy!)

Happy Thanksgiving to you all!!! I will be thinking of each of you and count myself blessed to have you in my life!!

Here Comes A Girl

We just found out today (Ash is 21 weeks along now) that our child #2 will be a girl!

Just wanted to let everyone know.

About wiskey

Grandpa is not bashful, so here,s my wish list. First, I gave up on a Captain Marvel comic. did a little research and the ones I remember were the early issues done by a guy named Kirby. He did the first ones starting in 1939. They were so good they out sold Superman. However those 10 cent books are now worth $1500.00. Anyway, scratch that. How about some filbert centeredwhite candy (Moth balls). And some natural casing frankfurters. Home made ginger snaps or a small (good) fruit cake. Now for something really serious, a Express Ready Set Go. You can catc h their infomercial about 5 a. m. on a Sunday morning. Grandma says " Not another appliance!!!! How about a Jumble puzzle book. Laurie may have a eye on this. Now, about wiskey. Some of you have thoughtfully given me some from time to time. No one has ever asked for my favorite. I told David once, but his attention span is short. And yes I do like what you,ve bought me,however my favorite is Canadian Mist. Its been around for a long time, and is much cheaper than Jack. That does' nt mean you should b uy twice as much......... I also like cream sherry. Have'nt had any in a long time. That's about it. Can always use Argyle socks. NO TIES. Love you all and hope you get what you want for Christmas.

A Little Help Please...

Hi every bodeeee...

I for one would find it VERY helpful to get wish lists posted! We are heading out this weekend to beat the rush.

James
David M
Tyler
Chris L

Love,
the lil' sis

Christmas Names 2009

Ok, so I meant to post this a while ago. Sorry it's taken me so long this traveling everyother week to Dallas just is the pits! Anyway, listed below are the names of each family first then after are the names that they have.

Family - Who they buy for
Grandma & Grandpa Midget - Sara & Ben
Strackeljahn (D, S & L) - Ashley, Carolyn & Jon M
Strackeljahn (B & N) - Val & Jen
Smailys (C, T & J) - Kimber, Callie & Laurie
Smailys (E &M) - Hannah & Emilee
Midget (D, C & H) - Brady, Sherry & Skyler
Midget (J, E, P, S & K) - Leslie, Jessica, Grandma M, Mackenzie & Eric S
Midge (B, A & T) - Tony, Chris S, Bryan
Edwards - Sam
Humke - Eric H
Ladaeu - Jon S, Monica & Patrick
Held - Tyler, David M, James & Chris L
Schonarth - Dale & Grandpa M
Altigilbers - Julie, Nikki & Susan

Please let me know if you have any questions. Also, wish lists would be extremly helpful! Sounds like our Christmas gathering is going to be on Jan 1st. I'm looking for volunteers (Cousins) to help make Christmas dinner. I'm making a Ham and Nikki will be making her famous pies. Looking foward to seeing everyone!

Jet Setting Granny

It was a beautiful fall Sunday in Indianola and Grandma May flew in on her private plane to go to lunch and a bit of shopping. (Her friend is a pilot and she periodically goes flying with him. Friday he called to say he was running his dad up from Warsaw to Indianola & did she want to go?) Makes her son a bit nervous.

In other news, Halloween was celebrated with these spooky monsters before heading to the Sugar Creek fall festival on Saturday. Earlier in the week, Brady participated in Night of the Notables, giving his presentation on Jackie Robinson. Said he was nervous getting up in front of a large group but you would never have known it.

Hi everyone. Skyler had his first halloween party at daycare today:) Nothing new here just working hard on school work and playing with Skyler, which keeps me very busy. Schools going good this semester, can,t wait till may for graduation. Well it's back to homework for me. We miss and love all of you.

Fall in Utah

So it's fall in Utah and thoughts turn to...making salsa with home grown, fire roasted chilies, photography class for Hannah (a few samples included), a 77th birthday party for my dad, and (gulp) college hunting for Hannah.

We have made it back to the cold........not so sure we wanted to do that. Vacation in Mexico was awesome. Spent a week with 4 other couples,although we did whatever we wanted. It was a beautiful resort, the weather was in the 90's with lots of humidity. Not what you all like but right up our alley!

Can you believe it....that last picture is some 50+ lady boggie boarding in the waves (me) :-) Loved it!!

The girls made friends with the locals selling their wares on the beach. ...almost free lady.... is their favorite saying. They had us pegged by the end of the first day as easy sells.

We spent most of the time relaxing and just having fun!! Is it time to go back yet???

Giggles and Grins

Had a great day in Jonesboro playing with Skyler! It amazes me how much he can change in such a short time.
Lots of slobber kisses and huge smiles! What fun!!!

Fall is here..

Well fall is here and I'm trying to work on decorating the house to make it more fall like and perty. hehe This weekend I made myself a completely homemade pie, crust and all. It turned out pretty good if I do say so myself. Hope all is well with everyone!!

Happy Birthday Laurie!

It was a big night in Indianola with a party for Laurie at our house. Thanks to Sherry for the meatloaf & cake. Yummmmm.... Think the eldest grandchild had a nice day before she heads to her 2nd home in Dallas tomorrow.

In other news B-man had his first football game. He's #22 on the Green Bay Packers. They lost big but learned a few things. Went to some friends after for a weinie roast & Kenzie spent hours riding their horse, Ginger, around their big yard.

Love to all!
Leslie

Photos

Here are the pictures that wouldn't fit with my wordy post:

Chapter Next

Even with the temp in the high 90s, it feels like summer is coming to an end. We did as much back-to-school shopping as Hannah could tolerate ( three t-shirts and a whole lot of binders and college-ruled notebook paper) today. We had a great, rowdy dinner with the whole gang last night. Ashlie was a trooper even though she feared that smelling Dave's spicy jambalaya would not sit well with the all-day morning sickness she hopes will go away soon. For those of you who haven't heard, they are expecting another baby in April. To keep tabs on them, check out their very cute family blog at http://midgetfamily.blogspot.com. They have moved into their first home in a great, family friendly community called Daybreak. Benj told us that the other day he was out walking and a neighbor stopped him and said, "Oh, I know you, you are our new neighbors...the Munchkins, isn't it?" Bet none of you Midgets have ever heard that before. Ha!

We want to thank all of you who hosted Hannah on her Midwest journey this summer. She had a great time and it was such a boost to her independence. Thank you Laurie, Leslie, Chris, Eric, Tony, MacKenzie, Brady, Sherry, Dale, Grandma, Grandpa for showing her such a great time. She would like all of you, especially Laurie, to plan a trip out soon so she can return the

favor.

I also want to thank you for your support during my dad's crisis. Turns out he had pneumonia and a huge infection between his lung and chest wall. My older sister and I were there as the doctors tried to treat it with antibiotics. They finally decided surgery was the only option, and by that time he was so weak, it really scared us. They took him to surgery with a crash cart on the bed, just in case. And true to Stew Rose form, he was sitting up eating scrambled eggs and drinking coffee in the ICU the next morning. He spent another week and a half in the hospital but is now home and pretty stable, considering.

David survived the ribbon-cutting ceremony and related activities for the new Park City hospital. Yeah! It was a big deal. And in case any of you are wondering, the Model Healthcare System President Barack Obama has been praising ALOT lately, is indeed, David's healthcare system, Intermountain Healthcare. Obama mentioned the system by name in a recent address and just sent the Office of Management and Budget to town to learn how they do what they do so well. Woo-hoo!

Happy Boy!

As you can see-Skyler is doing great these days!!! He started daycare this week, they lost the neighbor who had been babysitting due to illness requiring her to take some time off ,and one week before school! Sara and Chris are not convinced that a daycare is a great option-they think he will not get all of the attention he needs....I keep assuring them that he will be OK, but I don't think they believe me!! How could anyone not pay attention to such a sweet boy???

This will be Sara's senior year, on schedule to graduate in May with her Marketing degree. Who knows where they will go from there? I am enjoying spending as much time with them as I can!

First Day of School

Not sure who was more excited today, the kids or their Dad. Both report their day was GREAT! We are old enough to be the parents of Kenzie's teacher (which she thinks is extraordinarily cool.) Brady's room is chock full of boys who love sports. Luckily, his teacher is the mom of three boys and can talk trash with the best of them. You can't see the back of his new Hawkeye shirt but it is shamefully disrespectful to the Illini. He was placed in the Talented & Gifted program this year and once again is in class with the cute little blonde who gives him his competition in math. Gotta love Kenzie's style, huh? Makes her father quake with fear.