Thursday, October 30th 2008

This morning Ziegler and Zank met at my house at 7:00 a.m. to head to the Teachers' Convention in Madison. They both enjoyed the luxury of heated seats.

We ran in to Scott when we walked in the doors. After he downed a turnover of some kind, the four of us browsed the booths and discussed which seminars we were going to go to.

Ziegler kept poking me with this stick

Convention is always fun. This actually is the first year we did not stay over night.

When it was time for us to leave, Mosher was on his own again. We kind of felt bad for leaving him, but we did anyway.

Not to worry, we saw Henry as we were leaving. He undoubtedly filled the void and then some.

Back in Fond du Lac, we found Troy killing some time. He and Ziegler talked about a few "home" projects.

Reghan made the one-eyed witch that Julie is wearing. I guess Reghan ate the other eye.

Right before this picture was taken a mouse apparently ran under the stairs where we were all standing. I didn't see it, but I started screaming when they started screaming. Troy wants to kill it. I say, let it live!!!!!!!!!

After Keri and Julie left, I talked with Troy for a little while and then met up with Andy in Stockbridge. We helped Mom with some things around the house.



Andy left around 5ish to go to a class with Tony on how to become an Alderman. Tony and Andy are definitely two very interesting people. I stayed at the parents' for awhile. I really don't get to see them as much as I'd like to. All around it was a very good day.

Monday, October 27th, 2008

Today mom took me to a doctor's appointment. Afterwards, we went to the public library where she became a proud new owner of a library card. I'm sure there is a better selection in terms of books in Fond du Lac as opposed to Chilton! Anyway, we went out to Grandma Lee's grave where we met up with Andy. A little later on, when Mom had headed home, Andy and I picked up Grandma for a night out on the town. We went to U.S. Cellular and had my phone switched over to Pete/Tony's old phone. We then headed to Walmart to pick up Andy's pictures and a charger for my new phone. By the way, I owe you about $20.00 Andy!

After running a few errands, Andy treated us to a few drinks. Grandma had 1 glass of red wine. I had two Bloody Marys (in about 5 minutes--I love tomato juice) and an Amaretto sour. I slept like a rock! I may have told Grandma a few things that I now regret--thanks Andy.

After dropping Grandma off, we ate some pizza with Troy. This was a really nice night.

Sunday, October 26th, 2008

Well, it was trick-or-treating in Fond du Lac today. Troy and I bought a crap-ton of cheap candy to lavish the little children with. Troy always is delighted to throw on a mask and scare the neighborhood kids.

Troy and I sat out on the steps since they are not up to code. We don't need some little brat suing us for falling.

Some kids would not come up to us because they were afraid of Troy.

Robyn Talavera wasn't afraid!!! Although her kids were a little cautious! Robyn only lasted about 10 minutes in the weather and then packed up her kids and hit the road. Other familiar faces: Gretchen and Diane B. Always a pleasure to see them

Saturday, October 25th, 2008 (Gift Opening)

Troy and I had gift opening at our house this afternoon. It really was a nice time. Hopefully everyone who was here feels the same. It was a huge mistake buying the peanut butter m&ms you see on the table. (There were more in the dining room) I justified my purchase by telling myself that Andrew likes them. I ate most of them myself.

Clarissa, next time please let me know when you bring a guest. Just kidding....this was Tom's date and last "hoo-rah"

Dad seems to approveAndy may be thinking about the editing that lays ahead of him. His work is never done.

I'll let the following pictures do the talking, adding captions only where they are needed

These personalized spices were pretty wicked. I will steal this idea for the next wedding I attend.

All of a sudden Stealth appears

Tom and Amanda were afraid when they opened this gift because it followed the edible underwear. The picture on the box was misleading!

They seemed to like the gift from Tony, Clarissa, Andy, Troy and me.

The next present they opened was also a vacuum cleaner! Well, you can't win them all.

wt.......?

October 24th, 2008

TOM AND AMANDA'S WEDDING DAY!!!!!! WHAT A GREAT DAY IT WAS!

I woke up at 7:00, took a shower and ran to Pick 'n Save. I was at the Renaissance by 8:00 a.m. to get my hair done. Unfortunately it was raining. I was hoping it would let up by the Wedding time! After my hair was done, I went home, baked a couple of items for Gift Opening (which was going to be at our house on Saturday), packed my bags, organized the house, and waited for the girls to pick me up. It was a hectic morning!

Isn't she beautiful!!!!!!!!

Clarissa in the process of ironing out some last minute things!

Amanda and her Dad, Jim

Mom took this picture

The ceremony was beautiful. Clarissa and I had a good time in the first pew.....minus the book mishap! Of course we had to have pictures taken in the church.


Mom and Dad

The bridal Party

With Troy

The limo was supposed to be a surprise for Amanda, but the photographer spilled the beans....Oops!

The two glasses of champaign I had really did me in. Seriously.

With two of my favorite people

The champaign really did Patrick in too!

While in the limo, headed to Lakeside Park, who do we see??? You'll have to watch to find out.

Tom and Amanda

My new sister-in-law

This is a traditional sibling picture started in 1975 when my parents were married

Patrick tried to throw me on the ground in this picture.

What a fantastic picture

The Newly Weds

Tony and Clarissa

With Troy

Dave holding Amanda. This would have been after Dave's retreat back to the limo!

Eww

This was an unsettling pose for Tony

Tom and Clarissa

Gary posing us, yet again

NOW, I REALIZE MANY OF YOU ARE THINKING, "MY GOD, HOW MANY PICTURES DID KELLY POST ON THIS BLOG?" WELL, JUST SO YOU KNOW, THERE ARE MANY MORE.....SO YOU MAY WANT TO STOP NOW!

BACK AT THE RAMADA.......


Mom took a break during all of her running around to pose with Clarissa

A table full of first generation Mac's, at least in my lifetime.

I was most excited to see Bailey. Isn't she beautiful!

Kara, Keith, Amanda and Jennifer. Congrats on your recent engagement Jen and Kieth! I am very happy for you!!!!!!!!The cake
Patrick and Clarissa, two of the best smiles around. I realize three is a crowd you two, so I would like to thank you for letting me partake in your conversations a couple of times during dinner!

Uncle Mike shared some lovely words to Tom and Amanda as well as a prayer. What a stand up guy that Uncle Mike.

The Mac Family

Speaking of Uncles.....You may think that the roll stuffed with grizzle Uncle Tim is giving me is some sort of peace offering. Hardly. It is a threat. A threat that I took serious enough to in turn stuff my purse with an additional dinner roll.

Andy did it again and rolled out an awesome speechTom and Amanda listen as Nicki gives a speech

Andy produced yet another insanely awesome slide show. Andrew, you make the rest of of us look bad!

Nicki was finally able to relax after she dished out her speechKaren made the journey from Stockbridge to be at Tom's weddingIf you want to know what Jake's left arm looks like, apparently it looks like Clarissa's right arm. Shelly is not amused.With Clarissa and Shelly!

A suspicious looking bunch

Lori and AndyMom and AmandaAndrew and Aria

Jesse and Sarah

Grandma and Uncle Tim

I'm not exactly sure what is going on here. Although, if you look closely, you will see Tony in the middle left hand side of this picture. Tony was the D.J. at the dance, which is why you have not seen too many pictures of him. Tony, you did an awesome job!

Shannon, Katie, Mary, Grandma and AndyMelissa and Opy

Although this picture is a little dark, I still like it. Andy is doing what he does best at weddings (besides speeches and slideshows). He is dancing with Grandma, Aunt Lola and Aunt Ann.

Lance, Lynn, Mom, Debbie, and Karen

Margaret and Joel

Now, the only reason I am stopping here is because my camera battery died and I did not pack my charger. Can you believe it?! This was only around 9:00 p.m. Oh well. I did take some pics on Mom's camera. I will definitely post those when I get a chance.


CONGRATULATIONS AGAIN, TOM AND AMANDA. WE HAD AN AWESOME TIME AT YOUR WEDDING. THANKS FOR ASKING US TO BE A P ART OF IT.