Thanks!!

Thanks, Bobbie, Kevin and Kade for the nice weekend!! We enjoyed it thoroughly. Guys, your sister/sister-in-law makes a mean turkey.. We really blew it-- should have posted a picture.
Anyway we came home fat and sassy, and a little broke from shopping.

Haven't quite got the tree decorated yet. Seems I am having trouble locating the ornaments. How can you misplace such a thing? I probably found a new logical place to store them and now cannot remember what that was! Jacob was sick today so spent the day here and did get to decorate some (with what stuff I could find).

Don't know anything else--- Love, Mom

A Christmas Tree Contest -- Let's do it!

E-mail me one photo of your Christmas tree by Dec. 5 to enter the Christmas Tree Contest Blog-style. My e-mail is: bw74102@alltel.net -- I'll post them anonymously to be voted on. The winner will be awarded a tree ornament to be put on the tree the following year and travel each year to whoever wins. Winner and ornament presentation will be announced at the Kriz Christmas party. The honor system will be in effect. In other words, you will be mocked by the family for voting for your own tree. May the best tree win!

Cyber Monday!!

For those Kriz Family members that don't like the mall shopping experience...check this out...
http://www.cybermonday.com/

We too wanted to do the annual Christmas Tree Farm to cut down our Christmas Tree...but the timing didn't quite fit. So we went to "Terry's Christmas Tree's"...Seriously...that is what it's called...and we picked ours out. It was quite the process. Wish we would have taken our camera.

I see Ter is wanting a Christmas Tree Decorating Contest...funny guy...he doesn't touch it once in the stand....HA-HA.

We miss you all and missed having you all for Thanksgiving this year as well as making it to NE.

We love you all and as Bobbie stated in a prior post...we are so Thankful for all of you and love being a part of the Kriz Fam Zoo :)

Love, From SW MN

The Great Christmas Tree Hunt...

Clark Griswold has nothing on this group. They hauled home not one, not two, but the top three trees on this Christmas tree farm. And the most amazing part -- Bobbie and I avoided the annual "Putting the Annual Christmas Tree in the Stand Fight" thanks to Bob replacing Bobbie as my assistant this year. Thanks Bob. :)

Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm thankful for each and every one of you! Don't eat too much turkey (dark meat :-) ) and have a great holiday weekend.

Getting you in the holiday spirit...

If this doesn't kick off your holiday spirit, nothing will. It might take a minute to load, but it's well worth it. :) (click on the link below)

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=9560750151

When I Grow Up...

Okay, since there was such a great picture of Kade and his space gear, I figured I should share what Bella wants to be when she grows up. I kind of think she has a little bit of both of us in her when she does stuff like this. What I mean is, a princess like me, and sitting in her underwear like Jason!

Twin Update-

As of Wednesday both babies are healthy. Baby A weighs 2lbs13oz and Baby B weighs 2lbs07oz. The doctor states they are in the 70th percentile for how old they are. I am going to be so huge by the end of this. I measure the size of a 34 week normal pregnant lady. The guy just laughed and said unforturnately you are normal size for a mother of multiples. Ha Ha very funny mister doctor!

I think we should do a poll for baby names. Jason and I are having a heck of a time agreeing on any names. However, if we do this please do not egg on my husband with any name in reference to Magnus and Maximus. I don't need to fight off those ideas. Remember, girls are supposed to have cute names!

Since I am on the topic of polls. I would like to do a shout out for Melissa and myself. I really do think we would do well at the Amazing Race. We both like to shop and I feel this is a key component to winning the race. Why you ask?? 1) You have to be able to be on your feet for many hours. 2) You search and search to find the best deal out there. 3) If it is the last item and you are going against another shopper, you will do anything to win. 4) Lastly, no one likes to shop alone. You should always have a buddy! This also has to with #3, your buddy will help you.

Okay, I have been windy enough. Goodbye everyone!

An early Christmas present

Just thought I'd let you guys know that the hospital received notice we were approved for National accreditation for our diabetes education program. This is a big thing, sort of the cummulation of several years work. Now all those 65 yrs and older who need diabetic teaching can get it with Medicare paying a large % of the bill. Am feeling pretty good about it-- was afraid it might take more than one try to have everything in line. Of course, time will tell how hard it is to satisfy all the guideline throughout the year. Have wanted to accomplish this for a large part of my work career!

Couldn't keep from sharing!!! Love, Mom

No Bad Bunny News!

Hi all!
I'm relieved to say that the worst thing our dogs have done is chew up the kitchen blinds and eat a tube of Neosporin (which kept coming up and out for several days!), but at least it wasn't another pet! Yikes, I can't imagine! Rach, how about a snake or tarantula or gecko or ??? I guess those all might be seen as chew toys to those innocent pups! Maybe the pet rock isn't such a bad idea!
Fortunately and unfortunately we are not going to make it for Turkey Day anywhere. The ticket prices just aren't good and David's work decided instead of the Sunday after Thanksgiving he will have the Sunday before off. Needless to say, I'm glad we didn't buy tickets and then find out that he doesn't have off the whole weekend. It looks as though I will be eating an entire pumpkin cheesecake on my own since David isn't addicted to sweets like me. We will plan a nice relaxing 3 day weekend together and have our own feast.
It also looks like David may not make it for our Kriz Christmas, but I'm still hoping! I'm also waiting to nab decent priced airline tickets! I don't want to wait until the last minute, but I also don't want to pay an arm and a leg for a flight!

JUST ANOTHER PET DISASTER

This morning I came home about 8:30 and found two of Vanderham's dogs outside.Ilooked over the situation knowing that the dogs wander away from home every now and then and decided that they would be OK until Dustin got off work, then I went on with my day. Well there I go thinking again. About 3:30 in the afternoon the kids call and tell me that the garage was completely messed up, the rabbit cage has been tore down, and the rabbit was missing. Then about ten minutes later I get another call telling me they found the rabbit outside dead. (Poor Rach lost another rabbit.) About this time I decide I better go home. Sure enough the floor was covered with miscellaneous item from the garage, the dogs got the rabbit cage down pushed it all over the garage including up against our van. (scratched on both sides) Keep in mind the dogs aren't mean but apparently they don't like rabbits. Just another day at the Kriz house. I am beginning to think a family like ours can have to may pets.
Life around here is never boring.
Dave
PS. Rach is already planning her next pet.

To Infinity and Beyond!

Well, it may not be exactly Buzz Lightyear calibur equipment, but Kade made an astronaut helmet in his preschool/daycare class Monday. He was pretty proud of it. I'm sure NASA will be calling in a few years.

Hello from SW MN

I see Ter was busy blogging while I was having fun in Sioux Falls wedding dress shopping with Jen. I have never seen so many dresses in one day. She finally has it narrowed down to two of them and of course she found them at our last stop of the day “The French Door”. It was really fun…but tiring too.

Ter was the hit of the neighborhood while I was away. Of course, he didn’t take any of you up on your great ideas; instead they had a dance-a-thon with Taylor, himself and our little neighbor boy Parker. They put on some wild and crazy music and the living room was their dance floor. I would love to have been a mouse in a corner to see that. For some reason, he really has taken to Ter and I…scary I know. They tried to teach Parker how to play monopoly (he is only 6) and took Katie and Jersey and his dog sizzles for a long walk. Then Tay tried to beat her dad in Monopoly last night and fought like a trooper until then end…but Ter beat her and of course he didn’t rub it in at all that he did :~)

Mom and Dad ask about the Kriz family often. We would really love to bring them to the farm some day, but my mom doesn’t like to leave home very often so we doubt that will happen. We have mentioned to Dustin and Jennifer to come back with us some weekend and they are game so maybe this coming year. Dan and Jayme ask about you all the time Jeannie and Jason and wonder how you are doing with your pregnancy. They are expecting again in April of this next year, so we are all excited too.

Rachael – Congrats on the win of your game! Where are the pictures that Kevin asked you to post? Get on the stick girlie!

What about those VIKES YIKES they stink!! They just can get their poop in a group.

We went to the movie Fred Claus this afternoon with Taylor and Parker. It was really a fun movie. You will have to check it out.

Congrats on the new job VD!! I hear you on the vacation time…it stinks to just have two weeks. Hope you can work something out and will be able to make it home. We missed you tons at mom and dad Kriz’s Anniversary.

Well…I am of to pick up a couple of Christmas presents! We found the cutest little John Deere bike with training wheels at Runnings that we want to get Ty for Christmas. I just hope his little legs will reach the pedals :0

Hope all is well with everyone!

We love you tons!

--tammy

Now this party can begin!!!

Well, I am finally here to put my stamp on the Kriz family blog. Yes! Tis I! Vegas Dave! I know all of you have been counting the days to when I would grace you with my sentiments. Well, wait no longer.
I would like to start off by saying that the question of which Kriz sibling is the biggest party animal is in my opinion, a good question but may lack a little ambition. Lets think bigger. I mean it seems everyone is ready to crown a winner. I must interject and add my own name to the contest. I admit it will be very tough for everyone to actually verify that I have lived a rock star life. Just ask yourself one question when giving this topic further consideration. Would I lie to you? I admit that I am the one that has tried to convince rachael that I grew up in the Black Hills, but those of you who have been present during those conversations have to admit, it was funny. ( that is not in any way an admittance of guilt. ) Anyway, is this contest open to late entries? I'll be awaiting my acceptance letter.
Changing the subject, I would like to say that reading everyones comments on this blog is a lot of fun, and I am glad to be part of it. It will be a good way to get to know everyone that much better since I don't get a chance to see you all very much. I am trying to get as much time as I can for Christmas, but it's not looking good. I am new with this company and I need to pay my dues. I am sure that next year will present much more opprtunities. I am not giving up on this year just yet however. With any luck, I'll meet you all at the top of the hill when I am king of it! LOL.
I guess that's all for now. I have to get some chores done around the house before "you know who" gets home. I have procrastinated long enough and I fear I may be sleeping with the dogs in the near future. So bye for now.

Vegas Dave

I'm Here

I am now part of the blog. I have also won my first basketball game last Saturday it is so much fun I love it. Well that is all that is really happening right now Terry I already gave you advice on how to entertain Taylor this week end off of grandmas account.

-Rachael

Thanksgiving Plans

Hi all! Just a note to certain persons that they do not need to count my attempts to keep up with this blog thing. If this works today it's because Zach found a way to do this via e-mail. Ter- I will try it again from on the blog but not tonight. Anyway, Bobbie, if it's ok, I think Dad and I will come Friday. I don't have to work so we can start early enough to get there in daylight. For us old fogies, it's nice to see where one is going! Do you want some particular food contribution? Could bring my premade mashed potato thing to warm up or stuff for scalloped potatoes-- or whatever sounds good to you. Sounded last night like Dave and Melissa were thinking about joining the party. I am interested in the wide variety of charities presented for consideration this Christmas-- I think among those considered should be the Mom/Dad Retirement Fund. That is somewhat dear to my heart and seems pretty unreachable some days!! Jill and Las Vegas Dave, are you considering a Thanksgiving visit, really? That would be fun-- Miss you both! Ter, am thinking about your request for entertainment ideas for Taylor. Does your church have a youth group for her age? You probably already thought about that. It's a little early for sledding and ice skating, but I loved those things. Of course it there is a stable that gives riding lessons ( and one can afford it) she might like polishing those skill with a better instructor than her grandma. OK, I'm done for tonight. Kevin, I do enjoy reading the postings and comments. Thanks for doing the work to make this happen!! Love Mom

Okay, for those of you keeping count on how many times mom has had to sign up just to get onto the blog, it is 5. I think David is right behind her, but I think I have them straighten out. Mom I will expect at least one blog under the same user name and password before the end of the week.

We were going to try to visit Jeannie this week as Tammy is going dress shopping with Jen (Dustin's fiance) is Sioux Falls this weekend, but Mom informed me they are going to the farm so Taylor and I will be staying home on Sat to have some fun. I hope she is not too bored.

With all of those great minds out there, I would appreciate some help on things I can do this weekend to keep my almost 10 year old entertained. As she is getting older it is harder and harder to be the cool dad that I used to be, so any help is much appreciated. I accept most idea's, but there are limits to these ideas.

Hope all is well with everyone.

Terry

Quite the entertainment!

I absolutely love reading everyone's comments! Hasn't the topic of the biggest partier come up already? I guess it wasn't decided so you're debating it again, huh? Jeannie, I was with you when the fertility god became a permanent mark and I don't think you were drunk at that time (maybe the rest of the time you were in Vegas!) so that doesn't really count! You were just sober & crazy! I think Bobbie is the winner because of the flying doughnuts and the freak show Zylstra boys that were at the party she had while mom and dad were gone! I know that Terry and David partied alot, but Terry got caught too often, and David, well...I don't know! I think his partying days really debuted after he moved out of mom and dad's! Ahhh the Mitchell trailer parks, jungle juice, Terry's eyebrow being shaved...good times! Jeannie, I know that you had some insane partying days in high school and college, but you are the baby and can get by with almost anything! I think ma and pa knew about most of it and just decided to let it go! Anyhoo...I am not getting any schoolwork done right now so I should get going.

Vegas Dave and I are trying to figure out holiday plans, but it's not going to be fun for me! I'm glad he has this great job, but he doen't have any vacation time which makes me very sad! I've already cried about it (PMS, don't think anything else!) and am now dealing with it. He has 4 days off at Thanksgiving so are you guys doing anything for Turkey Day? And when is the actual Christmas gathering and gift giving, Saturday the 22nd or Sunday the 23rd? David's days off are Friday and Saturday, but we were wondering if he might possibly get Sunday off he butters up his boss. We are also looking into ticket prices. So, we have ideas but no definite plans. As for donating to charity, that's a great idea! Please make your checks out to the Jill & David Hurley Recovering From Lack of Funds Fund. We do accept cash donations also, but that's not always safe in the mail. Hee, hee, just kidding we are doing better and getting back on our feet!

So, I really need to be done. I hope all is well!
Hugs and Kisses,
Jill and Vegas Dave

Party Animal?!?!

What was the outcome of the biggest party animal? I think the voting was very much rigged in Bobbie's favor. I just wanted to state it was easier to get away with partying when my sibblings were growing up. I had the challenge of law enforcement and sports banishment if I got caught. Since I only had minimal interaction with either of the two I should by far be the winner.

Hello! Tatoo of the Fertility God on my back! It doesn't get any rowdier than that.

Okay, I feel good about being able to say my peace. I hope all is going well.

All I Want for Christmas Is.......

Enough snow to be able to go sledding down the Fort Randall Dam hill (10th anniversary this year, I believe, of the last time we did that!), but not too much snow to keep everyone from making it home. I don't ask for much. :-)

Per Terry's request in his last blog post, this is the official Kriz Christmas holiday planning guide.

The plan is to have our Christmas feast/gathering the weekend BEFORE Christmas, so Dec. 22-23. I need to have everyone respond to this post about the date, especially Jill and David since you guys have the farthest to travel.

As far as gifts, we have decided to scale back this year. Mom and Dad will not be buying for their children and inlaws, and we won't be buying for them. Instead, our gifts to each other will be another year of love, affection and taking the usual pot-shots at each other when someone does something worth making fun of. We WILL still be doing the annual White Elephant Exchange. The dollar limit on new gifts is $20, but as always, if you've got something great in your garage or basement that you'd like to share, that option is open. (NOTE TO DAVE: Hog barns are NOT included on the list of places from which gifts may be located. NOTE TO VEGAS DAVE: Dogs that eat tubes of antibiotic ointment cannot be White Elephant-ed. NOTE TO ZACH: Welcome to the fun. We'll expect a blue ribbon gift from you on your first year!)

Also, we decided to draw names for the nieces and nephews this year. I think, if I've got this right, we've got five kids in the drawing (Zach wanted to do White Elephant instead) and of course, five of us. So, I conducted the drawing right here in my basement (I really did put names on slips of paper and draw). The results are: Dave and family - Isabella; Us - Jacob; Terry and Tammy - Rachael; David and Jill - Kade; and Jason and Jeannie - Taylor. (NOTE TO JEANNIE: No matter how much you might feel like it, you are NOT allowed to have the twins before Christmas, because it would throw our whole drawing off! Ha.)

Lastly, because we are majorly scaling back on the purchase of gifts, I wanted to toss out the idea of each of us throwing in a small amount of money to donate to a charity on behalf of the family. It could be even as small as $10 a family. What do you think?

So, I think I have covered everything. As the holiday gets closer, we'll talk about what everyone should bring as far as food, games, et cetera.

I am so looking forward to seeing everyone. Our family is blessed, and it's always a joy to celebrate that fact, and give thanks, during Christmas.

Please post back regarding the date and all the other points I covered.

--Love, bobbie

Maybe I am going to be able to make this work!!

As you know Jacob had a birthday this week and the party was yesterday evening. Dad/Dave was in charge of the 8 party boys until Melissa got home from work. I was also at work so didn't hear the total story until Dave showed up this morning with some degree of concern for the status of my chickens.

Not knowing what else to do with 8 wired little boys he brought them over for the grand farm tour thing. Most of these guys were town kids so that had some appeal. When they arrived the biggest draw was--you guessed it-- the chickens. First they turned them out and kids and chickens flew mostly everywhere.. Dave, ever resourceful, offered the group $1 for every white chicken they caught (limit 1 per kid) and 50 cents for any brown or black one. Everyone caught one, so he had to pay out!! Tony Slaba remembered that he had roped chickens at a 4th of July bash in Geddes, and he was interested in trying his skill at that again. So everyone got a twine and Dave shut an unlucky group of chickens in the chicken yard and let everyone go. Eventually the chickens got tired enough that everyone managed to twine at least one. During this entire mayham Dave's two hunting dogs were going beserk-- they were under the impression that chasing chickens was not ok--

They managed to put at least 1 chicken to sleep and ended up with pony rides on
Sis. According to Racheal when they got back to Dave's for pizza the chicken rodeo was the main topic of conversation. Bet no one else in Jacob's class has had a birthday party quite like this!!

Surprisingly, I still picked eggs today!!

(Sorry Bobbie, I sent you a e-mail with the same information and then decided to try this thing again) the question is if I will get it to work again some day??? Love, MOM

Marshall Gangster's Still On The Loose......

The local Marshall MN PD still have not apprehended the gangsters that are breaking in and robbing local homes.

Our neighbors that were targeted over a week ago will again be out of town this coming week so according to the PD they are hoping the thieves will be back to try and finish off what they started and they will be able to catch them in the act.

In the meantime - all our neighbors are taking precautions from putting broomstick handles in their patio doors and sliding windows to motion detector lights outside as well as "BEWARE OF DOGS" signs up. Our neighborhood can now be seen for miles at night :)

Stay tuned to the Kriz Family Blog for more updates.....

Tammy b

Trick or Treat... or not

Not many Trick or Treaters made it to our house -- bummer. The neighborhood I grew up in had tons of kids going door-to-door. We probably only had 10-15 kids all night this year. Kade wasn't even fired up for it. He half-heartedly dressed as a baseball player, although the only thing that seperated his outfit from his everyday outfit was some black eye paint "that ballplayers wear." He went to a handful of houses and called it quits. Geez, no motivation for kids these days! I remember my pumpkin bucket being completely filled. Guess we'll have to eat all the leftover candy.