Blood

Well, I tried to give blood. Again. And I was rejected due to low iron count. Again.

This makes me very sad.

I am very passionate about giving blood because of my sister Rose. So many people donated their blood to help save her.

We should do the same to help others, if possible.

Just thought I would share my feelings/frustrations. Stupid Iron!

Dining Room Table!

Here is our new Dining Room table! :) This is the table I fell in love with at Nebraska Furniture Mart, but we decided to wait and save up the cash for it. Then SHAW FOUND IN ON CRAIGS LIST almost BRAND NEW about 10 minutes away from where my parents live. SO CHEAP in comparison. This family bought it 4 months ago and practically never sat at it. IT IS SO NICE TO FINALLY HAVE A DINING ROOM TABLE! :) Now, more than 2 people can sit at our table comfortably. What a blessing!

Attack of the Prairie Dogs... and the Raccoon Returns!

For some weird reason Maureen and Shaw happened to find themselves in Cabelas. As we were walking around we stumbled upon a prairie dog town... Tessa will be familiar with these wretched creatures!

I hope this was not too traumatic for you Tess!

Also, Shaw and this guy had it out... again.

Rielley Christmas and bringing in 2010 at the Henderson's!!!!

One of the cool wall hangings that Dan and Judy got Maureen for Christmas!

We had a second Christmas with the Rielley's after Dec 25th...

Emily was in town for this one!

Mark opening his cool car adapter/heater coffee mug :)

Maureen wearing lots of craziness and her new "Let it Snow" shorts. Shorts and snow... the irony is not lost on us.

All the "Rielley girls" (and shaw) received new PJs for Christmas! Shaw wears his Chili Peppers every night!!!

The ultimate Stocking stuffers... mini bottles!

Mark and Shaw way over analyzing "Life"

Emily is clearly miffed at the self enriching move of Elizabeth in the Game of life... Is it just a game?

Here Shaw is prepping the Caviar the New Year's eve celebration at the Hendersons!

Nila's face... after seeing the Caviar.

Scrumptious!

The "first annual" attempt at sabering a bottle of Champange!

Nate puts forth a valiant effort!

Shaw tries his hand at it...

We played ping-pong for about 4 hours that night! Can't wait for a rematch Nila and Nate!!

:)

Christmas in Spokane!

In Denver waiting for our flight!

Circling Spokane area because of fog...

First night in Spokane at he Hill/Leach family Christmas party...

Lil' second cousins liked the boxes far more than the gifts...

Heaven on earth. This coupled with wine and beer - everyone was happy!

It was a Vietnamese Christmas Eve!

A new tradition... Though the rest of the family may nix it soon :(

Shaw's feeble attempt at cooking dinner. (Made possible by his sous Maureen!) Feeble Shaw REALLY? IT was incredible (added later by Maureen)

Playing Taboo with the family. Unfortunately, the ladies lost - second time in the traditional game! Maureen found the score card from the past duel.

"Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." Also, hopefully a new tradition! Totally Shaw's idea.

Emma was clearly upset at the whole parents making her open presents thing. Apparently her moms gene of "serve me I am a princess" have already surfaced.

Future RAVEN!!!

Hike into the wild...

Dan contemplating the beauty of Ice

Judy throwing ice

Maureen in ice

ahhh cute...

Simon

New race car from uncle Shaw and aunt Maureen!!!

Emma being forced to roll over! She was not happy in the process, but quite happy when she was there! Too bad she didn't make it while we were there. Oh well, stay young Emma!

Pre-Christmas stuff

This post contains photos of the following:

Maureen's Birthday!

Bed and Breakfast in Weston!

Justus Drugstore!

Maureen and Noah's Co-birthday

Christmas with the Rielleys, Petersons and the Leaches!

At the Bed and Breakfast in Weston... We checked in on our way to Justus Drugstore Restaurant. We stayed in the quilt room, with a fabulous fireplace and a jacuzzi! So quant and lovely!

Wine and Cheese platter that was left in the fridge for us upon check-in!Dining Room~ They had things from Nell Hills - including the goblets Maureen got for her sister Elizabeth last year!

Maureen sitting in the freezing cold - no socks!Ah, the streets of Weston!

Joint B-day party for Maureen and Noah! Maureen had the traditional white cake with chocolate icing and peanut butter M&Ms - so good!

Delicious and nutritious cake for Noah! He turned three!

Noah received a sweet fireman's getup for his B-day

Maureen and lil' Joseph

The traditional signing of the "Birthday Tablecloth"

Maureen received the "Biermann style" Washers game from Elizabeth. Professionally handmade by Jamie Blosser!Family portrait without poor Emily :(

MORE TO COME!