We rooted for the Green Bay Packers. This house is a Cleveland Browns house, so there was no cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Martin even got into the spirit. Stefani decided he needed to join in on the fun.
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
Monday, February 7, 2011
Super Bowl 2010
We decided to throw a small Super Bowl party. We two couples from church over for the big game. We ate corn chowder, fresh bread, bacon cheddar pinwheels, and other assorted goodies.
We rooted for the Green Bay Packers. This house is a Cleveland Browns house, so there was no cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Martin even got into the spirit. Stefani decided he needed to join in on the fun.
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
We rooted for the Green Bay Packers. This house is a Cleveland Browns house, so there was no cheering for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Martin even got into the spirit. Stefani decided he needed to join in on the fun.
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
Christmas 2010 Trip to St. Louis
We decided we could only visit with one side of the family for Christmas this year. Winter travel is difficult, stressful, and sometimes down right dangerous. Since we spent Thanksgiving with the Ketelsens we decided to spend Christmas with the Marrahs.
We left the Monday after Christmas and drove straight through. The weather was great and the drive was smooth sailing. We made it in time to exchange gifts that night.
Tuesday was a difficult day. Stefani's Grandpa (Gavisk) was moved into a nursing home. His Alzheimer's was getting too much for her Grandma to handle by herself. We did everything we could make the transition as smooth as possible. His recliner was brought in a set up in his room, we got him a modest television, and set up pictures around the room. Joshua, Stefani, Stefani's Mom, and Grandma all stayed and ate lunch with him at the nursing home. The staff seem caring and are very nice. So far the only issue he has had is he wanders around looking for Stefani's Grandma. We are happy he is getting some exercise. As long as he doesn't walk out the door. We sincerely appreciate all the prayers we received. Keep them coming for Grandma as she finds a new "normal".
Wednesday Joshua and Stefani just bummed around town. We had a nice breakfast and did a little shopping (Target of course!). That evening we had some great Mexican at Las Fuentes.
Thursday, our last day in town, Joshua and Stefani enjoyed a nice breakfast with our friends, Carolyn and Jason and their son, Noah. Stefani's parents took a half day off work and we spent the afternoon playing Stefani's favorite game, Funglish, and watching movies.
Friday, on New Year's Eve, we traveled back North. The trip was uneventful until we were about 2 hours from Onaway. We hit some very serious fog. Luckily, the temperature was warm and we didn't have to stop for the night due to dangerous driving conditions. We made it home in time to ring in the New Year from our couch.
The visit was relaxing and just what we needed after a busy Advent season. We hope your Christmas season was full of fun and family!
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
We left the Monday after Christmas and drove straight through. The weather was great and the drive was smooth sailing. We made it in time to exchange gifts that night.
Tuesday was a difficult day. Stefani's Grandpa (Gavisk) was moved into a nursing home. His Alzheimer's was getting too much for her Grandma to handle by herself. We did everything we could make the transition as smooth as possible. His recliner was brought in a set up in his room, we got him a modest television, and set up pictures around the room. Joshua, Stefani, Stefani's Mom, and Grandma all stayed and ate lunch with him at the nursing home. The staff seem caring and are very nice. So far the only issue he has had is he wanders around looking for Stefani's Grandma. We are happy he is getting some exercise. As long as he doesn't walk out the door. We sincerely appreciate all the prayers we received. Keep them coming for Grandma as she finds a new "normal".
Wednesday Joshua and Stefani just bummed around town. We had a nice breakfast and did a little shopping (Target of course!). That evening we had some great Mexican at Las Fuentes.
Thursday, our last day in town, Joshua and Stefani enjoyed a nice breakfast with our friends, Carolyn and Jason and their son, Noah. Stefani's parents took a half day off work and we spent the afternoon playing Stefani's favorite game, Funglish, and watching movies.
Friday, on New Year's Eve, we traveled back North. The trip was uneventful until we were about 2 hours from Onaway. We hit some very serious fog. Luckily, the temperature was warm and we didn't have to stop for the night due to dangerous driving conditions. We made it home in time to ring in the New Year from our couch.
The visit was relaxing and just what we needed after a busy Advent season. We hope your Christmas season was full of fun and family!
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Martin's Photo Shoot
We picked up a Martin Luther bust at one of the Concordia Publishing House tent sales. Ever since we have been putting accessories on him for every holiday. Stefani decided he needed a photo shoot. Here is what we have so far.
Martin saying, "Happy Thanksgiving!".
Martin saying, "Merry Christmas!".
Martin saying, "Brrr, it's cold out here!".
Joshua and Stefani
We hope enjoy Martin's photo shoot.
God's Blessings,
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2010
Christmas Eve often goes by in blur. We have two services one at 7:00 pm which is more traditional and one at 11:00 pm that is a carol service. The services were well attended with a grand total of 122 people.
Our annual Christmas Eve picture. This one was taken after the first service, when Stefani was still awake.
Christmas Day there is no church. Which means we get to spend some much needed quality time together. This year we had a lazy morning with a large brunch. After we ate, we set up Skype with Joshua's family to open presents. We ship each other our gifts before Christmas and then open them via webcam. It works out well for us. After that Skype session we set up another one with Stefani's parents. We just got in a little visiting since we were going to make the trek to St. Louis to see them after Christmas.
Christmas Day evening we headed for dinner at Mary Kay and Don's house. We had so much delicious food! It was great visiting with them, their son and soon to be daughter in law, and their neighbors.
Merry Christmas,
Joshua and Stefani
Christmas Day there is no church. Which means we get to spend some much needed quality time together. This year we had a lazy morning with a large brunch. After we ate, we set up Skype with Joshua's family to open presents. We ship each other our gifts before Christmas and then open them via webcam. It works out well for us. After that Skype session we set up another one with Stefani's parents. We just got in a little visiting since we were going to make the trek to St. Louis to see them after Christmas.
Christmas Day evening we headed for dinner at Mary Kay and Don's house. We had so much delicious food! It was great visiting with them, their son and soon to be daughter in law, and their neighbors.
Merry Christmas,
Joshua and Stefani
December 2010 (thus far)
December is a busy month around here. With Advent comes two services a week, which means two sermons and two services to plan.
The first Saturday in December Moran Iron Works puts on a winter event for the town. There is a huge bonfire, Santa, and fireworks. We took two carloads of youth to the event and then went back to church for pizza and games. Everyone had a good time.
The week before Christmas was a busy one. We had the children's Christmas program on Sunday. There were about 35 kids that participated. Stefani helped by running the music so the other music techs could watch their children and grandchildren participate.
Speaking of church music, as many of you know we do not have an organist. This means our music for service is all digital. We had an ancient laptop to play mp3s, until recently, when the church purchased a new computer.
It will be nice to have a reliable computer for the music.
On Monday, we had a couple from church and their young son over for dinner. It was good food and good conversation. This inspired us to decided to try to have one couple from church over for dinner once a month.
Tuesday was the 456er's (the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Youth group) Christmas party. We watched Linus tell the Christmas story, played games, made crafts, and ate pizza. The turn out was great with a total of 9 kids.
The cupcake design for the 456er Christmas Party.
Wednesday Stefani went to visit a lady, Robin, from church whose ankle was basically reconstructed. Usually, it is Joshua doing the visiting, but Stefani had a feeling she would be need some company. While she was there Stefani was introduced the delicious recipe of Bugles dipped in melted white chocolate with an m&m stuck on it. Robin sent Stefani home with the ingredients...
And here is the final product. We ended up taking them to St. Louis to share.
That evening we had a game night with the High School Youth. We played Wii, Funglish, Sequence, and Uno. And what party is complete without pizza.
As you can see Christmas week was busy! We wouldn't have it any other way. (Ok, maybe we would like to spend it on a beach sometime.)
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
The first Saturday in December Moran Iron Works puts on a winter event for the town. There is a huge bonfire, Santa, and fireworks. We took two carloads of youth to the event and then went back to church for pizza and games. Everyone had a good time.
The week before Christmas was a busy one. We had the children's Christmas program on Sunday. There were about 35 kids that participated. Stefani helped by running the music so the other music techs could watch their children and grandchildren participate.
Speaking of church music, as many of you know we do not have an organist. This means our music for service is all digital. We had an ancient laptop to play mp3s, until recently, when the church purchased a new computer.
On Monday, we had a couple from church and their young son over for dinner. It was good food and good conversation. This inspired us to decided to try to have one couple from church over for dinner once a month.
Tuesday was the 456er's (the 4th, 5th, and 6th grade Youth group) Christmas party. We watched Linus tell the Christmas story, played games, made crafts, and ate pizza. The turn out was great with a total of 9 kids.
The cupcake design for the 456er Christmas Party.
Wednesday Stefani went to visit a lady, Robin, from church whose ankle was basically reconstructed. Usually, it is Joshua doing the visiting, but Stefani had a feeling she would be need some company. While she was there Stefani was introduced the delicious recipe of Bugles dipped in melted white chocolate with an m&m stuck on it. Robin sent Stefani home with the ingredients...
That evening we had a game night with the High School Youth. We played Wii, Funglish, Sequence, and Uno. And what party is complete without pizza.
As you can see Christmas week was busy! We wouldn't have it any other way. (Ok, maybe we would like to spend it on a beach sometime.)
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Team Ketelsen Official Jerseys
The front of our official jersey.
The back of our official jersey
The song and inspiration for getting jerseys made....
Must of Done Something Right
by Relient K
We should get jerseys cause we make a good team
But yours would look better than mine, cause you're outta my league
And I know that it's so cliche to tell you that everyday
I spend with you is the new best day of my life
Everyone watching us just turns away with disgust
It's Jealously, they can see that we've got it going on
I spend with you is the new best day of my life
Everyone watching us just turns away with disgust
It's Jealously, they can see that we've got it going on
And I'm racking my brain for a new improved way
To let you know your more to me than what I know how to say
You're OK with the way this is going to be
This is going to be the best thing we've ever seen
If anyone can make me a better person you could
All I gotta say is I must've done something good
I came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I must've done something right
I must've done something right
Maybe I'm just lucky cause it's hard to believe
Believe that somebody like you'd end up with someone like me
And I know that it's so cliche to talk about you this way
But I'll push all my inhibitions aside
It's so very obvious to everyone watching us
That we have got something real good going on
And I'm racking my brain for a new improved way
To let you know your more to me than what I know how to say
You're OK with the way this is going to be
This is going to be the best thing we've ever seen
To let you know your more to me than what I know how to say
You're OK with the way this is going to be
This is going to be the best thing we've ever seen
If anyone can make me a better person you could
All I gotta say is I must've done something good
I came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I must've done something right
I must've done something right
Maybe I'm just lucky cause it's hard to believe
Believe that somebody like you'd end up with someone like me
And I know that it's so cliche to talk about you this way
But I'll push all my inhibitions aside
It's so very obvious to everyone watching us
That we have got something real good going on
And I'm racking my brain for a new improved way
To let you know your more to me than what I know how to say
You're OK with the way this is going to be
This is going to be the best thing we've ever seen
If anyone can make me a better person you could
All I gotta say is I must've done something good
I came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I must've done something right
I must've done something right
All I gotta say is I must've done something good
I came along one day and you rearranged my life
All I gotta say is I must've done something right
I must've done something right
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani.....Team Ketelsen
Friday, December 3, 2010
Thanksgiving 2010
Our Thanksgiving plans changed about a week and a half before the holiday. After about 4 months of unemployment Stefani's dad got a job. With the new job came no time off. We decided to take the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with Joshua's family for the first time. After many phone calls and discussions the plans were set. We loaded up the car and headed to Ohio on Thanksgiving day. Joshua's family from New York was to join us, so it was decided to have Thanksgiving dinner on Friday night to give everyone a chance to travel. The weather, however, decided not to cooperate and the folks from New York could not make the trip.
We had a great dinner with all the trimmings. Joshua encouraged Stefani to share the tradition her grandpa's oyster stuffing with the Ketelsens. Stefani also made green bean casserole and gravy. Everything was delicious!
The trip was short, but we enjoyed visiting with everyone.
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
We had a great dinner with all the trimmings. Joshua encouraged Stefani to share the tradition her grandpa's oyster stuffing with the Ketelsens. Stefani also made green bean casserole and gravy. Everything was delicious!
The trip was short, but we enjoyed visiting with everyone.
God's Blessings,
Joshua and Stefani
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