On Christmas Day 2010

Christmas Day was spent at my parents' house this year.  We opened presents and then enjoyed a delicious meal of turkey, mashed potatoes, and stuffing!

The stockings mom made for our family...two extras this year!

I love fireplaces...especially at Christmas time!

Tom and Dad stuffing the bird.

Owen and James are excited for Christmas!

Sophie loved the sleeping bag that Nini and Pop Pop got for her!

We are getting Mom's childhood bike fixed as her Christmas/Birthday present.  

Mom made a memory game for Sophie for Christmas.  Here, she is holding up a picture of Uncle Tom.

Tom and James in their stocking caps!

Aunt Janeil and Grandma Mangan joined us for dinner on Christmas Day.  Owen was happy to see them!

Like Pop Pop like grandson...

Taking a "nap" in their sweaters.

What a great Christmas!

On Christmas Eve

This year, we spent Christmas Eve at Kara and Andy's house.  We had some yummy appetizers and enjoyed each other's company.  Unfortunately, Christina was sick with the flu and wasn't able to celebrate with us on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.  But we were glad she was feeling well enough to see her later in the week.

Tom toasting to Christmas 2010.

Owen taking a nap...and getting to know his cousin.   

James...hoping Santa brings him something good for Christmas.

Sophie and Andy putting together some puzzles.

Kyle hanging out with James in what Kara called his "elf outfit." (James' outfit, not Kyle's)

Katy, Tom, and Brees

The Uhl Family

Dad and Mom.  Notice Dad carefully balancing that ornament on his head.  Impressive, no?  :)

On Trimming the Tree and Other Decorations

This is the first Christmas in our new house!

On a Rees Baby Shower

On November 27, 2010, Tom's family planned a beautiful baby shower for the Rees side of the family.  It was so wonderful to see everyone.

The shower was held at Beth and Marty's house.  (Tom's sister and brother-in-law).  Here is a peek at some of the decorations.

There were lots of yummy treats including breakfast casseroles, a delicious cheese ball, and cake!

Lots of family members and friends were able to come!  Some from out of state!

We received a lot of very nice gifts for Brees including handmade gifts such as a mobile, blankets, bibs, and burp cloths. 

 Tom, Brees, and I are very lucky!  A big thank you to everyone!

On The Christmas Story House

My family has loved the movie The Christmas Story for years.  We always have it on in the back ground at least a couple of times between Thanksgiving and Christmas.  This year, Tom and I finally drove into Cleveland to go see the house where parts of the movie was filmed.

"Only one thing in the world could've dragged me away from the soft glow of electric sex gleaming in the window."

"I want an official Red Ryder, carbine action, two-hundred shot range model air rifle!"

"Ralphie, you're lucky it didn't cut your eye! Those icicles have been known to kill people."

They were filming something while we were there!  Maybe we will be in the background of some movie soon!

"Holy cow, it's the fire department!"

On The CLE Clothing Company

My brother-in-law, Jeff, and one of his high school friends started a t-shirt company back in 2008.  It started out in the basement of Jeff's house and people would order their shirts online.  In 2009, they opened a Kiosk at a local mall for the holidays.  Now, in a week or so, they will be opening a store in the Waterloo Art District of Cleveland.  Check out their website at http://www.cleclothingco.com/ or better yet, check out the store opening December 4th.

The garland on this tree is made up of CLE buttons!

Jeff outside his store front...new sign to come!