The Christmas Eve Extravaganza

Every Christmas Eve for as long as I can remember, the Hosenfelds
have had THE big celebration. First of all, we eat a big meal which
entails a big clean-up after wards. At about this time, the kids all
start to whine and carry on, "Is it time to open presents yet?" Not
even close, so they discover. This night is not about presents. It is
about waiting and waiting and waiting because a lot of things need to
happen. First there is the "talent show" which gets bigger and bigger
every year because everybody thinks they're talented. Whether it
be a trio of violins or a trio of guitars, it doesn't really matter,
because whatever is played is unrecognizable as a song anyway.
Still, when dad starts to play an old-time tune on the trumpet, we
feel the need to get up and waltz around the living room as if we
were at Saltaire in the '50's. After a dramatic yet sarcastic "poem
reading" by Poulsen and Dave, and a scripture or two about the
true meaning of Christmas, the children are unleashed so that they
may find their dreams come true behind the fancy wrapping paper.
The best part about this Christmas celebration is that we are always
together, despite the entertainment.

Another Birthday for Tanner

The Boy Turns 12



If Tanner could talk he would be saying, "Don't bother me with
presents, I'm trying to watch Rambo blow up that bridge with
his Chicom RPG-7 shoulder fired anti-tank grenade launcher".
Boo yah!

Still, Tanner's Birthday is a good excuse for a family party even
though he could care less.

Can Anyone Teach This Kid How to Vacuum?

In my house I have this innocuous piece of machinery which helps
me with my daily chores. It's quite commonplace and
unobjectionable until Tanner gets a hold of it. Apparently, the
vacuum is a dear friend for Tanner. Maybe it's the monotone drone
of the motor, or the obnoxious sucking sound of the hose, or the
loudness, or the fact that it doesn't run away. In any case, Tanner
will run this vacuum endlessly until bedtime. When I unplug it,
he re-plugs it. When I turn it off, he turns it on. When I put it away,
he takes it out. My only hope is to hide it.

Sometimes the vacuum is in the shower.....


Sometimes the vacuum is in my closet, sometimes it's in the
basement, or in the garage or locked in the laundry room.
Wherever it is hidden, sooner or later, Tanner finds it and
brings it out. It's kind of like a game we play.... how long will it
take Tanner to find the vacuum. Now if he could only use it for
good and not for evil!

The Busiest Weekend of the Year

Total Transformation in Three Days

The minute Thanksgiving is over it's time to prepare for Christmas. Down go the autumn leaf garlands and up go the pine wreaths. Out come the endless shopping lists, the party plans, and the panic of too much stuff to do with so little time... I still love it anyway.


Dave takes Hailey to the Tree Farm where they hunt for the perfect tree. This year Hailey found the most expensive tree on the lot and offered to help pay for it .


Five hours later, after wrapping strands of lights around each limb, my hands black with sap and red with scratches and punctures, We behold the most perfect Christmas tree in the whole world


Even the rodent has his cage decorated with red and green bulbs, complete with a personalized stocking



Everything is ready!

Let the on-line shopping begin
Let the music play
Let the lights twinkle
Let the snow fall

First Snow Blues

This Morning I Looked Out and Saw This:


Right away, I fell into seasonal depression






Hailey relied on cookie dough to raise her spirits, solving her problems through food



After wrestling with feelings of sadness, Tanner just gave up and fell asleep
while looking for the remote control
Goodbye Summer, Autumn and all that is good and wonderful

Don't worry, there's nothing a hot bath and some cocoa won't cure

Another EXTREME Family Vacation

A Quick Trip to California for the Weekend Proves to be Full of Fun


Dad's fancy footwork while playing EXTREME frisbee


Mom's EXTREME grace while under pressure


Amelia's EXTREMELY stinky diaper

Jared and Nanette's EXTREME surfing experience


Casey's EXTREMELY long board

An EXTREMELY stupid picture taken by Dave


EXTREMELY bad karaoke


EXTREME fun at Grandma and Grandpa's 50th Wedding Anniversary

Halloween 2009

Once Again, Dave outdid himself with great Halloween decorations. Our house attracted 330 kids this year, all within a 3 hour time span. Unfortunately, I had to give up my very own stash of peanut butter cups hidden in the cupboard and Dave was sent on an emergency candy run to the store because we were running low. At 9:30, Hailey put up a sign " Sorry, we're out of candy". Finally, we were able to sit down and watch the whole- some comedy, Young Frankenstein, in celebration of Halloween.... Hailey's favorite line: "What Knockers!!"........ "Thank you, Doctor". (You have to see the movie to understand that one.)Our house

Tanner: Chubby, Roman Guy
"Hail Caesar!"

Hailey: Cleopatra