'Twas the Night Before Christmas....

I don't know but something about this photo cracks me up. Is it my expression as my mom-in-law grabs my wrist or is the blank expression my nephew has on his face? We are all in Christmas colors and ready for some dinner from what I remembered.

Here is Mr. Zach opening a present from the Grandparent Nurks.


Here is the grandkids sitting on Grandma's lap. Notice that two out of three kids have beautiful teeth. The other one, well...he is out for the laugh.

Here is Katie getting that sassy dog she wanted for some time now.

All of these pictures are provided by Grandpa Ken. Christmas Day photos will be posted in time. Our day was fun and now we are getting ourselves ready for New Years.

Here is an awesome shot of the tree this year as taken by Grandpa Ken. Our Christmas was fun, festive and furious as we went through the presents and food. I will post more about the day when I get more time to write. Just wanted to get this out there so Bill could contrast and compare.

Henry's Tree Hangs Here

Thank you Henry for your adorable Tree. How did you know that Aunt Kimmy likes the color red? I just wanted to post your tree out here so you see we do think of you at Christmas time and enjoy all the artwork we get from you. Hope Santa is good to you and your sisters! Merry Christmas!

I Will Wear the Color Purple

Here I am at 3. Sitting on Santa's knee.

Love the coat and hat. Another cute shot. Thanks, Dad.

St. Nick is Listening

Ahhhhhhh. I was not screaming or frightened. I was definitely relaxed here as the big man listened to my Christmas wishes. Maybe this is what Josie will look like in two years? The year is 1971. I like this one, Dad. You guys must of put me on benedryl to be that calm on Santa at 2. Awesome.

Christmas Eve 1973

So that is what Christmas is all about. You stand in a corner of a room and face off the oldest lady while she is sitting on the couch. I understand that in some cultures it is customary to make the eldest feel most at home by serving tea or food to them first. Looks like Grace here got a strand of pearls instead. Nicely done, Holmans. Looking pretty dapper too. I think the boys should take some notes on how to grow their hair for the winter. Lambchops and moustaches are the beards of yesteryear. Or better yet....1973.

Decorating Lessons

So who do you think will be the lucky person to sit in that chair? And why do I faintly remember seeing that tinsel around Easter time every year? I also love the elf that is growing out of my back here. I remember Rob would chew on the end of that when he was cutting teeth.

More memories to be posted later!

Ghosts of Christmas Past

Here we are in Indiana. My first official Christmas here in the Hoosier State. Circa 1978. Photo courtesy of Papa Holman (a.k.a Big Guy, Dad, Billy Jr.) in Stow, Ohio. I can't decide if I like the carpeting the best or the fact that Rob lost his neck. My red socks are pretty cool too.

Stay tuned to this blog for more gems that were plucked through the Internet from Dad.

Merry Christmas!

Why I was MIA

Dog face. Nothing like a dog nose sniffing right up at you... It was a crazy week over here. Thought Megan was a good way to start off this post. It helps if you sing the "William Tell Overture" in the background as well. Break it down:


Christmas Tree Uncle Dave helped us haul our tree last weekend. The tag said 11 1/2 feet tall but when we knocked the light in our entry way getting that thing to sit straight, I am guessing in the 12 foot range comfortably. I pretty much took all week to decorate that thing and when I was standing on a tall ladder with a gripping pole to get to the top, I really questioned my sanity. It 's done and the photos will be coming soon.


MOPS Christmas Brunch I was handed the responsibility of organizing our Christmas Brunch and luckily it all worked out fine. I went in the night before on Tuesday to decorate the sanctuary. I managed to figure out the PA system so we could have some music in there as well. I am not sure anyone noticed but I found it festive. And being the true Holman, as long as I have that in my head, then that is all I need. The tree we decorated with the bracelets that Grandma Nurkiewicz help me make for the women. The food was good and the ladies liked the Christmas presents so I was able to enjoy the day. Thank God Christmas only comes once a year!


Chicago Bears Game Jeff was able to partake in the Bears Game on Thurs night up in Chicago with his office. The seats were great and Jeff was able to go with some nutty fans to really take in the moment. Luckily, he remembered it was an outdoor game and bundled up. One of his co-workers comments to me was that he was proud of Jeff for "not complaining" while they were out there. Way to go, Jeff!

Grandma Reads to Katie's Class Part II An encore performance given by Grandma in Katie's class at the "Mystery Reader" was on Friday. Grandma read the book "Mr. Christmas" by the Mr. Men series. Great little readers that have that class captivated. I like signing her up for that gig because she really is in her element. Not to mention the pride that Katie exudes when she sees Grandma walk through that door. Can't wait to see when she can read to them again.

Whew......need a break? Go get something to drink or pee and come back to read if need be. Or just log off and humor me the next time you see me that you read every dang word here. Consider this your intermission.........or your freedom ticket.

Sam's Birthday Party Whoa. This man knows how to throw a partey! This little guy just loved the kids there. We had fun watching him take in his big day and open presents with the help of his mom. There were gingerbread cookies to decorate and giant coloring pages to color. Not to mention his Dad's yummy meatballs and the neat mini pears. Much better than the goldfish crackers I served at Katie's 2nd birthday party. Just can't believe all this guy has been through and how wonderful it is to see him so happy and healthy.

Jeff's Office Christmas Party The sad thing is I did not see anyone walking around with a lampshade on their head. Nor copies being made of butts. I know...you are as disappointed as I was. However, despite the fact that this was a get-together of a bunch of bankers from very different sides of the bank, the food was good and the alcohol was flowing. We ate, drank and were very, very, merry.

Wow!!!!!!!!! (Exclamation marks are for Rob) You made it to the end. To recap things, I leave you with what is under my Christmas tree right now. No, not a dead squirrel or dog poop. We have a very big brown box that has the words from Great Grandma Bea Holman written on the top, "Don't open till Christmas. I have Santa watching you and he will tell me if you peek."

So bea good everyone. Grandma Holman has connections with the big man up north and she will use them if she deems it necessary. Have a good week!

It's Beginning to Look Alot Like Christ-mas...

You can tell Zach is into talking to Santa now. The look on his face here shows that he is confident in the Big Man's ability to provide the Mater Race Track he has seen at the Disney Store or the Shaker Car Race Track that Henry has in Ohio. Katie is another story...pink eye...seems we are getting alot of good stories about events with pink eye. A couple of years ago, we let Katie go trick or treating with the eye crud. Now this year we a spreading it to everyone as part of our Christmas Cheer. Of course Jen and I have open disclosure 24 hours in advance and it seems our standards of health are getting lower. Colds can't keep us from eating Turkey. Pink Eye does not prevent us from Santa. Pretty soon I am sure we will spending some time over at CVS together but until then, we stay with our system.

I save the best for last with Grandma and Sam. I guess Grandma was watching one too many Micheal Jackson videos and tried it out on poor Sam. But the real story is that at almost two, you have tons of ground you need to cover and he was on his way down from Grandma's lock. But as I tell everyone here, it is just fun to see all three Nurkiewicz kids in a picture with Santa. Reminds me of the time the Holman's attempted this when Katie was only 18 mos old. Ahhhhh. Good times. Picture came out just as nice. :)

Almost forgot to mention....we were at the annual Tri Kappa (what else?) Breakfast with Santa. I had to work a table and push some blankets but was able to sneak away and see the brood take some photos. Pretty early in the morning to see Santa. Plus, we were treated to some lovely snow this morning to make the occasion bright. Katie is currently out there playing in it and has been for the last two hours solid. Pink eye or no pink eye, snow is meant to be enjoyed! (Just thought I would share that as my last parting line with Ohio folk.)

merry everything!