ASID Awards

On Feb 5th, 2010 we went to the ASID awards in Milwaukee, WI. I was escorted by some co-workers from Strang. Lois, Jen and Amanda join me at the Grain Exchange Building. It was a wonderful event where we (Strang) won a Gold award in the Hospitality category for APT American Players Theater. I had to get up in front of the audience of 200+ and give an acception speech which I was totally not prepared for. My friend Becky captured the entire moment on my flip. You can see the video below. At the start of the video I am pleading with Lois to come up on stage with me. She said that is was tough love. I managed to stumble through it and accepted the award. It was a great night overall. We had tons of fun! Only a couple more months until the IIDA awards!

200,000 Miles down more to come

On Thursday Jan 14,2010 my car turn 200,000. Yes that is 200,000 miles on my 1999 Toyota Solara. I purchased the car in May of 1999 and it has run great! (knock on wood) There has only been a couple of issues. I broke my vanity mirror early on and it cost $200 to replace it so I told then that I was not that vain and never replaced it. I have replaced the brakes twice and the tires 3 to 4 times. The most major problem is that the check engine light has been on for the last 5 years. I took it to five different dealerships and all they could tell me was that it was an emissions problem. No one could ever fix it. After spending over $1000 for the dealership not to fix the issue I gave up. It has never been an issue other than the light is always on and I can live with that. I am very proud that I have driven my car over 200,000miles. It was a big mile stone for me. I am so exceited that I got my money out of the car. Everyone keeps asking when I will get a new car but I say why? My car run greats and I don't have a car payment. Why would I want to get a car payment. As long as it continues to be safe and inexpensive to drive I will continue with my great Toyota Solara. Now for another 100,000 miles!!!!

Christmas 2009

Christmas is finally here! Time to open presents but first we need a visit from Santa.


Here comes Santa and Sparklefart and Alfie. Popcorn balls forgot his costume this year! Grady was very happy to see the elves and Santa


Now time for the Elves to Dance. Dance elves Dance!

Brooksie even wanted to be a elf this year!


Kristen and Brandon have you been a good little boy and girl this year? Hmmm?


Grady must have been a good little boy because he got two modes of transportation this year. His Go Deigo Car and his new bike.
Merry Christmas Everyone!

Grady's First Birthday Party

On Sunday Dec 6 we celebrated Grady's (our nephew) First Birthday! It was a loud crazy party with lots of people and kids.

Grady pre-black frosting...

Dishing the cakes


Grady after the black frosting. It looks like he grew a beard overnight. Boy, is he getting old quickly!

Cameron blowing his horn!


Grady opening his presents. Happy Birthday little guy!

Oscar getting some good daddy time in with Trevor.

Heather & Matt's Engagment Party

On November 28th we celebrated Heather and Matt's Engagement Party at the Madison Club. Heather and Matt are getting married in June 2010 in Door County.

Ashley, Jen, Mike and Barbara having fun at the party.

Party hostess with the mostest! Cindy and Barbara

The Gremmel's, Ullsvick's and Phelps... Family Friends!

Congratulations Heather and Matt!

Bucks Game

This summer Trevor and I won four tickets to the Buck Game in Milwaukee. We finally got our tickets and they just happened to be on my mothers birthday November 20 and they wanted to go to the game so the four of us went after work on Friday.

Ashley and Trevor at the game. We also saw Michael Jordon at the game. He was half owner of the Charlotte Bobcats so he was in the audience watching the game.

Mom and Dad at the game. Mom was celebrating her 64th birthday!



Pre-Game...

Oscar & Barbara's Birthday Party

Oscar celebrated his 11th birthday on Oct 18. We really don't know his actual birthday we just celebrate the day we brought him home from the doggie pound. We have had him 6 years and he has come a long way from his first day. Love you little buddy!

We also celebrate my mothers 64th birthday which was on November 20th.