Aliisa's Blog

Goodbye!!

2007-12-07T11:14:00.000-06:00

After lots of thought and prayer, I have decided to dis-continue my blog. I am now going to focus on our family blog (which I will hopefully be updating at least a couple times a week), so check there for updates on our family! Please leave a comment if you stop by!

Thanks for reading my blog!!

Here it is!

2007-12-03T15:41:00.000-06:00

The long-ago promised post (with pictures!) from my surprise birthday/graduation party. It seems like SO long ago, even though it's only been just over 3 weeks!

Waiting for me to get there . . . . .

SURPRISE!!!!!

I was so shocked - I started crying!!

My Grandma, who came from 7 hours away!

The gift table with pictures, scrapbook pages to sign and the beautiful bouquet of flowers from Elizabeth!

The beautiful cake - all of my favorite colors!

Our friends from Shawano:
Hannah, Nora, Mrs. R, Rebekah, Rachel, Sam & Katie

Nate, Zack & Dad

Mipps, Mr. Batiansila & Dad (they went to high school together)

Great-Grandma Hammond, me & Aunt Val, who live six hours away! They were at the party for about 4 hours, then left to drive home that night!

Cuties - Elsie, Sarah, Emmy & Kate

Aunt Kari & Mrs. B

The pool table was quite popular!

Megan, Amy & Allison

Rachel & Sarah

Aunt Jana & Jacob

Jake was quite popular!

Grandpa Klahn & Jake

Grandma Klahn & her friend, Tricia, got the two babies!
(this is my favorite picture!)

We had a square dance from 2-4:30pm, which I didn't find out about until my favorite caller, Bob Asp, walked in! I started crying all over again!

Noah & Bob Asp - two of the greatest callers around!

Dancing

Still dancing

Whaddya know? Still dancing!

It was the ultimate party - lots of fun, fellowship and . . . . . DANCING!!!

Happy 18th Birthday, Aliisa!!

2007-11-26T01:20:00.000-06:00

Happy 18th Birthday, Aliisa Joy!!!

About 4 1/2 years ago, I sent a letter to a young lady in Wisconsin whom I'd never met. I saw a add she'd placed in a magazine for a penpal and I thought it sounded like we had a lot in common and were a lot alike--little did I know just how much we were alike!! Two weeks later I received a reply- and we became constant penpals, exchanging 5 or 6 letters a year. Neither of us had any idea that we would become such good friends, or that we would ever meet. For two years we wrote faithfully-then the third year, we exchanged only two letters. But the fourth year the letters flew during the first five months of the year, and by the time July rolled around, we were scheming some way to meet!!! We met after just a little over 4 years of writing.

Our first meeting took place when I spent a week at her house- what a special visit!! We knew each other so well through our long correspondence, but getting to do things together was so fun!! We had a full week- swimming at a friends house, shopping for western shirts, cleaning at the farm, Ali sewing matching skirts, playing games, and of course, talking!! :) There were the square dance lessons, as Ali and her famly patiently tried to teach me to square dance in just 5 days. Then on Saturday, the WI State Square Dance Convention- the two hour drive during the morning as we bruised each-other over yellow cars, then square dancing all day and driving home that night. The next morning getting up early to drive to Des Moines to meet Dad and Mom because I had to go home. Saying goodbye after that wonderful week was so hard!!

Then followed another two months of correspondence before Ali got to come down for a entirely too short, but simply wonderful visit in October. She arrived just as we were in the thick of a football game, and she joined right in, proving that she could certainly hold her own, and even out-do many of us!! Then the next two days at home- playing lots of games of Catch Phrase and more then one game of volleyball. And on Monday, thrift store shopping, where we found all sorts of interesting things, right Ali?? :) And two very late nights talking!!! Then on Tuesday morning came the very sad part of the visit-- saying goodbye!

Then this past October, when the Ansons were in Chicago, and Ali and Ike came and got me for the week-end. Short but sweet, we celebrated Mrs. Klahn's birthday, talked, played games, talked, took Ali's Senior pictures, talked, took their Family Pictures, and talked more!! Then there was the drive back to IL, with another good-bye, this one slightly more bearable because she had the promise of another visit in the near future!!

And then this past week- 8 days, in fact- as Ali flew down to be with us for a week. The week was off to a great start after our hilarious drive back from the airport!! Playing UNO attack at Ansons, where Lydia was voted the winner after she made us smoothies (okay, it did have a little something to do with her actual score too!!) and we laughed over the dictionary. Enjoying days here at home, with games of football and volleyball, because the weather was so nice!! Then on Wednesday, as the snow fell, donning coveralls to go out for a rousing game of 'snow-volleyball'!!! And on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as we spent Thanksgiving with my Great-Uncle and Aunt, then went on to Parsons to be with my sister Rebecca and her family. The drive back as we played Spades in the bus, in which I had the most points, but in the wrong direction. Sunday with fellowship together, then games of volleyball and football where nearly everyone in the family joined in. When it was too dark to play outside sports we moved to another game of Spades where Ali was the champion (but only by 5 points!!)!!! Then today, her 18th birthday, as we greeted her that morning in traditional Ulmer style!!! Spending the day together, and then that very sad part this evening, as we drove you to the airport for your flight home. And when we thought the trip was over-- it wasn't!! After a 2 1/2 hour delay for her flight, we sat in the airport terminal and played cards again. And then, when the plane really did come in, it brought with it tears and hugs as we had to say good-bye!!

Ali with cute little Jacob.

The Lord has blessed me so much with Aliisa's friendship. From her very first letters I could tell she had a passionate love for the Lord. Ali always encourages me to seek the Lord with my whole heart and stay close to my parents and brothers and sisters. After every letter I receive, and after every phone call, I always walk away feeling encouraged.....inspired......blessed. Ali is always quick to ask if she could pray for me in any way. I treasure the special memories we have together, and look forward to all the ones the Lord will bring in the coming years!!

I miss you already, Ali!!!

I'm so thankful to the Lord for your friendship!!

I Love You!!!

~Elizabeth

Today is the day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2007-11-18T08:57:00.001-06:00

Today I'm flying down to Kansas to visit my dear friend Elizabeth and her family. I bought my ticket 6 weeks ago, and it's finally here! I'm SOOOO excited! Elizabeth was here in October, but her visit was much too short. [smile] The last (actually, it was the first, too!) time I went to Kansas was last October - it's been waaaay too long!

I made this calendar to help me count down the days!

I'd like to ask you all for prayer, as this is my first time flying and I'm pretty nervous about it!! Although my parents and brothers have reassured me there's nothing to worry about!

So, I'm probably not going to be posting for a while, but once I'm back I'll hopefully have one with lots of pictures!

Poll

2007-11-18T08:55:00.000-06:00

The answer to the poll is . . . . FOOTBALL!!! Most of you guessed correctly!

Please comment and let me know what you voted for, though I have a pretty good idea who voted what!

WOW!!!

2007-11-12T08:07:00.000-06:00

Well, they did it! I never thought if they did it, they'd be able to pull it off, but they did. I was absolutely clueless, caught with the "deer in the headlights" look.

Would you like me to explain? A few of you already know, but I won't leave the rest of you hanging in suspense.

On Saturday my family and friends threw me a surprise 18th birthday and graduation party. And boy, was it a surprise! I had absolutely no idea it was coming (which is the point, right?). The funny thing is, just a few days ago I was telling a friend "if my Mom was planning a surprise birthday party, I'd probably know about it". Boy, am I ever eating my words now!

Between 70 and 100 people were there (people were coming and going, so maybe there were more, I'm not sure!) for the party and square dance following, which was another surprise! And was I ever surprised! My favorite square dance caller came and called a square dance along with a friend. I was telling people "that was the ultimate icing on the cake!".

People came from as far as 7 hours just to be at the party for about 4 hours and drive back home! Some people I hadn't seen in over 2 years came! It was such a special time!

It took me basically all of Saturday, yesterday, today, probably the next week to get over what just happened! I mean, this was a big party, and I had absolutely no clue!

Well, that's all for now. I'm going to do a post with a bunch of pictures, and the story behind the surprise as soon as I get a chance. Right now we still have 22 people in the house, most of them are leaving today but we'll have a few leaving tomorrow.

Crazy is . . . .

2007-11-08T18:51:00.000-06:00

. . . . having 22 people staying in 1 house for at least 4 days! We even have people sleeping in the basement, which isn't finished and quite cold in the winter!

We have had between 9 and 11 extra people since Sunday, and all (except for maybe 1) of the current 22 people we have here are staying at least till Monday!

So, do you all forgive me for my lack of posting?

Ramblin' . . . . .

2007-11-01T16:39:00.000-05:00

I guess it's either feast or famine with me - two posts in one day, wow!

I just now realized that today is November 1st - less than two months till the New Year! I don't know about you, but this year has flown by amazingly fast for me. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I'm getting older and busier.

Anyways, while I was having that "amazing revelation" :smile: I heard one of my favorite songs playing, and realized how fitting the lyrics are.

Only Here for a Little While

I'm gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
'Cause we're only here for a little while.

Today I stood singin' songs and sayin', Amen
Saying goodbye to an old friend who seemed so young
He spent his life workin' hard to chase a dollar
Putting off until tomorrow the things he should have done
Made me stop and think, What's the hurry, why the runnin'?
I don't like what I'm becoming, gonna change my style
Take my time and not take it all for granted
'Cause we're only here for a little while.

Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
'Cause we're only here for a little while.

Let me love like I'll never see tomorrow
Treat each day as though it's borrowed
Like it's precious as a child
Whoa, take my hand
Let us reach out to each other
'Cause we're only here for a little while.

Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
'Cause we're only here for a little while.

Gonna hold who needs holdin'
Mend what needs mendin'
Walk what needs walkin'
Though it means an extra mile
Pray what needs prayin'
Say what needs sayin'
'Cause we're only here for a little while...

A gentle reminder to never take advantage of the time we have here on this earth, because who knows how much longer we'll be here.

Really . . . . .

2007-11-01T11:11:00.000-05:00

The other night while watching the Packer game an anonymous family member was heard saying "the suspension is killing me!". Right!

Play pictures- finally!!

2007-10-30T17:01:00.000-05:00

Okay, here are a bunch of pictures from the play Zack, Aleks and I were in. Our performances were October 18th, 19th and 20th. It was bittersweet - it's nice to get back to "normal", but we miss everyone who we'd seen twice (sometimes more) a week for 2 months. Most of the people who were in the play we hadn't met (or just barely met) before the play, but by the time the play was over it felt like we'd known everyone for years!

Zack (in the dark blue) was a guard, and he took his part very seriously! Also shown in the picture are Jared (blue striped shirt - the Prince) and Manny (the Pauper)

Manny, our Pauper. He had the most lines in the play - nearly 200!! He did a GREAT job - especially considering he is only 11, and this is the first play he's been in!

Nate (John Canty - my son!) and I (Gammer Canty) during one of the more "abusive" scenes (I had just finished "hitting" him). Every time I was on stage I was following Nate around like his little dog!

I'm yelling at Nate again - something I did quite often during the play! Jared is helping me with my lines.

My good friend, Lydia. She was part of Royal Court and I was part of Offal Court, so we didn't act together at all. It was very sad! She did a great job! Carey is in the backround.

I like this picture of Zack - not sure what he's doing though!

Practicing the dance. There were 12 dancers who had to dance the Minuet - Zack was one of them. It was his "favorite" part of the play (those of you who know Zack know that I'm being sarcastic!)

The Ruffian fight scene. Ben & Nate choreographed it and it turned out great!

Our Assistant Manager and Stage Directors: Ben, Joy & Emily
They did a great job!

One of the crowd scenes (Aleks is in the dark green shirt with her back to the camera - one of the only pictures w/ her)

Here is the stage where we held our performances.

Below are the pictures that we put on a picture board that said who everyone was.

The Prince & The Pauper

Jared & Manny
(they're brothers - Jared is 3 years older than Manny)

The Canty Family

Nate (Canty) & Aliisa (Gammer)
Maggie (Nan) & Mariah (Bet)

The Royal Family

Emily (Aunt Elizabeth), Hannah (Mary), Lydia (Jane) & Luke (Hereford)
Ben (King Henry VIII)

Ambassadors & Lords

Carson (Lord), Jason (Amb.), Zack (Lord) & Mellie (Lord)
Nathan (Amb.) & Josh (Amb.)

Royal Servants

Mitchell (Chef), Carson (Dresser), Hope (Guard) & Isaiah (Guard)
Josh (Servant), Jason (Servant), Noah (Dresser) & Zack (Guard)

Royal Court

Carey, Katie, Sarah & Manda (Ladies in Waiting)
Andra, Jared & Maddie (Court Members)

Ruffians

Katie, Sarah & Zack
Mitchell, Elliot & Isaiah

The Dancers

Lydia, Carey, Jason, Sarah, Mitchell, Katie & Zack
Manny, Manda, Carson, Andra & Nathan

Citizens

Ben (Sheriff), Joy (Accused Woman), Elliot (Innkeeper) & Aleks (Urchin)
Makita (Urchin), Bethany (Urchin), Jesse (Accused Man), Logan (Jed), Bethany (Urchin) & Heidi (Innkeeper's Wife)

Pictures taken by Chris Leclerc

Senior Pictures

2007-10-08T20:47:00.001-05:00

Last weekend while my friend Elizabeth was here from Kansas she took my senior pictures. They turned out great! Elizabeth is an excellent photographer - THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Please let me know which is(are) your favorite(s)!!

#3 - goofing off

#9 - either this one or the next one is my favorite

#10

I have many more favorites, but for some reason wasn't able to post them. So for now these are it!!

Happy Birthday, Mom!!!

2007-10-04T08:01:00.000-05:00

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Proverbs 31:28-29 (emphasis added)

Today is my Mom's 38th birthday - but you couldn't tell. After 9 children and 10 pregnancies, most people think she is still in her mid-twenties. When she brings Jacob out with her, she always gets "oh, is this your first?". I love the expression on peoples faces "What? Your NINTH?!"

I don't know how she does it - homeschooling 3 highschoolers (well, 1 is almost done with school), 2 grade-schoolers and 1 in kindergarten - ALONG with 2 toddlers and 1 newborn!! She also runs the house, manages the finances, and is continually opening our home to friends - and sometimes people we don't know!

Mom is amazingly hospitable. We usually have a couple different families staying with us during the course of a month. Last year, there was once when we had 3 extra families here (one family did bring their camper) for a total of 40 people here!! Not once did I hear her complain. "Use hospitality one to another without grudging." 1Peter 4:9

Most importantly, she is (has) training (ed) us to fear the Lord, and walk with Him. She is a great example of submission, wether to Dad or to the Lord. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord." Ephesians 5:22

I love you so much Mom!! I am so thankful you're my Mom!
~Aliisa~

p.s. for some reason our computer isn't letting me post pictures - otherwise there would be plenty!

Quick update

2007-09-29T21:19:00.000-05:00

I hadn't realized how long it's been since I've blogged! Lately we've been busy with school, play practice, and everyday life!!

The most exciting news is that my friend from Kansas, Elizabeth, is coming for a visit!! She is coming on Thursday and staying till Sunday. I am SOOOO excited and can't wait! The last time I saw her was last October!

On Thursday those who were learning how to square dance graduated, so now my sister Emmy is officially a square-dancer!! She is very excited. She actually went to her first square dance last Friday and had a BLAST!

Our play performances are quickly approaching - about 2 1/2 weeks until our first performance! The time has gone by SO quickly. I'm getting scared that I'll forget my lines - I have them down good until I get on stage and then can't remember them! But the more I practice them the easier it'll be to remember them.

Love,
Aliisa

East Troy Bluegrass Festival

2007-09-12T21:31:00.000-05:00

On Sunday I went to the East Troy Bluegrass Festival with some friends. There were some great bands, and some not-so-great bands, but I had a great time!

The band for the Sunday morning "service"

On Eagle's Wings

Mr. Lorenz

Mrs. Lorenz

Noah Siegmann & Dan Marquardt (friends of ours)

Again, Noah & Dan

There were banjo, mandolin and guitar contests that afternoon and there were some really great contestants!!

Dan in the banjo contest, with Nate accompanying him

Noah in the guitar contest

Noah in the mandolin contest with Dan accompanying him

The contest results were: Banjo - Noah got 2nd and Dan got 3rd
Guitar - Noah got 3rd and Dan got 2nd
Mandolin - Noah got 2nd
There was something weird about the results, though, because Dan is a better banjo player than Noah and we think he should've gotten first place. Noah is a better guitar player than Dan, and again, we think he should've gotten first!! Could just be that we're biased . . . . . but I honestly don't think so!

The Siegmann Family Band
good friends of ours

The whole family

Mr. Siemann

Mrs. Siemann

Nate, Libby, Mr. S, Noah & Sammy

Dana & Manda

Manda, Jed & Lincoln

Nate - his wife, Ashely, usually sings with the band but their 2nd baby (1st boy) was only a day an a half old and she was home resting!!

The featured band of the day was JD Crow & The New South
They were EXCELLENT!!!

The band

. . . . and the band again!

JD Crowe

Their fiddler was SO GOOD!!!!!

Tara, JD Crowe, Libby & I

random photo

2007-09-11T21:28:00.001-05:00

Here's one of my favorite pictures from the square dance convention. We had finished dancing a couple of tips and were taking a break.

Marissa, Libby, Noah, Zack, Sammy, me, Tara, Allison and Mattie

Gettin' Bigger!!!

2007-09-05T19:58:00.000-05:00

Today Jacob is 3 weeks old!!!

He keeps getting bigger . . . . . . . .

. . . . and cuter with each passing day!!

Jake

2007-08-24T07:46:00.001-05:00

Wow, hard to believe Jacob is over a week old!! Time has gone by SO FAST!! He is such a good baby. He hardly ever cries. Yesterday he cried once - and that was when he was hungry and getting his diaper changed! He is such a change from our last few babies who cried all the time!

He was back in the hospital for two days because his bilirubin levels were going up, so they had to put him on the lights. It was so sad to see him under there! He had to wear these little goggles, because the light isn't good for your eyes. Here are a few pictures from the past week!

1 week old!

and sooooo tired!!

"the lights"

It was so sad to see him under there! He loves being swaddled tightly, and when he was under the bililights, he didn't have anything on. When he would get fussy, we'd hold onto his hands, and he'd calm right down!

Audition resuts . . . . . .

2007-08-24T07:09:00.000-05:00

This is a little late, but better late than never, right?! If you've read Aleks's blog, then you would already know that all three of us got parts in the play!!

ALEKS: got the part of a Street Urchin. She has more lines than most of the girls her age, and is very excited!!!

ZACK: actually got 3 parts!! He is Guard #2, Lord #2 and Ruffian #2. Acting comes very natural to him, and he did great as the guard! (at practices we've only done the scene that has him as a guard)

ALIISA: I got the part as Gammar, who is the Pauper's mean grandmother who beats him whenever she isn't sleeping! I was shocked to get this role, because when we were auditioning we each read a part, and when I read Gammar it was awful - or so I thought! At first I wasn't too excited about the part, but yesterday at practice we blocked a couple scenes which I was in and it actually was pretty fun!! Although I'm supposed to be physical and mean, so that may be pretty tough!

Here is a line from each of our parts (I'll only do one from when Zack is the guard):

STREET URCHIN: "He was talkin' all kinds o' craziness, tried to bite me!"

GUARD #2: "Enough with this foolish talk, stay back. The Prince is inside, enjoying the merriment."

GAMMAR: "Aye, a bit dippy in his nippy, ey?"

INTRODUCING . . . . . . . . . . (drum roll, please!)

2007-08-15T21:21:00.000-05:00

JACOB WILLIAM!!!!!!

He arrived at 3:21pm on August 15th, 2007 weighing 8lbs, 4oz and is 21 inches long. He has big feet, and long fingers!! He is sooo adorable!!!!

::before::

Aleks and Emmy waiting anxiously for the arrival of their first baby brother!!!

Our fabulous nurse - Lisa
The funny thing is, Lisa really wanted Jake to be born before her shift was done and he was born 10 minutes before she was done!!

Emmy and Dad - wait was hard!!

Mom and Mrs. Peterson chatting - the Petersons are down visiting, so Mrs. P and her two daughters got to come too!! It was a regular ol' party!

We played cards for a while
l-r: Corie, Emmy, Aleks and Sarah

Hmmm . . . . . . who knows what that picture is all about!!

This picture was taken about 5 MINUTES before he was born - epidurals are amazing!!!

::he's here!!!!!::

8lbs, 4oz

Whew - it's good to be on the other side of things!!

Awwww, he's sucking his thumb!!

His first bath

Here's the best part - we get to hold him!!!!

Corie

Sarah

Mrs. Peterson

Daddy

Me :)

The "three musketeers!!" - FINALLY another brother!!

Aleks

Emmy

Anja absolutely adores Jacob!! This is the first time she saw him, and right away she wanted to hold him!!

I don't have any pictures of the Grace and Elsie with Jacob - our camera battery died. But I'm sure there will be LOTS of baby pictures on here from now on!!!

Auditions!

2007-08-14T17:09:00.000-05:00

Last night Zack, Aleks and I auditioned for the play "The Prince and the Pauper", which is being put on by a homeschool drama group in our area.

The auditions went pretty well. It actually was pretty fun - after a little while!!

The bummer is we won't find out if we got a part until Friday or Saturday!!!

So this week will probably draaaag by . . . . . . unless we have a baby sometime soon!!!

Birthday girl!!!

2007-08-11T14:38:00.000-05:00

Today is Elsie's birthday!!!

This little cutie is 3 today!

The first time Dad held her, she reached up and grabbed his beard!

Aunt Jana and Elsie summer '07

She is getting SOO big!! I love you so much, Elsie!!

::CONVENTION!!!!!::

2007-08-03T21:37:00.001-05:00

Okay, here are a couple posts about Convention, FINALLY!! We have SO many pictures, I did a couple posts.

A little before 7am Saturday morning some friends, Tara & Marissa, came to our house. From here we took our van and met some more friends about 1/2 hour away. Then we all (there were 11 of us at that point) drove another 45 minutes to meet some more friends! From there we took two vehicles: our van and Sammy's suburban down to the Convention. There were 19 people total. We were at Convention till 11PM - LATE NIGHT!!!! (which means most of us didn't get home till at least 1:30am!) We had SO MUCH FUN!! It was a complete BLAST!!

::DRIVING::

*Hmmm, who is that?!*

*The second vehicle*

*The fabulous van driver!! (just kidding!)*

*Tara - riding shotgun*

*Alex*

*Megan*

*Amy*

*Allison & Marissa*

*Abby & Aleks*

::LUNCHTIME::

After all that dancing, you get REALLY hungry!! (especially those of us who were too excited to eat - since the day before!) We found a cute spot to eat on campus.

*Libby, Dana, Manda & Megan*

*Lincoln* - I LOVE this picture!

*Amy*

*Sammy*

*Cute bridge we ate by*

*Feeding ducks*
It was SO cute!! About 6 ducks came and were almost eating from the girls' hands!!

*Ducks (no kidding!)*

*Another favorite - everyone watching the ducks swim*

*A comfy place to eat?*

*A birds-eye view!*

*Lots of food for lots of people*

*Snapping pictures of unsuspecting victims!*

*Working out a square dance pattern*

::FRIENDS::

*Sammy & I*

*Me, Maria & Allison*

*Marissa & Aleks*

*Alex*

*Tara*

*Megan & Dana*

Many thanks to Megan and Allison, who provided many of these pictures!

::DANCING!!!::

2007-08-03T21:19:00.001-05:00

Here are some dancing pictures!!! We spent the majority of the time in the Plus hall, since everyone either knew Plus, or were learning Plus. It was SO MUCH FUN!!!!!!!!

*Allemande Left*

*Lines go forward and back*

*All four ladies chain across*

*Centers square through four, outsides partner trade*

*Circle left*

*Two of our favorite callers: Bob Asp & his wife Cinda, and Curt Braffet*

*Opposite square!! - sides square through four*

*Promenade*

*Square through four*

*Courtesy turn*

I'm SO excited . . . . .

2007-07-27T19:45:00.001-05:00

. . . . I could POP!!!!

Wanna know why?!!

Tomorrow morning we are leaving bright and early (sometime before 7am) to go down to the Illinois State Square Dance Convention!!!! We are going down with several friends (there will be about 20 of us total) for a FULL day of fun and dancing!!

pictures from last year's convention
for an entire post on last year's convention, go here, here and here!!

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!!!

2007-07-24T19:04:00.001-05:00

On Friday we had a surprise baby shower for my Mom in our barn. I've been planning it with a friend, Mrs. Gumness, for a little over a month and it FINALLY happened!! We've done all the planning via e-mail which was tough! We invited several Mothers along with their older daughters, and had about 20 people come. Mom was curious as to why I was on the computer much more than normal, and thought I was doing a LOT of blogging! Which is the main reason I haven't been blogging much - I was doing other stuff on the computer.

The big day finally arrived, and it was a bit hectic getting everything ready in time. I worked at our friends' store earlier in the day, and then in the afternoon brought two friends home "to sew". Once Mom and Dad left for their date we all went out to the barn and for the next two hours worked like crazy - cleaning, decorating and getting everything set up.

::SETTING UP::

Tara (shown putting up balloons) and Dana did all the decorating - THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH!!

They did a fabulous job . . . .

. . . . there is NO WAY we could've done it without them!!

Helium balloons - which provided LOTS of fun and laughs later in the evening!

The "fancy" food table

Yum!! It looks really good!

Punch (if you look closely, you can see a little ducky that was floating in the punch - at least it was supposed to be floating, but it was "diving" the entire time!)

The cake made by Sarah and her Mom - it was delicious!!!

::GIFT OPENING::
Instead of gifts, we asked people to bring either a freezer meal, or a restaurant gift card to help make things a little easier after the baby is born. A few people brought baby gifts too, and they were SOOO cute!!

The gifts - how cute!!

Let's see who it's from . . . .

Awww . . . . . .

TOO CUTE!!

::FUN AND FELLOWSHIP::

Okay, so there was one boy!!

Playing games . . . . . .
Lindsey, Emmy, Nikki, Me & Mrs. Burant

Dana and I getting one of the games ready

Mrs. Siegmann & Mrs. Burant

Laura & Aleks

Mrs. Chudy & Mom

Mrs. Vagnini & Mrs. Gumness - thank you both SO MUCH for ALL your help! There is no way this could've happened without you!!

We also inhaled helium balloons, which was a BLAST!! I'd never done it before, and it was SO FUNNY!!! We didn't get any pictures though, just videos.

Game Night

2007-07-14T20:10:00.001-05:00

On Wednesday we were invited over to our friends' house for a game night. It was LOTS of fun, and here are some pictures.

::VOLLEYBALL::

Me (trying VERY hard to make sure the ball goes over the net!), Steven, Maria and Tara

NOOOO!!! (a couple of us have our head in our hands, as the other team gets yet ANOTHER point!)

Girls (and a guy) against Boys

Serve it up good!
Maria, Steven, Me, Tara, Libby, Abby and Dana

The guys: Joe, Tom, Alex (on the ground!) Zack, Caleb and Noah

The Girls w/ a guy: Libby, Dana, Abby, Aleks, Tara, me and Steven

We also played some Football before it got too dark to see. It was lots of fun, and the teams were pretty even (I think we lost by 1 touchdown)

After going inside there we played lots of Ping-Pong, Foosball, Pool, Sequence and Sheepshead.

::PING-PONG::

Christina and Carey

Erin and Sammy

Aleks and Abby

Libby and Hannah

::POOL::

Hannah, Laura, Allison, Marissa and Libby

Me and Dana played Pool against . . . . . .

Emily and Tara

Breaking up the balls

Concentrating on a shot

We stayed until 12:30AM!!! No one got much sleep that night!!

Thanks to Amy for the pictures!! They are GREAT!

Too cute!!

2007-07-01T18:42:00.001-05:00

It just melts my heart to hear this little voice "I oub oo" (translated: I love you!). I'm tellin' you, it is way too cute!!

All you have to do is turn the camera on her and she gives you the cheesiest grin!

Father's Day

2007-07-01T08:28:00.000-05:00

I know this post is late, but better late than never - right?!

On Father's Day we had Dad's side of the family over for the day.

Eating - we grilled out and boy! was it good!

Elsie (2 1/2) and cousin Brodie (1 1/2)

We played "Wiffle Ball" for a while, and it was really fun! (and HOT!)

Anja (1) and Brodie - aren't they cute?! We all think they look like they could be siblings.

Then we went swimming - it felt really really good!!

The "on-lookers" (Zack, Ike, Dad and Grampa)

Uncle Mike and a bunch of kids having fun!

Thanks Aunt Julie for the pictures!!

She's home!!

2007-06-27T20:21:00.000-05:00

Mom got home yesterday, around 5:30pm after a very long, HOT drive. Our car doesn't have air conditioning, and yesterday was one of the hottest days we've had in a while! One of her arms is sun burned from sitting in the same spot in the car!

Update on Gramma: She is still doing ok, but now she has pneumonia! When she was first admitted to the hospital on Monday she had fluid in her lungs, so that's what they figure it's from.

I have to run, but I'll hopefully do a longer post (with pictures!) soon.

Thanks again so much for all your prayers!

Quick update

2007-06-25T21:58:00.000-05:00

Real quick before bed:

Mom called and said she got up there fine, and Gramma is doing good!! She (Gramma) said she'll see us next week (we're planning a trip up there).

So Mom should be coming home tomorrow, but please keep praying for Gramma's health.

Thanks for your prayers!!
Ali

Prayer Request

2007-06-25T11:30:00.000-05:00

Please pray for my great-great-Gramma Syria (my Mom's great-Gramma). This morning we got a call saying that she had been taken to the Hospital, and it didn't look good. She's had a bad heart for about 35 years now, and I'm not sure if she had heart attack or what, but it doesn't look like she's going to make it. I guess her kidneys are starting to shut down too. The Dr.s aren't sure if she's got a couple hours, or a couple days, but either way it doesn't look like she's got very long.

Right now Mom is on her way up there (it's about 6 1/2 hours) with a friend. Please pray for safe travels for them, and that they can make it there in time. And for those of us here at home, as we hold down the fort here at the "home front".

I'll give an update as soon as I hear something . . . . . .
Aliisa

Missin' you like CRAZY!!

2007-06-21T16:03:00.001-05:00

As of last Saturday (the 16th) , Zack and Aleks have been up at Grampa and Gramma Klahn's house, and we're missing them real bad here!! Us older kids take turns going up to Grampa and Gramma's house with one of the younger girls (ALEKS - note: I didn't say little!!) for anywhere from 5 to 7 days, and Zack and Aleks are having their turn right now. Needless to say, we can't wait for them to come home!!

Zack

Aleks (w/ Elsie)

CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU GUYS!!!!!!!!

My Daddy

2007-06-17T13:11:00.001-05:00

My Dad is THE BEST Dad in the whole world (and I'm sure every one of you would not agree, but I thought I'd say it anyway!!). Once my Mom asked me what kind of a guy I wanted to marry, and I said "Someone like Dad". Not necessarily the same personality, but the same character. My Dad is SO selfless - I see it every day, in so many ways. Whether at work or at home, when dealing with us kids or Mom, he is ALWAYS so selfless. I know of so many husbands who don't appreciate their wives - not my Dad. He loves my Mom so much, and we all know it. He is such a great example of what a Godly husband/father/man is.

I hope I marry a man just like my Daddy!!

Playing cribbage

Swingin' with the girls (Anja, Elsie, Grace & Emmy)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD!!!!!!!
I LOVE YOU SOOO MUCH!

Happy Birthday!!!

2007-06-12T08:36:00.000-05:00

Today is my baby sister Anja's 1st birthday!! Hard to believe she's already a year old!!

I love this picture!!

CUTIE!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

2007-06-04T17:33:00.000-05:00

After taking his road test for his license for the first time last Thursday, and failing, Isaac re-took his road test today, and PASSED IT!!! Please stop by his blog and congratulate him!!

Sorry Ike, I just couldn't resist posting this picture!! Love you!

Fun, fun, fun!!

2007-06-01T12:03:00.001-05:00

Wednesday was a very busy, fun day. Here are some pictures!

First we went to a major-league baseball game with some friends of ours. We watched the Milwaukee Brewers lose 9-3 to the Atlanta Braves.

Mom and Mrs. Seibel

The Dads weren't too thrilled to get their picture taken!

The only boys - Logan, Zack and Ike (l-r)

Cuties - Emmy, Elsie, Aleks, Bethany and Grace

My personal favorite - Me, Lydia, Leah (front), Emily and Amanda

After the Brewers game, Ike, Zack, Aleks and I went to a Plus square dance with one of our favorite callers. It was a BLAST!!!!

"Sides square through 4"
Left-right: Zack, Marissa, Noah, Meghan, Abby, Lincoln, Tara and Matt

"Swing Through"
Left-right: Zack, Tara, Meghan, Noah, Abby, Lincoln, Marissa and Matt

"Sides Pass the Ocean"
Left-right: Aleks (her back, anyways!), Me, Amy and Daniel

Abby, Amanda and I

"Promenade!"

Ok . . . .

2007-05-20T21:43:00.001-05:00

I know, I know, it's been a LOOOONG time since I've blogged, but I just put a really long (well, not exactly long, but LOTS of pictures!!) post on our family blog.

Not a whole lot has been going on here. On Friday I got sick, but it was a 1-day thing, so I'm over it now! Except for a little sinus bug that has been hanging on for the past couple weeks.

On Tuesday I started a new babysitting job. It goes through the summer, 2 days a week for about 4 hours a day. I babysit for 3 kids: Liam (6), and Tayte and Tess - twins who are almost 4. They are the cutest things!! I've always wondered what it'd be like to have twins, and now I am kind of able to experience it!

Wednesday night we went to a square dance with a bunch of friends. It was lots of fun, and the caller was really good. There were 2 Plus tips. The second one our square messed up really bad because I had to be a boy (and I had never been a boy before [in Plus]) and my partner had never danced Plus before, so we were pulling her through. We messed up a lot, but it was really fun when we weren't messing up!

On Thursday night square dance lessons started up at the Siegmanns and Emmy is now learning. We are going to be taking turns going, and this week was mine and Ike's turn to stay home. I guess there are a lot of kids learning, which is good! Square dancing is a dying "art", and there are hardly any more kids dancing nowadays. Mainly because it isn't "cool", most kids thinks it's weird. But it ISN'T!! It is soooooo much fun! And hey, who cares if people think it's weird - it doesn't matter what other people think! Okay, I'm done with my rambling now!

Love,
~Aliisa~

You are my All in All

2007-05-08T21:10:00.000-05:00

You are my strength when I am weak
You are the treasure that I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jewel
Lord, to give up I'd be a fool
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

Taking my sin, my cross, my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I get dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus, Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

It's a . . . . . . .

2007-05-07T17:59:00.000-05:00

BOY!!!!!!!

Yes, it is for sure, my Mom is having a boy!! Last week she had an ultra-sound, and the Dr. confirmed it!! We are all SO excited, and are now having loads of fun thinking of different boys names (and welcome any suggestions!!). We did have a name picked out, but now that we are actually going to use it, we aren't so sure we like it all that much. *smile*

For those of you who don't know much about our family, the reason we are so thrilled that we are having a boy is because out of 8 children, only 2 are boys, the youngest being 15 years old! The last five children have all been girls. So we are all thrilled to death with the thought of FINALLY having a boy!!!!

A new post

2007-05-06T16:58:00.000-05:00

Ok, I'm FINALLY posting!! Sadly, I don't have pictures, but I am going to post anyways!

I mentioned in a previous post how I was helping do hair in a play, which was performed by a homeschool drama group - H.I.S. Players. This past week we had 8 performances. Starting Monday we performed 5 performances for different middle/high schools, and on Friday and Saturday we had 2 public performances and a matinée. It was a really busy week, but lots of fun too!!

On Thursday all of our family except for Dad, Elsie, Anja and I went Up North to a wedding. I stayed home because of the play, and Dad and the girls stayed home because Elsie was kind of sick. I spent Friday night at our friends the Gumnesses house, and it was a BLAST!! I got to meet their Grandparents (HI!!!) and had lots of fun with them, too - Thank you for the flowers!! They are absolutely gorgeous!!

The last performance was very sad, because we all knew it was going to be all over after that! But it was the best performance, and we were all glad for that!

After the performance we went to a party at the Dausters house. It was such an amazing time!! It felt like we were all one big family, even though I knew most of the people just from helping out with the play. Nate Gumness wrote a really awesome song for some friends who were going through some hard times, and it was such an encouragement to me. I'm still having a hard time with the possibility of moving to China, and everyone was so encouraging, just by them being there and giving a hug, it was so encouraging. Thanks Mr. G, Ben, Nate and Sarah for being such great friends!! Love you guys!

So, that's basically what I've been up to lately, and I'm hoping to get some pictures of the play at some point, which I will definitely blog about!!

China update

2007-04-17T09:39:00.000-05:00

For an update since the guys' trip to China, go here.

Happy Birthday, Aleks!!!!

2007-04-10T10:20:00.000-05:00

Today is my sister Aleks' 9th birthday!! For two posts about her to go our family blog and her blog (which I hacked!!)

Horses!!

2007-04-09T21:42:00.000-05:00

Horses are my absolute favorite animal - I've wanted one for as long as I can remember! I don't get a chance to ride much, but when I do I LOVE it!!

Today I went to my friend Dana's house, and her, her brother Noah and I went riding. Dana rode Embur (her 3 year old gelding she is currently working on training), Noah was on Storm and I rode Vergo. Vergo was supposedly the "old, slow horse" - HA!! If one of the other horses was trotting, Vergo had to canter to get ahead of them! Dana wasn't quite ready to let Embur run, so we mainly walked. But if Noah started trotting Storm, Vergo would have to canter, and no matter how hard I tried, I could not stop him!

Twice he cantered - the first time was just to get ahead of Storm. The second time was when Embur was really wanting to run, so Dana let him canter. He wasn't bucking, so she let him start loping. Well, he got ahead of us and Vergo wasn't about to let that happen. What did he do? HE started loping (gallop), passed Embur and kept right on going. Who knows how long he would've gone before he stopped, except there was a really muddy part of the field he got into, and then had to slow down. My heart was going wild!! For all I know, he could've bucked me off! (he started bucking once before, but I was able to get him calmed down) But after I stopped him, I realized how fun it is to ride really fast!!

It was soooo much fun!!! We're hoping to ride again, and if Dana uses a different horse, then we can run more!!

P.S. I didn't have any pictures from when we were riding, but I COULDN'T post without a picture!! So I just found one somewhere.

Sarah's visit

2007-04-04T15:24:00.000-05:00

On Saturday night, we met Mr. Gumness, Ben, Nate and Sarah at Dad's work. We said our good-byes, and then Sarah came with us and the guys went to the airport. Sarah stayed until Monday afternoon, when I brought her to play practice (Sarah is helping with make-up, and I am helping with hair for the play "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream" which is being put on by a homeschool drama group).

Sarah and I

Me, Sarah and Aleks playing a game

Sarah and Mom

We played lots of games, and watched "girly" movies all weekend! It was so much fun.

Thanks Sarah, for coming!!

China . . . . .

2007-03-31T18:25:00.000-05:00

This is going to be quick, but I just wanted to update a little bit. Those of you who have been reading my brother's blog are probably wondering why I haven't brought up China on here, but it's just the fact that there's so much to write about, that I've been procrastinating!!

So, my Dad has been offered a job managing a dairy farm in China. There is already a farm there that raises cashmere goats and sheep, as well as pigs and chickens. They are wanting to start dairy farming, but need someone who knows how to dairy farm (which my Dad has been doing for the past 5-6 years).

Nothing is finalized yet, but we are moving towards the direction of moving over there in 10-12 months. After we first get over there, we would live with the family that is currently living there (the Shells) while our house was being built.

On Sunday Mr. Shell came over from China to meet with us, and to look at some different farms/milking options with my Dad. Then on Tuesday the supervisor, "Uncle" Eddie came to meet us. He stayed until Thursday, and Mr. Shell is leaving sometime today. We really have had a great time with both of them, and it's been really fun!!

Tonight (well, tomorrow) Dad, Ike and Zack are going to China to see the farm and everything. After they milk at the farm tonight, our friends are going to drive them to the airport (about 2 1/2 hours away) where their plane will leave at 1am tomorrow morning!! They will be gone until next Saturday (I think their plane gets in around 6pm). So in about 1/2 hour we will go to the farm to see them off!

There's a quick update. For more detail go to my brother's blog where he's written a lot more about everything.

I covet your prayers as we move forward with this major change in our lives!! Everyone is really excited about this opportunity, but I am probably the one who is the least excited! I am so comfortable with our current situation, and am thinking maybe the Lord is using this opportunity to stretch me. I am learning sooo much how to lean on HIM, HE is the One who knows everything, knows what I'm going through, struggling, feeling at this time.

I am also very sad at the thought of leaving everyone here. We won't be able to just drive to visit someone - it'll take a plane ride!!

So, please pray for me, that I would continue to trust HIM, and know that HIS plans are BEST!!
Love,
Aliisa
P.S. This is so brief - ask whatever questions you have, and I will do my best to answer them!!

Quiz!

2007-03-27T22:05:00.000-05:00

I created a quiz on truefriendtest.com. If you want to - please take it!! It'll be interesting to see what you think I would be like!!

Here's the quiz link: http://www.truefriendtest.com/friendtest/169592

And here you can see everyone's score:

http://www.truefriendtest.com/scoreboard/169592

Have fun!

A short update . . . . .

2007-03-13T12:43:00.000-05:00

I haven't blogged in a while, so here's a quick update:

A couple weeks ago our friends the Petersons came for a visit (I will hopefully be putting more pictures of the visit up on our family blog).

Me and Sarah

Last week we got sick with the flu!! All of us except Mom and Emmy got it to some degree or another. Anja got it the worst, and everyone except Dad and I threw up. We got over it in a couple days, except for Anja, who was sick for about 6 or 7 days. It's so hard when the littlest ones are sick!

On Saturday (the 10th) Zack and I went to a Civil War Ball with a bunch of friends. The dance went from 7-midnight, and was an absolute BLAST!!! The only down fall was it was 2 hours away, and with daylight savings we lost an hours worth of sleep!! But we made it up the next night. Here are a few pictures of the dance (I may post more once I get them):

Zack is the 3rd guy from the left in the guys' line (he's kind of hard to see, but he's got on a dark suit and black cowboy hat)

My good friend, Dana, and I

On Sunday the boys, Aleks and I went to a square dance at our friends farm. Lots of our friends were there, and it was a lot of fun! (most of the people there had gone to the Civil War Ball, and were all pretty tired!)

This week is pretty normal, and on Sunday we're going to visit Dad's parents for a couple days, which we're all looking forward to!

Sweet shades!!

2007-03-08T14:04:00.000-06:00

Elsie loves her sunglasses, so together we posed for this picture:

Ping pong!!

2007-03-06T14:07:00.000-06:00

Every Monday night the boys, Aleks and I take round dance lessons taught by our friends. For about an hour after lessons, we fellowship with friends, and play some ping pong! Here are some pictures from last night:

"Around the World"

Those who were "eliminated" . . . . .

Everyone's back in!

When there are only a few people left, you really have to run!
(note the ball in mid-air!)

Happy Birthday!

2007-03-05T08:48:00.000-06:00

Zachary Eugene Klahn

HAPPY 15TH BIRTHDAY, ZACK!!!!!

We love you!!

Here are some interesting facts about Zack:

*He broke his collar bone when he was born

*He is only10 months younger than his older brother (from now until the end of April, we have two 15-year olds!)

*He doesn't drink milk (as a baby, he was lactose-intolerant and had several ear infections) but does eat other dairy

*He was the "baby" of the family for 6 years

*He had trouble learning to read, but now loves to!

*He's had braces for over 2 years, and hasn't complained!

*He snores (coming from his room-mate!)

*He's a great goalie in Foosball

*He loves playing with his little sisters (especially the babies!)

*He enjoys square dancing and round dancing

*He loves the Lord, and desires to become a missionary - pilot when he gets older

Anja

2007-02-18T14:31:00.000-06:00

For a cute post about my baby sister, go here.

~Aliisa~

Matching!

2007-02-18T14:04:00.000-06:00

Elsie is my 2 year old sister, who sleeps with me. While at my grandparents last week, I missed her dreadfully! Each time I talked to her on the phone, she'd say "Ali, I want you!! I want to hold you! (me hold her)". When my Gramma and I were shopping she bought me some material for a new skirt. After making it, I had enough extra to make one for Elsie too!! Here are some pictures:

Sewing!!

2007-02-14T18:07:00.000-06:00

Last week (Monday the 5th through Saturday the 10th) my sister Grace and I went up to my Grampa and Gramma Klahn's house. A couple years ago Ike and Emmy had gone up by them, and then a few months later Zack and Aleks had. So finally Grace and I got to go!

While up there, my Gramma and I made a quilt and matching curtains to go in my room (which I painted last fall). Here are some pictures:

After buying the material, the first thing to do is cut the squares!

Then, we laid out the squares to figure out what looked best.

Then comes my favorite part - sewing!! We had two sewing machines, so it went REALLY fast!!

Here is the front half of the quilt.

On the quilting board, ready to tie!(this picture was taken from the loft)

Thank you so much Gramma, for helping me make the quilt and for the material (quilt, curtains and skirt). Maybe we can do it again sometime!!

The quilt turned out sooo nice!! I absolutely love it. It's so cozy and fluffy!! Hopefully soon I'll take some pictures of the quilt and curtains in my room and put them up here.

For more pictures of the trip, visit our family blog.

New blog!!

2007-02-04T12:20:00.000-06:00

Our family has a new blog! My Mom actually set it up several months ago, but never posted anything. I am going to be responsible for keeping it up to date, so forgive me if this blog is ever neglected (which I hope won't happen!).

To view the new blog, click here.

And like I said on the other blog, my sister Grace and I are going to be gone for a little over a week spending time with our Grandparents in Northern Wisconsin (brrrr, it'll be cold!!). So I won't be blogging on here for a while, but hope to have plenty of pictures to share when I get back!!

~Aliisa~

Proverbs 2:3-6

2007-02-03T12:06:00.000-06:00

3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge,

and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver,
and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord,
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord giveth wisdom:
out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Cutie Pie!!

2007-01-30T09:14:00.000-06:00

My baby sister is the cutest baby in the world!! She definitely does not lack attention - we can hardly walk past her without giving her a kiss and squeeze. Here are some more recent pictures of her:

She's such a charmer, just look at that smile!

What a mouth! A "dentists dream"
(Elizabeth, hers may actually get bigger than mine - poor girl!)

Such a happy baby!

The little girls put Anja in their dolls playpen and push her around. She absolutely loves it!!

You Are My King (Amazing Love)

2007-01-27T18:57:00.000-06:00

You Are My King (Amazing Love)

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, would die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, To honor You

I’m forgiven because You were forsaken
I’m accepted, You were condemned
I’m alive and well, Your Spirit is within me
Because You died and rose again

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, To honor You
In all I do, To honor You

You are my King
You are my King
Jesus, You are my King
You are my King

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You

Amazing love, how can it be
That You, my King, should die for me?
Amazing love, I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor You
In all I do, To honor You

In all I do, To honor You,
In all I do, To honor You,
In all I do, Let me honor You.

Foosball!!!!

2007-01-23T16:46:00.000-06:00

This Christmas we received a new foosball table from our aunts and uncles!! It has gotten a lot of use, and will get much more in the future.
Aleks and Zack take on Levi and Ike

Uncle Mike and Mitchell against Emmy and Aunt Kari

A foosball table also makes a great tent!!

Elsie, Aleks, Grace and Emmy

Winter Wonderland (once again!)

2007-01-23T16:38:00.000-06:00

Here are some pictures taken after our latest snowfall:

Trees that line our driveway

Pine trees, with our barn in the backround (my favorite of all the pictures!)

The field behind our house

A hot cup of cocoa to warm up with!

Some exciting news . . . . . .

2007-01-23T16:29:00.000-06:00

The end of August, another little blessing will be joining our family!!

Can there be anything sweeter than little feet?!

Sickness . . . .

2007-01-14T19:42:00.000-06:00

Right now we've got some sickness going through our family. So far Aleks, Emmy, Mom and I are "down".

I'll hopefully be blogging again soon, once we've gotten rid of this "bug".

~Aliisa~

What do you think?

2007-01-08T17:30:00.000-06:00

I just got the newer edition of blogger, and am having fun changing things, and giving my blog a different look.

Let me know what you think!

~Aliisa~

Hopechest!!!

2006-12-27T20:08:00.000-06:00

For my birthday my Grampa Klahn made me a Hopechest!
Gramma helped with the finishing touches, and it turned
out beautiful!! It is so nice and big and BEAUTIFUL!

Elizabeth, how's that for pictures?! Hope there's enough!

Trip: part 6

2006-12-27T20:01:00.000-06:00

On Sunday we went to church, went shopping and visited with family until we left at 6pm. We didn't get home till 2am! It was a busy time, but lots and lots of fun.

Grampa feeding Anja

Gramma and her Mom

Cousing Austin, acting goofy!

Princess Gracie

Trip: part 5 - CHARADES!!

2006-12-27T18:04:00.000-06:00

Dad put the little girls to bed, and the rest of us played games until 2am!! Here we're playing Charades! We had a lot of laughs.

Zack

Gramma

Ken

Me

Trip: part 4

2006-12-27T17:13:00.000-06:00

After the Christmas party, we went to Gramma & Ken's house

Mom's sister Jana, and her fiancee Jeff

Gramma, Ken, Me, Mom and Jana

Uncle Jed with a monkey on his head!

Ken & Gramma

Trip: part 3

2006-12-27T17:09:00.000-06:00

Angie, Cousin Jarvis and Maggie

Ike (not too thrilled about getting his picture
taken!), Christina, Megan, Jessica, Me and Zack

Cousin Kara (Alex's Mom, Jeremy's wife)

Mom's cousins Christina, Megan and Jessica

Trip; part 2

2006-12-27T17:05:00.000-06:00

Great-Grampa Johnson, preparing the feast!

Zack and his buddy, Cousin Alex

Anja had fun with Aunt Paula!

Gramma (Mom's Mom) with her Gramma!

Trip: part 1

2006-12-27T16:59:00.000-06:00

The weekend before last (the 16th and 17th) we went to Upper Michigan for the annual Christmas party for my Mom's Mom's side of the family. This year the party was at Aunt Toni's house. We got there around noon on Saturday, and stayed till about 6pm. We had lots of fun and enjoyed being able to see everyone.

Emmy, Ken (our step-Grampa), Grace & Aleks

Grace giving our great-great-Gramma Syria a hug
(who is 93 years-young!)

Ike, Uncle Dick, Cousin Jeremy and Dad (talking
hunting or fishing or something like that!)

Gramma, Aunt Kathy, Mom and Anja

Trying 'em on for size?

2006-12-21T19:19:00.000-06:00

I'm sure most of you girls out there can relate to this; visiting relatives and then they ask "the" question: "Got a boyfriend yet?".

Well, last year we were visiting with my great-grandparents when my Grampa asked me "So, ya got a boyfriend yet?". I said "No". My Mom said "She's too young to get married". Grampa said "Well, I wasn't talking marriage", to which Mom replied "Oh, just trying 'em on for size, huh?". My Grampa said "Hmm, I never thought of it like that before!"

Mary, Did You Know?

2006-12-12T20:29:00.000-06:00

One of my favorite things about Christmas are all the Christmas songs. This one is my absolute favorite:

Mary, Did You Know?

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Did you know
That your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy has come to make you knew?
This child that you delivered
Will soon deliver you

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Did you know
That your baby boy will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know
That your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little boy
You've kissed the face of God

Oh, Mary, did you know --
The blind will see
The deaf will hear
And the dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy is lord of all creation?
Did you know
That your baby boy will one day rules the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy is heavens perfect lamb?
This sleeping child you're holding
Is the great I AM

Family picture

2006-12-03T20:40:00.000-06:00

The Klahn Family

back row l-r: Aliisa (me - 17 now!!), Isaac (15), Mom holding Anja (5 1/2 months) and Zack (14)
front row l-r: Aleks (8), Emmy (6), Grace (4), Elsie (2) and Dad.

The above family picture was taken on Thanksgiving at my aunt's house. We had a very enjoyable day visiting with family (some of which we hadn't seen for almost a year) and eating!!

On the 26th was my 17th birthday. Boy does that sound old! It was a very nice, relaxing day at home with my family. And the day after my birthday I went to a friends house and we made skirts together (which was lots of fun!).

On Wednesday we went square dancing with a bunch of friends. It was a Plus dance, (which is even harder than regular square dancing) and was lots of fun!

On Thursday Ike got his temps!! (Temporary license) He got 100% on his written test! I haven't driven with him yet, but I'm sure he does a great job. He drives tractors, and has driven the car/van around the yard so he'd familiar with driving.

On Friday we had a huge blizzard! I'm not exactly sure what time it started, but it went steady from at least 5am until 1pm. We got anywhere from 8-12 inches of snow. There were over 700 accidents in just 4 counties around here. My Dad goes to work really early (5:45am) and the roads were pretty bad. He was almost to work when he hit a slippery patch in the road. He spun around (so he was facing the opposite way), slid across the other lane, and then his truck (small truck) tipped over on its side (passenger side)! Thankfully he had his seatbelt on, otherwise he would've gotten thrown who knows where. Since the truck was on its side he was hanging by his seatbelt. He was able to climb out, and then walked to work (he was really close). After milking they took one of the tractors and tipped the truck back over and towed it to the shop. Yesterday Dad was able to get it running. Everything works perfectly! There is a bit of a dent on the passenger side, and the mirror is gone, but other than that it's fine! The funny thing is before the accident the seal around the passenger door wasn't very good so some air came in. After the accident something happened so that now no air can get in! That was pretty funny!

Last night Mom, Ike, Zack and I went to a square dance with some friends. It wasn't plus, but it still was lots of fun. The caller was really good.

Today our whole family went to see the new movie, The Nativity. I really liked it. I have never seen a movie that was just about Jesus' birth. The movies I've seen have been about Jesus' life and death, so I really enjoyed something that focused on His birth.

This weekend we decorated our house. We don't have a Christmas tree. We hang garlands instead. We have at least 4 garlands with lights. When we turn all of the lights off and have the garlands plugged in it looks soo pretty! When we get our camera back (some friends are borrowing it) I'll have to take some pictures.

Love,
*~*Aliisa*~*

Mr. Somebody

2006-11-03T10:54:00.000-06:00

Mr. Somebody

Yes, that's me.

You know, I am the one that Everyone

calls in need of assistance or

Someone blames when in trouble.

I hear it a lot, don't you?

"Somebody tie my shoes!"

"Can Somebody feed the dog?"

What's that?

You say you have not seen me before?

I don't see how you could not, but that's

what Everyone says.

So, I am used to it.

Of course, if a person calls for me

Someone gets there before I do.

I do not know why but that is the way it happens.

Well, now that you know me, let me introduce you

to some of my friends.

Someone, No-one, Everyone,

Nobody, Anyone and me Somebody.

It gets confusing here at times,

like when I ask

Everyone if Someone

cleaned the kitchen.

They just said No-One did it,

So somehow it did get done.

Right now though, I need to see if

Anyone fed the dog.

-Mr. Somebody

I'm sure most of you big sisters can relate to this!

Written by JoyAnn Pankratz, printed with permission

It's finished!

2006-11-02T21:19:00.000-06:00

It was difficult functioning when everything from the living room was in the dining room, but it was well worth it!

Elsie was fascinated!

Half of the living room

The other half
(Elizabeth, doesn't it look MUCH nicer?!)

Hang on, Grace, it's slippery!

New flooring!

2006-11-02T21:11:00.000-06:00

Ever since we first moved in here almost three years ago, we've tried to figure out why our landlord put cream colored carpet in the living room of a house he was going to be renting to a family with six children (that was all we had at the time!). We have tried so hard to keep it looking nice, but it just was not possible! So, finally, we convinced our landlord to let us put laminate flooring in! On Friday evening Dad and the boys (with help of the little girls) ripped out the carpeting, and on Saturday carpenters came to install the new floor!!

Horse ride!!

2006-11-01T10:46:00.000-06:00

As an early birthday gift, Dad took
me on a trail ride yesterday! It was about an
hour long through woods and fields. We got to
walk, trot and canter! It was sooo much fun!

I LOVE the way my skirt is in this picture,
all spread out behind me.
I didn't even try to make it look like that, and it
turned out great!

Me and my Daddy!

More fun!

2006-11-01T10:33:00.000-06:00

Esther and I
I've always wanted a big sister,
and even though Esther and I are
closer in age than Elizabeth and I, it
was fun to have a "big sister" for a few days!

We played a lot of piano duets!!

Charity, Scott and Phoebe

Mr. & Mrs. Ulmer

We also played football (which was sooo much fun - especially because my team won!), volleyball, went shopping at thrift stores (an interesting experience, right girls?!), toured a dairy barn (another interesting experience) and had a lot of fellowship and fun all around!!

Ulmer Family, I had sooo much fun at your house! You are a GREAT family to be with, and I felt soo much at home with you guys (usually I'm pretty shy around people I don't know very well, but you saw another side of me!). I hope our families can get together sometime SOON!

More pictures . . . .

2006-11-01T10:18:00.000-06:00

Someone must've said something interesting!

We also played a game called "Catch Phrase"
(like Taboo and Hot Potato in one). It was a lot of fun!!

What's so funny, Noah?!

Micah - Moses and Micah treated
me like one of their sisters (which I LOVED!)
and they were like the little brothers I never had!

Games . . . .

2006-10-31T10:08:00.000-06:00

The Ansons came over Sunday evening, and we played Pictionary.

I believe this was Scott's drawing of Alaska!

Kansas Trip

2006-10-31T09:48:00.000-06:00

Last weekend I got to go down to Kansas to visit my good friend, Elizabeth, and meet her family!

Elizabeth and I

Silas has to be the cutest little boy ever!!
For some reason he kept calling me Josiah
until the day before I left, then he called me Ali!

Silas was sooo adorable, and kept
asking me to read to him.

Moses and Phoebe

Picture question

2006-10-26T08:46:00.000-05:00

Okay, I finally took the time and figured out how to get a picture on my profile. How do you make the picture show up on your home page (or whatever it's called)?

P.S. I'll hopefully blog soon! I hadn't realized it's been sooo long!

Beauty in the midst of a storm . . . .

2006-09-20T22:01:00.000-05:00

A week ago we had a nasty storm blow
through. A huge branch (as you can see
from the picture) broke off.

The whole branch

Here's where it split

And yet, in the midst of the storm,
flowers are still blooming!

We planted about 15 sunflower seeds this
year, and only three came up. This was the
tallest by far, standing between 6 and 6 1/2
feet tall. I just love sunflowers!!

Anja pictures

2006-09-20T21:57:00.000-05:00

Some recent pictures of Anja. I can't believe
she's 3 months old already!!

Doesn't she look just like a Klahn?! We looked
through some of my baby pictures, and she looks
just like I did when I was her age!!

Busy, busy!

2006-09-12T19:02:00.000-05:00

So Elizabeth, are you satisfied now? Have I done enough blogging for a while?! ;-) I guess it's feast or famine with me!

Lately, we have been very busy! We've had two families come for 3 or more days in the past few weeks. In August, I had a babysitting job for little Alexandra Gehl (Dad's boss' granddaughter) 2 full days a week for 3 1/2 weeks.
Me and Alexandra

On Saturday Ike and I went down to East Troy to the annual Bluegrass festival where we both competed in the band scramble. Here's how it works: there are 6 containers labeled guitar, bass, mandolin, fiddle, banjo and other instruments. Whichever instrument you want to play, you put your name in that container. Then they pick a name out of each container and there's a band! They pick 4 bands and they have an hour to practice 2 (one instrumental and one vocal) songs to perform on stage and pick a name. Then the 4 bands play their songs and the audience gets to judge which band gets 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th by cheering loudest for their favorite band.
Ike was on guitar, his band was "Isaac and the 'Ey makers" (he was their lead singer and he sang REALLY well!!) and they won 1st!! I was on bass, our band was "The Stone Bank Ramblers" (everyone asked where we were from, and I thought Stone Bank [the actual town we live in] sounded better than Oconomowoc [our mailing address] so I said that and that's how we got our name! It was kinda funny that both our bands were named after us!) and we got 3rd, which was pretty good! I liked Ike's band the best. They were really good. Ike's been in the band scramble 3 years, and he's one 1st, 2nd and 3rd! I'm really excited about next year and hope to be in it again!

Today Ike, Mom and I ran a bunch of errands. First Ike and I had dentist appointments. Neither of us had cavities - YEAH!!! Then we went to the vacuum cleaners, Wal-Mart and Menards. At Menards I got paint to paint my room, and I'm really excited!! I'm going to do cream and tanish colors, and I can't wait! Right now my desk is a really ugly greenish-yellowish color with gold trim, and I'm also going to re-paint the bookshelf and dresser in my r0om so everything will match. I'm going to re-paint the walls too, and am really looking forward to the result!

That's it for now. Hopefully it won't be so long before I blog again!

Gumnesses

2006-09-12T18:58:00.000-05:00

A couple weeks ago we had our good friends the Gumnesses over for a visit. We went to square dance lessons that night, and played a bunch of games. They stayed till quarter to 1am!! We had a BLAST! (as usual).

Aleks, Sarah, Grace and Emmy dressing up

Ben and Noah

Nate, Dad w/ Anja, Elijah, Elsie,
Zack and Josiah

Hangin' out

More pictures

2006-09-12T18:52:00.000-05:00

For supper we had pudgie pies. YUMMY!!!!

Grace and Corinna (they were sooo cute together!)

Cassie and Aleks

Mom and Mrs. Kloth

Christian

We also had cake and ice cream after a while, and they stayed until 10:30pm. We had a lot of fun with them!

Emmy's b-day

2006-09-12T18:47:00.000-05:00

On Emmy's birthday, we had our friends, the Kloths over, who we hadn't seen in a while.

Emmy, Aleks and Cassie playing dress-up

Renatta

Grace and Corinna dressing up

Mrs. Kloth and Renatta

July trip

2006-09-12T18:39:00.000-05:00

Okay Elizabeth, I'm blogging now! Sorry I've been so negligent. Here are some pictures from our latest trip to Michigan (July):

Uncle Jed with Elsie and Grace

back row: Ike, Zack and Ali
middle row: Aleks, Gramma Jackie holding Anja and Elsie,
Grampa Ken holding Grace and Emmy
front: our cousing, Austin (7 yrs)

Grace being silly!

Mom and Anja
Now, there is a funny story to go with this picture!
We were getting ready to watch a movie, and Mom was
in the recliner with Anja. She was trying to get it to recline,
but wasn't having any success so Zack went over to help her. Aunt Jana
said "don't tip her over" and meanwhile Zack had grabbed the bottom of the chair
and was pulling up on the bottom while Mom was leaning back. Their combined effort
caused the chair to tip over!! We were all laughing SOO hard! Our first thought was "get the camera!"
and we all took pictures.

Emmy!

2006-08-30T12:28:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday, Emmelia!!!!

Today is Emmy's 6th birthday.

We love you Emmy, and your smile and cheerful attitude adds so much to our home!!

My family

2006-08-18T19:14:00.000-05:00

I realized, I haven't really put any good pictures of my family, so here they are!

The best parents in the whole wide world!

Isaac (Ike) - 15 1/2

Zachary (Zack) - 14 1/2

Aleksandra (Aleks) - 8 (going on 18!)

The rest . . . . .

2006-08-18T19:10:00.000-05:00

Emmelia (Emmy) - almost 6

Grace - 4

Elsie - 2

Last (but not least!) Anja - 2 months

Please pray . . . .

2006-08-18T18:58:00.000-05:00

Please pray for Anja, she has a 104 fever last time we checked. We brought her to the Dr. earlier, and he's not sure exactly what she's got (our first though was teething, but she's kinda young!). We were going to go to Michigan tomorrow morning through Sunday night, but we're going to stay home now, unless her fever breaks tonight or tomorrow morning. She's been sleeping a lot, which is very unusual for her. We all miss her smiles!!

Elsie!

2006-08-11T20:06:00.000-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ELSIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Today is Elsie's 2nd birthday!!

Elsie & Anja

I love you sooooo much Elsie, and can't imagine our home without your laughter, smiles, and trouble!!

Elizabeth and I

2006-08-10T22:12:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of Elizabeth's and mine matching outfits for convention!! We got the shirts from a western store, and bought material and then made the skirts. They turned out really well!! The hats weren't part of the outfit, but we borrowd my brother's hats for the pictures (I LOVE black cowboy hats!!)

Round dancing

2006-08-10T22:06:00.000-05:00

Ike and I trying to Round dance!!

More about convention . . . . .

2006-08-10T21:54:00.000-05:00

More convention pictures (with a different square):

"Heads square through 4"

"Boys star right"

"Right and left grand" (one of my favorite moves!)

"Swing your partner!"

Convention!!

2006-08-10T21:38:00.000-05:00

49th WISCONSIN SQUARE AND ROUND DANCE CONVENTION!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With those of us who square dance, the convention is a BIG deal!! Once a year, at a big building of some kind (usually it's held at a school) there are square dancers from all over the state (usually well over 1.000 people). There are halls for mainstream (basic square dancing), plus (hard level), youth hall (which there aren't many youth), round dancing halls (round dancing is just with you and your partner, not others as in a square), and several others. For three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) there is square dancing with different callers (square dancing) and cuers (round dancing). Here are some pictures:

"Sides square through 4"

"Circle left"

"Promenade"

"Swing and twirl"

Elizabeth!!!!!!!!

2006-08-10T17:43:00.000-05:00

Last week I FINALLY got to meet my very dear friend and pen-pal, Elizabeth Ulmer! We were able to pick her up from her sister's Mother-in-Law's house (she had gone down to Kansas to visit her son and daughter-in-law [Elizabeth's sister] and brought Elizabeth back to her house). We had soooooo much fun while she was here!!!!!! Here are some pictures we took:

Elizabeth & I

Elizabeth with Anja

Me holding Anja

Swinging!!

We also went swimming at a friends house, went shopping for matching shirts and material for skirts (pictures coming soon!!), taught Elizabeth how to square dance and went to the Wisconsin State Square Dance Convention (we have pictures of that too) all before meeting her parents in Des Moines, Iowa on Sunday.

I had sooooooooooo much fun with you, Elizabeth, and pray we can get-together again soon!

Update!

2006-07-25T10:30:00.000-05:00

Well, we're home! I was hoping to post before this, but I didn't get the chance. I'm just dying to put pictures on here, but we're not sure where the camera is! (well, we know it's in the van, we just aren't sure exactly where it is).

Last Monday everyone (except Ike and I) left around 8am. After they left I brought Ike to work, and then did some cleaning here. Before I went to piano lessons I went to Wal-Mart to get some material for bloomers and a skirt I can swim in. After paino lessons, I stayed at my teacher's house and hung out with her younger sister, Alisha. I left there at 3pm to pick up Ike from work. Then we went to the Siegmanns. Noah, Dana, Ike and I milked, and Libby, Manda, Linc and Jed fed calves. Then all of us except for Manda had a water fight in the milking parlor. They have 12 hoses in the parlor, and 6 are cold water. We also used buckets and filled them up in the cow tank. We were at it for over an hour!! It was soooo much fun! It felt soo good too, because that day it was 95+ degrees out! I brought Ike back to work around 8pm. After I got home I finished packing and did some sewing. I stopped around midnight.

On Tuesday after I brought Ike to work I finished sewing and packing. We finally left a little after 10am. The trip took about 6 1/2 hours. It was very looooong. We brought along the cd player, but it wasn't working. Dad left about 15 minutes after we got there. Ike and I were able to ride the jet skis that night yet. They are sooo much fun!

That whole week we visited with family and did a lot of swimming.

On Saturday we left and met Dad at Bay Beach, an amusement park in Green Bay. His 20th High School reunion was that day. We had to wait in line a while for the rides, but they were really fun! We rode the bumper cars twice, and the scrambler once. I'm not sure which was the best, they were both neat! We finally got home around 8:30pm.

On Sunday I babysat from 11am-7pm. We played a lot of games 'n' stuff. It was fun!

This Friday all of us except Dad and Ike are going to lower Michigan for a family reunion. We'll leave here early (we're hoping 4am so we can miss the traffic in Chicago) and coming back late Saturday night.

And, what I'm most excited about, Monday or Tuesday my very dear friend and pen-pal Elizabeth is coming!!!!!!!!! I'm sooooooooooo excited! I CAN'T wait!!

Well, gotta run.
Aliisa

First one!!

2006-07-16T11:44:00.000-05:00

Well, here's my first post on blogger! I have a blog on a different website, but it's really hard to put pictures up on it, so I thought I'd give blogger.com a try! My first posts will probably be pretty sporatic, as we are going out of town on Tuesday. But I'll do my best!

This picture is of the cutest baby in the WORLD!! (from my pointof view, anyways! It is my littlest sister, Anja, at 4 1/2 weeks old. Hard to believe so much time has gone by already since she was born!!

Like I mentioned above, we're going out of town this week. Actually, Mom, Dad and the 6 youngest kids are leaving early tomorrow morning and going up to Northern Michigan to where our great-Grandparents have a camp on a lake (about 7 hours away). Ike and I are staying behind because I have piano lessons on Monday, and Ike is going to work Monday morning and evening, and Tuesday morning for Dad. Then Ike and I are going up North on Tuesday after he's done with work in the morning. Then Dad will take the car and come back home Tuesday night. The rest of us are staying up there until Saturday morning, when we'll be leaving early and meeting Dad in Green Bay. His 20th class reunion is going to be held at an amusement park, so we'll be meeting him there.

So today we'll be busy packing. The boys, Aleks and I have plus lessons (a harder level of square dancing than we already know) for 2 hours, so we'll be busy today!! It is really hot, too. It's 90 degrees right now, and it's supposed to get to 95 or 100!! We have a window air-conditioner in the living room, and we shut the doors so it's blocked off from the rest of the house and stays nice and cool in here! We'll probably be in here as much as possible.

Well, that's all for now! I may have time to post a little tomorrow, but don't count on it!

God Bless,
Aliisa