What the Heck??

We're not supposed to have to deal with this.

First snow storm

Well, I got my wish of a snow day to spend with Caroline and Dave! Here's a look at the trees behind our deck. I put one from the summer so you can see the difference!

Happy Halloween!

Here's a cute little frog that hopped by Grandpa Bob's at Emerald Oaks.

Baby Number 2

Michelle, Abby, and I found out Thursday morning that we are having another baby girl!! Michelle is doing great and Abby seems to understand that she will soon be a big sister. We'll see how she does once the baby arrives! Apparently, Bobby wasn't too happy when my parents brought me home from the hospital. We'll see if Abby takes after her uncle.

Michelle is due in mid-March. I'm pulling for St. Patrick's Day!

We'll keep you posted.

Mike

Hunters to stay at the Neary Farmhouse for the first time

This Friday, we'll have the first 'guests' staying at the farm. There are 2 couples and a 25 yr. old son of one of the couples. They're from Michigan and plan on bow-hunting. Jane Bruch gave Joe their number; Joe called them, and they want to stay...long story short...they randomly talked to the farm mailman at the casino sometime when they drove through Eburg, and he gave one of them Don Bruch's number and thought Bruch's might know of somewhere they could stay and hunt. The best part is they are staying for 10 nights!!! (I sure hope they all don't shoot their deer the first days!! ) Having them stay for 10 days should help pay for some of the home improvement projects at the farmhouse!
The guy Joe talked to sounded pretty excited when Joe said the farm has 90 acres of timber/pasture where they could set up stands to bow hunt. And another good thing...if they're hunting deer, they won't be bringing dogs.
After work, I spent about 3 hrs. out there cleaning, dusting, trying to make sure everything looked good. Joe has to trim the closet doors down in the 'blue' room (there's carpet in there now--donated from my Mom's house) so the doors will open over the carpet. Other than that, I think it's ready to go. I'm sure it will be a learning experience for us!

Hawkeye Recruit

Marcus Coker is a running back for Dematha High here in the Maryland suburbs. Dematha is always a football powerhouse and this year are number 1 in the city. Last night they played the number two team and won. Coker ran for 213 yards. It's his second game over 200 yards this season and 5th game over 100 yards. He is committed to Iowa.

Thanksgiving and Christmas

Hey everyone
I thought it was probably time to talk about dates for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For Thanksgiving, we were thinking to have it on Saturday, Nov. 28, which is also Grandpa's birthday. We could have pie and cake! Also, we're going to go to my Mom's this year for Thanksgiving Day. We haven't gone for 4 or 5 years, so I'd like to go there this year. However, if it works better for the rest of you to get together on Thanksgiving Day instead of Saturday, feel free to have it then.
As far as Christmas, we'd like to do that either Christmas Day or the next day (Saturday, the 26th). Laura and Eric will be in Eburg for Christmas this year, and she hasn't been home for Christmas since 3 years ago. If we have the Neary Christmas on Christmas or the next day, they'd still be here ....they'll be going down to Missouri after that.
Let us know what you think would work for you. You can put it in the comment page.
Terry & Joe

Carroll Neary News (CNN)

That's one mean looking 8th grade quarterback.
Mary's on Facebook right now and everyone is talking about some guy named Favre. Well, look at these #'s. Neary - 4 games - 4 wins, 10 TD passes -1 Int.
Favre 3 games - 3 wins, 5 TD passes - 1 Int.
The real MNF was played in Perry tonight.
Kuemper 32 - Perry 14.
Cole threw 2 td passes, 4 completions for 2 pt conversions and 1 rushing TD. And on D he had 2 fumble recoveries and 1 Int. You be the judge.
The real test is next Tues. Last game of the year against cross town rivals, Carroll Tigers, who are also undefeated.
Other CNN, Tyler has been accepted to Univ of Nebraska and Arizona State. Morgan's dancing (alot). Mom & Dad are working

Great Weekend

Last weekend, Caroline was baptized at our church, Bethel Lutheran. It was an awesome weekend.

I HAVE INTERNET!!!

Hello my wonderful family :)

The Geek from the Geek Squad just left and I officially have internet! After a week and a half with no internet! I survived, though! I think I deserve some kind of medal! : ) Just a quick life update on my end...

I'm am feeling more and more at home in Iowa City. I'm making new friends at school and easing into what will be a hectic, stressful, but very rewarding four years! I'm taking Biochem, Physiology, Problem Based Learning (teaching us diagnostic skills) and Dental Anatomy. In dental anatomy I get to do dental procedures on a mannequin with teeth while a professor spies on me from a camera inside my patients mouth. : ) It's pretty amazing technology actually. I'm really going to like it, I think. I've been blessed to have Alex's cousin, Kari, close. She's been inviting me over for dinner with her family, taking me shopping at the farmer's market, and hot tubing at her house in Coralville. It's definitely helped me feel less anxious! I won't see actual patients until next semester....however, when I do... I get to choose my first two patients. :) So if anyone wants to make a trip to IC, let me know! In a few weeks we get our first crack at anesthesia. We practice on each other. I hope my partner does his/her homework first!

It was wonderful to get to see Laura and to meet baby Caroline! I can't wait until we can all be together again!

-M

Hi Neary's,
Megan is all moved in and is officially a Hawkeye. Her address is 220 River Street; Apt. 2C; Iowa City 52246. Look her up if you're there for a game or anything else. Her phone is 515-450-2007.

OMG

They named a hurricane after Bill. How did they know?

We love you always!!

Grandma...

You are loved and missed every day. A year ago our hearts were broken when you had to leave us. But through our tears it was a very special time for all of us. We laughed and cried and hugged and smiled and shared a million stories of the love and attention you gave to us over the years. We still feel that today. I am so glad that the day you left us here you went to be with your Heavenly Father. You had the hope of salvation that so many live without. You told me that we would have a big Neary party when we all gathered again. You also told me to "Buck up, dear!," which has made so many people smile! You taught us all so many things about life and love and having a gentle spirit. I still don't pull out a cookbook or watch Young and Restless without thinking of you...and I hope I never do.

I love you...

Melissa

Four Generations

Home Sweet Home

Back from Okinawa. Had a wonderful time. Laura and Eric are great hosts. We're all exhausted, though! Flights went well, but every seat was occupied, mostly with crying babies! Thanks Laura and Eric and looking forward to seeing Laura on home territory.

Invitation to Eburg to see Laura, Amy & Dave and baby Caroline

HI everyone
I just wanted to let you know that Laura will be here from Aug. 3-25 and Amy, Dave and the newest addition, Caroline Patricia, will be here the week of Aug. 9 (through the 15th). On Aug. 9, we'll be in Fort Dodge in the afternoon for a baby shower, but we will be back in Emmetsburg that evening. We'll all be here the rest of the week. So...if you have a day off or can get away, drive up and see everyone! If you're here for a meal, there will be a good chance on sweetcorn being served!
Terry

Hi Neary's
On Sunday, July 19, I head off for Japan to visit Laura and Eric. I'll have Laura help me post pictures to the blog. Jim will be on RAGBRAI, hopefully he'll run into Shannon and Eliza. (You guys are crazy!) Have fun.

Introducing

Caroline Patricia Olson, 8 lbs 13 oz, 20 inches long, blond hair, blue eyes, and absolutely gorgeous!

She was born at 8:59 am on July 1st.

Here's a few first looks!

'

Painting the farmhouse: Part 2

Here are the latest pictures of the 2nd painting crew (Joe, me, Chris, Jim and Megan). We only have a little spot left back above the kitchen area. (By the way, Megan didn't drive the tractor but was in charge of lifting Chris up or down in the bucket. :) And let me say, she did an excellent job! )

We also painted the dining room! I'll put pictures of that on the blog when I get some taken. It looks WAY brighter. We still need to get a new light, but even with the old light, it looks bigger and brighter. The ceiling took 2 coats of paint, and the walls needed priming and then 2 coats. I also painted the little desk by the phone---a dark brown/black. It looks good. I've painted the "piano room" so now the next painting will be starting on the walls up the steps, then the bedrooms upstairs. My goal is to be done with the painting before I go back to teaching in August.

Happy Birthday

I don't know if they celebrate birthdays in heaven. The whole eternity thing makes me thinnk that they're not counting the days. But here on earth we can all send a little birthday wish to Grandma and just maybe she'll get it.

When I think of her birthday it turns to thinking about all she did for our birthdays. One year I asked for a pumpkin pie instead of cake because that was my favorite dessert. I think we even had candles.

Just curious, in honor of Grandma's birthday, what was your favorite dessert she made? Yes, try to pick just one and put in the comments!

Painting party at the farmhouse

We had a great crew painting the farmhouse on Saturday, which included Bill, Shannon, Eliza, Jason, Margaret, Payton and Brady, Joe, and Bob. Yes, I said BOB! Wow! There is dedication for you---he flies all the way from Bethesda to paint the farmhouse!! (Well, he might have happened to have a couple meetings in the area, but still, he could have just gone straight to his meeting.) He was a big surprise, to all of us except Grandpa, who knew he was coming. Joe told Grandpa that he was withholding beer from him from now on if he didn't fess up on his secrets! :) When I drove into the yard with Grandpa, I thought, "Wow, Joe's hair is looking alot like Bob's...Holy Cow! That is Bob!!"

I didn't do any painting this weekend (believe me, I've done alot inside already, with a whole lot more to come), but I was in the house cooking Shannon's birthday (swiss steak) dinner. (Sorry Cole, you missed swiss steak again...and maidrites and roast beef dinner too. )

The painters were so good and so fast, they got the house primed and 2 coats on most of the house. There's just some smaller areas that still need the 2nd coat. The house is looking so good already. It looks like new siding.

Next weekend, the Jim's are coming up to help paint. We'll finish the outside with their help and maybe be able to paint a room inside too. I'm hoping my partner in cleaning (Chris) will help me wash the windows because they got pretty dirty when we had to spray the house cleaner on prior to painting. Oh...and if we get all of that done, Joe said there's another post hole to be dug and cattle gate to be put in that has Jim's name on it. :) (Jim and Dave put one in last year.)

Thanks everyone for helping out!!

Whad'Ya Know? Not much, you?

What do I know....

For starters, Dave and I both got to talk on Whad'Ya Know this morning:) We didn't play the quiz game but Michael Feldman answered my question! You write them on index cards before the show and then he does 3 in each hour. I wrote: I am having my first baby in 3 weeks or so. Do you think I should have an epidural? He said he was a radio host but then talked to Dave and I a little and told me to go for it. I wanted to give a shout out back home so I slipped in that I was a tough Iowa farmgirl so I would be fine. Click here to read a synopsis - in the 33rd minute of the second hour or try to listen. I hope I don't sound too nervous!!! One of my college roommates actually heard it in Denver at her work this morning and knew it was me:)

Secondly, the baby is doing what its supposed to...head down and ready to go. I haven't had any signs of pre-labor but I am still hoping for a week early. We're trying to be patient....but now that school's out I'm pretty much going to be thinking about it nonstop!

Oh, and on the epidural question, Jim already alleviated my fears and yeah, I'll be taking some drugs:)

Hope I have some more to update you all on soon!

Herro from Okinawa

Hi everyone
It seems so crazy that I'm as far from home as I am. Laura is sure glad I'm here. (and Eric is too, I hope!) Laura is doing a lot better. She's still on pain medication, but each day she seems a little stronger. She and Eric took a 20 min. walk tonight, so that was really good. She has to go slow, but at least she can start to exercise and get some strength back. Her appetite has been good---she's a true Neary---not even a surgery stands in the way of enjoying a good meal. Friends have brought in 4 meals, and the one last night was so good---this person would make Martha Stewart look like an amateur.
On Sunday we went for a little drive along the ocean. It was really pretty. The Japanese houses are interesting to me. They're almost all apartment buildings, made of cement, with flat roofs, no yards, and clothes hanging somewhere. The Japanese people don't have dryers...and I have no idea how their clothes dry with the humidity. A lot of the houses don't have air conditioning either...and it gets extremely hot and humid here. That's probably why they don't notice that their freshly laundered clothes are not dry---because they're all sticky themselves!
The Air Force base is big...it looks like an American town with lots of houses that look alike. I'm pretty sure all of Emmetsburg would fit in the base...it's probably more like the size of Spencer or slightly bigger. Again, the houses are made of cement block walls...I guess they must be sturdy that way for typhoons. The Navy has a big base here, and Marines do too. They're very strict when you come and go off the base, and I have to show my passport and pass every time we come back on.
Next weekend if Laura is feeling up to it, we're going to one of her adult Japanese student's house for a party. This woman is wealthier and has her own single dwelling house. I'm anxious to see what it looks like. I think I'll make sure I eat a peanut butter/jelly sandwich before I go...as I'm not a big fish eater or eater of anything that swims in the water! No, I mainly like the 4-legged animals that walk around in mud or worse. :)
Speaking of 4 legged animals, you should see Barkley. He seriously looks like one of Joe's yearling steers with short legs. He has a much cuter face though. I've never seen a dog so happy to lay around all day. When he goes outside in the morning, he stays out about 5 mins., then comes back in, and assumes his natural position of sprawling out. Eric takes him for a walk at night, but sometimes Barkley acts like, "Are you crazy? It's hot out there." It takes alot of coaxing to get him up and out the door. :)
Well, it's about time for me to go to bed. It's crazy but I haven't really had jet lag. I lost a whole day in there somewhere, but when I got here, I went to bed, slept well that night, and have slept fine since. Laura keeps saying, "I can't believe you aren't tired." I can't believe it either. I'm sure I won't be that lucky when I get home. I'll probably still be groggy when we're painting the farm house on the weekend of the 20th. I'm looking forward to having a fun Neary weekend.
More later from Japan!
Terry

Another proud Neary

Emily took her nursing board exam on Monday and found out on Wednesday that she "PASSED". Yea! We knew she could do it. She starts her job at Mercy Hospital in Des Moines in two weeks.

Congratulations to Terry. Do I smell a Pulitzer?

Congratulations to Morgan. No surprise to us. We see a bright future for her.

Adorable picture of Abby. Post more pixs.

We hope Laura is on the mend.

Happy Birthday to all the June Neary Birthdays.

Love,
chrisandjim

Great Birthday Gift

Check this out. Nice of Abby to pose for this picture.

Published Author!

Just wanted to let you guys know that Mom is now officially a published author! She can't post this because she is currently in route to Tokyo so I thought I would brag about her:) She wrote an article to Our Iowa magazine and lo and behold, its in this months edition!! She was somewhat surprised because she hadn't gotten any notice in the mail and opened up her new magazine in the Los Angeles airport and there it was! Its a fun recollection of bean walking with her dad. Her first words were "Show me the money!"

Last notes, keep the prayers up for Laura. We'll keep you posted. And....HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JOE, just one more year closer to perfection:)

Love,
Amy

Blog or Brag?

Today was Morgan's eight grade graduation and awards day. This morning they had an awards ceremony for all the middle school kids to recognize achievements during the school year. Morgan was one of about 12 kids to receive the President's Education Award (signed by Barack Obama himself). And then, Tonight there was a graduation mass at which all the eight graders received certificates for completing 8th grade and 2 eight graders were presented the "Father Kuemper Award" which is considered the top award a Kuemper 8th grader can receive. As you can see below, Morgan was one of the winners. Another proud moment!

Photos

Hello all....

Our photographer put our pictures up online.  Just wanted to let you all know just in case you wanted to view them.

http://www.justinsalemmeyer.com/      

then go to view galleries

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer!

Kuemper Dance Team Tryouts

Morgan will be in high school next year and had the opportunity to try out for the high school dance team, Kuemper Kix. The tryouts were last weekend and they had four judges come in to view each dancer individually and judge them on a number of skills. Nineteen current dance team members and new dancers tried out. Morgan wanted to be in the top 6 so she would have a chance to compete for the all state dance team and solo state competition. When they posted the scores on Monday, Morgan found out she had the highest score of any of the dancers. She was number one!! We are very proud of her and are ready to watch her excel in high school and participate in all the different activities it has to offer.

Tyler's Confirmation Name

Tyler was confirmed this weekend and I wanted to tell you all what name he chose as his confirmation name. Sorry Joe, it wasn't Fabian. Mary and I hadn't been involved in helping him choose a name and when we asked him this week what he chose, He said, Patrick. We asked why and he said, Because of his Irish heritage and because his grandma's name was Patricia. He does make us proud. Most of the time. How about that confirmation outfit. Oh, wait that is the spring play.

Wedding pictures

Fun times at Emily and Trent's wedding!

Thank you one and all for celebrating Emily and Trent's wedding. They arrived in California around 1 pm on Sunday, but it took them a long time to get their rental car and get through San Francisco. Last I heard, they had about 3 hours to go. I'm sure they were exhausted.

I trust that everyone made it home safely. I had a burst of energy when we got home, as did Jim. He mowed the yard and I got everything put away. Now it's time to start making out the wedding guest list for Megan and Alex's on July 17, 2010.

This week-end we move Megan's things from Cedar Falls to Iowa City to a storage unit until July 31st. She'll move into her Iowa City apartment then. In the meantime, she is subletting an apartment in Cedar Falls while she is working at CVS Pharmacy in Waterloo. I didn't realize it was graduation at UNI on Saturday. The traffic will be awful. We've rented a U-haul trailer. Every time we move these girls, there's more and more to move.

Well, just wanted to thank everyone again for coming and making it such a special time.
Love, Chris and Jim

Hi Neary's, We're getting excited here in Ames/Des Moines to see everyone.
On Saturday for lunch, I will have in one of my rooms a lunch spread for everyone
to enjoy at your leisure. I'll have ham, turkey, roast beef and cheese for sandwiches, fruit, chips, bars, (not "A" bar, Bill), brownies, pop and water. Terry is going to be in charge of it for me (thanks, Terry). That way, if people want to swim or enjoy outside walking and being in the sun (please, God), you can come up to the room and eat and not have to go looking downtown for food. A lot of places aren't opened over the week-end in the downtown area for lunch because the businesses aren't open. I will let you know what room the lunch will be at when we are at the rehearsal dinner. Everyone drive and fly safely and we'll see you on Friday.
Love, Chris

Getting excited!

Just wanted to put it out there that there is a pool at the Embassy Suites so Saturday morning all of us "kids" should go. Yes, the picture is the pool there and yes, all of you are considered kids. Don't worry, my swim suit does consist of 2 pieces but its not a bikini!

Yeah for another Neary wedding!

Farm kitchen progress

Hi

I thought I'd let you see our progress on the kitchen. We have a little more painting to do (trim on the door and white paint on the beadboard), a new floor to put down, and latches to put on the cupboard doors so they stay shut. John McNally finished in the kitchen this week---he put down the new countertop and backsplash (beadboard). Joe and I have done the rest of the work ourselves. The paint on the walls is a tan---in the picture it looks kind of yellowish...but it's tan. We're planning on having the kitchen done so we can eat Easter dinner out there. I promised Bob that we'd be out there that day. Joe has started dismantling the piano; when we get that out of there, we're putting a twin bed where the cot used to be, so Bob can take a nap when he's out to the farm.

The windows that are original to the house, are also being replaced in the upcoming month...also a new roof, as it's leaking in multiple places. We'd like the shingling done as soon as it gets nice enough to do it. (We're hiring that done---the roof is pretty steep.)

We were hoping that we could have a big Neary work weekend on June 20-21 (tenative at this point...we want the roof shingled prior to painting). We'd like to get as many there to help paint the house. It's steel siding, but it can be painted. We'd provide all the food and beer and Joe will even throw in a bonfire for whoever can come and help. It's also Laura and Shannon's birthday, so we could have a birthday celebration too! I think it'd be more fun than work!

Viva Las Vegas

Well, we didn't exactly win alot of money, but we had fun in Vegas. Joe found his favorite Egyptian Riches machine, and won some and lost some. The princesses weren't too kind on the last day. I played on $2 for over a day. :) I'm a cheap date. If we had won alot, naturally we would have shared it with you all....so if you want to share in our losses, that'd only be fitting. :)

We met Stacy James (Neary---Mark's sister, for you newbies) for a drink after she got off work on Tuesday. (She's the cute one in the picture.) She's teaching 4th grade in Vegas...I don't know about you all, but my 4th grade teacher did not look or act anything like Stacy....mine looked about 100 and was mean! I bet Stacy's 4th graders love her. :)

REMINDER

March Madness has begun! You can get your account set up for Neary Madness IV now until Thursday when the games begin. If you didn't get the yahoo message, please email me: amyneary@yahoo.com and I will send you the group # and password. I really hope we can get everybody back on board this year! Plus, maybe you'll have a greater chance to win since the UNI graduates will pick the Panthers to win it all:) ha ha

SURPRISE!!!!!!!!

My Wonderful Family,

I have some big Neary News!!!

Alex and I are ENGAGED!!!! : )

I can't believe it!!!! I am the happiest girl in the world right now!!!


Here's the ring! It's exactly what I have always wanted!!!!! Ahhh!!!!




So it looks like I'm going to keep the Neary party ball rolling! Another Neary wedding in the summer of 2010!!!! Whoo hoo!!!!! : )

I love you all so so so so so much!!!! : )

-The Future Mrs. Megan Miller : ) : ) : )

wrong website---so sorry

http://embassysuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalized/DSMDNES-NKW-20090501/index.jhtml

Room Reservations

Attention Neary Family:

I wanted to give an update on the rooms at Embassy Suites....if you haven't booked yet...please book soon!!!  I have had some people book rooms that I wasn't expecting to so I added more rooms yesterday.  I have 9 more rooms available for Saturday and seven or eight for Friday.  I can add more rooms to Friday without too much worry as of now but Embassy Suites only has 4 ROOMS left as of yesterday for me to possibly add on to the 9!! I was a little shocked to say the least......I really want family to be able to get into this hotel so that we are together more of the time!  SOOOO....please make your reservation soon.

We have a website you can go to quickly in order to book to make things easier or you can call.  Either way will work.

http://embassywuites.hilton.com/en/es/groups/personalizedDSMDNES-NKW-20090501/index.jhtml

I hope this posting finds you all well and can't wait to see alot of you for the two upcoming showers.  

Emily

The Countdown Begins!

Just wanted to remind everyone it is two weeks until Selection Sunday. Yes, two weeks before Neary Madness IV can begin! You have plenty of time to scout out your favorite team's record, RPI, or maybe color of uniforms:)

The three winners we've had so far are:
Eric "Green Wave" Flattem
Bill "Huskies" Neary
Joe "Beavers" Neary

Now, who can tell me they know our family well enough to know what the nicknames mean? There's no cash prize for this contest....just good fun prepping us for the cut-throat tournament to come!

Whoomp! There it is!

So, there's Baby Olson! I thought I'd let you see how nicely I'm "progressing!" The dress I'm wearing really shows it all so I think I do look a little bigger in it than I do in most clothes. We have our big ultrasound on Tuesday so we're pretty excited to see the baby up close and personal. I have started realizing that I don't fit through the same tight corners like I used to:)

Here's a funny story regarding weight. I went to the doctor for something other than my prenatal check up so it wasn't my normal nurse. I got on the scale and proclaimed "Man, that's the most I've ever weighed in my whole life!" She shrugs her shoulders and says, "Its winter."

I then explained I was pregnant:)

Unlucky Forever!!

Oh I so thought I had a slight chance at being the next Under Deputy White House Chief of Stuff. Then I received a letter from Human Resources saying since I don't owe any back taxes I didn't qualify. They did tell me that if I forget to file,Or maybe don't understand the tax laws,or just plain don't pay them I might qualify. I told them I would get back to them after April 15th, when I do qualify. I guess with Tom Daschle only making $83,000 a Month,he couldn't afford to get People. At least we won the election so It's time for our crooks to shine.Or get inline for that TRAIN.

This One's For Terry

Terry -

I just finished Season 3 of McLeod's Daughters. I'm sitting in my apartment by myself crying my eyes out. You'd all get a good laugh if you saw me right now. What can I say? I've got that Neary disease of being a bawl baby. I hope Season 4 is happier than this one, or else I don't know how much more I can take! ;)

My Wonderful Family -

Hope everyone is doing well! I'm back in Cedar Falls and trying to find a job! I've gone around the entire city and it looks like no one is hiring right now. So I'm enjoying being a couch potato, visiting with friends and trying to help my roommate get through her toughest semester of accounting. Alex is in Week 3 of his internship. He loves it! He spent the day in Fairfield doing some auditing. He loves Iowa City and is slowing crossing over to being a Hawk fan. :) I found an apartment last weekend when I went to visit him. It's about a 15 minute walk from the Dental building. Alex has lots of family over there so I have a bunch of people around if I ever need anything. Alex's cousin has already adopted me as her shopping buddy. :) I got a letter in the mail today from the Admissions office at Iowa letting me know that they received my updated transcript from UNI so I am 100% done with the admissions process. Yay! I'll keep everyone posted as to the job search. I had so much fun with everyone at our belated Christmas celebration! I love you all very very much!!

-Megg

Christmas---Neary style

HI

We sure had a fun time this weekend! The trip home was pretty bad on Saturday night, though. I guess next time, everyone will just have to have a giant slumber party at the farm.

Down and Up

Well family...we are down one large and painful gallstone and up 3 new pairs of fabulous flip flops so JAMAICA HERE WE COME!!!!! Yes, good ol' Matt had to have his gallbladder and the stone you see here removed last Friday, which happened to be our 10th anniversary! He is recovering nicely and will get the go-ahead for our trip this afternoon. To clear up any confusion: the gallstone is Matt's and the flip flops are mine ;) So to sum up our week: surgery+Vicoden+at home nurse+flipflops+pedicure=much needed vacation!! Love you all! Stay tuned for Maddie's 2nd birthday pics!