Christmas at the Clouse House

Kalin on Christmas morning in her new rocking chair

The girls on Christmas morningOur new dining set!~ seats 8Out for a winter walk~ all bundled up!

Camryn and Kiley on the Go-Go! Ready for a ride!

Jon and Kiley on our Snow-Go ride Christmas Day

We had a great Christmas Eve and Day this year. Jon, Kiley and I went to the Candlelight Service at the Moravian Church, which was a new experience for Kiley and myself. Kiley enjoyed the singing and when it came to lighting the candle she did ok until a little wax burnt her and she threw the candle........ Luckily she didn't catch anything on fire and everyone was singing so her wails weren't too loud! I can chuckle about it now, but it was a bit mortifying when it first happened. We went and said Merry Christmas to Papa and Gram, Uncle Max, Camryn and Auntie Angie and then went back to our house to get ready for Santa Claus. Miss Kalin took a long evening nap with Auntie Net, and she woke up just before we got home.

Christmas Day was a whirlwind with opening presents and breakfast, snow-going and then Christmas dinner. Kiley was in hog heaven (of course) and absolutely reveled in opening all her presents and the attention she got. I am guessing her favorrite present is the Leapster (if you have a four year old, this is a great investment!) and her new clothe, and of course all her new Lippa. Kalin was a bit overwhelmed, but she did ok. She got some great new toys, and was loving her new doll and rocking chair. Luckily Camryn came over when she was done opening her presents at her house and helped Kalin finish up opening her presents.

As a family we would like to say a very big thank you to all our friends and family for thinking of us and giving us many wonderful gifts. One very special thank you to GB and Papa Paul for our new dining set, it looks f-a-b-u-l-o-u-s in our new kitchen!

And speaking of our friends and family- many of you have made comments about how you love to read our blog..... yet I only have three followers. ?? What is up with that? Please get a Google account and start leaving me some comments for crying out loud! It really isn't that hard, you can do it! Make it one of your New Year's resolutions!

Bath and Bubbles!

I'm a Guitar Hero!

Our 125 lb Regional Wrestling Champion!

Championship match against Chevak opponent

125 lb Regional Champ!

After the tourney was over and Kiley was watching Kung Fu Panda, the entire weekend wore him out.....

He did it! Matthew is now western Alaska's 2008 125 lb Regional Champion! Wooohooo!

Each match was nerve wracking for Jon and I, but Matthew seemed confident during each one. His dominance was evident as he pinned every opponent. We are so proud of him and this accomplishment.

The Clouses are off to the State Championships next week in Anchorage, where we hope for the best!

Happy 35th Anniversary!

They were totally surprised, and didn't have a clue about the party!

It was the surprise party of the season! We decided since Max, Jeanette and myself would all be in town that we would throw a surprise party in honor of our parents 35th Wedding anniversary.

Boy did we! They had NO clue we were surprising them! We invited some of their good friends and had a very nice evening full of laughter and good conversation, what my parents love most of all.

Happy 35th Mom and Dad!

Turkey Day at the Clouses

Jeanette and Shawn

Max and Matthew

Kiley, Dad and Mom

Triptofan kicked in right away!
More triptofan....

We had a great Thanksgiving here in Dillingham! My sister came home from Anchorage and brought her boyfriend Shawn. We ate until we couldn't eat anymore. Turkey, stuffing, shrimp cocktail.... all my favorites. Plus Jon added a new dish of sweet potatoes and they turned out pretty good! We all have so much to be thankful for, and it was so special to share all our blessings through the year.Kiley decided that Pumpkin Pie is now her favorite pie (which she has never had before!).
We also used the weekend to surprise my parents for their 35th wedding anniversary- Jon said our vacation was a non stop party and he was so right. We had so much going on all weekend long- it flew by! I think I was more tired on Monday than on the Wednesday before Turkey Day.

Wolverine Classic 2008

Although Matthew was sick with the flu the Thursday before the Wolverine Classic, he still had an awesome weekend. His record at the end was 4-0. Before the flu he was overweight, after an easy 125. Before we know it wrestling regions will be here!