Halloween

The children have to endure a lot to get the candy at the Jordan household on Halloween. Most of them know this, and are prepared. Some run away screaming and crying. Here are pics of the indoors. Keep in mind, it is dark (black-lit), there is a strobe light flashing at you, and the creatures move, light up and talk.





I will post photos of the outside later.

Duke

The Carolina Jordan's lost a family member on Thursday, October 2, 2008. We had to put Duke to sleep, after a long battle with a Mast cell cancer. He was diagnosed with this in February of 2008. We adopted Duke in March of 2001 and brought him home before the NCAA final four tournament of that year. He had a long list of accomplishments, including eating half of a berry torte that Egla made that weekend for Danielle's confirmation party. In Chicago, he dragged Nicholas 20 feet. Duke loved to go for walks in the Dan Ryan preserve, just north of Beverly. He has tried to walk away with an entire turkey carcass, in Chapel Hill. Duke could find chocolate no matter where it was hidden. Chocolate was probably his favorite food, along with deer poop. He once ate 2 pounds of Hersy's kisses, with the wrappers, no problem. As you can tell, his favorite activity was eating. He taught us to be very neat as far as food was concerned. We could leave nothing out. In Chapel Hill, there were only 2 safe places, behind the sink and on top of the fridge. He also was a very affectionate dog, and loved and protected Danielle, Nick and Kyle. If any of us were wrestling, he would 'attack' me. His next favorite activity was sleeping.

Here is Duke doing just that in the kitchen in Chicago. Oddly enough as a Labrador retriever, he really didn't like water. He hated walking in the rain and would feign sleep or just hide if it was time for a walk, when it was raining. On the last day of his life, Egla, Nick, Kyle and even Danielle, from Lima on videochat, were able to say goodbye to him. I took him for a walk on the easement-his favorite walk-uncharacteristically let him eat deer poop and then took him to the Vet. They were very supportive, kind and considerate. He was peaceful and, I think, ready. We will spread his ashes on the easement, near the waterfall. Oh, and for those of who did not catch the NCAA weekend tie-in and his greatest achievement, good luck. He was already named Duke, when we adopted him just before Duke won the NCAA championship.

Duke, AKA-Dukous, Wookie, Sir Barf-a-lot
March 11, 1999-October 2, 2008
Rest In Peace

Darrell Rehabbing In Vail

For those of you out there who check this blog, but don't post or comment, and are not getting emails from Nancy.

Peruuuu

Hey all it's been a little over a month that I've been in Peru and I thought you all might want an update. My classes started two weeks ago and I'm taking photography and history along with two program courses spanish and peruvian social reality. I'm catching onto the language slowly but surely, learning most of it through my host sister and her friends. Living with my host family has been a little rough, definitely feeling the culture shock, but I'm hanging in there. I am making very good american friends though. We went to Cuzco together and Macchu Pichu the first week and since then have just been living in Lima. The climate is really boring because it's cloudy every day. These pictures are from a llama farm, the sacred valley around Cuzco, Cuzco at night and Larco Mar (a mall on the ocean in Lima). I definitely stand out here because I'm super tall and white. Also, everyone here dresses like they're in the 80's, with leg warmers and converse sneakers. It's kind of hilarious. I can't upload my pictures because I forgot my camera cord but I've been able to download other people's photos. I've seen my family here sporadically. I wish I could see them more but they live super far away and I'm fairly busy as it takes me an hour to get to school, by bus. Anyways, hope you all are doing well and I'll be in touch. Chau!!

Gotta Love Jordan Photos

Some precious photos from our outing at Lake Carroll.

Check Out This House!!

Here is the new color of the Carolina Jordan's house.

Miss Lexi

Hi there,

I'm beginning to think I'm the only one who checks this thing and/or blogs! ;o)

Last Wednesday Mom, Jamie & I drove out to Ryan & Amanda's to meet Lexi. If you're like me, you've been wanting to see new photos. These are not the best quality since taken from my cell phone but she's still a cutie!!

Have a great weekend!!

Sarah

Bored at work...zzzz.....

Trying to pass time at work. Everyone is out due to the 4th of July!

Who am I?
What is your full name as it appears on you birth certificate: Sarah Marie Vonhoff
What do you like to be called: Sarah
What are your nicknames: Sar, Sissy, Sis, Vonnie
What is your alias? (Middle name, street you grew up on): Marie Fordham
What's your stripper/drag queen name? (Name of first pet, mother's maiden name): Kitty Jordan
Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake: 30!!!
Date you were born: 1/16/1978
Parent's names: Nancy & Dave
Birthplace: Aurora, IL
Hometown: Aurora, IL
Current Residence: will be North Aurora
Height: 5'7"
Eye color: sometimes blue other times green
Hair color: dark brown
Piercings: 4 - my ears are double pierced
Tattoos: 1
What's your most attractive feature: eyes
Pets: none
Are you an inside or outdoors person? both
Do you have children? nope
What Laundry detergent do you use? Tide
What color is your underwear: blue
Color of socks: too warm for socks
What color is your bedroom's carpet: beige
What color is your bedroom: will be a beige/pink
What color is your bathroom: pale pink

When Was The Last Time You:
Took a shower: This AM
Danced: This AM getting ready
Received flowers and from whom: A week ago from my boss and boss's boss for my new place
Watched Bambi: Years ago
Cried: A week ago
Got a real letter: Hmm..no clue
Gave to charity: A few months ago
What did you have for breakfast? Pkg of cheese crackers w/ peanut butter
What was the last book you read: Reading "Million Little Pieces" - I know I'm years behind the trend of it
What was the last CD you bought: CD - long time ago - it all goes thru iTunes now
What was the last movie you saw: Sex & the City
What will be the next CD you buy: probably no time soon
Do you play the lottery: occasional scratch offs
Ever win? $4!!
From whom did you get your last e-mail? co-worker
Last person you went to dinner with? Out to dinner with Mom & Jack on Saturday - La Cabana
What are you listening to right now? Michael Buble
Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? Closed on my townhouse on Friday! Hopefully moving in by next weekend.

What is Your Favorite:
Flavor: Strawberry
Breakfast cereal: Special K w/ Red Berries
Candy: Red Swedish Fish
Salad Dressing: Ranch
Food: Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Breakfast Food: Bagels
Pie: Strawberry Rhubarb
Lunch: Soup
Alcoholic beverage: Miller Lite
Your favorite potato chip? Sun Chips Garden Salsa
Favorite sandwich? Turkey
Ice cream: Cookies and cream
Soda: Diet Coke
Restaurant: The Melting Pot
Fast Food Restaurant: McDonald's
Toothpaste: Colgate
Deodorant: I switch once one stops working
Shampoo or conditioner: Rotate between Redken and Pantene
Perfume/cologne: Body spray - Warm Vanilla Sugar
Shoes: Flip flops
Accessory: any bracelet
Color: pink
Number: 16
Holiday: Christmas - Nothing like Xmas w/ the Jordans!
Day of the week: Friday!!!
Favorite time of day? 5PM - outta work!
Flower: Sunflowers
Christmas Carol: Baby it's Cold Outside
TV show: Grey's Anatomy
Magazine: US Weekly
Sesame Street Character: Elmo
Favorite sport to watch on TV: Da Bears
Sports team: Cubs and DA Bears

Which Is Better:
Hot tubs or pools: Pools. Hot tubs are dirty
Diamonds or pearls? Diamonds are a girl's best friend!
TV or radio: Radio
Short or tall: Tall
Toilet paper over or underhand: Over
Coke or Pepsi: Diet coke
Sprite or 7 Up: 7 up
Coffee or Coffee Ice Cream: Neither
Creamy or crunchy peanut butter: Creamy
Croutons or Bacon Bits: Neither
What's the right way to eat a Reese's: in 2 bites
Does cheese go on the bumpy or flat side of the Ritz: flat
White or brown bread: White
Beavers or ducks? Ducks?
Beatles or Elvis: Beatles
Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night owl
Disney or Warner Brothers: Disney
Pedicure or manicure? Both!
Are you a dog or a cat person: Both!
Razor, cream, or wax: Razor
Plane, train, or automobile: Plane
Car or SUV: Car
Lake, Ocean or River: Ocean
2 doors or 4 (on a car): 4
Childhood Blanket or Stuffed Animal: Don't still have it but do sleep with a teddy bear nightly
One pillow or two: 2
Which came first; the chicken or the egg? Egg


Have You Ever...
What was the name of your first best friend: Annie next door growing up
What was the name of your summer camp: First Prest church camp
Do you remember the camp song: Yikes no. But do remember "Awesome God"
Been toilet-papering: Yep
Been Ding-dong-ditching: Yep
Been toilet-papered: Yep
What was your first job: A clerk at Carson Pirie Scott
How many times did you fail your permit or driver's test: 0
Have you ever gone skinny dipping: yep
Lied: Yes
Paid for it: Oh yes, always got caught.
Cheated on a test: Yes, it's happened
Broken the law: Yes but don't tell my brother
Ever ridden in a police car: a few times
been arrested: no, seem to weasel my way out of it
been convicted of a crime: no
Ever ridden in an ambulance: no
When was your last hospital visit: 2 years ago for my ankle
Ever broken a bone: yes, my ankle in 2 spots. now it's back together w/ a plate and 7 screws

I'll be a homeowner FRIDAY!!

Hi all!!

Yes, it's time to move out from living with Mom. It's really not been too bad however it's completely time for me to move on and actually live on my own and ALONE for once....kinda scary to be honest. I'll be closing on my townhouse in North Aurora this Friday. For those of you familiar with Turner's in Aurora, I'm just North of there across the tollway off Mitchell Road. New address will be 37 Johnson Court, North Aurora 60542!! ;o) Feel free to visit at anytime and now that I'm closer than Hainesville, I hope you can all come see me!!

Hope all is well!

Go Cubs!!

Sarah

Our Newest Family Member

I wanted to introduce the newest member of the family to everyone. Lexi Grace joined us Saturday June 14, 2008 at 8:00. She weighed 7 lbs 13 oz and is 20 inches long. She is simply beautiful.

I was able to speak with Lexi yesterday and learned some of her hopes and desires in life. I'm always amazed at how advanced the youth of today is.

Lexi intends to make the high honor role throughout her high school career, graduating first in her class, all while being lead choreographer for the school drill team. Lexi believes the true talent lays within the dance team and not simply shouting cheers into the crowd. After high school she will attend Duke University. I have to be honest here, she was undecided early in our conversation whether it should be Duke or Harvard but after talking to me she was sold. Duke it is! She believes in a good strong work ethic and feels that her one down fall is that she places to much pressure on herself to succeed. After graduating from Duke with her doctorate in medicine, architecture and business she hopes to design a new hospital facility centered around the maternity wing and improved methods of child birth.

I guess when you're only hours old there really isn't much of a base to pull from related to the needs of the world. I do applaud her intent though.

Lexi wanted me to appologize but she had to cut the conversation short. Nursing and a diaper change was desperately needed as well as a long nap. It's exhausting making you're way through the birthing canal. She did want me to let everyone know that she looks forward to meeting each of you.

Here is a picture of Richard & Bill with DJ and their good friends, Fred and Jim. Their combined age is 385 years. Bill is 88 and Jim (far right) is 92. May we all look so good at that age! Since Richard has told them all about you, I thought you might want to see them.

Greetings from your Uncle Richard!

Just returned from a visit with Richard and Bill. They said to "tell everyone we love them!" Richard found a little rug hooking kit in Darrell's closet--10 feet by 8 feet. It is The Last Supper. An incredible undertaking!

Vikings expect success

Pitcher Chris Jordan is just one reason for the Vikings' success.
(Donnell Collins/For the Beacon News)

Geneva puts together best four-year stretch in school history
May 23, 2008BY PAUL JOHNSON -- SPECIAL TO THE BEACON NEWS


When Matt Hahn finally got his first chance to be a head baseball coach at Geneva in 2005, he came in with a clear message.

"My first goal when I became the head coach (after serving as an assistant under Gary Spratt) was that the whole attitude needed to change," Hahn said. "Guys were like, 'If we win, great. If we lose, it's no big deal because after the game we're going to go do something.' Guys up and down the program have bought in that just being out there isn't good enough."
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Geneva baseball

Hahn's vision has played out in the best four-year stretch in the history of the program. His Vikings won 21 games in his first year, reached a regional title game his second year and then posted the best season in school history last year.

The Vikings tied the school record with 24 wins, winning a Western Sun Conference title and a regional title for the first time.

Today at 10 a.m. against Bartlett, an 8-3 winner over Glenbard West Thursday, Geneva hosts its first regional championship game as the No. 4 seed, the most respect a Vikings team has ever received.

"We talk about what our program goals are (win conference, win 20 games and win a regional title), and that has become the expectation," Hahn said. "We have guys when we lose, it sits with them, it eats at them, the same way it eats at me. I think that's been the biggest change in the program, that we now expect to win."

Senior ace Chris Jordan, who won Geneva's regional semifinal game against Streamwood Wednesday, has been on the varsity team for three years and has seen first-hand what Hahn's influence has brought to the program.

"It's been great," Jordan said. "It's been a lot different. When I was a freshman, those seniors had a lot of talent but they didn't really play as a team. Coach has stressed playing as a team out here and I think that helps a lot."

In order to continue Geneva's rise to respectability, the Vikings will need to win Saturday and make a run at sectionals for the first time ever.

The first step in that direction comes this morning as No. 2 starter Rodney Nelson takes the hill against a solid Bartlett club from the strong Upstate Eight Conference.

Geneva is basically hoping to avoid the fate it has suffered the past two years. The Vikings were knocked out by the eventual state champions, Naperville Central and Neuqua Valley, the past two years.

"I'll bet we're the only team in the state that got knocked out by the eventual state champion the last two years," Hahn said. "It's a good feeling (to be in the regional finals for the third straight season), but we know that we won't be satisfied unless we win Saturday."

Nick's Birthday

And here is Nick on his birthday.

Kyle's Birthday

While I am at it, here is a photo from Kyle's birthday.

OK, so the photo didn't upload-let's try this again.

Kyle's Confirmation

Here is photo of Kyle's confirmation class with Pastor Jill. She tells us that this class was one of the closest knit classes ever and it sure seems so since Kyle always wants to go to church to hang out with his buddies. Photos of the luncheon are forthcoming.

Sour Cream Anyone?

Some of the aunts (I won't name names) thought it would be funny if Brenna and Alissa "pied" chris in the face. Well... since we didn't have any pie, but we had a BUNCH of sour cream left over, the aunts decided it would be a great idea if they used some sour cream on a plate instead of a whipped cream pie! So of course the little girls got it ready and got Chris really good in the face! haha, it was pretty funny, and Chris was kinda pissed, I'm pretty sure he got over it though. His graduation party was a huge success, the food was great; they had mexican catered and we had fajitas and tacos that were sooo good! It was really good to see the family especially the Trudos! Aunt Nancy also discovered that one of her ears was lower than the other! It was a great day with great food and great people! =)


I hope everyone is doing good! bye!

Our Trip Home

Words cannot express our gratitude to the Jordan and Trudo families for the hospitality shown Linda and I while visiting last week. The beverages were cold and quite tasty and the food would have been the envy of France's finest chefs. However, the "Little Traveler" shown above must of had a little too much excitement. She truly slept the day away, well at least six and a half hours of our 13 hour drive home, only waking to mutter the all too familiar phrase " we need to stop at the next rest area". The balance of the time was spent demanding our remaining half of banana, additional bulls eyes, or another bag of Combo's. It was truly an experience to remember, thank God for satellite radio.





Thank you for allowing us to impose.

Amanda's Baby Shower

Amanda's shower was Saturday night. Stephanie did a FABULOUS job of planning it all and putting on yet another successful shower! We chowed on salads and drank wine and sangria, which was a huge hit.

Amanda got some great gifts and Baby Morse will be right around the corner real soon!

During gifts, we played guess what kind of chocolate has been melted like poop in the baby diapers....check out the pictures from that. It definitely made some laughs and also some gags amongst some of the participants as it all looked real, not to mention the nice warmth of it!!

A NEW PUPPY!!

Hey everyone, just thought I would update you all since not all of you were at our house for Easter!
We did get a new puppy!! We got him on Saturday and are not quite sure of his name, but I am pretty sure it will be/they are calling him Emitt!! ... could be because the Haeseli's are all die-hard Cowboys fans.. haha who know's, we all seem to like the name a lot though!
We got him at Petco during their adoption days, so hes not techincally from petco, the shelter just brought him there. He was actually in a liter of five that was just dropped off at the shelter. We did meet one of his sisters, she was cute, but not as cute as him! My mom was hoping for a female dog that didn't shed, and that was a little smaller than Kellogg (may she rest in peace)... and we got the complete opposite! buttttt, he is SO cute!! He is super energetic, but not crazy, and he has a very calm, relaxed side to him. He is part german shepherd and part golden retriever !! He also likes to pee a lot, apparently Brenna told me he's getting better, which is good because he likes to pee in the dinning room :-/
Sorry if I sound overexcited, I was only with him for two days so I'm definitely missing him!
Anyways, that is about it for now, I have been swamped with studying because I have a test every week for the next three weeks, then I get to relax because it is time for Veishea!! which is a festival of all the different schools during the week, then concerts friday and saturday night along with $2 AYCE pancakes which are amazing!! Then after veishea it's two weeks till dead week then finals week then I'm home!
I hope everyone is doing okay! It was good to see some of you on Easter!
Loove!

Congrats Ryan & Amanda!!!

For all of them you can look here:

http://www.kodakgallery.com/I.jsp?c=c5wi196h.1gxhw8dp&x=0&y=-2nwqnc

Christmas Photos

Ok, it's taken me awhile to upload some photos, but here some are. We had a GREAT TIME. Thank you to Lou and Linda for putting up with us, and to everyone, for putting up with the kids-with their "bowling" and all the sleep-overs. It's nice to have the cousins get to reknow each other.