Cold!

Dan and I picked up our new furniture on Friday that he got me for Christmas and we brought it out to the lake. It was soooo cold outside, we both vowed never to move anything out to the lake in the winter again! But, after we moved the other furniture to the basement and the new ones inside it was worth it. On Saturday we tried out our snowshoes for the first time and hiked along the dam through the fresh snow. Beautiful! Too bad I forgot my camera to capture the scenery.

Picture of the new loveseat, chair and some of my Christmas decorations.
Finally, we have furniture in the basement!

I'm now off of work until January 5th, so I'm enjoying time at home getting some projects done that never seem to get accomplished during the work week. Then we are off to my aunt and uncle's in Apple Valley on Christmas Eve to celebrate with the extended family on my side. We are at my parents on Christmas and then we might spend some time at the lake next weekend. Dan's parents haven't moved yet, but hopefully that will happen sometime this week too.

Dan has a big decision to make at work that has to happen by January 5th. Best Buy is offering voluntary separation to their corporate employees, which means Dan could leave mid-February and get paid until next Thanksgiving. If he finds another job during that time he'd still get the pay from Best Buy and from his new job, so we think he might take the deal. We will be praying he finds a job quickly!

If I don't get back on here before Thursday, Merry Christmas everyone!

Momentum - Feed My Starving Children

Last night we went to Feed My Starving Children in Chaska to package meals to send to countries in need so that people have a one cup serving of food each day. This organization is completely volunteer led, and it was a great opportunity to be apart of it. Our group, along with another hockey team that was there at the same time, packaged enough food to feed 22 children for one year!

our group from Cross of Glory

thanks Nate for organizing everything!

Driving on ice

I thought you all would enjoy watching this video from my boss about how they drive in Portland on ice and snow - make sure your sound is on, the music is great!

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-164378

5th Annual Momentum Christmas Party

On Friday we had our Momentum Christmas Party at church and had a great time. A lot of new people came which was great to see, and Pastor Jon and Connie stopped by for a little while as well. We had a yummy potluck, played some games and then the traditional white elephant gift exchange. Thanks Sandi, Linnea and Erin for all your help!

Scott must have been surprised
Megan and Kara with baby AlyceShawn, Todd and Ellie

The pile of gifts before the game

Krista and Laura

Tom and Dan

Christina got a computer monitor!

Betsy got a picture of Jesus!

The Jesus picture was donated (or left) to the youth roomTom received some old socks, but a Caribou card too

Our small group and Todd hanging out as people left

It was a great time - thanks to everyone for coming!

Warmer times...

I found some old pictures from this summer on my camera that I hadn't posted yet. So, on this blustery cold day I thought I'd bring back some warmer memories! Thanks to everyone who was able to come out and celebrate my birthday at this lake this summer!

Jon and kids

Hi Dan

Dan holding Avalon

What did she pee on you?

Brent and friends on the patio

Hi Amber

sisters

old picture

My grandpa used to have a plane when we were kids and my sister and I would ride with him every once in awhile from the Willmar airport and fly back over Kerkhoven to see the tiny houses. One memory I had was my mom standing outside one time hanging clothes out to dry on the clothesline and waved at us.

I'm the one peaking out the door and my sister is the blonde one in the window. Don't you love the long bangs!

3 birthdays, Thanksgiving and Christmas

We celebrated Dan's birthday, Paul III's birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Roger's birthday this week. I am partied out! We had a great time in Mankato and then house hunting this weekend in the cities. Black Friday was an adventure getting up early to get some deals, but we are glad we did it! I'll get up early one day a year to save money. Here are some pictures from the week

Watching Veggie Tales
Paul III wearing some glasses

Paul III as Eeyore

entertaining Jacob while the car is being packed

Jacob really loves his picture being taken (actually he just wants to play with the camera)

Jacob getting some hairs trimmedSpringer family picture

Dan's parents

Nice puppy

Fun times with the puppy

I love the puppy

Us

It is always so much fun to get together as a family. Good food and great company!

Family pictures and Dan's birthday

On Saturday we went to my sisters house to take family pictures and then celebrate Dan's birthday. No, it wasn't at Dan's request that we spend the day taking pictures, but he, Brent and my dad were very nice to endure it with us. Then we did have a great meal at Ambers and Dan opened some great presents. He was so happy to get a drill set for the lake and a running jacket. He said he was in the mood to build something.

Here is a picture of us waiting for the formal pictures at the mall, Dan was done taking pictures, so we had to take this one at an angle near the fireplace that we wanted to be in front of!

Amber and Brents dog Bella. She was very good, and enjoying her bone.

Us on the way to get the pictures taken, someone really needs to get a 6-seat vehicle!

We had a great time and the pictures turned out great! Thanks mom and dad for the photo shoot!