A Hard 24 Hours

Some of you may know that Nate is a foreman for a landscaping company here in the cities. Every December he gets laid off until mid - April. Last year he stayed home and collected unemployment. It was really hard to keep him busy during those months. Nate always has to be doing something. Well, this winter he has the opportunity to make some good money. The problem is that he has to be in Dallas, Texas to make this money. Yesterday he left for Texas. I cried of course. (He will be home by April 1st.) He will be working 6 days a week driving a dump truck for a company based in his home town of Mora. Living in a townhouse with 6 other guys from MN and sleeping on a twin size mattress. That doesn't sound like too much fun.

I am so thankful for my neighbor Diane. She has really helped me and has been there for me while I cried to her on the phone. (I also want to say that Kristin and Mike too. They also got the privilege of listening to me cry.) The good thing is that Diane told me that Nate will only be gone for 12 Grey's Anatomy episodes. That sounds a lot better than 90 days.

A Very Merry Christmas

Wow - I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. Now I am just waiting to bring in the new year. Nate (I am dropping the nick names for 2007) and I spent a few days in Mora to celerate Christmas with his family. Like usual we looked to Hailey for our main entertainment. She was really good at opening everyone's presents. Christmas Eve we made our way back to the cities to celebrate Christmas with my dad and sister. Christmas Day we met my dad, aunt and uncle at Mystic Lake Casino for their Christmas brunch. The good thing is that Nate and I played our favorite nickel machine and won a total of $60.

A New Addition

Yesterday was a big day in MotoRider's family. The newest member of his family was born. Monday Mandi (MotoRider's sister) was induced and MotoRider and I made the trip to Mora to welcome the newest member of the family. Mel, MotoRider, and I waited outside the room while Darren made his arrival. It was pretty intense because MotoRider and I were on the baby board for Darren to arrive on Tuesday, Dec. 19 or his cousins for Monday, Dec. 18th. It was 11:45 pm when they called the doctor and Mandi was progressing very quickly. The good news is that Darren waited until 12:26 am to arrive. It was so neat to hear him cry for the first time and be able to hold him right away. Here are some pictures.This is MotoRider and Darren about 40 minutes after he was born. He is adorable.

This is Darren and I later in the day after a few hours of sleep. We are excited to get to know him.

Last Weekend

I apologize that it has been over a week since my last post. I have been meaning to sit down and write this post. Last weekend MotoRider and I went to our neighbors 1st birthday. We had a great time. Here are some pictures for you to look at.

Here is a picture after the first fist full of cake. Good thing FavoriteNeighbor bought a special cake for Hailey. A few minutes after this picture was taken Hailey got it all over her face and in her eyes. Sorry I don't have any pictures of that, but I had to help mom clean it off her face. Hailey wasn't too happy that it was in her eyes.

MotoRider enjoyed teasing Hailey before she opened all her new toys. She also enjoys coming to our house to play. I can't wait until she can ask her mom if she can come over to the cool neighbors house. I am hoping she will ask this summer.

All By Myself!

I did it all by myself! That is right - I made a turkey dinner. Sunday afternoon my sister, dad, and Randy came over to our house and had a turkey dinner. I found the easiest way to make a turkey from Motoriders mom. All I did was clean and put the turkey in an oven bag and cooked it in the oven for 3 hours. That is it and the turkey was perfect. I was so proud of myself. We also had mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean cassorole (my dad made), and bread.

I do have to mention the negative event from my dinner. I made my favorite pie that my grandma use to make. Anyway - I have made the pie in the past. (No problems than.) Let's just say that the pie was more like a soup that had to be served in a bowl. It tasted the same, but just would not hold it's shape. I was so frustrated. I even put it outside for 2 hours to see if it would freeze. Nope - that didn't work.

So my dinner was a success. I am official now!