I really have to get out of the "posting twice a year" mindset. How do I constantly forget about our blog? Ok... to update.

Jordyn finished her first year of preschool in June. She made amazing strides in her learning, and we are beyond proud. She wanted to start Kindergarten the very next day, so it was hard explaining what summer vacation meant. She will be starting school on September 7th and I just can't believe it. Last night she laid in bed with us for a bit asking about getting married, and why girls change their last names. As she began asking about who she'll marry someday and then promising she'd never get married, I found myself looking away with tears in my eyes. My baby will not be my baby forever and that is so heartbreaking to a mother. "Being a mother is deciding to forever have your heart go around walking outside of your body."

Today Derrick and I are celebrating 2 years of marriage. We have seen some ups and downs, but I feel like we are in a really great place right now and I am so thankful for that. I had recently lost my way, and didn't know where I was going. I took a step back at life and realized that the only place I ever want to be is with my husband and daughter... together. They are my heart, and my life. This man that I married has been one of the only men in my life to truly love me for everything I am, and everything I am not. He takes care of me, and has given me a life I never thought I would (or could) have. He has given me the most beautiful daughter, a gift that no one else could. I would be lost without him...

Our puppy Miley is also doing very well. She is almost a year and a half, but still as big of a baby as the day we brought her home. Just like Jordyn, she follows her Daddy around wherever he goes. She loves to be cuddled and played with, and treated just like Jordyn. If the three of us are laying on the couch together, Miley will whine until we let her come up and then she crawls right over the top of us and lays down right on Derrick's lap. It's hilarious but sweet all at the same time. She's amazingly smart, and we are very lucky for that. She has made being a dog owner very easy.

Life in St. Joe is nothing short of fabulous. We have a beautiful family, a great house, jobs we love and are surrounded so many of our family and friends. What more could we ask for? We truly are blessed...

Happy 2010!

Well here we are, one week into 2010. Over the past few weeks I have done much reflecting on the past decade, and all that has come and gone in my life. 10 years ago I was a senior in high school, unsure of what my life was going to look like in 10 years. I remember thinking about what I would look like, and if I would be married and how many children I would have.

Today I feel very blessed with my life and all that I have. I met and married the man of my dreams. I had a beautiful daughter. My husband was hired for his dream job, and we moved away from home. Even though I lost my Grandpa in 2005, I am comforted knowing that he is never out of my heart and thoughts, and still visits me in my dreams once in a while. I just have to remember that there is still so much to do and so much life to live, and I cannot wait to see what the next 10 years hold for us.

This Christmas was the first in 3 years that we were able to go "home" for Christmas Eve. Luckily we made it before the 24 inches of snow fell in Duluth. We made it to Grandma Tawney's house on the 24th, and had such a great time with Derrick's side of the family. The kids ran around and played together while the adults feasted on appetizers and Asti. Perfect night I'd say!

We spent Christmas morning with my parents, and watched Jordyn get spoiled (as usual). Then it was back to Derrick's moms where we opened gifts and had prime rib. Yum! It was such a nice few days and even though it was good to head home, I had really missed our families. Now, we can finally unwind and relax from the holidays.

Well, it's about time to wrap up this post. See you next time!!

Nicole

Where has the time gone?

I have just looked at my blog, and realized that I haven't updated this since February! Here we are, in October already, and looking ahead to 2010. As much as this year has gone by, it's been a great one at that. In June we bought Jordyn a new puppy for her 4th birthday. Our little Kirby just wasn't the dog for our family, so he went back to his mommy and daddy. This time, we have Miley (a border collie/lab mix), and she is here to stay. My husband and I celebrated one year of marriage this August, and the 3 of us celebrated 1 year in our new home this August. We had many visitors over the summer, and will always cherish the good times we had with them. In September we sent Jordyn off to preschool, and tried to brace ourselves for the next 14 years of being in school (well 18 if you count college). She has grown up way too fast, and it breaks my heart. At the same time, I am a very proud mommy because she is so smart and beautiful. What more could you want in a child?

Life is great for the 3 of us, and we couldn't ask for more. We love living in St. Joe, and continue to have happy and healthy lives. Hopefully I can keep this updated, if for no one else but Derrick and I (and Jordyn when she begins reading).

Take care! :)

Nicole

Meet Kirby

I'm sorry I haven't updated the blog in so long. It was a crazy 1st month of 2009. On Saturday, January 31st, we welcomed a new member into our family. We adopted a 12 week old beagle and named him Kirby. Since the 3 of us are big Twins fans, we thought this name was just right.

He is a sweet little boy, very mellow. He is very lovey and gets pretty lonely when left in his kennel overnight. He does very well with it, but whines and whines when I take him out, as if to say "Mama, where have you been, I need some snuggles and kisses!" We are in the process of potty training, oh my! We can't really let him out of our sight, which has been very difficult and tiring.

Other than that, there isn't much activity here in St. Cloud. Jordyn is still in dance, and learning a new one for her show at the end of this month. All of the daddy's have to participate at the end of this dance, so it should be pretty cute.

February is going to be a pretty quiet month for us, and I welcome that. We hope all is well with everyone. Until next time...

Nicole

The Fireman's Wife

I AM
Taken from "The Fireman's Wife" by Susan Farren

I am thank ful. This has not always been an easy walk for me.

I am disappointed. We have missed family gatherings, weddings, dinner engagements, birthday parties, and holidays because of shift schedules and overtime.

I am patient. There have been dinners spent at the firehouse waiting for Daddy to return from a call while the kids get cranky and the food gets cold.

I am nervous. I awake at 3:00 A.M. hearing creaks in the house and don't have the comfort of my husband beside me.

I am tired. The house is full of sick kids and there is no relief in site because Daddy is on a seventy-two-hour shift.

I am jealous. Jealous of all the women whose husbands came home at 5:00 P.M. to have dinner and hold them at the end of their day.

I am worried. I worry that he may not come home one day. This I try to tuck away.

I am content. We have decided to give up my career so I can stay home and raise our children. We no longer have an abundance of money or things. It is the greatest freedom I have ever known.

I am incompetent.There was a time when I considered myself moderately intelligent. I now struggle to remember where I left my car keys, the diaper bag, and, occasionally, the baby.

I am waiting. Knowing the phone may one day ring for me.

I am doubting. Doubting that God hears all my prayers. Doubting I am the kind of wife and mother He needs me to be.

I am trusting. Trusting that my husband will come home again.

I am confident, I am embarrassed, I am lonely, I am surprised, I am overworked, I am underpaid.

I am...The Fireman's Wife.

(Thank you for posting this on your site January, I just had to borrow it!)

Here we come 2009!!

Well here we are... the last day of 2008! As I sit here reflecting on the past year, I can't believe how well it's treated our family:

January- started my new job at the college

February- vacationed in Acapulco with June and Randy

April- Derrick celebrated one year with the Fire Dept.

May- Bridal Shower

June- Jordyn turned 3, and Apple River with the gang

July- Bachelorette Party

August- WEDDING and NEW HOUSE

The list goes on from there. Our family has been blessed by many wonderful things this year, and I'm so glad I'll be able to look back on this year with a smile and tons of memories. Now, looking ahead to 2009, I'm very curious to see what the year has in store for us. Since our calendar isn't too full, it should be a pretty laid back year. I'm hoping that the month of June will come slowly, as my baby will be turning 4! However, I can't wait to start adding things into our new home, and gardening in the Spring.

As we close the chapter on another year, we're so thankful for our friends, family, and all that is good around us. Happy New Year to you and yours!

With love,

The Andersons

All I want for Christmas...

It's hard to believe there are only 6 days until Christmas. I will be finishing up my shopping this weekend, but not looking forward to being out with the crowds (damn last minute shopping!).

As Jordyn was waking up this morning, still half asleep, she asked if Santa had come yet. I had to tell her we have 5 more sleeps still. It's so funny to see how excited she is for Santa to visit our house. She doesn't leave out the reindeer or the elves either. Jordie thinks they are all coming to our house to bring her presents.

Derrick and I are sad that, again this year, we won't be able to make it up north for Christmas. The tradition has always been to head to his Grandma's house on the 24th with the whole family. It's such a great time to eat, drink, and just enjoy eachother's company. This will be our 2nd year missing it, and will have to miss again next year due to Derrick's schedule. :o( Jordyn and I will be driving to Superior on Christmas Day to see my parents, but heading home the very next day. However, we send our love and well wishes to all and hope that you have a wonderful holiday with those that matter most to you.

Merry Christmas from The Andersons