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

Dance Show: Postponed

Well, I guessed it! Jordyn's dance recital was canceled to a later date in January. I knew yesterday morning that a show would be unlikely. Poor little Jordie kept looking out the window saying, "but I want to go to dance today." The picture to the right is her little costume (one of her angel wings is flopped over though, so you can't really see them that well). So, you'll have to stay tuned for a video post next month, once they have the show. We've decided to keep her in dance for another round, because she is loving it so much. Her coach is great, and we are really enjoying Just for Kix studio.

We were thinking of all of you in Duluth yesterday. We had some bad weather, but not as bad as you folks "near the lake." Derrick and I got a ton done for Christmas though, and I decided today would be a better day for the grocery store versus venturing out yesterday.

Anyway, that's about it for today. I'm looking forward to one last long week, before I get a few short ones coming up. 10 days 'til Christmas...

Love, Nicole

Winter in Minnesota...

I opened up the Duluth News Tribune online this morning to see 17 inches of snow predicted up north... good ol' Minnesota! It's still pretty dark outside as I'm typing this morning, but as I find a street light across the street, I can see that the snow is whipping pretty good here.

The only thing I'm worried about at this point is Jordyn's dance show tonight. Of course, it's her first (ever) dance recital, and why wouldn't we get a blizzard right? We've pumped her up for the show, had rehearsal yesterday, and now I fear that it will be canceled. The good news in that, though, is that they will reschedule it for January if it doesn't work out tonight. Good thing I waited until today to go to the grocery store right? Sometimes I amaze myself!

Well, I think I better end this post for today. It's time to make Derrick and Jordyn some breakfast, and then venture out into Sartell to try and find Coborns grocery store (if it's not buried by now). Happy Sunday to you all... 11 more days until Christmas!

Love, Nicole

13 days 'til Christmas... 12 for us!

We are on the countdown to Christmas! Almost all of the shopping is complete, and presents are being wrapped. June and Randy (Derrick's mom and stepdad) have decided to join us in our new home for Christmas this year, so we're pretty excited to have them. Derrick has to work on Christmas Day, so we will be celebrating on the 24th. We'll be doing everything the same as a normal Christmas, only a day early.

The picture above is Jordyn looking up at our Christmas tree. She is completely in love with that tree, and insists on having it lit the minute she wakes up in the morning. Derrick and I have been catching her getting out of bed at night to turn the lights on (we have the tree plugged into an outlet that is controlled by a light switch, so she thinks it's pretty neat that she can do it on her own). We have also made one of those "countdown rings" out of construction paper, so she knows how many days are left until she gets to open her presents. I decided to have her make this after her asking 100 times a day, "When is Santa coming so I can open my presents mommy?" However, I now realize that it probably wasn't such a good idea to wrap presents with Dora paper, and place them under the tree. That's just torture to a 3 year old!

Jordyn's very first dance recital will be held this Sunday. She has been taking classes for 8 weeks now, and loves it so very much. I will post the video once we have it uploaded. Watching eight- 3 & 4 year old little girls dance around in angel costumes is the cutest darn thing I have ever seen!

On that note... Happy Friday!

Welcome to our new blog!

Welcome to the new blog for Derrick, Nicole, and Jordyn Anderson. I'm truly not sure what compelled me to start a blog, but I feel like since we're far away from family, it will be a fun way to keep everyone updated as to what's going on in our lives. Plus, with Jordyn growing up so fast, and doing so many amazing things everyday, this will be a way to be involved in her life as well.

So, we hope you enjoy reading up on what's happening with us, as much as we'll enjoy updating you. Be on the lookout for more to come...

-Nicole