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Sunday, July 29, 2012
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
The First Two Years
Two weeks ago marked our two year anniversary. In some ways, it seems like it has been a lot longer, but since we can still remember some of our wedding party dance, it seems just like yesterday.
This year's anniversary was definitely low-key compared to last year's kayaking adventure to a sunken island off the coast of Hawaii. It was nice to just be at home for the evening and relax together. We checked out Sweet Home Alabama (a classic movie we love) from library; Matt made his famous Chicken Parmesan; and we defrosted and ate the cake from our wedding day. Obviously, we hadn't gotten around to doing the whole cake thing yet, and I had been threatening to throw it out ever since our wedding day, but never quite got around to it. All that being said, it still tasted good despite it's age. We even invited the boys downstairs up to help us eat it, and within a few days it was gone.
Our wedding day will always be a precious, sweet memory, but we try not to dwell on it too much, since a wedding is one day of your life, while marriage is for lifetime. I am so thankful to have Matt as my husband and best friend. He leads our marriage with wisdom, patience, and humility for the purpose of glorifying God in all that we do. He challenges me when I'm being unreasonable and other times, I feel like we're 17 again, young and in love.
As I look back to where we've been over the years and where we're going, I know there will be a lot of laughs, tears, adventures, and challenges along the way, as we continue to love and grow old together by God's grace for His glory.
This year's anniversary was definitely low-key compared to last year's kayaking adventure to a sunken island off the coast of Hawaii. It was nice to just be at home for the evening and relax together. We checked out Sweet Home Alabama (a classic movie we love) from library; Matt made his famous Chicken Parmesan; and we defrosted and ate the cake from our wedding day. Obviously, we hadn't gotten around to doing the whole cake thing yet, and I had been threatening to throw it out ever since our wedding day, but never quite got around to it. All that being said, it still tasted good despite it's age. We even invited the boys downstairs up to help us eat it, and within a few days it was gone.
Our wedding day will always be a precious, sweet memory, but we try not to dwell on it too much, since a wedding is one day of your life, while marriage is for lifetime. I am so thankful to have Matt as my husband and best friend. He leads our marriage with wisdom, patience, and humility for the purpose of glorifying God in all that we do. He challenges me when I'm being unreasonable and other times, I feel like we're 17 again, young and in love.
As I look back to where we've been over the years and where we're going, I know there will be a lot of laughs, tears, adventures, and challenges along the way, as we continue to love and grow old together by God's grace for His glory.
Monday, March 19, 2012
Birkebeiner in Review
It's hard to believe that it has only been three weeks since we did the Birkebeiner, especially with the recent spring summer weather. Although we didn't have much of a winter this year in Minnesota, Matt and I still spent our weekends enjoying Wisconsin's winter. Due to the lack of real snow here, we drove to and from Hayward every weekend leading up to the big day!
We woke up at 4:30 a.m. on race day to catch the 6:00 a.m. bus from the hotel to get to the starting line, despite our wave not leaving until after 9:00 a.m. It was such a beautiful day! Light snow fell at the start line, but the sun came out and the 20-30* temperatures were ideal. Papa did an awesome job waxing my skis, and they worked great the entire day. The whole Birkie experience is like no other that it's hard to try to describe it in words. I will say that hearing the drums and cheering spectators up huge hills, loud music and dancing, and the true Wisconsin charm of the partygoers on the lake offering beer and high fives to every skier that passes by are just some of the things you get to experience while participating in the 54K race. The Birkie is a true thrill, and we loved every minute of it (yes, even the hills)! It was so very special to do this with my grandpa, and we look forward to doing it again next year!
Registration opens April 15 for Birkie 2013 if anyone is interested!
During training time, I turned the big 2-5 and tried to avoid a mid-life crisis meltdown by focusing attention elsewhere - to the Birkie. Unfortunately, the crisis wasn't completely avoided when I thought I saw my first gray hair in the mirror one night. After proceeding to call my dear husband to check it out and give a verdict, Matt reassured me that it wasn't what I thought. Whew! But, I'm still not completely convinced yet. :)
We woke up at 4:30 a.m. on race day to catch the 6:00 a.m. bus from the hotel to get to the starting line, despite our wave not leaving until after 9:00 a.m. It was such a beautiful day! Light snow fell at the start line, but the sun came out and the 20-30* temperatures were ideal. Papa did an awesome job waxing my skis, and they worked great the entire day. The whole Birkie experience is like no other that it's hard to try to describe it in words. I will say that hearing the drums and cheering spectators up huge hills, loud music and dancing, and the true Wisconsin charm of the partygoers on the lake offering beer and high fives to every skier that passes by are just some of the things you get to experience while participating in the 54K race. The Birkie is a true thrill, and we loved every minute of it (yes, even the hills)! It was so very special to do this with my grandpa, and we look forward to doing it again next year!
Before
Halfway Point
After the Finish
Notice anything on both sides of us?
We'll be back again next year!
Registration opens April 15 for Birkie 2013 if anyone is interested!
Monday, January 23, 2012
Winter Evening Reads
For as long as I can remember, I've always loved to read. I'm the kind of girl who has trouble putting books down. Matt also enjoys reading and although he prefers different kinds of books (i.e. finance-related), it is something we can enjoy together. So this year, we are bound and determined to read more than we have been in the past. We love visiting the local library and spending quiet, winter evenings reading together. It's very calming and a good way to minimize stress in our lives.
If you are looking for something to do this winter or an alternative to watching television, start making your 2012 reading list. This truly is a great family activity, and there is something for everyone depending on interest and age level. You can even check out ebooks if you don't prefer the traditional way of reading. The local library is waiting! Better yet, search and hold your books online to save you some time when you stop in.
The last three weeks, I've read the following -
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family by Richard Carlson
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Love Wins by Rob Bell
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Matt's reads include -
Chain of Blame by Paul Muolo and Mathew Padilla
1001 Deductions and Tax Breaks 2012 by Barbara Weltman
Reckless Endangerment by Gretchen Morgenson
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko
Next up on my list -
Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam
Erasing Hell by Francis Chan
Real Marriage by Mark Driscoll
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
If you have any good reading recommendations, we'd love to hear from you!
If you are looking for something to do this winter or an alternative to watching television, start making your 2012 reading list. This truly is a great family activity, and there is something for everyone depending on interest and age level. You can even check out ebooks if you don't prefer the traditional way of reading. The local library is waiting! Better yet, search and hold your books online to save you some time when you stop in.
The last three weeks, I've read the following -
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 by Phillip Keller
Don't Sweat the Small Stuff with Your Family by Richard Carlson
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Love Wins by Rob Bell
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Matt's reads include -
Chain of Blame by Paul Muolo and Mathew Padilla
1001 Deductions and Tax Breaks 2012 by Barbara Weltman
Reckless Endangerment by Gretchen Morgenson
The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas Stanley and William Danko
Next up on my list -
Baby Wise by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam
Erasing Hell by Francis Chan
Real Marriage by Mark Driscoll
Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
If you have any good reading recommendations, we'd love to hear from you!
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Training Update
It's the middle of January, and the grass is still green in some spots. Sure, this is normal for parts of the country, but of all places Minnesota? It's hard to believe that just last week, we had temperatures in the 40s and 50s and with a few layers you could leave the house without a coat. Now, it is close to zero, and the gusts of wind can be heard through the walls. With temperatures at both extremes and very little snow in the forecast, it's been tricky to train for a ski marathon. I can only run around the inside track at the gym so many times before getting bored. Ugh!
Thankfully, we spent New Year's weekend up north at the cabin and woke up every morning to a fresh, sparkly snow. It was so beautiful to finally be in a winter wonderland! But then there are the days where we have to travel to man-made snow. It is a very weird experience to ski with brown fields on either side of you, but it's better than nothing. Fortunately, we were able to spend the Monday holiday in Hayward, WI where there was some real snow (a true miracle and blessing!) and got in a solid 12.5 mile workout on the Birkie trail with my grandpa. And we've been eating like crazy ever since... Sure it was two hours there and two hours back, but it was TOTALLY worth it!
Thanks to some lovely cell phone pictures, you can catch a glimpse of Birkie training at it's finest. Ski. Run. Live. We're LOVING it.
Hoping and praying snow here soon!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Christmas Weddings
As the saying goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year." Add two weddings into the mix around the holidays, and it becomes a very busy time of the year as well!
Dave and Lauren Kleiner were married on December 23, and it was a beautiful wedding. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kleiner!
Congratulations Andrea and Dustin! Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your special day. We love you!
Dave and Lauren Kleiner were married on December 23, and it was a beautiful wedding. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Kleiner!
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Christmas was a blur, and before we knew it, Andrea's wedding was here - Thursday, December 29! We can not even begin to imagine what it's like to date for a month and have a three month engagement, but that is totally Andrea. She looked so beautiful on her wedding day!
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| Marty and Andrea at the rehearsal |
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| Ugly sweater rehearsal :) |
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| With the newlyweds |
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Top 11 of 2011
Alright, so I realize this is a little late, but please forgive me as we have been busy with holiday celebrations, a wedding, and training for the Birkie (and without snow mind you). By special request, Peter Seehusen - this post is for you! :)
Disclaimer - This list is not organized in any fashion or by importance, but rather a year-end review in a few phrases and pictures.
1. Celebrating our anniversary and spending a relaxing vacation in Hawaii
2. Cincinatti, Ohio - Reggae Run, family, friends, and Skyline Chili. Life is good!
3. Oregon - The ocean, the mountains, and spending time with Matt's grandparents. Finally after 8 years, I got to meet his grandpa for the very first time! This also reminds me that I never posted on our Oregon trip. Perhaps, I'll get to this later this winter. Don't count on it though. :)
4. Nebraska Reunion and spending time with friends (both near and far throughout the year)
5. The Kramer family keeps growing with 2 more family members! Our nieces, Violet Mercy (May) and Emily Joy (November) are the newest additions. We love being an uncle and aunt to six nieces and one nephew.
6. House Projects - It seems like just yesterday that we closed on our house. A year has flown by...
7. Karissa living with us for the summer. We must have been too busy working, running, and watching Gilmore Girls to take any pictures. Sorry sister! I still love you.
8. Green Bay Packer Game
9. Weeks and weekends spent in Wisconsin back home, at the cabin, and Door County
10. Budget Software 2.0 - After many versions and hours, Budget Software 2.0 has been completed and works great.
11. Andrea moving to China! We miss her very much and look forward to visiting her in the future.
Disclaimer - This list is not organized in any fashion or by importance, but rather a year-end review in a few phrases and pictures.
1. Celebrating our anniversary and spending a relaxing vacation in Hawaii
2. Cincinatti, Ohio - Reggae Run, family, friends, and Skyline Chili. Life is good!
3. Oregon - The ocean, the mountains, and spending time with Matt's grandparents. Finally after 8 years, I got to meet his grandpa for the very first time! This also reminds me that I never posted on our Oregon trip. Perhaps, I'll get to this later this winter. Don't count on it though. :)
4. Nebraska Reunion and spending time with friends (both near and far throughout the year)
5. The Kramer family keeps growing with 2 more family members! Our nieces, Violet Mercy (May) and Emily Joy (November) are the newest additions. We love being an uncle and aunt to six nieces and one nephew.
6. House Projects - It seems like just yesterday that we closed on our house. A year has flown by...
7. Karissa living with us for the summer. We must have been too busy working, running, and watching Gilmore Girls to take any pictures. Sorry sister! I still love you.
8. Green Bay Packer Game
9. Weeks and weekends spent in Wisconsin back home, at the cabin, and Door County
10. Budget Software 2.0 - After many versions and hours, Budget Software 2.0 has been completed and works great.
11. Andrea moving to China! We miss her very much and look forward to visiting her in the future.
Happy New Year everyone!
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