To begin, if you've read our blog in previous entries I talk about my cousin Hans & his wife Margaret expecting to adopt a baby boy from Korea. On Wednesday evening I was tried calling to see if our pre-xmas tradition was going to happen this year. Since they we're not sure if they could be leaving anytime for Korea to get Tae this may not happen. Well it turns out they got the call just Tuesday saying they leave on this Sunday and will return the day after Christmas with Tae!!!
We will go and greet them at the airport with many of their other family & friends. This is a tradition for some people who adopt children and was done when I arrived with my parents too. This will be a very special day for me & being with my parents who have been there before (twice) where Margaret & Hans will be. Words can't describe the emotions that come with knowing a new family member is joining us and thinking how grateful I am for where I am today. Being adopted has always been the part of my life that most wouldn't fully understand, but know this, it has given me the strength I have today. Before I tear up and start writing tear drops I'll leave it at that. After such great news I was reminded when looking at pictures of when I arrived at the Mpls. airport with my Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles, Cousins and Dana awaiting to greet me. Of course a bit saddened some people physically aren't here today so see another Johnson come to our family, but always are here in spirit.
While thinking of these people it dawned on me the Ross Women (Mom, Sam and I) had our mission to complete today down at Fort Snelling. We visited Grandma & Grandpa Johnson with a hand made x-mas wreathe. On our way into the cemetary the veterans were about to do the 21 gun salut as a burial was happening. We watched the salut with the windows down and then taps began to play... We had to roll up our windows as we've been there before, we hadn't even made it to the site before I felt my heart hurt a bit. As we made our way to the site it was clear to me that I miss them very much this time of year :( I said the exact thing I just wrote and we of course as woman cried together. I could only think of how much I love my family and grateful for them:) Of course on our way back into Stillwater we stopped at Grandpa's favorite diner as always!
I do have one more cemetary stop and this will be at Fairview in Stillwater to bring my Grandpa Ross a Christmas treat and wish him happy holidays. This trip will be solo, probably just as well I may have that holiday blubbering going on lol. This time of year prior to x-mas has always been hard for me (most people wouldn't know it except Mark) but I miss lots of people.
To be positive our lives have changed in one year since last December. We both accomplished a goal of new careers and that was our only goal, accomplished!
Last December 26th at approximatley 8:00 a.m. I was on the phone asking Mark if I could quit my job at Cities Digital and he said yes. 8:12 a.m. I was on the phone with my old boss at Crowe Construction Management asking or shall I say crying to see if they had anything open for my old positon even part time, he said yes. I was out of that job by 12:00 that day with no regrets, except I promised myself 2008 was the year that would change anything bad into good. This year on December 26th, 2008 at 12:00 pm we will be driving with our family to greet our new Johnson family member!! :)
Mark and I have transitioned our lives into a new era for us this year that we will always remember as our comeback year. Certain family & friends who had treated us badly will be forgotten, new family will arrive, our best friends close & far are the constant backbone for us and are forever grateful, and mostly turning 26 this year we have definitley grown from all of these good or bad experiences. We're setting goals for next year and will continue to strive for the things in life we want to accomplish and this year prooved that we can do it!!
To our parents, thank you for being a strong part of our lives! As you know just about everything I probably don't put in this blog you have always supported us. Your strength & wisdom have helped in so many ways this year and that has truly helped us grow as individuals and as a couple.
Starting tomorrow December 20th the chaos will begin. Each day until the 29th will be of holiday cheer & numerous Christmas gatherings, we can't wait!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!!
Feliz Navidad!
Mark Andrew Thompson & Sarita Marcela Ross
Friday, December 19, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Be Good for Goodness Sake!
Ah, we... the holidays are upon us and winter has shown its face! With the snow flying and people are out shopping for gifts I keep saying "be good for goodness sake", not just to myself but probably to Mark a little and just putting that out there in the world.
As days go by towards Christmas this year I keep feeling as if that would be more of a gift to give some people. Many have the financial difficulties as do we all right?! But this year even on my father's side of the family were not doing our usual gift exchange. This is not a dissapointment to our family, but what really matters is being together. Financially its tough, but even Mark says money is the brut of a lot of unhappiness for people. I'm tired of hearing that because money is not the root of my happiness. My family, my friends, of course Mark and our cat Samoa is what truly makes me as a person.
Last evening we had the discussion on this and I kind of joked that maybe this year presents isn't exactly what we all need, but what we do need is enjoying the pure and true things in your life. So what if I don't get the ice skates I did ask for, I probably won't remember I even asked for that three years from now. What I will remember is being merry with my family and friends on Christmas Eve and Day! Hopefully we will be greeting a new member to our family too. On the Johnson side (my mothers) my cousin Hans & Margaret could possibly be coming home from Korea with their new son Tae. Now that is one gift that will keep on giving to our family! A pure gift!
Till before X-Mas...Mark & Sara
As days go by towards Christmas this year I keep feeling as if that would be more of a gift to give some people. Many have the financial difficulties as do we all right?! But this year even on my father's side of the family were not doing our usual gift exchange. This is not a dissapointment to our family, but what really matters is being together. Financially its tough, but even Mark says money is the brut of a lot of unhappiness for people. I'm tired of hearing that because money is not the root of my happiness. My family, my friends, of course Mark and our cat Samoa is what truly makes me as a person.
Last evening we had the discussion on this and I kind of joked that maybe this year presents isn't exactly what we all need, but what we do need is enjoying the pure and true things in your life. So what if I don't get the ice skates I did ask for, I probably won't remember I even asked for that three years from now. What I will remember is being merry with my family and friends on Christmas Eve and Day! Hopefully we will be greeting a new member to our family too. On the Johnson side (my mothers) my cousin Hans & Margaret could possibly be coming home from Korea with their new son Tae. Now that is one gift that will keep on giving to our family! A pure gift!
Till before X-Mas...Mark & Sara
Thursday, November 13, 2008
November & December...bring on the holidays!
Since it is only the middle of November most people would deny Christmas is near us. I only wish that were the case for Mark and I. Coming this weekend is our 1st Christmas with the Thompson relatives this Sunday. My favorite part is not so much the early x-mas, but the way they "do" their gathering. Not only does Grandma Thompson aka Ozzie know how to whip up a feast for the family, but its how we spend the time together.
To start off the day most of the family goes to the morning church service at Uncle Tom's church in Osceola, WI prior to our gathering. The party is held in their banquet room after. It's usually a hit or a miss with Mark and I if we attend, but the Catholic traditions for their services always keeps me wondering about their traditions for their religion. Since I'm Methodist I learn a lot and ask silly questions, but its better to ask than not pay attention. For instance two years ago we attended an Easter service and I was not paying attention then all of the sudden I had water (aka holy water) flung at my face by a broom (aka not a "broom" i was told). Now for someone who's never seen this before it had me curious and laughing too. So that is something that comes with our gathering and I always learn something new!! :p
After services the whole Thompson Family gathers in the fellowship hall for food and catching up. Now onto the fun part (still such a kid) presents!!! Each year we play the dice game and everyone brings a $25-30 gift to exchange and the presents are always unisex and would appeal to anyone really. We don't fight over the game, but its a sneaky game to play with relatives and we all enjoy throwing wrapping paper at each other too! I have to say this family does really enjoy having laughs & every year I enjoy it more and more.
Come December we will only be traveling to one place this year, THANK GOD! It has been over the years hard for Mark and I to try and make it to everyone's home for x-mas. But this year we've got it down to only 2 places. First my parents on X-Mas Eve with his Mom too and we attend Church at the evening and then have our Late Night Happy Hour tradition with a few friends over too. X-Mas morning we have a delicious breakfast & open presents with my family. By noon were off to Mark's Father's home in Lino Lakes. This is always a casual environment with the girls aka step sisters, Cher, and Pup and after all the excitment the night prior we definitley enjoy relaxing.
Besides those two celebrations we do one more with our other family, our best friends. This year were having our 3rd Annual X-Mas party with the theme "Naughty or Nice". Now before you get images in your head on the themes title I assure you this theme was not made by me, but by E-vite (haha). Were going to enjoy the day after x-mas a fine dining experience in Mpls (aka "nice" part) then inviting our friends to our house for a "Naught Happy Hour" w/ ugly sweaters. Since last years party had lots of guests were bringing the party to downtown Stillwater for shenanigans instead!
Your probably think Sara, don't get too ahead of yourself! But I think you can tell by my enthusiasm I enjoy the holidays. Instead of gripping about the weather, the present shopping, and the ba-humbuggers remember to be thankful for the family you have. Not so many are as lucky to be able to spend this time together. Not only do I love spending my time with them, but with Mark. Over the years he has experienced along with me losing family members and how hard the holidays were there for a while, but now I embrace them with my family and new traditions have come from it. So I say bring on the Holidays with a fuzzy warm feeling that your able to be with your loved ones its a great feeling to have!!!
Warm Holiday Hugs!!!
Mark & Sara
To start off the day most of the family goes to the morning church service at Uncle Tom's church in Osceola, WI prior to our gathering. The party is held in their banquet room after. It's usually a hit or a miss with Mark and I if we attend, but the Catholic traditions for their services always keeps me wondering about their traditions for their religion. Since I'm Methodist I learn a lot and ask silly questions, but its better to ask than not pay attention. For instance two years ago we attended an Easter service and I was not paying attention then all of the sudden I had water (aka holy water) flung at my face by a broom (aka not a "broom" i was told). Now for someone who's never seen this before it had me curious and laughing too. So that is something that comes with our gathering and I always learn something new!! :p
After services the whole Thompson Family gathers in the fellowship hall for food and catching up. Now onto the fun part (still such a kid) presents!!! Each year we play the dice game and everyone brings a $25-30 gift to exchange and the presents are always unisex and would appeal to anyone really. We don't fight over the game, but its a sneaky game to play with relatives and we all enjoy throwing wrapping paper at each other too! I have to say this family does really enjoy having laughs & every year I enjoy it more and more.
Come December we will only be traveling to one place this year, THANK GOD! It has been over the years hard for Mark and I to try and make it to everyone's home for x-mas. But this year we've got it down to only 2 places. First my parents on X-Mas Eve with his Mom too and we attend Church at the evening and then have our Late Night Happy Hour tradition with a few friends over too. X-Mas morning we have a delicious breakfast & open presents with my family. By noon were off to Mark's Father's home in Lino Lakes. This is always a casual environment with the girls aka step sisters, Cher, and Pup and after all the excitment the night prior we definitley enjoy relaxing.
Besides those two celebrations we do one more with our other family, our best friends. This year were having our 3rd Annual X-Mas party with the theme "Naughty or Nice". Now before you get images in your head on the themes title I assure you this theme was not made by me, but by E-vite (haha). Were going to enjoy the day after x-mas a fine dining experience in Mpls (aka "nice" part) then inviting our friends to our house for a "Naught Happy Hour" w/ ugly sweaters. Since last years party had lots of guests were bringing the party to downtown Stillwater for shenanigans instead!
Your probably think Sara, don't get too ahead of yourself! But I think you can tell by my enthusiasm I enjoy the holidays. Instead of gripping about the weather, the present shopping, and the ba-humbuggers remember to be thankful for the family you have. Not so many are as lucky to be able to spend this time together. Not only do I love spending my time with them, but with Mark. Over the years he has experienced along with me losing family members and how hard the holidays were there for a while, but now I embrace them with my family and new traditions have come from it. So I say bring on the Holidays with a fuzzy warm feeling that your able to be with your loved ones its a great feeling to have!!!
Warm Holiday Hugs!!!
Mark & Sara
Pictures From Cali, Vega, and Turning 26!
(Had to have lunch @ Hooters on Halloween luv how there patriotic) 
(On our way to the Manhattan Express Rollercoaster)
(Were at @ Tryst in the Wynn, awesome waterfall behind us)
(Our favorite whole in the wall the Stage Door, best drinks)
(My birthday gathering back home)
(Beautiful upper view of the beach in Santa Barbara)
(On our way to Vegas)
Beautiful Day at the Beach!
Just getting on the road 5 1/2 hours to go!
(Our lovely accomodations @ the MGM aka Pimp hook up)Monday, October 27, 2008
California, Nevada, and Turning 26
Being home from my vacation is awesome...so far stress free!!
Sunny Santa Barbara was beautiful and relaxing, it had been 7 years since I visited!! The whole environment was just wonderful and beautiful. I stayed with my close friend Jessica and her significant other Jason for a few days at their basement/studio. Their home was up in the hills of Santa Barbara and was always amazed at the homes and streets I passed driving up the hill to their home just beautiful. Their backyard was full of cacti <--spelling? and palm trees with a lovely little patio that such great scenery that was super calming.
Tuesday evening we headed out for dinner in downtown Santa Barbara. We enjoyed delicious spider rolls from a hot sushi place in celebration of her sister Kelli's birthday. After we enjoyed the nightlife in downtown Santa Barbara. One thing we don't have in Stillwater is a great live reggae venue. So we enjoyed "The Sandbar" atmosphere was quaint and the locals are really friendly. After a few Negro Modelo's we ventured over to a night club that had an 80's theme night and oh my goodness was that just a hoot to watch & dance too. It was a fun evening in "Barbi" and definitely will remember that even on a Tuesday night that city is hopping!!
The following day we had a few peaceful hours at the ocean :) Catching up on the sun I missed during this past summer was awesome!! It was not too hot out and the beach didn't have too many locals and that made it even better! Not being at a crowded beach is something I rarely see back in MN. The afternoon and evening was spent relaxing & enjoying Jason & Jessica's company with delicious pasta & wine dinner.
Thursday morning we headed east to VEGAS! The drive was about 5 1/2 hours and for a passenger it wasn't bad since the views were entertaining. Once we arrived to our hotel the MGM we were greeted by my best guy friend Matt and other fellow MN friend Billy. These two boys live in Vegas year round so it was great seeing them right away. Jessica & I enjoyed a fine evening out dressed in our best and made our way to dinner & a night club in the Wynn hotel. It proved to be a bit crazy with all of the Halloween Costumes and club goers so we only mingled for bit their. We didn't stay up till the sunrise but we stayed up gabbing that's for sure!
Friday was Halloween and oh man people really enjoy being dressed up out in Vegas so it was a sight to see!! During the day we were at the boys house outside of Vegas and enjoyed frosty brews on the deck and just kicked it~! It was so nice being able to spend time with Matt as he is my best guy friend and he has lived in Las Vegas for over 2 years now. I really miss him a lot and he has been such a good to me and so any chance I get I hope to travel their more often because its not so much about the Las Vegas but more of a chance to visit my friends and catch up. So anywho....our Halloween evening was great the boys took us to a great Italian restaurant that played Frank Sinatra and felt like we were in some mobster/gangster hang out :) it was romantic and a great evening! After we headed to our favorite dive bar called the "Stage Door" and enjoyed comped drinks and headed home after. All in all a pretty chill Halloween to be said.
Saturday Jessica departed early in the a.m. for her drive back to Cali and I was able to spend some good man hours with the guys watching the Gopher Football game and enjoyed some beers. Since it was my Bday on Saturday it couldn't have been a more perfect way to spend it just relaxing enjoying good company & laughing a lot. My exact mission for the vacation I had was just being relaxed by the time I flew home my birthday night. I definitely achieved that with Mark treating me to a delicious dinner at Marx Wine Bar & Grill after I arrvied back home. Turning 26 wasn't so bad, in reality I think I'm only a few years from 30, but it doesn't scare me, I think these days I look forward to being over the 20's stages for life :)
Thanks again to those who gave the ticket for my flights as a bday gift it was an amazing trip and great to come home to my family!
Hugs-Sara
Sunny Santa Barbara was beautiful and relaxing, it had been 7 years since I visited!! The whole environment was just wonderful and beautiful. I stayed with my close friend Jessica and her significant other Jason for a few days at their basement/studio. Their home was up in the hills of Santa Barbara and was always amazed at the homes and streets I passed driving up the hill to their home just beautiful. Their backyard was full of cacti <--spelling? and palm trees with a lovely little patio that such great scenery that was super calming.
Tuesday evening we headed out for dinner in downtown Santa Barbara. We enjoyed delicious spider rolls from a hot sushi place in celebration of her sister Kelli's birthday. After we enjoyed the nightlife in downtown Santa Barbara. One thing we don't have in Stillwater is a great live reggae venue. So we enjoyed "The Sandbar" atmosphere was quaint and the locals are really friendly. After a few Negro Modelo's we ventured over to a night club that had an 80's theme night and oh my goodness was that just a hoot to watch & dance too. It was a fun evening in "Barbi" and definitely will remember that even on a Tuesday night that city is hopping!!
The following day we had a few peaceful hours at the ocean :) Catching up on the sun I missed during this past summer was awesome!! It was not too hot out and the beach didn't have too many locals and that made it even better! Not being at a crowded beach is something I rarely see back in MN. The afternoon and evening was spent relaxing & enjoying Jason & Jessica's company with delicious pasta & wine dinner.
Thursday morning we headed east to VEGAS! The drive was about 5 1/2 hours and for a passenger it wasn't bad since the views were entertaining. Once we arrived to our hotel the MGM we were greeted by my best guy friend Matt and other fellow MN friend Billy. These two boys live in Vegas year round so it was great seeing them right away. Jessica & I enjoyed a fine evening out dressed in our best and made our way to dinner & a night club in the Wynn hotel. It proved to be a bit crazy with all of the Halloween Costumes and club goers so we only mingled for bit their. We didn't stay up till the sunrise but we stayed up gabbing that's for sure!
Friday was Halloween and oh man people really enjoy being dressed up out in Vegas so it was a sight to see!! During the day we were at the boys house outside of Vegas and enjoyed frosty brews on the deck and just kicked it~! It was so nice being able to spend time with Matt as he is my best guy friend and he has lived in Las Vegas for over 2 years now. I really miss him a lot and he has been such a good to me and so any chance I get I hope to travel their more often because its not so much about the Las Vegas but more of a chance to visit my friends and catch up. So anywho....our Halloween evening was great the boys took us to a great Italian restaurant that played Frank Sinatra and felt like we were in some mobster/gangster hang out :) it was romantic and a great evening! After we headed to our favorite dive bar called the "Stage Door" and enjoyed comped drinks and headed home after. All in all a pretty chill Halloween to be said.
Saturday Jessica departed early in the a.m. for her drive back to Cali and I was able to spend some good man hours with the guys watching the Gopher Football game and enjoyed some beers. Since it was my Bday on Saturday it couldn't have been a more perfect way to spend it just relaxing enjoying good company & laughing a lot. My exact mission for the vacation I had was just being relaxed by the time I flew home my birthday night. I definitely achieved that with Mark treating me to a delicious dinner at Marx Wine Bar & Grill after I arrvied back home. Turning 26 wasn't so bad, in reality I think I'm only a few years from 30, but it doesn't scare me, I think these days I look forward to being over the 20's stages for life :)
Thanks again to those who gave the ticket for my flights as a bday gift it was an amazing trip and great to come home to my family!
Hugs-Sara
Monday, October 20, 2008
I've been everywhere photos
Rinelander, WI (Carrie's Wedding)
Rinelander, WI
View from Fairview facing Round Lake
Fairview of Round Lake
Spring (Round Lake)
Forgot the overlook name :(
Cascade River
(Grand Marais, MN)Thursday, October 16, 2008
I've been everywhere....
This year we've been traveling to several area's in Minnesota and it really makes you appreciate your own town, but you learn easily everyone else has it great too!! This weekend I will be traveling again, but solo (with Mark in spirit of course) to visit Soccer Wammy aka Soccer Sam in Bemidji so I'm onto another adventure!By the way check out Soccer Sam @ http://www.bemidjistate.edu/athletics/ and read how she's doing this season for Soccer she's the Goal Keeper!
Since the beginning of this year Mark and I have traveled to each area of MN practically and wanted to post some of these beautiful pictures of our state on our blog.
Here's our list of traveled to so far in 2008:
*Grand Marais (visiting George & Gail) Northeast MN
*Winona (Celebrating my Aunt's Retirement) Southern MN
*Madison (Friends wedding) SW near S.Dakota
*Of course Fairview @ Round Lake Northern MN
*Duluth, MN
*Bemidji, MN
*Mark's fishing trip
Out of State:
*Siren, WI (Cara's Cabin)
*Siren, WI (Annie's Uncles cabin)
*Santa Barbara, CA (on Oct. 28th - Sara)
*Las Vegas, NV (on Oct. 30th - Sara)
Voyaging to each of these places and several others not listed just make us happy to have the opportunity to see these areas of MN. Now that Fall is here I figured we should remind ourselves of our adventures before we start our winter :) Next weekend we both are heading up north to Duluth to watch Sam's game with my mothers side of the family the Johnsons.
In regards to our regular info Mark had his midterm this week and did awesome! Starting in November I'm starting another 6 week Cardio Dance session at the dance studio I work at! Lots of things happening I can't wait to report after this weekend so enjoy your weekend it should be beautiful out!
Hugs,
Mark & Sara
Thursday, October 2, 2008
October came with such great news!!!
Its October and I am so excited that the colors are changing and upcoming holidays are right around the corner! I had to think how to write about the numerous positive changes that have happened not to us necessarily, but to our close friends and family. I can report that after one day I have taken in the following great information with such gratitude to either god or to great karma. What I mean exactly when saying this is quite a few of our close friends and family have really been waiting for a positive new chapter in their lives and now they have finally reached it!!!
First off, congratulations to my close girls Jessie & Natalie!! I've been friends with Jessie through elementary school, on the high school dance team together, and friends after high school. She has been one of my closest friends who has been apart of many of my life's hardships over the last few years. Not only has she had her share, but I find that after going through our tough times she is one to get the praise for overcoming her obstacles. In one year she has accepted a great new job, gotten her self a new place to live, a new car, and overall a string of great changes that she's deserved for a long time. Way to go!! Natalie I met in college and she too has had her times of finding where her place is. Both friends of mine were both layed off the same time as I was last year and both have reached the the end of the dark tunnel and onto a great new chapter in their lives. I couldn't be happier for them as they have always been such great people who deserve nothing less!
Congratulations to my cousin Hans & his wife Margaret after waiting I think longer than a year to receive the great news they get to adopt their first child Tey (<--spelling?) from Korea. He is now 6 months old and they will be going to Korea to get him in just a few months. I believe we will get the chance to meet him over Christmas! Also my other cousin Aran & wife Nicole (Hans' younger brother) are also on the adoption waiting list too, so I pray that their wish is granted soon too! Hans & Margaret are such deserving parents and I have chatted with them on so many levels of what being adopted is like, I can only say that any child would be happy to have them as parents, I know I would. Another congrats to for them is that Hans had a problem called Atrial Fibrilation with his heart and under went a procedure just yesterday called Radio Frequency Ablation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. This was just a few days after receiving their wonderful news on Tey. The procedure had a scary turn for a bit, but my Uncle Bruce reported to us via email but all ended just fine :) Woof-dah!
More congratulations are to be given of course! Two other couples that are best friends with Mark and I have almost reached the closing of their new homes! It is such an exciting feeling for our friends to go onto the step of being homeowners. I can only say that I'm saddened our friends the Bonines will be moving further away, but Sara & Adam have been married for over two years now and a home will complete them and their child Homer! :) Our other friends Dan & Sara will be moving just into Bayport so they will be nice & close and can't wait to start making memories at their new home too!
One more :) Congratulations to Aimee & Trevor (Mark's cousin & wife) for their second child on the way! Their first daughter Taylor just turned 1 in August and baby Great-Grandchild #2 for the Thompson is on its way!!!
I have to send some news on us of course!! Last weekend we were able to attend the Twins game in a Suite, it was awesome!! We were invited by Holly & Kevin to join and met Kevin's (Mark's Mom's boyfriend) daughters Jenni & Kristen. It was a really a pleasure to meet after a few years of Holly & Kevin being together. Kevin has really been a great friend to Mark and I and to meet his daughters was great!! Can't wait to see you ladies again soon!
Ah...what a great blog to report about these people in our lives!! They have deserved all of this for a long time and Mark and I couldn't be more happier for them!
Congrats to all!
Luv Mark & Sara
First off, congratulations to my close girls Jessie & Natalie!! I've been friends with Jessie through elementary school, on the high school dance team together, and friends after high school. She has been one of my closest friends who has been apart of many of my life's hardships over the last few years. Not only has she had her share, but I find that after going through our tough times she is one to get the praise for overcoming her obstacles. In one year she has accepted a great new job, gotten her self a new place to live, a new car, and overall a string of great changes that she's deserved for a long time. Way to go!! Natalie I met in college and she too has had her times of finding where her place is. Both friends of mine were both layed off the same time as I was last year and both have reached the the end of the dark tunnel and onto a great new chapter in their lives. I couldn't be happier for them as they have always been such great people who deserve nothing less!
Congratulations to my cousin Hans & his wife Margaret after waiting I think longer than a year to receive the great news they get to adopt their first child Tey (<--spelling?) from Korea. He is now 6 months old and they will be going to Korea to get him in just a few months. I believe we will get the chance to meet him over Christmas! Also my other cousin Aran & wife Nicole (Hans' younger brother) are also on the adoption waiting list too, so I pray that their wish is granted soon too! Hans & Margaret are such deserving parents and I have chatted with them on so many levels of what being adopted is like, I can only say that any child would be happy to have them as parents, I know I would. Another congrats to for them is that Hans had a problem called Atrial Fibrilation with his heart and under went a procedure just yesterday called Radio Frequency Ablation at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. This was just a few days after receiving their wonderful news on Tey. The procedure had a scary turn for a bit, but my Uncle Bruce reported to us via email but all ended just fine :) Woof-dah!
More congratulations are to be given of course! Two other couples that are best friends with Mark and I have almost reached the closing of their new homes! It is such an exciting feeling for our friends to go onto the step of being homeowners. I can only say that I'm saddened our friends the Bonines will be moving further away, but Sara & Adam have been married for over two years now and a home will complete them and their child Homer! :) Our other friends Dan & Sara will be moving just into Bayport so they will be nice & close and can't wait to start making memories at their new home too!
One more :) Congratulations to Aimee & Trevor (Mark's cousin & wife) for their second child on the way! Their first daughter Taylor just turned 1 in August and baby Great-Grandchild #2 for the Thompson is on its way!!!
I have to send some news on us of course!! Last weekend we were able to attend the Twins game in a Suite, it was awesome!! We were invited by Holly & Kevin to join and met Kevin's (Mark's Mom's boyfriend) daughters Jenni & Kristen. It was a really a pleasure to meet after a few years of Holly & Kevin being together. Kevin has really been a great friend to Mark and I and to meet his daughters was great!! Can't wait to see you ladies again soon!
Ah...what a great blog to report about these people in our lives!! They have deserved all of this for a long time and Mark and I couldn't be more happier for them!
Congrats to all!
Luv Mark & Sara
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Fall Fumbles & Fun
As our fall is showing nothing but busy weekends full of our usual festivals and events nothing compares to the season changing. Mostly our thoughts go straight to winter and the upcoming with those months, but for once our Fall is and will be unforgettable. For as many years this time of year tended to be more of a sadder time in our lives only because we're reminded of our lost family members and or a struggle at the time. 2008 was our year to gain back any inckling of a sign were overcoming our obstacles and on to greater things in our lives.
As we near the end months of September the fall colors have shown some light for us. For Mark has been on the books and maintaining his A in his classes for Trade School. Myself, I am back working full time (crazy schedule) and received a raise at the gym I work at. Nothing like hard work paying back.
We get to celebrate in every way this month from Oktoberfest coming on Friday, which always reminds me of my real adventure in Germany w/ my Grandfather "Buck" and my family (See pic). Our friends never miss an Oktoberfest and our parents never fail to enjoy the festival either and as always we enjoy our "Ziggy, Zaggy" and "Prost" at the end of our toasts! It really is a treat to have this festival in our hometown!!
Fall always brings Football. Now for those of you who watch the Vikings to watch the game and pretend to root but then talk them down when we loose. Now I will always root for them but I have faith that our team will have another chance to proove those critics wrong come this Sundays game. T. Jackson is outa the spot and lets pray our new q.b will bring our team on to some damn touchdowns instead of field goals!
Until next time and the falls colors have really hit....
Das BOOT!!!
Mark & Sara
As we near the end months of September the fall colors have shown some light for us. For Mark has been on the books and maintaining his A in his classes for Trade School. Myself, I am back working full time (crazy schedule) and received a raise at the gym I work at. Nothing like hard work paying back.
We get to celebrate in every way this month from Oktoberfest coming on Friday, which always reminds me of my real adventure in Germany w/ my Grandfather "Buck" and my family (See pic). Our friends never miss an Oktoberfest and our parents never fail to enjoy the festival either and as always we enjoy our "Ziggy, Zaggy" and "Prost" at the end of our toasts! It really is a treat to have this festival in our hometown!!
Fall always brings Football. Now for those of you who watch the Vikings to watch the game and pretend to root but then talk them down when we loose. Now I will always root for them but I have faith that our team will have another chance to proove those critics wrong come this Sundays game. T. Jackson is outa the spot and lets pray our new q.b will bring our team on to some damn touchdowns instead of field goals!
Until next time and the falls colors have really hit....
Das BOOT!!!
Mark & Sara
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Fall Begins
Its always hard to believe that summer ends so quickly but the way our year has gone, I say who are we kidding! We kicked off our Labor Day weekend with our out of town guests Nate & Natallie arriving on Friday we enjoyed bbq and bar crawl through downtown Stillwater. It never fails to be a fun time as we have our local crew joining us on this outing as well.Saturday turned out to be a beautiful sunny day and we enjoyed this special spot down on the St. Croix River near Afton, MN (see pic). We've had a new goal of having to find a new spot on the river this summer where we can enjoy the peace and quiet and the occasional beverage. Our few hours at the river was a resting period prior to our excursion to the MN State Fair. It was awesome to enjoy lots of sun and sand for the last time possibly this year. :(
Our usual tradition upon entering the fair always is the Pronto Pup Stand or the specialists call the big ones (see pic) Pappa Pups their enormous and yet Mark eat its within 20 seconds!! Once thats accomplished we make our way towards the action in the Midway while visiting the vendors on our way. The day was hotter than expected, but the sunshine can never be a bad thing! Mark always enjoys the DNR Building and the Creative Arts but we really hit about every parameter imaginable! Our day ended with one last Pappa Pup for Mark, a visit to the haunted house, our feet were sore, and had the best new item Annie & I had to try. Try Smoked Salmon on a Stick w/ the famous jelly on a cream cheesed cracker from Giggles Campfire...amazing!!
On Sunday I traveled with our roomate Annie to Siren to visit her father's side of the family where they live year round. After visiting Siren for quit a few years now each friends residence or cabin always surprises me how beautiful their lakes are. I wish our family cabin was as close as Siren, but I enjoy the MN drive up north much more :) The family's cabin is on canal that runs from Clam Lake and really has quit the few secrets on this huge lake. While I was in Siren Mark went to the river and enjoyed the Hudson side of the river. This beach on the Hudson Pier in WI which is a rather popular beach. The best part of the beach is you can walk from one portion of the beach to an island so thats always fun playing on the river.
Labor Day Mark was able to go see the band "Atmosphere" and "Mos Def" down on Harriet Island for a $15 dollar concert just thrown together to start off the RNC in St. Paul. I hate to say I'm not looking forward to seeing what will come w/ the RNC but glad to be in St. Paul to represent our State!!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The beginning of our blog
Our 1st Blog!!! Together Mark and I have made it through so much in our past five years together. For a positive new activitiy in our life I'm adding blogging to our lives. Sharing it with our family & friends who we may not see too often or maybe often enough, we want to have a central zone to keep in touch.
Whats new: Incase you may or may not know Mark is now in the Mpls. Electricial Union. He's working very hard for Bloomington Electric and going to school one day a week. Studying was never his forte' but he has managed to pull off an A on his first test last week. Keep up the good work sweetie! He has lots outside work work and has a busy schedule but we feel our feet have finally hit the ground. My Cardio Dance classes are in demand! I have been offered to teach another class during the middle of the week at Stillwater Fitness!!! I already teach 2 classes their and 2 at the Valley Dance & Arts Academy making that 5 classes a week teaching youza! In addition to my classes & working PT for CROWE in St. Paul I have taken on another PT position at the VDAA as their new Exec. Assistant. All jobs are going great!
Upcoming: As MN Traditionalists in many ways we celebrate the festivals (State Fair, Oktoberfest, Lbjack Days, etc). This weekend we await the arrival of close friends from Alexandria to join us in Stillwater doing a bar crawl, day on the river, and the State Fair. Our close pals Annie & Nate will be joining us in all activities planned and we had a movie night last night and we all can't wait for our Labor Day O' Fun weekend!
Have a great week!
Mark A. T & Sara Sweet
Whats new: Incase you may or may not know Mark is now in the Mpls. Electricial Union. He's working very hard for Bloomington Electric and going to school one day a week. Studying was never his forte' but he has managed to pull off an A on his first test last week. Keep up the good work sweetie! He has lots outside work work and has a busy schedule but we feel our feet have finally hit the ground. My Cardio Dance classes are in demand! I have been offered to teach another class during the middle of the week at Stillwater Fitness!!! I already teach 2 classes their and 2 at the Valley Dance & Arts Academy making that 5 classes a week teaching youza! In addition to my classes & working PT for CROWE in St. Paul I have taken on another PT position at the VDAA as their new Exec. Assistant. All jobs are going great!
Upcoming: As MN Traditionalists in many ways we celebrate the festivals (State Fair, Oktoberfest, Lbjack Days, etc). This weekend we await the arrival of close friends from Alexandria to join us in Stillwater doing a bar crawl, day on the river, and the State Fair. Our close pals Annie & Nate will be joining us in all activities planned and we had a movie night last night and we all can't wait for our Labor Day O' Fun weekend!
Have a great week!
Mark A. T & Sara Sweet
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