69 Things...

1. Are you married or divorced?
-Neither, but I am getting married in July

2. Are you a vegetarian?
-Nope!!!

3. Do you believe in heaven?
-Yes!

4. Have you ever came close to dying?
-Not that I can think of...

5. What jewelry do you wear?
-My engagement and promise ring from my fiance' as well as the earrings and necklace that he has given me

6. Favorite time of day?
-The end of the day when I get done with school/work

7. Do you eat the stems of broccoli?
-Yes!!!

8. Do you wear make-up?
-When I have somewhere to go

9. Ever had plastic surgery?
-Nope

10. Do you color your hair?
-Sometimes I highlight it, but I haven't in over a year now.

11. What do you wear to bed?
-Shorts/pants and a tank top

12. Have you ever done anything illegal?
-Speed....(but not enough to ever get pulled over)

13. Can you roll your tongue?
-Yes

14. Do you tweeze your eyebrows?
-In between waxing

15. What kind of sneakers?
-Under Armor

16. Do you believe in abortions?
-Depends on the case, but generally NO!!

17. What is your hair color?
-Dishwater blonde

18. Future child's name?
-I have some ideas, but I need to get married and pregnant first!

19. Do you snore?
-Only when I am sick and have a stuffy nose

20. If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be?
-Fiji

21. Do you sleep with stuffed animals?
-They are in my bed sometimes but I don't cuddle with them normally

22. What would you do if you won the lottery?
-Pay off mine and my families debt, make a college fund for my nephews and for my future kids, give some to charity

23. Gold or silver?
-White gold

24. Hamburger or hotdog? - Cheeseburger
25. If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life what would it be? -Pasta because there are so many things you can do with it.
26. City, beach, or country? -Beach and country...? (Is that okay?)
27. What was the last thing you touched? -Some things in my classroom at school
28. Where did you eat last? -Buzzard Billy's
29. When was the last time you cried? -Probably last week
30. Do you read blogs? -Yes, I look at my sister-in-laws and her sister's almost every day
31. Ever been involved with the police? -No, not yet anyway
32. What's your favorite shampoo, conditioner, or soap? -I really like Sexy Little Things Body Wash from VS
33. Would you ever go out dressed like the opposite sex? -Sure, shorts and a t-shirt is sufficient enough!
34. Do you talk in your sleep? -Sometimes I do!
35. Ocean or pool? -Ocean
36. What is your favorite song at the moment? -Don't have one
37. What is your favorite color(s)? -Clothing, I like basic colors (brown, white, black, off-white, etc.) but for other things I LOVE bright colors!!!
38. Ever met anyone famous? -Nope, but I shook President Obama's hand!!!
39. Do you feel that you've truly had a successful life? -Depends on the day...
40. Do you twirl your spaghetti or cut it? -Twirl
41. Ricki Lake or Oprah? -Neither, but I like Ellen and Dr. Phil (when I get a chance to watch TV anyway)
42. Basketball or football? Professional: Football -Brett Favre all the way! College and High school- basketball!
43. How long do your showers last? -Depends on how big of a rush I am in!
44. Automatic or do you drive a stick? -Automatic
45. Cake or ice cream? -Ice cream
46. Are you self-consious? -Very much so!!!
47. Have you ever drank so much you threw-up? -Yes, but we are not going to comment on that!
48. Have you ever given money to a tramp? -Nope
49. Have you been in love? -I am very in love with my wonderful fiance'
50. Where do you wish you were? -Somewhere warm with the people I love...
51. Are you wearing socks? -Nope, wearing heels today
52. Have you ever ridden in an ambulance? -No and I hope I never have to!
53. Can you tango? -No
54. Last gift you received? -I get many gifts from people I love every day, it doesn't have to be a material thing!
55. Last sport you played? - Cross counrty
56. Things you spend a lot of money on? -Things that I shouldn't!
57. Where do you live? -French Island/La Crosse
58. Where were you born? -La Crosse
59. Last wedding attended? -Tony and Kelly Groves
60. Favorite alcoholic drink? -Wine and Wine Coolers
61. What'd you do last weekend? -Took about 4.5 hours of tests, and then went to dinner and drinks with my fiance, sister, and her boyfriend.
62. Most hated food(s)? -Umm...I don't know. I used to hate everything but I find myself trying many things now! I will have to say meatloaf at the moment!
63. What is your least favorite chore? -Dusting
64. Can you sing? -Only in the privacy of my own car with no one else present!
65. Last person you instant messaged? -I don't do that anymore!
66. Last place you went on a holiday? -Holiday's are normally at my parents home, but I guess we did just have an early holiday out of town in Iowa...it was AMAZING!
67. Favorite regular drink? -Water or fresh apple cider
68. Current crush? -My wonderful fiance' Jake
69. If there was one person you could spend more time with, who would it be? - I would love to be able to spend time with my grandma's or my siblings that are no longer with us!

29 Weeks and 2 Days To Go...

I have recently displayed just how crazy I might be after all. I have recently registered, and paid for my first marathon! Crazy...yes, however it has been a goal of mine to run a marathon for a long time. My original goal was to run in the Disney Marathon in January. That was going to be my graduation present to myself-a trip to Florida and my first marathon. However, training has not really even been a possibility over the summer months or this fall. So, I have registered for one in May. I am very excited, yet nervous. I knew that if I didn't commit when I was really focused it wouldn't happen for a long time, so I did it! I have a lot of time left to train, and really focus on my marathon. One thing that I am very grateful for, is the fact that my first marathon will be in my hometown and my family and friends will be able to be there to see me finish such a huge milestone in my life. What a great spring and summer it will be! I will be able to cross off one of my life-long goals of running a marathon, but I will also be marrying the man of my dreams! I couldn't ask for anything better!

I have the countdown in my calendar, 29 weeks and 2 days until the marathon!

Welcome to the World, Mr. Landon Joseph!!

On Saturday, my sister-in-law, (and brother) brought another healthy, beautiful baby boy into this world. His name is Landon Joseph Rieber, coming in at 6lbs 15oz.

I am so excited to have another little Munchkin around! Landon looks like his big brother, and Bennett seems to be taking a liking to him. Last night when Landon was crying, Bennett kept trying to give Landon a ball to play with. Bennett then showered him with kisses!!!

End of Summer and my new journey

This summer did not end up being what I had planned. I ended up getting a factory job and working a ton!!! Therefore nothing too fun really occurred this summer, which was the reason for no posts. (Sorry!) However, as the summer now came to a close I am now one week into my new journey. I am officially a student teacher at Holmen Middle School! So far, it has been a blast! Although there will be a TON of work to do, I am so excited. Last week was the first week of school. We have a lot of great kids in our classes! I am really beginning to find out all of the work that goes on behind the scenes. If it is not meetings with the house, guidance, or curriculum teachers...it is doing something else for the classroom. I do enjoy it! The day fly's by.

I am having a little bit of difficulty adjusting all of the things in my schedule, like the additional 40 hours a week I am scheduled at my other job as well as cross country and trying to continue my training. It is rough! I get home and all I want to do is sleep!! December is NOT going to come fast enough! I am looking forward to all of the good times student teaching is going to bring as well as all of the opportunities that come along with it! I am so excited for the year, as well as graduation in December. I am finally beginning to see the light!

365 Days!

In exactly one year today... I will be getting married! I got to have lunch with Jake in-between jobs, and we were just talking about how crazy it is that we will be married in one year! We are both extremely excited! We cannot wait to see where the future takes us! Here is to breaking the one year point! :-)

Wedding Dress Shopping

Another fun thing I did while my family was in town was go wedding dress shopping. On Thursday, we had an entourage of ELEVEN people that ventured to Rochester to go dress shopping and we had another two surprise visitors once we were at the dress shop. We had a lot of fun (I think) and I tried on WAY too many dresses...four hours worth of dresses. It got to the point where we had to just about leave and I blatantly said..."I have to be done, I can't do this anymore." It was SOOO tiring! I couldn't believe it. But I was so happy that I could share my experience with my whole family. Yesterday, my mom, Linda, and I went back to Rochester and made a purchase. I am more than happy with the dress I got, although it is going to remain a secret to the others up to the day of the wedding! Wish me luck on keeping quiet!  :-)

Next step is to get the DJ, bridesmaid dresses, and flowers! I can't believe it is only a year and two days away!!!

4th of July

Above: Some of the Fam in town from D.C.

The growing Rieber family...Bennett loved the fireworks!! (Kim I have some other really good pictures to give you!)

Some of the very large group we had down for the fireworks. Our numbers keep growing every year...what would they do if I wouldn't go out at wee hours of the morning to get the best spot in the park?!?

The 4th was very special this year. Bennett was able to come down for his first fireworks at Riverfest (third firework show ever). It was so much fun to watch him. He kept saying "WOW" and "Pretty". He is such a goofy little boy. It was awesome to get to spend the wonderful night with family from out of town and a lot of friends as well. The company of friends and family keeps getting better every year. Next year we will have another addition to the crew...little baby Rieber.  Kristin and I were also lucky enough to spot Kim's best friend earlier in the night and invited her and her husband and mother to come join us. It was a great night with great company. Can't wait for next year!!

Way Too Long

For any of those that look at my blog...know that it has been an extremely long time since I have done so. There is good reasoning for that! I have been so busy since school got out, I haven't had a break yet! 

My summer started out by celebrating some of my best friend's graduation. Suzie (in photo), Cam, and Brian (in photo) have now moved on. It was a really hard time. Suzie will soon be moving to Chicago to go to grad school, Cam isn't quite sure where he is going to end up at the moment, and Brian went off to the Marines! God bless his heart...but our "Family" is now split up. :'-(

Next came Memorial Day! It was a great day. We had the whole family over to my parents house, and had a wonderful lunch. It was so much fun with all of us out in the driveway playing basketball, like old times. Except this time around, we have an addition. Yep, that's right, Bennett! He hadn't even gotten out of the truck before he saw us and started yelling for the basketball. He was so much fun to play with. I cannot wait until he is taller! He will be so much fun to watch!!!
Soon after that, I was given an unexpected night off of work. So one of my best friends, Nicole and Luke invited Jake and I to go camping on a sandbar. We jumped at the opportunity! It was a beautiful night with great company! I can't wait to get out there again!!
Next up, Logan Middle night at the Loger's game. We got tickets and some of the money went back to Logan Middle. Kim, Ryan, Bennett, my parents, Jake, and I all attended! We had a ton of fun. Bennett loved watching the baseball on the field. He also loved watching the ball that the kids were playing with behind the bleachers. However, I think throughout the night he enjoyed stealing peoples sunglasses and wearing them! This is the first of three pair he took. How cute is this??

Bennett and Daddy at the game!

The wonderful growing family! This picture turned out great!!

Then we had my friend's wedding. We had had one a few weeks prior that Jake had been in (sorry no good pictures from that one) and then my friend got married. I have known Bryan since we were in kindergarten. Some of my oldest and greatest friends were there!! This is me with Ryan and Cory. I couldn't ask for better friends than there two guys right here!!

The boys dancing and singing!! Jake totally lucked out with the color of his shirt. We had NO CLUE that their color was red! 

CONGRATULATIONS BRYAN AND MEGAN!!!

The very next day, Jake and I had to get up at 6am to head from New Ulm to Winona to drop me off. Suzie and I were about to partake on another great adventure to Chicago. This time, we were going to see her new apartment and take care of some business with her school. We also just so happened to do it on the weekend that Dane Cook was in Chicago. We also just so happened to buy tickets. Vulgar...yes, but hilarious and well worth the money!!
On an afternoon that I finally had off, Suzie and I along with Cory headed to a friends boathouse. We had a lot of fun! 

Needless to say, this last weekend Jake and I had yet another wedding. This time we were both in the wedding and it was beautiful!!! It makes me even more excited for next July. I just keep collecting ideas!! Pictures are on there way for that one soon!

In the midst of all of this, I have also been working full time!! I know it seems like I have had extra time to do things, but there really hasn't been a whole lot. I am looking forward to this week because I have the whole week off and my family is coming in town. I can't wait to see all of them again. I also get to go wedding dress shopping for my first time on Thursday...I CAN'T WAIT!

Busy, once again!

Yes! I am finally done with classes. However, I am now taking a May term class. It is only three weeks, but it is consuming however. Between that and working three jobs, not enough time to do anything. It seems as if most of my summer is going to be crazy. Working a lot, planning a wedding, and planning for student teaching. I can't wait. My one goal for myself and the next 8 months is to train and run in a marathon. It should be a challenge, but I think that it is something I will be able to achieve. 

I have been unusually tired and worn out lately, which is putting a major kink in a lot of my plans. Some people say and blame it on my busy schedule, but I have always been very busy. If anyone has any tips or suggestions of things to try, or things to do, please let me know. I am desperate! It has been very unlike myself for a few weeks now, and I am out of things to try.  I am very open to suggestions! 

There has been an addition to my wedding party, and I am very excited about it! I finally feel as if it is actually complete now! I have been doing a lot of browsing and I believe I have picked out colors, and even bridesmaid dresses that I would like to get. I am going for the bright and colorful! I am super excited!!! I can't wait for July when I am actually going to start dress shopping for myself. It is going to be very exciting. 

And in the midst of all of this craziness, Jake and I think that we are going to start house hunting for our future home. With interest rates and the stimulus for first time home buyers, it is something we would really like to do soon. Like I said, I am very exciting, but it should be very interesting in the midst of everything else going on this summer and fall. 

A lot of  life changing events are going to be taking place over the next year, I can't wait, but it will be overwhelming. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

Almost Done!

It has come to be the Spring, which means the ending of a few things for me. In one week, I will be done with classes (pretty much for good!) In two weeks, my collegiate track career will be coming to an end as well. Bitter sweet feelings, but mostly excitement for the  next step in my life. Not only will I be getting ready to graduate in December, I will be getting married next July as well. Jake and I have also began to talk about looking for a home to buy. Considering it is a buyers market right now, if we want to buy it is the time to do it. Tax credit, interest rates, and a few other bonus's in there, we think it is about the right time. How exciting!? 

Wish me a lot of luck over the next two weeks. It is going to be extremely stressful, but I can't wait!

Mr. Must Keep Moving!

Bennett started walking on Monday! YAY! He is waaayyyy too cute doing it too. I went over to mom's the other day because she had picked him up from daycare. Bennett didn't want to crawl at all! All he wanted to do was GO! Here is a cute video, and picture. Two of my absolute favorites from the day!

Always Looking for Help

As you can see I am now engaged. I have gotten many of the big things booked already, like the photographer and the reception site. However, there is still a TON of planning yet to be done and I need some ideas. If anyone has any good sites or places for wedding information let me know! I still don't even have colors picked out or narrowed down at all. I am going to have a wonderful sister helping me with whatever I need, and a awesome sister-in-law/wedding planner that I need to get some ideas for!  :)

I was tagged for this WAY too long ago, but here it finally is!

THE RULES: Step 1: respond and rework—answer the questions on your own blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention, add one more question of your own. Step 2: tag—eight other untagged people.

Make a list of things you can see without getting up: I am at a friends house, so most of the things I see are not mine. However, I can see my backpack, purse, and her bunny.

What are you wearing now? Yoga pants, stretch red tank top, and a Badgers zip up hoodie.

What color is your bedroom? White...(I REALLY WISH I COULD PAINT IT!)

What’s the last thing you read/are currently reading? I read Multiple Blessings, and I am currently reading Don't Sweat The Small Stuff in Love.

Do you nap a lot? Nope, no time!

Who was the last person you hugged? Jake

What’s your current obsession/addiction? Nothing at the moment, but it will soon be a lot of wedding planning!

What was the last thing you said aloud? I told my best friend to have a good day, and that I wish she didn't have to go to class and work.

What Web sites do you always visit when you go online? My personal e-mail, school e-mail, blogs, and right now, looking for cool wedding ideas.

What was the last thing you bought? Gas for my car...  :(

What are you listening to right now? Silence.

What is something you wish you could do more? Hang out with friends and loved ones. There's just not enough time in the day! 

What gives you hope? My friends and family

What is your favorite weather, and why? Summer or fall...I love the colors, the smells, and being able to be outside!!

What time do you usually get up? Around 5:00 or 5:30am.

What is your most challenging goal right now? Trying to work 3 jobs and school.

If you could have a house–totally paid for, fully furnished–anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be? I would love to live somewhere on the ocean, but I would want all of my family close. (Why do you think I haven't moved away?)

Favorite vacation spot? Some place nice and tropical on a beach at the ocean.

What is your favorite children’s book? There are too many that are fun to read! I can't say I have a favorite at this point.

Name one thing you just can’t resist no matter how bad it is for you: Cheesecake

Have you ever met anyone famous? Not that I can think of...

If you could have any job in the world , what would it be? Teaching...I can't wait!

Who is the last person you talked to? Jake

My new question-If you could do anything you wanted to right now, what would it be? Get on an airplane and go on vacation!

What did you do yesterday? I totally slept in and relaxed until I had to go to work at 3:30pm.

Unfortunately, I have to break the second rule. All of my blogging friends already filled this out!

I'm Engaged!!!

For any of you who know me, this was a long time coming. Jake and I had been together for six years on Saturday, and that is when he popped the question. Since we have been together for so long, we had decided that we would switch off and on for anniversary planning, and this year was my year. Needless to say, I was unable to come up with anything due to my busy schedule, and lack of money. So we decided on Saturday that we were just going to relax, maybe go hiking, grab some lunch and then have a nice dinner together. 

So we hiked to this spot which is called Split Rock (picture above) on Granddad's Bluff. This is where he was going to ask me...but then there came a bunch of college students who were loud, annoying, and cracking open beers. Not the most romantic place. So me, not knowing what was going on, suggested that we go to another place on the bluff. So we drove up the bluff to a scenic overlook that we had gone to many times to look at the stars. We were just standing there looking at the beautiful view, enjoying the peacefulness of it all, when I turned to look at him and he was down on one knee, and asked me to marry him. 

I was shaking for probably an hour (literally) after he asked me. This is the picture we took of ourselves right afterward. All I know is July 2010...here we come!

Way Too Long!

For whoever reads my blog, you know it has been WAY too long between my last update. Yes,  I am still going to do the questions (Kim and Heather), but it might take me until next week. What has kept me so busy you ask? The answer, school and work! School keeps me busy, yes, but I also started a new job. It is extremely difficult, but very fun at the same time. I now work at a Nationally and World accredited center for people with developmental disabilities. There is only one center in the whole United States, and it is here in La Crosse. There are kids from all over the nation (even Hawaii) that live there. It is very challenging, but the good outweigh the bad. It keeps me very busy though! 

Also, I am in a very good mood because I got the student-teaching placement of my dreams! The school, grade, and subject I wanted to be at more than anything (well, not as much as Logan Middle, but that wasn't even an option). So overall, today was a great day. I do however have to get going to study! I have to work in the morning, get a final fitting on my dress for my friends wedding on Saturday, go to training for work, and I have a very important tomorrow night in Winona! Not to mention, a huge test and a rehearsal dinner on Friday, Praxis Test and wedding on Saturday, and back to work on Sunday! I think I have my work cut out for me for the rest of the week! To everyone else, happy day and have a great rest of the week!!!

Church

Yesterday, I went to a new church and I loved it! It is a Lutheran church, actually right by my parents house. I know the pastor as well, and it was great. I left church feeling good about myself for the first time in a long time. The things that were talked about at the worship service were so relevant to my life and it was great. I still have a couple more I might try out, but I think I may have found a new home.  :)

Busy Weekend!

Just me again, trying to procrastinate my HUGE plate I have in front of me yet again. Piles of papers that are due on Monday, a test that I need to study for on Monday, I need to finish preparing some of my things for my student teaching meeting, and to top it all off... tomorrow is the Superbowl. Don't get me wrong, I like football, but the Superbowl is over-rated. Especially when there are two teams that you don't really care about. Oh well, it will be a good break from the work to have family and friends over for a little shin-dig.  Needless to say I have done all the planning and prep so far.  Another reason I am procrastinating is because I already spent eight-hours in class today. 

This semester I decided to take a sign language course. It is so cool! It is really easy to understand, now that I am learning some, but it is easy to forget exactly how to say what you want to. It is a class that meets four weekends, four hours on Friday and eight hours on Saturday. I wish there was some place I could use it more often, it would be so much easier to work on it if I had the environment around me. I guess I may just have to start looking for some volunteer options somewhere. Anyway, if anyone is interested, there is a really cool website:  www.ASLPRO.com which has a TON of cool things. You can see video's of anything you would want to say in sign.

This is it for the day, time to actually do some work!

Long Time No Post

It has been WAAAAYYY too long since my last post. I believe almost a month! I have been so busy. I headed back to school and am finishing up my third week, I believe I only have 11 more to go before I am DONE with classes. Not only done for the semester, but forever. I am probably going to go back and get my Master's my first year out through an AMAZING program  my University has, but I still won't formally be in a classroom. 

As last semester ended, I felt as if my life was falling apart around me. However, as this new one has begun, I believe things are beginning to take a turn for the better. To be completely honest, it was through a LOT of hard work and constant applications and phone calls. I also truly believe that God is the one who got me through it all! I was raised a Catholic, and by no means am I not "Holy", but I had an extremely hard time attending church. The church I was raised at I could no longer stand. Between the stuff the priest has pulled with my family, friends, and the immense negative impact he had on me. However, I have found myself at a new sense of peace.

Lately something has come over me, and I have been thinking more and more about God, my future, and how much He really does have a role in it. I was never much of a "prayer" outside of church, (and I think that it was due to the negative impact I had with church at a younger age) but lately I have felt a lot better about my life and I think it is because I have prayed more in these last two months than I probably have in years combined. I have found myself beginning to search for a church that "fits" me, and is someplace I can picture going to whenever I get married, have children, and will attend until the day I die. I think the reading of a few people's blog, the holiday's, and a book I have been reading has really put things into perspective for me. It sounds dumb that thing's like that had to bring me to it, I know. But I have really began to thank Him for all of his blessings and miracles. Even though I, or other people, may not agree or like the situation their life is in, I truly understand that they are in it for a reason. As my sister-in-law said to me, He wouldn't put it all on me if I couldn't handle it. There was some lesson behind the last few months, and I am really beginning to thank Him for that. 

I know I am still very young, but I have always tended to be more mature for my age (or at least I think so, and I have been told that). The number of things I take on at once while being a full time student is tremendous! I think that as graduation draws nearer, and when I look at the short road ahead of me before I truly start to begin the rest of my life, the journey and hard times I have encountered have been worth it, and make me the person that I am beginning to be today. 

This is a really random blog, I understand. But I just wanted to get things out there...

I will be back to blog more soon!  

Predictions on 2009

I think that after this last year I have learned many lessons on life, love, and finances. I feel like the vast amount of lessons I have learned is going to make me a better person, and will allow me to make better decisions within this new year. I feel that my life with Jake will grow immensely this year. I have learned a lot about friendships last year, and I will take those lessons I have learned to make the few great friendships that I have, grow even stronger. I am going to begin the journey of the rest of my life after a semester of student teaching, and receiving my diploma in December. 

Ultimately, no one knows what the year will bring. I know of a few things in my future to be hopeful for, however this is going to be a very critical year for the rest of my life. It is a year that is going to be filled with life-changes and challenges, and I am so excited to arrive at all my destinations a stronger person. I am hopeful for this new year, and for my new future!

Reflecting on 2008

When looking back at 2008, it has made me realized how much my life has changed. As I try to reflect back, I think back on particular months and events...so I guess that is the best way for me to lay it out on here. Here was my year in a nutshell:

January: I was asked to be the maid of honor in my best friends wedding, my mom celebrated her birthday, but most importantly, I was there to welcome my first nephew into the world.

February: Celebrated my dad's birthday and Valentine's day by spending time with my nephew, and also celebrated Jake's 23rd birthday.

March: Took one of the biggest steps of my life thus far, and moved in with my boyfriend. Jake and I also celebrated our fifth year of being together. 

April: completed my junior year of college, and made the dean's list. 

May: My sister graduated from college

June: Worked, worked, and worked some more! We also got the news of two more engagements and another wedding that I would be in.

July: The month I began blogging. I celebrated one of my best friends 21st birthdays. Jake and I also traveled out east to visit family and my new baby cousin, Sarah, as well as helped to move friends back to Wisconsin from Pennsylvania. 

August: Prepared to begin my senior year of college.  Celebrated my brothers birthday, and Jake's best friend got married.

September: Working hard at school, and I also got a job at a nearby daycare.

October: This was a fairly eventful month. Celebrated birthday's of a few friends and Jake's family members.

November: This was a very difficult month for me. A best-friend of eight years (+) parted our separate ways, and I was laid-off from the daycare. This was not good considering the next month was December. It added a lot of extra stress on both Jake and I. A few horrible things happened to family members, but it all began to work itself out. I ended my cross country season, and possibly my cross country career. One of the good things in the month was my sister-in-law's birthday  :)

December: Everything ended up to work out this month. I spent a lot of hours at work at the mall. I was able to celebrate my sisters birthday, my birthday, Christmas, and New Years with the people I love. I also found out that I got a coaching job for this next spring at a local middle school, as well as preparing for my own track season at WSU.

I'm sure there are many things that I have forgotten about, but these are the events that stand out when I reflect on the last year. I think this would be something nice for anyone who reads this to do as well. It would be a nice little thing just to see what the year has brought other people as well....

Happy New Year!

HAPPY 2009!! New Year's Eve was a blast. I worked for part of the day, but that wasn't too bad. After I got home, Jake decided he was going to take me out for a nice romantic dinner to the Freight House. It is one of our favorite restaurants. We didn't get out of there until late, so after we drove through the Rotary Lights in Riverside Park. We didn't know what we were going to do at this point, so we decided to call a few friends. 

After talking with some friends, we decided we would go meet them for a little while at a local smoke-free bar. (YES! I said smoke-free in La Crosse) It is a new little pub that is very relaxed and low key.

We were having such a great time, so I called mom and dad to get them out of the house. They came down to join us. Low and behold some of my parent's good friends were there as well. After it hit the new year, Jake and I decided to call it an early night to head home and go to bed. It was a great time overall! 

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to all! Like everyone else I'm sure, I had a very busy Christmas. On Christmas Eve, Jake and I had his family over for dinner. It was great to get to spend good time with his brother, sister, and dad. I made dinner and desert and then we hung out and watched some TV and talked about the holidays. Then my parents and sister came over for a while before we headed off to church for the late mass that we attend every year. The church looked beautiful!!!

On Christmas morning we went over to my mom and dad's again for our traditional Christmas breakfast. Grandpa Sagen was able to join us as well. The day was going great, except for Jake not feeling well. After breakfast, we headed over to Jake's dad's house to open presents with his brother and sisters. It was great to get to spend time with them again. We don't get to see his one sister very often, so we always do enjoy the time we get together. Before returning back to my house for the Rieber-side Christmas we headed off with Jake's siblings to go visit his mom. She is doing great, and was very happy to see all of us.

After visiting his mom, Jake dropped me back off at my parent's house. He needed to go home to rest because he wasn't feeling well. We had a great Christmas. My favorite present was a music box that had been part of my grandma's collectors edition. It was a Peter Pan one, and it has always been one of my favorites. It was a difficult time for many of us, but it is something we will cherish for the rest of our lives.

After the house cleared, it was time for us to open presents. Bennett didn't quite know what to think, but he loved his truck that he got from Auntie Kristin. By this time, it was getting to be late and everyone was ready to head home. It was a great time and a great Christmas.

The holiday's ended very well, except for our family break-out of the flu!

More December Action with Bennett

I had also gotten to spend quite a bit of time with Bennett in December. As is first birthday is quickly approaching, I can't believe how fast he is growing and developing. His personality amazes me. He is so loving, curious, and funny little boy. He can put a smile on anyone's face.
One night when we were at my mom's house, Bennett accidentally dropped the cookie-cutter on the floor from his high chair. Jake made an "uh-oh" face at him, and then he began making it too. It was too cute that I couldn't help but laugh, but I think we started a bad habit!  :(  SORRY!! 
I have a few video's that I need to get to Kim. One I tried to upload but wouldn't. It is a small one of Bennett and Grandpa R playing instruments in the living room. They sounded great!

Busy Birthday!

December was a very busy month. It started off with Kristin's birthday, and in the same week it was mine. I had one of the best birthday's that anyone could have asked for this year. The day started off WONDERFUL! After waking up that morning, Jake and I went to get our very first Christmas Tree for our home. We also then, of course, had to make a trip to Target to get some of the essentials such as ornaments, lights, garland, a star, a stand, and stockings for the fireplace. When we got home from running around town, we cooked breakfast. We had my favorite Sprinkle Pancakes, and mom came over to help us with decorations and just to spend some time with us.  

Jake and I then had the afternoon to relax and hang out before getting ready for the busy night that we had ahead of us. Before we knew it, it was getting to be 4:30 and our guests from Winona were going to be arriving. We did get the chance to capture a picture in front of our tree before we had a full house. This was almost the finished product of the Christmas Tree.
Soon, we had some of my best friends from Winona come to the apartment. From there we opened a few presents, and got ready for our night out. I had heard from a friend about a limo service in the area, and it was actually very cheap. It would fit twelve people, and we would have access to it all night. So I figured what the heck, and we all chipped in and filled the limo. It began by picking us up in Holmen and then traveled to other various homes to pick up friends in Holmen, Onalaksa, and La Crosse before taking us downtown for drinks at Starlite Lounge and dinner at Buzzard Billy's. After dinner, we loaded the limo back up and headed over to Mom and Dad's to visit them, and get some pictures. Below is a picture of the whole crew that helped me celebrate. Almost everyone I wanted to be there for my birthday was and I couldn't have asked for anything better.
After Mom and Dad's house, we headed to a local north-side bar to have a few drinks. We had so much fun. This is a picture of me and the girls, except Gina. Notice the massive birthday drink they gave me...I had to pawn it off on the boys because there was no way I was going to drink that. Of course they didn't mind.

This below is one of my favorite pictures of the night. It was all of us in front of the limo before boarding again. It was such a great birthday (for the most part). The only reason I decided that the limo was the best way to go was so I didn't have to worry about anyone driving, and it kept all of us together. Anyone could leave at any point in the evening and had a safe means of transportation. From here on, we headed downtown for the rest of the evening. Everyone was safe and had fun. It was so great to be in the company of my best friends and family on my birthday. I couldn't have asked for anything better.