Our Thanksgiving...

This thanksgiving we weren't able to go home so instead we hosted 14 other people for dinner. There was no football, but there was plenty of turkey. My recommendation: Boston Market. For little money you can get a fully cooked turkey that only takes 90 min. to reheat, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, and cornbread. Others brought green bean casserole, 3 bean salad, yams, home made cranberries, and lots of dessert. Through my small group of five women, two were able to come and brought their husbands, other friends, and David and Teresa came too. It wasn't like home, but it was sure better than just the two of us.

mike carving!

men in the kitchen...how odd.

before we ate

me and karly from small group

i am excited about this drumstick

we had a full apartment!

more people

late night game crowd!

STATE CHAMPIONS! WHAT WHAT!!

Tyler and I listened to the broadcast of Alex's win in the State Championship football game at the Metrodome last Saturday (and were mentioned on the broadcast at www.mnsportsnetwork.com). It was pretty exciting. We scored in the 1st. The game then went scoreless until the final minute of the game, when Mahtomedi scored and got the extra 2, leaving the score at 7-8 them. Then as the clock ran out our QB threw the ball, it got tipped twice, was caught by our guy who narrowly avoided a tackle, ballerina danced to avoid going out of bounds, then leapt into end-zone to score the winning goal. Alex is a defensive-man and it was thrilling to listen to. And what was more thrilling was finding an online live broadcast that was free, which was a feat on its own. My parents taped it so we are going to watch it at Christmas.

California Christmas

So I am having a hard time adjust to to how it's going to be here. Normally I would be walking up and down Michigan Ave as they put up lights before it snows, hurrying through the crowds of people and the wind.  I would window shop at Prada and Barney's, walk down Oak St past the Esquire and Nicole Miller where I got my wedding dress.  I would breeze past the tree outside the Hancock before darting into Water Tower Place.  I could go on and on, but the point is that at Christmas time I LOVE being downtown on the Mile.  Horse drawn carriages go by.  There is snow and ice and cones directing you away from buildings so you don't get hit with said ice.  It's awesome.

California is different.  Awesome as it is to be sitting here in 70 degree weather, it feels weird to see decorations on palm trees.  And no matter how many times I tell myself that Jesus was born amidst the palm trees, it still looks weird.  But we are doing our best to decorate.  We had a tree and bought an array of ornaments because I can't put up all the ornaments I've made or collected since birth because of our stupid cat.  Charlie will play with anything sparkly that moves so sentimental childhood ornaments are out.  So the tree is up and it makes me feel better.  There is are a wreath and lights outside, but it's weird to know that snow will never fall on them.  But inside it feels nice.  We've been playing a lot of Dr. Mario and listening to Christmas music.  That, along with the fact that snow and skiing are only two hours away at Big Bear Mtn., makes me feel better.

But there better be some snow in Minnesota when we get there.