October 15 , 2008
What a glorious day it is today - leaves changing colors, crisp air - cool autumn breeze :) Getting caught up in it all, I once again, seem to have neglected updating my website, but with everything going on these past few months, I never seem to have the time or energy!
August
The first two days of August we spent celebrating with Nancy and Curt as they were married on August 2. Mark's birthday was August 1, and for his birthday, I got him a Justin Morneau jersey and some Twins' tickets for the game on August 3rd. We had a great time at the game, and then stopped over at Sharon and Ron's to play cards and have pizza and visit for a while.
The second weekend in August, Mark and I traveled to Humboldt to celebrate the August birthdays in the Ropte bunch - Mark on August 1, and Jason on August 17. We had a really fun time and even managed to help Mom pick out some great patio furniture!
September
Mark and I started out the month of September in Virginia Beach on our Virginia and Washington, DC trip with Daniel. While we were there, we went parasailing, had a fun day at King's Dominion riding roller coasters, toured Monticello and Shenandoah National Forest - where we saw two black bears and over 20 deer! (This was all just in the first 3 days!)
We stayed in Washington, DC where we toured the next two days, staying in Crystal City at the Hyatt for the duration. On our way back down to Richmond for the NASCAR racewe had planned, we found out the race had been cancelled, and so we went to Virginia Beach for another day to ride out the tropical storm that was terrorizing the coast. We putzed around Virginia Beach the next day, and then the day after we did make it to the race. All in all - SUCH a fun and memorable trip :)
The same week we returned from our big trip, my brother, Josh, was in a serious dirt bike accident, so the next weekend I spent in Rochester at the hospital visiting with him. The week after, I had a business trip out to Ohio in which I was able to catch up over coffee with an old friend of mine from High School.
When I returned from my trip, I drove back to Rochester for the night so that I could bring Josh home the next day. He's doing great now and on his way to a speedy recovery! After dropping him off at home, I spent some nice quality time with my Mom before Amanda got off work. Amanda and I drove down to Iowa City that night for a fun Ropte girls' weekend with Sarah and Elicia! Was such a great time to relax and catch up with the sisters :) However, 9 whole days away from Mark made me more than greatful to be home with him again on Sunday evening!
The next weekend, Mark and I finally had a chance to spend some quality time together and celebrate our 2 year anniversary! Mark had surprised me with roses and a balloon on our actual anniversary on the 23rd, but we also decided to have an official date night that next weekend.
We had a great time in Sioux Falls that night - beginning with getting our pictures taken once more - it had been two years already since our wedding ones, and they were pretty outdated :) We had supper at HuHot, and then went to the movies and saw 'Hancock' with Will Smith - was a good movie :) We were home by 11 and off to bed after such an exhausting month!
October
Thus far (it's only half over) this month has been quite a whirlwind! I had applied back in April for a job as an IT Application Developer/Programmer at Toro here in town. The process had been strung out until well...September! However, I had a phone interview and two other grueling interviews (over 2 hours each), but PRAISE THE LORD - the job was offered to me on September 29. My last day at Raven was this past Monday - the 13th - and after 4 years of being there, although bittersweet, was such a relief! Nice to know that this winter when the snow starts blowing, I'll be safe and sound in Windom, and NO MORE DRIVING!! I start at Toro tomorrow!
Other than the job news, October has been a bit of a let down. Mark and I have been sick most of the past week, but I can't complain - I've been home with my husband the last THREE weekends, and if you've read my past updates, that is a GOD-SEND! :) I've finally been able to get the house back in order, make an actual home-cooked meal, and enjoy catching up with friends who must feel neglected at this point!
May the Lord richly bless you all, and keep you safe in the upcoming few months! I look forward to the upcoming holidays to be able to settle in and visit with more and more of you :) Thanksgiving can't come soon enough, but I am sure enjoying the season until then :)
Happy Autumn :)
Amy
