Well, we never did get around to creating our annual Christmas/New-Year letter. Here's a list of the highlights, and in some cases lowlights, of our year. I'll try to get back on and add some pictures soon. This bloggin thing is new to me, but I'm excited to try it out.
Our Home:
We are enjoying our 2nd year in our townhome in Ramsey, MN. We have made many improvements in the house since we moved in. Heidi (with some help from Tommy and a former band student) painted every wall in the house over the course of the summer. We now have walls that are navy blue, olive green, milky tan, dark wine red, and light tan - very warm and inviting. We installed new flooring: cherry wood flavored laminate in the living/dining room and a stellar looking linoleum in the kitchen that looks and feels like tile. We also installeed new toilets and faucets as well as a new ceiling fan in the living room, thanks to the help of both of our fathers. We are sooooooo happy with the improvements!
The Kitchen and The living-dining room
Our Health:
In the spring, on the last HUGE snowstorm of the season, Tom came down with something called Norovirus which put him in the hospital for 3 days. It's basically a food-borne illness that makes you violently ill then causing severe dehydration. YUCK!
Currently, we are in a 12-week weightloss contest with some family members. We hope to each drop 15-20 pounds. Wish us luck!!!
Our Jobs:
Heidi finished her Master of Music in Instrumental Conducting at St Cloud State University. WOO HOO!
Heidi's first summer marching band season with St Francis HS went well. Everyone enjoyed the summer of parades and took home some prizes as well. A highlight was the overnight trip to Foley, Milaca, and St Cloud MN as well as marching in the MPLS Torchlight Parade. www.rschooltoday.com/sfhs/mb click on 2007 pictures.
We are still doing plenty of wedding photography: http://www.stodolaphoto.com/
While Tom's job was cut last year and he is back to subbing, Heidi went back for her 2nd year teaching band at St Francis High School. She is enjoying her job very much. Tom is subbing every day and taking a day off here and there to do photography work when needed. He is enjoying the flexibility as well as the constant need for subs in this area.
Heidi and her team teacher, Mary Jo, found out that they were accepted to present a session at the annual MN Music Educators conference in February. They are very excited for this honor, but have lots of work to do!
Our Family:
In May, we became first-time aunt and uncle to our new niece Erin, daughter of Jon & Krissy Stodola. Cutest darn cheeks EVER! She is growing very fast, is a very strong little girl, and loves music and dancing.
Erin Marie, hours old, May 2007.
Proud Uncle Tommy, Thanksgiving 2007.
In August, we lost Heidi's Uncle Bob to a freak motorcycle accident. It was a tough time for the family to lose such a rambunctious member of our clan. It helped me out to be able to babysit my cousins' cute kids - gave me something to do and to smile about. They sure are 4 bundles of FUN! Tommy even said that if we could have a kid just like Ava he'd consider having kids. That was a BIG step for him! Well, we'll all remember Bob in his grandchildren as he doted on them any chance he got. Ride on, Bob, ride on!
Our Fun:
We love to spend time at Heidi's parents' cabin in Cumberland, WI. It is a beautiful wooded lot on a sleepy little bass fishing lake. We enjoyed our time there over the 4th of July!
Top Left: Heidi, Top Right: Nancy
Bottom Left: Dan, Bottom Right: Tommy
Top Left: Downtown Mackinaw, Top Right: Tommy on Mackinaz Island
We really enjoyed seeing our family and friends so much over our holiday break. It was great to spend time with you. We look forward to more time with you in the future!
We hope you are happy and healthy this holiday season.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Heidi & Tom Stodola
