Merry Christmas !: December 2008

Thursday

Welcome

Welcome to our our online Christmas card ... which comes with this disclaimer: WARNING: this blog might invoke severe boredom, smiles & laughter, sleepiness or possibly even more curiousity about "this crazy, tragic, sometimes almost magic, awful, beautful life" * we live here in Rochester, Minnesota!

(*song lyrics by Darryl Worley)

Getting re-acquainted

Occasionally we receive Christmas Cards from people asking us to include pictures of Kirk and Cheri. We actually think the new and improved versions of us (our children) are much more attractive so we usually only send pics of the kids in our snail mail cards. Besides, when people see us....we imagine them saying things like, "oh, they look so much older" --yes, we are, but we think it's better than the alternative!

Our offspring . . .

Cara, to be 23 in January
A nurse at Christ Hospital
Cincinnati, OH

Nate - 21.5 years.

A 3rd year college student

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Danae Joy -- 20 years

2nd year college student

Winona State University

Winona, MN

Maddie & Gabby ---- Our Yorkshire Terriers

Some of our six "hens-a-laying"

Our home --- after the first snowfall -- November, 2007

Just to prove it isn't ALWAYS

cold and snowing in Minnesota!

(out our backdoor)

Monday

Cara, 2008

Friends...here's our firstborn - Cara.

So my mom just sprung this Christmas letter/blog thing on me tonight! I thought she was handling it all (like she always has). Guess not this year. Not only did she ask me to write tonight....there was a catch. She wanted done by tomorrow so she could get it all out to you folks before Christmas.

I like to be slightly original, so I immediately started thinking of ways to write so as to not bore you. My option of choice: I shall conduct an interview --- with myself. I'll try to come up with questions, that YOU, the reader might like to know about me. Maybe it will be over the top....or maybe...it might not be enough for you detail folk. Regardless, "snuggle in" or run-for-your-life, because me I'm in for the long haul! I've got my Christmas lights on and my hot cocoa. I'm in my comfy bed and I'm ready to talk about me...so lets get started...

Current Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

Age: 22 soon to be 23!

Biggest accomplishment of the year:

Graduating from Nursing School. I thought the day would never come. Then, as if 4 years at school weren't enough....I'm crazy enough to go back to school! I'll be starting the RN to BSN program here at the hospital where I work. The hospital provides (and pays for) classes through the University of Cincinnati. Starting in January I will be a University of Cincinnati "Bearcat". The degree program meets once a week for 6 hours on Tuesday nights, and takes about 2 ½ years to complete. Because I have taken so many classes at Bethel my first two years of college, there will be many quarters where I will only have to take one of the two classes offered per quarter. The plan: Summer of 2011 -- I will graduate ---...again.

Most exciting moment:

Finding out that I passed my Nursing Boards! After spending three days in fear of not passing....I called I called my mom before I opened the "pass/fail" screen on the computer. I was so afraid of seeing a "fail" that I started to hyperventilate! I'm glad mom was on the phone with me to help me (the nurse) breathe slow! This test was by far the hardest part of nursing.

Most Random Moment:

Last winter my roommate Cari and I planned a trip to Chicago. The night we were to leave, Cincinnati got dumped on with about 2 feet of snow -- so our trip was canceled. The disappointment loomed heavy in the air...so we "settled" for spending the weekend together -- "holed up" at what is now "our place". (I moved in later). We watched movies, ate junk food, and lounged as we enjoyed "girl time". Our weekend turned out perfect. If it had not been for that snowstorm/weekend, I probably would not have the girlfriends I have in Cincinnati, and would for sure not be their roommates! :)

Proudest moment:

Showing my parents that I had successfully moved into my own place -- and have them visit and stay with me at MY apartment! And...cooking for them dinner in my OWN place. Having mom here to help me decorate my room was great. Dad was my hero...helping me get my furniture from IKEA ...then assembling the dresser and wardrobe. He also hung multiple shelves -- on plaster walls -- (even the "floating shelf" that he despises hanging). My mom claims I got Dad to do more in a weekend than she can get him to do in a year! What can I say? It works for me -- being a daddy's girl! Seriously, he was awesome. Mom and I had lots of fun shopping for accessories for my rooms, and some cooking utensils, etc. that made cooking more convenient and fun. Since she can't seem to stay away from the kitchen long....mom made dinner for my roommates and friend Luke.

What I enjoy about Cincinnati:

My friends, the good food, the warmer climate for the majority of the year (our fall lasts well into November), the large population of young people, the diversity, the benefits of living in a large city. My apartment is in an awesome neighborhood, full of young working adults.

What I dislike about Cincinnati:

That I'm so far away from my family, this is especially hard when it comes to holidays. This year I will be working on Christmas day. But, this is the career I chose and maybe I can make someone else's Christmas in the hospital a little brighter. I'm looking forward to making some of my own (new) Christmas traditions and then heading home to be with my family in Rochester by 8:30 am on December 26th when some new traditions will be mixed with the old as we turn the 26th into Christmas Eve and the 27th into Christmas Day!

Favorite thing to do in my spare time:

Since I work night shift, it seems that I am eternally going to bed. I am so very happy with my choice in my mattress, sheets, and comforter -- they make me happy (and rested). I have loved decorating my room, and getting to decorate the kitchen and bathroom with my roommates. We don't have a living room right now -- it is currently the temporary bedroom of my roommate Jessica. She is getting married in May then we'll have that room to decorate. So, I guess I like shopping in my spare time.... especially for things for the house. Reading is also a favorite spare time activity -- now that I have more time. Monday is "Girls Night" with roommates (Monday tends to be our Friday -- it's the only day we all have off).

How I'm staying busy:

I have started helping with a youth group that my friend (Luke) started at his childhood church. We pick up the kids from nearby neighborhoods by van. We drive the van....and run youth group. Most of the kids come from humble homes, and have difficult home lives. Needless to say, this is a huge challenge. The kids are behind maturity wise, and have little parental influence in their lives. I assist Luke with figuring out the "ins and outs" of running a youth group. I do my best to be supportive and help whenever I'm not working weekends. When classes start in January...that will keep me busy too!

Looking forward to in the New Year:

Winter Retreat with my Aunt as one of 2 camp nurses. I might fill the role as a counselor too. I also hope to take the roommates to Minnesota...and MAYBE another roommate trip to Florida! In July -- we are beating the odds as a family and taking another family vacation together....this time to the Adirondacks in NY.

My best friend Brianna, who is like my second sister is expecting her first child with her husband Chris and I couldn't be more excited, it's a GIRL and I've already started spoiling her! One of my friends here in Cincy just had a little girl. If you know me....you know this is a fun time for me!

Well... I think that sums it all up. You have the scoop on me... if you want more information -- get in touch with me! I'm sure I could talk your ear off. However, I'd love to hear from you and what's going on in your life!

Here's a few ways you can connect with me:

e-mail: carakjersti@gmail.com

phone: (507) 358-0831

address:

4010 Eileen Dr

.,Cincinnati, OH 45209

P.S. I'm all for visitors...come check out the world famous Skyline Chili...you'll never wanna leave!

Merry Christmas,

Cara Kjersti

Fudge Recipe

Making chocolate fudge is a tradition at our house....

Nate has taken on the role of "fudge maker".

His Grandma Dietzman used to make the fudge.

It's actually easy to make, but involves lots of stirring.

and standing

Or if you are like Nate . . . sitting.

Here's the "secret" fudge recipe . . .

3 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

2 sticks butter

4-1/2 cups sugar

1 can Pet Milk (evaporated milk)

dash of vanilla

Nuts - if desired (pecans or walnuts)

Place chocolate chips and butter in a large bowl. Set aside.

Using a LARGE pot mix sugar and evaporated milk together.

Bring to a boil stirring constantly.

When mixture comes to a boil -- continue to stir/boil for 8 minutes

Pour hot liquid over the butter and chocolate chips in bowl.

Beat til smooth (a hand mixer works great)

Add nuts and vanilla.

Pour into a lightly greased 10x15 pan.

Chill overnight.

Makes 4-1/2 pounds of yummy fudge!

Kirk, 2008

Kirk here....

and keeping this short & sweet . . .

Shed. Birthday Surprise - friends help (thanks!)

Cara graduates from Nursing school.

Idaho rafting. Nephew's wedding. Yellowstone. Quite the road trip.

More shed. This time with paint.

Pool leak. Fixed just in time.

Garage Project: Insulation, drywall, heater -- so far.

Important: Christ (trust),

Family (love).

Friends - (time)

Merry Christmas!

Cheri, 2008

As we became empty-nesters in 2008 -- both Kirk and I willingly admit we are very comfortable in that role. After all, this IS what we have strived toward for the past 23 years.... raising our kids to leave our nest and begin their own adventures as adults. We're excited for our kids --- they are doing EXACTLY what they should be doing --growing up and moving on (and out).

I'm still a "working woman" (trying to help keep up with the college expenses)....but a "farm girl" at heart. Seeing our chickens in the yard (now and then), taking care of our neighbor's horses, or having the dogs running around the yard makes for good "views".

The rest of my life looks like this: