Little Tidbits

Well, there used to be signs of Spring in the air here...but it was just teasing us. We received a good 5 inches of snow yesterday. Good thing the lake looks absolutely stunning and the trees just glow with glistening white. It has been particularly gorgeous on our morning runs.

I am finding lots of new insights about Minnesota and Minnesotans.

Here are a few:

1. When it snows here, everyone puts there windshield wipers up while parked anywhere for the day to prevent ice from cultivating the entire blade--making it impossible to see anywhere while driving.

2. Some of the roads give you a nice back massage. The snow plows are SO good that there are a few pot holes, but at least they shovel the roads super good!

3. The freeways have the exits and entrances on the same side of the road, so I've been having to practice my darting and dodging tactics.

4. Who said there couldn't be beaches in negative degree weather?!? Minnesotans have beach houses here with stairs leading to the beautiful Medicine Lake and they are out playing--no matter the season.

5. On my run yesterday I swear I saw a albino chipmunk crawling through the trees! (is there such a thing???)

6. Everyone I meet or talk to on the phone are genuinely interested in me--including the people at State Farm insurance and at our new bank.

7. Most everyone are so open and will ask you how your sandwich is across the room at a restaurant even if you've never met or talked before in your life.

8. Did you know Minnesota invented the first indoor mall? (Most everything is indoors with skyways to get anywhere and most stores are on the second level so the cold breeze doesn't penetrate everyone). Peter just found out from one of his co-workers that there is an indoor park close to our house, too!

9. Costco carries milk in one GIANT 2 gallon jug instead of the regular carton.

10. Target dominates every corner here...not Wal-Mart. And there is no such thing as Smith's, A Fresh, Sunflower, or Little Ceasars (sorry Peter!) instead it's Rainbow and Cub Foods and Dominoes.



Last week Peter took Little Lu to the beach on East Medicine Lake on a wonderful run and swung her in the baby swing. She absolutely LOVED it! During which time, my new friend, Lindsay and I were able to make cards at a ward friend's house. It was so much fun--even though I was SUPER slow and not quite to the expert card making level these women were at. Practice makes perfect, right?

This week Peter had his Annual Review with his previous boss and he received an "Outstanding" score, which less than 10% of Target employees receive. This awarded him with an additional 7% raise from his previous increase with this position change. And even a bonus to boot. Way to go, Love!

Lindsay and I made Heidi's famous crescent rolls and white chicken chili for two cute girls in our ward who are expecting. Thank you for the yummy recipe, Heidi! :)

Alyse and I were able to go to the beautiful county library yesterday on our snow day. We received our library card and were going to town finding all sorts of good treasures! We found books about things to do in Minnesota as well as color scheme ideas in order to start my painting project!




Alyse also helped me make cookies for the neighbors as we introduced ourselves. I think she will have a new play friend named Stanley, along with Amber's little girl, Zoey in the ward.

I feel like we are finally getting settled and in our routine of things. I sure love having Peter home!!!

P.S. Here is the picture of Alyse's pouty face, Ma. It was hard to capture... OHHHH!


AND you will never guess what she found today...

Oh, dear! :)