Merry Christmas

Disclaimer: We wanted to send this letter with our Christmas Cards but we opted to save money and a couple trees... so here it is!

We hope this letter finds you and your family counting down the days until the Minnesota Twins Baseball opener! After spending the last year in Seattle, Washington and cheering on the Mariners, we are excited to be back home in Twins Territory.

1st Inning: We spent our first year of marriage in Lynnwood, Washington. It was such a great experience for us. Derek worked as an intern at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lynnwood and Bobbie Jo worked right across the street at Caffe Ladro (a phenomenal coffee chain in the Seattle area). We had a great year exploring the Pacific Northwest and we were lucky enough to have visitors almost every month! We are grateful for all of our memories out in Seattle and we look forward to going back to visit soon.

2nd Inning: Before we left Seattle, we were able to go to 7 Mariners games. When the Twins were in town, we were Circled by Bert! We are hoping for an encore presentation this year at Target Field.

3rd Inning: On August 15th, (yes our anniversary!) we said goodbye to our friends in Washington and made the trip back to Fargo-Moorhead.

4th Inning: After spending a week at home with our families, we moved to our quaint little apartment in St. Paul. Address:1608 B Eustis St. Apt. 308 Lauderdale, MN 55108

5th Inning: Derek is currently working at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Mound, Minnesota. He worked at Good Shepherd before we left for Seattle. It is great to be back in this community and we truly are blessed to be apart of such a wonderful congregation.

6th Inning: Derek will graduate from Luther Seminary this spring. After graduation, Derek will meet with congregations that are looking for a Youth & Family Pastor. We will keep you updated on what happens. Currently,we are in a waiting game!

7th Inning: Bobbie Jo is currently Coaching Basketball at Osseo High School. She is a substitute teacher in the St. Anthony-New Brighton School District as well as the Osseo-Maple Grove School District.

8th Inning: Before we start saving our pennies for Twins Season Tickets, we are off to Hawaii for a family vacation. We will be with Derek’s family for a week of fun on the Hawaiian beaches!

9th Inning: We are grateful for a wonderful year but most of all we are thankful for all of you in our lives. We love hearing from you so if you are ever in Minneapolis-St. Paul look us up! derektronsgard@gmail.com or bobbiejotronsgard@gmail.com

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and GO TWINS!

Semi-Annual Update!

Here we are... a typical night at our place. Derek has found his spot on the couch on his computer, checking his fantasy football pairings. I am checking up on the latest news and attempting to sit here and write a half decent blog realizing that it has been months since we have updated. So here is our attempt to update all of you.

We just got back from Target, where we spend most of our time and money! Although this was a special Target run because we were able to buy birthday cards for a couple of very special people in our lives!
Grandma VI turns 85 on Sunday and my Mom turns umm.... (well I am not too sure how old she is turning so lets say 30!) We are excited to make a quick trip home tomorrow night for the Birthday Festivities! Bob and Beck (Derek's Godparents) have traveled from Arizona for this wonderful birthday celebration and we really look forward to spending some time with them!

My Mom and I are going out for a pre-birthday breakfast on Saturday and I look forward to learning how old she really is! :)

You may be wondering... What have Derek and Bobbie Jo been up to? Well here is a quick look at where we have been and what we have been doing...

August 15th- 17th: We spent our first anniversary traveling back to Minnesota! We wouldn't have had it any other way! We had a great last Sunday at Trinity and we truly miss everyone out in Seattle. We were showered with numerous cards and gifts and we can't thank the congregation enough for all they have done for us. We are grateful for our time out there and we look forward to sharing those memories with all of you next time we see you!

The following weekend we were lucky enough to be apart of a beautiful Baptism at Derek's families lake cabin. Our Goddaughter Freya was baptized (by Derek) and our second cousins Billie and Cassidy were baptized as well. It was a beautiful day filled with family and it was such a joy to be apart of it.

After being out at the lake a couple days we went home just in time to pack up more wedding gifts and grab Maggie and my Mom. And purchase my cousins Honda Civic (yes we got a new car). We then moved into our apartment on campus! We owe a huge thank you to my Mom and Maggie for being apart of our moving fun!

We also need to thank the Jim and Nancy- who are probably the most generous people we know. They have furnished our apartment for us. Without their extra furniture we would have had nothing and we can't thank them enough for all they have done for us over the years! Jim even helped us move all the furniture in... we owe him for life!!

So... after we moved into our small 3rd floor apartment we decided that we needed to take a trip to the State Fair! Well... we actually took 3 trips to the State Fair! It is just so much fun :)

We truly love our new apartment and if you ever need a place to stay please let us know! We are here for you... in fact, we just bought a new couch with a pull out bed! Our friends Steph and Chris are moving and were looking for someone to buy their couch... and well because we don't have any furniture (except the stuff we are borrowing) we decided this would be a good purchase! So now... when you visit we have a pull out bed for you to sleep on!

Derek is back working at Good Shepherd and loving it! He just finished finalizing trip information for their summer trips! This year they are taking a mission trip to Toronto and a Houseboat trip. We really missed the families of Good Shepherd and we are excited to be back.

I am substitute teaching in the St. Anthony-New Brighton School district. I would love to be called everyday to sub but that currently is the case. I am also coaching Basketball in Osseo so that is really taking up time in the evening for me! I am loving being apart of the program and I really am looking forward to the season!

The next question you may have is what is next for us? Well... we will find out in February what synod Derek is placed in and then we will go from there. It is an exciting time for us!

We have been blessed with a wonderful fall... we got to see our best friends get married last weekend and we also were able to make it to my Dad's induction into the Minnesota Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame. It was a very exciting weekend last weekend and it was great to see our family and friends!

We are really looking forward to what's to come and we hope that you havn't given up on our blogging! We promise we will get better when we have more exciting news... but for now we are just Derek and Bobbie Jo. Derek sitting on his computer and me attempting to cook and not start the house on fire. Yes... I tried to make Apple Crisp today and it didn't go very well!

Until next year (hahaha just kidding! I will write before then and maybe post pictures from our trip to Hawaii... yes that's right we are going to Hawaii over Christmas with the Tronsgards!)

If you really want to check out a good blogger visit my cousins blog... cjschwantz.blogspot.com- yes it's true they have the cutest kids around too! Or if you want to see great animation check out peteisalive.blogspot.com (Peter is going to animation school in Vancouver... he is a phenomenal artist and cousin too!)

Seattle with kids... is SO MUCH FUN!

We have had many visitors this year and we are so grateful for all of you that took the time to come visit us!

My cousins, Jennifer and Craig are here along with their ADORABLE kids Katelynn and Austin. Jenn is a WAY better blogger than I will ever be so check out their blog here...

http://www.cjschwantz.blogspot.com/

Tonight we get to take the kids to Chuck-E-Cheese and the park while Craig and Jenn go on a well deserved Date Night! (We can't believe they made it out here in one day.) Derek and are I extremely excited to have some kid fun! (And let's be real, Derek still is very much a kid, I just packed up all his video games and spiderman comic books)

So it's unanimous... having kids around is a blast! We loved having Brody & Freya visit a couple weeks ago too! We are excited to be closer to Billie and Cassidy this fall... Munce if your reading this- you now have free babysitters (and Derek recently changed Freya's diaper so he is now fully trained!)!

I look forward to being home on Wednesday! I will be home until the 11th of August. I look forward to connecting with all of you and I can't wait to hear about Maggie's Houseboat trip with Trinity! She leaves tomorrow and will return on Friday! We will be praying for them and hoping for a great trip with wonderful weather.

Thanks for stopping bye. I am cleaning and Derek is working on his sermon. Great start to our Saturday and we look forward to an evening of fun!

Don't forget to check out Jennifer's blogging and don't hate me for being so bad at it! (hahah!)

http://www.cjschwantz.blogspot.com/

Love,

Bobbie Jo

P.s.

Derek has been working hard on this website this week for a conference here in October. Check it out... we are joking that his summers at computer camp have paid off!

http://www.shiftnow.org/

A little over a month to go update...

It's official... Derek and I are AWFUL at blogging! We apologize.

So here are some highlights of what has been going on in our world!

1. We have had once again, a lot of fabulous company! Krista Costin was out here for the Seattle Marathon, Anne, Mike, Josh, Jess, Julie, Stewart, Brody & Freya were here a couple weeks ago and we had a blast touring Seattle and learning what it is like to have kids around! (It was such a blast and Derek even changed & fed Freya!)

2. Derek and I are honored to be Freya's Godparents. We are looking forward to her baptism back in Minnesota in August!

3. Derek is busy preaching and learning all about what it is like to be Pastor! (He is loving it!) Check out his Sermon's here... http://www.trinitylutheranchurch.com/nurture/sermons/

4. The SUN IS OUT! It has been so cloudy and rainy here... it hasn't really felt like summer- until this week!! The sun is out and I am happy! I have really enjoyed our time here but let me tell you... I have missed the Minnesota summer! Derek and I look forward to spending some time on Little Sand when we come home :)

5. I have sent in over 40 applications and I am still waiting to hear on a few of them! I am really hoping something comes up! I will keep you posted if there is any good news!

6. Derek and I will be living on campus next year... financially it is the right decision for us! It will be a cozy one bedroom apartment... all are welcome to visit, just bring sleeping bags!

7. We are looking forward to having my cousins Jennifer and Craig out here in a couple weeks! Their kids Katelynn and Austin will be with us too and we can't wait! We love having kids and company around... it brings home out to us!

Finally, I will be coming home early, I will be home July 28th-August 11th. I am hoping to find a job while I am home as well as say hello to everyone. (A big thanks to my parents for the plane ticket!) I will then travel back to Seattle to pack up our home in Lynnwood and drive back with Derek. Derek's last Sunday here is August 15th. After worship we plan to head home... (don't worry we will first get a good tune-up on the car to make sure we will make it home!) Our goal is to make it home by Monday night... we will see how that goes!!!

So, hopefully this answers some questions! We are SO EXCITED to be back home but we are sad to say goodbye here! We will keep you posted on what's to come!

Love,
BJo

Here is a quick recap on what is going on here in Lynnwood...

1. Bobbie Jo continues to serve coffee and is constantly reminded that next year she needs to work with kids.

2. Derek continues to be the intern. He hasn't been preaching as much as he would like but has found other ways to get involved. He has really found a love for teaching the Adult Bible study that takes place on Sunday Mornings... here is what he has been working on, it is really cool!

http://coffeetablegospel.derektronsgard.com/

3. Derek and Bobbie Jo would really like a dog! The past couple of weeks we have been entertained by our friend Greta. (We spoiled her rotten, took long walks, ate countless dog treats and scared away the crazy cat lady's cats!) Greta is Becky and Tyler's beautiful golden retriever! She is by far the best dog I have ever been around. (Sorry to Gus, Bonnie, Nellie,Ruby and Tobey) But this dog has won our hearts. On a side note, we really loved having Becky and Tyler here! Becky performed at the Fifth Ave. Theatre in Seattle for three weeks! They stayed with us for about a week and a half and it was a blast! The show was amazing as always and it was great to spend time with them. Our house didn't seem so empty and it was always fun to come home to a dog that wanted to play!

Becky's tour is done in August, check out http://tour.legallyblondethemusical.com/

It is one of the best musicals I have seen... but I may be a little biased!

4. Derek has kept in contact with a couple of teachers from Oak Grove and a couple weeks ago he did a Chapel for Oak Grove via YOUTUBE. Check it out if you are missing Derek, it is a great video. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Esiwy8P1A

5. I am working hard to find a job in Minneapolis! Let me know if you have any contacts or ideas!

6. We have a lot to look forward too... We are going to Vegas for my parents 25th Wedding Anniversary. We have visitors coming from all over... Korey B. will be here over Easter, Laura Morlock during the middle of Arpil, Rob Hansen at the end of April, Jackie in May, Krista Costin in June, Mom & Maggie at the end of June-July. To end the year, Craig, Jenifer and the kids will be here at the end of July! We are really looking forward to all of our upcoming visitors!

We hope things are going well back home. We wish we could be there to help. We are praying for you and hoping that the river does not exceed the dikes!

Have a great rest of your week.... we are thinking about you here and hoping things are great!

Don't forget to check out...http://coffeetablegospel.derektronsgard.com/

Where did January go?

Wow! What a fun busy month! It is Sunday night and Derek is just about to leave for his evening worship at the Nursing home. I am gearing up for my journey back home and it could not come at a better time! I am eagerly awaiting Wednesday morning although Derek is not liking the fact that I have to be at the airport at 5 in the morning for my flights departure at 6! (We live about a half hour from the airport so it could be a long drive for him on the way home!)

Over the past few weeks we have really enjoyed our adventures! We were able to go and see Stewart, Julie, Grandma Dar and Brody in Eugene Oregon and we had such a fantastic time! It was so great to spend time with Brody (although he really wanted to spend time with Derek and I was just the substitute when Derek wasn't around!) We had fun shopping for their new addition coming in May and Derek had a blast on the golf course with Stewart! They were also able to hit up a brewery on the way home. I think the highlight of our trip to Eugene was the family dinner we had on Friday night! Derek made Grandma Dar's famous Scalloped Potatoes and Stewart made his famous ribs. To top the weekend off... Grandma Dar made her famous Chex Mix, Julie gave us all the leftovers and Brody made us scooby snacks! (which consisted of sugar and corn syrup and they looked like dog bones! He is so thoughtful!)

Needless to say, it was such a wonderful treat to be with family and it was one of our favorite weekends out here! We can't wait to go back for Brody's birthday in May!

Derek has been writing a Bible study series for Trinity, he has also been working on their website, preaching and finding time to listen and learn to the great leadership that is here! It has been a great year so far! He preached today and I was able to catch his sermon! I worked this morning at 5 and was off by 10:30 just in time to catch his last service! Once again it was a great sermon (but I am biased, so check it out for yourself later on during the week!)

I am very excited to get home! Although, please say a couple prayers for me on Wednesday! I am not a great traveling and tend to get a little anxious and sick! I am the girl that occasionally needs the bags that air inside the seats in all airplanes!

I will be home on Wednesday afternoon and I fly out on Monday morning! I am extremely excited to watch Maggie play ball. It has been really hard lately to know she is playing and not be there. Especially if I am bored sitting at home! Jackie is coming home too so my parents will be in for a full house! (Poor Dad will really need a man cave after this weekend!)

I am also excited to catch up with my friends and extended family! It has been so long since I have seen everyone! Katie also moved into her own condo so I am really excited to see her place!

I am hoping to see everyone I can when I am home but I know this can be impossible with schedules! So I invite you to come to cheer Maggie on! She plays West Fargo Thursday night and Brainerd on Saturday afternoon! Give me a call if you need details!

Ok... if you can't tell already... I am eager to set foot in the midwest and I am actually looking forward to seeing snow!

I will end with some pictures that I have been meaning to post! Here is a couple from our trip to Eugene! These are the only two I had on my camera! Brody has a Nintendo and the boys had a great time playing Star Wars! Gordy is our neighbor and we babysit him on occasion! Derek and I asked him over to make Ginger bread houses and it was too much fun!

Christmas & New Years!

Oops! We have been busy and we have not had a chance to update... sorry!

Here is a quick recap of what we have been up to...

1. Paul, Amy, Katie and Brian joined us for Christmas! It was so much fun to have everyone here under one roof! We had a great time sight seeing, cooking and EATING OUT! (I believe Derek and I have gained so much weight eating out here when visitors come!) We are now changing our habits and we are on a healthy eating kick- last night Chef Derek made a rice noodle and chicken recipe found on Weight Watchers online... it was so great! Saying goodbye is always hard to do and it was very hard to say goodbye to the Tronsgards. We had a fabulous time and it was so quite around here after they left :(

2. While the weather was awful back home over Christmas we had beautiful weather! It was fun to talk to my family over Christmas and to find out that they were snowed in and we hardly had jackets on! The weather has been so beautiful minus a couple rainy days! Sorry to everyone back home :( Just come visit!

3. We had a wonderful New Years with Clapp and Megan! Megan hosted us and we had such a great time! The city of Seattle puts on a fantastic fire works show... we were able to watch it on Television! I had to work New Years Day so it was an early night for us!

4. This past weekend Erica and Nick were out here visiting us! It was so fun to spend time with them and once again it was hard to say goodbye! We had planned to go skiing but the weather didn't cooperate so we spent the day sightseeing! I finally went up in the Space Needle and it was a blast! I got a little motion sick in the elevator but I made it through! I have the honor of being apart of their wedding in October and Derek is going to be officiating (Along with another Pastor from First Lutheran)! We are so excited for their wedding!

5. Derek an I are extremely excited about this weekend and our plans are still in the works but we are planning on going to Eugene to visit Grandma Dar, Stewart, Julie and Brody! I was able to get Saturday off so we are planning on a fun weekend in Oregon! I have to work Sunday but it will be fun to have a Saturday off! We are really looking forward to getting out of Lynnwood and exploring more of the pacific northwest!

6. Derek and I are great... we are having a blast out here but missing home all at the same time! I am coming home at the beginning of February! I can't wait to watch Maggie play ball! In April we are off to celebrate my parents 25th wedding anniversary in Vegas!

7. Derek has done a couple more sermons so feel free to check out his sermons...

http://www.trinitylutheranchurch.com/Sermons/Sermons.asp

Ok... I think that is it! I am starting to begin my teaching job search for the Mpls. area! I am really missing kids and I really hope I can find a teaching job!

Have a great week and miss you all!