Our Christmas and New Years

Hello everyone. It seems like Christmas was a long time ago but it was only two weeks back. Tuff and I traveled to Minnesota. The first day we got to spend the evening and next day with my brother and his wife and kids. They are doing a wonderful job raising their three young boys; Soren 2, Lukas and Bjorn, 9 months.




For Christmas Eve, we, and about 35 others, went to my Grandma Rach's house. Sticking with tradition, we sang Christmas carols and enjoyed catching up with everyone.

Some of the craziness.


Some of the cousins.


Little Bo practicing cousin Bridgette's trick, "levitation."


On Chritmas Day we stayed at my parents house for the Hasselberg family Christmas. This year we all wore Christmas sweaters, so Tuff and I got plenty of use from ours this year.


Straight face photo, with the exception of the front row, who could not hold a straight face.


Goofy group photo.


Sledding at the end of the day.


We also spent some time with my Grandpa and Georgia at the Care Center. This is where we got hooked on puzzles.

The next day we swung by my sisters house and checked out thier man made hockey rink.

Finn and Duff


Against the boards is the rink master, my dad. He makes sure the ice is ready for optimal skating.


Our trip to Minnesota was short but I did get a chance to see all my family, my friends the Rachels as well as Krista.

For the new year we traveled to Wheeling, West Virginia to meet up with our friends from Nashville, Mike and Leslie. We spent the night at Mike's dad's home. Below is the new years group photo.


On new years day we celebrated with a Polish tradition, sourkraut and pork. We also stayed in our pajamas the entire day and put together a 750 piece puzzle. Good times.


Puzzles will make you crazy!


On our drive back home we drove up to Mt. Washington to snap a picture of the Winter Classic hockey game going on. By this time it was raining pretty good.


Last night at high school ministry, Blitz, Tuff gave the message. He spoke on being a light to others in all areas of your life. "What happens in Blitz does not stay in Blitz."

Other news includes the Steelers will be playing the Ravens this Saturday for the second round of the playoffs. Go Steelers!

Christmas Card Decisions

This year's Christmas card making was especially enjoyable. In the end when we had to decide on what picture to use for the cards, we could not. We chose two this year. Here they are:



Coming in a close third place was the card below:


Another option that did not make it:


I was able to add all the graphics and effects in the photos using picknik.com. Try it out! The nativity photo was taken at a life size manger scene at US Steel Tower, the building where I work. Tuff and I were not allowed to go into the scene so our friends Mitch and Leigh helped us out. They took the pictures of the nativity, then snapped shots of us separately in full costume, and finally photoshopped us into the scene. Thanks Mitch and Leigh!

The Christmas sweater pictures were in our house using wrapping paper as a fake wallpaper background.

On Thursday, December 16th we went to the Steelers Christmas party. This year we got a picture with Santa. Yes I am holding a giant poinsettia plant. They were the table decorations that we could take home.

Same day as the Christmas party Tuff won the Steelers locker room pool championship. He came into the finals as last seed and came home with the championship (http://twitpic.com/3ghi11). .

This past weekend our friend Carolina visited from Miami. She has never been to Pittsburgh and always wanted to visit so we hosted her at our house and took her around Pittsburgh to see the sights.


Of course we took a trip to the top of Mount Washington to snap some photos of Pittsburgh.


The Duquesne Incline.



This one is looking back towards our neighborhood.


Senior Pic Remake
Please scroll down to view the Senior Pic Remake and the senior pic.

Christmas Happenings

December first was our first official snow on the ground. The picture below is of the snow taken from our kitchen window.


Also sometime after Thanksgiving Tuff and I bought our Christmas tree. It stands a proud one foot tall.


On December third we attended the Steelers Chaplain Kevin and Jenny Jordan's fundraiser. The night was wonderful, including a true size chocolate football.



A highlight from the night was we got to spend time with our friend Corwin, who was visiting from Miami. He is Director of Pro Ministries for Athletes in Action. While we were in Miami he was the Chaplain for the Dolphins and also lead us through pre-marriage counseling.


Also at the event were more friends, the Simons and Grishams. We love these couples.


On the sixth Tuff attended a CPR certification class. He passed his test and is certified. I am so proud of him.


Then more recently on Thursday we attended our small groups' Christmas party, hosted by the Thorpes. Included in the night was a white elephant gift exchange which brought many laughs, including when Tuff opened his gift, 'A Mother's Guide to Breastfeeding.' It was later stolen by a mommy to be. Thank you Kyndal for providing this photo.


A group shot of the girls.


All the group. You may be able to tell the theme was ugly Christmas sweater (no offense to those who may own similar sweaters).


The last gift of the night was from me and the only choice left for Elizabeth. It was a Snuggie and to our surprise, Elizabeth was genuinely thrilled to get it.


Tuff is still rehabbing his shoulder and also getting back into shape. His goal for this week is to run a six minute mile. He has been working on this for the last few weeks and almost did it Friday but had to stop at .8 miles. Pretty good for a non-endurance athlete!