Bye Bye Aunt Kristin

Aunt Kristin will be moving to Texas in the morning. She is going to be a nanny for a family in Midland, TX. We will miss her very much!! Good Luck Kristin!!!
(Hopefully we can talk her into making her own blog so we can keep up with her!!)

Adaline Elizabeth Rolling

I became a New Aunt yesterday to Adaline Elizabeth Rolling. The was 6lb 14 oz and 18 1/2 in. long. (I'm going off memory, so if these numbers are not correct, I will fix it later) Her mommy & Daddy (Casey & Kyle) are very proud of her. Casey says that she looks like Kyle, we can not wait to go meet her today. We are planning on stopping by the hospital in Fairmont on our way to Armstrong today.

2008 Christmas Card & Letter

It is hard to believe that it is Christmas letter time again, so much has happened this year with many more adventures ahead.
Chris & I started the year with a nice vacation to Cancun with some friends. We stayed at the Moon Palace, it was an amazing resort and we would recommend it to anyone!
This summer, Kayla kept us busy going to her softball games. We got the chance to spent the 4th of July weekend in Iowa's only Island City, Sabula. It was a nice summer get away. The girls loved playing on the beach & going for rides on Grandpa's boat.
Right before school started we took a a short family vacation to Omaha & visited the Henry Doorly Zoo. It was a hot day & we did a lot of walking, we all had a great time.
The busiest time for us was this fall, Chris was offered a new job, still with Wells Fargo, but in Des Moines, IA. We had a hard decision to make, and after long talks & many tears, we have decided to move to Des Moines. There are lot of things in South Dakota that we will miss, but the move will be good for us in the long run. Chris started his new job as a Loan Adjuster in mid-October, so since then I have been playing the role of "Single Mother of Two" during the week.
We finally got the house on the market in mid-November, we are keeping our finger crossed that the right people will fall in love with our house the way we did!!
Kayla is in the 2nd grade this year, she continues to amaze us with all the things that she learns in school. Kayla loves to read, she is one of the top readers in her class. Along with reading, she enjoys collecting & playing with her Webkinz, crafts & participating in Girl Scouts. In September, Kayla got to be in her Uncle's wedding as a candle lighter, she loved wearing her beautiful dress & getting her hair done.
Madison turned 3 this year & started in the pre-school room at daycare. Our biggest challenge this year with her was potty training, I'm so glad we are done with that!! She really has turned into quite the big girl, but we have learned not to turn your back on her, you never know what she is up too!! Madi enjoys riding her bike, playing with her doll house, reading books and talking on the phone. ( Some days she talks to Chris more than I do!!)
Chris is already living in Des Moines, he is staying with some friend until we sell the house & all move down. He did get to ref about a dozen football games before he moved, hopefully he will be able to continue to ref next year in Iowa. We miss Chris very much & look forward to seeing him on the weekends.
As you can imagine, the girls keep me pretty busy. I am still working in Sioux Falls as a Dental Assistant, I love only working 4 days a week. I have picked up a couple new hobbies this year, for Mother's Day, Chris & the girls got me some golf clubs. I have had a lot of fun learning to golf. I also have started a family blog, this is my way of keeping friends & family updated on our lives. I hope that you all can keep up with this way.

We wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year

Chris, Amy, Kayla & Madison

Weekend in Des Moines

I had a great trip to Des Moines this past weekend. It was so nice to see Chris & all the different places he has been talking about. I drove down on Thursday after work, it is a LONG drive. Chris & his roommates had a drink waiting for me when I got there.
It was nice to sleep in on Friday & not have to be anywhere at any scheduled time. I met Mandy & Chris Nelson (Chris' roommates) for lunch at Buffalo Wild Wings. I did get a little Christmas shopping in before we headed to Happy Hour for Margaritas while waiting for Chris to get off work. We had supper & a couple cocktails before we headed back to the apartment to watch a movie.
Chris & I had some more Christmas shopping to do, so we headed to the Jordan Creek Mall. Wow, was is busy, I was a little over whelmed with all the people, but had to remember that Des Moines is not always like this. This is the first time that I can remember that Chris helped me with Christmas shopping, he was such a trooper!!
We went back to the apartment to rest for while before we headed to Downtown Des Moines for a night on the town.
I knew the weather was not going to be good by Sioux Falls, so I headed out around noon to go to Armstrong to pick up the girls. When I got there, they were at my sister Casey's house for a birthday party. We hung out there & had supper and where it was time to go my Dad started the truck to let it warm up & accidentally locked the doors with the truck running!!! Long story short, we had someone come out & unlock the truck and by the time we were ready to go, the weather was too bad for us to drive home so we stayed at mom's!!
Here is a picture of Chris & his roommates, Chris & Mandy

Aunt Amy

Have I Mentioned that I'm going to be an Aunt again!!! Yes, my older sister Melissa (who recently turned the Big 3-0) & Steve are expecting their 3rd child!!! We are very excited, I think we are all on the same page when we say we are hoping for a boy. (J/K... we just want healthy!!)

I'm going away for the weekend, I'm going to make the trip to Des Moines to see the lifestyle my husband has down there!!! It will be a good break from the girls and a chance to have Chris help me with the Christmas shopping.

Hoyer Family

Here is the 2008 Hoyer Family Christmas Picture taken this past weekend!! I will post more about our fun filled weekend later... (or check out the Erica's Blog)

Happy Thanksgiving

We will be spending the weekend in Sabula (Iowa's one & only island city) with the Hoyers!! The weekend should be filled with plenty of food, family traditions, more food, shopping, and celebrating Christmas. I always look forward to this weekend, we always have such a great time. Hope you all have a great weekend too!!

Good Luck Mustangs

We want to wish the
Armstrong-Ringsted
Football team
Good Luck on Friday!!

We thing the Mustangs
have what it takes to be
CHAMPIONS!!!

Weekend News

The Girls & I started our weekend early, on Thursday night we drove to Armstrong so we didn't have to leave as early to go to the game. We got to witness the A-R football team play an amazing game, the boys played a great game. With the win.... we now get to make the trip back to Cedar Falls again on Friday to watch them play in the championship game against the Lenox Tigers!!!
It was nice to see friend & family at the game that I have not seen for awhile. I had made Mustang shirts for my sister & her girls to wear to the game, they turned out so cute. ( I will post pictures when I get some)
After the game, I stopped at my old friend, Erica Steinlage's house. (AKA...Erica Christie) Erica & her family live in New Hampton now, so since I was close, I had to stop. It was so good to catch up with her, we both have such busy lives with work & kids, we don't always get to talk much on the phone.
We did not roll into Armstrong until 12:30, so by the time I got into the house (some know what I'm talking about), got the girls in, unloaded our stuff, I was out as soon as my head hit the pillow. I was glad the girls let me sleep in on Saturday morning, it had been a busy week with getting the house ready, making shirts, & driving across the state of Iowa.
Girls & I stopped at Fairmont to eat some good ole' China Buffet before we drove home. We did get a call that someone wanted to show our house on Saturday, we were excited about that. The only thing was, we were getting home the same time they wanted to see the house, so we hung out in the Pizza Ranch parking lot until they left.
Cory, Michelle & the Boys stopped over on their way home, they were in Sioux Falls for the day doing a little shopping. It is alway great to have family out to see us!! (Tate loved Kristin's cat, diver!!!)
Chris was home this weekend, he got the chance to hang out with his buddy Jeff on Friday night, they had some good male bonding since the girls & I were out of town still.
Saturday night, I was ready to go out & have some time away from the girls, like I said earlier, it had been a long week. Chris stayed home with the girl until the babysitter was able to come over, while I went uptown.
Chris got up & made us all Bacon & Eggs for a late breakfast before he headed back to DesMoines again. The girls & I got a little shopping done for the Hoyer Thanksmas. (we celebrate X-mas the same weekend of Thanksgiving)
After I got the girls all tucked in bed tonight, I started some of my Christmas baking!!! Yes, the carmels are made.... now they just have to be cut & wrapped....uhhggg!!!

House For Sale

It is Official... Our House is on the Market!!!

Take a look... Click Here

Happy 30th
Birthday Erica !!!

Headed to the Dome

Congratulations to the Armstrong-Ringsted Mustang Football Team on a 49-14 win over NSK!!! It was a great game, but COLD!!! The girls & I braved the cold weather in the bleachers the whole game.. We are so excited to go to the UNI Dome in Cedar Fall on Friday to watch the game against the Stanton Vikings!!!

Here are a couple pictures of my cousins...

#25 Tyler Tonderum

#13 Dakota Odermann

Happy Halloween

We had another busy week here at the Hoyer house. I got the Durango back on Wednesday night(yea!!) But had to take it back in on Thursday because I had a light on my dash come on, and since I am a girl I took it in to have it looked at. Turns out it just had some O2 in the lines, what a relief.
I had another Durango scare on Friday, I thought that some dumb ass backed into me in the Wal-Mart parking lot. I was so nervous to tell Chris, I knew he was not going to be happy, so I decided to wait till he got home to tell him about it. Lucky me... when Chris looked at it, he told me that the bumper got dented & scratched when HE backed into the neighbor 6 month ago. ( I know what you are all thinking... the Hoyers are horrible drivers!!)

We had a very nice Halloween. I sent Madi to daycare on Friday so she could go to the party there & Kayla had a party at school. Our Daycare has supper at the center on Halloween so the parents don't have to worry about making supper & more time for Trick-or-Treating. I took the girls out Trick-or-Treat with some friends in town since Chris was not going to be home till later. It was fun to see all the kids running to all the houses. Madi & I stopped early so we could go see Chris, we were all excited to see him. When the rest of the group was done Trick-or-Treating, we had little get together at our Friend Wendy & Troy's. There was about a dozen kids there, the energy level was very high considering they all were eating their candy!!

Saturday we got a lot of work done around the house, I think that we are ready to Sell!!!
Saturday night Chris & I went to a friends house for a party since Chris & his "Roommates" were back. We had a great time!!
Sunday we had brunch with some friends, and finished up some yard work before it was time for Chris to take off back to Des Moines. We had such a great weekend, it was hard to see Chris leave!! The rest of the day was a lazy day...it was nice!!
Tomorrow I am headed to Remsen, IA to watch the A-R Football team play. I figured since I have a shorted drive than everyone coming from Armstrong, I would go see my Cousins Tyler(#25) & Dakota (#13) play some play-off football. Go Mustangs!!!

It's Been A long Tme!!

Sorry for the lack of updates on us lately... we have keeping pretty busy.

Chris has been in Des Moines for a week and a half, he likes his new job. It is a lot of new information to learn right now, but he feels like he is catching on pretty quick.
The girls & I are getting along okay without having a man in the house, although I have to say, it is different having him gone.
I had a little "accident" the first night that Chris was gone... I backed the Durango into the garage door!!!! Not good, but I guess that is why we pay for insurance. I have to say I think I have handled every thing just fine & hopefully the Durango will be out of the shop soon.
Kayla had a Halloween Sleep Over for Girl Scout last Friday, she had a great time, she said that she only slept for a hour!!! (I have a hard time believing that)
Saturday morning the girl, Emily & I walked in a 3.3 mile breast cancer walk in Brandon. When I signed up a couple weeks ago, I did not know that I would be taking the girls with me, but since I'm playing 'single mom' I did not have an option. The girls did great, we did have times when we had to drag Kayla along, Madi fell out of the stroller once, and we finished last, but it was all worth it. Did I mention that I won the best door prize they gave out.... 3 free buffet to the Pizza Ranch...Yea!!!!
Saturday afternoon we headed to Armstrong, we went back to attend a benefit for my cousin Stasha. It was nice to see that they had a good turn out!! Sunday was a lazy day for us, we hung out at Mom & Dad's, the Merrill's stopped by, it was nice to play with my nephew Max. Uncle Gary & Aunt Connie stopped by too, we got to talk about the upcoming football playoffs. A-R play on Wednesday night against Woodbine. Go Mustangs!!

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you

Thank you Denny & Faith for all the hard work you did at our house the last 2 days!!
On Thursday morning, my in-laws came up to help me get the house ready to sell. I had a lot of projects that needed to get done and I was not finding the time to get them. For weeks Faith would call and ask what she could do to help & what I needed done, she kept asking for a list.... and a list is what she got!!! Faith worked inside while Denny worked outside, what a great team.
After working them both so hard, we all went out that night for some drinks with some of Chris' work friends.
Kayla did not have school today so Grammy took the girls out for breakfast this morning. We had a couple unfinished projects from "the list" that we got done this morning. Thing look great here!! I think I should have everything else ready to go soon, Then we should be ready to show the house to sell!!

What is it at you are supposed to bury in the yard to help you sell your house fast??? If anyone knows what I'm trying to think of, help me out. Or if you have any other house selling tips, please share!!!

The Girls & I are headed to Armstrong this weekend to go to the A-R football game. Chris has a game to ref tonight & then is headed to Des Moines on Saturday.

Happy Birthday Emily

Emily celebreted her 20th Birthday on Monday!! We were so happy help her celebrate, We surprised her by showing up where she was having supper with an ice cream cake. She loved it!!!

New Job

Just a quick note on Chris' new job & "The Move"

Chris taking this new job was a big decision for our family, but after many list of pros and cons... the pros won!!! The job Chris is currently at, he is in the home equity sales department, he helps people get money by taking out a home equity line of credit with Wells Fargo. The job Chris starts in a couple weeks, he will be in the mediation department at Wells Fargo in West DesMoines. He will be helping people, who are going to be loosing their homes, find a way to keep them. (??I hope that all this info is correct---I don't understand most of the "Bank" talk, so this is how I understand it!!) Our way of thinking was that with the way the economy is going, there is going to be a bigger need for his new job rather that is old job, only time will tell!!
Chris will start in DM on Oct. 20th, he will be staying with some friends of ours until we sell our house and all move down. Our Friend, Chris & Mandy Nelson, are new to DM also, Mandy & my Chris worked at the Bank in Sioux Falls together. (Chris actual helped hire Mandy when he was on a recruiting trip at Waldorf) Chris & Mandy Nelson are great friend of ours, we were very sad to see them leave Sioux Falls in June, they are very excited to have us in DM with them.
The girls & I are going to stay in Brandon until we get our house sold, we have not listed it yet, but hopefully we will be doing that soon. I can't say that I'm looking forward to being home by myself, but I will manage, I guess I'm "taking one for the team!!"

Weekend in Okoboji

Another busy weekend has come and gone for us. Thursday after work (well after Chris got home from work, I was home all day with Madi) we went to Okoboji to start our weekend a little early. The girls were so excited to go the the water park, only to find out when we got there that it was not open that night, and didn't open until 4 o'clock the next day. I'm not sure who was more pissed off; me, Chris or the girls!!! We managed to make the best out of the night anyway, without swimming!
Friday morning Michelle, Griffin & Tate came over & went with us to another hotel's pool to go swimming, they all had a great time swimming. After lunch we had a little birthday party for Madison, she was so excited to show Tate her cake. (She only took it out of the fridge, by herself, 5 times before he got there, we are surprised that the cake did not end up on the floor!!)
Friday night my Mom, Dad & Ally came over to see the Birthday Girl too, we all had a fun at the water park. Madi got to go home with Grandma & Papa that night & spent the next day with them since Kayla had a wedding on Saturday.
Saturday was a busy day for Kayla & I, and a very relaxing day for Chris. (He got to lay around & watch football all day) Kayla loved getting pampered, we went and got her hair done and she got a manicure & pedicure from her mom. We got her into her beautiful dress & off to the church for picture all before 2:30. (by this time, I was ready for a drink!!)
Kayla was a candle lighter at her Uncle Jarrett & New Aunt Mica's wedding. When they first asked Kayla to light candles, I was a little nervous. (Kayla was only 6 and had never lit a candle, playing with fire was not something that we let her do!) But with a little help from her Dad, Kayla did a great job. We had a great time at the reception, Kayla loved dancing & listening to the live band (Chrome Union) She was to tired, she fell asleep in her dress!!!

4 Years....

Today is our 4 year Anniversary
Today is an exciting, but very scary day for our family, many of you may not have known that Chris has been interviewing for a job in West Des Moines, Iowa. They called yesterday and offered it to him, but they did not give us much time to decide what to do. After many talks, tears, support from family & friends and financial planning, we have decided to take the job!!! We are moving back to Iowa!!! I don't have a lot of time to get into details, I will get to that next week for you all.

This weekend is another busy one for us, with today being our anniversary, Madison turns 3 on Friday and Kayla is in a Wedding in Okoboji on Saturday, we will have plenty going on to take our minds off the move. We are headed to Bridges Bay after work Thursday to hang out at the water park with the girls. We have not talked about it much with them, so this will be a good opportunity to do so.
Hope everyone has a great weekend---

Kayla's 2nd Grade School Picture

School Pictures are back already!!!

Weekend in Armstrong

The girls & I spent the weekend in Armstrong hanging out with friends and family. We were very excited to go to the A-R Homecoming Football game on Friday to watch my cousin Tyler play. The weather was beautiful for the game, the girls both got to wear their "Go Tyler" shirts I made them last year. (Note that Madi did not want her picture taken with Tyler, when he picked her up, Madi pushed him away. She said that he was all wet & gross!!)

Saturday we headed to Fairmont to have lunch with my Aunt Susie & cousin Stasha. For those of you that did not know, my cousin Stasha was diagnosed with cancer in her hip about a two months ago. She is in full swing with her treatments. I'm so proud of her, she has been so strong with all the bumps God has thrown in her way. It was so nice to just sit down & hear her story of what she has all been through.

Saturday late afternoon we were so thrilled to get to see part of the Felkey Family for alittle while, we always love seeing them whenever we get the chance since we live so far away from them. After Supper we got the chance to hang out with Jenn & Brooklyn, they were also in town for the weekend.

My Mom & Mad were away at the races all weekend, I have to say it was a little different being back home when they were not around. Madi woke up Saturday morning and went into Grandma's room to find that Grandma was not there, she said to me "Grandma didn't come home last night" Sometimes she is so funny!! Needless to say, the girls were so excited to see Grandma & Papa this morning when they got up. Most of today was spent just hanging out with them- Kayla loves to just snuggle with Grandma & Madi enjoyed helping Papa mow & shoot off the rocket. After a nice supper, it was time to make the trip back home. Madi was sleeping before we even left town and Kayla played her DS, so that made for a nice quiet ride home. It is always nice to be home..... but I hate unpacking

Chris' Weekend

You may have noticed that just the girls I & were in Armstrong for the weekend.... Chris had a busy weekend too.

Last Year, Chris took up a new hobby, he Refs football games. Him & 4 other guys put together a crew & started doing JV & Jr High games around here. They really enjoyed it so this year they got certified with the South Dakota Athletic Association and have a busy schedule. They are doing a lot of JV & Jr High games and have had 2 Varsity games so far.

Friday Night Chris had a game in Viberg, SD (about and hour south of Sioux Falls... that's what they tell me.) After his game he drove all the way back to good ole' Ringsted. He left Saturday morning to go to Minneapolis for Vikings game with some friends.
Chris will be staying in Ringsted tonight too, he has to go to Des Moines for work on Monday. I hope he does not run into any problems since he will be without his cell phone... Chris lost his phone on the way to Minneapolis Saturday..... he placed it on top of the car at a rest stop & forgot it!!!

We Jumped On

Well... The Hoyer Family has jumped on the Blog Bandwagon!!! After getting addicted to some of our friends & family's blogs, I have decided to give it a try. I will try to keep it updated the best I can with pictures of the girls. I hope you all will find this helpful in keeping up with our busy life.