Cupcakes

I decided that I really needed to step it up and actually bake something, other than from a box, for Anja's birthday. I put my forth my best effort to make cupcakes worthy of displaying and eating. Please don't be too critical, it was my first time!!

December 19th, 2009

One year ago we had the priveledge of welcoming Anja Jayne Tjernagel into this world. This year has been filled with great joy and wonderful memories. Here are a few highlights from her 1st Birthday!

Anja meets Santa Claus

Last weekend we thought it would be fun to introduce Anja to Santa Claus. Moments prior to her being placed in Santa's lap she was very cute and happy. Anja's mood quickly changed. I do love that you can see her two teeth so well though! Maybe better luck next year!

Our Early Christmas Present

Grant and I have been debating on whether or not to buy a new camera for several months. There never was the perfect time to shell out the cash. We finally decided that we would like to get the camera before Christmas and Anja's first birthday. Thanks to the advice of our friend Nicole, we decided what to purchase.

One way we justified the camera was that we would not have professional family photographs taken which we had planned to do. After pricing the sessions and photographs out, we were going to spend several hundred dollars. We decided we would instead, put that money towards a camera.

So, today was our first attempt at our family photographs. As you can see, they didn't go well. We have a long way to go! I didn't like the outfits, the background and Anja was less than interested in our game plan. The good news is that the problem is not with the camera, just the operators!

Hopefully, the Christmas Card you all receive will turn out better than today's photo shoot! Wish us luck next time!

Let it Snow... Let it Snow...

I had a great day shopping on Black Friday. We started in Ankeny at Kohls and Target where I probably got over 50% of my shopping done. I was home by 8 am and managed to put up the Christmas tree (with the help of Grant!), get it decorated and wrap every gift I purchased. That evening we went to Jordan Creek with the Husers were I nearly finished Christmas shopping. I was a disaster with all my bags. The ladies at Bath and Body were walking behind me as I continually managed to knock items off the shelves with my big bags. I was so thrilled to have such a productive day!

One item I bought for Anja was a snow suit and new stocking hat... I think it is adorable. I was even more excited that we had a gift certificate to the Children's Place. I bougth the snowsuit, hat, and a Christmas outfit and it only cost me $.73. Anja doesn't really know what to think about the oversized outfit but Grant and I are excited to take her sleeding in her new outfit with her new sled!

REYNOLD'S GOING AWAY PARTY

Last Tuesday we had a Surprise Going Away Party for our friends the Reynolds. Jason, Nicole, Alex and their to be born little baby will be moving back to Texas this Friday. We have enjoyed getting to know them over the past few years and will miss them dearly.

Bath Time... Anja's Favorite Time of the Day

Baking with Mommy

Anja's First Halloween

Cool Chica

Grant and I absolutely love this photo of Anja!

Mahoney State Park

This was our 2nd Annual Nelson Family Vacation to Mahoney State Park!

OZARKS 2009

A few weeks ago we enjoyed a weekend in the Ozarks... here are a few highlights!

We couldn't stop there....

First Family Photos

This evening Megan, Anja and I went to dinner with the Reynold's family. It was a beautiful evening to enjoy a walk around the pond at Jordan Creek and dinner at Joe's Crab Shack with friends. We also received the photographs that Nicole took of our family. Nicole is an incredible photographer and we are so thankful she was willing to spend time photographing our family... thanks Nicole!

Dam to Dam

I had an awesome time running the Dam to Dam race this past month. It was a really cool experience and I am thankful I had the opportunity to run the race. Immediately after finishing I would not have said I had an "awesome" time. To be honest, at that point in time I thougth I would never do such a thing again. I was exhausted; for several days. Days later I started to recover and thought... that wasn't so bad. Now that I am fully recovered, I can say that it was fun! It was definately challenging but all-in-all, I had a great time! I enjoyed the event with friends Nicole, Aaron and Michelle! It was so great seeing Grant, Anja, Nick and Colette at the finish!

DINNER AT THE TJERNAGEL'S

Goofy Anja

I have no idea how we ever captured these pictures of Anja but they are silly!

Precious

... I don't have to say much... this is just precious!

Mother's Day

Mother's Day has been more than just a day... it has been an entire weekend! Grant was super sweet and did many thoughtful things for me. On Saturday he watched Anja while I ran 8 miles. Then he organized for me to go to the spa to get a pedicure and massage with Brandi, Besti and Linda. Saturday night we went to dinner and the rodeo with the Husers. Sunday was Anja's baby dedication... it was a very special moment and declaration for our family. After church we went to the hotel and had lunch with my family. What a great weekend! I am so thankful for such an awesome husband!