A vacation in pictures

dinner at carrabbas

gator on the golf course

the golf course

sunset on the beach

view from restaurant

birthday boy

jane whooping it up

pete and jane, celebrating 41 years

us

the birthday boy, happy 30th

The greatest game ever played...

to us, well as I'm sure you have figured out already, that game is golf! Growing up, there was a golf club in my hand at an early age, we watched many a tournament on a nice Sunday afternoon, or Saturday for that matter, I knew the players names, I watched Tiger come on the scene, a favorite of my grandmother, who lived with my grandfather, months out of the year, on the golf course in Naples. One might say it's in our blood, but I would say we just like it. For me to have found a husband who enjoys the game as much as my father and brothers, seemed daunting, I didn't think it possible. But I found Alex, whom I tease for his mind boggling statistics of this player, on this day, years before he was born, who made this score, on this course. It's incredible folks, and yet I am sure that there are those who love the game even more. Alex and I, well we had our first date over a bucket of range balls in Edina. Nothing like golf to bring to people together. I am, what seems at first, a little cynical over golf. Most vacations revolve around which golf course he can play in his attempt to cross all 1oo off the list. Most weekend afternoons are spent with the announcers voice in the background. If I come across as a little cross, well don't listen. Because secretly, I love golf almost as much and makes me grin that he loves golf that much and that I can share this joy with him, walking along some of the most gorgeous landscapes, enjoying a round of 9 holes on a muni track, or cuddling up to him discussing the players on a Sunday afternoon. My friends, it's called bonding time at the Brogle household. Just yesterday, my loving husband, encouraged me to play along with him, despite the fact that I haven't picked up my clubs in over a year. We spent about what seemed like an hour at the driving range, trying to work out the kinks. Lo and behold, once my hands were screaming, from months of free time, we fixed my problem and I began to turn my hands over when I followed through. Who would have guessed that was the problem. I even went out and parred a few holes. By the end, I was so happy to have played, but I was dead tired and today when I woke up I realized one big detail.... I am a nine-holer from this day on...and that's that.

Confusion on the house!

Sorry everyone for the confusion. So much excitement in the Brogle household. But we have signed the purchase agreement for our ST. LOUIS PARK HOUSE!! the bigger of the two, the one we'd love to unload. So items from the inspection are being negotiated, they are excited to move in, so hopefully in T-23 days we will be all the less stressed and back home to Prior Lake!

Happy Birthday to you!

Happy 30th Alex! The 20th was Alex's birthday along with his parents 41st Anniversary. We were down in Destin, FL visiting his parents on our, what seems, annual Florida trip! What a year to turn 30 and what a day to do it on. Alex has always shared inauguration day with the new president, but what a day this year. With the inauguration of Obama, we all from 11am on were glued to the television screen, listening closely, taking in history. After we were able to pull ourselves away we went out as a foursome to a great restaurant overlooking the ocean, Commander's Palace. It was a great place to eat, delicious food, great ambiance and a birthday hat to boot. Upon finishing dinner, we headed back to their condo where Alex and I proceeded to take a nap. Dinner and a movie followed and overall it was a great day. Some say turning 30 is a milestone for some, well based on my observations, I think because of the events in our lives this past year, turning 3o was not only a milestone, but left much to look forward too! We all love you!

Cleaning brings renewal, to heart and home...

I don't know about you, but I don't *love* cleaning. Before we got married, I was always known among friends and family as the one who was well, a little messy...clothes strewn all over the place, piles upon piles of papers, etc.

I remember when Alex and I were dating he often wondered if I really was a clean person. I would often tell him, "Honey I am clean, really I am, it's just that I have moved 8 times in the past 6 years, so I never put things away because I know I will be leaving again!"

This is the honest truth...once we were married and I knew we were staying put and that I could decorate, organize, etc. our house, well then I wasn't as messy anymore. I think having at least two roommates at every given time, really puts a hamper on how much you really can put your stamp on.

Ever since we have put our houses on the market, cleaning has become a number one priority in my life. I must say I am learning to love it. Why because the house looks so darn fantastic when I am finished...just like the feeling after a workout, eating a delicious meal, your heart after soul renewal. Everytime I finish, my heart is renewed because I cared for Alex and our home, and our house is clean. So I thought I would share a site I often visit of a woman who has this whole housekeeping/cleaning thing down pat...I mean, she makes me want to clean:) I'm talking about Katie over at Hyper Homemaker. She is truly amazing. Though I pale in comparison, I thought I would offer up a few of our favorites. I keep all of our cleaning supplies in a handy caddy so I can move everything from room to room.

My favorite cleaning products:

-Homemade vinegar and water mixture for wood floors

-Method Countertop spray for counters, stainless steel, just about everything

-Oxo mini brush and dustpan

-Large floor mop with removable terry cloth cover from Menards (we have two covers, one for dry sweeping and one for mopping)

-Microfiber dusting cloths

-Bright pink rubber girly gloves

-Goo Gone, this stuff is amazing

-and of course, Lysol wipes for all those groady germs:)

Praise God!

On Thursday night Alex and I received some fabulous news. There was an offer on our house in St. Louis Park. It was a little low mind you, so we calculated our bottom line and sent it back. Well after a little negotiation on Friday and a crazy, roller coaster of emotion, we had a buyer, a price was settled upon and on Saturday, while sitting in the Office Max in Destin, we signed the papers. We have a closing date of Feb. 16th, $10,0o0 in earnest money, and full faith that this will go through. Contingent upon inspection is the only caveat. This might be good or bad depending but considering the St. Louis Park inspectors just passed everything, we are not too worried. They happen to be some of the most detailed and difficult inspectors in the cities. Pray with us as we praise God for his abundant provision and that this all would go through smoothly.

Getting Ready for a trip...

I love packing, repacking, and then packing it all over again. I am known to have all of our clothes laid out the week before, lists made two weeks before, and the suitcase ready and waiting. You could say I get a little excited to go on vacation!

Next Saturday the 17th, Alex and I are heading to Florida. Every year we head there and it always seems to be our most budget friendly vacation (must be why we get so excited) We are heading first down to Destin to visit Alex's parents who are staying there for Jan. and Feb. This is their first time staying for an extended period, so we are very excited to see them! Then midway through the week we are shifting gears, renting a car, and heading to Tampa. My parents have a condo in Tarpon Springs right outside of Tampa, and this is our usual destination. With an average temp of 70 it beats 15 here in Minnesota. Give us some golf clubs, a couple books, a pool, and some pina coladas and we are set for a fabulous week!

So if you were wondering, yes the lists have been made, packing has started and we are ready for the flight!