Hellos and Goodbyes

To say I've been behind on blogging wouldn't be particularly new, so I'll just jump right into our life happenings. First off, this fall has been wonderful. I feel as though it's a little apology from God for the rainy weekends/months we had this summer. Apology accepted, because the weather and colors have been remarkable these past few weeks! There have been some big changes happening in the lives of our families lately and each comes with it's own complicated set of emotions. However, underneath every change is the knowledge that God is good. God knows our desires, wishes, troubles and prayers. He knows better than anyone where we are supposed to be and when timing is right. Good things are happening, so let's get down to business.

First off, Alyssa and Michel have started their transition to Texas! Michael grew up in Texas, and moving back there someday has always been in the cards for them. It's been on their hearts for years, but the timing never quite felt right for them to make the move. Job promotions, exciting new opportunities and simply life had always seemed to keep them in Minnesota. Well, signs started pointing to this fall being the time to go and Alyssa has officially started her journey south {this morning to be exact!}. Michael will continue his job in Minnesota and move down with her after Alyssa finds work in the Austin area. She has several interviews lines up for Social Work positions and theres no doubt in my mind she will get one of them. She's smart, personable and passionate about what she does. If I could wrap up all our friends and family, make them live within a 10 mile radius of us forever, I would. Okay, that is probably a bit unrealistic, but I like the idea. It's sad to see them go, but this is the next chapter of their story. And it's going to be a great one. We can't wait to see all the wonderful things unfold for them in the next few months. Plus, Austin will be a great winter getaway ;) We had a fun going away party for Alyssa {and Michael} on Thursday at Pizza Luce in Hopkins. Adam's whole family came down from Fargo and we all met up for dinner and drinks. It was so much fun having everyone together. We talked about the big move, caught up with everyone, reminisced with funny Erickson children stories and laughed. I am very blessed to be a part of this family and this night was yet another subtle reminder. After dinner we headed over to Kip's Irish Pub, near their hotel, and spent another few hours chatting. A fun sendoff it was!

Brittani and Nate are staying in Minnesota! The story is a whirlwind and I'll do my best to summarize. Nate's contract with the Minnesota Wild ended after last season and he signed a new contract with the St. Louis Blues. This was for several reasons, but simply enough it was the best option for their family and his career. Nate was offered a two way contract with the St. Louis Blues, meaning the team would have the option of having him play for their NHL team in St. Louis, or their AHL {minor league} team in Chicago. If the team wished to send him to their AHL team, he would have to clear waivers. Now, waivers means that for a 24 hour period {prior to sending him to the AHL}, any team can pick him up- so long as they fulfill his current contract. In my understanding, this is to prevent teams from shipping players back and forth too many times. Well, Nate was 'on waivers' and guess who picked him up? The Wild. This was not expected in the least bit and everyone was in complete shock. The had been trying to sell their house and when they found out he was back with the Wild, off the market it went! I'll spare more details, but God definitely had a hand in their situation. What a lesson on being faithful and patient. We couldn't be more excited they're staying and are so grateful for the time we now get together over the next year...