A New Road

I've been wanting to do a blog for a while (to feel like I'm part of the 21st century and not THAT old). However, with two little girls at home, I felt like I didn't have the time. But...Jason, Elise, Anja and I (and Dutch) are about to head down a new road in life and I thought a blog would be the best way to keep everyone updated.

In April, Jason lost his job. He had been in printing for over 13 years. It was a tough time, but we also saw it as an opportunity to try something new. Well, Jason has found that opportunity. On July 7th, he will be starting a job as a Wind Turbine Technician on a wind farm in Chandler, Minnesota (it's not on most maps, it is east of Pipestone). He is very excited about the job and the future of this industry and we both believe this was a chance that could not be passed up. Here is a link that will take you to an article with information on the Chandler site adn some pictures. http://news.minnesota.publicradio.org/features/2005/07/05_steilm_windpower/

As we are not interested in a commuter family life, we will be selling our house as soon as possible so we can all be together near Jason's new job. Elise, Anja, Dutch and I will stay here to sell the house while Jason starts his new job. I do not look forward to selling a house in this market, and if you know of anyone who is looking to buy, let us know!

After Anja was born in October, I took a leave of absence from teaching. In January I had started working part-time at Life Time Fitness in downtown St. Paul a couple days a week on Jason's days off. When Jason lost his job I began working full-time. For the time being, I will continue working at Life Time. I can do that only because Jason's mom, Imajean, is going to come and stay with me and the girls for a while to help out. We are deeply grateful to Imajean. If it wasn't for her, I would have to quit working because I would pay more in daycare than I would make working.

I anticipate that our lives will be changing a lot in the next few months. I hope this blog will allow our friends and family to keep tabs on us!

As a smaller update, we recently joined Jason's family in Wisconsin Dells for a wonderful vacation! Some Rodens drove out, some flew, and all had a GREAT time in the Dells! We stayed at Glacier Canyon Lodge, it was beautiful... http://www.glaciercanyonlodge.com/ Anja decided she LOVES the SLINKY. Elise had a great time swimming, tackling pool "toys" I thought were too difficult for her. Boy, did she prove me wrong!