SNOWSHOEING & OTHER ACTIVITIES

I spent Thursday with Jake's class snowshoeing a Hartman Reserve. It was a great day! The temp was warm, like 30+ degrees and no wind. We hiked for a little over an hour through the woods. I only fell once, which I think is pretty good since I hadn't ever used snowshoes before! I assumed I'd be sore the following day, but I was able to jump right out of bed.

I had an eventful Friday. My day didn't start out well and progressively got worse. It ended with me at occupational health to be checked out. Long story short, I fell (twice) while helping to escort an unruly student to the principal's office. The kiddo got his legs entangled in mine while we were helping him down the hall & before I knew what happened I was down (let's just say this kid was trying to trip me & succeeded). I hurt my knee (nice bruise), but it was my wrist that sent me to the doc. I had numbness/tingling from my left fingertips to my elbow. It was fortunately just a pinched nerve and it felt normal 24 hours later.

Jake started his 2nd season of indoor soccer. His team won 26-4, so it was a good start to the season. Jake scored a few times and had some great blocks in the goal area. He is still playing basketball and that should wrap up at the beginning of March. He also has baseball practice starting this week. Light practice in the gym, but it will make for a long season since our end of the year tournament isn't until late July.

Allie started an art class on Saturday. She is taking a 6 week clay class. She started a clay bowl last week & will finish it up next week. She told me all about the different methods of using clay after the class. She is also working on learning her new tap routine for her recital in June. She said if they can learn the tap routine, they will work on a ballet number too for the recital. Allie has also started selling Girl Scout cookies. She set a goal of 200 boxes. She was at 80 after the first day of selling. I doubt she'll get to 200, but God bless her for trying! She is thinking about taking an acting class through UNI. I haven't decided if I can take on another activity.

This week: no school Monday, 2 basketball practices, 1 baseball practice, indoor soccer game, art class, dance class, a special ed meeting for me, PJ day at school, playdates for both kiddos here on Thursday & religion class. Welcome to another busy week!

Jake taking a break from snowshoeing
Jake's class (he is on the far left end back)

Jacob & his friend Jakob in the snowshoes.

Jake & classmates (Mason, Tanner, Jake, Adam & Jakob)

JAKE IS 10!

Where did the time go? My first born is 10. It seems like I was just bringing him home from the hospital. I was so unsure of what to expect. I remember the first night home, he slept across the hall from me in his crib. I had a monitor just in case I didn't hear him (across the hall, like 10 steps away). I don't think I slept a wink that night, I heard his every breath & jumped every time something didn't sound right. Things sure do change quickly!

Jake had a party with his friends at the local pool. He had about 30 kids there. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. After the party, we had pizza and cake. A fun evening.

Last week was our first week back to school after break. It took some getting used to after being off for 2 weeks. We had a light week of activities, we did go to our neighbor boy's 4th birthday party at Chuck E Cheese's. This week is a bit more hectic with Jake's birthday, snowshoeing with Jake's class, a PTA meeting, 2 basketball practices, an indoor soccer game and an art class for Allie.


Jake with a gift from a friend

Jake & his cake

Jake & his gift from Allie

Jake & his closest friends!

The kids & friend's at Chuck E Cheese's.

Jake & his cousins.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

We welcomed in the New Year at home, just the four of us. We grilled a yummy dinner of steaks, cheese potatoes & garlic bread. After dinner, we went our separate ways in the house. The boys went to the basement to play video games & watch football. Allie watched some TV & I read a book. Shortly before midnight, I went to gather the family for a quick Happy New Year before finally going to bed. I went to the basement first & the boys were both asleep with the TV blaring and Allie was cashed out in her room. So, I struggled to stay awake for no reason!


We had a low key New Year's Day. It was freezing outside so we started a big pot of chili & hung out around the house. That evening, we decided to go to the UNI basketball game. We had court side seats & enjoyed the front row view. Allie loved having TC, the UNI mascot, mess with her during the game. He even stole Jake's seat when he ran to the bathroom. A fun night.


Jake had a basketball tournament all day on Sunday. His team took 1st place & Jake had some good games. He looked great in the 2nd game, scoring several points & playing great defense. We were beat when we finally arrived home Sunday night after being gone for about 10 hours.


Winter break is officially over. We went back to school today. I think we were all ready to get back into our routine.

Allie at the UNI game (taken with my cell)

Jake's team with their medals (front: Ben, Joel, Brandon, Nick, Casey Back: AJ, Andrew, Jacob N, Luke & Jacob G)

Happy New Year from my kiddos!

Jake going up for the jump shot (he's number 15)

Allie in her 2010 glasses.