FLORIDA TRIP, DAY 3

We decided to drive to Clearwater Beach on Monday morning. It would be a great way to celebrate Kim's birthday. There was only one problem. Drew's stomach bug hit Kim overnight & she wasn't feeling very good. She decided that she couldn't miss the beach trip, so she braved the hour drive & went with us. Drew still wasn't 100% either, but we ventured on our way.


The drive to from Tampa to Clearwater was really pretty. I didn't think I'd like the long bridges over the Gulf to get to the beach, but it wasn't bad & the views were stunning.


The kids enjoyed building sandcastles, playing in the Gulf with Michael, finding shells, walking on the pier, trying extreme trampolines & playing on the inflatables along the beach. I definitely think they could become beach bums! Allie also learned to NEVER eat french fries slowly along the beach. Seagulls WILL come and steal your food right from your hand. I am certain she will NEVER forget that experience!


We rented a much needed umbrella on the beach. It helped keep Mr. Drew & fair skinned Allie from getting burnt. It also allowed a sick Kim to lay down in the shade when she wasn't up to being in the sun. She spent a couple of hours alone under that umbrella while the rest of us wandered around enjoying the sights.

Mid-afternoon, we left Clearwater and decided to spend the evening at the pool. Kim & Drew stayed at the condo to nap. After a couple of hours at the pool, we went back to the condo to order dinner when suddenly I got the stomach bug that Kim & Drew had. Needless to say it was a long night at our condo.

Tomorrow, read about our day at Sea World.
Allie showing off all of the entertainment on the beach.
Jake trying the slide


Allie on the extreme trampoline.

Drew dipping his toes in the Gulf.

Michael & Allie playing football

Allie & her sandcastle.

The kids on the pier.

Jake & Allie

Jake burying himself in the sand

The Fischer crew

FLORIDA TRIP, DAY 2

We got up early on Sunday & went right to the resort pool. It was a gorgeous and hot day. The sun was out, the pool was warm & all was good. The kids played on the slide, in the pool areas and in the lazy river. Drew floated around in his little floatie napping off and on & relaxing. I lounged by the pool, got some sun & relaxed.

We ate lunch at the resort. They had great food. After lunch we spent more time at the pool. Mid-afternoon, we called it a day & went back to the condo. The kids spotted ice cream for sale & of course had to try some.

We got cleaned up and decided to head to Downtown Disney to eat at T-Rex Cafe. We wandered through Downtown Disney's shops & saw lots of cool sights while there. Our dinner at T-Rex was fun & the scenery was amazing. Drew still wasn't feeling well so we went back to the condo & intended to return for dinner at Plant Hollywood or Rainforest Cafe in the days to come.

We went to bed early knowing that Monday would bring an hour or so drive through Tampa to Clearwater Beach. The forecast looked good for spending the day at the beach. More on our beach adventures in my next post....

Michael throwing Allie around the pool

Drew asleep in his floatie

Kim, Drew & Michael in the pool

The kids hanging by the pool

CANNONBALL!!!!!!

Ahhhhh....Popsicles in the Florida heat!

Puff the Magic Dragon made out of Legos in Downtown Disney

T-Rex Cafe

Plant Hollywood

FLORIDA TRIP, DAY 1

The kids & I went to Florida for a few days for Spring Break. We met my brother Michael, his wife Kim & their baby Drew (9 months old). Originally, Scott was supposed to go with us but he ended up having to work. We were terribly disappointed and considered not going. He insisted we go without him though.


I was a bit nervous about taking the kids alone to Minneapolis to fly out. We made it to the airport with no trouble & way early (like 2.5 hours early)! We were in the small MSP terminal so that helped out a ton. We grabbed some lunch during our wait and then hung out by our gate. One of Allie's friends from her dance class was on our flight so that made the time go a little quicker. She was occupied & I got to chat with her friend's mom.


Our flight was delayed about 30 minutes, but once we finally boarded & got going things were great. Our flight was nonstop to Orlando and we arrived shortly after 9:00. It was hot when we arrived (72 degree) so the kids immediately ran into the restrooms and put shorts on. I threw on some flip flops & it felt great! We found our luggage & met Michael who took us back to our rented condo.

The condo was nice, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, kitchen, living area & most importantly a laundry area (you'll understand why that was important in later posts). The pool area was gorgeous & the restaurant was awesome.

When we got to the condo, Kim informed us that Drew had been sick. We decided to stay at the resort on Sunday to let Drew get better. We thought we'd hit the beach on Monday and Sea World Tuesday and Wednesday before heading back to Iowa on Thursday.

I'll post about Day 2, our day at the resort & Downtown Disney tomorrow :)


The kids in the MSP airport

The kids waiting for our plane, it was late

Our condo (& rental van)

A view from the pool area

The kids by our resort sign.

A Quiz for Your Children

1. What is something mom always says to you?
Jacob: I love you.
Allie: I love you.

2. What makes mom happy?
J: When I get good grades.
A: When I give you my art project.

3. What makes mom sad?
J: When I disobey.
A: When I get trouble.

4. What does your mom do to make you laugh?
J: trips.
A: Tells funny jokes.

5. What was your mom like as a child?
J: disco hair.
A: Blonde hair.

6. How old is your mom?
J: 37.
A: 23.

7. How tall is your mom?
J: 5’4"
A: 40inches

8. What is your mom's favorite thing to do?
J: Work at my school & hug us.
A: Hug me.

9. What does your mom do when you're not around?
J: Cleans & shops.
A: Figures out presents for me.

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for?
J: being the best mom.
A: Being the best mom.

11. What is your mom really good at?
J: taking care of the house & kids (including dad).
A: Being a mom.

12. What is your mom not very good at?
J: she's clumsy.
A: Lying

13. What does your mom do for a job?
J: sub.
A: Substitutue

14. What is your mom's favorite food?
J: Shrimp.
A: Shrimp, but now's she's allergic

15. What makes you proud of your mom?
J: when she hugs me.
A: Everything

16. If your mom were a cartoon character, who would she be?
J: Minnie Mouse (Dad would be Goofy)
A: Ruby

17. What do you and your mom do together?
J: Help with my homework.
A: Paint my nails & play

18. How are you and your mom the same?
J: Same skin.
A: We both have green eyes

19. How are you and your mom different?
J: Different Eyes.
A: Red hair & brown hair

20. How do you know your mom loves you?
J: She hugs, kisses me before bed.
A: She kisses me every night.

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go?
J: HyVee.
A: The mall

22. What does your mom do for you?
J: Helps me with homework & helps at my school.
A: Take care of me.

23. What is the best thing about your mom?
J: She loves me.
A: I can't think of only one, there's a bunch.

24. What is the worst thing about your mom?
J: She shops too much.
A: Nothing

SPRING BREAK BABY!!!!!!!!!!

It's finally here. I'll post about our adventures late next week! Enjoy your week!

YES, I'M STILL ALIVE!

I know, I know I haven't updated in awhile. I'm not sure why though. We've kept busy, but not with anything too exciting. Here's our recap:

• Jake participated in the Pinewood Derby. He enjoyed himself, but our car didn't do well.
• We enjoyed the nice weather by hanging outside.
• Allie had a daisy meeting and sold the most cookies in her troop. We've delivered most of the cookies.
• Twin Day was held at school. Allie dressed like friends Hannah & Morgan. Jake dressed like Nick & Adam.
• The kids also particpated in Stripes Day in honor Dr. Suess's b-day.
• I've subbed a little here & there. I've enjoyed the break.
• I went to the doc the other day & was told that I officially have a shellfish allergy. I'm not happy since I love, love, love shrimp!
• Jake went to sleepover with Ethan one night & Paul another night.
• Allie went to a sleepover with her friend Morgan. She also had playdates at Maddy, Madison's houses.
• Allie had Morgan & Madison over. Jake had Nick, Paul & Ben over.
• Allie went to a b-day party for Maddy & Jake went to a party for Katie.
• Allie was chosen to sing in a small group at her musical this week.
• Allie took Jordyn to her dance class for friend day and she went dance class with Morgan another day. She decided that she LOVED Morgan's combo ballet/tap class & thinks she'll do that next year rather than just ballet.
• Both kids entered projects in the Spanish Fair. Allie made Mexican paper flowers & Jake made God's Eye's.
• I subbed in Allie's religion class on Ash Wednesday. 14 first graders at Ash Wednesday mass wasn't fun. I'll say no next time!
  

This week we have dance, Allie's concert, religion class, my mom is visiting, I'm subbing several days and Spring Break starts. Florida here we come!
Jake with his car & ribbon.

Jake with his Spanish fair project.

Allie with her Spanish fair project.

The kids on Stripe day.

The kids had us bring up a banquet table into Al's room. They made it into a tent & slept there the other night.

COYOTES

This is an article from the local paper regarding the coyote that has been spotted in our neighborhood & most recently outside of the kid's school...


Coyote sighted at C.F. school; students kept inside

By JON ERICSON, Courier Staff Writer

CEDAR FALLS — Hansen Elementary School students were kept inside for morning recess Monday after reports of a coyote sighting on school grounds.

A neighbor reported sighting a coyote under goal posts at the Hansen/Holmes school complex Monday morning and reported it to police and to the schools.

Hansen Principal Tony Reid said he had received the report of the coyote and kept the children inside as a precaution. He was checking with Iowa Department of Natural Resources officials and a Black Hawk County Conservation ranger on the best way to proceed. The ranger had advised him that coyotes would be afraid of school children and not come near them. Children were allowed outside in the afternoon, but the school increased supervision.

Dave Roberts, an avid coyote hunter, had heard about sightings of a coyote late last week. On Monday morning, his wife saw the coyote resting underneath the practice football field on West Fourth Street. The Roberts live on Chateau Court and the rear of their home faces the field.“I let my black lab out and (the coyote) chased her back in. Then she went back under the goal post for another 10 minutes,” Roberts said.

Roberts said he believes the coyote is in estrus and mating with a dog in the neighborhood. Roberts said he got a good look at the animal as it came near his house in pursuit of the dog and was confident it was a female coyote. He said other neighbors had seen the animal several times since last Thursday.

Cedar Falls Police Chief Jeff Olson said the city has had a number of coyote reports since early January. Most of those reports came from the Birdsall Park area. The first calls reported both a male and female coyote, but recently sightings have only been of the female coyote.“There’s been no aggression observed by this coyote,” Olson said.Police are exploring options for dealing with the coyote and Olson said they are looking at live trapping the animal and releasing it away from the city.



This picture was taken by a neighbor just 2 streets over from us near the golf course.

HAPPY HAIRCUT

Miss Allie has been begging to get her hair cut "short" for months. Each time we go to get a haircut I just tell the gal to trim it up. Yesterday, I caved & let her tell the gal what she wanted done. She told her to cut it to her shoulders. So, 5 inches are now gone & it looks adorable. Allie LOVES it & I think it is stinkin' cute too.

Back
Front

Side

RECAP
It's been awhile since I've posted anything about our day to day life. So, here's a recap of the past few weeks:

• I've been subbing full time since before Thanksgiving. I've grown to love the 1st grade class that I'm in and enjoyed my days there. Today, is my first day off. The person I was subbing for is now back to work. I'm planning to get caught up around the house, prepare for Spring Break, sub a little and enjoy some time off!
• Allie is preparing for her dance recital, which will be in May. She is working hard on her routine. She thinks this will be her last year taking dance.
• Jake was asked to play baseball this summer on an IBL team (Iowa Baseball League). It is much more competitive than rec ball. The season is also much longer. Practices begin any time and our last games will be in mid-July. There will be several months when we have BOTH baseball and soccer going on for him. It could be a long Spring!
• Allie sold the most Girl Scout cookies in her troop this year. She was quite excited. Our next job will be to deliver those cookies!
• We spent my birthday weekend with my family. My mom had a family dinner with my siblings & their families. It was great to be with the people that mean the most to me.
• Scott's grandmother was airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals a couple of weekends ago. We spent the night in the ER waiting to see how she was. After a long night, she was admitted and now continues to get better every day.
• Jake's Scout den went ice skating for an outing. Jake thought he could just get out and skate! WRONG! He got better after awhile. Allie came along & was sure to dress the part with her vest, matching gloves & hat. She looked adorable & did much better than Jake on skates.
• The kids had their Valentine's Day parties at school. They enjoyed giving and receiving lots of Valentine's and candy. They played games and had snacks at their parties too.
• Scott and I went out with friends for Valentine's Day. We saw the movie Taken (it was great) and went to dinner and then out for a few drinks. We had a nice time.
• Scott and Jake are working on Jake's Pinewood Derby car. The derby is in a couple of weeks and they are actually starting early for once! This will be the last car that they make, Jake has decided not to do Scouts next year. That is fine since his plate is full with football, soccer, baseball and basketball.
• Jake took in a UNI basketball game last week. He loves going to UNI events.
• Jake had his music concert/musical for school. My mom was able to come see his big performance. The musical was wonderful.
• This week brings: friend day at dance (Allie is bringing Jordyn), Cub Scout banquet, conferences for both kids, religion class, dentist appts, no school on Thursday/Friday and a quiet weekend.
  
  Allie & Jake at the ice skating rink.
  The Scouts take a break from ice skating (Aidan, Jake, Paul, Sam & Will)
  Jake on skates.
  

Jake & Nicholas

Adam & Jake

Allie at the Valentine's party

Allie & Morgan

Jake at his concert

Jake & Paul at the concert

Jake singing during his concert.

Jake at a Scout meeting.

My niece & nephews at my party (Drew, Allie, Ben, Maddie & Jake)
Allie at the rink.

I LOVE

I am copying the idea for this entry from my friend Stacy. In honor of Valentine's Day, here are the things I love....

• I love my husband and 2 beautiful kids.
• I love my parents.
• I love my siblings & their families.
• I love my grandmother. I miss my grandfather.
• I love how smart and kind Jake is. I love his love for sports.
• I love how Allie wants to be just like me. I love the way she says things, she is funny.
• I love Grand Mound & the home I grew up in. There is something about being in Grand Mound that makes me feel good.
• I love my house & the memories we are making for our kids.
• I love the memories of my childhood with my friends in my small little town.
• I love remembering my grandparent's house & the time spent with my cousins in the basement.
• I love shrimp (but I think an allergy has started, so I can't love it anymore).
• I love chocolate.
• I love to shop.
• I love Christmas & the 4th of July. No other holidays compare.
• I love my flannel pants & fleece sweatshirts.
• I love summer.
• I love hot dogs on the grill
• I love having a beer with good friends on my patio.
• I love working or volunteering at Hansen. The staff & the kids are wonderful.
• I love spending time with my family. They are my rock & often my comedy relief.
• I love spending hours on the phone with Kim, Mandy or mom.
• I love hearing Drew giggle at me.
• I love to tease Ben about sharing his food with me (the answer is always no).
• I love watching Maddie play...she is such a girly girl.
• I love the stupid text messages my brothers send me. I laugh out loud at them.
• I love it when my dad calls me. He never means to, it is usually an accident because he can't see to dial his phone. That makes me laugh.
• I love the relationship my parents have with my kids. My kids adore them & can't wait to visit. They allow them to do things that I don't let them do & they spend quality time doing what the kids want. My kids are SO lucky!
• I love Facebook.
• I love Diet Dr. Pepper.
• I love flip flops.
• I love purple.
• I love UNI football.
• I love watching my kids in their activities. I am so proud of them.
• I love to travel & wish there was more time to go places (we are going to Florida in March).
• I love to laugh. There is no one funnier than my dad (my mom probably disagrees).
• I love the movie the Wizard of Oz.
• I love the show Survivor, yes I admit it! I also love reruns of Friends and Little House on the Prairie & my latest find reruns of Brady Bunch.
• I love it when my house it clean & my laundry is done.
• I love to organize things. I own a label maker & love it.
• I love living in Iowa, most of the time.
• I love my blog & the book that I had made out of my 2007 entries (I'm working on 2008's book).
• I love my life & am probably one of the luckiest people alive. I have a wonderful family, awesome friends, a great home, good health & very few worries. Does it get much better than that??

Happy Valentine's Day to all!

25 RANDOM THINGS

I did this on Facebook & thought it would be fun to post it on my blog....

1. I am the oldest child.
2. My kids are named after last names in our family (Jacob after my Great Grandparents, the Jacobs & Allie after Scott's grandparent's the Allison's)
3. I hate pig tails.
4. I ashamed to admit that I LOVE Survivor.
5. At about 30 years old I learned to finally eat Chinese food...I can't believe I missed it all those years??
6. I am sarcastic.
7. I hate feet.
8. I have texture issues. I don't like really dry things, they freak me out.
9. I don't like Thanksgiving. I love the day after.
10. I HATE pigtails.
11. I LOVE the 4th of July, almost more than Christmas.
12. I am a volunteer o holic. It makes me feel good to volunteer.
13. I am a HUGE believer in YOU staying out of my personal space unless you are invited in...don't hug me!
14. I am slightly addicted to Facebook, but who isn't?
15. I have a BA in Psych with a minor in Criminology. Really using that degree!
16. I used to be a bill collector & actully knocked on people's doors to get them to pay me...can you say stupid???
17. I worked at Applebee's for years.
18. I love it when someone trips or falls down...that is funny!
19. I can't say no to chocolate.
20. My hands swell when I go into certain shops that have lots of lotions/candles. I think I'm allergic to something.
21. I've never mowed a lawn.
22. I love roller coasters, but hate twirly rides.
23. My son was born exactly 8 years after my hubby & I started dating & exactly 5 years after he proposed!
24. I am scared of something happening to my parents, but even more scared about something happening to my kids.
25. I have an irrational fear of snakes.

EAR INFECTION

Allie woke up this morning with no fever & no headache, but now an ear ache. I decided to run her to the doc to see what was up. She's NEVER complained of ear aches in the past, just everything else. So, I made an appointment & left work to get her to the doc. The doc checked her little ears & sure enough, an ear infection had been the culprit of our weekend illness. I was given a prescription, but told not to fill it until tomorrow afternoon. Say what? The new thought is to wait & see if the child's body can fight off the infection itself without the help of the Rx. This is only for kids over 2 though & the Rx should be filled if the symptoms are still there 48 hours later. I was pretty skeptical, although I'm not sure why, Allie has never had an ear infection & Jake only had 1 or 2 when he was a baby so how would I know the treatment protocol? I checked on Allie shortly after lunch to see how the ear was feeling & she said great! She could now hear & it didn't feel like her ear had someone pushing on it. Hmmmm....I'm guessing that the doc was right!

THIS WEEK

So, another week has come & gone. It seemed to drag on & on. Probably because this is the first 5 day work week without any snowdays, late starts, early outs or a holiday since well before Christmas.

Jake went to the hockey game & spent the night with his friend Adam last night. Sounds like they had a great time. Allie had her friend Jordyn sleep over. They had a lot of fun & I heard giggling well into the night & early this morning. This afternoon, Allie said she didn't feel well. For those that know Allie, know she is full of drama & I figured she was just tired (see where this is going?). So, I drug her out to lunch with my friend & her kids. When we got home, she begged me to take her temp & guess what? She had a temp of 101.5! Oops! She went right to bed & hasn't moved since. I felt pretty bad about not believing her.

On the calendar this week, dance for Allie, subbing all week for me, Allie's 1/2 b-day (she will bring treats to school since her b-day is in the summer), Religion class, the Giving Tree goes up for PTA, Jake's school concert/play & a visit from my mom.

SLEDDING

I took the kids sledding right after school on Thursday. It was a gorgeous 35+ degrees with no wind, perfect weather to be outside playing in the snow.

What else went on this week?? I subbed all week. Allie had dance, a Scout meeting & she has been out selling cookies like a mad woman. She met her goal & has adjusted it for a new goal! Jake had a Scout meeting, which was a tour of the police station. We had PJ day at school & a Student Council bake sale too. Since both kids are on Student Council, I had to make 96 chocolate chip cookies. If I never see another cookie, it will be too soon!

We have no plans for the weekend. I hope to get the house cleaned & sneak in a trip to the store before heading back to work/school on Monday.


Allie & her friend Olivia
Allie

Allie attempting the ramp

Jake

Jake on the board

SNOW DAYS

So, we had school called off because of the snow & extreme cold for 3 days last week (Wednesday-Friday). We then had the weekend off & now Martin Luther King Day too. We will have been off for 6 days straight. What did we do???

I spent all of the mornings getting chores done around the house. Once lunchtime hit, the kids & I dragged ourselves through at least 1-2 feet of snow (no kidding) & wind chills of -35 degrees (give or take several degrees) over to the neighbor's house each day. We enjoyed lunch, played Wii, played Scattagories, laughed a tons & gabbed. Each day there were different people there & each day was a TON of fun. The kids had a wonderful time & are wishing for another snow day on Tuesday!

Jake had friends spend the night on Friday to celebrate his b-day. He had his best buds (& neighbor boys) sleep over. I took the kids to see "Bedtime Stories" with Adam Sandler, it was a hit. We ordered OP pizza & they had tons of other snacks too. They spent most of the evening playing Wii, watching TV, wrestling, eating & doing boy things (think like a 9 year old boy).

On Saturday, we met friends and went to lunch at Carlos, then off to see "Mall Cop". The kids thought that movie was really funny & it was nice to be out and about again after sticking close to home for several days.

This week brings: lunch with friends, dance, Daisy's, Cub Scouts, Religion & I'm sure other things that I've forgotten. I am down to sub 4 more weeks. Yes, I've been there since mid-November. I am enjoying the kids so much, I'll miss them terribly when I'm done.

The neighbor boys: Paul, Jake, Adam & Ben

IT'S FREAKIN' COLD!

Yes, Iowa has been hit with some Arctic crap which is making it colder here than in Alaska. The actual air temp this morning was -20 and the once the wind chill was factored in, get this....it was -45. Say what? That's stinkin' cold!

SO...school is cancelled today due to the extreme cold temps. Now, I'm stuck in this house with 2 kids that are sick of each other & fighting. They are sick of the Wii, sick of TV, sick of movies, sick of playing with their toys & pretty much ready ready to go back to school. In fact, when I told them no school this morning, they both went "awwwww, we wanted to go!" That's just sad!Yeah, it's bad here!

Just think in about 6 months, I'll be complaining about the heat index of 100+ or something. Remind me of that in July!

LAST WEEK & THIS WEEK

We went back to school after 2+ long weeks off for Christmas break. It took us awhile to get back into the swing of our "normal" schedules, but we are there now! Here's a recap:

Monday: After a late start, we went back to school, back to long term subbing, back to dance. Jake started his week long computer camp, which was held at school. All 3rd graders participated & learned to type among other things. I was able to volunteer off & on throughout the week.

Tuesday: a quiet day, which we needed!

Wednesday: back to babysitting after school. A couple of other neighbor kids showed up too...

Thursday: I had to make hot chocolate for 23 3rd graders for computer camp. I didn't burn anyone!!

Friday: Allie found out she was on Student Council this semester. She's really excited. Scott & I went to dinner with our neighbors. We had an awful dinner, but a great time with our friends. We stayed out WAY too late!

Saturday: All of my siblings and their families came for a weekend of fun. We hung out, ate too much, had drinks and played a lot of Wii. We had a small Wii mishap. My brother Will lost control of the Wii remote & flung it into the fireplace. Fortunately, it just caused a small dent & nothing was broken. It was pretty funny after it was all said & done.

Sunday: Jake turned 9. We had a family party for him. All he wanted for his b-day was UnderArmor clothes & a DS. He got the clothes from us & Uncle Will. He got cash & gift cards from everyone else & was able to buy his DS & a game. Talk about being excited! We also got to eat dinner at his choice...Carlos O Kelley's.

This week: dance & Scout were cancelled due to a blizzard on Monday & we had an early out. I had a PTA meeting last night. School was cancelled today due to the 7 inches of snow we got. I am still subbing all week & potentially for a long, long while. Jake is having his best buds over on Friday for a sleepover/movie. It is bitterly cold & doesn't look to get warmer until the weekend. UGH!

Jake with his b-day cake
Jake with his new UnderArmor Panthers tee


Jake's class during computer camp

The "big momma" crayfish from Jake's classroom. It's tail is folded under...it is bigger than it looks. I think it is a lobster :)

The kids playing Wii on New Year's.

HAPPY 9th BIRTHDAY JAKE!

My little boy is 9 years old. I can't believe it. I wonder where the time went?

• Wasn't it just yesterday I met you for the first time? It was love at first sight.


• Wasn't it just yesterday when we brought your home from the hospital & I couldn't sleep because I thought something would happen to you.


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you were only happy when you were in a diaper? You hated clothes, you were too hot.


• Wasn't it just yesterday when your favorite toy was a stuffed chicken that Aunt Mandy gave you?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you dug in your 1st birthday cake?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when Allie was born? You were obsessed with her eyes and tried to poke them!


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you called Uncle Michael Paco and Nana Terri Banana?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you were obsessed with Buzz Lightyear, Spiderman & Batman?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you couldn't get enough information about dinosaurs, weather & presidents?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when it took like 4 nurses to hold you down to get your Kindergarten shots?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you started preschool with Mrs. Sherer? Kindergarten with Miss Pins? 1st grade with Mrs. Wyckoff? 2nd grade with Mr. Wagner?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you met your best friends Paul, Ben & Adam?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you learned to ride a bike?


• Wasn't it just yesterday when you ran your 1st mile? Played your 1st soccer, football, baseball & basketball games? Took your 1st swimming lesson?

The time will keep flying by...before long, you'll be going to high school, driving, dating, graduating and so on. While I am SO excited to be with your during these milestones, but I wish time would slow down.

I love you Jacob!

PS...I'll post pictures & details about last week later :)

DUE DATE

Nine years ago today I was "due" to have Jacob. I can remember how uncomfortable I was. I was swollen & huge. I couldn't wear my rings or real shoes. I had to wear sandals with an adjustable strap & socks. Sandals in winter because you have to is no fun. I remember thinking all day long that I'd be going into labor any minute... YEAH RIGHT....I didn't have my lovely boy until January 11th...5 days later.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Hello 2009! Where the heck did 2008 go? We had a wonderful year! Jake started 3rd grade and Allie started 1st. Allie learned to ride a bike. Jake scored several goals in soccer & TD's in football. Allie had 2 dance recitals. Our summer was wonderful. Both kids had wonderful conferences. Scott was promoted. We took 2 wonderful mini vacations. We spent lots of time with family and friends. We are all healthy. Does the year really get much better?

We spent this past week getting the house back in order. The Christmas stuff is packed away until next year. Most of the closets, drawers and cupboards were re-organized & we have lots to donate to Good Will. The vac has been run, floors mopped, laundry is caught up & we have spent tons of time together. Our newest family past time has become playing Mario Kart on the Wii. Hands down, I am the worst...it is still fun & the kids try to help old mom out. They even cheer for me when I don't end up last! Such sweet kids!

We go back to school on Monday. It's time. I am subbing the next 2 weeks. I have been in the same classroom with 2 boys since before Thanksgiving. I'm really going to miss them when I'm done. Allie has enjoyed having me in the classroom right next to her's. Jake is around the corner & pops in to say hi too!

Jake's b-day is in a week. I changed the border early to reflect that. He'll be 9! Hard to believe. We are having family here for a party next weekend. My siblings are coming up on Friday/Saturday for the weekend. I can't wait to hang out with them. What a perfect end to what I assume will be a hectic week as we get back into the groove of school, work & our extra activities.