BUSY, BUSY, BUSY

Yep, that sums up the past week. I guess I'll follow the format I've been using lately...

• Allie attended 2 birthday parties. One for her friend Madison & another for her friend Lauryn.
• Jacob attended a birthday sleepover for his friend Paul.
• Allie had her weekly ballet and tap class. Her recital costume is to arrive this week. She couldn't be more excited!
• Jake played basketball in a tournament this weekend. His team took 3rd. I saw his first game and missed the other two due to a charity event I was chairing. He looked pretty good in his first game. Several assists and rebounds. I was a proud mama.
• I had a PTA meeting this week. This year's budget was set. We are hoping to raise lots of money this year to help out the school due to the statewide budget cuts. Every penny we can give to the classrooms is sure needed.
• The Teddy Bear Tea that I hosted for the local hospital's Festival of Trees event is over and done with. Allie & I had a nice time at the event. The days leading up to the event were crazy & I was very stressed. It all came together nicely and I'm glad it is over!
• We had our family pictures taken on Sunday. My family was giggly so I'm anxious to see how they turned out!
• This week: Allie makes her first confession at church, Jake has basketball practice, Allie has a Brownie meeting, I have school safety training, Thanksgiving, getting out Christmas decorations, Black Friday shopping, hanging out with my family & I can't wait!! I love, love, love this time of the year.
  
  Allie & her new bear Hudson.
  

Jordyn, Allie & Makenna at the tea

Jake at his tournament

Jake at his tournament

Allie & I ready for the tea.

THE HOLIDAY SEASON

Yep, the holiday season is upon us. I love, love, love that Allie wants to do fun holiday things with me. We baked & wrapped lots of gifts together. We even broke out our Christmas CD's the other day! She'd have the trees & decorations up, if I'd let her.

Besides getting ready for the holidays, we've kept busy. Here's the recap:

• Jake has had several basketball practices. We are heading out to his first scrimmage this morning.
• The kids have been going to religious ed each week. Allie makes her first confession in less than 2 weeks. I have been going to dinner with friends while the kiddos are at RE. It is the one hour a week that is all mine!
• Both kids went to plays for school. Jake's class saw "Tales of a 4th Grade Nothing" and Allie's saw "Ramona". I was thrilled to learn that each of my kids were headed to plays based on my very favorite books from childhood!
• Jake was asked to play on an indoor soccer team this winter. He decided to go for it & so far loves it. They played their first game last Saturday & it was brutal. So much rougher than regular soccer. Jake scored several times and their team won.
• Allie had 2 birthday parties last weekend. One at the pool and one at the pottery shop. She enjoyed herself a ton.
• Jake had a couple of sleepovers. He spent the night at Adam's house & went to the hockey game. He spent the night at Nick's house and hung out all day.
• Both kids were gone with friends last Saturday night, so Scott & I had a date. It was a lot of fun being kid free for a few hours.
• I had a PTA budget meeting. I think we've got our budget set for this year. Something always changes though!
• Both kids had conferences. Both did really well on their report cards. I was quite pleased. Jake's teacher told me that she is confident that if Jake would put up a little effort, he'd be a straight A student. He's lazy!! Hmmmm!
• Allie's class spent Wednesday at Read In Day. They got to bring in blankets and pillows that day & spent the day reading around the room. They also had a few guest readers and topped off the morning with donuts & hot cocoa. What a fun day.
• Jake's class had a Marble Party on Wednesday. They get marbles for being kids of character or doing something nice just because. Once their jar is full, they get a popcorn & pop party. They also got an extra 30 minutes of reading time. Pretty cool!
• Allie is still working hard to get ready for her dance recital in a few weeks. I'm anxious to see her routines.
• We didn't have school Thursday or Friday. I took that time to get to the dentist & get my hair cut. Check those two things off my list.
• Since there was no school on Thursday, Allie went to her friend Madison's for the afternoon. Jake and his friend Nick spent the afternoon at the Rec Center. I was alone! I baked some Christmas cookies & did a little cleaning.
• We had a hawk hanging around here last weekend. It killed a rabbit in our yard. The kids got a quick lesson in the food chain & predators.
• I am ready for the Teddy Bear Tea. Our numbers are down this year. Probably due to it being held the weekend before Thanksgiving. I have to miss Jake's tournament next weekend because of the tea. That bums me out!
• Coming up next week: Jake's basketball scrimmage, Jake's indoor soccer game, Jake has a birthday sleepover, basketball practice, PTA meeting, Allie has dance, religion class, Allie has a birthday party, Jake plays in a basketball tournament, Teddy Bear Tea and Santa's Workshop. Whew!
  
  Allie with a batch of cookies
  

Allie helping with cookies

Damn hawk!

ANOTHER 2 WEEKS GONE BY

Yep, it's been almost 2 weeks since my last post & we continue to be on the go as always! Here's the recap in no particular order:

• Jake played his last soccer game & his team won. He had an awesome goal from mid field.
• Allie was sick last week. A fever & cough. I thought she'd be out for days since that is how long it has been taking most kids to recover. She was only out 1.5 days, which was good.
• Jake started basketball. He's playing on a church team that travels to nearby communities playing in tournaments. He practices a couple of times a week & is thrilled to have been asked to play with this team. There are several kids from Hansen & other schools in the area.
• Allie is gearing up for her holiday performance in mid-December. She still loves dance class.
• Jake went to 2 basketball camps. He went to a Tiger camp sponsored by our high school and one that was at UNI & led by the UNI basketball team.
• Allie earned her first Brownie badge at Scouts.
• The kids had a great Halloween. Jake was an old man & Allie was a flower child. Their school parties were a hit & trick or treating was a blast.
• Jake attended 3 birthday parties & a sleepover. Allie had a couple of playdates.
• We are preparing for Allie's first confession at church in a few weeks. She will make her first communion in the spring.
• My grandmother's house sold. I was pretty sad. So much of my childhood was spent in that house. So many holiday and family get togethers. I can't believe that the house won't be a part of our family any longer. It makes me sad, but I am grateful for all of the wonderful memories!
• The Heisman Trophy made a stop at Scott's work last week. Jake picked a few friends and went to see it.
• My mom, Mandy, Kim, Tesha & I (along with a few others) went to see Mamma Mia on UNI's campus. It was a great show. I can't wait until we figure out the next show that our group wants to see. It is always so fun doing that with my gals!
• I made a big dent in my Christmas shopping a couple of weekends ago. Allie & I even broke out the wrapping paper & have several wrapped. We also started a little holiday baking & freezing. I love this time of the year.
• Coming up: budget meeting for PTA, basketball practices, dance practice, Allie has 2 b-day parties to attend, ITBS testing for Jake, I'm still working on the Teddy Bear Tea, religion class & I think that is it!!
  

The trick or treat gang: Allie (flower child), Lauryn (cheerleader), Will (dinosaur), Mason (skeleton), Jake (old man), Adam (nerd) and Paul (old man).

Jake & Allie

Allie with her pumpkin (Jake didn't want one this year).

My school friends. We dressed up alike to make fun of one unsuspecting teacher. She was surprised & it was fun!

Jake & friends with the Heisman Trophy (Jake, Paul, Ben & Nick)

CATCHING UP...AGAIN....

Here's the highlights of the past few weeks, in no particular order!

• The school carnival was a huge success. The months of planning & worrying really paid off. Early estimates show that we will profit about $17,000!! Think of all the great stuff we can buy to help support our school!
• My mom is doing well after several weeks of recovering from her unexpected surgery. In fact, she is back to work this week. She is working half days until she's 100%.
• I went to parent's day for Allie's dance class. We got a sneak peek of her holiday ballet piece. She also got to show off some of her tap moves!
• Jake had 2 football games. One ended in a tie. The other was a win. Jake caught a "Hail Mary" pass and ran it in for a TD. He was pleased since there was extra family watching. Flag football season is over. Next year he will play tackle! Lord help me.
• Allie went to cheer camp. She learned some new CF cheers, spent time with friends and had a ball. She even brought home a ribbon.
• I went on a field trip with my 3rd graders. We spent a very chilly day at a teacher's farm. We picked pumpkins and corn. Went on a hike and a hay ride. It was a fun day, but boy was I tired that evening.
• We tailgated for last weekend's UNI Homecoming game. We had a great time with family and friends. It was cold outside, but warm in the Dome. UNI lost, which was disappointing.
• We had a houseful for Homecoming. My brother Michael & his family stayed with us. Scott's sister Kelley & her family spent time with us too. Fun was had by all!
• Jake had a couple of good soccer games. He lost in one, but scored 2 goals. They killed their last opponent 20-0 (or so). Jake had 4 goals and lots of nice assists. They looked really good.
• We are awaiting "flu-like symptoms" to hit our house. About 10% of the school is out with fevers, headaches & coughs. It is only a matter of time...
• My beautiful, new, granite counter tops were installed. I love, love, love them. They look perfect!
• I had a PTA meeting the other night. I don't think I signed up for any new committees.
• I received an email from a Kiwanis member the other day asking me to join their group. I actually said no. I'm getting better!!
• Plans for the Teddy Bear Tea are in full swing. I'm ready for the event to be over and I'm not doing it next year. Do you see a pattern?
• Allie spent an afternoon at her friend Carter's last week. She loves going on play dates!
• The kids are still very well in school. They are getting "A's & B's" on their work & I couldn't be more pleased.
• Upcoming events: a jewelry party at a friend's house, 2 basketball camps, last soccer game of the fall, staff party, Jake has a b-day party, Brownie meeting, 1st Communion meeting, religion classes, Trick or Treating at the hospital with Allie's class, Halloween parties at school (I'm taking a 1/2 day), Halloween, Jake starts basketball soon & I have Mamma Mia tickets with my favorite girls (you know who you are).

My island
My new counters

Drew sure knows how to tailgate.

Allie, Sami & Lauryn tailgate.

Allie & Sami at cheer camp.

Jake hands the ball off during his last flag football game.

Allie at ballet class.

THE CARNIVAL IS COMING

Yep, the Hansen carnival is coming up on Friday. I think we are ready. I am co-chairing it again this year. Things are falling into place and hopefully it will be a huge success. I put together a Halloween themed basket for our silent auction for Allie's class. It turned out cute. Jake's class did a UNI themed basket. Jake got a signed basketball from UNI (with Scott's help), so was pumped. Another mom put Jake's class basket together. I'm sure it turned it out cute too.

My mom is slowly recovering from her surgery. I hope she continues to take it easy & get well quickly. Her spirits are good, so that is a big bonus! A positive attitude goes a long way.

Jake played football in the Dome on Sunday. He played well & scored a TD after a nice, long run. His team came out strong, but couldn't get the win. It was a fun game to watch. Jake's soccer team lost this weekend too.

Allie had her first Brownie meeting of the year. There are about 15 girls in her troop. God Bless her leader! I'm a helper & wish I wouldn't have committed to that. I spend all day with kiddos at school, I'm done once 3:30 hits!!

More great tests coming home last week. Both kids aced their spelling tests and got over 90% on their reading tests. We are awaiting Jake's social studies test results.

My new countertops & sink should be installed on Friday! YAY!! Too bad I won't get to see them until after the carnival (& drinks afterward).

Flag football in the Dome. Jake is QB & has the football. He is getting ready to hand it off
Allie's latest piece of artwork. She copied it from a How to Draw book.
The silent auction basket for Allie's class. They drew Halloween & everyone brought in those items. I put the basket together. Instead of shrink wrap, I used cobwebs. Freaky, huh??

MY MOM

Last Thursday started out like any other Thursday. I was at work, helping my kiddos with math when I got a phone call in my classroom. I took the call & it was my sister in law Kim. She told me that my mom was on her way to the hospital for surgery. Say what?

Back up to Wednesday. My mom had a routine colonoscopy. She had a polyp removed. She went home. By the middle of the night, she was in extreme pain & had chills. She went to the doc, who did blood work & an x-ray. She had a perforated colon.

When I got the news, I flipped out. I was 2 hours away from my mother who was about to have emergency surgery. I left work. I left the kids with my neighbor. I went to the hospital. She went into surgery to have part of her colon removed due to a dime sized hole. The surgery took about 3 hours plus another hour of recovery and she was finally back in her room. It was a long evening for my dad, me & my siblings (Kim & Tesha too).

I spent Friday at the hospital with mom too. I made a flying trip back home to get the kids and went back on Saturday afternoon. I was able to get mom home on Sunday. Thankfully, she is fine. She has my siblings & their families to take care of her. Plus her sister and friend are coming to care for her too. I'm sure it will be a long recovery. We're all just glad she is ok!

Other than that....Jake had a football game. They won 24-0. Jake threw a TD pass. He also had a soccer game. The other team forfeited at half time because we were so far ahead. Jake had a goal that game. Jake got 100% on his math test & 100% on his spelling test. Jake went to the Homecoming game with a friend on Friday. He seems so old!

Allie had another great week in spelling...only missing one word (I was gone on Thursday & didn't get to help her study). She also is practicing her new song for her ballet class. She learn her tap routine soon. Allie had a play date the other afternoon with her friend Hailey.

This week brings: soccer practice (2 times), soccer pictures, soccer game, football practice (2 times), football game in the Dome, tap/ballet class, school pictures, a play for my class, fire prevention week kick off, Brownie meeting, put together silent auction baskets, religion class and more!

JUST BUSY

Many have wondered where I've been since my last post. Just here, living my crazy life! What have we been up to?

• Jake has had 2 football games. Last weekend he played the Bucs. They lost. He looked good on defense and scored a touchdown. In today's game, against the Eagles, he had a sack & thew a TD pass.
• Allie is enjoying her tap & ballet class. She wants to start a jazz class, but there isn't room right now so she's on a waiting list.
• Jake had his first soccer game today. They lost 7-8, which was a bummer. Our team looked really good & fought 'til the end.
• The kids are both doing well in school. Both brought home 100% scores on their spelling tests all year! Allie got 100% on her first math test and Jake has tested out of all of his timed facts tests in math (the goal was to test out of addition, subtraction, multiplication & division by the end of November...he did it in 3 weeks).
• The kids started religious ed this week. Allie makes her 1st Communion this year, so it is a big year for her.
• The kids have had a better social life than us this weekend. Both kids were at friend's houses for movies last night. Tonight Jake was at a party for a friend.
• We had our first PTA meeting last week. What a great turn out & it appears that we are off to a good start to the year.
• I am enjoying my job. I love my class. We went on a field trip. It was to kick off our new "Go Green" campaign at school. We learned all about recycling.
• Plans for the school carnival are coming along nicely. I feel busier than ever with that and Teddy Bear Tea planning.
• We finally pulled the trigger and bought new counter tops for our kitchen. They should be installed next month & I can't wait!
• I went to my grandmother's house last weekend. It was pretty sad. Most of the things are gone out of the house. It felt so empty. So many memories. Seems like just yesterday it was full of family & so noisy. It was too quiet. It will never be the same. I'm sad.
• On a happier note, I got to spend time with my nephew Drew (& his parents) last weekend. Drew makes me laugh so hard. What a great kid with a great personality.
  
  

My class at the Go Green field trip. Like our matching shirts?
Jake fighting for the ball in soccer (maroon team).

Jake at QB throwing the ball.

Allie & her friends at recess. Jada, Katie, Abbie, Allie & Caely. This is one of the bonuses of my job...seeing my kiddos with their friends!

THE "C WORD"

Our lives are once again turned around because of the "c word" or cancer. Last year, one of Allie's friends (Hunter) was diagnosed with cancer. We were so sad. He was 6 or 7 when diagnosed. He fought a long, hard battle and WON! YAY Hunter!

Last weekend, we found out that one of Jake's good friends (Will) was diagnosed with leukemia. I felt like someone punched me in the gut. Why would another child have to deal with cancer. It stinks.

Over the summer, we spent countless hours with Will and his family. Will & his twin brother were on Jake's baseball team. We spent time at doubleheaders together, after games we had dinner, we had picnics on Sundays and spent lots of time on the practice fields with them. This just plain stinks!

Jake is old enough that he knows what cancer is. He knows you can die. He's scared for his friend. Lots of questions were asked and answered. The worst was when he asked if Will would die. I had to answer I hope not. Obviously, I can't say for sure and I don't want to lie to him. I did bring up Hunter and Jake's former teacher, Mrs. Marshall. Both are survivors. Hopefully we can add Will to our list.


Please pray!

FALL SCHEDULES

Fall schedules are in full swing. Trying to make it all fit together usually is tricky. This year it wasn't!! I'm pretty excited that we have no conflicts and no nights that I dread because of over scheduling! YAY! Here's a rundown of our activities & what we've been up to since I last posted.

Soccer: Jake has soccer practices on Monday & Wednesday nights. He practices at a field near our house, which is better than last year when we had to truck across town. He'll have games through the end of October. Last Sunday, his team was invited to be the "ball boys" for the UNI soccer game. Jake really enjoyed himself.

Football: We finally got our team assignment (which was a battle). Jake plays for the Cowboys this year. He practices on Tuesday and Thursday nights. He'll play games through mid-October.

Dance: Allie started a tap/ballet class this fall. She'll go every Wednesday after school for an hour. She's thinking about adding in a jazz class too. I'm still debating whether or not that is a good idea for her!

Scouts: Allie will have Scouts once a month. Jake has opted out of Scouts. YAY!!

School: the kids are still enjoying their teachers and classmates. Both scored 100% on their first spelling tests this week. Again, YAY! Allie takes CAT tests next week, so I hope that goes well for her!

PTA: I've got all of my PTA assignments for the year. I'm secretly hoping someone, anyone wants to take over something for me. Maybe a new, eager mom will jump at one of my job during the first meeting. Right now I'm the PTA Secretary, co-chair of the carnival, Talent Show & Giving Tree/Teacher Appreciation. I'm also still helping out with various fundraisers for the playground, which should be installed soon. I'm also working at the book fair and couldn't say "no" to being room parent in both kiddos rooms.

Teddy Bear Tea: Yep, doing that fundraiser for the hospital again this year. This will be my last year though. I'm having a hard time getting excited for it this year. Plans are underway & it will be a great event as always.

Work: Things are going really well at school. We are in a routine & it's going great. I'm enjoying the 3rd graders and am starting to think that I really like the older kids more than I realized. I always thought my heart was in Kindergarten, but now I'm wondering!

Painting: Scott painted the living room last weekend. It looks so fresh. We went with basically the same color so it really isn't a change to most people. He's painting the entryway, stairway & hallway this weekend. He thinks he can get the spare room done too. I'm thinking that can wait 'til another weekend!

BACK TO SCHOOL

We went back to school on Wednesday. We all had great days! Allie's in 2nd grade with Mr. Wagner. The same teacher Jake had. He'll be good for her. Jake is in 4th grade and has Mrs. Chambers. She is so sweet and Jake thinks the world of her. I enjoyed my day too. Didn't feel like it was a "new" job since I've worked at Hansen subbing & part of a year before. No learning curve this time. All in all, a great day for all!


Allie & Mr. Wagner on Back Pack Night

Jaek & Mrs. Chambers on Back Pack Night.

The kiddos by the Hansen sign.

Ready for Back Pack Night

Allie on Back Pack Night

GOODBYE GRANDMA

My grandmother passed away early Thursday morning. It wasn't totally unexpected, she was sick. I am still sad. She played a huge roll in my life. I grew up just 4 blocks away from her. I saw her almost daily for years. It has been a sad few days for me. She was my last living grandparent. That seems strange to me. Like it really can't be.

Some of my favorite childhood and adult memories include my grandmother. Here are a few:

• She made the best spaghetti. Once I was married, I asked her for her recipe...there was no recipe. The sauce was made from a seasoning packet!
• Christmas at her house was the best. The cousins played and played and played.
• She used to take me shopping & to lunch. That was fun.
• She let me do her hair & make up.
• We played countless games of card & Rummikube. In fact, several months ago she passed her Rummikube game onto me.
• She came and stayed with me for several days after my grandfather passed away. She got to see Jake play soccer.
• Her basement was so fun. It was our stage, our playroom, our tent, our store & our sleepover place. I went down there last week...it hasn't changed. Not one bit!
• My grandmother had shag carpet for years. She used to let me rake it!
• Grandma made me a quilt. I love it still! She gave me a quilt rack for a shower gift.
• She used to take me to visit my great grandfather & the other "old" people in our family. We went frequently. She took care of a lot of people.
• Grandma once made me and a couple of my cousins get out and walk home. We were fighting & she actually pulled the car over & made us get out. A lesson learned the hard way.
• The last time I saw my grandmother, she was sick. I wondered if it would be the last time I'd see her. I am glad that I made that trip. I'll miss her tons!

My grandmother's legacy...her grandchildren & great grandchildren....

The Fischer Grandchildren (front) Katie, Maggie, Trish, Brooke, Mandy & Abbie (back) Tim, Marty, Abe, Michael, Will & Troy

Fischer Great Grandchildren: Jake, Drew, Ty, Maddie, Allie, Ava, Karlee, Ben, McKinzie, Harry & Leo

OKOBOJI

The kids and I spent a couple of days in Okoboji with friends. There were 4 moms and 10 kids that went. We spent the day on the boat and the evenings checking out the different places arounds the lakes. We stayed in a beautiful condo that one of the mom's family owns. What a view we had!! It was a great time.

Allie
Jake, Chase & Nick

The kiddos at the top of the "Tipsy House"

Jake & Allie on a tube

All of the kiddos except for little Cade.

Left to right: Paul, Will, Chase, Nick, Sarah, Sydney, Jake, Allie & Jakob

Allie & Jake in the lake

Jacob, Jakob, Nick & Paul

Nick, Jake, Paul & Jakob

POOL PARTY!

Jake was invited by his friend Shelby to come to a back to school pool party that she was throwing the other night. She called & told him to bring some other guys along too! Aren't they a little young?? The kids had fun & enjoyed seeing some friends that they hadn't seen over the summer.

LAKE THUNDERHEAD

On Friday night (Allie's birthday), we loaded up the car and headed down to Lake Thunderhead in Missouri. Some friends have a home there & we'd planned to spend Saturday on the lake. After a 3 hour drive we finally made it. My friend Lisa had made a birthday cake for Miss Allie, so we sang to her & enjoyed cake before heading off to bed.

We were up bright and early Saturday morning. We were on the lake by 9:30 and spent the day tubing, swimming, boating, hanging out on the beach and jet skiing. We finally came off the water after 5:00. Everyone was beat and after a little time on the docks that evening, we were in bed by 9:30! Whew!!

I actually got into a tube. For those that know me well, know that I am not a huge fan of the water. There are fish swimming & frankly I hate fish! Anyway, after I got talked into trying the tube out with Allie, I got in & got ready to go for a ride. Keep in mind that this whole situation is very upsetting to me & I'm about to have a major anxiety attack. My heart was pounding and I couldn't catch my breath. We got started out on the bumpy ride of the tube and it went ok. I had a death grip on the handles (in fact I have burn marks on my thumbs from holding on so tight). Suddenly, we stopped moving & I flipped over the top of Allie, pushing her down into the water. We were both under & I'm not sure who was more freaked out...me or Allie. Once we floated to the surface (thank God for life jackets), we held onto each other while the boat came back for us. It was the LONGEST 5 minutes of my life. Allie was screaming, I was thinking of all of those fish under my feet & we both took in lots of water so we were coughing a bit. Not pretty! I'll never, ever tube again!! Oh, did I mention my mother reminded me that there were probably dead bodies in the bottom of the lake, under all those fish. Yes, she is as big of a fan of the water as I am!!

We got up early on Sunday morning so the kids could try fishing. They last about 5 minutes. Seriously. They hated it! We headed home & hit some bad weather on the way. We hunkered down in a Hardee's until the weather cleared up.

All in all it was a fun & relaxing trip minus the tipping of the tube and my near death encounter with fish and dead bodies!!



Allie on the jet ski. She LOVED that!
Allie on the beach

Allie swimming

Jake in the water.

Allie & Jake on the tube.

All four kiddos in the water. Allie, Lauryn, Mason & Jake

Jake jumping off of the boat

Jake lovin' the boat ride.

Allie & her friends with her cake.