MERRY CHRISTMAS & GOOD-BYE 2009

We had a very nice Christmas at home this year. The weather forecast wasn't good, so my parents & sister didn't make it up this year. Not a big deal since we celebrated with my entire family earlier in December.

Santa brought way too much stuff for the kiddos this year. Seems like every year he brings more & more! We watched several movies and played some new video games on Christmas. We also had a nice brunch and yummy dinner that night. All in all a great day!

Last weekend we went crazy at Best Buy and finally broke down and bought a new TV for the basement & also a Blue Ray player since we were in need of a new DVD player too. Then to top it all off, we bought a new camera. I'm still trying to master all of it's settings, but I am pleased with it so far.

I spent a few days at my parent's house over break. I got to spend time with my parents, brothers, nephews & sister in laws. My niece Maddie was sick, so I wasn't able to hang with her or my sister. We had a nice time and made it back for New Year's Eve dinner with Scott.


Jake & Drew
The boys playing Yahtzee.

Ben & Jake catching snowflakes.

Allie & her snow person named Sarah!

The mess of stuff Santa left.

Jake with his new UNI blanket from Santa.

Allie with her Hannah Montana DVD from Santa (among other stuff).
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The kids leaving cookies for Santa.

Allie with her newly frosted cookies.

CHRISTMAS BREAK!

We are officially on Christmas break. It feels great to have 16 days off. Not a lot planned. My sister, niece, nephew & parents are planning to come visit on Christmas day. We'll go to a family friend's for dinner & fun. Saturday morning the girls will get up and bargain shop while my dad keeps the kids. This is all contingent on the weather cooperating. There is a big storm in the forecast, so I'm not sure it will happen.

Last week was a rough week at school. The kiddos were pretty active and many misbehaved. I was beat from dealing with behavior problems. On the flip side, I do love being at school & seeing the excitement of the holiday season through the eyes of the kids. It is so cool. The kids enjoyed their holiday parties at school. I was able to "pop in" to both parties for a few minutes while a co-worker hung out in my classroom. That is one of the benefits of working in the school.

Jake played in his last indoor soccer game. They won, which was a great way to end. He is still deciding if he'll play the 2nd season which begins again in mid-January. He also had basketball practice and his team scrimmaged a 7th grade girl's basketball team. They lost, but he said it was tons of fun.

Allie had her last tap/ballet class of the year. She is on break until after the New Year. I have her signed up for a pottery class that starts in mid-January. She can hardly wait. Art is definitely her "thing".

A couple of weeks ago, we found out Jake wasn't doing so well in school. Long story short, he was being lazy and let his grades slip. After a grounding, much talking and the decision that he would do better, he has. He is back to the old Jake bringing home mostly 100% on tests and assignments and nothing lower than a 90%. He is a smart kid, just apparently needed to be reminded that being lazy isn't acceptable. Oh & we explained to him that sports were a luxury that would be taken away if his grades weren't where they needed to be...maybe that was the reason things changed.

We made a flying to trip to visit Scott's family for a Christmas celebration. It was wonderful to see Scott's sisters and their families from Kansas City and Texas. We don't see them nearly as often as we'd like. We had to leave earlier than expected, so we weren't able to visit his aunt or his grandmother like we had hoped or get any photos taken.

I'm finally done with my Christmas shopping. I had a hard time this year getting it done with working and the kid's busy schedule. Allie was easier since Jake no longer believes in Santa. I was able to have him with me when I got her stuff. The hard part was getting Jake's Santa gifts with Allie along since she still believes.

This week brings: frosting Christmas cookies, making some homemade ornaments for our tree, making appetizers for Christmas Eve, Jake has basketball practice, we have dinner plans with friends, take down Christmas decorations, clean/organize and of course some bargain shopping after Christmas.

ONE CHRISTMAS DOWN

My family spent the weekend here for our Christmas celebration. It was the only weekend in December that we could all be together, so we ran with it. We had a wonderful time. There was tons of food, plenty of laughs & lots of presents. The house seems too quiet tonight!

Other news:

• Jake lost his first indoor soccer game of the season. He was thrilled that Papa & Uncle Michael got to see him play. Michael also made it for the tail end of his basketball practice, so he loved that!
• Allie had her Christmas ballet recital. She danced to Holly & Ivy. She didn't love her costume. In fact, she initially said that she REFUSED to wear the skirt. It was ugly, too short & made out of yarn! She loved that Nana, Mandy, Kim, Tesha & I all got to see her performance. Everyone cheered for her when she got into the car. She loves that kind of attention.
• We had a blizzard here mid-week. We got 14.5 inches of snow, lots of wind, blowing & drifting snow & cold. We got out of school early on Tuesday & didn't go back 'til Friday. I got lots done to prepare for my family's arrival.
• Next week brings: basketball practice, brownie meeting, class holiday parties, volunteering in Allie's class, indoor soccer game & hopefully I can finish up a few things around here!

Maddie, Jake, Allie & Ben in the snow. Drew slept through this fun!
Allie in her dance outfit

The vest club! Tesha, Allie & Maddie

My family!

Ben, Allie, Jake

Maddie, Mandy, Mom, Tesha, Kim, Drew & Me

Mike, Dad, Scott, Michael & Will

Jake at his indoor soccer game.

WELCOME HOLIDAY SEASON

Here's what we've been up to:

• We had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day here at home, just the 4 of us. We had a delicious meal and some great family time. Allie & I got the Christmas decorations out too.
• Black Friday was a success. The kids and I got up early and went to visit my family. The cousins all played together while the girls shopped til we dropped!
• Allie & my mom made cut out sugar cookies together over Thanksgiving weekend. We got to take some home with us.
• I had a school safety meeting before Thanksgiving. We learned a lot about keeping the kiddos safe.
• Allie got a new bed. It was my mom's bed from when she was little. She loves it.
• Jake played in another ball tournament. His team won in his bracket. They looked great and came home with medals to boot!
• Allie has one more week of practice at dance before her big performance.
• Allie went on a playdate with her friend Hannah. They went to Chuck E Cheese's and had a wonderful time.
• Jake went to the ISU/UNI game last week. It was a great game & UNI won.
• Allie made her first confession. She was excited to go to confession and told me she felt great after it was over.
• It's official, my brother and his wife are expecting baby number 2 in late May or early June. We couldn't be happier to welcome another Fischer into our expanding family.
• I had a PTA meeting and our budget is officially set and approved for the upcoming year.
• Coming up: UNI/Iowa game, 2 basketball practices, indoor soccer game, Allie's rehearsal & recital, & my family is coming up for the weekend to celebrate Christmas early.

grandchild/son/daughter tree


mom/sister and family tree

our big tree with ornaments from my childhood and ornaments that the kiddos made

my Santa collection

Wizard of Oz tree

my new skinny tree that holds my Hallmark ornaments

Allie in her new bed that was nana's

Ben, Jake, Allie & Maddie watching a mean DS game

Allie making cut out cookies

Jake, Maddie, Ben & Allie waiting for papa to make floats

Cousins

Jake decoratings

Allie

Allie putting the lights on my tree

Jake & his team with their medals (front: Tate middle: Adam, Jacob, Brandon, Casey & Nick back: Ben, Jake, Andrew, AJ

PHOTO SHOOT

Here are a few of our favorite shots from our recent photo shoot. My friend Bailey is starting a photography business as a side job and she used us as some of her first clients. We went to the UNI campus for these shots (that is where Scott & I met). It was a fun shoot & we laughed and laughed. In the end, we got a CD with over 350 pictures to sort though. I'll be getting those printed & mailed out after Christmas. Look for the shots on our upcoming Christmas card.

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)