MONTHLY RECAP

Here's my monthly recap. It seems that is all I have time for these days!

• We went to Williamsburg and got some serious shopping done at the outlet mall. For those that don't know, I've lost about 40 pounds since January and was in need of a new clothes. I got enough to get by and have been slowly adding clothes that fit to my closet.
• Allie had a Brownie meeting. Her troop celebrated Earth Day by picking up trash around the school.
• Jake has had lots of soccer and baseball practices.
• We had our last night of religious education for the year. Now our Wednesday evenings are dedicated to baseball.
• Jake has had several soccer games. Since my last post, they have won 1, tied 1 and lost 1. Jake has averaged about 2-4 goals per game and is having a great season. He has decided not to play next year. He is good at soccer, but doesn't love the game.
• Jake had training for safety patrol. He'll be on the safety patrol team at school next year. Basically, he helps little kiddos across the cross walks before and after school on a rotating basis.
• Jake has had 4 baseball games. They have won 2 and lost 2. Jake has done a nice job hitting the ball this year. He has had 2 doubles and one of the them came with 3 RBI's, which won the game for his team.
• Talent Show tryouts are done. I've got the line up set for the show and will work on the script for our student emcees this weekend.
• Allie has been practicing for the Talent Show. Her group is doing the Locomotion. Jake's group is rehearsing too. They are doing a mix of Brady Bunch songs. Both acts are cute.
• Jake is all signed up for tackle football in the fall. He brought home his helmet and shoulder pads. I can't believe he will play tackle football!
• We celebrated Scott's birthday on May 10th.
• I went to a grill your own steak place with friends from work. We had a great time.
• My sister in law is due to have her baby soon. I have an order in for her to deliver over Memorial Day weekend so we can come meet Miss Delaney. I know Kim will do her best to have her when it works for me :)
• Allie is going to a tutor over the summer. She has struggled with math this year & my hope is that the extra help over the summer will make her more confident for 3rd grade. She did well on her end of the year test (87%), but she had to work SO hard to get there & I think the tutor will help her a ton.
• We are winding down the school year, but not fast enough. We had 4 snow days, so now we go until June 10th. Way too late!!
• Coming up: Jake has soccer practice and baseball practice, Jake has a soccer tournament, Jake has baseball games, Allie has a Brownie bowling party, Talent Show practice, Jake has a birthday party to attend and both kids have Beach Day, Field Days, Snow Cone Days, Awards Day and Talent Show at school. Whew!
• Pictures to come with my next post, which I'm hoping will be every couple of weeks once school is over.

BACK TO BLOGGING

Another month has flown by and it is time to catch you up on our lives.

• We went to visit my family for a couple of days at the end of our Spring Break. Maddie & Allie made bunnies at Build A Bear, we played outside and we had a birthday bash for Kim, Will & Tesha. We had a wonderful time.
• Jake had a tooth pulled over break. He did really well at the dentist and didn't complain at all after leaving.
• We had a party here to watch UNI play in the Sweet 16 game. About 40 of our closest friends came over. About 4 minutes into the game, our cable went out & didn't come back on. We turned on radios and listened to the game. We were pretty bummed that they didn't win.
• Jake went to a pool party that his friend Nick had one evening.
• Baseball is in full swing. Jake practices 2 nights a week. Games start at the beginning of May and end in mid-July. He's batting and fielding well. Coach wants him to pitch...I'm not sure he can do that!
• Allie had a Brownie meeting.
• Allie saw a plastic surgeon about the mole on her lip. She is going to have it removed after school is out for the summer. It has been changing and we've decided to play it safe and have it removed.
• I volunteered in Allie's classroom.
• I saw an allergist to see what is going on with my shellfish issues. Long story short, I have a severe intolerance to shellfish but am not allergic. Bottom line, I will get violently ill if I eat it, but won't die! I love crab, shrimp and lobster...I might see just HOW sick I get if I eat it...
• Soccer season has started for Jake. They practice 2 nights a week and have games on Saturdays. His team won their first game like 10-1. Jake had 4 goals and played goalie for awhile too. They won their game this afternoon 7-4 and he had 1 goal and played goalie again.
• Allie went to a birthday party for her friends Elena and Hunter.
• We had our final PTA meeting of the year. I didn't agree to any new duties next year!
• Allie made her 1st Communion. My family came up to celebrate the occasion. We also celebrated Ben and Maddie's birthdays since they were the week after.
• I took an online autism class that was very interesting.
• Jake's class went to the symphony.
• Talent Show tryouts have begun. Jake's same group is doing an act. They've done something together since 1st grade. Allie and her friend Jordyn want to do something, but can't agree!
• The kids are still attending religious ed.
• Scott had an angiogram in March due to some unusual symptoms. We spent a long day at the hospital waiting for results. Long story short, they found nothing and his symptoms are pretty much gone. He's started running again and feels pretty good. I am praying that he continues to be healthy. Thanks to my friend Kristin for keeping the kids overnight and getting them to school. Thanks to our sitter Alishia for bringing the kids home from school.
• We had a nasty hail storm here a few weeks ago. We had to replace our roof and are waiting for our new siding and gutters. We are ordering a new garage door since the rest of the house will be done.
• We painted our bedroom and the spare room. This summer, we are tackling the kid's bathroom and our bathroom. It seems to always be something!
• Coming up...baseball and soccer, brownies, religion, my class goes to museum school, Jake has sign up for tackle football and gets fitted for pads, more talent show tryouts and practice and much, much more!

Drew
Allie & me

Happy Birthday Maddie & Ben

Jake playing goalie

Fischer Grands

Allie, Nana & Maddie

Me & the kids before 1st Communion

Allie & Father

Scott, me, Jake & Allie before Allie's 1st Communion

Me & Allie

Celebrating Kim, Will & Tesha's b-days

Fischer Grands

Jake on Easter morning

Allie with her eggs

Drew & Allie over Spring Break

Maddie & Allie at Build a Bear

Jake with his new hoop

Allie at her musical. She played the principal

Jake and Paul with their science fair project

I'M BACK

Yes, mom I know it has been a LONG time since I posted. Life just got away from me! So, here I am back & will catch you up on what's been going on!

• The Hansen Giving Tree went up at the beginning of February. This is an event that I co-chair for the PTA. We had the teachers give us leaves of classroom wishes. Parents then buy them the item on their leaf and give it to the teacher.
• Allie had many dance classes. She took her friend Skylar to the bring a friend to dance day. She decided at the end of February that she was going to quit dancing. I was surprised, but let her end the month & now we are free from ballet and tap class each week.
• Jake had his last basketball tournament in New Hampton at the beginning of February. The got first place in the tourney. My parents made the journey up to see him play. I'm not sure who was more excited, Jake or my dad!
• The kids had their friends Nicholas & Skylar over one Friday night. We took them to Carlos O Kelley's for dinner. Nicholas spent the night too.
• We spent Super Bowl Sunday at a restaurant with friends. We came back to our house for the 2nd half since the snow moved in. It was a fun night.
• Allie brought birthday treats to school to celebrate her half birthday. She brought them on my birthday, so I made several dozen cupcakes for our 2 classrooms.
• Jake and Allie both had their annual musicals for school. Jake's was called "We Haz Jazz". He was less than thrilled about the play. Allie on the other hand, couldn't have been more excited. Her play was called "The Principal and the Pea". She had a speaking part and did a great job. My mom snuck away from work to see her big performance.
• Valentine's Day came and went. The kids had parties at school and enjoyed the games and treats.
• Jake finished up indoor soccer. He enjoyed keeping active all winter.
• Allie finished up her clay class. She came out of it with several new pieces that are displayed around the house. My favorite is a bowl of peas.
• Both kids had conferences and did really well. I couldn't be more proud of the two smart, friendly and well behaved (for the most part) kids that I have.
• Both kids had dentist appointments. Allie checked out just fine. Jake has an infection in a baby tooth that will be pulled tomorrow. He's not thrilled, but it has to be taken care of before it gets worse.
• Jake's basketball team got to scrimmage some other local teams and they did very well. They also were invited to play at half time of the UNI women's basketball game on a Sunday afternoon. It was in honor of breast cancer awareness. One of Jake's teammate's sister has cancer and she was being honored at the game. It was really a cool night.
• Jake has been having baseball practice at one of the indoor gyms at UNI. He is ready to be outside practicing.
• The kids and I gave up soda for Lent. We are doing really well. I have had a soda in 41 days, but who is counting?
• Allie had a Brownie meeting. Cookies have been sold and distributed to the buyers. She sold a ton! Her prizes will be in soon.
• We are ready for Allie's upcoming 1st Communion. She still fits into the white dress she wore when she was in Kim and Michael's wedding. She is excited!
• Allie had playdates with friends Sklyar & Renee at their houses. Fun. She also went to her friend Maddie's birthday party.
• Scott and I went to a Murder Mystery Theatre with some of my co-workers. It was a good time.
• Allie went to a fundraiser with our neighbor. It was for one of my co-workers. She adopted a little girl who has been hospitalized for many months out of state. Allie loved the movies and games.
• Allie went to the doctor to have her mole on her upper lip checked. We have been referred to a plastic surgeon to see about having it removed.
• The Hansen science fair came and went. Jake and his buddy Paul had an entry about which falls faster, snowflakes or raindrops. They went to a lab at UNI and did several experiments to see. It turned out really good.
• I volunteered in Allie's classroom. I got to help out with math and a giant dinosaur construction project.
• Jake got to spend the night with his friend Paul and see a UNI game. He also stayed with his friend Adam and went to a Black Hawks hockey game.
• I went to my annual doctor visit and have been referred to an allergist to see how severe my shellfish allergy is (or if that is what I'm allergic to).
• I had several PTA meetings where I'm happy to say that I didn't volunteer for any new jobs!!
• My job is going really well. I love my class and am really enjoying every day with them.
• Jake played in a 3 on 3 basketball tournament for Spring Break with some friends. They took 3rd place, but had an awesome time.
• Scott took a couple of days off over break and has tiled the basement bathroom floor, repainted the bathroom, put up a basketball hoop and cleaned out the garage (hauling 1000 pounds of trash to the dump).
• Coming up...both kids have sleepovers (date night for Scott & I), Jake is having his tooth pulled, I'm visiting my family, Jake has a pool party, Jake has baseball practice and the kids have religion. Pretty quiet week and a half ahead!

I think we are now caught up. I hope to go back to weekly posts. Oh & I'll be posted pics in the next couple of days.

CRAZY DAYS!

The past couple of weeks have been crazy! Lots going on & the time flew by! Here's what we've been up to:

• Jake started his second session of indoor soccer. They've lost a game & won 2 games.
• Allie is still enjoying her clay class. She even got to use the potter's wheel.
• Jake is wrapping up basketball. He has a tournament and a few scrimmages in the works. They will probably stop playing at the end of February.
• Allie sold a TON of Girl Scout cookies this year. I believe it ended up being 143 boxes. Way to go.
• Jake started baseball practice last week. They just played a little catch.
• Allie is still working on her tap & ballet routines for her end of the year recital.
• Scott, the kids & I spent last weekend with my family. We had a big Fischer gathering at my uncle's house. We had a nice time. The last time we were all together was at my Grandma's funeral in August.
• Jake went to a birthday party for his friend Kyra. He was the only boy that went. Scott sure teased him!
• We have had several late starts and early outs due to the snow, ice & fog. I'm ready for Spring.
• The kids had playdates one afternoon. Jake had Nick over & Allie had Skylar.
• I took a half day off & went on a field trip with Allie. We went to the UNI museum and studied dinosaurs. It was a fun morning.
• Coming up: PTA meeting, Giving Tree, dance, religion class, Godfather's Fundraiser night, a basketball tournament, basketball practice, indoor soccer game, Jake's vocal concert.
  
  

Allie's class
Skylar, Allie & Katie at the museum
Allie seeing if her foot was as big as a dinosaur's foot
Allie & Kinzie
Jake & Nick
Skylar & Allie
Jake & Allie in their "fort"
Our pretty tree after the fog froze.

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.

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.