Let it Snow....

Talk about a White Christmas!

We woke up on Christmas Eve morning to a ton of snow. It kept snowing most of the day but luckily we were able to get to mass.  We went to the 4:00 mass which is the Children's mass. Father Tim does such a great job with the kids. He calls them all up to the alter and explains the story of Jesus' birth while asking questions. Some of the answers the kids give are hysterical. Then he blesses all of the baby Jesus' that the kids brought from their nativity scenes at home. He brings out a cake and they sing Happy Birthday to Jesus!  The kids (3rd grade and up) are do all of the readings and perform in the choir...Peter opted out (I know that is a shock)! He doesn't like to sing let alone get up in front of people.

We came home and made cookies for Santa, opened our ONE Christmas Eve gift, ate dinner & off to bed. The kids were so EXCITED!!!!

Christmas Morning was AWESOME! The kids woke at 6:30 -Yikes.... We opened gifts, played with our gifts (Wii Fit & Tiger Woods golf were a hit). We went to see Marley & Me but it was sold out so we saw Bedtime Stories. It was GREAT!!!

We got home, went sledding and had our yummy traditional Christmas dinner of tenderloin (or the Best meat in the world - as Peter dubbed it when he was 4). 

All & all - who could ask for a better Christmas.  Hope your was great! 

Love to you all.

Christmas in Ohio

"MOM, I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE..." 

That was what I heard through tears the night before we had to leave Ohio. Peter was going to stay at Uncle Ryan & Aunt Lettie's but ended up coming home around midnight with a stomachache. I tucked him in and he cried the above phrase barely understandable through his tears.

It is so hard leaving family behind!

We had 4 FULL days of wonderfulness...is that a word?

We ended up leaving Iowa on Thursday night because a HUGE storm was approaching (good thing because the city was shut down on Friday). 

We had a great time with everyone!

Todd, Shelly & the kids came in on Saturday and all 8 "guys"  - Papa George, Frank, Ryan, Todd, Zack, Peter, Sam & Kurt went to the OSU basketball game.  Peter LOVED it!! Frank was even able to get Brutus to hold the Traveling Pig for Peter's 4th grade project.

Shelly, Shelley, Mom & Katie ran to Dick's and Easton to get some las minute items while Let took the girls to get their nails done. Bellie & Allie got red & green nails with snowflakes on them and Cassi went with a french manicure.

We had Christmas that night! Once again, Nonni went overboard but she loves doing it!

We had such a great time with family all being together.

Sunday morning, Katie & Kurt hosted a brunch for everyone.  We all ended up hula-hooping to Wii Fit (even Nonni) - it was a hoot!

Todd, Shell, Zack & Cassi hit the road. Zack had a fever & they needed to get home. 

Mom, Shelley, Lettie & Katie went to a movie and did some shopping. We saw Seven Pounds. Wow - what an intense movie.  Sooooo good. Let & I felt we needed to see it again to pick up on more details....

Sunday night we all hung out at Nonni & Papa George's. Peter was under the weather so we post-poned the sleep over to Monday night. 

Monday we went to Cosi - the kids had a BLAST & Peter was finally tall enough to do the suspended  high wire unicycle.   He said it was awesome! That night went took the kids to Glow Putt!

Our drive home on Tuesday morning was a nightmare as it took us 11 1/2 hours. We hit an ice storm west of Indy and drove about 2o mph for 2 hours.

We are now home safe & sound and can't wait for the next time we are all together. I sooooo badly wish we lived closer.   Love to you all until we see you soon.

Twas the week before Christmas!

Okay so time flies when you are having fun & 6 inches of snow!

It is hard to believe Christmas is right around the corner. We leave for Ohio in 2 days. Oh we can't wait. The kids asked if we could leave tonight! I wish - but still a lot to do before Friday morning (including an expected ice storm on Thursday). 

Today, every school in the area let out early except 3 (ours being one of them). We got a ton of snow starting around 11 am.  I had my bowling Christmas party this morning ad then a luncheon at my friend Karen's house. It was a lovely afternoon.  I was shocked because I called the school and then while at Karen's, we turned on the news. I was even more shocked after school to find out dance wasn't cancelled.  EVERYTHING in the Quad Cities was cancelled.  We got to dance and only 3 girls showed up.  

I guess with the weather, it proves how we need to be organized.  Good thing almost all of my Christmas shopping is done (I need to pick up a couple things in Ohio)!  

Enjoy the pictures of last night's Christmas Program at school.  It was so nice!

Behind on Everything

My goal this year was to be really "on top of it." Well...not sure what happened.  I tried to cut back on volunteering this year although I still find myself up at the school 2 to 3 days a week for various "duties." I have been working more this year with Frank but other than that, where has all of my time gone? 

I am really behind the 8 ball with Christmas and regular "stuff" this year. I am truly living day by day and figuring out what I have to do either the night before or the morning of that day. Today was very hectic as we are having people over tonight and I had to clean, shop, prepare food, as well as attend a baby shower and watch Allie in a mini performance before the PV High School Children's  play this afternoon. 

I was delayed in ordering Christmas cards so those just arrived & now I have to address them & get them out SOON!!

I still have some more Christmas shopping to do (although luckily not much).  Thank goodness for SCRIP (school fundraiser) because I could buy all of my gift card gifts through that. 

I can't WAIT to go to Ohio this weekend! We get a couple of extra days than usual so it will be GREAT!  I guess as the year winds down, I just need to figure out how to say NO in 2009!

Wishing for a Snow Day!

Oh how I love Snow Days!  I loved them as a kid and I love them as an adult.  It is snowing now but my kiddos are at school.  I am praying that they call school early today and I can go get them.

There is nothing better than a full snow day:  waking up in the morning and realizing you can go back to bed & let the kids sleep in.  Since Frank works with schools, then usually that means a snow day for everyone.  

We usually pop in a movie and watch it, go sledding (unless it is sub-zero) and have hot chocolate.  There are no errands to run, no activities to attend...I love it!  I would say I am praying for a snow day tomorrow HOWEVER - Frank is in Vail and will be flying into the QCA tomorrow.  If there is a snow day - then it is likely that his flight will be delayed. SO.....No snow day for tomorrow but Thursday sure sounds good!

Cheetah Fun

I am not sure who was more excited to see the Cheetah Girls last night: Allie or Me????

They were fantastic.  There were 8 of us who went together (moms & daughters) and we had a great time.  Frank is out of town in Vail skiing so Pete (can't figure out why he wouldn't want to spend the evening with a thousand screaming girls) went to a friends house.  They have 4 boys so my friend Steph said "what's one more." 

We woke up this morning and I noticed Allie was wheezing. Being an asthmatic myself, I sort of freaked out. We went to the Convenient Care clinic and they put her on an antibiotic as well as an inhaler.  Allie was so excited because there is something fascinating about an inhaler. The kids always ask if they can try mine. Of course, I say no so now she gets her very own (temporarily - luckily).

Peter was thrilled the Detroit Lions were on TV (only because they played Minnesota).  Usually Frank & Peter (and sometimes all of us) go to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the game.  Allie usually plays the video games on the table or brings a book/magazine.  So, we were able to stay home and watch it.  Pete was working on his National Park diorama and would sneak a peek every so often.  He was so excited they were actually WINNING!  We knew it was too good to be true because they ended up blowing it.  Poor Lions - has a team ever been completely DEFEATED in a season??? 

The MOST wonderful time of the year

Ahhhhhh....Christmas.  I Absolutely LOVE it!

I love everything about it from the hustle & bustle of the stores to the smells of peppermint and evergreen to the decorations.  Speaking of decorating - It has been a longer than usual process this year.  We were gone over Thanksgiving (which is not unusual) but I usually have at least the outside lights & tree up by Thanksgiving so we are geared up when we get back.  Well, this year I didn't have it together. I was literally so busy & living one day at a time  - I didn't have the time to do the lights or tree.  We returned home Sunday night from Michigan and the kids asked if we could do the tree Monday. Well...Allie had an extended art class because the art teacher is having surgery next week. Tuesday Allie had dance -So...Wednesday after Brownies (only once a month but happened to be this week), we put up the tree.  We decorated 1/2 Wed. night & the other 1/2 last night.  Frank always puts the angel on top & he had to do it Wed. night because he had a school board meeting last night & left for Vail this morning before any of the rest of us opened our eyes. Needless to say, it is a bit more drawn out than usual but still loving every minute of it.  Oh & I forgot...the outside lights went up in the middle of the snow storm the other day. Frank came out & asked if I was feeling okay & if I knew it was a blizzard.  I simply said (with a very determined look) "I promised the kids."

So - now it is just the odds & ends.  We are expecting more snow tonight so I am glad all of the outside stuff is done.  

We try to always stick to our 8:00 in bed / 8:30 lights out rule - as the kids get older and their activities become more frequent and last longer, it is hard to fit it all in before baths, books & bed. 

So now, I will hunt for the stockings.......

Thankfulness at its Best

Well, we survived another Thanksgiving road trip to Michigan!  We drove through a winter storm the whole way home, I lost my credit card and Frank's car was broken into last night.

Despite all of the craziness, we really have a lot to be thankful for. Thanksgiving proved to me how much I cherish family & relationships.  I come from a very close family on my side and we have a very close relationship with Frank's parents.   

The love of family:

While we were in Michigan, Frank's dad made DVD's from some old 8mm tapes. We sat and watched those movies. Peter was especially moved because much of the film was of him. Grandma used to take him once a week and they would have "outings" together. Much of this time was captured. Peter was in tears that night wishing we lived closer to Grandma & Papa and Nonni & Papa George. It is hard being so far away. We love to spend time together with our out-of-town family so much.  Be grateful for family - cherish them!

Things we did in Michigan:

• Hung out with the Hodges and their 2 HUGE newfoundlands
• The kids played with their cousins
• The kids played with the kids next door (on their trampoline) and they did a skit.
• Ate at coney island with the Hodges
• watched family movies
• tried to go ice skating (there was a hockey tournament)
• did some shopping (lost my credit card)
• Went to the Parade Display
• Had a great time!

2nd Dance Shake a tailfeather

Shake a Tail Feather by the Cheetah Girls!

Allie dance videos

Okay - Here they are! She loved dancing at Festival of Trees! She had a little slip up in Zippity Do Dah - her nerves got in the way!  I think they will be perfect by competition....

We watched the parade from our Friend Lance's office (nice & warm)!

AAA

This is our Triple A week - All Allie All-the-time.  Tuesday night we were at the dance studio pretty late practicing for the Festival of Trees performance. Today Allie had a song and reading during mass. Saturday is the Festival of Trees so that pretty much makes it an AAA week.

Peter is on break with soccer right now - indoor starts in January. 

We are really looking forward to going to Michigan for Thanksgiving and spending time with Grandma & Papa and cousins, etc....  We missed Frank's cousin's daughter's Bat Mitzvah last weekend so we will try to see everyone while we are in town.

My brain is fried - can't think any more ...TTFN

Rejuvenated

Yesterday was a GREAT day!

A friend had asked if I wanted to scrapbook so I set aside the whole day and we met at a local scrapbook store. I got the kids off to school, did a few things for Frank (work) and headed off to the store. It was pure bliss!  When we lived in Michigan, I used to go one evening a week and never fell too far behind.  I don't get to go very often so needless to say, I am still working on my album from 2006. It is such a treat for me to document our lives through photos while allowing me to use my creative side. 

I left the store at 2:30 in time for the kids to get out of school. We all got home, had a dinner "re-do" of pot roast from the night before and I went to meet my bible study group at 8pm.  Peter & Allie go to bed at 8 and they are allowed to read until 8:30 so our bible study group meets pretty late! Last night's topic was the virtue of Hope vs. Wishful Thinking. It was a great discussion as always and reminded us all that you can't have hope without God's glory, faith & love - otherwise it is just wishful thinking!

I went to bed - rejuvenated both creatively & spiritually (perhaps a little late too 12:45 am). 

My real treasures

Okay - so the pictures were a little gross. Why do I not have any picture of my kids you ask - I wasn't sure if I should put them on a blog for anyone to see. Well... they are my true gifts - along with Frank.

We are so blessed to have such amazing kiddos. They both have huge hearts  -filled with compassion, love and a strong knowledge of what is right and wrong. Peter has developed a witty sense of humor just like Frank's. Allie has a larger than life personality!

As Thanksgiving approaches and we count our blessings, I am so very thankful that Frank is my hubby. He is the most amazing husband anyone could ask for. We never run out of things to talk about.  He has a great sense of humor that I always "get" and  many times others don't. He is considerate, loving, respectful, and willing to do so much for others. We both value family above anything else (except God).

So I just wanted to count my blessings and actually post a picture of those I love most in this world!

more freaky animals

I couldn't fit all of the photos before so here is the strangest of all. The headless fish.

Strange Iowa Wildlife

Okay - We have lived here 3 1/2 years and during that time, we've seen some of the strangest things - mostly related to animals.

When we first got here - we had a herd of deer and a family of wild turkeys who always strolled through

 our yard.

Then - we were freaked out because a headless fish landed on our deck (apparently from a bald eagle who dropped it).  We had a "nutty squirrel" (as the kids fondly named him) who destroyed our hammock and last week an owl was dead on our patio. Seriously - in all the years we lived in Michigan, we never had weird animal incidents. Check out the pictures

Movin' & Shakin'

I just found out another friend might be moving away.  It is amazing how mobile our society is compared to when our parents were raising us.  When my dad was transferred from Michigan to Ohio (I was 8 years old), that was VERY unusual.  Most people lived in the same the town as their parents, grandparents, etc. Now it seems like no one stays put.  Maybe I am traditional in values but it is very hard.  When we moved from Michigan to Iowa 3 1/2 years ago, I was excited about it ONLY because I knew it would be our last move ever and we could finally put down some roots Well...until we retire.  It was very difficult leaving the area where our two children were born, we had a ton of close friends, loved our school, and had Frank's parents in town.  I was in heaven not only because Grandma & Papa Zucker were in town but Nonni & Papa George were ONLY 4 hours away.  That was very do-able for a weekend or overnight visit.  Now, both sets of parents are 8+ hours away. It has been an interesting transition to Iowa (like any new location) trying to figure out who my "real" friends are and who to avoid getting close to.  We have met & become friends with some wonderful people and I am just sad that one of the "real" ones might be leaving soon. Thank goodness for email & Blogs!!

The most annoying dog

What is it with me & dogs?  In a weak moment 2 years ago, I realized how much I missed having a pet around and agreed to get another weimaraner. Izzy is now 2 years old and possibly the most annoying creature on earth.  I think she annoys every one in the house except Frank. She has started a new thing when I sit down in the evening to wind down.  She starts barking AT me. At first, I thought Is she hungry? Does she need to go out? It is kind of like trying to figure out why a baby is crying. Well, the barking has now turned into nipping. She will bite at my forearms.  I get so angry with her - I threaten to send her to a farm.  Not that she knows what that means. She does this when Frank is gone.  Tonight, Peter videotaped her because we keep telling him but I don't think he realizes how bad it really is.

Most days, I go 90 miles an hour without ever sitting down to relax. About 8pm (after the kids go to bed) I turn into a pumpkin and am not really productive anymore.  I like to sit down & read or watch TV. Well, this little barking phase is driving me batty. It stresses me out and I am worried the kids will wake up, etc. 

Maybe I will post my video of the psycho dog (if I can figure it out). Look for more tales of Izzy to follow.

Lesson Learned the hard way!

Well...everyone is miraculously better now.  Pete was truly sick Wednesday night and stayed home yesterday from school.  Just before lunch, I get a call from the school that Allie is in the nurse's office with a tummy ache.  I asked to speak to her  - meanwhile wondering if she just had to go to the "bathroom" or if her tummy really hurt. Pete & I ended up picking her up and headed back home. I told both of them they could "veg" on the couch & watch TV or read.  Little did I know, Allie was thrilled. She got to swap school for TV.  Frank came home & made an executive decision. From now on - if school is missed, then it is in bed (like he had to do as a kid). Missing school should not be fun! I never really missed school as a kid so I would NEVER have thought Allie was pulling a fast one on me. 

It ended up biting her in the bum because she had to miss dance. Once a month, they have a special teacher come in & teach hip-hop. So she cried last night because she missed dance with Isaiah.  Live & learn.  I don't think we will get too many more calls from school unless they are on their death beds!!

Pete sick

I  was supposed to help Frank at one of his high schools today but unfortunately, Peter woke up in the middle of the night with a fever. Whooping cough had been going around and we did the preventative antibiotics like they requested. The only thing is...unless EVERYONE does them, there is still a chance of getting sick. Let's hope this is just a fluke. He doesn't have a cough which is GREAT!!

Anyway, I don't get to help Frank so I hope he is not swamped!

Voting

Okay - it is 6:15 - I am showered & ready for the day. I can't wait to vote but the polls don't open until 7:00!

I usually wake the kids at 7:00 and they get on the bus around 7:45.  I am headed straight to the poll - after I give them their smooch & send them on their way. There have been 3 hour waits just for early voting.  I would stand in line all day if I had to! The polls are open until 9 pm and as long as you are in line by 9, you can cast your vote.

Be sure to get out there and cast your vote - you know what they say - "if you don't vote, you can't complain." 

Perfect Weekend

I think we had the stereotypical PERFECT weekend. The weather was GORGEOUS - high 60's to low 70's all weekend.  Friday night was trick or treat night. We went to our friends' house (minus Allie - who went to another friend's house) and the guys took the boys trick-or-treating while Jenny & I hung out and passed out candy. It was such a beautiful night! We got home and the bowl I left out still had some treats in it.  I thought for sure the first pre-teen would dump the whole bowl - they didn't YIPPEE!

Saturday, Mommy was the Champion sleeper - I had taken an allergy pill and Frank & the kids ran 2 errands and I was still sleeping. I slept until 9:50 (I haven't done that since before kids).  It was GREAT!!!!!  Frank & his buddy Ryan were in a chili cook-off at the club - so they went to that (the kids & I joined him for a bit) but we mostly watched the Michigan State game here.  We then headed to another friend's house to watch the Iowa vs. Illinois game. That was a blast!  - the kids had a ball. Allie was the oldest girl there so she took on a little "mother hen" role. We stopped home to let the dog out & off to another friend's house for game night.  The kids were troopers. Allie fell asleep on their couch but Peter held out.  We ALL slept in Sunday - plus we fell back an hour. Gotta love Daylight Savings Time!!

Sunday was AWESOME - total lazy-hang-out day.  Frank had a school board budget meeting but other than that, it was Lions v. Bears and yard work.  We took down all the Halloween decorations and put up Thanksgiving ones.

I wish every weekend was this PERFECT. I guess they all are when we can spend it all as a family!

Switched Blogs

Okay - Here I am officially a Blogger!

I was chatting with some friends who said Blogger is better than Wordpress so I switched to Blogger.

We carved pumpkins today! We have been growing our own pumpkins for the past few years and usually, they are a deep orange and we get 25 or so. Some are as big as a soccer ball and others are as small as a softball.  Well, this year, we planted some and we only got about 5 but they are HUGE!!!  Frank had to put them on a dolly and wheel them to the front porch. We carved them tonight (nothing like waiting til the last minute).  It had been so cold, I was afraid they were frozen but the past few days have been really warm.

We have been celebrating Halloween for about a week now with various parties and school parties, etc.  Trick or Treat is tomorrow night and we are going to a friend's house because we don't get a lot of kids that come through our neighborhood.  last year I gave out full sized candy bars and we only had 19 people come through. I LOVE this time of year.  It is like 3 months of holidays that blend into one big one.  I love the changing of the seasons, the family time spent doing FUN things and the hustle & bustle of everything.