Wow! How did life get so crazy. Today was my first day back at Dmacc, I am not really looking forward to a regular commitment. I was enjoying my vacation time way to much! This semester, I am teaching 2 classes and taking 1. I have taught both classes before, so they should not be too much work. I decided to sign up for an online Sports Nutrition class for my Continuing Education credits. I am taking it through DMACC, I qualified for a discount, and my good friend is teaching it, so how could I pass it up. It just means a little extra work.

Today we were blessed with several more inches of snow. The wind is supposed to start blowing and create blizzard like conditions into tomorrow morning. School let out early, but it was perfect outside, so we decided to go sledding for a little while.

Oh, I forgot to mention that between DMACC and early dimissal, Nadia and I brought cupcakes to Ethan's school for his Birthday.

The boys are at Hockey practice; Nadia and I are going to bed early tonight.

Yesterday was Ethan's big day. He turned 7 this year. His Birthday is so close to Christmas, but he doesn't seem to mind at all. He invited 4 friends over for a small party. They played hockey in the driveway with Andrew officiating, basically making sure no one took a stick to the head. We had cake and ice cream, then a few presents and a few minutes to play snowboarding on the PS2. Ethan has decided that he really wants a snowboard, I bought him a snowboard cake instead.

From here to there and back, sort of describes today.
We started today with 6 or more inches of snow. Of course we did not get up early enough to shovel it before we had to be in Des Moines for Ethan's Hockey game. The road to DM was 1/2 covered with snow, which caused us to be a little worried about the rest of the day. Ethan's team is improving every time they play, today they tied with the DM team 4-4. Ethan had a really great break away, but was stopped before he reached the goal. After Ethan's game we headed to Iowa City for Ben's hockey. Interstate 80 was basically clear of snow and driving was pretty normal with a few questionable spots. We arrived in IC about 3 hours early. We spent 2 hours at the Iowa Children's museum. The kids really enjoyed it, well worth the money. Ethan's choice for supper was Chili's. Everyone enjoyed their food and Ethan was treated to a huge Birthday sundae. Ben's won his game 6-4 against the IC team . Ben scored 1 goal and had 1 assist. We piled back into the car at 8pm and arrived home at 10pm. Andrew is currently shoveling the driveway and I am heading off to bed.

Well,the kids and I have decided to give this a Whirl (Andrew is not interested in any other commitments). We were challenged by our friends, Brian and Amy Worrel, to take a photo everyday for the whole year. They completed 2008 and had lots of fun documenting their life. I have been updating this blog for a whole year, so we will see how we do with the photos. I have included a link to all my photos on the right side of my blog. Happy 2009!

Today we were supposed to head north for 2 hockey games, instead everything was canceled due to a nice layer of ice. Most parking lots resemble a skating. Ben was very disappointed, but we filled our day with Friends, Family and Food. We went out for lunch with our small group. Hickory Park is always good for a good meal. Rosalie headed (South) to Des Moines for a shopping trip with her Mom and sisters. Spending money was provided by Dad, with one stipulation, we had to spend it on ourselves. That is more difficult than you think.... I bought a Fleece for $5 at JC Penny and asked Dad for permission to save the rest to pay for a new Scrapbook which I had order last week. My request was granted. Thanks Dad! For dinner we invited our friends Brian and Amy over for Pizza. They are a great couple. The kids love them and they love the kids. We had a very nice Sunday.

By the way.... We just found out that school has been delayed for 2 hours. It must be the ice on the parking lots. That's good for us, since we have not be getting up until 8:30 am during break. We have a little more time tomorrow morning.

Ames hosted a Family event called, "Oh What a night". For a fee, we had access to several events around town. We started with some art creations and a magic show. Ben was chosen to be the magician's assistant. He had a great time. Next, We headed to the indoor football practice facility for the huge blow up bouncers. You know the ones... the kids get in and jump to their hearts content. Only one problem..... Ben fell and hit his eye. We spent the rest of the afternoon in the ER for 5 stitches to the top of his left eye. (I would show you a photo, but he asked that I protect his privacy. I think he is a little embarrassed.) If you are counting.... This makes 3 sets of stitches for Ben in 2 years. We settled down at home for the rest of the night and watched movies. Oh What a Night!

Here's a copy of our Christmas card. I completed it today, I know, a little late.
I hope everyone had a very merry Christmas, without our card.