Greenbay to play today!

Kurt is waiting patiently for the Greenbay/New York game to start. If Greenbay wins, then they are in the Superbowl!

Had a speech contest Saturday. The kids did well. We have 4 groups going on to state. Grandma came to stay with Bode during the contest. Brianna stayed home to help Grandma.

Bode has a cold. He doesn't seem to be bothered by it too much. He acts just like normal, but gets tired sooner. He is decked out in Packer gear today (thanks to Aunt Gail for his Brett Favre jersey).

Had a snow day the other day. We got 5 1/2 inches of snow, but is didn't seem like enough to cancel school. It was a pleasant day with Bode. We just hung out and played all day! Since the semester is still early, I was not bogged down with work, so I could enjoy the day and not think about all the school work I should be doing. I am hopeful for this semester. The first time ever that I am not teaching a writing class.

The subzero temps are getting old. We are all ready for spring. This is the only time of year I wish to speed up! The bitter cold is no fun for anyone.

We have started going to Sts. John and Paul Catholic Church here in Altoona. It has only been a couple of weeks, so we are still trying it out. It is important to us that we raise Bode with strong faith. Since Kurt was raised Catholic and I was raised in a nondenominational church, it has been difficult for us to find a happy medium. This church seems nice and it is close to home.

Gotta go stir the chili for the game!
Hope all is well.

The Holidays

Well, the holidays have come and gone. I cannot believe that it is 2008. We had a nice holiday. We spent Christmas at the Anderson farm after opening presents at home with Brianna and Bode. Bode was pretty excited to eat the paper, and he did enjoy his gifts. Brianna had an early Christmas as she got new bedroom furniture when we moved, but she still had quite a few gifts under the tree! Christmas was a lot of fun at Mom and Dad's. Allen's kids were there and Woody had Asher, so the wrapping paper war was well fought. I don't know which the kids enjoy more, the presents or the paper fight!

New Year's eve was spent at Emma's friend Julene's house. Lots of kids, so Bode was loving it. He fought sleep well past 9:00! We had a good time playing games and enjoying our new friends company.

Of course the holidays were bittersweet this year. It is always fun to see the kids enjoying their gifts, but the missing joy from Bob's excitement to see us all wore on us. Our tree was especially lonely without the special doggy present that always kept Aspen sneaking underneath it.

With this last year behind us, we are hopeful for a better year. A new semester has started at school and with that comes lots of opportunities to touch new lives. My new year's resolution is to be more positive this year and to take more time for myself. I feel selfish when I take myself away from those I love so dearly, but I need to take care of my own well being, too!

Kurt and Brianna set resolutions. Kurt wants to learn to play the guitar. I told him he may need to quit racing to do that. I tried to learn a few years ago. It takes a lot of time. But he has wanted to for a long time, so I hope he finds it easier than I did! Brianna wants to get into better shape. Of course she always says she wants to do better in school! She does every year, so why stop a good thing?

The weather is finally warming up a bit. We have been in the 40s these last few days, so the snow and ice are melting. This brings a muddy, sloppy mess, but the warmer temps are always welcome and usually short lived! Kurt got out today on his bike with a large group from his team. I was glad he got out. He gets bummed out when he has to ride inside!

The photos are from Christmas. We had some nice family shots!

Happy New Year to all and may this be the best year yet!