Life goes on...

I never thought I'd be one of those crazy sports moms running to and fro with kids and gear and trying to get a meal in between - I gave up my mini van before Sophie was 3 and let's just say that my hot red convertible is not a good car for toting sporting kids around - but here I am. Last night Sophie had cheer practice in Sun Prairie from 5:30 - 7:30. Nicolas had a Special Olympics basketball game from 6:00 - 7:00 pm on the East side of Madison - Sophie and I dashed out of the house at 5:00 and hit the interstate to run her to practice and I raced back to watch Nic's 1st ever basketball game. Jim was there, helping to coach and Grandma, Grandpa and Nic's teachers were there too. All too soon the clock said 7:15 pm and I raced back to Sun Prairie to get Sophie and bring her back to Culver's for some post-game custard with Nic, Jim, Grandma & Grandpa. When we got home at 8:30 pm I was ready for bed!

This was the very first game our little team of 7 athletes had ever played. We played against an adult team!! Giant men towering over Nic and his 6 female teammates! They played their hearts out and stuck it out 'til the very end - but the scoreboard was turned off after the opponents were beating us by 20 points. Nic shines on the basketball court and I can't wait to see how the season progresses.

Sophie's cheer squad had a competition in Appleton, WI last weekend - they took 1st place! Its so fun to see her confidence and tumbling grow with each competition.

I got a distressing call today from a friend who is suffering financially and its spilling over into her marriage. I could relate - it is often so easy to point and blame rather than work together I can see how the economy and financial difficulties can stress out relationships. I feel for her, I've been there and I gave her an ear for awhile and then I called Jim and asked him what he wanted for dinner. I want to show him that I appreciate his long hours in the cold weather while I sit comfy in our house and work from home.

It's still cold, at least two feet of snow on the ground - but spring is coming - it does every year!

2009 has got to be better than 2008...

For the first time in 13 years of marriage Jim and I went out on New Year's Eve. Nic spent the night with Grandma & Grandpa while Jim, Sophie and I went to a gathering at our friends' Bob & Jodi's house. It was so nice, several couples and some old friends to ring in the new year with. Many of the people there were former employees of AT&T, recently laid off in the autumn with very little notice. Knock wood, Jim is still employed and we haven't heard anything about layoffs. In such stressful circumstances for these people it was nice to spend time having fun, playing cranium and eating treats and goodies. Bob & Jodi are new friends to us, but awesome people and I'm glad to have gotten to know them. We had a blast laughing and trying to learn to play Euchre and just generally enjoying the evening together. For the first time in a long time I was awake at midnight and shared a New Year kiss with my sweetie.

So, 2009 has to be better than 2008. After seperating many times in the past couple of years I think Jim and I are on the right track and going to stick it out. If Jim and I can both stay employed for 2009 our financial situation should continue to improve. Nicolas is doing the best he can, but to see him gain and achieve new things this last year before high school would be wonderful - and I'd love to see Sophie grow in church and grow in herself as well.

The tree and decorations are down and put away, the kids go back to school tomorrow and hopefully life will just stay on the smooth path it is on now.

Happy New Year to everyone near and far - may your 2009 be better than your 2008 - whether 2008 was rough or wonderful!