As I reflect on the past year, we have so much to be thankful for. I feel that now more than ever. My Christmas cards do not have a detailed letter as in years past. The fact that I got cards in the mail this year is an improvement from last year! I keep this blog primarily as an electronic journal, but it's also for family and others who care to read about the happenings with the Raasch family. Reflecting on anything from weather to kid milestones and fun pictures, I love to blog!
Alexis is now in the seventh grade and just wrapped up basketball for the middle school. She has really excelled at the trombone and school work of course. She is part of jazz band this year, and we really enjoyed the band concert last week. Funny how every concert seems to improve...
Interior design and decorating has become a hobby (and obsession, really) for Alexis. She is always trying to redecorate my house, her room and researching ideas online. She is also a talented artist and doodler. This past summer she had her first real babysitting job and got a lesson in money management and savings.
Ava missed the new Nebraska age requirement by five days for getting into Kindergarten. Since her birthday falls between August 1 and October 15, we had the option of testing her for Kindergarten readiness. She "passed" and has had so many fun adventures in Kindergarten. She is always trying to read everything. We were thrilled to learn that she was put in the class of Alexis's past teacher. She is also Chris's teacher friend from when he taught at that school four years ago. Ava adores Mrs. Woita - a good match for our most challenging child. :)
Ava was very proud of herself for accomplishing the difficult ascent to the summit of Old Man Mountain in Estes Park. Filling Daddy's shoes is tough, but she is well on her way. Dad was quite proud.
*Check out our pics from the June Estes postings!*
P.S. We are currently experiencing a loose tooth. First one! And let me tell you how dramatic it is...
Elsie was potty trained the same week we went on vacation to Estes Park, CO last summer. She stayed dry almost the entire duration of our trip - it was incredible! She tells everyone that Santa is bringing her a baby doll for Christmas and candy canes in her stocking. Boy, will she be surprised!! :) My little snow baby will celebrate her third birthday at the end of January. Although she tries to pass her sister up in the stinker department at times, her preciousness is prevalent. What a sweet little girl she is.
Chris has had a successful year in the school and job areas. [Shocker] He is currently finishing up his Master's of Educational Leadership degree - one class away from graduation this coming May. We are proud of his accomplishments in the college classroom as well as the elementary classroom! He went from teaching fourth grade to becoming a coordinator (assistant principal) over the summer. He will tell you that no two days have been the same yet.
A family Y membership has again proven to be well worth the expense in our endeavor to be healthy. The group exercise classes were so great for me while I worked evenings. The girls could play in the child care room while I de-stressed. Chris and I have grown to love running (yes, I feel guilty about the last couple of months...). We raced in several races during the year. Together we ran a 10K in April (Chris' first organized race - perhaps I am a good influence??). In May, I accomplished the Lincoln H@lf! Loved the experience and wish I had time for it in 2013. We also ran in the Cornhusker St@te G@mes 5K in July and the Mud Run 10K in August. Chris is the morning person of the family, so of course he is at the Y at 5 a.m. while the rest of us are sound asleep. True story.
A family Y membership has again proven to be well worth the expense in our endeavor to be healthy. The group exercise classes were so great for me while I worked evenings. The girls could play in the child care room while I de-stressed. Chris and I have grown to love running (yes, I feel guilty about the last couple of months...). We raced in several races during the year. Together we ran a 10K in April (Chris' first organized race - perhaps I am a good influence??). In May, I accomplished the Lincoln H@lf! Loved the experience and wish I had time for it in 2013. We also ran in the Cornhusker St@te G@mes 5K in July and the Mud Run 10K in August. Chris is the morning person of the family, so of course he is at the Y at 5 a.m. while the rest of us are sound asleep. True story.
Last year at this time, I was working a part-time 6-midnight shift and staying home with the kids. It lasted a short six months. An HR position was posted within the same company which I applied for and got! It has been a breath of fresh air to learn something new and regain my full-time day shift. I'm now in my 11th year with the company.
In August I decided to go back to school and work towards my Bachelor's degree in business. I have enjoyed the three classes I've taken thus far. Many of the folks come with interesting life experiences and are in my age range, have families and work full time. I definitely don't feel out of place, and the campus is conveniently located within a few miles from home/work.
In August I decided to go back to school and work towards my Bachelor's degree in business. I have enjoyed the three classes I've taken thus far. Many of the folks come with interesting life experiences and are in my age range, have families and work full time. I definitely don't feel out of place, and the campus is conveniently located within a few miles from home/work.
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to attending Ava's Kindergarten class Christmas party over my lunch break!
We invite you to keep up with us throughout 2013. Happy Holidays to all!
We invite you to keep up with us throughout 2013. Happy Holidays to all!
