2009!

Well, what have we done since we last wrote. Thanksgiving and Christmas were spent back in Northwest Iowa with both our families. Joe missed Thanksgiving completely and came the day after Christmas to celebrate after work. He made sure that I knew he had a lunchable from Kum & Go while I was enjoying a big feast with the Goekens. I really am sorry 'bout that but my food was great. He reminds me most everyday not to complain about working when I have weekends off, holiday breaks, spring break and summer break! ...not to mention snow days :)
Joe is loving his job despite the not so great schedule. He manages to entertain us all at gatherings of the randomness of his job and the people he comes in contact with most of which include at least one story of his friends at the county home (he seems to have AT LEAST one call there a night, seriously) All walks of life that's for sure. I am enjoying teaching.... and there again between kids and parents...all walks of life. I have some pretty good kids in my class all though my cell phone did manage to grow feet and walk away from my classroom. I am known for losing things or unconsciously placing things in strange places but seriously I think I would have stumbled across it by now. I think one of my second grade "friends" "borrowed" it.... not so happy about it. I will be done with my Master's in July..... I will admit I haven't really enjoyed being a student again but it will be worth it when I am done!
Kale surprises us everyday. Over Christmas he counted to ten shocking us all and then daycare asked if he had ever counted for us in Spanish!!!!!!!!!! WHAT?!?!??! Sure enough, he can count in Spanish! What else is up in that little mind that we don't know he knows. Amazing! His vocabulary is EXPLODING and we are having to be VERY careful about what is said around him because a) he WILL remember, even if you think he isn't listening b) He WILL repeat, even if you think he isn't listening c) he WILL tell someone what has been said when it is least expected or appreciated for that matter. He has repeated "damn dog" in conversation with no one other than himself, randomly told visitors that "daddy go poopy" and has said "what a psycho" to his mother (not in correct context thankfully)! He is a stubborn one-- obviously gets that from his daddy--:) some may disagree but I find myself to be a rather go with the flow person. I have no idea where anyone would get the notion that I am stubborn...anyway..the terrible twos are in full swing. He can make us sweat, pull our hair out (well, my hair out since Joe has none to pull), roll on the ground laughing, and make us so proud all within a matter of seconds. I will say..... how in the h-e- double hockey sticks does anyone have multiples, or children less than two years apart. More of a woman than I, that's all I have to say. Phew! It's a busy job that's for sure!