Christmas behind us...

As much as the weather played a part in the holiday celebrations this year, it actually went pretty well. It was SO hectic getting Chuck home in time to celebrate at all, but it turned out to be a nice weekend. With Christmas eve canceled, the kids and I hung out waiting for Chuck to pull in. He finally rolled in around 8/8:30 on Thursday night and we were so relieved! We had a nice dinner and went to sleep pretty early. Friday we enjoyed lunch and many nice gifts with the Hartkopf side. Sam sure has succeeded in livening up that celebration! The first few years we celebrated with Chuck's family Alex and Marco were 7 and 6...they were pretty rambunctious, but it seems like they've calmed down, some, over the last 6 years. Adding an 18-month-old to the mix became a resemblance of a 3-ring circus! He a little nut, very busy....try keeping up with him 24/7! (exhausting - especially when he's awake almost all the time...he only sleeps 8 out of 24 hours!) Saturday was a beautiful day...nothing particular to do. I really appreciated Chuck home that day, so I could sleep in and he could hang out with the kids for awhile. It was GREAT to have a break, that day's rest will pull me through to the next home-time! Sunday the Johnsons,Nylands and Jedlickas were over...8 adults and 4 kids; I'm the only one with kids in my family, but they're fortunate to have so many people in their lives who care about them! (Thanks everyone for all of the nice gifts, if the kids didn't say so I know they were thinking it!) The best thing about Chuck being gone so much, is that when he's here, he's HERE, he's very focused on the family and every little thing is special. It really was a great weekend. This morning he left at 4:30 am (I hadn't even gone to bed, yet, because Sam was still up from 11:00 last night). He had to drive down to Inver Grove Heights to pick up the truck and bring his load of insulation up to Duluth and Superior. On his way up there he got to stop and have breakfast with my dad and Jean - he really enjoyed that...I hope you got some good pictures, Jean! (you'll have to share them with me) After a lengthy visit he had to tear himself away and get back to work. He got up to Superior and then to Duluth, then he got a pre-plan from Cloquet to Colorado. He would've LOVED to take that trip, but there was a reason why he didn't (and I can't remember what it is, right now...remember, only a few hours of sleep....20 hrs ago). So they sent him another plan taking him to Indiana. He's happy with that - it's about 740 miles I thought he said. He's expected to drop that load on Wednesday. For right now, that's the deal...I'm glad he's not headed southeast for once...to go into all that snow we've just had for the past 4 days! He set his next home time for January 15th, 16th and 17th. We're hoping some people who had contacted us, previously, might want to get some tattoos on Saturday of that week...that would be good. I have to get in touch with those people this week. So, another 18 days...sad to say goodbye...start counting the days when he's back! I have this week, yet, off from school and the older kids are with my mom this week, so Sam and I have plans to put all the Christmas stuff away. We'll be home partying for the new year...that's okay...I can't remember the last time I went out on New Year's eve. I can't remember the last time I went out....! Once school starts back up the time will go faster - I spend 20-30 hrs a week working on coursework...it's very heavy and intense. Thank goodness for breaks every 8 weeks (only 4 days, but still!) I start practicum hours in February, another 10-20 hrs a week, depending on the professor. I will need a set amount of hours by the end, so if I don't do them for this next class, I'll do them for another...it's a licensing requirement. Busy busy, we're at the heart of basketball season. Alex decided not to go out this year because her grades were suffering and Marco has practice on Thursdays and games on Saturdays (10-11 at Mississippi Heights elementary, if you're interested!). He didn't make a decision on time for traveling, but he's regretting it right now...probably next year. Alex really wants to switch to swimming next year - I think that's a good decision! Anyway, getting off track! You are getting a glimpse inside my head....too many things to think about! I realized how much I take Chuck for granted when all of that snow hit...thank goodness the kids are big enough to help! Doing everything when he's gone is really hard!! 'Course I was alone with Alex and Marco with my own house for 6 years before he came along (and they were only 2 and 4 when I bought that house and they couldn't help me at all!! ...I should remember this!! I've been spoiled! :)(it doesn't mean I have to like it!) I think this week I'm also going to try to wrap up all of the end-of-the-year stuff, if I get a chance, for taxes. It's that time, again! We are learning what kind of deductions he has a driver, too...that's something new! I was REALLY busy in 2009 with loan closings, so I have a lot of mileage to calculate!! Better get going...it seems like the projects are piling up as I write this!! Well, have a great night...I'll probably be updating next on Wed. unless something profound happens between now and then!! Good to catch up with everyone over Christmas!

Robin