Winter Blah

I know I should be really happy it is Friday, but seriously, the cloud of unmotivated winter blahs is hanging over our household big time. After five snow days in the last six weeks, being back to sub zero temps, and not going more than a month without some sort of sickness in our house, we are ready for the groundhog to come out this week and tell us spring is just around the corner. However, the pessimist in me says, don't get your hopes up.

We had another first as parents this week: the stomach flu. Luckily, or unluckily, depending on your perspective, Ben's vomiting never happened on the carpet or in his bed. It was always on Brant or I. Disgusting, yes. However, just a toss in the washing machine was the upside! Poor Ben.

I also had my first experience getting stuck in our own driveway this week. We had another blizzard on Monday and after taking Ben to the doctor after school (which took an hour and half and he cried almost the whole time), I was feeling a little frazzled. Getting stuck was kind of the icing on the cake. As much as I tried to gain speed up the hill to make it to the garage, the drifts from the blowing snow were too much for my little Focus. We never did manage to get my car all the way to the garage, but Brant was at least able to back up and get it into our circle drive facing downhill so I could let gravity help me the next morning!

During the ice storm last week, I had to get creative for our day in the house during snow day #5. Beyond the regular play-doh time, coloring, trucks, cars, and books, I filled the kitchen sink with bubbles and let Ben go to town. As you can see, he really enjoyed it!

Precious Moment

The little things Ben does everyday are so fun to watch, but there are moments that I know I'll never forget. Today, I had one of those moments. Recently, I've caught Ben saying the words to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star" when he is playing, somewhat intermittently. When I put him down to nap today, I started in on the three songs I usually sing when sleep is to follow, but he kept saying, "Sing Twinkle Star?" over and over. I finally broke from the routine and began to sing the song he wanted. And then... he started to "sing" with me. Although he doesn't exactly carry a tune yet, his words matched mine and from there, we sang it several more times and even more at bedtime. Tears welled in my eyes both times. It was a beautiful, precious, sweet moment.

More Before and After

Over Christmas break, we took on another home improvement project: the kitchen! Previously, our kitchen walls were canary yellow in a semi-gloss finish (very shiny - yuck!) with hand-painted blue flowers "growing" out of the floor and counter. Although the cabinets and countertops are newer, the decor just didn't look modern to match. Brant started first by putting new knobs and handles on the cabinets. Then it was on to paint. A big thanks to my friend, Kim, for coming over and helping me! It looks great! The new green and beige looks much more "in the now." After the paint, we were motivated to keep going. Brant was able to use his electrician skills (which this time, didn't require calling a real electrician to fix it!) and replaced all the almond colored switches, outlets, and covers to clean, crisp white. We replaced the dated ceiling fan with one that is sleek and matches the knobs and handles. Finally, we took down the half-broken blinds and ugly valence on the sliding glass door and replaced it with vertical blinds. Ahhh... much better! I'm not so great at remembering to take before and after pictures, but you'll get the idea. Of course, Ben was all about helping!

2009 Ausenhus Family Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope this finds you happy, healthy, and ready to embrace this holiday season. Enjoy the following update!

Ben has grown with leaps and bounds this year. Although every parent will say this about their own child, Ben is growing up faster than we ever imagined. In the past year, we've seen him begin to walk, run, jump, imagine, talk, and develop interests and a sense of humor, just to name a few. Recently, he has developed a love for wearing hats, trying on Mommy and Daddy's shoes, and finger painting. He loves to try to help us with whatever we are doing, whether that be watching me cook or climbing a ladder behind Brant. Ben loves to read books, go to music class once a week, and play outside. The Christmas tree itself has become quite a point of fascination this month. He is particularly enthralled with a gold tricycle ornament and while talking to himself one day, we caught him saying, "Trike... pretty... too small to ride." We've really had to work on telling him to be gentle with the tree and to leave the ornaments on the tree, that it is just for looking. This has proven particularly difficult with another favorite, the train ornament. While gazing at the tree one evening, I watched him take the train off and sneak away from the tree. When Ben saw me around the corner, he quickly said with big eyes, "Keep on the tree... put it back... just look." As you can see, we've been enjoying this season for so many reasons!

I continue to work for Ankeny Community Schools as a fourth grade teacher. Brant is a senior account executive for Bader Rutter and Associates. We've enjoyed the convenience of Brant having his office at home, although he travels relatively often. Both of us enjoy our work and our colleagues and consider ourselves very fortunate. In June, we celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary with a trip to Maui. It was a wonderful getaway and we enjoyed every aspect of the island.

Perhaps the biggest change this year was moving into a new home in September. Although we weren't particulary looking to make a change, we knew we would need something bigger in the next few years. When we stumbled across this home in August, we fell in love with it. The sale of our home went quickly and smoothly. We love having more land outside and room inside our house to spare. Additionally, we are looking forward to several painting and updating projects to make the house really feel like our home.

Whenever the holidays come around, we can't help but remember those who we miss dearly. We lost my Grandpa Anderson in March and keep him in our heart during this season. As we continue to remember my parents, Papa Dave and Grandma Carleen, we take pride in instilling in Ben the traditions, values, and interests my parents gave me. May we all remember their loving and kind spirits over Christmas.

We wish you a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2010!

Rachel, Brant, and Ben

Winter Wonderland

This is the view from our house today! The first true snowfall is going to be a big one and I have to say, our yard looks just beautiful. Even having lived in Iowa for most of my life, there is still something about the first snowfall of the season that is exciting, new, and intriguing.