The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Amy and I are part of a fabulous dinner party group called DinSanity. This is a group of couples made up of City employees (engineers and attorney), consulting engineers, and significant others. We generally meet once a month and rotate the party around to each other's house every month. This past was the Christmas Dinsanity party. As usual, food was plentiful, beverages a flowing, and games a playing. To add a twist to our monthly parties we decided to add a theme, and what would be more fitting for a Christmas party than "ugly sweater" night.


Also due to the holiday celebration we decided to have a gift exchange. This gift exchange was described by each person bringing either a White Elephant gift (used or made) or something new as long as it is under $10. So, to me this seeemed like an opportune time to make a Christmas present........and I had a certain item in mind.


A month or so ago I had received an email (from another DinSanity member) that was quite humorous and featured slippers made out of maxi pads. So, that seemed like a good idea to me.

Time: Approx 1 hour (with much laughing)
Supplies: Always Maxi Pads, Glue, Cotton Balls, small Christmas decorations/tassles

The best part, I coaxed my buddy Rob into picking my present because I wrapped it in newspaper (rule for the exchange) with Shonn Greene all over the front. I also hinted that I shopped at a local favorite store. I know that was dirty play, but it was worth it.

Children Know Best

Amy and I recently learned that listening to your kids is not always a bad idea.

Example #1:
Last week Taylor kept telling us Wednesday night that she didn't have school the next day. We told her she was crazy but she continued to insist. Before sending her off to school we checked the lunch menu and there was the scheduled lunch listed for the day. We looked at her monthly calendar and saw nothing regarding a no-school day. So, we continued to proceed with a typical school morning and dropped her off at Kid's Club, which is where she always goes prior to school. Shortly thereafter I got a call from Amy to inform me that Taylor does NOT have school and will need a lunch if she intends to stay at Kid's Club. Thus, after dropping off the boys I had to go back home and get Tay her breakfast. The reason for the cancellation of school was a sad one and not previously planned as a high school student and her mom, who was Taylor's lunch lady, were killed by a drunk driver in a car accident.

Example #2:
Last week Carver insisted that he only had one boot at school. He told us that his other one fell out of the car, so again we told him he was crazy. Amy said she took all the boots and snow clothing to school with the boys on Monday. Later that next day while I was home with the kids for a snow day, sure enough I found his other boot behind the basket in the entry way. Granted, it did not fall out of the car but he was correct in saying he only had one boot.

I....O.....W......A

Obviously we are die-hard Hawkeye fans, but that doesn't mean attending just the "big" sporting events. Though we have season tickets for football and Men's basketball, we also have season tickets for wrestling. In addition, we have continued to broaden our Hawkeye spectrum of sports by going to events such as women's basketball, gymnastics, and volleyball. Next on our list is indoor track, softball, and field hockey.

A lot of these more "obscure" sports we have been going to with our friends the Iverson's, and we have more scheduled. What's funny is that now every time we take the kids to a game or meet, they ask where Bill and Katie are if we are not going with them. That was the case on Sunday when we were at the women's basketball game.

Speaking of women's basketball, the Hawkeyes had a great week as a whole and more importantly against their rival Cyclones. We were part of the NCAA record crowd that watched the Iowa wrestlers defeat the Cyclones Saturday night. We had a great time as we were able to go with our friends Rob and Dave from my work, as well as our usuals Bill and Katie.

Sunday, Amy and I took the kids to the women's game and watched them crush the Cyclone ladies. The women looked great and the kids had a wonderful time. The Hawks looks to make it a clean sweep in all the major sports on Friday and I will be there to watch that as well with Rob.

Grab a Sled

We love to sled in our family. Making things a bit easier this year is the fact that we can sled on some pretty decent hills right in our backyard and in the neighborhood. We have now hit the back yard on two different occcasions and have had a blast.

Of course, we can't have snow without making a snowman!

And you can't go sledding with Amy without her old favorite ski hat. Yes, it does say "Mental" on the front. How fitting!

Goofy Elves

Oh Christmas Tree

The kids took full control over decorating the tree this year. And let me tell you, they did a great job! For some reason, we seem to have some areas that contain multiple ornaments in one location.........but it looks wonderful.

As tradition, the fire was roaring, Christmas music playing, and ornaments breaking. Umm, I mean hanging.

Finding the Perfect One

After searching long and hard, we finally found the perfect tree for 2008. Though Amy was disappointed because it wasn't 15' tall, the family vote resulted in this beauty from Barnes Tree Farm.
We lucked out as it was a pretty nice day for the end of November and we were accompanied by Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Sue. And as you can see, I had plenty of help cutting down the tree and carrying it back to the car.

Born To Dance

There's never a dull moment in the Boelk house. The other night we had a little breakdancing going on.

You can't tell, but the kids are spinning on their back. What I'm doing......I'm not quite sure.

Believe it or not, I'm showing the boyz some serious moves here. Yes, I'm breakdancing, not breaking wind.