The Woods Family Website

Josh and I are doing wonderful! Still living in the old Morton house and loving it.

The studio is going very well and I just love it. I feel retired most days. I am viewing this first year as a learning experience in running a business.

Josh is teaching at Central College and still working at Mercy. We are very busy, but loving life.

Gus is still the most patient and loving creature in all the world. He is getting a little belly and is need of a walk, but this crazy winter is keeping us inside.

Josh and I just celebrated our 11 years together on February 5th. In the comments you can leave a funny story about us together at 15 and 16 if you would like…….it is fun to look back and remember us being so dramatic!

My dancers first competition is coming up quickly!!!!!!!!!! Here is the video of their last practice
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4bRT4v3NM8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bny3Z37Pm4s

They are doing very well for a first year team and this being the very first competition of the year. I am so excited and proud. <3

We are having LOST parties with our good friends and family Justin & Candice and Jeff & Melissa. We love LOST. I think it is the lost island of Atlantis……we will find out this is the final chapter.

Today is the millionth snow day for the studio and others in Iowa. I am ready for Spring!

We went to church on Sunday and found it very refreshing.

Life is going great! This year has been full of new experiences so far.

LOVES

Feel free to read our family Christmas letter. Happy Holidays to everyone and have a great 2010!

Eliana in her Christmas best!

Well, for about a month and a half I’ve been trying to get my physical life back on track.  There are a number of reasons motivating me.  The major reason for me losing weight is because I want to be healthy.  Heart disease and diabetes runs in my family.  I don’t want to ruin my latter years in life because I didn’t do things right at 30 (or 29… I’ve not decided yet if I’m actually going to turn 30 next year).  Also, I want the benefits of being strong and energetic.  I want to play with my kids and not get winded; I want to try new sports and activities; I want to be vigorous.  In addition to all of those things, I know there are other health downsides to being lethargic and eating poorly, heartburn and ulcers being some of those things. 

A couple of months ago, I had a TERRIBLE stomach ache that stuck with me for about 2 weeks.  I have a feeling that my lifestyle had a lot to do with that.  Drinking energy drinks and Diet Mt. Dew every day cannot be healthy for you, especially when your diet consists of a meat and potatoes diet… and by meat and potatoes, I mean a #4 with no onions and large fries at McDonald’s.  Regardless, in an effort to fix my aching stomach, I decided to take a break from caffeine.  From that point on, my drink of choice is water.  Once in a blue moon I’ll have a pop, but I can probably count the number of caffeinated drinks I’ve had in the past month on one hand.  The upside to this change is it was probably the biggest catalyst to my change.  After you quit one thing you know you shouldn’t be doing… why not quit them all!

My workout started pretty simply.  I just wanted to increase my activity and decrease my calorie intake.  I started monitoring my food and activities on DailyBurn and working out on the Wii with the WiiFit.  While it’s probably not the best exercise program it was a great start.  The WiiFit program is slow and simple, but it is great for someone looking to start a fitness program.  From there, I looked at a couple of different exercise programs.  I really enjoyed working out at home, especially the cost!  So I looked at getting the EA Sports Active exercise program for the WiiFit.  It was nice, but what I really wanted to have was a program that would give me significant physical results.  I saw a really cool P90X program on TV and I heard great things about it.  So, instead of buying it, I borrowed it from my friend Anthony.  The program was exactly what I was looking for.  Unfortunately, I am/was nowhere near in enough shape to follow the program.  After doing some research, I decided to go with the same companies intro program called Power90.  I’m about 3 weeks in on this program.  I’ve been following exercises closely and improving regularly.  Having a baby kind of threw a wrench in my schedule, but after a couple of weeks I’m back on track.  In addition to the Power90 workout, my new phone has Nike+ so I’ve been adding in walks/runs as I can to my schedule.  I’ve learned that I can’t do both in the same day, I’m starting to substitute when possible.

So how am I doing?  Well, I’m about 20 lbs lighter and feeling much better.  My tight clothes fit, and my comfy clothes are too loose.  My friends, family, co-workers are making comments that are really nice and very encouraging.  My heartburn is non-existent, my stomach pain has not returned.  I feel and think I look stronger.  Eating right is tough.  Everyone around me tends to eat for comfort or conveneince.  I’m really struggling finding ways to keep myself on track when everyone else is letting themselves go.  The upside is, I usually only have minor slips.  I try to bounce back with a healthy day or a hard workout to keep things on an even keel.  Overall, I’m happy and I’m writing this blog as a reminder to myself.

So, life is busy! I am getting ready to start my year 3 of 2 jobs! WOW! I am a tired girl. It started right when I got off the plane from England….it was a weekend when we got back to the States and then I started Drake and Beth Clarke Dance Studio that following Monday and it really has not stopped. Then I went into being a nanny full-time that was not so fun…..then went into teaching dance M-F every night at Beth Clarke. I love my girls there. I spent last year working at Drake CPHS full-time and commuting up to Ames T,W,TH to teach dance all night. I would get home around 10:45 and start the 8 AM day all over again. Now I am entering into year 3 still working at Drake CPHS full-time and a business owner. Devine Dancers. If I have wrinkels and bags under my eyes it is b/c I am TIRED! I am really ready for work to stop consuming the better part of my life.

The studio is going amazing. I could not of hoped for a better location or summer group. I am learning as I go. I am excited for the first recital. I hope my budget and ideas can stay in the same spectrum. I want Miss Tessa and Molly to dance in the first recital. They need to be apart of the first recital! So, Josh and Cort before you buy tickets to visit next year call me. hee hee hee

Josh just got a position at Mercy Franklin in the Psychward he is so good at that. He is applying for teaching positions. Say your prayers. He is also trying to write his dissertation. So, the Devine-Woods family is SUPA busy! Josh also helps with the studio. Life is KRazY.

Gus is well. We took him on about an 8 mile walk last weekend. We are running 4 nights a week. Trying to stay in shape. Running just helps that last lil bit. ;-p

I am finishing up my last week of summer dance classes and looking forward to just one job for a while…..we will be finishing construction on the studio and registering students for next year! Classes begin September 8th, 2009.

2009 is Devine! ;-P

I hope all is well.

WOW! It has been crazy in the Devine Woods Fam! I went from having surgery and being out of it for almost 2 weeks to remodeling and creating a dance studio! Oh the work!!!!! I cannot thank the family enough. I could not have accomplished any of this without you!!!! I have combinations choreographed and I am teaching. A wonderful sensation came over me in Pi-Yo last night. It was just amazing to be working on Devine Dancers.

My new goal is to help Josh. He still has not had a lot of sucess in the job world. It is all who you know and many of his contacts are in England. If someone would just give the boy a chance he would dazzle them! He is an amazing worker like his father.

Little shout out: Middle School and High School dancers come into Devine Dancers and dance with me. If you know any please send them my way.

Cannot wait to see the Texian Devines!!!!! Travel safe

Miss you Joe, Anna, Nayeli. We are going to be in Cali in August……I want to meet up some how….some way.

Loves and Misses!

Yes, that’s right, I haven’t posted in awhile so it’s time for an update. 

We have all been very busy lately.  Kelli has opened a dance studio in Des Moines. www.devinedancers.com   The studio looks great, and seems to be doing very well considering how new it is.  It did take quite a bit of work to get there though.  We have all been working hard the past few weeks to help Kelli realize her dream.  Spending nights and weekends at the studio meant for less time to do things around the house, and updating the blog takes a big backseat to all of the other things that needed our attention.  So, what have we been doing outside of working on the studio?

Baseball!
Aaron is finally old enough for T-ball.  He’s signed up for a local T-ball program in Ankeny and really seems to enjoy the game.  I was a little disappointed in the lack of coaching w/ respect to fundamentals, so we looked around for different classes to suppliment.  Aaron is also going to “practice” at a gym in Waukee instructed by former Semi-Pro baseball player.  Brad Kauffman (the coach) is really passionate about the game and understands how to teach younger kids the basics.  I’ve been really impressed with how Aaron is advancing.  He really seems to enjoy all the activity too.

Vist from the Rosenows
About a month ago, Candice’s parents made the drive from SC up to Iowa to see everyone.  Malcolm had some work to do in the area and they just made it work to come to the state.  I know Grandma Rosenow really enjoyed spending time with the boys the entire week.  We did some other fun activities… trip to Ban Thai, spent time at Audio Labs, went to the malls to shop… I was kind of disappointed we missed the farmers market though.  In addition, Cameron (who couldn’t make the trip with his parents) came up and spent some time with the family.  I took a day off and spent most of it just hanging out and talking.

Guess who’s 3!?!?!
Isaac had his 3rd birthday party a couple of weekends ago.  It was really great getting to see everyone and Isaac had lots of fun.  We will probably have pictures up in the very near future (just need to find some time).

Dance Classes
Both boys are signed up for classes at Kelli’s studio.  Isaac is in Story Time and Tumble Tots.  Aaron is in Tumble Tots with his little brother and then takes a Hip-Hop class.  We’ve only had one class so far, but the kids love spending time at the studio and like dancing.  I’m excited because I know they’re learning skills they will always use.  Plus they get to spend some time with Aunt Kelli and Uncle Josh.

Well, I’m sure I’m forgetting things, but I’ll add them in later.  Best wishes to everyone.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
(John 14.6 NRSV)

There was a pop song back in the golden days of the televangelists that asked the question, “Would Jesus wear a Rolex?”

Where WOULD Jesus position himself today? Where would he stand on gun control? Or foreign aid? Or abortion? You call yourselves his followers, but do you really think he would vote as you would? Or would he be an embarrassment? Or better yet, would we be an embarrassment to him?

May we truly be Biblical people.

Lord Jesus, help me to be bold in following your ways. Amen.

Or would Jesus say:

Mat 7:1-2: “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

And, two, John 7:24: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”

And three,”And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?” – Matthew 7:3

and four my personally favorite, John 8

1 Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4 They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6 This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7 So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9 And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11 She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.

In my opinion we spend way to much time sending people running from Jesus with our judgmental opinions. Remember!

1 JOHN 4:7 TEV
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God.

God loves your neighbor enough to die for them. You are God’s ambassador, representing God to your neighbor, for the purpose of demonstrating His love.

What are you doing to show God’s love to your neighbor? Love without actions is dead.

1 JOHN 4:7 TEV
7 Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God. Whoever loves is a child of God and knows God.

God loves your neighbor enough to die for them. You are God’s ambassador, representing God to your neighbor, for the purpose of demonstrating His love.

What are you doing to show God’s love to your neighbor? Love without actions is dead.

Loves!!!!!!!!!

My week at work was pretty intense.  I was involved in the hiring process for a position at ALMACO. Normally, this isn’t a huge deal, but the interviews were quite lengthy and required me to keep my schedule clear for most of the day. As a result, things were pretty slow in between interviews making the days arduous. I think they went well overall, and I’m glad I had an opportunity to contribute to the decision. This is just one of the many reasons I enjoy working where I do; I love wearing different hats.

Tuesday we did BW3s and haircuts after work. The kids and I were overdue. We’ve been going to SportClips and while they aren’t the best in the world it’s quick and not too expensive. We still are having trouble finding someone to cut Isaac’s hair well. This lady does better than anyone has to date, but there’s still room for improvement.

On Wednesday, we surprised Aaron with a new bike. He’s needed one for awhile now, and we’ve been holding off. With his most recent growth spurt it was unavoidable. Aaron now has a new Schwinn that he’s absolutely in love with. Convenient for us, because we recently told him he would have to curb his video game playing. Not because he’s been playing too much, but because he’s been asking to play too much. Anyway, immediately following our trip to Toys-R-Us, we met Jeff and Melissa at Chuck E. Cheese. Both of the boys played until well past their bed time and were still awake by the time we got home. It made for an interesting evening, but once they calmed down the

Thursday we put together the bike and played outside. We took pictures with Candice’s new camera to share with everyone.

Read the rest of this entry »

I decided a few months ago to start my own LAN party.  If you’re not sure what those are, you should visit Wikipedia or just do a Google search.  They are basically an event where gamers bring their computers, set them up on a local network, and play computer games against each other.  The idea is to have a fun social gathering for gamers to come and interact with each other.  In addition, there are usually tournaments and contests to win prizes provided by sponsors.

While I’m not a network guru or a fantastic web developer, I do fundamentally understand what makes LAN parties fun.  I think Central Iowa is really missing out on having these big events.  Cities like Omaha, NE and Springfield, IL have shown that it doesn’t take the population of Chicago to have a well attended event.  It’s my goal to start a big LAN in the area, and this is my first step.  Along with a group of friends, we found a venue, built a website (www.iowalanhunt.com), and started looking for sponsors.  The event is going to be this weekend and I am anxious to see how it goes.  This is our first crack at this, and we’ve got a lot to learn before we can go big.

So, I have only had to teach dance this whole week. No Drake! This has been the best week I have had in 2 years!!!! Josh is still searching hard for work! So, if you pass this blog and have an opening….give it to him! He is an amazing worker and can do NETHING! This is only temporary and that is what I have learned as I have grown older. Running is going great. I have finished all my dances for recital. Things are looking pretty darn dandy! We are making it like the little engine that could! I am waiting to hear back about a studio offer in West Des Moines. Many doubts have crossed my mind. Sometimes it seems that Ames would be the better location. We shall see. Tonight Josh and I are going to Hawaii. We have some good Jamician music, sunglasses, and drinks. Oh the imagination is brillant! Back to Drake next week. Tune in for the rant then. Loves and Misses to all! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo