The Woods Family Website

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

We took Aaron to get his hearing checked again today.  We’d had his hearing tested when we were living in Fort Dodge and the tests indicated he had slight loss in his hearing.  The doctors felt this was due to fluid in his ears.

This was my first time going with him, and I was really impressed with how good he was.  They did a simplified version of the hearing tests I remember taking.  The woman doing the tests told him to listen in one ear and raise his hand if he heard the beeps.  Once he finished one ear they moved on to the other side.  He was really patient and did exactly as she asked.  When she finished she said Aaron’s hearing in his right ear is bad.  She did another test to see how the ear drums behaved while it is being vibrated.  From these tests she was able to see that Aaron has blockage in his ear canals preventing the drums from vibrating normally. 

As a result she did a final test to see how his hearing would be if the blockage was not there.  This involved two sets of headphones, this was to block the sound in his left ear (the good one) to see how his right ear would compensate.  We were very relieved to hear his hearing will be fine.  Now we’ve just got to get his ears cleared out.

Josh and I have been crazy. I am TRYING SUPER DUPER HARD to start my studio this summer. The economy is not helping us out though. Josh is still searching for a job and trying to write his dissertation. I am working and working and working. Plus I have been having problems with my right tonsil. I would now call it my pet golf ball! So, I am going to the doctor today. They are proly going to give me a shot! Grrrrr! So needless to say. I think I need to go to church and pray more b/c Josh and I have been running low on luck. Hee :-D

~Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, what do we do we swim swim~!

Oh where oh where can we be?      Well, I’ll tell you.
 
First of all, my back has fully healed.  No permanent damage and I’m feeling pretty lucky.  I found out after returning to work, that someone in Nevada (the town ALMACO is located in) was paralyzed as a result of falling on the ice.  Not fun… not fun AT ALL.  Enough of the sad talk… let’s discuss what the family has been up to.

We have been quite busy.  After moving into the house we had a fun New Years Eve party.  I served overcooked pulled pork (sorry guys and gals).  We enjoyed a few tasty beverages.  Overall I’d say it was a success.  As far as I know, everyone who came had a great time.  I think the best part about hosting a party so soon after moving in, was having to get stuff unpacked and have the house looking nice by the end of the year. 

Aaron has started playing basketball on Saturdays.  For his age group there isn’t any practice.  The kids just show up on game day and play.  He’s really enjoying playing and we are really happy he’s getting the exercise.  The games are pretty entertaining to watch and open to anyone who wants to come.  He has a few games left, so feel free to join us anytime!

Isaac is slowly but surely beginning to potty train.  He’s going through clothes like crazy, but getting him out of diapers seems to be the best route right now.  Other than that, Isaac is talking more and more every day.  Starting to develop and impress us each day.  He still can’t say Aaron (it comes our En-er), and slips up on the occasional pronunciation.  Though, he’s not far from being able to say all of that stuff.

Candice… oh what to say…   She’s been to two doctors appointments (sadly I had to miss them both).  The baby is healthy and so is she.  We will be going in for the important ultrasound, by important I mean the one we’ll find out the sex of the baby, in a few more weeks.  Chances are we’ll have a boy, but who knows?!?!?  Candice is starting to show a little now and gets the occasional craving.

Me?  I’m doing good.  I love my job.  I recently had a review that went well and resulted in a healthy raise.  Can’t complain about that, especially in these economic times!  The work is challenging and the results are rewarding.  I enjoy working with the people I do, and really get along well with my boss.  Personally, since we’ve settled down some, I’ve been able to game a bit more.  I’m mostly playing AA (America’s Army) right now, but bouncing between some other games when I get bored of AA.

Most recent news… we had a Superbowl party last week that was lots of fun.  I made buffalo wings, people brought food, and we all enjoyed the game on my new 42″ FLAT PANEL TV!!!!!!!  Yes, our family has finally made the transition to HD.  It’s long over due, I know, but worth the wait.  We got a great deal on our tv and ended up with a 1080p 120Hz for under $1k.  Now we need blu-ray….

Lisa Lofthus-Holter died yesterday (1-1-09) morning as a result of her brain tumor returning.  Lisa was Candice’s maid of honor in the wedding and dear friend.
She will be missed.  Please keep the Lofthus and Holter families in your prayers.

Lisa and Chris at their wedding in Aug. 2007

Here’s a link to Lisa’s journal:
http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewJournal.do?method=executeInit
And another to some of the back story:
http://www.caringbridge.org/cb/viewMyStory.do?method=executeInit

There will be two benefits in January.  One on the 9th and one on the 25th.  More information can be found here.
http://www.myspace.com/holterbenefit

For those of you who aren’t in Iowa and don’t know already… on Friday night we got a pretty healthy ice storm.  Saturday morning Candice went out shopping and I stayed home to continue unpacking the house.  After Candice returned from shopping, she couldn’t get her van up the driveway to park it in the garage.  She came in and told me the car was in the street.  Worried, I threw on my shoes and rushed out the door to help her.  Not thinking that the steps would be just as icy…I know…I should have known better…hindsight is 20/20.

Anyway, as I stepped on the stoop I lost my footing and slammed to the ground.  The worst part was, my feet went straight out so I landed with my back right on stairs.  I was in serious pain, but I got up and hustled into the house.  By the end of the day my back and wrist hurt pretty bad.  Between Candice and my mom, I was convinced to go into urgent care.  Sunday they came up to watch the kids and I went to the doctor.

Good news:  Nothing seems to be broken or permanently damaged.

Bad news:  Even with muscle relaxers and some pain medicine I’m still really hurting.

This is not a good time to be in the IR list.  I needed to be in the game!  Luckily I have fantastic friends and family that has really stepped in and helped us.  Between Bryce and his friends, Dad, and Josh I haven’t had to do too much lifting.  I’m slowly recovering, but extremely fortunate.

OK, so now that we’re moved in it’s probably time to let everyone know how it went.  The weekend prior to Dec. 23rd we started packing everything up.  On Monday we loaded a truck up with the stuff in storage and as much from the house as we could fit.  After loading up the storage stuff, I realized we were going to have to make two trips.  My dad had offered earlier to help pay for Two Men and a Truck to move us.  We called them up and I arranged to have them move just the big stuff.  By the end of Monday I was completely exhausted and sore, but we were on our way to move into the new house!!!  We slept at my parents house and had sweet dreams of extra bedrooms and storage space in basements.

Tuesday we woke up and headed straight to the bank to sign all the papers.  It didn’t take us too long.  Both the realtor and our lender made us gift baskets full of gift certificates, sweets, and toys for the kids.  If you ever need a realtor, you should try Anne Vaske of Iowa Realty and Paulette Cahill at First Federal Savings Bank of Iowa for loans.  They did a bang up job, and really took time to make sure all our questions were answered and issues resolved.

So after signing we headed straight to the house.  My dad met us with the truck and we started unloading into the garage. Candice headed back to the apartment to finish packing and to let the movers come help.  Josh met us up there after awhile and we unloaded very quickly.  We took the truck back, grabbed a bite to eat, and all met back at the house.  By that time the movers had arrived with the furniture.  Candice directed and we moved.  We got most of the essential boxes in the house and started some of the unpacking.

Wednesday was Christmas Eve so we unpacked until about 3 and packed up for my parents house.  We had Christmas on Thursday and all got back together for dinner at our house.  Adam and Erin were in town so we got to show them the new place and do some catching up.  They also are buying a new house and we’re really happy for them they are getting to be home owners!

Everything has been pretty downhill since then.  We’re in the unpacking mode and still have lots of work to do before things are normal again. Regardless, we’re doing great in our new house.

Josh is home for good now! Exciting! He is helping me keep up with work, the dog, etc. We are also going to begin working on the basement. I get a 2 week break from work and dance and I am so excited. I cannot wait! TGIF! Also, I am baby sitting Sam and Ethan tonight. So, I will leave pictures of that later on! lol ;-D All the words I get to teach them tonight. Hee. Travel safe. Happy Holidays! -----The Devine Woods Fam!

Chicago was much needed! Josh and I had a great time together. We went out for drinks, worked out, went to see 2nd City, and slept in! Josh did amazing on his poster presentation. I am very proud of how hard he has been working. We also, got to go out with his advisor who has been wonderful to us and his fiance. I also, got to see some friends I made when I was over there so that was brilliant!

I have been a working woman! Drake and the studio! I really enjoy both positions.

Josh will be back December 13th for say your prayers.......for GOOD! We are so looking forward to seeing ALL are family together over the holidays.

My family is never together so expect a lot of hugs, kisses, and pictures!

Love you all so much!