Happy 15th Anniversary

It's hard to believe that 15 years have quickly passed. I remember our wedding day as if it happened yesterday... We were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous Indian Summer afternoon. Most of the leaves were still hanging on the trees, deep in fall color. Our photographer took a picture of Trey and I holding hands with the falls leaves, at our feet, and colorful leaves draping the trees as a backdrop--it's one of my favorite pictures. For me, it was a fairy tale day--just as every little girl dreams their wedding should be. We were blessed to have so many friends and family witness our wedding. It is a day I will never forget--treasuring always!

Trey and I have experienced so much together in the past 15 years--the births of two amazing sons, 4 new homes, wonderful friends and best of all, memories to cherish a life time. We've encountered sadness along the way too, but have had the strength of our marriage and the love from our friends and family to sustain us. I have no idea what tomorrow will bring, but I'm happy to have my husband and best friend at my side. Trey, I love you always and forever! Happy 15th anniversary!

PS I apologize for the delay in sharing this post; I did begin working on it on our anniversary (10/29), but have been away from the blogging world and forgot to share this with all of you!

Fall Foliage

God's autumn palette has been painted across Central Ohio. The vivid colors this autumn are absolutely breathtaking. The sun casts a shine on the trees that almost makes the leaves appear as if they're glowing with color. This is our 3rd autumn back in Ohio and I'm still overwhelmed by the fall foliage. I know what's just around the corner, but for now I'm savoring the kaleidoscope of color.

'Run, Wendy, Run'

Today, I accomplished my goal of completing my 1st 5K! My friend and I were relaxing at the pool over the summer and I asked if she'd be interested in running a 5K--mind you I was barely running at the time. She pondered for a moment, and then agreed to the challenge. The Pumpkin Race was selected solely on the fact that it was the last date we could find on the calendar. At first, we weren't convinced a 5K was such a wise choice as we struggled to complete a 1/2 mile when we first began "running". As the weeks quickly passed, we found ourselves successfully completing greater and greater distances--0.1 miles here, additional 0.5 miles there. Eventually, we both were able to successfully complete 3.1 miles--same distance as a 5K. We've both been running this distance for a while and have slowly been adding more distance. Trey and I have run the 3.8 loop (complete with hills) at Sharon Woods and I've run a little more than 4 miles once. I'm sad to say, that I completed the race alone today. My friend injured the area near her right knee and hasn't been able to run, let alone walk, for almost a week. We hoped she'd be better by now, but her pain continues. She's worked as hard as I have; if not harder and I truly pray her injury heals soon. It breaks my heart that we weren't able to run together--not for myself, but because this is her goal too. We have tentatively planned to run the "Buckeye Bash" scheduled for the morning of the Michigan/Ohio State game. I'm hopeful that her injury heals and that she's back in the groove soon! She's been a wonderful encouragement to me--especially when I've had the doubts of whether or not I could truly follow through with this goal! Stacey, I know, in time, your goal will become an accomplishment too!

"Ready, Set, GO!!" The 31st Annual Pumpkin Race begins in Grandview Heights, Ohio (Columbus)

I placed several additional goals on my race this morning--I DID NOT want to walk at all during this race and I wanted to finish in under 32 minutes. My first mile was 10:17 and that was announced just before I rounded the bend and headed up a sizable hill--who knew there are hills in Columbus?! As more and more people started walking around me, I was even more determined NOT to stop. I reached the top of the hill, huffing and puffing, but never once stopped to rest. The race continued on fairly flat roads until the end of the 2nd mile--there a slight, but steady, incline began. Thankfully we were able to turn and run back down the hill. I remember glancing at my watch at 25 minutes and thinking--only 7 more mintes to go girl. As I rounded the last corner, I could see the finish in the distance, I remember Trey telling me to "pour it on" at the end. I have no idea where this burst of energy emerged from, but I was able to run a little faster and am absolutely stunned and amazed at my finish time--29:31.

Will I run another 5K? ABSOLUTELY!!

Eighth Grade Extravaganza

The 8th graders performed their first concert of the season this week. The band, orchestra and choir performed together creating the "Eighth Grade Extravaganza"! Alexander continues to play the 4 key baritone and has enjoyed being in band during his middle school years.

A Visit with the Mills Family

Recently the Mills family visited for a few days. Kathy and I determined that we've been friends for almost 1o years! Our paths first crossed during a small group we attended during our early years at Mountain Christian Church in Maryland. Looking back at that time in our lives, Trey and I were in such a different place back then--I often think of Maryland as the place where Trey and I finally "grew up". We learned and experienced so much during our 5 years in Maryland--and the friendships that developed will last a life time. To me, one of the true signs of friendship is that the bond doesn't weaken over time and distance. We've been away from our Maryland friends for 6 1/2 years, but time and distance don't dim the relationships. Obviously, we're not able to enjoy one another's company as frequently, but when we do get together it's as if time stood still--we pick up where we last left off. Times are different--the kids have grown--our families have changed, yet our friendship endures. We have been blessed with several friendships while living in Maryland, Georgia and Ohio--we are thankful for each one of you!

The Mills family arrived for an extended Columbus Day weekend; only the boys and I still had school on Columbus Day--go figure?! Kathy and I were amazed at how well the kids played together since they last saw one another two years ago. Following Noah's soccer game, Kathy and I took the boys to the Lego Store at Easton. Jarrod could hardly wait to return home so his new buddy, Alex, could help him construct his lego police car.
After attending church on Sunday, we left for an afternoon at COSI in downtown Columbus. Unfortunately, we weren't all able to attend, but those that did enjoyed the afternoon. COSI is divided into several areas. The kids enjoyed exploring space, the ocean, technology and other areas. The highlight of the afternoon was a toss up between the centrifugal force--remaining against the wall while the floor drops out from beneath you OR riding the unicycle on a tightrope a story off the ground with a 250 pound weight holding you vertical and safe...

Trey fearless as he quickly rides backward down the tightrope and back again.

Emylie rode the unicyle too!

Before Noah left the gate he thoroughly discussed the "ride" with the COSI employee. Once he reached a comfort level--off he went! I have to admit that my heart was pounding incredibly fast watching my "baby"!

Behind the kids is the contraption where the spinning causes one to remain against the wall while the floor drops out! I assure you that Mom did NOT participate in this fun!



On Monday, while the boys attended school, Emylie visited my classroom and was a wonderful helper! The class fell in love with her and thoroughly enjoyed the stories she shared with them.

All weekend Trey was teasing Jarrod about "cow pies". We took the Mills to Graeters (yummy ice cream), but before leaving Trey informed Jarrod we were going for "cow pies", not ice cream. So as to not continue to confuse the poor child, Trey bought "moon pies" and told Jarrod they were the much anticipated "cow pies"--oh my--he LOVED them!

The final event of the trip occurred when Aidan lost his front tooth! We've since learned that the other front tooth disappeared. Hmmm--"All I Want for Christmas are My Two Front Teeth"!

Ken and Kathy, we thoroughly enjoyed your visit! It was so much fun to catch up with one another, relax and just have a great weekend! We're glad you arrived home safely and look forward to the next time we can all be together again!

"Spook"tacular Fun!

When my friend I first saw the sample cards at our "Friday hangout", we were simultaneously intrigued. We examined the cards and couldn't determine how they were created. So, we signed up for the class.

Have you ever heard of "Iris Folding"? Me neither!

Here's a brief explanation from the internet: "Iris folding is a technique that originated in Holland. Color coordinated strips of folded paper are taped into place over a pattern, creating a spiralling design that resembles the iris of an eye or camera." The technique is time consuming, but lots of fun. And the cards are absolutely adorable, don't ya think? The possibilities are endless with this new technique and I can't wait to get started on some more ideas!

"A" is for "Apple"

My preschool class recently visited Buckingham Orchard. Farmer Buck was wonderful and explained to the class how an apple forms. I was amazed at how well this 80 year old man explained this process on a 4 year old level--they were completely mesmerised. In addition, he showed the children how to polish an apple with his polishing gadget and then took us for a quick and chilly walk through his large refrigerator where bushels and bushels of apples are stored. Finally, we sat on the carpet and watched as they used a large press to "smoosh" the apples-- the juice becomes homemade apple cider. After Farmer Buck finished talking with the class, we enjoyed a snack and then headed home. Our first field trip of the season was lots of fun!