A Southern Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has ALWAYS been my favorite holiday. Not so much for the food, although I must admit that the "feast" is one of my favorite meals; but, because I looked forward to visiting with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I have fond memories of spending the holiday at G'ma and G'pa Davis' home in Timberlake, Ohio (Cleveland). We always lived far away from family and Thanksgiving was one of two times a year that we were able to spend time with Mom's side of the family. Quite often, Mom's cousin and his wife would join us traveling South from Ontario, Canada. I always looked forward to spending time with family during the Thanksgiving Break and am happy that we can carry on the same tradition for our boys. Each Thanksgiving, we travel South to Hilton Head to spend the holiday with my parents and aunts and uncle. This year was no exception.

My parents live in a retirement community just off Hilton Head Island. The outside pictures are ones taken in their backyard. Their yard is so peaceful and I'm always amazed at the amount of wildlife visible so close to the house. The deer came the first evening we arrived. Egrets and Blue Herons frequent the lagoon behind their house and if you're lucky, you might even spot an alligator. The turkeys were not present on Thanksgiving, but did appear the following day--quite smart, eh?

Dad carving "Tom" for our Thanksgiving meal

Mom and Dad's new kitten, Chau, wanted to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner too, but he was banished to the bathroom--safer for "Tom" with him closed away.

Miss Laura Lee (sitting in chair), Uncle Len and Aunt Gilly chatting before dinner.

My hubby and me

I'm so happy to have this picture of my Mom, Beth and I--I don't remember the last time the three of us "posed" for a picture (thanks Trey!)

Rather than hit the stores on "Black Friday" we decided to take the boys to Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head. We arrived at South Beach Marina and enjoyed walking around and visiting the Salty Dog Cafe. The boys purchased shirts and a bandana for Miss Sophie. I LOVE Hilton Head--to me, no trip to HHI is complete without a visit to South Beach Marina and Harbourtown.

The infamous lighthouse welcomes tourists to Harbourtown. For as long as I can remember, I've been taking pictures of the boys with the lighthouse in the background. Dad asked a lady to take a picture of all of us together--so fitting that it was in front of the lighthouse.

After leaving Sea Pines, Alexander made a special request to have lunch at the "Crazy Crab". It's another tradition and the boys thoroughly enjoyed their lunch. The picture below is another picture that I take every trip. It's fun to look back through the years and notice how much the boys have grown!
Thanksgiving is about spending time with familyand friends. We left my parents' home Friday evening and headed North to Atlanta for a visit with Jim, Kathie and the boys. We returned to our "old" neighborhood--each visit is a little easier, although we still miss our friends dearly! The boys, especially Noah and Evan, were so excited to see one another. Noah camped in Evan's room and we could hear them chatting away Friday night although they were supposed to be sleeping. Kath and I wish we could have been a fly on the wall to know what they were discussing so intently.

Jim, Kathie and the boys have a new addition to the family--Riley.

Kath and I

Lauren and I

While living in Atlanta, we developed a habit of frequenting Mexican restaurants with Jim, Kathie and the boys. We decided, for old times sake, that we should enjoy Mexican Saturday night. Frank, Tina and the girls joined us too--just like "old times". The kids had their own table and the adults had their own table--much easier to talk with the adults if the kids are together at a separate table!

Alexander and Colin

Best buds, Evan and Noah

Alexander's friend, Chris, came over to the house to spend some time with Alexander.

Jim and Kathie; Trey and I; and Frank and Tina

We had a wonderful and memorable Thanksgiving and are thankful we were able to spend time with our friends and family.

A Midwest Tradition

Homemade Buckeyes--creamy peanut butter inside surrounded by rich chocolate

Our buckeye filled containers had the following "tag" on top.

It's that time again--the final game of the Ohio State football season--"Beat Michigan Week". Living in Columbus again, it's hard not to get absorbed in "Ohio State Fever". The news stations have commented all week on the rivalry and I noticed that all of the stations were decked out in full OSU garb yesterday. One of our local grocery stores has anything and everything Ohio State. We decided to make "Buckeyes" this year during "Beat Michigan Week" and distribute them to our neighbors, family and friends.


The first Ohio State/Michigan rivalry game occured in 1897! This over 100 year old tradition continues today, but is not limited to football. During "Beat Michigan Week"--both schools sponsor a blood drive, food drive for local food banks and a banner contest. Michigan isn't having a great football season this year, but that seems to intensify the Ohio State fans' determination to "Beat Michigan". The sun is shining in Columbus, but it's a brisk, chilly day. Of course, fans from both teams won't let the weather affect their day! So, it's with excitement and a little sadness that we watch the final game of the season--Ohio State VS Michigan.

OH--IO!!

GO BUCKS!!

One project--two weekends

Living Room--Before

Living Room-After

Living Room-Before

Living Room-After

Added Moss Panels and sewed the pillows on G'Ma Davis' fireside chairs. I realize the chairs need to be recovered, but they hold too much sentimental value for me to follow through with a change.
Dining Room--Before
Dining Room Chair--Before

Dinging Room Chair-After

One wall to go--Sophie was ever so helpful!

Our project is progressing.

Dining Room--After

Dining Room--After

The living room/dining room "update" has been on my mind since moving into the home last summer (June 2007). We painted the rooms "camel" although I realize it's not much different than the original color, but it certainly freshened up the rooms. I removed the dated window treatments, sewed a couple pillows and recovered the dining room chairs. The biggest change, one that involved 4 trips to The Home Depot and a little grumbling from Trey, I think, looks awesome! I LOVED all the woodwork in our Atlanta home and have been wanting to add picture frame molding beneath the chair rail in the dining room for quite some time. Well, last weekend was THE weekend to update. We spent HOURS measuring, remeasuring,mitering, remitering, gluing, nailing and slowing making progress on the molding addition. Thankfully Trey did smile (a little) when we realized, yet again, that our calculations were off. Well, what do you expect from two English majors?? Although we did frequent The Home Depot this weekend, our measurements were finally accurate and we finished the room Tuesday (painting takes a while with Sophie around!!). I LOVE the dining room and Trey, you did a FABULOUS job--THANKS!!

"The Cheese Stands Alone"

"The Cheese Stands Alone" featuring Noah and the entire 3rd grade class! Last night, the 3rd graders performed for their family and friends an amazing musical! The musical opened with "The Farmer and the Dell" as an introduction to the characters. As the story progresses "The Cheese" begins to feel left out because "The Rat" can only be friends with her when her friends aren't watching. "The Cheese" gave an outstanding solo performance of "Alone Again"--stating how sad it is to always be alone and without friends. "The Cheese" receives a telegram stating that her family is going to visit. She's excited and states that "they're aged and she can smell them from far away". The Family--including various cheeses--helps "The Cheese" understand that it's OK to be different and that we should be recognized and accepted for our differences. Of course, they are concerned that "The Rat" could become a little fatter by befriending "The Cheese", but they still give her the courage to confront "The Rat" about her feelings. "The Rat" apologizes and assures her that he's "lactose intolerant" and their friendship blossoms. The stage was decorated as a farm and the props were amazing! All of the students did a wonderful job--the chorus and performers were outstanding! The children were asked to wear "farm clothes" and Noah played the part with his flannel shirt and overalls (thanks Pam!) If I can figure out how to add a video--I'll share some of the performance.

The first snowball of the season!

We awoke this morning to "white stuff" falling from the sky. Alexander couldn't get outside fast enough this morning to catch a snowflake and throw the first snowball of the winter season--if you'll notice--it's still dark outside!! Alexander said he was SO excited to see snow and that today was going to be a wonderful day.

On the other hand, Noah wasn't quite as excited to step out into the cold. In fact, when I asked if he wanted to make a snowball he told me he didn't have gloves on and his hands would be too cold. However, he didn't hesitate to catch snowflakes on his tongue and happily announced that he caught three.

Sophie timidly stepped outside onto the deck this morning. She was only a few months old the last time we saw snow--last March during the "blizzard". At first she wasn't too impressed, but then decided that she would try to "snatch" a snowflake or two as well. It was entertaining to watch, but ended before I could grab my camera.

Of course, the boys are planning to sled this afternoon and I know that we're not expecting any accumulation. So, just seeing a little snow will have to suffice until the ground is actually blanketed with the "white stuff".

First Quarter Ends

Rarely, do I have an opportunity to volunteer at the middle school, but today was an exception! Alexander's Language Arts teacher held an "incentive day" for the class in recognition of their hard work at the conclusion of Quarter I. Lunch was supplied by one of the parents and several additional parents donated drinks, chips and desserts. I was shocked when Alexander told me he volunteered me to help, but excited too since I rarely have an opportunity to see him at school. The class was wonderful--polite and appreciative and I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them. Alexander forbid me from taking pictures (guess that was part of the "deal"), but wanted to share the "thank you" note that the class signed. I was surprised when Alexander entered the classroom wearing a "different" shirt than he left wearing this morning--Friday's he ALWAYS wears an Ohio State shirt of some kind and I was shocked that he'd cover it! However, Alexander was honored to wear his new shirt as it recognizes him as being a Genoa athlete that earned a GPA of 3.5+. He was only too eager to share his grade card with me, so I knew, that once again it would be "good". I couldn't be more proud of him--all "A"s including two "A+"s. I am most proud of his "A" in Algebra; a freshman level class for which he's earning high school credit. He's done a wonderful job juggling football practices and games as well as maintaining his academics! Alexander, CONGRATULATIONS ON A JOB WELL DONE!!

Happy Birthday Grammy

My favorite memory with Grammy occurred when we were camping for the first time at King's Island. It rained, but I managed to stay dry. However, if I remember correctly the tent caused the water to leak on your side--oops. I loved watching the fireworks after spending the day at the park. My favorite ride was the Beastie even though I know it wasn't your favorite. Thanks for all the wonderful times together! Happy Birthday!!

Love, Alexander

I have lots of favorite memories with Grammy--baking cutout cookies and creating "masterpieces"; riding the rides at King's Island; spending time with Grammy and Papa at the campground; visits at Grammy's house and ours; watching me play soccer and being introduced to "Uno". But my favorite memory is visiting Pigeon Forge with Papa and Grammy and eating at the yummy apple restaurant. Thanks Grammy--I love you!

Happy Birthday from Noah!!

A Bootiful Night

We started a Halloween tradition in 1998 that continues to this day. The boys select a "picture" and Mom spends a LONG time carving their designs. The smiles and "thank yous" from the boys are well worth the time spent!

For the first time, Noah chose a "scary" face for his pumpkin

Alexander prefers the traditional Jack O Lantern

My favorite Dollar Tree find--Sophie's Princess costume! We walked to the bus stop yesterday morning and the kids were SO excited to see Sophie in costume.

Over the summer, we watched several Michael Jackson impersonators while vacationing in Mexico. Since vacation, Noah has developed a strong interest in Michael Jackson. For his birthday, we gave him Michael Jackson's #1 hits. Little did we know that CD would become his favorite gift. Within a few days, he was "performing" for us and posting upcoming "shows" on his bedroom door. He's practiced so much that he actually has a routine for EVERY song on the CD--we've seen them many times. He's NOT shy and will perform anywhere, any time and for anyone! You can only imagine his excitement when he started hearing "Thriller" in stores and on the stereo as Halloween drew near! So, I ask you--"Who's Bad?"

Chris, Elizabeth and Haiden joined us for "trick or treat"
Nicholas and Luke stopped by before meeting their friends to "trick or treat"
Eli and Noah walked around together "trick or treating" with Haiden close behind.
Alexander decided he was "too old" to "trick or treat" this year and offered to pass out candy. Of course, he did have a stipulation: his own bowl of candy with his favorite treats. I had a hard time with this choice because it's another sign that our son is growing up much too fast, but he was satisfied with his decision and enjoyed passing out candy to all the kids. It was an absolutely amazing evening--pure Georgia weather--and it was fun to see the kids in costume and not bundled up in winter coats. Many people were out on their driveways (including us) passing out candy and enjoying a comfortable evening outdoors. All in all, it was a perfect Halloween day!