Christmas Traditions

Since our return to Ohio in June 2007, we have driven through the "Festival of Lights" at Alum Creek each Christmas. Although the sets remain the same, it's still fun to look at all the different displays. The snow was falling as we drove through the park adding to the holiday magic.

At the "lodge" there's a special room reserved for Santa and his visitors. Each family takes a number and waits for their turn with Santa--would you believe that this year we were Sant's first visitors of the evening?! Since the boys are older, it's the only way I can encourage them to have pictures taken with Santa.

Merry Christmas 2010

Cousins: December 2010

Alexander (14), Haiden (almost 7) and Noah (11)
Lima, Ohio, December 4, 2010

Since returning to Ohio, each year early in December, Trey's parents request the presence of the boys for a weekend of Christmas celebrating. While I was away visiting my family last weekend, the boys ventured to Lima for their annual event. Grammy packs as much as she can into a weekend! The boys awoke last Saturday and after finishing chores to earn Christmas spending money, Trey's parents took them bowling (Noah beat Alexander by a point--you know how well THAT went over), shopping, to the Christmas tree festival and then to a movie. Following dinner, Uncle Chris, Trey's Dad and the boys watched Uncle Chris' friend cage wrestle. It was a full day ending after midnight. The next morning the boys arose early to make homemade cinnamon sugar donuts and then the infamous cookie baking and decorating. I regret not taking pictures of this year's "masterpieces" as they were the best the boys have ever created. Dee mentioned that Alexander was quite meticulous with his decorating this year--a far cry from when he was 3 and dumped as much suger, sprinkles and other decorations onto his cookies. Dee and Larry, thanks again for a memorable weekend for the boys--we're happy that you were able to spend the weekend with all 3 grandchildren.

Sophie Turns 3!

Golden Retriever Poem
G is for gentleness that is their Canine art.
O is for the openness residing in their heart.
L is for the love distributed with ease.
D is for the desire they have for touch, for praise, and to please.
E is for the efforts that they make for us each day.
N is for the naughty times when mischief is their way.

R is for their readiness to follow your command.
E is for their energy while they do the task at hand.
T is for their tresses from blond to red.
R is for their ravenousness because they love to be fed.
I is their innate ability to dry any tears.
E is for their empathy and silky , floppy ears.
V is velvet softness that describes inside and out.
E is effervescence when they play and romp about.
R is recurring forgiveness, through loyalty they're bound.
S is sensitivity to action, mood and sound.

Author Unknown

Three years ago I doubted whether or not our family truly needed a puppy; especially during a cold, wintry Ohio January. She was an adorable puppy and surprisingly good. Of course, we had a few mishaps along the way, but she was a puppy after all. Three years later, I can't imagine our family without our Sweet Sophie girl.

Happy, Happy Birthday, girl!

A Weekend Away

Last Friday, I jet set to Atlanta where I spent a few hours with a dear friend before meeting up with my sister later that night. Beth and I left Saturday morning for Hilton Head. We celebrated my mother's birthday and attended her "final" chorus concert. The chorus shared a variety of Christmas tunes and it was hard not to sing along too. My favorite memory, my mother's smile as she sang in her final chorus concert...one I will not soon forget.

My parents on Mom's birthday prior to her final concert.

Sunday morning, we concurred that a trip to the water's edge was a MUST! We dined seaside enjoying a wonderful Deviled Crab Benedict--oh my goodness--YUM!

Mom and Dad, Wendy and Beth: Hilton Head Island, December 5, 2010

Game Day 5K

Westerville Game Day 5K--Saturday, November 20,2010. Trey and I ran a 5K, first race since completing the Columbus 1/2 Marathon in October.

My friend, Stacey, ran her first 5K, successfully achieving a goal that she was unable to complete last year due to injuries. Congrats my friend!!

Bark Park

Recently, Noah, Sophie and I joined friends at the Bark Park. We met for a picnic lunch and then let the dogs play together and make new friends. This was Sophie's first trip to the Bark Park. Honestly, I had no idea how she would respond to the freedom and to the many other dogs there for "her". The area is well designed and seems safe for all. There are bones lining the fence honoring and remembering family's beloved pets.





















A friendly "hello" to begin the afternoon. Then, Sophie was off and running!














When Sophie tired of "playing" with the other dogs, she and Noah took a turn racing around the enclosed area. Noah was very concerned that Sophie appeared tired and didn't know that water was readily available. He guided her to the water and and then turned, a large smile on his face and a big thumbs up, when Sophie finally took a drink.














Happily chasing "friends" once again.






















A happy Noah and a tuckered Sophie. We'll return to the Bark Park again--a fun afternoon for all of us!

Spending Time with Noah

Last Thursday and Friday, Westerville elementary and middle schools were off for Parent/Teacher Conferences. The weather was amazing and I encouraged Noah to spend time outside. Our original plans for last Thursday were to spend the day at the zoo with friends, but when the day arrived, Noah decided on another option. We chose, after errands and lunch, to go for a relaxing bike ride at Sharon Woods followed by a short walk to Lake Sharon, and a rest while watching the geese. It was a lovely afternoon spent with my Noah--I only wish Alexander had been off school too.

"Ready to roll"...we rode on the bike path throughout Sharon Woods. Shockingly, there are several steep hills, but we didn't let the hills stop us from enjoying our ride.

I stopped on the bridge to take the above shot and while I was taking the picture, Noah read, in a somewhat panicked voice, "danger: no stopping on bridge". We were at the bottom of a long hill that started with the sign, "Check Your Brakes". Oh well, I guess I was paying more attention to the beauty around us than the signs. Below, is a picture of the sledding hills that I anticipate will soon be in use.

After navigating up and down several hills, we opted for a short rest, before continuing on with our ride.

After our ride, we managed to stow the bikes inside the car and then drove to the rear of the park to enjoy Lake Sharon. Most of the leaves have fallen to the ground, but one tree still had enough yellow remaining to create a stunning reflection in the water.

We sat together, on the top of a picnic table, talking and just enjoying the sights around us. The geese quickly appeared and we giggled and laughed as we watched them round the bend. We could hear them splashing before they finally appeared through the trees...goodness, they can be noisy. Noah, thanks for a peaceful, calm afternoon together--what a beautiful memory.

A Subtle Change

Sixteen Years Ago Today...

October 29, 1994, I married my best friend before family and friends in Westerville, Ohio. It was a crisp, sunny autumn day--perfect for a wedding. All the planning and preparations came together to create my "dream" wedding. It was a beautiful day, one that I will never forget.

Our story continues to be written daily. The many chapters are filled with happy and sad times, but they're moments that have strengthened our marriage and made us better individuals. We have been blessed with two amazing sons and have accepted the joys and challenges of parenting. The past sixteen years have moved quickly, but the memories created will last a life time. I look forward to what the future holds, good and bad, most of all, having Trey by my side. I love you today and always! Happy 16th Anniversary!!

Two for 50 Cents

Noah and his 5th grade classmates became entrepreneurs this month. Each student was asked to complete a Business Plan outlining start-up costs, an advertising plan and projected revenue. Once the Business Plan was approved, Noah received a $10 loan from the "bank" (his teacher). Not only did Noah pay for his ingredients, he was also responsible for paying: .50 cents for utilities (stove), rent of .50 for store location, .25 for advertisement supplies, .25 for a shop permit and Trey and I were compensated .50 each for our participation in helping Noah's business unfold.

Noah's business product: "rainbow glass". Rainbow glass is 1) easy to make 2) inexpensive and 3) tastes good. Trey and Noah worked closely together making orange, lemon and mint rainbow glass. Once the product was finished, the candy was weighed and packaged.

Rainbow Glass requires lots of sugar, light corn syrup and water.

Once the sugar dissolves, the mixture begins to boil and continues to boil until the temperature reaches 300 degrees. Little did we know how patient we would need to be for the candy to reach the magic temperature. At 300 degrees, the fun begins. Trey quickly transferred the mixture to a new, unheated pan while I added flavoring and color. We learned, through trial and error, that if the candy does not reach at least 300 degrees it remains rubbery and if the temperature exceeds 310 degrees--the candy burns leaving a horrible scent in the house that lasts well over 24 hours!

Below the orange stained glass candy, cooling. Once cool, the glass breaks into many pieces.

Yesterday and today the class finally had the opportunity to sell their products. During lunch, Noah and his classmates set up shop on the stage and waited for their customers.

Noah altered his marketing strategy today selling his candy 2 for 50 cents rather than 1 for 25 cents. He sold out of his candy prior to the start of 5th grade lunch. The entrepreneurs will now complete their Final Business Plan, repay their loan and enjoy their profits. Noah will net approximately $14.00--not bad for a 25 cent product.

Congrats Noah on a job well done! We may need to borrow Papa Bill AND Noah for our next garage sale!

National Kidney Foundation, Celebrating 60 Years

"· 26 million American adults are living with chronic kidney disease (CKD)—
a 30 percent increase over the last decade. Most are unaware of their condition.
· More than 82,000 are currently awaiting a kidney transplant.

· Every 2 hours someone on the kidney transplant waiting list dies. The NKF is
working to change these numbers.

· The NKF offers support services, educational initiatives and materials to
millions by kidney disease, including the 355,000 depending on dialysis for
survival. The NKF has also reached out to over 140,000 at-risk individuals with
free screenings to promote early detection."

Alexander and his football coaches and teammates formed "Team Westerville Central" and signed up for the NKF Kidney Walk. Each teammate was asked to raise $100 in funds. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of friends and family, Alexander far exceeded his $100 goal.

Team Westerville Central waiting for the start of the NKF Kidney Walk.

Prior to the start of the event, several key note speakers provided inspiring testimony to the impact kidney disease has had on their lives. The first gentleman spoke of his battle with diabetes and eventually undergoing kidney and pancreatic transplants in 2001. Since the transplants he has attempted to commit to a healthy style and last year completed the Columbus 1/2 marathon for the first time. Another gentleman spoke of his desire to help someone. He felt compelled to save another's live and selflessly sacrificed a part of himself. The transplant took place over the summer and he and the recipient are doing well.

Above, the course for the NKF Walk. The walk began after two emotional and inspiring stories shared by a recipient and donor.

Alexander and his friends completing the walk. Below, the team on the steps of the Ohio State House.

Alexander earned a TShirt and hat for his fundraising efforts. Congratulations to all of the families and organizations that walked this morning in the NKF Walk; especially Team Westerville Central. We're proud of you for supporting such a special cause.