A Fresh New Look

Four years ago this June, we moved from Georgia and purchased our home in Ohio.

Through the years, we've added some subtle changes.  We removed the hedge from under the living room window.  And, more recently, removed the spreading juniper from the landscape aligning the front walk. 

Removing the spreading juniper created a wide open space.  After consulting with a Lowe's landscape assistant, we decided to plant annuals in the area to provide lasting color this summer/fall. 

The front entrance to our home

This back area has been a labor of love for me.  When we first arrived the bed stopped just beyond the day lilies.  One crazy Saturday I decided to extend the bed to include the tree (the evergreen was already included).  Through the years I've added numerous perennials.  This spring, Trey and I added the small retaining wall that lines the back portion of the bed. 

A closer view...still lots to be done, but slowly, but surely the perennials are filling in the gaps.

I've always wanted a pond incorporated into our landscape.  Living in Atlanta, I knew a pond would be an invitation to unwanted "friends", so once settled in Ohio, my pond became a reality.  Again, it's still a work in progress, but ever so slowly, the area is beginning to take shape. 

A closer view of the pond and our Olentangy river rock.

And, finally, our built in "umbrella" that naturally shades our table on the deck.  A perfect location for a variety of hostas.

Recently, Trey ordered 4 yards of mulch.  By the way--that's a lot of mulch!  We spent several days pulling weeds, planting new plants and flowers and finally spreading mulch.  We had SO much mulch that we extended current beds in order for our huge pile to be eliminated.  All the hard work was worth it--it's refreshing to sit on the deck and enjoy the beauty around.

Off To DQ

Allison asked her parents quite some time ago, if Noah and "Noah's Dad" could join them in the convertible for a trip to the DQ  sometime during the summer.  Well, last night was THE night.  Allison's Mom phoned inviting Trey and Noah out for ice cream.  I asked Noah if he was interested in going--and I truly believe his shoes were on his feet and he was outside waiting before I even responded "yes" to Amy.  Needless to say, they all had a great time together!

Another Year Ends

It's hard to believe our family is saying "farewell" to another school year.  Noah completes 5th grade and finishes his elementary school days.



Final day of Alexander's freshman year of high school



Noah and his best friend, Eli, awaiting their final bus ride to Alcott

 



Early this morning, several 5th grade Moms gathered at Alcott to create the above entrance into Alcott.  Each 5th grader created and colored a sign.  The signs were placed alphabetically and balloons were attached to each sign.  A final farewell to the 5th graders!

 

Noah beside the sign he created for the last day of school





A proud Mom and a very happy Noah--congrats on a great year!

 

The 5th grade committee provided lunch for the 5th graders and their families.  In addition, each class was assigned a side dish or dessert to add to the lunch buffet.  Following lunch, the 5th graders headed to the playground for a final recess.

 

Noah and his classmates entering the Character Hall for their 5th grade ceremony



Mr. Mazzon presenting Noah with his 5th grade certificate of completion.



Following the awards ceremony, the 5th graders were invited to walk the Alcott halls a final time.  The younger students lined the hallways and clapped for the 5th graders as they passed by.  Meanwhile, the parents anxiously awaited outside for their child to exit elementary school one last time.

 

A choked up Noah departing Alcott for the last time

 

Mr. Mazzon and Noah.  We can't thank Mr. Mazzon enough for nurturing, challenging, encouraging and supporting Noah throughout his 5th grade year.  It was by far the most difficult year for Noah, but also the most rewarding.  Good teachers DO make a difference in a child's life!  Thank you Mr. Mazzon!



Papa and Grammy were in town for the last day of school

A very proud Mom and Dad with Noah

Congratulations to both Alexander and Noah.  And, Happy Summer to all!

Yesterday...

I entered my son's room to wake him for school--what a precious sight I found.

A Little Late...

but, beautiful none the less--my "Christmas Cactus" blooming in February.

Ice Storm 2.1.11

We awoke yesterday morning, February 1, 2011, to ice and a snow day.  The driveways and sidewalks around town were quite treacherous, but the beauty of the ice was amazing. 

 Views from inside the house, on zoom, showing the ice coating everything in sight.

 Our tree out front, above, yesterday morning and again, last night, after another 1/4 inch of ice added to the 1/4 inch of ice already resting on the branches.  The branches were so weighted with ice that they nearly kissed the sidewalk.  I'm relieved this morning that the tree survived without visible damage.

 The tiniest leaf left-over from Fall completely surrounded by a layer of ice.  Even the "drip" remained frozen.

While the ice was beautiful and sparkled as the car lights illuminated the branches last night, it has wreaked havoc on the area.  The boys are without school for the 2nd day in a row and we lost power for a few hours yesterday evening and again last night.  Today, the winds are fierce (up to 50 mph gusts) and all of the ice from the trees is scattered around the yard, frozen into the remaining snow, as ice pellets.  We're happy the worst of the storm is passed and are saying prayers for our friends farther North enduring inches and inches of snow.  Stay safe everyone!

Ohio State Hockey Game

Saturday, January 22, 2011, we attended our first Ohio State hockey game.  The games are played at the Schottenstein Center on campus; same arena as Ohio State basketball.  We started our evening with dinner at Barley's before heading to campus on a very frigid night!  Trey did an amazing job with our seats and we enjoyed center row seats--perfect vantage point for a fast paced hockey game.   

 The zamboni clearing the ice before the start of the game.  The zamboni reappeared after the 1st and 2nd periods with a child being treated to a zamboni ride each time.  I looked at Alexander and simultaneously we replied, "I want a zamboni ride"!  

 The Ohio State University Men's Hockey team before the start of the OSU/Notre Dame game.

   I learned two things while watching the game.  First, a "power play" occurs when one team has a player(s) in the penalty box and the other team has a full team on the ice.  And, if a player is in the penalty box and the other team scores, regardless of penalty time remaining, the player is "released".  So, I tried my best to learn a little, which I did, but I'm still unclear of how this game's really played.  It's definitely fun to watch!

 After the 1st period, Brutus helped two little peewee leagues begin their 4 minute game.  Oh my gosh, it was adorable to watch the little ones on the ice!

We enjoyed a wonderful family evening together and hope to return for another hockey game soon!

January Winter White

Winter white returns to our area.  We enjoyed warmer temperatures earlier in the week and watched the snow slowly disappear as the rain chipped away at it.  We were finally enjoying the grass, but today the grass disappears under another blanket of white.  

 A rare scene--our roads are covered in snow in spite of the plows being through our area several times this afternoon.  We've shoveled once and will most lucky need to shovel again when the snow finally ends.

Typically, I dread the sight of snow and wait impatiently for Spring to finally appear after what feels like 6 months of winter.  For some unknown reason, I'm actually enjoying the white snow this winter.  It truly looks beautiful as it hugs the branches and covers, once again, the grass.  I'd love to take the boys sledding, tubing--some sort of outside winter activity.  Unfortunately, the temperatures are predicted to plummet below zero tomorrow and the thought of outside activities will have to remain just that...a mere thought.  In the mean time, we'll enjoy the quiet, peacefulness of the winter white.

Shooting Hoops

Alexander invited Noah outside to "shoot hoops" and what followed made my heart smile.  Alexander was politely guiding Noah on the proper technique for shooting a basket and patiently showing Noah a lay-up.  The boys get along well, but their interests differ considerably.  So, it was heartwarming to see them enjoying time together.  Alexander promised to help Noah continue to perfect his game and Noah took his brother's promise seriously.  The next morning, Noah announced that he wanted to play basketball this winter--all it took was two brothers spending a little one on one together.

Noah, before the start of his first basketball game. 

The league requires "man to man" defense, so the boys are lining up across from the opponent they'll guard during play.

Noah, number 3, passing the ball to one of his teammates to resume play.

Racing down the court to stop a potential basket threat.

Noah rebounded and dribbled the ball down the court before passing to a teammate.

An attempt at two.

We thoroughly enjoyed watching Noah on the court.  Alexander has been true to his word and has attended Noah's practices and offered his advice and assistance.  Both boys are playing basketball this winter and I'm one happy Mom--absolutely LOVE watching the boys play their sports!
Go Number 3--we're SO proud of you!