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!

Welcoming 2011

Good Friends

Celebrating 2011 with sparklers...

And more sparklers.

Preparing to launch the glow lantern just after midnight New Year's Day.  Our lantern brightening the night as  it rises higher and higher.

Happy New Year!

Lulu and Sophie exhausted from continuous play.

Happy 2011 to you and yours!

Sophie's Gift

 Sophie received a little something under the tree too!  Of course, "Mom" had to prepare the dog biscuits, but I'd do almost anything for my "Sweet Sophie Girl". 

A very patient Sophie, FINALLY ready to sample her treat.  She must have liked them because there were no crumbs on the floor!

Merry Christmas 2010

"Memories of long ago have kept us warm through the years;
Memories of today give us promise for tomorrow and good cheer;
We wish you and yours memories to share."

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Trey, Wendy, Alexander and Noah

Christmas Eve

We were home a day before heading out on our next road trip. Thankfully this distance was much shorter--1 1/2 hours to Lima, Ohio to visit Trey's parents and celebrate Christmas Eve.

Wendy and Trey: December 24, 2010

Dee and Arlene wearing their Christmas gifts from their sister Cheryl

The boys opening their Christmas Eve gift

Haiden opening his Christmas Eve gift

Preparing for the "Right Family" Christmas story and then a crazy round of the "Twelve Days of Christmas"

Ryan, now 21, was our ring bearer when Trey and I were married. He's pictured with his girlfriend, Jenna.

Trey and his Aunt Cheryl have traded "candy jokes" ever since Trey offered salt flavored salt water taffy when their two families were vacationing at Disney World in the 1980's. This year Cheryl sent gross Jelly Bellys-some of the flavors include: skunk smell, pencil shavings, baby wipe, rotten egg and vomit to name a few. Trey and his cousin Tracy deciding who should try the next jelly bean.

"Here, try this!" Trey offers. Notice a poker face Alexander--he's not revealing the flavor, "just try it".

Poor Aunt Helen--unsuspecting victim to Trey and her daughter Tracy's jelly belly tricks. Tracy gave her a "baby wipe" flavored jelly bean and well, the picture tells the rest of the story.

Chris and Trey: December 24, 2010

Every year, I take a picture of Ryan and the boys. My boys admire Ryan and enjoy any time they can spend with him.

The girls, Shiha and Sophie, playing "tug of war"

Sally and Tracy

Alexander and Noah with Great G'ma Pace

May your day be full of peace, love and joy! Merry Christmas!