Just A Note or Two

During 4th grade, the classes are introduced to their first musical instrument--the recorder. Noah and his friends are memorizing "Pop Goes the Weasel" and "Down By the Station"--he did a great job practicing for me--look at the concentration on his face!

After practicing, Noah swabs his instrument--he's very conscientious about keeping his recorder clean. The 4th graders will be performing at a Pancake Breakfast during February. I can't wait to hear all the recorders playing together! :o)

Slipping, Sliding & SLEDDING!

A few weeks ago, I braved the cold and took Noah and some friends sledding. Our usual sledding place has been closed--too dangerous they say. And, the 'other' sledding hill was closed as well as it had already been used way too much. So, we ventured over to the only other sledding hill I knew--Alum Creek Park in Uptown Westerville. Trey had meetings this particular Sunday afternoon and Alexander decided he was 'too big' to sled (are you ever REALLY too big to sled??). The hill was crowded, but the kids had SNOW much fun! I didn't participate in the fun--wanted to take as many pix as possible! I haven't laughed that continuously in such a long time--I had a GREAT time watching and finally after 2+ hours had to BEG the kids to return home. We're hoping for another sizable snow storm--just to sled 'one more time'.

Up & Down the Court

Dribble, dribble, bounce, bounce, shoot--basketball season is finally here! Alexander started playing basketball during 6th grade (2 1/2 years ago) and each year has made vast strides in his knowledge, skills and ability to play the game. I'm already amazed at how aggressive he is on the court this year--he's not shy and certainly not afraid to go after the ball. In fact, this past game he caused 4 fouls before half time!! Of course, his Dad was coaching (yelling) from the bleachers at Alexander and on occassion, the refs too! YIKES! Following the game, I asked Alexander what coach said to him as he showed him to the bench, "Alex, I love your intensity, but you need to take it down a few notches". Mind you, Alexander wasn't being malicious in his fouls, he just forgot to plant his feet and made some unfortunate errors in judgement.

One of the qualities I admire about Alexander is his desire to be a team player and always offer encouragement to his teammates. I love how he makes an effort to acknowledge good plays and bad, and goes out of his way to make each person feel important. I know I "say" this regularly, but I cherish all the time spent watching the boys practice and play--they bring me such joy! Way to go #5--knuckle tap buddy!

I Dare You Not to Smile

I received this e-mail from several friends and wanted to share with all of you.
What an amazing performance--ENJOY!

You have to watch this video from Portland , Oregon.
Here’s the story behind the video…

“Our daughter-in-law, Emily (MacInnes) Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland last week for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves.I don't know how she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, but it started to really catch on and they all had a lot of fun doing it.When the video gets 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital, as well as offering free mammograms for the community. Please check it out. It's an easy and great way to donate to a wonderful cause, and who hasn't been touched by breast cancer?
Ann Somers”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Our first significant snowfall of 2010! My director phoned late yesterday morning informing me that my afternoon class was canceled due to snow. What snow I asked...not a flake had fallen. Within an hour, snow welcomed the afternoon and continued falling long into the night. The snow quickly made havoc for drivers, but left a beautiful winter wonderland for those able to stay at home and enjoy the beauty. The boys arrived home at their normal time, but Trey opted to avoid rush hour and came home early.

The boys were only too eager to help shovel the drive! Of course, their version of shoveling created more work as snow landed where it had been removed.

Thanks heavens for Larry's "old" snowblower!!! The boys did help clear the sidewalks for our home as well as our neighbors.

Enjoying the snow at night in the backyard. Once again, Sophie had a BLAST playing in the snow! She's created a game of "keep away" which Noah doesn't enjoy! Just like last winter, she 'steals' Noah's mitten and runs and runs until someone finally catches her and retrieves the lost mitten. Of course, one game isn't enough!

Mom and the boys before calling it a night and seeking refuge from the cold!