'Hawks Soar Over Eagles

After months of practicing and about 6 weeks of "two a days", the freshman football team finally competed in their first game of the season. Central installed new turf over the summer and the boys were the first "official" game on the turf! The team is required to wear shirt and tie on game days--doesn't Alexander look handsome and all grown-up?!

Running through the Central Warhawk banner signifying the start of their first freshman football game!

Alexander played football in middle school, but never had the opportunity to start a game. Well, coach is pumping up the guys for the first play of the game. Number 77 is ready for some football action!

Alexander, number 77, left tackle.

He played most of the game--offense and defense! I know I'm a biased viewer, but in my eyes, he looked fabulous! And, oh my gosh--he's SO big!!

Way to go freshman! They won their first game--21-6 against their rival school, Big Walnut. Number 77--awesome job tonight!! Stay tuned for some more football next week!

First Day of School

I know each one of us comments at the beginning of school how quickly the summer passed, but REALLY, it did go quickly! We had a wonderful summer: swim team, vacation, football practices and time with family and friends. I'm not sure our family was quite ready to let go of summer vacation, but alas the first day is upon us. Alexander rose early, anxious to begin his first day of high school. Honestly, where in the world does the time go? I can remember his first day of kindergarten when we lived in Maryland and having a "Mom anxiety" about his first day. He's much older now, but I still had that "Mom anxiety" this morning. I KNOW he's going to have a great year--I can just feel it, but I'm still concerned about whether or not he'll find his classes easily, will he like his teachers, will he have any friends in his classes, who will he sit with at lunch. He's growing up so quickly and we're very proud of the young man he's becoming. Some of the Moms who have already experienced high school tell me to "hold on"--it's going to be a quick trip through high school. Believe me, I'm savoring all the time I have with the boys. I know how quickly the last 3 years have passed since our move to Ohio and realize the next 4 will move at lightning speed.

Noah arose an hour after his big brother left for school. He was nervous and anxious about his first day of 5th grade. I assured him that his feelings were normal and that I thought many of the students and teachers felt the same way this morning. I remember Noah's first day of 3 year old preschool so many years ago. He had his red bag looped over his shoulder, almost dragging on the ground because he was so tiny. We had carpool drop-off at the preschool, so I wasn't allowed to walk him to his classroom. I remember looking back at him just before one of the teachers pulled him out of the car and he had the largest smile on his face. I will never forget his little, tiny body walking into preschool for the first time--head held high and never once did he look back. I remember shedding a tear and thinking that my baby was growing up. Well, now my baby is beginning his final year of elementary school and I'm excited for the year he will face.

I was on "pins and needles" all day thinking about the boys! I made their favorite breakfast for them (cinnamon rolls) and even fixed a special treat (s'mores bars) for their after school snack. Since Alexander has football practice, Noah was the first to arrive home. I was greeted with smiles! YAY! And, he rambled on for quite a while sharing details of his day. He likes his new teacher and is thrilled beyond words that his best buddy is in his class again this year!

Around 6:15pm, I finally received the phone call from Alexander that practice was over. I couldn't wait to hear about his day. Alexander commented that he felt like he had been attending Central for years. He likes his teachers, for the most part, and even has a few friends in his classes. And, he found some football friends to sit with at lunch. His freshman year is off to a good start.

I'm happy beyond words that both boys returned home smiling and eager to return to school! I know it's going to be a GREAT year!!

I See Some BLUE In The House

Poor Trey--I've been wanting to make some changes to the house, and well, it's time. Unfortunately, I have my list, a rather lengthy "to-do list". So as not to overwhelm my hubby, I'm taking "baby steps". I decided while my parents were visiting that it's time for a new color palette. I've been wanting to replace the family room rug, and of course, in my mind I could picture exactly what I wanted. It's not so easy to find the "right" rug, but after searching many stores, I came across the "right" colors in a stripe. I probably wouldn't have selected a "shag", but ya know, I LOVE it! It lacks green, red and yellow...I know, I know--my favorite colors...but, I added blue for my hubby and kept brown for me :). See, everyone's happy now. Of course, the transformation is a LONG way from being finished, but at least the colors have been determined. I intend to paint the family room (soft beige) and hallway as well as the powder room (blue/grey), redo the mantle (perhaps tile & molding--shhhh, don't tell Trey yet!!) and eventually add crown molding to the downstairs (and hopefully upstairs hall). I'm still trying to determine how to link the green in the kitchen with the blues and browns in the family room, but I know "it'll come to me" in time. I'm sure the overall transformation will take a while, but once it's complete I'll be sure to share before and after shots. I can't wait to get started!! Next step, to select the perfect wall color :) YAY!! I love home improvement projects!!

In my mind's eye, I wanted blue, not too dark, cream and dark brown...those were the "must have" colors. The lighter tans and greys--well, those are just "bonus" colors. The blue is quite an adjustment for me--I've definitely stepped outside my comfort zone--but, I really love the new rug and am happy to have a new color palette to begin integrating into the house.

Once the walls are painted a softer color, I think the blues and browns will really "pop". I love the green in the kitchen and am hopeful, as mentioned above, that I can find a way to tie the two rooms together. Can't wait to see the finished product...maybe I'll be finished by Christmas??

Freshman Football Scrimmage

Saturday morning Alexander and his freshman team mates played in their first high school scrimmage: Central HS VS Granville HS. The boys started conditioning last January and have been practicing regularly since summer began. Most of the boys have been playing together since the start of 7th grade. They were undefeated in 7th grade, lost one game last year and are hoping for a good season during their freshman year of high school. If all continues to go well, Alexander will start as tackle this year (offense and defense)--he's certainly improved since his first game in 7th grade and continually shows the coaches his dedication, drive and determination. The team wore their practice jerseys for the scrimmage, so we're cheering for #18 as well as the rest of the Warhawk team! We're looking forward to an exciting season on the new turf...GO HAWKS!

Risch Reunion 2010

Risch Reunion, Logan, Ohio

August 8, 2010

My parents and the Martins at Walker Farm in Logan, Ohio

Papa Bill and G'ma Joan with the boys

Living in the "burbs", we don't get to enjoy the farm scenery. I love the barn with the rolling hills and trees in the distance.

Heading out for a memorable ride in the Model T. I think Dad's in his absolute glory riding in the car!! Ryan was a trooper taking "the boys" for a thrill ride. Little did they know, that they'd be walking up hills rather than riding in the Model T. Wonderful time, wonderful stories!

Dad's 91 year old uncle, Uncle Marion, with the boys. My boys have developed a fond interest in Uncle Marion and Aunt Ruth. Last summer, Uncle Marion took the boys to the Mott Museum and shared his WWII knowledge and memories with my very attentive children! Both boys are history buffs and just can't learn enough from their Great Uncle. This past year, Alexander wrote an essay about Uncle Marion and won first place out of 4 middle schools in the district. Uncle Marion and Aunt Ruth are very special to the boys.

Several Risch and Walker descendants attended the annual reunion this past Sunday. Thanks again to John and Karen for hosting the event in their recently constructed "pumpkin barn"!

Indian Mounds

While Mom and I spent last Saturday together visiting the "Parade of Homes", having lunch and enjoying a final trip to "Charming Charlie", Dad, Trey and the boys spent the afternoon admiring the handiwork of the Hopewell Indians. The Newark Earthworks is a 2,000-year-old complex and is recognized as the largest geometric earthworks ever created. Unfortunately, much of the site was destroyed over years of urban development, but three distinct areas remain: Great Circle Earthworks, Wright Earthworks and Octagon Earthworks. Below are Trey and Alexander's pictures from "The Boys' Adventure". Unfortunately, no one thought to take "people pictures", so I don't have any to share...that's OK...I'm happy they agreed to take the camera and take pix for Mom :)! Enjoy!

Time to Make the Donuts

While vacationing with Trey's parents earlier this summer, Dee introduced the boys to homemade donuts. They were eager to share their new talent with my parents last weekend.

We used biscuit dough (not grands) and the boys removed the center leaving donut holes to enjoy too :).

Once Alexander appeared Sunday morning, he joined in on the fun too.

Trey dropped the dough in hot oil for a few seconds and voila--donuts!

Noah added cinnamon sugar while Miss Sophie intently watched, praying for a mistake to enjoy!

I thought I took a picture of the overflowing plate of donuts and donut holes the boys created, but I guess I didn't. The donuts were quite tasty--the boys did a great job making breakfast for all of us! YUM!

Inniswood Garden, Westerville, Ohio

Westerville Ohio's best kept secret! Inniswood Garden is a lovely 121-acre Metro Garden with 3 miles of paved and boardwalk paths nestles amongst gorgeous flower gardens. The Innis sisters dedicated their 37 acre property to the Columbus Metro Parks in 1972 as a way of conserving their gardens and sharing with others. In 2002, the "Sister's Garden" was introduced. Last Friday, while Noah enjoyed a metroparks camp and Alexander practiced, Mom, Dad and I walked around Inniswood Garden enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Throughout the colorful landscape, paintings, like the one below, offer additional interest to the various flower arrangements and gardens.

My parents visited us last week from South Carolina. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together! Last Friday was a wonderful reprieve to the hot, humid weather we've been experiencing--the perfect day for a walk through the garden.

A blooming water lily--so pretty!

It's amazing how well the reeds disguise this frog.

A statue of the Innis sister welcomes visitors of all ages to the "Sisters' Garden" area.

The images below are taken in the "Secret Garden"--one of my favorite areas of Inniswood Garden.

My parents and I on the bridge over the reflection pond. A special thanks to the woman who took this picture and gave me a picture I will always treasure.