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.

Feel The Whole City Behind You--10.17.2010

Once I turned the BIG 4-0, I had this crazy notion that I MUST complete a 1/2 Marathon; proving to myself that I'm not "old". When I returned to running, last May, after taking 6 months off due to the winter blahs, I could barely complete 2 miles! I set small steps along the way and am proud to say that somehow, some way I accomplished all those mini-goals. In August, I found a 13.1 mile training schedule and realized that I was already well on my way to achieving my goal. My husband has been my biggest cheerleader as well as a couple of very good friends. When I doubted myself, they were there to encourage me and remind me of all that I had already accomplished. Trey has been running by my side on our longer runs--never allowing me to quit even when I was convinced that my legs could take me no further.

Last Friday, Trey and I picked up our running packets--no turning back now! For the first time EVER, the Columbus 1/2 and Full Marathon was sold out with 15,000 runners registering for the event! Below--my official "bib" complete with my first ever running chip.

Last week, I ate pasta, baked potatoes with broccoli and cheese and more bananas than I ever care to eat again--"carbing up" for our big race. Trey and I rose early Sunday morning (5am) both with nervous stomachs--excitement and a little race day anxiety. Below, Trey and I before the start of the marathon.

After the race officially began at 7:30am, we patiently waited and then slowly walked, along with 15,000 runners, reaching the official start line at 7:40am--thank heavens for the chip. Below, the Columbus 1/2 Marathon Map--an amazing run through downtown, past the Franklin Park Conservatory, through Bexley (passing the Govenor's Mansion) back into downtown, through German Village and back into downtown again to cross the finish line. The entire 13.1 miles were lined with people cheering on all the runners--it was truly an amazing experience--one I will NEVER forget. And, best of all, my husband was by my side the entire way--encouraging and cheering me on--helping me reach the finish line. I didn't have a timed goal for this event; I just wanted to cross the finish line!

As Trey and I approached the finish line, it was an awesome feeling to hear our names announced! I thought I might cry when I crossed the finish lined, but I couldn't stop beaming--GOAL ACHIEVED!

Above, we've completed our run, retrieved our checked bag and I'm overwhelmed by the messages awaiting me! My friend that I've known the longest (we met in middle school) also ran the 1/2 Marathon and it was so much fun to catch up with her, briefly, following the race.

Trey, thank you for believing in me, encouraging me and always being by my side during this journey. Without your love, support and encouragement, I don't know that I would have reached my goal. I love you for sacrificing your personal 1/2 Marathon running time, to remain by my side and make sure that I completed the race. It means the world to me that we crossed the finish line, together, even though I know you could have sprinted the last 1/2 mile. Thank you--I love you today and always!!

My friend surprised me yesterday afternoon with the above tile--it brought tears to my eyes when I opened the package. "S", thanks for your support and encouragement along the way--you helped me reach my goal too!

The question of the day seems to be "Will you run another 1/2 Marathon?" IF I can maintain my running schedule through the winter (which WON'T be easy) I very well, just might, run another 1/2 marathon next year. For now, my plans are to run a 5K on November 20th. If my sore body cooperates, I plan to hit the pavement Wednesday for my next run; much shorter than 13.1 miles though!

First Responder's Park

As parents, Trey and I feel it's important for the boys to give back to the community. Alexander joined WAVE this summer, a volunteer experience for high school age students in the Westerville community. WAVE meets once a month for an hourly meeting and in addition, team members participate in at least one community service project monthly too. Alexander's first service project was to assist with the creation of First Responder's Park near the Main Street fire station. He spent 2 1/2 hours on a warm, summer Saturday morning (early) laying sod. While he's the youngest on the team, he thoroughly enjoys the time spent helping others in our community as well as the friendships he's making with other high school students from North, South and Central.

Recently, our family visited the now completed First Responder's Park. The main highlight of the area is a mangled piece of iron from the World Trade Towers reminding us of the events of September 11, 2001--a day we will never forget.

Tonight, Alexander will attend the October WAVE meeting and learn what community service opportunities will occur this month. For those in the Westerville area, this is a wonderful opportunity for your high school student to become involved in our community.

Much Too Scary!

Fall's here and Halloween is just around the corner. Trey's parents invited us to the campground for trick-or-treat and a campground wide cookout yesterday afternoon. Dee has an adorable "Martin's" Halloween sign complete with 3 pumpkins in honor of her three grandsons.





















Trey's parents with the "scary clown" prior to trick-or-treat at the campground yesterday. Noah was thrilled to be invited to "trick-of-treat" with Papa and Grammy.

Trey and his Dad ready to pass out Halloween treats and enjoy seeing all the costumes.

Noah trick-or-treating with Grammy by his side. The campground isn't too large, but Noah managed to leave last night with quite a bag of loot!














Dee & Larry thanks for including us in the Halloween fun!