Sophie's Surprise

Sweet Sophie Shadow received her Christmas gift on Christmas Eve--a  plush Santa complete with 16 squeakers!   Oh good heavens who could ask for more?

Christmas Traditions

Hard to believe we're celebrating our 5th Christmas in Ohio!  One of our holiday traditions is visiting the "Festival of Lights" annually.  As the boys grow older their interest in the event decreases, but I think everyone goes to "humor Mom".  If truth be told, I've always enjoyed Christmas lights and I think it's fascinating to see them displayed in various shapes and sizes.  Below are some of our favorites. 














And, the trip wouldn't be complete without cookies and hot cocoa and a trip to see Santa.  By the way, Santa is tucked away in a private room--if the set-up were public, I wouldn't encourage the boys to see Santa--promise!

May the holiday season be full of special holiday memories and traditions for you and your family!

Ready...Aim...FIRE!

Alexander and his lab partner, Allison, have worked hard on their Honors Physics project for the past 6 weeks.  The goal:  to successfully and creatively construct a catapult.  Their grade results from their success in making baskets from the free throw and three point lines in a 2 minute time frame.  In addition, their grade is based on the success of others in the class.  Last night was the final attempt to make successful baskets; mission accomplished.  Today the class will present their catapults.  After much trial and error Alex and Allison are confident their catapult can stand today's test. 

Preparing to launch a raquet ball through the basketball hoop

I LOVE Allison's expresson.  Watching with anticipation to see whether or not the basket is successful--SWISH!

A crowded Central gym with busy Honors Physics students

After several tweaks to the current construction, the final catapult contraption

An excited and proud Alex and Allison!  Good luck today!!

Brrrr--It's COLD Outside!

I glanced out the back window and noticed this poor little guy desperately trying to keep warm. 

On A Day Off From School...

Noah awoke early, skipping his opportunity to sleep-in, and joined me for a day at Little Lambs.  After Circle Time, Noah joined me in the "quiet" room. 

Noah enjoying a "picnic" with friends.  He was well fed!

Noah was a real trooper and allowed the first group of kids to select anything from the dress-up box for him to wear--his first "get-up" was tame in comparison to...

the next dress-up request.  Whatever the the boys and girls asked him to wear, he did with a smile.

The second group of children invited him to another feast.

Noah was relieved when "Free Choice/Center Time" ended.  He read, "Baby Bear, Baby Bear What Do You See?" for one of our "Five Senses" books.

Tuesday was a warm, sunny day in Ohio, so we decided to take advantage of the beautiful weather and took the class outside for an extended time at the "big" park.

Noah, thanks so much for joining Mom on your day off.  I really enjoyed having you by my side.  The class adored meeting you and playing with you!!  Thanks for being such a trooper!!

Halloween 2011

Halloween 2011

Westerville, Ohio

Not long before Trick-or-Treat this crazy, Halloween storm blew through the area dropping...

Halloween hail.

With in the storm's fury, a faint rainbow...

arched over the neighborhood.  Thankfully, the weather cleared and trick-or-treat was fun for all!

Noah dressed on Halloween for Language Arts class as a character from one of his favorite adventures:  Bilbo Baggins, a Hobbit, from "The Hobbit" by JRR Tolkein

Before heading out for trick-or-treat, Noah was invited to a friend's house for a "Spooky Dinner". 

Enjoying hot cocoa before returning for a brief  Round 2 of trick-or-treat.

Friends being silly

Comparing and trading loot

Happy Halloween
Noah and his friends as a "nerd", "bumblebee" and "box"

Seventeen years ago today...

I married my Prince Charming.   I'm so thankful for the journey that unfolds each day.  There are many chapters to our story and while sometimes the "writing" may not be what we choose, I wouldn't change any of the ups and downs we've experienced.  The journey has strengthened our marrige and I love you more and more each day.  Happy 17th Anniversary--looking forward to the new chapters yet to be written. 

Love always!

NKF Walk 2011

National Kidney Foundation Walk

October 23, 2011

Team Westerville Central



Ohio Statehouse
Columbus, Ohio



How do you pass the time waiting for the NKF Walk to begin?



By getting a balloon hat, of course!

Alexander and his friends listening to the NKF Speakers prior to the start of the NKF Walk. 

Walking through...



the streets of Columbus.



And the walk begins...

Alexander and Team Westerville Central participate in the 2011 NKF Walk

Waiting for the team to return

Team Westerville Centrla concluding the NKF Walk

Enjoying time with friends

Alexander was the top fundraiser for his team.  Congratulations Alexander on making a difference to someone affected by kidney disease.  Proud of Team Westerville Central and VERY proud of you!