ESCAPE FROM COLUMBUS

An "escape from Columbus" was just what we needed yesterday! Following Noah's soccer practice, we piled into my car, Sophie included, and travelled about an hour to Indian Lake, Ohio. Trey's parents camped this weekend and we decided to spend the day with them at their campsite. Of course, the priority of the day was listening to the Bucks on the radio--once the game ended, then we were allowed roam the campground and visit the craft show. Grammy has established a tradition of ice cream cones and cow tail candies; Saturday was no exception. Trey's aunt and uncle also stopped by for a quick visit before returning to Lima via Rob's "new" Harley. The boys thoroughly enjoyed a quick "seat" upon the bike.

When Trey's parents first began camping Alexander wasn't quite 3 years old! If I remember Dee correctly, they borrowed a tent and packed hotdogs and s'mores makings...wondering if Alexander would even eat a hotdog or s'mores. They slept in sleeping bags and kept busy at the campground. Years later, they now own a very comfortable travel trailor (complete with all the amenities of home) and are anxiously awaiting news on a "permanent" camp site. A pontoon boat is also a possibility which Noah has already affectionately named the "USS Buckeye"!--makes me giggle, but it's so appropriate!

Thanks Papa and Grammy for a wonderful day camping!

An introduction to "Cornhole"

The teams: Grammy & Alexander VS Trey & Noah

(Dee & Larry's campsite: Indian Lake, Ohio)
One of two "Cornhole" boards
"Hey--where's the other bean bag?...SOPHIE!"
Such great form Grammy!
Here comes the bean bag--will it land in the hole?
Such concentration-notice the tongue!
Hmmm--you have 2 points, we have one; I think...
More concentration...


We were first introduced to "cornhole" by our friends Ted & Michelle during a summer visit to Cincinnati several years ago (we lived in GA at the time and had NEVER heard of the game). However, we didn't really participate in the game until last summer at an OSU tailgate party with friends.

There are two boards facing one another about 25 feet apart. You and your teammate stand across from each other (refer to top picture if confused). One player begins tossing the bag and attempts to place the bag through the hole on the opposite board--scoring 3 points; NOT an easy accomplishment. Then, play continues alternating players on same side (for example, Noah and Alexander alternate turns on same side; although they're not on the same team). Points are added at the conclusion of each round-3 points in the hole, 1 point if the bag lands on the board. Then, the other side tosses; continue alternating sides tossing the bean bags and scoring after each round. The game concludes when the first team reaches 21 wins! It could take quite a while for the game to end. Who knew tossing bean bags could be so much fun for kids and adults! The amazing thing--we saw LOTS of people playing cornhole on our walk throughout the campground; maybe it's a Midwest game??

By the way, we do have our own "cornhole" game too...we wanted to be included in the fun.

That was THEN, this is NOW...

Noah and his new 3rd grade teacher
Noah in front of Alcott this morning
Noah and his former 3rd grade teacher
Noah in front of Robert Frost Friday afternoon

Noah was so disappointed that he didn't get to begin school on Monday, or Tuesday, so this morning he was ready to return to Alcott. I drove him to school and when we entered the office, he was greeted with "welcome back Noah" from both secretaries, the principal and assistant principal. We climbed the stairs to the second floor and found Noah's new teacher. She greeted Noah warmly and welcomed him back to Alcott. I know he's having a GREAT day and I can't wait to hear all about what it felt like to be back at Alcott when he arrives home this afternoon!

54 hours in the DARK!

The remnants of Ike swept through Ohio Sunday afternoon causing widespread damage and power outages throughout metro Columbus. It was breezy Sunday morning, but as the day progressed so did the winds topping out with sustained winds of 30-40mph and gusts of 70-80mph. Our electricity left just after 4pm Sunday afternoon. We were fortunate not to endure any structural damage, but did lose two large limbs from our Bradford Pear tree and Birch tree. The boys enjoyed 2 sunny days off from school and were relieved to return to school today; Columbus City Schools and several other districts are still off as structural damage and continued power outages prevent the children from returning to school.


However, we realize that although the power outage was certainly an inconvenience (54 hours is a LONG time), what we endured is NOTHING in comparison to the loss, devastation and hardships the Gulf Coast of Texas now faces. May God provide comfort and strength to the stricken families and the courage to face what lies ahead. Our thoughts and prayers are with all who have been affected by Ike's fury.

PARTY TIME!!

Noah enjoyed spending Sunday afternoon at "Galaxy Games and Golf" with his friends Eli, Jacob, Luke and Nicholas. The center has a 3 story maze complete with slides, ball pits and all kinds of other contraptions! The boys used their imagination and had a GREAT time! We returned to the house for cake and ice cream. What a fun afternoon!!

*Click on collage to view larger image*

NOAH TURNS 9!!

I can't believe Noah's now 9! Where in the world does the time go?! His final year of "single digits"--good grief!

Noah was disappointed that he was going to wait until Trey arrived home at 9pm to open gifts. Little did he know that Trey rearranged his schedule and was able to catch an earlier flight home. Noah was SO surprised when he heard the garage door and saw Trey enter the house around 5pm yesterday. The first thing out of Noah's mouth (after saying hello to Trey) was "may I PLEASE open my presents now?"

We traded his Game Boy Advance for a DS Lite a few weeks ago and I made him wait until his birthday before playing; such torture!

Noah's day concluded with take out from Pei Wei (PF Chang's "fast food") and homemade grasshopper pie (Noah's not a big cake fan).

Noah had a great birthday celebration!

Happy Birthday "No"!!!!!

LET THE CELEBRATION(S) BEGIN

The entire 3rd grade class singing "Happy Birthday" to Noah Look what my Mom made for us!
During lunch today at school, Noah's birthday celebration began. The cafeteria workers turned off the lights, turned the lights back on and announced Noah's birthday. Then, the entire 3rd grade class began singing "Happy Birthday" to Noah. I think he might have been a little overwhelmed by all of the attention, but then again he seemed to enjoy his "moment". I spent the morning baking cupcakes within ice cream cake cones. Well, the class thought that Noah's cupcake cones were the best treat! One boy told me that he was going to request his Mom to make the same thing for his birthday; another girl asked for the recipe and several students decided that the cupcakes were "delicious" (mind you I'm giggling inside because all the questions and comments were TOO cute!!)

Happy 9th Birthday Noah!! We pray your birthday celebration continues to bring many smiles to your cute face! We love you "to the moon and back a bizzillion and one times"!!

Birthday Wishes DO Come True...

Noah has been attending Robert Frost Elementary since school began due to a 3rd grade overflow issue at his "home" school--Alcott Elementary. It's been a challenging 2 1/2 weeks of school! By the end of last week I think Noah FINALLY found peace in his new school situation. He adores his teacher and is slowly making friends. However, his prayer since school began was that Alcott would invite him to return. Yesterday, his prayer was answered!

Once I was aware of the news, I was wishing my day away, full of excitement and anticipation for Noah's response! After promising him that Dad said it was OK, I watched him open the "early" birthday gift (his Alcott t-shirt & a note). Noah's reaction was priceless as he began to read his note--a HUGE smile emerged when he realized he'd return to his "old" school and be with his friends once again!

After reading his note he told me that this was "the best birthday present--EVER!!!"
Every once in a while,
Birthday wishes DO come true...

ANOTHER CHANGE...

Trey was in Maryland/DC this week for a company wide "Retail Blitz". I have this habit of finding a "project" while he's away--I can't tell you the number of rooms I've painted during his many travels over the years. However, since moving to Ohio his travels are limited. We've been in the house 15 months (where in the world does the time go?) and I've been wanting to change the red to blue since moving. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the red, but I also love gray/blue. So, I tore apart the bedroom and painted. Of course, no project goes as originally intended. At first, I thought I'd just paint the blue and leave the trim the same color, but "no-o-o"--I decided the trim needed to be brown. I like the change, but it's going to take a little while to adjust--it seems so drastic to me right now. The best part of the project is that it cost me a roll of painter's tape--I already had the paint from prior Georgia projects!!

What do you think??

HAVING A BALL...

Noah's been counting down the days until his first soccer game--the day is FINALLY here! His game didn't start until 9am, but Noah was up and dressed by 7:30am!

Last year Trey and I encouraged him to be more aggressive on the field; to get in on the action and not "wait for the ball". Last season we saw a HUGE improvement in his soccer skills and today he looked like a pro out on the field. His team played a wonderful game. Gone are the days of chasing the ball in a pack. The team now has assigned positions and they did a great job of passing and really worked together as a team today. Noah had some great defensive plays. I love the 2nd picture--Noah's Ninja kick--I have no idea where the opposing team was, but Noah had an awesome airborne kick! He had a great time on the field and can't wait for his next game Tuesday night! Great job #12--we love you!!

GO GENOA JAGUARS!!

The 7th grade Genoa Jaguars are officially 3-0! Alexander played a couple of plays in the first half and about 5 plays in the 2nd. GO #47! He's having SO much fun playing tackle football this year! It's fun to watch Alexander and his team although I notice that my stomach has some serious "flutterbys" when he's on the field! He did such a GREAT job tonight!!

REMEMBERING PRESCHOOL

Lauren & I (July 2008)Noah & Derek attended preschool together and were blessed to have enjoyed Ms. Heather's class together!

The four boys enjoyed spending the day together--we miss you Derek, Dillon and Ms. Lauren!! Parkway Preschool began school today. My friend, Lauren, and I taught together for 3 amazing years at Parkway. We taught the "4 day Fours". I'll never forget moving to GA and being so discouraged that Noah was on so many different "wait lists" to enter preschool; far down on the lists almost to the point that it seemed hopeless that he would attend preschool. Then, Camille phoned from Parkway 2 weeks after our arrival in GA to inform me that there was a spot at Parkway for Noah. Being new to the area, I remember asking Parkway's location. We visited the preschool and based our decision not only on the curriculum, but also on the church's proximity to our home (literally 3 minutes away). Looking back now, I can see God's handiwork and am so blessed to have served Him through teaching preschool; something I swore in my younger days that I would NEVER do! Now, teaching is a chapter of my life that I will always cherish! Lauren, you are a blessing to me and to all the children whose lives you touch through teaching. May you and Kristi have a wonderful year together! Love ya!!