One Year Anniversary

One year ago today, our family welcomed the addition of Miss Sophie Grace Shadow to our family. We travelled, on a very cold, brisk Saturday, to Zanesville, Ohio to meet the breeder and bring Sophie home. Noah and I sat in the back seat with Sophie cuddled in her blanket. We were concerned that she might become car sick, but she peacefully slept the entire ride home. We confined her to the kitchen and kept her "happy place" (crate) in the kitchen as well. She was a tiny 7lb puppy when she came home, now she's a big girl weighing 55+ pounds. Our lives have changed dramatically over the past year. As I've mentioned before, Trey was raised with dogs, but for the boys and I adding a dog to the family was a new adventure. There have been times over the past year where I've seriously considered returning her to the breeder, but after watching "Marley and Me", Sophie is the BEST dog! Sure we've had some unnecessary decorating additions to the kitchen cabinets and molding, I've lost a plant although she left the leaves perfectly aligned on the floor, the deck is missing a few corners, but all in all the house remains in tact. I can't imagine not having Sophie in our lives--she definitely brings our family much joy!

A new chapter in our lives opens as we prepare for the drive home with Sophie

Instantly, Noah fell in love with his new puppy

Our family--complete with our 16+ year old cat, Oscar and Sophie last January, 2008

Landscape Photography

For Christmas, Trey surprised me by enrolling me in photography classes. I've been waiting and waiting for class to begin--it finally began during the snowstorm Wednesday evening. Suprisingly, class wasn't cancelled. Another suprise, one of my friends is also enrolled in the course. We had an amazing time Wednesday evening although I'll admit them I'm still a little confused on how to appropriately set aperture, shutter speed and ISO. For now, I remain using my "P" program where the aperture and shutter speed are predetermined and I set the ISO (800 for the below pictures as it was WAY too cold to experiment). Our optional assignment was landscape photography. The instructor recommended visiting Heritage Park, so today I braved the cold and took a few landscape pictures which are displayed below. Remember, this is my first assignment and I know I have much to learn. Although it was FREEZING cold (below zero--or very close) I had a great time attempting to have a creative eye and take pictures. Any and all constructive feedback is welcome!

Our instructor shared that when a light source, such as the sun, is in your photo (as above), it's best to focus on an element without the sun in focus. It's amazing what this technique provides...the above picture was taken with the sun while the below picture was taken after I focused on the ground without the sun in view and then returned to take the same shot as above...I know that's confusing--following?

The trees framing the pond in the background was completely accidental, but I love the symmetry it provides. (picture below)

The final picture is similar to the first photo, but taken from a different angle. This is my favorite picture of my first landscape photo session.
Thanks Trey--I thoroughly enjoyed my first class and can't wait to attend the next class this upcoming week!!

Nighttime Buddies

After the first of the year, Trey and I decided it was time for Sophie to forego spending the night in her "happy place" (aka her crate). Another huge milestone in our lives--allowing Sophie to spend the night wherever she chooses. Noah's been asking for Sophie to sleep with him for almost two weeks. I promised him that Sophie could sleep with him this weekend. Well, "this weekend" came a day early as a result of the frigid cold temps in Central Ohio. Due to the -25 degree windchill, school was cancelled yesterday afternoon for today, Friday. When I mentioned to the boys that school had been cancelled, Noah immediately asked if Sophie could sleep with him. Typically, Sophie is not allowed on the furniture, but Noah's bed is so low to the ground, that I guess she considers it a "huge step". Noah begged for her to stay and I reluctantly agreed. Honestly, they did look adorable together. This morning, Noah mentioned that he awoke during the night half on and half off the bed--he gently nudged Sophie and was able to reclaim his bed and slept the remainder of the night. They both appeared around 8:30am this morning after a restful night together. Guess Noah and Sophie are now "nighttime buddies"!

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

We had a light dusting of snow on Tuesday evening. Sophie went outside and left a perfect paw print in the iridescent snowflakes.

Wednesday morning heavy snow started falling around 9:30am and continued throughout the day and into the late evening hours. For several hours the flakes were large and steady. The boys were released early from school and were eager to enjoy a little time braving the frigid temperatures.

Noah helped shovel the driveway and then...

sat in a snow pile to take a break while...

Alexander took over.

The pine tree in our backyard, all covered in snow,

was the perfect backdrop for a picture of the boys.

Noah's math teacher encouraged the class to make 2X3=6 snow angels

Noah made 1x1=1 snow angels as he decided it

was too cold to lay in the snow.

Sophie came out and enjoyed the fun. She created her own game of "keep away". She stole Noah's mitten, not once, not twice, but three times--right off of his hand. Sophie thoroughly enjoyed her game--Noah--not so much.

At long last, after having much fun in the snow, the cold temperatures finally

became apparent and it was time to go back inside. Shockingly, after receiving 7" of snow yesterday, the boys have school today; not even a morning delay to enjoy!

To all of our Northern friends--stay warm!!

Hitting the Ice

We joined our neighbors for their son's hockey game this past Sunday afternoon. Trey left early Sunday morning for Florida which left the boys and I "free". We thoroughly enjoyed watching Noah's friend on the ice. This is his first year skating on a team

and WOW--he's doing an amazing job!

We arrived early to the hockey arena, so we sat in the stands

and watched the current match

Before Noah's friend's team took the ice,

the zamboni (fun word to say) "cleaned" the ice

Passing the puckWe've only watched one hockey game prior to Sunday afternoon.

It's really a lot of fun to watch--as long as you're bundled well
Working the puck behind the goal--excellent defender

Watch out for "The Storm"

"The Storm" took the court this afternoon for their first game of the season. The team has been practicing since before Thanksgiving, so they were ready for their season to officially begin. Alexander had an amazing game--several rebounds, several assists, several steals and he swished his two free throw shots. "The Storm" led the entire game and finished the game with a score of 37-17. Their coaches are wonderful. They don't have children on the team, but have a strong interest and knowledge of the game. For example, coach would yell "23" and the players knew exactly what to do--most of the time they even scored. It was a lot of fun to watch the team and we're excited that the season has officially started!

Alexander and his teammates listening to the coach's instructions

prior to the start of their first game

One of Alexander's rebounds

Alexander swishing his free throw shot

"Don't Forget to Dribble"

Basketball season begins today!

Noah was hesitant to play basketball this season, but after reading a note from my friend, Bonnie, about her son, Josh--Noah was convinced he should try (thanks so much Bonnie!!). The Golden Warriors took the court for the first time today. The Rec League offers "Pee Wee Ball" for 2nd and 3rd graders--their first opportunity to play the sport at this location. The players are just learning how to dribble, the basic rules of basketball, how to be a good team player and to show respect to their coaches, their team and the opposing team. We thoroughly enjoyed Noah's first game! It was absolutely adorable to watch--obviously the "rules and regulations" are much different for these first timers. Trey and I smiled throughout most of the game as the ref and coaches kept reminding their players to dribble--"don't forget to dribble" is the key phrase from this game!

The Golden Warriors with their coaches before the first game of the season

Noah taking the ball down court--he rememberd to dribble

WOW--Noah dribbled the ball down the court, looked around for an open teammate and then took the shot. Unfortunately, he didn't sink it, but we were VERY impressed with his effort

Noah's awesome on defense
It's up and Noah SCORES!!!Good game Golden Warriors!

First Snow of 2009

The flakes started falling this morning and tapered off for a while before returning once again. Although there was no accumulation on the roads, the boys and Sophie were able to enjoy a little time together enjoying the minimal snow that accumulated in the backyard. They threw snowballs at one another and then decided to do their own thing. Noah played "catch this snowball" with Sophie while Alexander practiced his football moves. I was able to take a few QUICK pictures as it's WAY too cold for me!

Christmas Break Extended for One

Poor Noah has been battling a lengthy case of strep throat. On December 12th, a scheduled day off from school with plans for a friend to come over, Noah awoke in tears with a fever, headache and sore throat. Unfortunately, Noah has a nasty history of strep throat and I knew instantly what the doctor later confirmed--Noah indeed had strep throat. He finished his antibiotics the Sunday before Christmas, but developed another sore throat Christmas Eve morning. Since we were visiting Trey's family in Lima, Ohio we visited the urgent care and again Noah was treated for strep. Fast forward to today--Noah awoke today with a sore throat. Once again, I knew he was suffering from strep throat; again confirmed by a 3rd trip to the doctor. For those that use Motrin--it's truly a "miracle drug". By the afternoon, Noah felt well enough to construct his lego tank; with help from his Mom. Although he's sick and missed school today and will be home again tomorrow, we had a great time spending his sick day together. He seems to be feeling better and we truly hope that this round of antibiotics cures his strep throat. And, no, Noah was not thrilled to have his vacation extended--he was so disappointed when I told him he'd be staying home today. He misses his friends and can't wait to see everyone on Wednesday!

I guess "sick days" aren't all bad--doesn't his tank look GREAT?!

Happy New Year!

We celebrated the arrival of 2009 in Cincinnati with our best friends. Unfortunately, Olivia didn't make it to midnight, so she's missing from our sparkler pictures; she was so disappointed.

Happy New Year to everyone!