Slipping, Sliding & SLEDDING!

A few weeks ago, I braved the cold and took Noah and some friends sledding. Our usual sledding place has been closed--too dangerous they say. And, the 'other' sledding hill was closed as well as it had already been used way too much. So, we ventured over to the only other sledding hill I knew--Alum Creek Park in Uptown Westerville. Trey had meetings this particular Sunday afternoon and Alexander decided he was 'too big' to sled (are you ever REALLY too big to sled??). The hill was crowded, but the kids had SNOW much fun! I didn't participate in the fun--wanted to take as many pix as possible! I haven't laughed that continuously in such a long time--I had a GREAT time watching and finally after 2+ hours had to BEG the kids to return home. We're hoping for another sizable snow storm--just to sled 'one more time'.

Up & Down the Court

Dribble, dribble, bounce, bounce, shoot--basketball season is finally here! Alexander started playing basketball during 6th grade (2 1/2 years ago) and each year has made vast strides in his knowledge, skills and ability to play the game. I'm already amazed at how aggressive he is on the court this year--he's not shy and certainly not afraid to go after the ball. In fact, this past game he caused 4 fouls before half time!! Of course, his Dad was coaching (yelling) from the bleachers at Alexander and on occassion, the refs too! YIKES! Following the game, I asked Alexander what coach said to him as he showed him to the bench, "Alex, I love your intensity, but you need to take it down a few notches". Mind you, Alexander wasn't being malicious in his fouls, he just forgot to plant his feet and made some unfortunate errors in judgement.

One of the qualities I admire about Alexander is his desire to be a team player and always offer encouragement to his teammates. I love how he makes an effort to acknowledge good plays and bad, and goes out of his way to make each person feel important. I know I "say" this regularly, but I cherish all the time spent watching the boys practice and play--they bring me such joy! Way to go #5--knuckle tap buddy!

I Dare You Not to Smile

I received this e-mail from several friends and wanted to share with all of you.
What an amazing performance--ENJOY!

You have to watch this video from Portland , Oregon.
Here’s the story behind the video…

“Our daughter-in-law, Emily (MacInnes) Somers, created, directed and choreographed this in Portland last week for her Medline glove division as a fundraiser for breast cancer awareness. This was all her idea to help promote their new pink gloves.I don't know how she got so many employees, doctors and patients to participate, but it started to really catch on and they all had a lot of fun doing it.When the video gets 1 million hits, Medline will be making a huge contribution to the hospital, as well as offering free mammograms for the community. Please check it out. It's an easy and great way to donate to a wonderful cause, and who hasn't been touched by breast cancer?
Ann Somers”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEdVfyt-mLw

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

Our first significant snowfall of 2010! My director phoned late yesterday morning informing me that my afternoon class was canceled due to snow. What snow I asked...not a flake had fallen. Within an hour, snow welcomed the afternoon and continued falling long into the night. The snow quickly made havoc for drivers, but left a beautiful winter wonderland for those able to stay at home and enjoy the beauty. The boys arrived home at their normal time, but Trey opted to avoid rush hour and came home early.

The boys were only too eager to help shovel the drive! Of course, their version of shoveling created more work as snow landed where it had been removed.

Thanks heavens for Larry's "old" snowblower!!! The boys did help clear the sidewalks for our home as well as our neighbors.

Enjoying the snow at night in the backyard. Once again, Sophie had a BLAST playing in the snow! She's created a game of "keep away" which Noah doesn't enjoy! Just like last winter, she 'steals' Noah's mitten and runs and runs until someone finally catches her and retrieves the lost mitten. Of course, one game isn't enough!

Mom and the boys before calling it a night and seeking refuge from the cold!

Christmas 2009

"The stockings were hung by the chimney with care. In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there".

The Christmas morning elves busy sharing gifts with all.

Sophie in the midst of Christmas morning--

wasn't too fond of having bows added to her head.

Trey's parents and Chris, Elizabeth and Haiden arrived mid-afternoon to exchange gifts and enjoy Christmas dinner.

Papa and Grammy and "their" boys!

We hope you and your family enjoyed a blessed Christmas day!

Merry Christmas 2009!

Sweet Dreams...

We spent Christmas Eve in Lima with Trey's family--enjoying delicious food, catching up with relatives, playing a heated game of "Taboo" and watching Noah's Michael Jackson performance; again :o). As you can see, the festivities wore out Noah and Sophie. This picture was taken driving home from Lima...I'm sure people driving near us wondered what in the world was happening inside our car! It was such a sweet image; one I couldn't resist.

Christmas Eve--Special Memories

A family tradition began December 1996 while celebrating Alexander's 1st Christmas. Trey and I decided that each Christmas our child(ren) would present a gift to Trey's parents in memory of Aunt Ashley, Trey's younger sister. The memory tree was already established when our tradition began-over the years the boys have decorated the tree with ornaments they thought would be special to Aunt Ashley.

Trey's Mom began working in the library several years ago and our family tradition altered. Now, each Christmas Eve the boys present Trey's parents with a book and stuffed animal dedicated to Dee's library in memory of Aunt Ashley.

We hope all of you enjoyed your Christmas traditions and time with friends and family.

Trimming the Tree

This year, we decided to place the tree in the front window--adds a little extra dimension to the outside decorations. The tree was assembled and lit for close to three weeks before we had a "free" evening to decorate the tree as a family. With Christmas music softly playing, a holiday candle scenting the air, we finally "trimmed the tree". I developed a fond 'love' for snowman many years ago and our family tree is trimmed in snowmen, mittens and hats. The tree skirt was created in Maryland many years ago! My parents were visiting and my mother helped with initial instructions and once they returned home, I sewed the tree skirt myself--one of my first sewing projects! Every year I think we'll start changing to a more "stylish" tree, but I LOVE the decorations and most have a special significance to our family. As of last week, our tree is finally ready for the holidays. I love that my nativity scene is right beside the tree--a constant reminder that the holidays can get quite 'crazy busy', but that the real reason for the Christmas season is the arrival of our Lord and Savior. Merry Christmas to all!

Our sweet boys--now 13 and 10--where does the time go?

No, Trey isn't the same height as the tree. He was checking with me to make sure the "star" placement was OK--what do you think? (hee, hee)

The boys decorating our family snowman tree.

Sweet Sophie entertained us by 'stealing' the Santa hats. I thought a picture of the boys and Sophie by the tree would be easy-ha, was I ever wrong! For once, the boys were cooperative, but Sophie had other plans...she was just too curious! So, Noah, as you can see, is holding Sophie in place. Oh my--the things we do for a picture!

And, finally--we present to you--our family tree :o)!

Signs of Christmas

This past Saturday, Trey's parents met us at the Franklin Park Conservatory. The Conservatory is absolutely stunning during the Christmas season; decorated with countless poinsettia's throughout. Several poinsettia 'trees'--the vibrant red contrasting well with the varying natural green foliage--tower throughout the conservatory. Amazing Gingerbread Houses decorate the corridor connecting the North and South Conservatories. Each house taking countless hours of thought and patience to create. The ones represented below are some of our favorites. And, finally, a train exhibit circles throughout a small 'town'; each feature created from wood and looking almost 'real'. The town lights look warm and inviting. My Dad's fascination for trains prompted me to take a closer look and watch as the engine rumbled over the covered bridge. I thoroughly enjoyed our time at the Franklin Park Conservatory.

WOW--look at the detail given to these Gingerbread Houses--absolutely amazing!

Congratulations Alexander!

Earlier this fall, Alexander was encouraged by his Language Arts teacher to submit an essay in the Patriot Pen contest. The central theme of the contest: "When should we honor our veterans?" Alexander's catch phrase: "we should honor our veterans 24/7". He wrote an amazing essay outlining the reasons we should honor our veterans--those that are currently serving our country and those that have bravely fought for our country in the past. He paid tribute to my Dad's uncle who survived the Normany invasion during WWII. Today, Alexander received his award and $100 check for earning first place in the contest at the middle school he attends. His essay has been forwarded to the district level and we will know the results by month's end. If he scores high in the district level, he will advance to the state competition. We are very proud of his essay and congratulate him on a job well done!

Decorating the Boys' Tree

For many years, the boys have had their "own" tree. When the boys were old enough to handle the responsibility--Trey lovingly shared his Star Trek ornament collection with them...the earliest dating back to 1992. Every year, since then, we have added to Trey's collection. In the early years, the boys "gave" Trey an ornament for Christmas. Now, Trey and I give the boys an ornament. This year, the boys added a new twist to the tree--Ohio State ornaments. The tree sparkles with colored lights, scarlet and grey OSU ornaments and a wide variety of Star Trek ships. At the base of the tree the boys have added several stuffed animals and Noah's beloved Baby Jesus that he made in Ms. Heather's preschool class 5 years ago. The tree reflects two of their greatest interests--anything OSU & Star Trek...it's definitely "one of a kind"!

It's Never Easy...

...to say "good-bye". Oscar was hand-picked with love by Trey many years ago from the Delaware County Humane Society. At the time he was fluffy and full-grown and we're estimating his age now to be 19+ years. He was an affectionate cat, always purring and searching for a warm lap to cuddle. I can't remember a time that we had friends & family over and Oscar hid--he was always out in the open--a part of what was happening. He had 3 "escapes" over the years. The first occurring when I was 9 months pregnant with Alexander when we lived in Little Turtle. Trey's friend accidentally left the slider open and both cats escaped. Symba stuck close to home, but Oscar bolted. I remember walking the golf course, extremely pregnant, around mid-night on a sticky, hot June night in desperate search for him. I did find him, but couldn't convince him to leave his "hiding spot". I left food out on the patio and sat on the stairs all night crying, waiting for him to return and thankfully he did. In Georgia, once again, he escaped. Trey and I posted signs in the neighborhood and I walked around the neighborhood calling his name, tears streaming down my face...not realizing, once again, how much I truly cared for him. As luck would have it, Oscar decided to visit a cat-loving neighbor and spent the night and day hanging out on their front porch bistro set before being "rescued" and loving returned home. And, one last time he escaped shortly after we returned to Ohio. Sophie was just a puppy and I accidentally left the back door open and Oscar quietly slipped out. Again, after searching for Oscar around our neighborhood and posting signs, we received a phone call a day later and a family living more than a mile from our home had Oscar--he had been fed a can of tuna and snuggled with her girls. He was one fortunate cat, but he always returned home to us, where he belonged. He's been in renal failure for almost 2 years and our vet was surprised that he lastest this long--he was a fighter for sure. It is with great sadness, that we say 'good-bye' to Trey's cat, our family pet. Time will heal the pain and we're thankful for Sophie's presence to help fill the void. Oscar, you will be deeply missed--but we know that you are no longer suffering and at peace.

We love you, Osc.