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!

Basketball Magic

We invited our friends from Cincinnati, Ohio to join us for an entertaining evening watching the Harlem Globetrotters at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. If you've never been to a Globetrotters game, we highly recommend it! The boys were mesmerized by all the tricks and laughed at the continous comedy. There were several timeouts throughout the game and select audience members were invited to the court for various entertainment reasons. During one timeout, 3 boys were invited to "bowl" on the court. A Globetrotters character was slingshotted down the court riding a scooter with the sole purpose of knocking down ALL the Cambell Soup Label containers...not sure why, but this provided much laughter from the crowd! After the bowling concluded, all 3 boys were awarded 1000 Campbell soup labels for their respective schools. Needless to say, the Harlem Globetrotters won their game against the Washington Nationals continuing a winning streak that started in 1971! The evening was so much fun for all and we're happy that the Baileys were able to join us!

12 Days of Christmas 2008 Version

Happy Holidays from our Home to Yours

Happy Holidays from the Martin home. Living in Ohio, we live far away from most of our family and friends. We invite you to enjoy our home decorated for the Christmas season! May the holiday season fill your hearts with love, peace and much happiness!

Merry Christmas to all!

White Chocolate Snowmen Treats

I've always enjoyed "Family Fun" for their articles, recipes and fun activities. In 2001, Alexander started kindergarten and "Family Fun" featured snowman pretzel sticks. I KNEW I had to make them for Alexander's school holiday party. And, guess what, I'm still making the pretzel snowmen 7 years later. Over the years I've adjusted the recipe and minimized the ingredients creating a streamlined assembly line for snowmen production. Noah came to me earlier in the week and asked if I was going to make the snowmen pretzels again this year. Quite honestly, I had decided not too, but how do you say "no" to your child when they've asked for a holiday tradition so kindly. So, Wednesday, I spent a couple hours preparing snowmen for Noah's class. In year's past I've made snowmen for Alexander's class, Noah's class and my preschool class, so honestly, spending a couple hours on one class really wasn't too much for Noah to ask. When he returned home from school Wednesday, Noah jumped up and down and kept thanking me for making the snowmen. His excitement and happiness was well worth all the time spent. He eagerly passed out the snowmen during his holiday party Friday afternoon at school. The kids marveled at the snowmen and enjoyed their holiday treat. I'm so glad that Noah asked me to make the snowmen--it truly is a wonderful tradition and a memory and treat the boys obviously enjoy!