Could It Be...

...yes, it's MORE snow! We're under another "Winter Storm Warning" until tomorrow morning with the possibility of total accumulations up to 9 additional inches. OK, Mother Nature, hello, are you listening...we've had enough snow this year! It was attractive the first few times, but I do believe we're fully aware of what snow looks like. Can you please send Spring flowers and warmer temps??

Enjoying The Day With My 3 Valentines!

We decided to spend our Valentine's Day together as a family snow tubing at Snow Trails in Mansfield, Ohio. We had an incredible afternoon! Was it cold--abosolutely! Were the lines ridiculously long--absolutely! Did we make memories to last a life time--absolutely! We waited in line for half hour or so each run only to race down the track in mere seconds. Our first trip down the trails we hooked together; holding onto one another's tubes as we twisted and turned our way down the hill. Trey and Alexander opted to belly slide the next time while Noah and I went tantem--SNOW much fun! On the third trip down, I was finally brave enough to venture on my own and LOVED it! I think I spent more time travelling backward, but it was crazy, fun!

The snow lines were ridiculously long; in fact, at one point and time, there were no tubes remaining for the people still waiting in line to enter the ski lodge! Crazy, busy, but OH, so worth it!

We waited in line for quite some time before making it to the conveyor lift up the hill. Noah, above, resting inside his tube (stacked on top of Trey's) waiting for Dad to pull him along.

The boys enjoying their ride up the hill. The skiers were flying down the hill next to us--amazing to watch! We found a gentleman decked out in his cowboy hat and affectionately deemed him "Cowboy Man"--he was fun to watch!
























Noah and I in 2nd lane from the left barrelling down the hill!

My three handsome, and slightly frozen, Valentines. Happy Valentine's Day to you and yours!

Have Snow, Will Shovel!!

We ventured out after lunch and decided to remove "Round 1" from our driveway and sidewalks. Trey has a snowblower from his Dad, but with him in CA, I've not a clue how to work his toy. So, we used good 'ol elbow grease! One of our neighbors was thoughtful and shoveled our sidewalks for us--thanks! Today's snowfall is much lighter than the snow that fell over the weekend making shoveling much easier!

Once we finished shoveling at our home, the boys ventured to our neighbor's house and started the process all over again.

But It Didn't Make a Single Sound!

Our snowfall amounts don't begin to compare to what our Maryland friends are enduring, but for Central Ohio--this is a LOT of snow! We received approximately a foot of snow last Friday into Saturday (boys were bummed that it didn't involve a snow day). And, today, more snow is falling--I'm estimating between 3"-4" so far with an expected amount close to 8" when all is done. Shockingly, we awoke this morning to the news--SNOW DAY! Westerville rarely delays school, let alone cancels, so we're excited to enjoy a very rare snow day!

Glancing out the window, I noticed several Robins perched in the trees. To me, Robins are a sign of Spring...do you think they're lost? Confused at the very least! I'm certain that Spring isn't in the air today!

Our backyard

Shoot Two!

Alexander up and scoring two! Unfortunately, their opponent outscored the Blackhawks and the boys had to endure another loss.

Drawing the foul and shooting another two! Great "D"! It's hard to believe that 13 1/2 years ago, I held this big kid in my arms. I can't believe how much he's grown. His size 12+ shoe doesn't look huge on the court, but it supports a 5'11" 13 year old frame! I'm amazed at Alexander's size and still wonder where the height came from... At any rate, his size is wonderful for the sports he enjoys--football & basketball!

It doesn't matter if Alexander's on the court, or bench, he's watching each play intently and yelling encouragement to his teammates. Alexander, we thoroughly enjoy your games each Saturday. You're playing VERY well and Mom and Dad couldn't be more proud of you!

Way to go #5!!

Just A Note or Two

During 4th grade, the classes are introduced to their first musical instrument--the recorder. Noah and his friends are memorizing "Pop Goes the Weasel" and "Down By the Station"--he did a great job practicing for me--look at the concentration on his face!

After practicing, Noah swabs his instrument--he's very conscientious about keeping his recorder clean. The 4th graders will be performing at a Pancake Breakfast during February. I can't wait to hear all the recorders playing together! :o)

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!