The First One!

One would think that a day that starts with the first snow of the evening would be crappy.  At least in my world, it would be.  Each year, the first snow of the season makes me rethink my decision to move to Ohio.  But after a quick "ugh" reaction, I realized how lucky I was to have moved.  I would never trade the boys, Jeff and our wonderful life for a few extra months of sunshine and flowers. 

So a day that started with "ugh" was followed by a great morning/afternoon of learning how to make Christmas candies with Bev.  Another good reason to appreciate the move I made years ago.  Friends like her can't be found on every corner and life has a strange way of providing what you need..just when you need it most.  But anyway, we had a wonderful time, made some awesome "sweets" and got to catch up on girl talk.

And the topper of my day was spending several hours with Will (and a few minutes with Hunter) working our basketball concession shift.  They may pretend they hate it, but I think Will had fun.  Hunter's physics homework took all the fun out of it for him. 

Thanks everyone for such a great day!

One More...

The tree is up, the lights are glowing and there are little red bows attached to anything that will stand still for more than a second.  Five trees and lots of decorations...all complete in a day.  I wish I could say the same for the village.  Actually, no I don't.  Taking two weeks to make sure every tree is in place and every street lamp lights up is the highlight of my November.  The good news is that it's done.  The bad news is that I may spend all of my free time sitting in front of it, watching miniature Christmas festivities.  Goodness, I need to get out more often. 

The Dilemma

Old, beautiful 9 foot tree vs. new, prelit 7.5 foot skinny tree.

To us, it was a no brainer.  The old tree was just to big.  It was impossible to move the entertainment center, the tv, the stand and the rest of the furniture.  A small, skinny tree made sense.  Enter the new tree.  You would think that Jeff had brought home a Charlie Brown tree from Hunter's reaction.  Hate is such a harsh word....but he hated it!  So after much negotiation and a 17 year old near tears, he found a way to make the "big" tree fit in the living room.

It's large, it's overbearing, it's way to much in the room.  But it's Christmas...and that's always been all about the boys.  And since Hunter is concerned that this will be the last time he'll be home to deck the halls with me, his wish is my command.

J.C. Haw

In the chaos of trying to fix the Christmas tree debacle, I saw the stockings all hung by the chimney with care.  Each and every year, there are five stockings hung strategically to spell out J.C. Haw.  If I ever write a poem, a novel or a children's book...that will be my pen name (and you can say you knew me when!).  It's the way that I make sure we're all included in the things I do. 

Almost Done

Today was our Thanksgiving.  Much better than the traditional one if you ask me....we got college football to watch while the turkey was cooking, not the NFL.  Anyway, it was a great day unless you're an Ohio State fan.  To be honest, it wasn't great if you were a UofM fan either.  First, it's REALLY HARD to cheer for your team when your opponent is your son's team.  Second, it's just not the same when you don't beat Tressel.  It was almost like kicking a team while they were down...and there's no fun in that.

But on a happier note...it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas.  We're a little late, and still not finished, but the decorating is underway.  Hopefully, by tomorrow the trees will be done, the boxes put away and the season will be underway.

Back Friday

That's AM.  We were up, cleaned up, coffee made and heading out the door.  After all, the black Friday deals were waiting and I had Christmas presents to pick.  Thankfully, I wasn't one of the people standing in line yesterday, so when we arrived all was clear.  It was smooth sailing and we all but finished all of the holiday shopping. 

After a short nap, a little Christmas organization and a shower, I stumbled across this article.  Jeff and I love Nathan Backrach and try to follow his tips whenever we can.  This is one we do already but I'm so bad at explaining it to the boys...Nathan puts it so much better.  You've asked H, so here you go...


Simply Money: 'Back' is the new Black Friday

"While today may be one of the biggest shopping days of the year, a day that millions of Americans look forward to, it's time to change the way you think about this day-after-Thanksgiving. Instead of "Black Friday," consider today as "Back" Friday.  This is a good time of year to reflect on what you are grateful for, and look back on how your family's financial year has played out.

Take personal inventory

Has your personal situation changed for the better or worse? Are you more secure in your job? If you were lucky enough to have spent time with your parents for Thanksgiving, how are they doing? Are you comfortable with their ability toward off the ever-present scammers lurking out there ready to take advantage of seniors?

Personal return policy

Don't forget to review your 401(k) and other investments. Undoubtedly, market conditions have affected your personal returns, and as the Congressional "Super Committee" stumbles and the Euro zone crumbles, this is an excellent time to re-evaluate the amount of risk you are taking. The dramatic 2008-2009 stock market sell-off illustrates the price tag for risk. Don't be afraid to make a policy of "returning" some chips by cashing in on some winners and taking some risk out of your investments. We recommend that you at least reduce your foreign stock and bond exposure while emphasizing quality in both segments.

Gifts we give ourselves

Tis' the season of giving and if you're still trying to figure out your holiday gift list, we would suggest adding "a financial plan" to the top. Our mantra is pay yourself first, and this is no exception. A financial plan(for you, for adult children just starting out, as well as parents well into their retirement years)is a starting point for assessing the road you are currently taking toward your long-term financial goals. A plan should be tweaked and updated as your life changes, taking into consideration potential potholes and detours to allow you the time to make necessary adjustments early enough to keep you on course. A plan should include everything from a careful evaluation of all of your investments, to strategies to save for college while simultaneously saving for retirement, to the potential impact of long-term care costs, to estate planning tactics.

Getting a financial plan this year may provide you with the luxury of using next year's "Back" Friday differently - giving thanks for the unforgettable family moments you enjoyed over the last year."

Happy Thanksgiving!

Each Thanksgiving, we go around the table and list the things we are thankful for.  The seats at the table are fewer this year, but it's still my top priority to list what I'm thankful for...especially this year.

I'm very thankful for my family - my parents, my siblings, those crazy enough to marry into our family and those I was lucky enough to gain when we got married.  There's a quote that reads "Other things may change us, but we start and end with family".  Isn't that that truth.  It's been a trying year with our family's share of ups and downs but we've each come out stronger than we thought we were. 

A separate thanks must be included for my little family.  I don't know what I would do each day without Jeff, Hunter, Will and Austin.  They are all the reason I wake up and climb out of bed each morning and they're the last people I whisper thanks for each night.  Life will change for all of us in the upcoming year, but I have faith it will make us stronger...as a family.

As thankful as I am for my family, I'm just as thankful for my friends.  Life just wouldn't be the same without them.  While I may not have many, those that I have are more than friends.  They are my reality check, my sanity break and my most cherished relationships.  Thanks for loving me, regardless of the craziness.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you!  I'm sorry we couldn't break bread with all of you today but know that each of you are in my thoughts and I love you. 

Thanksgiving Eve

It's Thanksgiving Eve
and through Krogers isles,
every idiot was shopping,
through the "Thanksgiving" piles.

The bakery still had a few pies
within reach. 
Unfortunately the only flavor left
for the day contained peach.

The last bread loaves looked beaten,
the egg nog picked over.
If you wanted potatoes,
you were stuck with the red bag from Stouffers.

Every isle was jammed,
carts blocked every turn.
Getting out with our lives
became my only concern.

Some pushing and shoving was
starting to show.
This whole shopping experience
was beginning to blow.

On our way out the door,
with a turkey in tow,
I whispered to Jeff...
next year to Columbus we go!

Flashback?

I know that I'm tired, but did I sleep through the winter?  I was pretty sure that I had when I woke up this morning and it looked just like spring.  Grey, cloudy and burst of rain that threatened to wash away all of the winter blues.  I guess someone hurt Mother Nature's feelings again.  I promise, these are pictures from today, not April.

Breaking Dawn

Remember when gas was $1 per gallon?  Or when a gallon of milk was under $2.  I sound old, I know.  But I remember when a movie was $3.  Now in fairness, that was in Caseville and a new release to us what actually a season or two old and the movie theater was only open a couple of months a year...low overhead.  Needless to say, gas is over $3.50 per gallon, milk is a bargain when you can get it for $3 and a movie, well it's a whopping $10 for an evening show.

Obviously, that stops us from going very often.  When we can get in a matinee, all the better.  Tonight the planets aligned and we were all able to "schedule" a movie night.  Of course, Breaking Dawn (Part 1) was a must see for all of us, except W, but he sucked it up anyway.  Good times were had by all.  It's nice to share a family evening...even if the boys didn't sit with us in the theater, lol.    Can't wait until Nov 2012...

One of the Boys

Forty three drivers.  Hours of watching them drive in circles at outrageously dangerous speeds.  Fourteen years ago, that was my take on Nascar.  Then W came along.  I'm thinking he picked Bobby Labonte and the 43 before he learned to use a fork.  I tried to watch, I tried to get excited.  But all the cars looked the same and were moving at a million miles per hour.  That's when I found the bright orange car, very easy to see on the track.  And my love affair with Tony Stewart began.

When Jeff and I got married...he too had to chose a driver or forever be shunned by W.  So Jeff picked the rookie, the guy who struggled to stay off the wall.  With a few years experience and a little of Jeff's good mojo, Jimmie Johnson is now a five time champion.  The guy can certainly pick 'em.  After a few years of  floundering and a short lived adoration of Jeff Gordan, H finally settled in on Jimmie too.  After all, he was Jeff's driver and he never picks the last place guy.

Fast forward to today, the final chase race and Tony starting the race two points out of the lead.  Winner takes all, 5.6 million dollars on the line.  It's no longer the orange car and I don't have a hard time finding him at all.  I could probably name forty of the forty three drivers on the track.  My heart stopped a couple of times, the rain delay made me cringe and after 267 laps, Tony came out on top.  I love Nascar.  Thank you, W.

It's amazing what you'll follow, learn and begin to love....all to be one of the boys.

Just Wait.

The waiting game.

Our part is done, our to do list complete.  All the applications have been submitted, the recommendation letters have been requested and today we mailed H's transcripts to UC, Ohio Univ and OSU.  And now the waiting begins. 

No Wake

Not a new picture, but definitely one of my favorites. 

At 8 o'clock tonight I was still working...so was Jeff.  Poor Mark was just waiting to watch Survivor (we're even behind on that!).  The boys are out for their Friday night fun and I'm just missing either snow or Blue Ridge.  They both bring the same benefits....quiet, relaxing times with family. 

So since I can't be in Blue Ridge today and there's not a foot of snow on the ground, I'll just have to settle for the sentiment of my picture.  Slow, no wake. 

B-I-N-G-O

Wine and bingo.  What a wonderful combination!  But better than the wine or the bingo was the company.  After such a long week, a little conversation was just what the doctor ordered.  It doesn't matter that we didn't win a raffle, didn't get our pretzels...didn't even get to yell BINGO.  I had a wonderful time...too bad the next one isn't until January.  And thanks for the picture Bev, next time I'll be a little more prepared :)

Customer Service

Lately, everywhere I go, customer service seems to be a thing of the past.  It takes more than 5 minutes for the teller to even come to the window, the cashier huffed at me when I said I'd like my milk in a bag (and she asked the question!).  It seems as though "the customer is always right" is no longer correct.  So when my Keurig died and Jeff said he was going to call them, I laughed.  It's outside of the warranty period and no one seems to care anymore.  And lets be honest, I was craving a tall mug of pumpkin spice so badly today that I'd have gladly hocked my wedding band for a new Keurig so I'd have replaced it anyway (but at full price). 

Imagine my surprise when Jeff hung up and told me that my new Keurig Platinum was being shipped out tomorrow.  They stood behind their product, apologized for the defect and thanked Jeff for calling.  This time next week, I'll be sitting with a steaming cup of java while I write them a letter thanking them for their awesome customer service.  I'm hooked for life! 

I should have the Kroger management team get in touch with Keurig, they could learn a few things.

Sail Away

The replacement for the "vind" arrived over the weekend.  Today, I had a few minutes and decided to put the final touches on the spare bedroom.  Actually, it was the inspiration for the room.  I think it may be my new favorite room in the house.  Words to live by......

OSU..check!

Deadlines aren't H's thing.  He thinks of them more as a recommendation than a due date.  Thankfully, we're still a little ahead of schedule.  Today was application number one.  Two more tomorrow and LH+ by the end of the week.  I don't know who'll be more anxious for the responses, probably Jeff.

Thank You

Can you believe that we had over one hundred people here over the weekend - including all of our family and I didn't get one family picture?  Thus, the picture!

I wanted to take a few minutes to thank everyone that made this weekend such a success.  It goes without saying that Jeff was wonderful.  He's definitely the mover and shaker in this house, we wouldn't run nearly as smoothly without his efforts.  The boys were just as helpful.  They worked their tails off the weekend before, picked up trash into the wee hours of the night on Friday and then returned to finish up on Saturday. 

No special event for the boys would be complete without all of our family.  Mom, Dad, Michele, Scott, Ben, Charlie, Cary, Reese, Ryan, Jan, Gary, Jenny and Abby could be found in one row, with signs and cameras in hand.  Our local family - Pamela, Sharon and Mark rounded out the group - also with cameras in hand.  Thank you to all of you for your time, your support, scooping the hot chocolate, carrying food in the cold, fire starting and anything else that I may have forgotten.

WICKED brought another set of friends....some old, some new.  Bev, Dory, Mark and Mom provided the perfect bonfire hangover remedy - an afternoon in Oz.  I'm sure I've covered my love of everything green, but I would be remiss if I failed to thank those that accompanied me.  I had a wonderful time!  Oh, and thank you Bev for the breakfast casserole....I've never had such a great friend!

The rest of the weekend can be summed up with one word....parents.  I know the boys are looking forward to the day they don't have to spend any more time with us :)  But I also know that Jeff and I cherish the time we get to spend with ours.  Life moves quickly, so when you have afternoons of catching up, evenings of movies and mornings with good food and your parents company...you take advantage of it.  So a special thanks goes out to Mom, Dad, Jan and Gary for making this a perfect weekend.  We may not have appreciated the time as much 20 years ago, but now, we wish we could repeat it more often.


Get rested everyone...we'll be doing it again soon!  I love you all!

Feeling a Little WICKED!

It's said that no one mourns the wicked.  I'm just here to tell you that is absolutely not true.  Today I was lucky enough to enjoy a return visit to Oz.  Nothing warms my soul like an afternoon with Elphaba, Glinda and Fierro.  While the story is no longer untold to me (it was my third visit) and mom, I was able to share the afternoon with Bev, Dory and Mark who hadn't heard the real story of the witches.  Kermit once said it's not easy being green....I think Elphaba would agree. 

Thanks to Dad, I've always had a soft spot for the scarecrow, the tin man and the cowardly lion.  Some of my best memories are curling up on the living room floor with my pillow and blanket watching the original with Mom and Dad. 

I spent three wonderful hours today, dancing through life.  The feeling that comes with that will last for days!

11.11.11

Where to start....

This year seems to be full of days that contain an emotion that I just can't put words to.  I used to think that it was sadness.  Now I think that it's a combination of happiness, sadness, pride, gratitude with a little bit of sadness thrown in.   And if there was an event that was going to put that emotion to the test, it was tonight.

Varsity Show.  My favorite night of the year.  There used to be nothing that I loved more than watching H dress up in his uniform and play his heart out.  Until tonight.  Seeing both H and W, all dressed in their uniforms, playing their hearts out was an amazing experience.  No time for tears.  Just tapping your feet and clapping your hands.

I'd be lying if I said that it didn't catch up with me.  Two minutes in the hallway afterwards resulted in the breakdown.  But since we had 100 people heading to the house, it was short lived.  So I'll take a minute to thank the people that made my heart swell today.  W - thanks for making me laugh, making me proud and making me thankful that we'll have the opportunity to watch you grow for three more years.  H - thank you for making me smile, making me cry and making me thankful that we've been able to be a part of your amazing experiences.  You both have so any more to come and I can't wait!

I love you both with all my heart....Happy 11.11.11!

And lastly, I want to take a moment to wish all of those that have served and are currently serving our country a Happy Veterans Day.  Your courage, determination and willingness to serve regardless of the cost will never go forgotten.

Words to Live By

Over the last several years, NCAA football teams have seen their fair share of scandals.  USC lost a coach, Reggie Bush lost his Heisman, LSU players were arrested and charged with assault, University of Miami was involved in some questionable late night behaviors, Tressel "resigned" and OSU was forced to vacate all of their 2010 wins.  I'm sure there are more that I have forgotten.  None more heinous and nauseating than Penn States most recent issue. 

In my few minutes of down time today, I ran across a Facebook posting from a friend and thought it more eloquently described my feelings on this better than I ever could.  Here it is....

“Dear Penn State Fan/Alumni,

You don’t know me. Sure, we may have seen each other once or twice at a road game or a tailgate, but aside from a passing glance, and an occasional hello, we are strangers. Heck, we’re actually more like enemies. After all, I’m a fan of The Ohio State University – tOSU, or O$U as you might call it. Since you guys joined the Big Ten Conference in the early-90s we’ve built a pretty spirited rivalry, with more than its fair share of heroics, heartbreaks, and triumphs. To be sure, we’ve both crossed the line on occasion. Urine balloon barbs and incontinence jabs have clouded the fact that we’re actually not that different, you and I. We’re both proud disciples of two of the most storied programs in all of college football, and although you’d be hard pressed to get a Buckeye fan to say it to your face, we respect the hell out of you and your traditions.

I’m writing because I know how you feel right now. The actions of your beloved president, coach, and athletic director have shaken your program to the core and have threatened your own faith in humanity. You’re shocked that someone you idolized could have done something so stupid, so selfish, so infuriatingly contradictory to the values they spent decades promoting. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not comparing what happened in Columbus to what’s alleged to have happened in State College. Only Bob Ryan is stupid enough to draw that parallel. What I am saying is that I know what it feels like to have a personal hero disgraced. To watch someone you admire, who did more good in a week than most of us do in our entire lifetimes get publicly shamed, and forced out under a cover of darkness. To see a legacy irrevocably stained and treasured accomplishments tarnished. To have one person’s mistakes drag your university’s good name through the mud. To be labeled an accomplice to the crime by virtue of your fan allegiances.

As I was driving to work this morning, I heard one of your own call in to The Herd and explain that he didn’t know how he was going to unapologetically put on the Blue and White and sing “Fight On, State” this Saturday. He’s not the only one to express that sentiment. Perhaps you’re feeling a little this way.

This is what I want to say to you. You are not Joe Paterno. You are not Tim Curley. You are not Gary Schultz. You are not Graham Spanier, and you are sure as hell not Jerry Sandusky. Their alleged sins are not your own. They may be the most recognizable faces of your beloved program, but they are not Penn State. They are not a 156 year old center of higher learning. They are not a century of football tradition. Their flaws cannot eclipse the innumerable scientific, artistic, and humanitarian contributions your university, and its 44,000 students and 570,000 living alumni have made and will continue to make to the world at large.

The spirit of a program, of a university, and of a state is so much bigger than any one person.
So do yourself a favor, and stop thinking about Joe Paterno. No amount of discussion can change what happened, and his bed is made for better or worse. Recognize that only time can tell how he will be remembered. (For what it’s worth, I hope beyond hope that the facts turn out favorably.) Say a prayer for the children, and on Saturday, put on your Silas Redd jersey, brave the cold, and cheer your ass off for your team.

Not because you support the coaches, because you support the men on the field. Not because you endorse the administration, because you believe in the University as a collective whole. Penn State University has always been (and will always be) about one thing and one thing only: making life better.

It’s not just a motto, it’s a mission. And you’re still a part of that.
Pray for the children. Cheer for the team. And in two weeks, make the drive to Columbus, so you can watch us bury your Big Ten title aspirations in person.

Sincerely,
A Buckeye Fan”

Speed Demon

Today, I let W take me on his first drive.  It was only to the end of the driveway and I'm pretty positive that I may have whiplash.  I did giggle quietly when he idled most of the way down the drive.  Obviously, he didn't get that from me.  It's not that I have a lead foot or anything, but I certainly consider speed limit signs to be a recommendation.  H definitely got my love of the gas pedal.  On occasion, I have to wonder if he knows where the break pedal is located. 

These were my thoughts tonight as I was sitting in rush hour traffic.  It has to be one of my biggest annoyances.  I plan most of my days to avoid traffic, but sometimes things can't be helped.  So while I was sitting in traffic, I captured my dash....it's not often that I'm moving so slow.

Cautiously Optimistic

A margin of 65 votes is minimal.  When the final precinct reported with a count of 6596 for the levy and 6531 against, you know a recount is inevitable.  But since this is the first time we've been in the lead, there is reason to be hopefull.  Unless you're W, who doesn't want to ride the bus - assuming that bus service will be restored for the first time in four years.  I know that we're not supposed to celebrate yet, but it's hard not to be excited.  The beginning of a new time at Little Miami is right around the corner and I'm proud to say that we are part of the 50% of voters that will always support our kids, our schools and our community. 

Go Panthers!

Not Enough Time

It would take me five hours to discuss my thoughts on the game.  I'm hoping that H and W are home by then so we can discuss them together. 

Warm and Cozy

Spare bedroom - check.  Yard work done - check.  Laundry room done - check.  Sessions complete - check.  Steam cleaning, laundry, dinner - check, check and check. 

Thankfully, it's National Set Your Clock Back and Take Advantage of the Extra Hour Day.  Normally, we sit around, relax and spend the extra hour watching a movie or reading a good book.  But since this week is looming and there are still  million things to be done, the extra hour was just a little more time to get things done.  But every nights ends the same.  Good company, good tv and a roaring fire to sit by.  Nothing melts away a hard day like the warm of the flames. 

Find something that makes you happy.  Repeat often.

5 Minutes

Wow, what a long weekend and it's only Saturday night.  We still have another day ahead of us.  Fortunately, today was the longest day so it's all smooth sailing from here.  With all of our crazy schedules this week, I was able to get a few test shots with the boys using the new, giant soft box that Jeff built.  I think it was the only five free minutes any of us had.  Heavens know I don't pass on the opportunity to take their picture, even if it's the only time we have :)

Lemons

What do you do on a day where nothing seems to go right?  You make the best of it.  When life hands you lemons, you grab the tequila and a friend and have one heck of a party.  Or in my case, I call Jeff in a panic with an idea and see if I'm even close to on the right page.  Life is what you make it.  My first thought (and I don't deny it) was to cry, cancel sessions and find a wine bottle with a long straw.  But it only took a few minutes to figure out that I too can make the best of it.  And out of disaster comes a solution for today and many days to come.  Thankfully Jeff is good and fast with a drill and the boys were more than helpful.  It's 8:30, we finally finished up for the night and tomorrows results will be better than I originally planned.  Now we're off to find the tequila!

 

Tomorrow, Tomorrow

The sun will come out...tomorrow. It will, right?

Since the boys aren't home tonight, I thought I would take the opportunity to complain about the rain again.  I'm sure that you thought my spring rantings would end when the warm, dry summer began.  So did I.  The cool temperatures followed, leaves changed colors and then a repeat of spring began.  We have officially endured the wettest year on record (58+ inches, so far) and there are still over 50 days remaining.  Only time will tell where we end, but here's to hoping the winter is a little quieter - and that I stop humming the theme to Annie soon!

Nature's Poetry

A friend calls pictures like this nature's poetry.  I couldn't think of a better description, so I decided to borrow it.  Believe it or not, I captured this on my phone.  While I have my camera with me most of the time, I don't generally take it with me to Lowes.  You definitely don't see beauty like this often, so when you do, take a minute to appreciate it. 

Hi Ho Silver!

It's almost 10pm and we're just sitting down for the evening.  I'm sure there is a cute story, hiding somewhere in the foggy part of my mind.  But I just can't seem to find it.  So instead, I'm just going to share my favorite neighbors.  It's rare that I can catch them out when I have my camera with me...but lately, I always have my camera with me.  Cute, aren't they?  I just added one to my Christmas list for Santa.