Memorial Day

Memorial Day is the day to remember those who have paid the price for our freedom by laying down their life for their country.

Recorder Concert

Monroe Elementary's fourth grade class had their recorder concert Thursday evening. They played several songs and we all sat patiently waiting for it to end.



The recorder, for those listening, can be a "stick your fingers in your ears" instrument but for the most part they did a great job.

Mr. Brunner, Jonathan Alder's Band Director (5th-12th grade!), was there to talk to the kids about 5th grade band. He then joined in playing "Be A Rock Star" with them, standing next to Dalton. I'm sure you can pick him out.

Loveland Castle

We took a trip to Historic Loveland Castle this weekend.

School Play

Last evening was the production of Canaan Middle School's first ever play, "Poultry in Motion", by Patrick Rainville Dorn. This play intertwines the two tales, "Chicken Little" and "The Little Red Hen" in an amusing story. Madison played the Little Red Hen. There were two performances. One during the day for the school, and the evening one for the community. The cast did a fantastic job.

Cousins

"Cousins are different beautiful flowers in the same garden."

Saturday we went to Kelley's cousins Diana and Pat's house for a family reunion in Westerville. The furthest travelers were his cousins Susan and Eddie from Oregon. It turned out to be a great day weather wise late afternoon and spending it with family was great as well.

Piano Recital

The kids had their piano recital today at the Plain City Presbyterian Church. They both did a wonderful job. Dalton played Calypso Carnival and Madison played Sonatina - Allegro.

Tractor

Dalton driving the tractor with Daddy riding close by (on the back). They stopped for Mom to snap a picture.

OSU Basketball Clinic

The Ohio State women's basketball team today hosted an annual clinic with the Girl Scouts Seal of Ohio Council.

The girls participated in drills coached by each member of the basketball team.
Then there was a question
and answer session.






And the day ended with a free t-shirt, packet of basketball cards of each player, a poster and an autograph session. Good times!

Declamation Contest

Congratulations to Dalton for being one of the six top scorers from the fourth grade level for the Declamation Contest. He presented his memorization of the poem today in front of the whole school. His poem was Another Note from Mom by Diane Shore. Good job Dalton!!

A Decade Old!

Happy Birthday Dalton!

Yesterday was Dalton's official 10th birthday in which we had his birthday dinner of choice, Donato's pizza, sub and wings. Today, however, we celebrated with family, Mamaw and Grandma. Aunt Cristy was out of state, but sent along her birthday wishes.

I asked Dalton yesterday how it feels to be ten years old and he said, "It doesn't feel any different than nine". I then asked him if it feels like he has been alive ten years, and he said, "It only feels like seven!" He said, "I remember running down the hall yelling, I'm three, I'm three, but don't remember much before that".

Today, Madison and I got out all the early pictures of Dalton and showed him his life before three!

Spring has Sprung

Every spring is the only spring - a perpetual astonishment. ~Ellis Peters

Poultry in Motion

Canaan Middle School (fifth and sixth grade) had auditions for the play "Poultry in Motion". Eleven speaking parts. Over 50 people auditioned, and Madison was chosen for the part of the Little Red Hen. Play is May 9th.

Creative Dad

So, after the cheaply made mini basketball hoop broke, Kelley decided to make one for Dalton's room. He welded the ring and hooks, created the backboard, added lights and made one neat hoop for his room that the whole family has enjoyed. Thanks Dad!!

Snow, Snow, Snow

"If Winter comes, can Spring be far behind?"
-- Percy Bysshe Shelley









Well the 70 degree weather Monday was just a tease for what we had in store for us on the weekend. Piles and piles of snow, blizzard conditions and a level 3 snow emergency.

6th Grade Band Concert

Madison plays percussion in the band. Always a challenge to get a picture of her since she is in the back. Here are two of her playing the snare and bass drums.

Member of the Family

What would I do without you
My precious, furry friend?...
Part mischief, but all blessing,
And faithful to the end!

You look at me with eyes of love:
You never hold a grudge...
You think I'm far too wonderful
To criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life
Is being close to me...
I think God knew how comforting
Your warm, soft fur would be.

I know you think your human,
But I'm glad it isn't true...
The world would be a nicer place
If folks we're more like you!

A few short years is all we have:
One day we'll have to part...
But you my pet, will always have
A place within my heart.

- Hope Marrington Molb



Cash - 12 years old
He has had some seizures, but they seem to be under control with medication. Hopefully he will stick with us for awhile longer!

Basketball

Both Madison and Dalton received 3rd place in this years AYA Basketball league (they were both #12). Way to go Comets and Badgers!

The Best of Friends...sometimes

Happy Birthday Madison!

Our family celebrated Madison's birthday today who turned 12 on January 30th.



Mamaw, Grandma, Dalton, Aunt Cristy and the birthday girl.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Madison had her first boy-girl party on January 26th for her birthday. It was held at the Dublin Rec Center, a great place to have an after-hours party. The party was 8:30-10:30, but right after everyone arrived, the fire alarm sounded. Luckily no one had gotten into the water yet. There was another party there using the theater and apparently one of their children pulled the alarm. We still had to go outside for about 25 minutes, till the Fire Department arrived and examined the entire complex. Needless to say the Rec Center was very nice and let the kids swim from 9:00 - 11:00pm. It will be a night to remember.

Poem

Madison wrote a poem this winter and entered it in the Creative Communication Poetry Contest. Her poem was picked to be published in "A Celebration of Young Poets" anthology. We don't know yet if her poem is a winner of any cash or prizes, but Madison is thrilled that she is going to see her poem in a book...and so are we!

Jesus is Our Christmas

After all the things that happen every year,
Comes a special holiday full of happiness and cheer.
Upon this night a baby was born,
Jesus we call Him, our Savior, our Lord.
We think of Christmas as a present giving time,
And nothing but wrapping paper and rhyme.
Jesus came to save us,
From sin, the unwanted must,
And people everywhere have learned to trust.
Greeting family and friends are lots of fun,
Putting on plays and concerts that our teachers run.
They’re sometimes about Santa, sometimes fictional stories,
But the ones I like to hear are about Jesus’ glory.
So much can happen while in this state of mind,
Good things, like Jesus, are always the right kind.
Don’t get me wrong about our artificial trees and lights,
But if you come to know Jesus, your life will be bright.
He’ll save a place in Heaven for you,
And Christmas is the time to start over -- become new
So think about it, and pray with all your might,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”