How we spent our snow day!

Since the girls and I were home all day yesterday I wanted us to all have fun and enjoy our unexpected 'snow day.' The snow (see post below) continued falling most of the day and except for a brief trip out to play, we were inside the warm house.

What better day to try out the baking items that we got from Uncle Keith for Christmas? We made sugar cookies with purple and yellow icing. When they were done I was really questioning the icing colors, but they were chosen by my apprentice baker. She loved the whole process, as she usually does when she 'helps' me cook. The trick is, Abigail still needs to learn that you're really not supposed to lick your fingers, the cookies, the spoon, etc. all through the process! When I caught her sampling straight sugar, it was time to get down from the counter.

Don't worry, Hannah had a snowy day activity, too! See that empty shelf? And all of the books scattered on the floor in front of it? She LOVES doing this and when every last book is on the floor she grins at me very proudly. Such a thorough little girl!

A VERY Snowy Day!

Yesterday brought 12.5 inches of snow to Indianapolis, the sixth largest snow total in the city's history and the most snow at once in 13 years! So, even though we're used to snow, this was much more than we normally get. The forecasters had this one pegged, we got exactly what they had predicted and all of the schools and many businesses (including mine) were closed. Andy has been working from 11pm to 11am and sleeping here and there. He is exhausted but this morning a coworker of mine who drives through Johnson County told me to give Andy and his crew a big thumbs up! Her roads were in 'excellent condition considering the amount of snow.' Here's a shot of him doing the same handywork on our driveway.

After work on Tuesday (I think, honestly we're losing track of what day it is!) Andy bought a sled for Abigail and Hannah. Yesterday we were home all day and while Hannah took her morning nap, Abbs and I bundled up to check out the snow. It was still really cold, about 20 degrees and very windy. The wind is always the wildcard at our house, it makes a cold day feel so much colder, especially when the snow is blowing in your face. I pulled the sled about 15 feet before Abby covered her face and said "Stop pulling me, it's windy and I'm cold. I wanna make a snowball." So we retreated to the garage where we stood inside the doorway, making snowballs. She loved the snow from a place with no wind! This weekend it is supposed to warm up so we're hoping to get both girls back out to play in the snow.

Last night while Andy caught some zzz's, I headed out to feed the dogs. I hardly ever do this but it was really nice to get out of the house for a few minutes, especially since the wind had calmed down. There was a beautiful sunset of crimson, orange and yellow and I was very thankful that I'd ventured out so that I could see it. The doggies were happy to see me and even happier once I broke the ice out of their water buckets :-)

The folks in Louisville are dealing with lots of ice, which they typically get when we get snow. Mom and Dad are fine but yesterday were without TV and internet. Considering all of the people without power I guess their situation was good. Already the meteorologists are cautioning us that we may get another big snow storm next week. I'm hoping they're wrong, my husband is so tired!

Polishfest, Gwinnett Gladiators

Last weekend, Kristi and I took in a Polishfest at Kylie's house to celebrate Kylie's 29th birthday. Kylie and Kristi both happen to have Polish ancestry, so they knew all about perogies and several kinds of cookies. Kylie made 200 homemade perogies (similar to bite-sized ravioli).

Then we went to the UK-Georgia game (68-45 Big Blue) on Sunday after church.

Monday, we watched our first hockey game together, the Gwinnett Gladiators taking on the South Carolina Stingrays (from Charleston). It was a great game, and reminded me a lot of the ol' Icehawks and Riverfrogs days in Broadbent. Gwinnett won 2-1 behind 41 saves from its goalie, just down from the AHL affiliate. And there were two fights.

Later that day, we watched the perennial national power Georgia Gym Dawgs (gymnastics team). It was my first non-Olympics gymnastics meet. It was also a pink out to to raise money and awareness for breast cancer.

Another action-packed weekend, I know. At least this weekend, we're only going to meet one of Kristi's former co-workers and his wife for drinks, then go to dinner with the group for Kylie's birthday.







Kristi and the Gladiators' Maximus
During intermission of the Gladiators
From left, Richard, Heidi, Nick, Kylie, me, Mike, Richard, Crystal

Kylie modeling Kristi's shirt, "You bet your dupa (butt in Polish) it's my birthday."

That is Your Child!

We watched a lot of The Cosby Show growing up and so many episodes are memorable. One line that appeared repeatedly and is still funny to me was “That is YOUR child!” Spoken by either Bill Cosby of Phylicia Rashad to the other, it was their way of declaring that whatever the child had done/said/worn at that particular moment was certainly a reflection of the OTHER parent, not themselves. Andy and I do this all the time. Even though we are both fairly outgoing, talkative people, there are certainly some major personality differences between us.

As both girls grow older and more expressive we see these behaviors coming to life. Sometimes we stand back and gasp, wondering just how often that little girl has watched mommy walk around and talk on the phone whilst wiping counters and straightening the room. Or, is it all in the DNA? It’s the old nature versus nurture debate. How many of our traits would they show automatically and how often are they putting into action what they’ve observed? For example, I don’t believe Hannah has ever seen Andy lose his temper but boy, she inherited the ability to really throw a fit! At less than a year old there is already no doubt when Hannah doesn’t want to do something. That back is arched and she screams, kicks, swings her hands, etc. I usually give Andy a coy smile as if to say “That is YOUR child!” He knows it’s true so he just shrugs and takes the mad baby to let her finish throwing her fit. Both girls have been very sensitive from day one and I have to admit responsibility for this one. How many times did Dad insist that “You girls are just too sensitive!” to Gracie and I when we were growing up?

Abigail is already a big fan of the outdoors, like both of us. Just this morning she asked me if we could plant the flowers outside yet. Hannah, despite her temper, seems to be growing into an outspoken and friendly little person. Guess we can’t deny that she’s ours! And so far, most people agree that Abigail looks like Andy and Hannah looks like me, so we’re even in that regard. There are traits that seem to be solely theirs, Abigails timid and softspoken nature didn’t come from either of us. But, as Mom would say, that’s just part of what makes each of them their ‘own little person.’ We love them so much, and watching them grow and change is all part of the fun!

My turn! Christmas 2008

It seems like Christmas was a very long time ago and here we are still posting about it! Sometimes when life throws ear infections, pulled muscles, a cough, Andy's all night shifts at work and lots of tuition bills my way I just remember, I don't have to get it all done today. In that spirit, the blog has been put off time and again since Christmas because there were more pressing concerns. Since we're all friends here I know that all of you will understand and love me anyway :-) Finally everyone is well (only 3 more days of antibiotic for Hannah) and we're trucking along, dreaming of spring. For the moment though, lets reflect on Christmas 2008, one last time:

Hot tea at the 'townhouse'

Siblings and kids...I really don't even remember Dad taking this picture!

The train exhibit at the Children's Museum

Cousins after their bath.

Giddyup horsie! Abigail wishes Uncle Keith lived closer for regular horseback rides.

Polk, Clara and Hannah. Hannah would like everyone to know that Clara is a very capable baby holder!

Christmas morning with the Bridges cousins. Hannah in the red, Gavin is to the left, McKenzie is in brown (facing Gavin) and Jacob is in the upper right corner.

Christmas morning delight! Hannah loves her octopus and the soft balls that go inside.

Christmas morning, Abby playing with her new computer (aka: compedier).

We hope everyone had as much fun this year as we did! It is always so hectic and busy, but as the kids grow, they're recognizing and remembering each other. A few days after Christmas, Abby even looked at me and said "So, how's Kristi today?" For those who might not know, we haven't yet gotten an opportunity to meet Kristi! We can't wait to meet her, of course, but this is just a clear example of how much these little people observe when we might not realize it. Almost daily Abby asks about all 8 of the cousins and we discuss what they might be doing. Family brings us so much joy and I am so pleased to see our kids joining in on the fun in their own ways.

Happy New Year!

P.S. How much longer until Ky Lake in June??? It's freezing up here!

Christmas Review and Looking Ahead in the New Year...

At long last, I am posting our favorite pictures from the holidays! Both kids have pink eye, so the three of us are home from church this morning. We had a miniature, kid-friendly, couch-style worship time (!), then we made some cinnamon/sugar pretzel twists using some of our baking tools from Keith & Kristi, and now the kids are playing with "Halseyville" (miniature town made by Mom--last picture above) while I steal some computer time.

Our trip began on Christmas morning when we piled in a very full van and drove all day to Franklin, IN to visit with Mom and Dad, Keith and the Bridges. It was great to see Mom and Dad's new house! The house is perfect for them, in great shape and uniquely decorated. I was very glad to see Mom so happy! We enjoyed yummy meals and opening presents with them over the next couple of days. As I already stated, we have all really enjoyed our special gifts from them, including all the gourmet food from Aunt Ruthie and family. I got to use my "reusable" shopping bags on Friday when we went on a trip to Aldi's (not sure how it looks to be toting bags from "Fresh Market" in Aldi's, but who says that high-end shoppers can't be budget savvy, too? :)

After an exciting visit to the Indianapolis Children's Museum on Saturday, we drove the last leg of our northward journey and arrived at Andy's parents house before dinner time (a first!). Our visit with them was wonderful as usual and the kids' have enjoyed their big present (the easel, pictured above) along with all the little ones. We were so glad to visit with all the Indiana relatives who were in town while we were there. Also during our Angola stay, we ventured out to Fort Wayne (the big city), Shipshewana (Amish country) and Andy and I enjoyed dinner out by ourselves on New Year's Eve! We also celebrated his birthday with more yummy food, some tricky candles and trying out his new GPS. Unfortunately, we didn't get much snow during our visit. We were a little disappointed, but we hear that you're making up for it now! :)

Since we've been home we have recovered from our colds (hope you have, too!), taken down all Christmas decorations, found new homes for our new toys, delivered a van load of stuff to charity and enjoyed our "normal" routine. I am still experiencing some grief-induced down times even though it's been two months since we lost Asher, but am trying to focus on the hope that God has given us.

Thanks to everyone who hosted us on our trip, showered us with gifts and food and prayed for us through the Christmas season. Even though we don't live close to our family, we cherish these visits to reconnect and see for ourselves how and what everyone is doing.

Happy New Year!

Christmas in Indiana, New Year's in Florida

Christmas and New Year's was a whirlwind for ol' Uncle Keith. First was a trip to Central Indiana with a stop off in the Derby City. The 26th was the annual get together of the Farners, Bridges and Halseys. We had plenty of food, presents, jokes, teasing, tickling, and one-liners for all of '08.

After a quick stop in Anderson to watch a little holiday prep hoops, Kristi and I headed south to Orlando for Georgia's game against Michigan State, the Capital One Bowl. We had great seats, and watched the Dawgs finish a 10-3 season with a second half surge to beat the Spartans. It was tough to stop on the way to the game for sunscreen, but you know me, always on the look out for UV-rays.

After the game, we drove about two hours south to Vero Beach where we met Kristi's dad and stepmom, Ron and Dawn, on their boat. Ron and Dawn are wintering in Vero after sailing down the coast from Annapolis, Md. since October. Dawn, who is Pennsylvania Dutch/German, cooked a traditional New Year's Day dinner of pork, dumplings and sauerkraut. The next morning, we had blueberry pancakes on the beach. It was tough, but we sucked it up and pulled through.

On the way back north, we stopped in St. Augustine at a sandwich shop (pirate pictures below) where we found out the owner is an Anderson native and Westside alumnus (70s).

All in all, a week spent with the parents, sisters, brothers-in-law, and rugrat nieces and nephews, finished off with a mini-vacation with a wonderful girlfriend is pretty much unbeatable.



In the sandwich restaurant
Kristi's best pirate impersonation. Aargh, matee!
Kristi, at a peach, pecan farm, restaurant in south Georgia, showing she's got what it takes to make it in central, northern Indiana.


At Vero Beach on Jan. 2, a breezy 70 degrees

From the upper deck of Georgia's 24-12 win over Michigan State in the Capital One Bowl at the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1 in Orlando. (67 degrees).

The New Year's Day Capital One Bowl in Orlando


Polk putting the finishing touches on a holiday spread.


Hannah and Clara playing at Polk and Pops' new house

An aerial view of Halseyville
Fresh out of the tub, the cousins gather for the paparazzi
The big girls at their own dinner table
Cousins use teamwork to fill up the bucket (belly).
A call to the wild
Santa and an elf. Gilligan, apparently
Aunt Ruthie reads a bedtime story.
AJB and Hannah getting ready for bed.
Andy and Pops discussing property taxes.

The AARPs and the grandkids.