Things That Get Me Through Winter

1) My birthday. I had a pretty nice one. I got flowers from Baleigh, a homemade cake with 37 stinkin' candles in it (that baby was putting out some heat!) from Krista and Baleigh, my own copy of a year of "Bob and Big Lou - Livin' the Dream" from my favorite sister, dinner with Dan, a basket of goodies from Mom, and dinner, a movie and a book from my friend Michelle! Pretty good haul! I felt loved :)

2) The NFL Playoffs. I love it! And I won't bore you with all the reasons that I do.

3) Boys and Girls High School Basketball. When the week is long, and cold, and dark, and boring...there's always a high school basketball game to look forward to.

4) Baleigh's Birthday! This major event always keeps me occupied for awhile. I think of and then list the options, await the decision, plan for the day, endure (oops, I mean enjoy) the day, and recover. The past 9 celebrations have been a success. I'm goin' for 10. There is quite a party planned for the landmark welcome to double-digits. Pictures and post-party comments to come.

5) The Super Bowl. It's a big day around here no matter who is playing, but this year is another SUPA Super Bowl as the Steelers try for #6. We will be watching on our 8' X 8' projection. We have an LCD projector that provides a clear, life-size image on our wall. It is awesome to watch movies with, play Wii with, and of course to watch football with. We should sell tickets.

6) Big Ten Conference and NCAA Tournaments. After the birthdays and football are over, I/we focus on college basketball. I pay a little attention in December and January. But in February and March, I am very aware of the Illini schedule and make an concerted effort to watch them play.

7) Netflix. On the cold, dark, and boring nights that there isn't any basketball to be seen (I detest the NBA), I/we will be watching movies from Netflix.

8) The Anticipation of a Snow Day. I had to add this one. We haven't really had any weather to speak of down here yet, but supposedly we could get enough sleet, ice, freezing rain, and/or snow to get Tuesday off. Watching. Waiting. Aniticpating. I will check weather.com 20 times before I go to bed Monday night :) I don't really care if we are off or not, but I like watching the weather to see if maybe... I wouldn't mind one snow day, but I don't care for school in June. Nope. It be time to play in June.

Baleigh has been having Sadie Photo Shoots lately.

Sadie tolerates it. She's quite fluffy right now.

We always refer to her as Fluffa Pup when

her hair is this long.

Have a good week everyone! Safe travels to those who have to.

Doin' Fine in 2009

Happy 2009 Peeps! Our 16-day vacation came to a screeching halt at 5:30 this morning. I cracked open one eyeball and moaned, "just one more day off..pleaaassee". Ten seconds later, I was thinking, "Am I crazy? It is high time to get back to some sort of routine here! Fat and lazy sure doesn't take long!" I am REALLY looking forward to The Biggest Loser - Year Deux. I believe details are coming soon via Lindsey or LouAnne's blog.

As much as we prepare for and enjoy the Christmas season, I think it worthy to post a few more Christmas pics for your viewing enjoyment.

Here are the amazing (say it with a lot of cheesiness like they do on the commercial) Bendarooz. Bay made Patrick, Squidward, and SpongeBob's houses on her wall with the little bendy, twisty things.

On New Year's Eve, Dan, Baleigh and I played another 50 games on Wii until our friends Jake and Bridget came over. Then we all played Apples to Apples, Foosball and....some more Wii. We watched The Ball drop at 11:00 and I called the Hoosier Kinfolk to wish them a HNY! At midnight, we brought out the traditional pots and pans and spoons to clang and tooters to toot. I am trying to remember where the pots and pans tradition came from and I know that some family member can help me out here. From my childhood, I think it came from Mom and John. Am I right Mom? What about you LouAnne? Was it tradition back in the day? Or did I make this all up? I have to admit that I am not the best at remembering stuff like this. Once someone sparks my memory, I am good to go though. Then, it's always, "Ooohhhh yeeeaaah, NOW I remember!"



It's good to have Miss Krista down here. She hung out here this weekend and I think we gave her a new appreciation of the NFL playoffs:) We are a little intense around here as most of you know. Baleigh definitely has acquired the super-competitive, sports-fanatic gene. She was even in our Fantasy Football League Playoff Draft! Dan doubted her ability to comprehend and strategize, but I assured him that she would get it once I explained it to her. She took it pretty seriously and did a pretty darn good job. I hope she wins.

Baleigh got this sweet Hannah Montana motor scooter. It is for ages 12 and up and holds up to 170 pounds!

Sunday, Krista joined us at church and spent the day hangin' with Baleigh girl. After supper, they ended up havin' GNI (Girls' Night In) at Krista's apartment. Apparently, they played Sorry! until the first morning quack of the ducks (Krista lives on a small lake that has a wonderful flock of ducks!), because Baleigh fell asleep at 7:30 tonight! Coming soon, pictures of us feeding the ducks! Sorry Bob and Rob, no guns welcome on Lake Ashley.

In an attempt to fit in with the whole NY's Resolutions thing, I have thought of a few things that should be on my list. Like Megan, I don't usually make any resolutions because I am a believer of the same saying - that NYRs are merely "Things That I Should Do, But I Know That I Won't". I try to set goals for myself year 'round. I guess my first resolution should be to actually achieve some of the goals :)

My NYRs: (in no particular order)

- Find a new church and attend it regulary

- Lift weights and jog outside routinely

- Spend more time with my extended family

- Spend more time volunteering

- Lose fat...a lot of fat

Health and Happiness to You All in 2009!

Christmas 2008

The Reason for the Season!

Kaid at the Steelers game in Nashville.

A view from the upstairs hallway. You can see Baleigh's reflection in the mirror above the fireplace ;)

I can't move my pictures again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look at that "Roll Mountain"!

We are practicing defensive schemes. Bay has her new softball helmet on. She was very disapointed that it wasn't a football helmet. She wants to play in the junior football league next year.

Kaid and Bay are rockin' out with the Wii Guitar Hero World Tour. It is sooo much fun!

This text was SUPPOSED to be at the top. I know I sound like a techno-idiot, but seriously, I am not! I told LouAnne I was going to stop blogging on Sundays because of all the crazy techno mayhem that I have experienced! And now, I have just hung up with Lindsey after venting my blogging frustrations! Thanks for listening Lindsey!

Most of this post is about fun, silliness and gifts - but we did pause to appreciate the reason for the season. Baleigh really impressed us with a very nice prayer at dinner time and she also took a picture of part of our nativity scene just for the blog.

Last weekend, Dan and Kaid scored tickets to the Steelers/Titans game in Nashville. The game had home-field advantage in the playoffs on the line and the STEELERS LOST! Never-the-less, Dan is convinced that they will win the almighty Super Bowl - the hard way, on the road.

Today, I will be... working the concession stand at the Carbondale Holiday tournament, helping Krista move down here and become my first southern Illinois kinfolk, and trying to watch as as much football as possible. So, I am going to stop typing and get busy! I will just let the rest of the pictures and videos speak for themselves. Baleigh is ready for show business.




Christmas Eve at the Koesters - pretty funny stuff.


I don't know. I found this video on the camera and laughed so hard I cried. There is no doubt, Bay has quite a sense of humor for which I can take no credit for.

AND LASTLY, please take note of the new poll question! Not much participation in the last one - come on peeps! 2 of the votes came from MY house! :)

Fun Stuff!

Things we've been enjoying...

1-The Lights Fantastic Parade!

We were pretty impressed!

Here's a little diddy sung to the tune of "Let it Snow".

The weather wasn't very frightful,

And the lights they were delightful!

We'd never seen quite a show,

Let 'em glow, let 'em glow, let 'em glow!

Even though we walked kinda far

We ended up findin' the car.

After reindeer led Santa in,

We knew the parade was near the end.

Oh the bands they were a-marchin'

And the floats they were a-sparkin'

The lights were all down the road

Let 'em glow, let 'em glow, let' em glow!

Let 'em glow, let 'em glow, let 'em glow!

The pictures aren't the greatest because I forgot the

camera and had to use my cell phone.

2 - The John A. Logan College Regional Counselors update conference. I won an iPod Nano!!! - a pretty blue one! You rock JALC!

3 - The CCHS guidance department ornament exchange Christmas party - fun with my new department peeps at Houlihan's.

4 - Playing our Wii! I can't tell you how many hours Dan, Kaid and I played Wii this weekend! I was doing laundry and Christmas cards between games though - fold, switch loads, sign a few, Wii it up...balance, juggle, Wii it up...Wii..Wii...Wii...all the way 'til morn!

Dan and Kaid boxing in their jammies :)

5 - Steelers, Cowboys and Colts all won! My three favs! Okay, I'm a little partial to the Jets too now that they have Brett.

And one thing that I'm NOT enjoying is the threat of a snow day tomorrow!

NOOOOO! NOT BEFORE CHRISTMAS!! These are the fun days and the easy days to get

through! Snow days are for AFTER Christmas - during the LOOONNGG semester, when the dreary grey and brown scenery is starting to wear on people...you know what I mean??? Of course you do! So, may the sky dryeth up and the sun cometh out I say!

And lastly my friends and family, I leave you with the new addition to my blog...A poll question!

Maybe you saw it already, but if not, please see the top right corner of my blog!

See you all this weekend!!

Some Turkey and Some Southern Snow help to make the season bright

Let's talk turkey, eh? Thanksgiving is over you say? Well, I'm talking a different kind of turkey...the Mediacom TURKEYS that owe us some service gol darnit! We have had more service issues that I can shake a stick at! (How'd you like that saying Mom? :)
Because of THOSE turkeys, I was unable to participate in the post Thansgiving blogging. So, since you have all read the other family members Turkey blogs, I just have one thing to contribute and that is a picture of some of the place cards that Lindsey asked Baleigh to make for our Thursday dinner. Also pictured is the only winning lottery ticket at the table - Baleigh's!









Onward..we awoke to a surprising snow-splattered scene on Sunday morning. Baleigh promptly bundled up and made her first snowman of the winter. I scurried out in my slippers to capture the first, and possibly the only, Southern Illinois Snowman of the season. As we drove to church, there was nary a snowman to be found! Maybe peeps down here aren't as active in the snow as the Central Illinoisans, or maybe they were all just still sleeping! It was 7:00 am or bust I tell ya! Look! Her eyes are still puffy!

















Here is a picture of Bay and Puppa Sade before church (and after snow fun).










Monday night was the Giant City School Christmas Program. It was quite a production! The fourth graders got to play their recorders after they sang a few numbers! Ahhh... the good ol' recorder. I remember it well. I was in Brownsburg, IN when I learned the recorder in fourth grade. Although the sound of the recorder leaves a little to be desired, I thought these kids did a pretty good job of staying together and hitting the right notes. Enjoy the vid!












Have a great rest of the week!

Let us give Thanks

Well, I can't lie, I am really looking forward to the 2-day work week coming up. I have never had the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off! I'm also really looking forward to family, food and Friday! Black Friday that is...great deals, long lines. Patience and perseverance required. This year, Miss Baleigh gets to make the trip out to the early morning frenzy. She is really pumped! As soon as we get some Starbucks hot chocolate in her, she'll be good to go. I did warn her that it will be dark and people will be psychotic:)

Here is what we do in the evenings in the winter - Dance Dance Revolution. It's great exercise and it's fun. We will be graduating up to Wii Fit this winter! WooHoo! I have heard that it is really cool. It weighs you everyday, does your BMI, and graphs it all! It has yoga, strength training, aerobics, and balance games. Cool stuff.

On Friday, the Powder Puff Victory video and pictures finally appeared on our school's website. The video begins with the juniors vs seniors game with the faculty vs seniors game following. It may bore some of you to tears, but the pictures depict the fun AND the seriousness of the competition. Good times peeps, good times. Here is the link http://www.cchs165.jacksn.k12.il.us/

Saturday night, I got to hang with 3 of my classmate buddies. Kathy, friend since first grade, hosted the gathering at her house. She just had her third child, A.J., last April. He is soooo sweet. He pretty much provided the entertainment for the evening. We had a great time, catching up and laughing at the past.

Now, let me be sappy for a minute as we prepare for our great Thanksgiving feastssss, let us all remember and be grateful for the many blessings in our lives. Number one on my list of thanks, is that my family and I remain healthy and safe. We have been very blessed and I pray for us to continue to travel safely and remain healthy - happiness is up to ya'll:)

I look forward to the memorable moments with the fam over the holidays.

Have a very happy Thanksgiving everyone! I love you!

PPuff Power!

I apologize again for having technical difficulties! I have had a horrible time coordinating my pictures with my text. Although you may not find it as enjoyable, somewhere in here there are pictures to go along with my text. I even called two of our bloggers to get technical support today because I am so tired of this battle. I am declaring this the last time that I blog on my laptop. This HAS to be the prob!

This may sound crazy to some of you, but I had one of the best times of my life last Thursday! I got to play on the Faculty Powder Puff team! It totally ROCKED! It was straight outta "Friday Night Lights", "Remember the Titans", We Are Marshall", oh, I could go on people! And, lucky for you, it was filmed. I will add the link as soon as the video is downloaded onto our school website. There will also be action photos for your viewing pleasure. I will be available for autographs after Thanksgiving dinner :) Dan coached us to the victory over the senior girls, who were quite vicious! They were sooooo mad that they were losing to us, that they pulled out all the stops, including wrapping their flags so that we couldn't pull them! Luckily, one of our math teachers saw them doing it and told the officials. Those dirty dogs , pun intended (it was muddy and we're all the TERRIERS - haha!!), were penalized for that little charade. Anyway, I think one of the reasons I had so much fun was because I got to meet and bond with some women that I will probably be friends with forever. The victory was a true team effort and I was fortunate enough to be the quarterback. What a blast! The ages of our teammates ranged from 24 to 56! The 56-yr-old played EVERY down!

Here is a cell phone pic of my friend Michelle and me celebrating with the team at Buffalo Wild Wings after the game. Michelle is our team captain! After our victory and some confidence-building, celebratory beers, we made plans for our faculty basketball, volleyball, and softball teams. Bring it on girls! LOL! It's all fun 'til someone gets hurt :)

On to other "sports", Baleigh bought some Heely's and within 3 days she became a master. She has been wanting them since early summer. We found them at the Foot Locker Wednesday night. The first night she had them, she could skate about a foot at a time. Now, she can go the length of of our driveway and down to the neighbor's house.

As we prepare for The Great Thanksgiving, it's difficult to ignore the Christmas decorations popping up in the stores. Baleigh has been slowly dragging out some of our decor. This is the Christmas therapeutic box, much like Lindsey's sand box she used to have on her coffee table at her apartment on the canal.

Here are Baleigh and Sadie passed out in our bed. I found them this way last Sunday night and had to capture the moment.

Lastly, Baleigh and I got to hang out with Krista Friday afternoon! Krista and I went on a tour of John A. Logan College and then we picked Bay up from school and went to O'Charley's for supper. Krista really liked JALC and may be transferring down here next semester!

Have a great week everyone!