Book Binge

Winnie is loving books by Sharon Draper. She couldn't put this one down.

Fun in Findlay

We headed north on Friday since the kids didn't have school. Thank you to Grandma Jo for going with us to the Children's Museum in Findlay and for lunch at Cheddar's.

Book Fair

The joy of a Scholastic book fair at school! It was important to Emerson that both Seth and I shop with him. It came as no surprise that he chose truck books.

Medals in Coshocton

Last week's tournament in Coshocton included one win and MEDALS! 

John L. Parsell

 

I would like to honor John’s love for God, family, and life.

John was part of my life for nearly 30 years. If I had a soundtrack from my teenage years, you would surely make out John’s booming voice in our church choir.

He was there to repair my first cars, help with home improvements, and celebrate my graduations from high school and college, even hosting one of them.

He loved learning and trying new things. We enjoyed going to library book sales together, especially on the last day when they practically paid us to take the books away. 

John was a good storyteller, too. His stories of special times with his boys fueled my desire to be a good parent, too.

It can be easy to do good during good times, but he showed me that doing good during hard times is what really counts. John remained faith-filled during his health battle. He was there during my most trying time. I remember his eyes were filled with tears as we set out in a moving truck, leaving behind the life I had known. He took a deep breath, steadied his hands on the steering wheel, and I remember feeling everything was going to be okay. He and Jo graciously helped me restart my life even though their hearts were hurting, too.

The two of them were there for so many activities with the girls. Grandpa made them special wooden pieces. Their favorite times with him included making big breakfasts, explaining his tools, watching the news in the basement, showing them his garden, watching Popeye and baking/cooking shows, and celebrating Christmas. My girls are so lucky to have had such a committed and fun Grandpa. 

John and Jo were there to help care for the girls. He welcomed Seth as a family member. When Emerson came along, it’s no surprise that he wanted him to just call him Grandpa, too. John enjoyed gifting Emerson with boy toys including a John Deere farm set.

I am so glad we had John in our lives and that the girls and I got to tell him goodbye. 

Matthew 5:12 - Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...

Monster Truck Wars

Thank you to Grandpa for taking Emerson to the Monster Truck Wars at the Marion Coliseum. He loved it!

Movie Cuddles

We have been on an "Encanto" kick.

Winter Choir Concert

I enjoyed watching Kit's 7th grade and Acapella choirs perform. She was encouraging of her peers who had solos.

Basement Play

Our basement play this winter has centered around hockey, dance, and gymnastics.

Berlin HS Dance

Doc and Winnie went to their last Daddy/Daughter Dance at Berlin High School with the Lubben's. Winnie picked out a new dress and shoes that suit her perfectly.

Cincinnati Volleyball Tournament

Kit and I had a fun time in Cincinnati for the Presidents' Day Cup. Her regional team took on challenging American teams. They pulled out one win at the end against Advancement Academy East (making the drive home a little happier!).

A Gift from Winnie

Winnie gave Emerson special pictures for his room.

Double-Pierced

Kit used birthday money to get her ears double-pierced. Kenley, Winnie, and I laughed at her "La la la la la" reaction to the pain. Definitely easier than the first time!

Valentine's Day

As is his tradition, Doc/dad gave Valentine goodies to all of us. Emerson was thrilled with his first school Valentine's Day party and said that his classmates love him. Winnie's party is on Thursday. The biggest surprise was that Winnie filled a gift basket for Kit :)

Celebrating Brodie & Baker

The boys (Seth, Emerson & Tego) and I had fun celebrating Brodie's seventh and Baker's third birthdays!

Valentine's Day Box

Winnie independently whipped up her final school Valentine's Day box, modeling it after JiJi of ST Math. 

Disney on Ice

We had the joy of taking Emerson to Disney on Ice Sunday. Supplied with Dollar Tree glow toys, Emerson raised his sword high at the end of every song. 

Newark Volleyball Tournament

Kit's club volleyball team, Emerald 13, did great at their first tournament in Newark on Saturday. Her dad took her and said she did great. She is playing the position of Libero and serving strong. They went 2-1 in pool play and made it to the gold bracket.

Level Three in Delaware

Thursday and Friday were snow days for the kids! These pictures were from early Thursday, after hours of freezing rain but before the bulk of the snow. 

My Friday flight to Florida was cancelled, and I wasn't able to make the celebration of Uncle Bob's life. On Sunday, I got to connect virtually with family gathered at the beach, releasing lanterns in his honor.

Make It Monday: Mini Library

Make it Monday but on a Sunday! We made a mini library, similar to the one at our neighborhood playground.