Merry Christmas - From Ours to Yours

This year we've really enjoyed the holidays to the fullest. We were beaming with pride while Colin performed his first church Christmas musical singing "Jingle Jingle Happy Bells". Cannon's preschool also put on a musical called Christmas Around the World and Cannon's class represented Japan singing "Away in the Manger" wearing their cute hats and rocking baby Jesus in their arms. We enjoyed Christmas Eve candlelight service and when Pastor Mark asked who was the baby in the manger, Cannon loudly proclaimed "BABY JESUS". It was adorable. He also enjoyed the candles... again, boys and fire! Grandma and Pop Pop were here for a few days and the kids thoroughly enjoyed torturing Pop Pop with light sabers, drum sticks, etc! For Christmas, I think we have successfully attained just about every new techno gadget on the market. Grandma Ruby got a Wii and has already beaten Rob in a game of bowling. I got a new blackberry and a new Nikon SLR digital camera. I have already started to learn so much about how to use it and I can't wipe the smile off my face. I've wanted one of these for years. Rob got a Nano and has probably already spent his $45 in iTunes gift cards filling it up! Chance got a Radio Flyer Liberty ride on spring mounted horse and an mp3 player. He loves horses and he loves videos, so he's tickled. Cannon got spy gear so he can do secret missions and a Smart Cycle to stay active over the long winter. Colin got a puppet theater and puppets to put on some shows for us. Oh, and Santa brought The Brothers Three a new 4-wheeler that was a big hit. The Brothers Three is a series of bedtime stories that Rob started telling the kids and somehow I got roped into doing too. It's a bunch of stories that we make up as we go about three brothers on adventures! It was a relaxing couple of days topped off by probably the best meal I've ever eaten. And based on the "mmmmmms" and "oh wows" I heard during dinner, I think it was well received. Mom brought a whole filet and I used Aunt Mar's recipe with lots of olive oil and garlic! I really do love Christmas!

25 Years of Service - Happy Retirement Mom!

Well hallelujah, the day has finally come. Mom retired after 25 years at Johns Hopkins University in the Molecular Biology and Genetics department. I have to say, I'll miss the personal link to the latest science, being the mom of a special needs child with a genetic condition, but alas, I guess I'll have to let it go, since Mom certainly deserves her retirement.
The department threw her a beautifully orchestrated retirement party with lots of food, drink and people. It was a wonderfully special day for Mom and I was so glad to be there to share in her joy. I'm so proud of her.
It was a especially nice that so many of our family was able to be there, except for poor Dad who had the stomach flu and wasn't able to come. He had a date with the toilet! Aunt Dar showed up unannounced on Thursday night and was welcomed with tears from Mom and Grams. And then Chip surprised Mom by showing up at JHU for the party.
After all the partying and presents, we headed back to Mom's to visit for a bit before heading home.

Horses With Hearts Awards Banquet 2008

Last night Chance, and all the other riders in Horses With Hearts, were recognized for their accomplishments. It was a wonderful evening, celebrating diversity and volunteerism. We had a fantastic dinner and enjoyed watching each child and adult with special needs accept their trophees and share in their excitement. Chance was particularly proud and just couldn't wait to get up on stage. I couldn't believe it. I thought he'd be resistant, but he just about ran up to the stairs of the stage, calmly walked up and accepted his trophee. I wasn't sure if he was going to throw it in excitement or not, so I kept a close hand, but he did great. I prompted him to say thank you in sign language and I thought maybe he would use his device to say something into the microphone to the audience, but instead, he leaned into the microphone and let out a huge cheerful squeal! It was super funny and the crowd erupted in cheer and clapping. What a special moment. I've already put up a shelf in Chance's room for his trophee and I have big plans for redecorating his room with all horse stuff. He just loves the horses and is so proud to be a part of it!

Horses With Hearts has over 40 volunteers and a faith-centered vision. It was truly a pleasure for all of us to watch Chance ride each week and he was so proud. He just loves the horses and the people and I know each year he will continue to be blessed by this wonderful program. Visit their website for more information http://www.horseswithhearts.com/

Thanksgiving with the Fam!

What a joy it was to have the whole family here for Thanksgiving. Chip was able to make the trip over from Delaware with Keegan and Ellie. Plus Mom, Dad, Aunt Deb, Uncle Jeff, Joey, and of course our troop and Grandma Ruby were all here. It was a blast. We spent Thursday playing outside until dinner. The kids had tons of fun riding the electric motorcycle and jeep. The grown ups lounged around until turkey time. On Friday we made a trip down to Fun Express in Winchester and enjoyed the rock wall, bowling, lazer tag, mini golf, video games, soft play and pizza. What more could any kid ask for!? I was sad to see them go on Friday night, but we kept busy on Saturday and Sunday decorating for Christmas! One holiday down, one on the way! I love this time of year!