Life with The Howards

Young's Dairy

2010-04-22T20:27:00.003-05:00

If you've never been to Young's Dairy and you live within an hour's drive (Springfield/Yellow Springs, OH area)---you are deprived! MAKE PLANS to go there. It's an awesome family-owned dairy complete with goats, chickens & milking cows. They have delicious, made-on premises ice cream...YUM!!

My favorite part of the dairy, however, is the Golden Jersey Restaurant. They serve home-cooking....don't go if you're sticking to your diet! :-)

On a recent trip home from Cincinnati (for baseball), we stopped at the dairy. I love this picture of the girls...

Spring Sports

2010-04-22T20:22:00.003-05:00

As usual, sports dominate the Howard Family. We LOVE it that way. No complaints. This spring, Libby pretty much demanded that she get a shot at being on a team. A four year old girl was never so excited to get a uniform, go to practice & play in a real game. She has been a great listener at practice and a hard worker during games. We are really proud of our little soccer player!

Happy Spring & Happy Easter

2010-04-06T17:17:00.003-05:00

Seems there is no time for blogging these days....or everything has just gone over to facebook. Nevertheless, I still like to document things here.

Happy New Year 2010!

2010-01-06T17:48:00.002-05:00

Welcome 2010! Time is going entirely too fast, kids are growing up way too fast, years are flying by......Time Please slow down just a bit....

Happy New Year to all of our friends & family!

Love, The Howards

November is a blur...

2009-12-07T20:17:00.004-05:00

The past few months, actually, are a blur of hockey practice, hockey games, jewelry parties, show choir practice, playdates & lots of fun times!

One of the more monumental occasions happened over the Thanksgiving break. After a full day of binge-eating @ the Adams Family home (Mike's sister Judy)...Grant's hockey team played in the CCYHA Thanksgiving Tournament. The championship game was played at Nationwide Arena on the ice where the NHL Blue Jackets play their games. It was exciting enough to dress in the locker rooms, and to take the ice for warm ups. They topped the weekend with a WIN in the Championship game! Congrats!

A Field Trip for Libby

2009-10-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

Last Tuesday, Libby had a field trip with her preschool class. We went to the Columbus Zoo. She was so excited for the trip! The weather was chilly but the animals were very active. Libby had a great day with all of her friends!

Pumpkin Picking

2009-10-19T17:00:00.002-05:00

Last Sunday, October 11th, we packed up the family & headed to Lehner's Pumpkin Farm in Waldo, OH. This was our 2nd year in a row for this farm. It's a laid-back place where you can relax & have fun. We picked some great pumpkins, took a hay ride and had lunch. Most of all, we enjoyed family time without the normal distractions of our busy life!

Grant turns 13

2009-10-18T17:57:00.004-05:00

Grant turned 13 this September. This fall has been more chaotic than most. Between trying to juggle three school schedules, practice schedules for hockey, football & cheer--I forgot to document this momentuous occasion.

The day Grant was born was undoubtedly one of the happiest of our lives. It was Friday, the 13th. The doctor even asked if we wanted to "wait" for the 14th to arrive before he was delivered via c-section. It was 11:45 PM when he came into this world. We knew from then on that Friday, the 13th was a lucky day for this family.

Grant, We Love You & Hope that your 13th year is wonderful in every way!

School Begins

2009-08-30T10:19:00.007-05:00

I was sad to see summer come to an end this week....

We started school on Wednesday. Grant started 7th grade @ Bunsold Middle School and Shelby started 5th grade @ Creekview Intermediate. Libby will start preschool in two more weeks! It was a crazy busy week with new schools, new schedules & new "wake up" times! :-) Everyone survived and I think we've gotten into a routine. Grant is playing middle school football and hockey this year. Its pretty hectic right now but he's really enjoying the chance to play football with his friends from school. He had his first hockey game of the season this weekend as well. As usual, he is making us proud on the field (or ice)!

Everyone leaves the house at different times this year...so I didn't get a chance to take the standard 1st Day of School pictures...but here are some from Friday night when the kids were getting ready to go to the 1st High School football game of the year.

Happy 10th Birthday Shelby

2009-08-23T12:47:00.013-05:00

Saturday was Shelby's 10th birthday. Where, or where do the years go? Seems like just yesterday we were anxiously awaiting her birth, Grant was "almost 3" and Libby wasn't even a thought.

Shelby has grown up so much this past year. She is excited about starting Intermediate School this week & she loves cheerleading! I can only imagine the wonderful things that are in her future!

We love you & are so proud of you Shelby...our sweet, caring, kind, beautiful middle child!

Shelby with Libby at her birthday party

Happy 4th Birthday Libby!

2009-06-24T20:27:00.003-05:00

It's hard to believe that she is 4 years old. She is such a sweet girl in every way & truly the light of our lives. It's really sad for our "baby" to grow up....but we've enjoyed every minute of these past four years! We LOVE you Libby!

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

My Champion

2009-06-24T20:20:00.002-05:00

Grant's baseball team is AMAZING! I know I've said it in previous posts....but seriously, this team is unbelievable! This past weekend they won the USSSA AAA 12U State Championships. This is a BACK 2 BACK State Title for 5 of these boys. Amazing! Grant pitched on Friday night, 6 innings, allowing only 1 Hit! Great Job Grant and Coach Mike!

Wow....

2009-05-13T16:06:00.005-05:00

In an effort to NOT top Mike's running accomplishments--I've been holding off on Grant's.

His baseball team is off to a superb start this season. After 21 games, their record is:

20-0-1 (including 2 Tournament Championships!)

WOW is really all I can say about this awesome group of boys. They are all funny, smart & talented kids and they also have amazing families. I'm sure most people think we're nuts....with the schedules we keep, but we wouldn't have it any other way! Congratulations to our Super Team! :=)

Cap City Half Marathon

2009-05-02T12:11:00.007-05:00

Mike ran the Cap City Half Marathon this morning in downtown Columbus. What an accomplishment! If you know our family @ all---you know what an amazing transformation Mike has made over the last 18 months. There are not words to describe how proud we all are of him.

Congratulations Mike!

Congrats to our neighbors & friends who also ran (Brian, Eric, Kevin & Matt)!!

Shelby's DI Trip to Japan

2009-03-18T13:04:00.002-05:00

Shelby was lucky enough to participate in DI (Destination Imagination) again this year. Her team & her fabulous coach (Miss Brown) worked very hard for several months on their challenge. Their competition was 2 weeks ago in Delaware, OH. They placed 4th overall...which is a HUGE achievement!

We are so proud of you Shelby!

Hockey Over?

2009-03-18T12:56:00.004-05:00

Grant finished up his hockey season this past weekend in Nashville, TN at the Country & Western Showdown. His team had a fantastic season...with WAY more wins than losses. They were 1st place in 3 tournaments (including the one this weekend), 2nd in another. They tied for 1st in the league & won the league year end tournament.

Congratulations Grant!

Now...on to baseball!

Buckeye Cruise for Cancer 2009

2009-02-23T12:03:00.008-05:00

Mike & I had the pleasure of going on the Buckeye Cruise for Cancer in February. We went with our great friends, Lance & Karla. It was an AMAZING time for a great cause. The men were star-struck the entire team & were smiling non-stop as they rubbed elbows with all the Buckeye greats! The gals were just happy to keep a drink in hand & soak up the sun! We stopped in Key West, FL & Cozumel, Mexico. Mike & I visited the Mayan Ruins @ Tulum during our stop in Cozumel. WOW! That was beautiful & very educational.

Picture Pages

2009-02-04T16:11:00.003-05:00

A blog buddy tagged me for a photo meme. Like her, and many moms, I too have a mazillion photos. But here's the one and the rules.

1. Go to the the 4th folder where you keep your pictures on your computer.

2. Post the 4th picture in the folder.

3. Explain the photo.

4. Tag 4 fellow bloggers to join in the fun!

This is Mike running in a 5K this past August!

Fellow Bloggers being tagged are:

Brad & Angie, Lori, & Jaime. (can't come up w/4 who haven't already done it)

Merry Christmas 2008

2008-12-24T10:54:00.002-05:00

Merry Christmas to All!

I've never been one to write a "Christmas letter"...while I really do enjoy reading other people's when they arrive in the mail! We've had a wonderfully blessed 2008. Our three children are healthy, active & successful in just about everything they do.

Thank you to all our family & friends who have touched our lives this year!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

See you in 2009,
The Howard's

Conversations with a 3 1/2 year old

2008-12-12T08:50:00.004-05:00

Libby: (yelling) "Mom, I need to show you something"
Me: "What is it Libby?"
Libby: "My baby, her mouth, look"

I look. The baby's mouth. Has pepperoni in it.

Me: "Libby why did you put pepperoni in your baby's mouth?"
Libby: "Mom, she was really hungry"

Congratulations...Again!

2008-12-02T10:45:00.003-05:00

Grant's hockey team is on a bit of a roll. They won the Pittsburgh Vipers Thanksgiving Tournament this past weekend. Congrats!

Oh how I long for these days...

2008-11-24T12:24:00.002-05:00

On a cold, rainy day when it's 33 degrees...just barely hovering above freezing--I long for this day again!

Halloween 2008

2008-11-05T12:52:00.006-05:00

Congrats Caps!

2008-10-26T17:43:00.003-05:00

Grant's hockey team, Columbus Capitals, won the Rock-n-Roll Cup in Cleveland OH this weekend! Congrats Grant!

Ahoy Cap'n!

2008-10-23T18:47:00.011-05:00

to err is human, to "Arrrrr" is Pirate!

Autumn Days

2008-10-05T09:47:00.008-05:00

"For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad."- Edwin Way Teale

The Wrath of IKE

2008-09-21T08:47:00.006-05:00

Really....who would believe that the remnants of a HURRICANE that hit South Texas would find it's way to the midwest and Ohio?? After last Sunday & the week that followed...I am a believer. Sunday afternoon delivered Ike to us with a bang. We experienced sustained 70+ MPH winds for about 6 hours. The girls & I drove home from Dublin watching in disbelief as trees were snapped & I had a death-grip on the steering wheel. When we arrived home, we found a home without power and minus some siding. We spent the next few hours watching our neighbors homes lose various pieces, parts, trees, etc. We joyfully ordered a pizza as the power did not return.

As day became night, it became obvious that DP&L had bigger & better things to fix...so we scrambled for flashlights & candles and warned the kids about opening the fridge. When the next morning brought more of the same, it became apparent that this might be something we were going to live with for a while.

Four days later, our power was restored. All-in-all, life without power was a small "inconvenience". We got just a small taste of what the people in Texas & Louisiana are still living thru and our hearts & prayers go out to them. We were blessed with friends who opened their homes for laundry, lights & Sunday night football!! We were creative in cooking on the grill and we gave the fridge a much needed cleaning!

May we remember to always help our neighbors in need and be thankful for what we have. I think the kids will remember this week for a long time to come...

Happy 12th Birthday Grant!

2008-09-14T10:15:00.004-05:00

Grant chose to have a birthday lunch @ House of Japan....so, that's what we did yesterday. It is so hard to believe that you are turning 12 today. It really seems like just yesterday when we brought you home from the hospital. Wow....from 6lbs 12 oz to 5'2" & strong.

We love you and are so proud of you Grant!

Happy 9th Birthday Shelby!

2008-08-24T19:54:00.003-05:00

We love you!

Vacation in the Smokies 2008

2008-08-24T19:26:00.017-05:00

We took a vacation to the Smoky Mountains a few weeks ago. We had a great week together as a family. We did many "touristy" things like Dollywood, Dollywood's Splash Country, Miniature Golfing, Outlet Mall Shopping, Go-Kart driving, etc. We also enjoyed a dinner theater one night.

My favorite day was the one we spent hiking in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. We started small with a 1 mile (round trip) hike to Clingman's Dome just to see how Libby would do. She surprisingly walked a lot...but her Dad also carried her on his shoulders alot. The view from the top was magnificent. You are practically standing on the state line between North Carolina & Tennessee and can see for miles & miles.

After that, we decided to do the 2.5 mile hike to Laurel Falls. We soon found that if we kept Libby "talking" or "singing", she really didn't mind the hiking. When we reached the falls, we took off our shoes & cooled off in the water. On the way back down the trail, we met a park ranger who informed us that there was a BEAR with 3 cubs right down the hill from the trail. They were keeping a close eye on them. We didn't get to see those bears (Whew!)...but we did see some more when we were driving to Cades Cove later in the day.

Lady of Lourdes Family Fun Fest 5K

2008-08-09T22:43:00.006-05:00

Mike ran his first 5K last night. He ran in the Lady of Lourdes Family FunFest 5K in Marysville.

The kids & I were race volunteers. Grant was a course marshal (leading the runners & bringing up the rear on a bike), Shelby was a course marshal (pointing the way), and Libby & I passed out water.

We are so proud of you Mike! What a milestone!

A Dream Season

2008-07-22T09:11:00.005-05:00

Grant's baseball team traveled to Kingsport, TN last week to play in the USSSA 11U AA World Series. The team went 7-1 for the week. The only loss dropped them into the loser's bracket on Saturday in the semi-finals. The loss created a challenging road---where they had to play out of the loser's bracket to win the tournament. The team stepped up the challenge! Grant pitched the final game to get the win. What an incredible season it's been....full of memories that will last forever!

We are so proud of you Grant!!

A local TN newspaper even picked up on the story. Here's the link (not sure how long it will stay active): TN Newspaper Article

Looks can be deceiving

2008-07-10T10:10:00.004-05:00

This is Libby & her friend "Charlie".

They look so sweet in this picture---don't they?

One would never guess that their Mom's spend an inordinate amount of time making sure they don't inflict serious bodily harm to each other!

Happy 3rd Birthday Libby!

2008-06-29T21:21:00.005-05:00

Libby celebrated her 3rd birthday last Sunday. She enjoyed opening her presents with Mom, Dad, Grant & Shelby in the morning. In the afternoon, she shared a BIG cookie with all of Grant's baseball team. I am pretty sure she thought all of those people had really gathered for her birthday (and not the state tournament). SHHH!!! Don't tell her!

We are amazed by what a grown-up girl she has become. She is the joy of all of our lives and she keeps us smiling & laughing everyday. It seems like just yesterday we brought her home from the hospital....now she's potty-trained, talks like a 16 year old & pretty much tells Grant & Shelby what to do & how to do it!

We love you Libby!!

State Champs!

2008-06-25T16:10:00.005-05:00

Grant's baseball team won the Ohio State Championships this past weekend in Bowling Green. Posing with the HUGE trophy are the very happy boy & his too proud for words Dad!!

Grant also hit one over the fence this weekend. Here's the homerun ball!

A Glimpse of Summer

2008-06-03T15:14:00.005-05:00

Yesterday delivered 80+ degree temperatures & some real heat. The sunny skies made it easy to dig Libby's little pool out of the basement. Surprisingly, it survived the winter and she still enjoyed playing in it.

A Night at the Drive-In

2008-06-03T15:03:00.006-05:00

This past Saturday, we took our kids on a trip back in time. We hit the nearest drive-in movie theater (click here to search for one near you) to see Indiana Jones' latest adventure. They thought it was pretty cool to pack up Dad's truck with blankets, pillows & snacks for a movie. Everyone enjoyed it. Libby & Shelby fell asleep before the 1st show ended & Mom and Dad were too tired to stay for the 2nd feature. Maybe next time...

Lots of Reasons to be Proud

2008-05-31T14:03:00.007-05:00

Shelby gives us lots & lots of reasons to be proud of her!

This past week, she received an awesome award at school. She was chosen as one of only four students in her entire school to receive a "Character Award" for the school year. She was chosen because she consistently represents core values like:

Honesty

Responsibility

Respect

Caring

Congratulations Shelby!

Here's a picture of her ready for last night's softball game. Her team is doing awesome & last night, she hit a double!

We Love Spring

2008-04-26T13:10:00.007-05:00

Spring in Ohio is tempermental. One day it's 80 & feels like summer, the next it's back to a high of 49! WHAT?

So...Libby & I are enjoying each warm day when we can. This past week, we took a trip to the Columbus Zoo. She really likes the pink flamingos & the grizzly bears. We also did some yard work and enjoyed getting dirty!

2008 Baseball Season

2008-04-26T13:06:00.004-05:00

The 2008 season started for Grant on April 9th. They had a decisive win over a rival UA team that night.

Unfortunately for Grant, the next outing (an Indiana tournament) brought an injury. Grant is nursing a fractured navicular bone in his right hand. A trip to the ortho will bring more details...

Western Caribbean Cruise

2008-04-14T20:47:00.017-05:00

Mike & I embarked on a five day western Caribbean cruise at the end of March. We stopped in Jamaica & Grand Cayman.

Most interesting was the journey to Bob Marley's birth & burial sites. We had a personal tour thru rural Jamaica for the 1 1/2 hour trip on a one-lane road up a mountain. When we arrived, we were entertained by a very unique "singing" tour guide who showed us the house where Bob Marley was born, led us up "Mt Zion" to the 2 room house where he wrote much of his music, and into the mausoleum where he was laid to rest.

In Grand Cayman, we enjoyed shopping and the beautiful Seven Mile Beach. I do not typically enjoy the ocean...but I could have stayed there forever!!

On the ship, we enjoyed the pool, five course meals and spending time with good friends!

Spring Break 2008

2008-04-14T20:22:00.012-05:00

So....Spring Break this year meant different things to different people in our family.

Mike & Gina were cruising with friends in the Western Caribbean for 5 beautiful days

While, Grant, Shelby & Libby made some unforgettable memories with Grandaddy & Gracie at home.

THANKS to the grandparents for giving us peace of mind for that week away!

Happy Easter 2008!

2008-03-23T18:48:00.001-05:00

In Like a Lion, Out Like A Lamb

2008-03-09T10:11:00.019-05:00

March roars in like a lion so fierce,the wind so cold, it seems to pierce.
The month rolls on and Spring draws near,and March goes out like a lamb so dear.

17.7 inches of
snow
I Wonder if they'll
remember the Blizzard of 08'?

Disney Princess Classics

2008-02-25T20:32:00.004-05:00

We took Libby to see Disney's Princess Classics on Ice last week. She LOVED seeing the princesses, mostly her

favorite-Ariel!

A Night as a RockStar

2008-01-12T11:39:00.000-05:00

Shelby spent last night living the life of a RockStar! Several months ago, we entered her & Grant in a contest at Tim Horton's. Just before Christmas, we got a call that Shelby had won! She was the "Tim Horton's Stick Kid of the Game" @ a Blue Jackets game.

Here's what she won!

A Team Jersey, A SIGNED stick, she sat on the bench during team warm-ups, and rode the Zamboni during the 2nd intermission. WOW!

She even got to high-five Jason Chimera #25!! She must have brought him some good luck....because CBJ won 6-4 over the St Louis Blues! Way to Go Shelby!!

Favorite Holiday Moments

2008-01-02T14:32:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful holiday. The Howard family visited with us on Dec 23rd and that was great! The Smart family (a.k.a. Gina's family) came to stay on New Year's Eve. It is so much fun to have the kids be with their cousins (old & young). I wish we lived closer so they could experience it more.

In between the visits, we travelled to Hamilton & Brantford, Ontario for the Wayne Gretzky International Hockey tournament. It was a fun experience to travel to Canada...but I was glad to be back in the USA.

Here are some photos from Christmas & New Year's!

Merry Christmas 2007!

2007-12-25T17:03:00.000-05:00

A Big Girl Haircut

2007-12-19T13:32:00.001-05:00

Libby got her first all-over haircut last night. We trimmed the bangs and about an inch off the back. She was so-o-o-o-o excited to get her haircut by Mrs. Haynes!

Winter Wonderland

2007-12-07T22:54:00.001-05:00

Visions of Sugar Plums danced...

2007-12-04T20:39:00.001-05:00

The tree is up! The candy is plenty...

We had to move the dish within 30 minutes of this picture!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-23T19:23:00.001-05:00

An Apple A Day

2007-11-17T11:19:00.000-05:00

An apple a day keeps the doctor away

Apple in the morning - Doctor's warning

Roast apple at night - starves the doctor outright

Eat an apple going to bed - knock the doctor on the head

Three each day, seven days a week - ruddy apple, ruddy cheek

My kids just don't eat that healthy...I'll admit, it's my fault. This morning I decided to add some nutrition to the otherwise lacking waffles!

When the Howard's are presented with Banana, Apple, Cinnamon Waffles the result:

1 Husband="Delicious"

1 Son=Loves them...Until he finds out the ingredients. Immediately stops eating.

1 Daughter=One bite. "Something tastes funny". No more bites.

1 Daughter="These are good!!"

Happy Halloween

2007-11-02T22:22:00.000-05:00

A Ladybug, A Gothic Princess & Michael Myers....quite a combination

O-H-I-O

2007-09-24T15:58:00.000-05:00

Go Bucks!

2007-09-24T15:52:00.001-05:00

Pretty, Pretty "Pincess"

2007-09-07T10:53:00.000-05:00

You must call her "Pincess" when she wears the crown!

Happy 8th Birthday Shelby!

2007-08-22T20:51:00.000-05:00

2007-08-22T12:41:00.000-05:00

Today is Shelby's 8th Birthday.

Our "little girl" picked something pretty grown up for her birthday present. She asked to get her ears pierced! She very bravely worked her way through the tears & fears to get her beautiful "Pink Ice" studs. She's doing great, turning them herself and cleaning them with help.

Vacation 2007

2007-08-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

We just got back from an action-packed week @ DisneyWorld! We all had lots of fun! Grant's favorites are the thrilling coasters, Shelby likes the milder rides & Libby LOVES the Disney shows ( and of course, Dumbo & the Magic Carpet Ride).

Sunny Days, Hot Dogs, Baseball & World Series

2007-07-24T08:52:00.000-05:00

Baseball season is finally over! Grant's team finished up this past week in Canton, MI. They were privileged to play in the USSSA 10U World Series.

They earned 4th place! We are so proud.

The week was the end of a terrific summer. Grant played some great baseball, his team finished 39-17 for the year. Shelby made some new friends and Libby has 10 new BOYFRIENDS who adore her. She knows them all & cheers them on by name! I'm not sure Daddy will like it if they're all still hanging around in 10 years!

A Lifesaver

2007-07-24T08:20:00.000-05:00

Libby likes the "idea" of going to the pool. She isn't really interested in swimming. She just wants to be where all the action is with the other kids (i.e. Grant & Shelby). Anyway...after too many weekends @ 10 x 10 hotel pools and me following her around just inches from her, I invested in a lifejacket. She likes wearing it and it allows me to sit every once in a while.

Happy 2nd Birthday Libby!

2007-06-23T17:09:00.000-05:00

Libby celebrated her 2nd birthday yesterday. It was a quiet affair...just cake & presents with Mom, Dad, Grant & Shelby. She got a new Dora Tough Trike from Mom & Dad and a Bubble Lawnmower from Grant & Shelby.

Hallowed Ground

2007-06-18T21:39:00.000-05:00

We had an interesting "tour" this weekend. Grant's baseball team was lucky enough to get a behind the scenes walk of the "Shoe". We went through the locker rooms, walked thru a VIP suite, ran down the tunnel & walked on the new turf @ Ohio Stadium. It was really an incredible experience for the boys AND the parents!!

Here's a great shot of them lining up on the 50 yard line (right on top of the BLOCK O)!!

"I Go Swimmin"

2007-05-25T13:44:00.001-05:00

Libby loves her new pool, playing in the water & just being outside.

Her newest phrase is "I go swimmin!?"

Off to a Great Start

2007-05-02T13:09:00.000-05:00

Grant's baseball season started at the end of March. His team is off to a great start. Their record is 6-2-1. Grant has been pitching and catching.

Haiku

2007-04-10T20:18:00.000-05:00

Both kids have been studying poetry at school recently. Shelby's favorite form is Haiku. She wrote this one for her Mom & Dad over the weekend:

Flowers are blooming
in the hot sun everywhere
Daisies in the field

She also included the following note

To Mom and Dad
From Your beautiful daughter Shelby
I LOVE YOU

Easter 2007

2007-04-09T16:35:00.000-05:00

The bunny was good to everyone....Libby gets the most attention because she's little & well--just because. Here she is "stylin" with her new Dora sunglasses & her Easter basket:

Ahhh....Spring

2007-03-27T21:33:00.000-05:00

Grant having fun swinging with Libby

Shelby & Libby playing with friends

Libby learning lots of fun new things!

Shelby's Learning Log

2007-03-24T21:54:00.000-05:00

The 2nd graders @ Shelby's school use something called a "Learning Log". Lots of things are placed in this book...but my favorites are their letters back & forth from student to teacher/teacher to student. Below is one I'm sharing:

February 1, 2007

Dear Mrs. Wynk,
The book I read was The fight for Freedom. This book was mostly about Martin Luther King Jr. and other people fighting for rights and freedoms. I Like this book because Martin has big words to say to america. These are his biggest words Love, peace and don't fight with fist. The author really grabbed my attecion when Martin Luther King Jr. died because someone did not like Martin for stealing his freedom and rights. This story had a sad ending because the guy who shot Martin was happy but Martin Luther King Jr. was feeling sad inside. Today Martin is sad because he can not see that his dream came true.

Love,
Shelby H.

February 6, 2007

Dear Shelby,
Wow! You wrote another powerful letter about a book that you are excited about! It sounds like you learned alot of Martin Luther King Jr. from reading this biography. What is the biggest lesson you learned from this famous American? What book are you reading now? Keep up the good work!

Love,
Mrs. Wynk

Blast Off!

2007-03-19T09:03:00.000-05:00

Grant's science fair project was a "Film Canister Rocket". We haven't rec'd the grade back yet....but we think he did a great job!

Update 3/27: Grant received an 'O' on his project--O for Outstanding!!

Momma's Little Helper

2007-03-19T08:47:00.000-05:00

When an almost 2 year old follows as close as this one does....what do you do?

Give her a dust rag & put her to work!! Libby had alot of fun "helping" her Mom clean this past week.

A LONG Winter's Day at the Pool

2007-02-05T12:49:00.000-05:00

We spent Saturday at a swim meet. It was what I would call

A "L--O--N--G" Day!!

We were up @ 4 AM to be ready to leave @ 5 AM. We drove to Miami County, OH so that Shelby could be in the water for warmups at 6:45. The only flaw in our plan was that McDonald's was NOT open when we left Marysville!!

Shelby had a great meet, finished 1st in her heat for backstroke. She took several seconds off her backstroke & freestyle times.

She spent most of the day hanging out with her friend Connor, playing Nintendo DS and listening to music in between events.

First Snow of 06/07 Winter

2007-01-21T21:12:00.000-05:00

We woke up to snow this morning. The kids had a good time playing in it...Grant even shoveled the driveway & sidewalks (THANKS!). I think everyone was happy to see a little 'white stuff' this time...

Libby Walking

2007-01-21T21:11:00.000-05:00

Libby is starting to take her first steps. The video is sort of close up...but you get the idea.

Merry Christmas 2006!

2006-12-25T20:29:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas to all of our wonderful friends & family!! Santa was good to Grant, Shelby & Libby.

Here they are with their favorite gifts!

Libby ABC's

2006-12-12T23:17:00.000-05:00

Libby loves "singing" her ABC's...that is, until she gets bored and "eats" the ABC's!

Shelby's 1st Swim Meet

2006-11-22T20:52:00.000-05:00

Shelby is swimming this year for the UCY Hurricanes. She participated in her first meet this past weekend. She swam in a relay, a 25 m freestyle, 25 m backstroke, and 25 m breaststroke.

She took 1st place in the 25 m freestyle. We are so proud of her!

Congratulations Shelby!

2006-11-03T14:53:00.000-05:00

Shelby achieved a MAJOR milestone today! At her eye doctor appointment this morning, she received the news that she does NOT have to patch anymore! After 10 months of hard work (patching, reading, more patching, more reading)....she is done! We are so proud of her!!

Way to go Shelby!!

Happy Halloween from the Howard's

2006-11-03T14:49:00.000-05:00

This Halloween was fun for everyone! We enjoyed a great neighborhood party over the weekend and the kids had trick-or-treat on Tuesday, Oct 31st. Libby was "along for the ride"...but Grant & Shelby really racked up the candy.

Libby's Organization Skills

2006-09-15T08:33:00.000-05:00

Libby is working on her organization skills. She loves to get ALL the plastic-ware (cups, bowls, measuring cups, etc) out of the cabinets & re-arrange them for me. What a good helper!

Happy Birthday Shelby & Grant

2006-09-15T08:27:00.000-05:00

Shelby & Grant celebrated their 7th & 10th birthdays recently. They both decided to have friends over for a celebration & sleepover. Both parties were lots of fun!!

Are you ready for some football????????

2006-08-26T18:48:00.000-05:00

This Saturday was the kick off for the 2006 football season. Grant & Shelby are both Ravens again this year. Grant played QB in our first win (19-0)...even running the ball in for an extra point! Shelby cheered the team to victory!

Summer Vacation 2006

2006-08-26T18:35:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed a great trip to Branson,Missouri this August. The Ozark Mountains are beautiful and we enjoyed many theme parks & shows!

Scooter

2006-07-27T21:14:00.000-05:00

Libby has decided against crawling or walking. Instead, she is a "scooter". It is hilarious to watch & one would think that we purposely "sped up" the video. This video has NOT been altered:

The BEST Cheerleaders

2006-07-05T16:39:00.000-05:00

Shelby & Libby are Grant's best cheerleaders! They are always there @ the ballpark when he plays and cheering him on! They were the "secret weapon" this weekend when our team won the tournament in Sylvania, OH. Shelby made noise-makers for all the parents & we used them all weekend to cheer our boys on to victory!

Libby Turns 1

2006-07-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

Libby celebrated her birthday at the end of June. She didn't really like the cake all that much. She "flung" more of it on the wall than she actually ate! She had a big day though with her family & friends!

Go Broadway!

2006-06-06T15:30:00.000-05:00

Shelby is playing softball for Broadway. She is doing great! She has had some great plays as a 2nd basemen & even got her first hit @ her last game! She's having a good time.

Shelby's Amazing Eye Progress

2006-05-28T13:37:00.000-05:00

Shelby has made incredible progress with her patching & glasses. She has gone from 5/400 vision in her left eye to 20/80 in about 4 months. She is still working very hard and we are proud of her!

Libby is 11 Months Old

2006-05-28T13:27:00.000-05:00

Libby is growing so fast & changing everyday. It's hard for us all to believe that she will be one in just a few short weeks. We can't remember life before her...

Congratulations Grant & Mike!

2006-05-09T13:43:00.000-05:00

Grant's baseball team won The Tournament of Legends this past weekend in Marysville. Grant pitched one game & won. He also spent alot of time behind the plate as catcher. We are so proud of him!

Happy Easter

2006-04-17T08:29:00.000-05:00

Easter was a great day! After church, we spent the day with the Howard's in Coshocton. It was a fun day of food & egg-hunts enjoyed by all!

Play Ball!

2006-04-07T16:00:00.000-05:00

Baseball season is officially here! Grant pitched in our season opener last night. They lost in a nail-biter (4-5) to cross-town rival, Marysville Mitts.

Swim Lessons

2006-04-05T18:00:00.000-05:00

Shelby took swim lessons @ the Y over spring break. She had a great time becoming a better swimmer with her friends from the neighborhood!

Hockey's Over!

2006-03-22T19:48:00.000-05:00

Hockey season is over!!! WOW...what a year! Grant's team ended the season 31-13-8. They won a couple of tournaments & were the CSHL Division Champs!!!

Of course, we're already in the thick of baseball practice---but in the meantime, Grant has decided that a little bike-wrecking might be good for him!! Just teasing....but we had to document this little run-in with the pavement.

Shelby's Singing Debut

2006-03-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

Shelby performed last night @ the Mill Valley 1st Grade Music Program. She had a duet with her friend, Jessica, in the song Hickory Dickory Dock. They did an awesome job on verse 9!!!

Shelby looks beautiful for the program!

Almost 9 Months

2006-03-17T12:52:00.000-05:00

Libby is almost 9 months (next Wednesday, March 22nd). She had her 9 month check-up this week and is doing great! She weighed in @ 17.1 lbs and 27 1/2 inches long. She is starting to rock up off her behind---so maybe she's considering moving somewhere on her own?? She's pretty content to just watch the world go on around her. WHY NOT? She has 4 people waiting on her every whim (Mom, Dad, Brother, Sister)!!!

Libby is 7 1/2 months old!

2006-02-05T16:24:00.000-05:00

Libby is changing everyday & becoming quite the little personality. Here are some newer pictures of her.

Shelby & her new glasses

2006-02-05T16:20:00.000-05:00

Shelby is wearing glasses & a patch! She is working hard to strengthen her left eye so that it will be strong like her right one!! We are very proud of her & the way she's dealing with this.

I have no life, my brother plays hockey

2006-01-19T15:27:00.000-05:00

I shouldn't joke about it...I'm sure that Shelby (especially) feels that way. Hockey is hard on siblings....take a look at how exhausted these girls were after the Cincinnati tournament this past weekend.