Kittles

Back in 1994, as we watched college basketball on TV, I said that the name Kittles (Kerry Kittles was playing for Villinova) would be a good name for a cat. Todd suprised me and said I could have a kitten for Valentine's Day. Before he could change his mind, I spent my lunch hour the next day at a makeshift shelter for stray cats in downtown Indy. I picked out a new male kitty and paid the deposit. I would have to return in a week to pick him up. On my way out of the warehouse, what I thought was a light brown cat blocked my way and made a chatter noise like a chipmunk. I picked her up and took her home instead. I dropped her off at the house on Merrill and returned to work. I then called the house and left a message for Todd as he would arrive home before me. "Todd meet Kittles, Kittles meet Todd." Well, he searched the house for a kitten and was none too happy with the very dirty cat hiding under the couch (she was approx a year or two old at that time) but said I could keep her.

Yesterday, I said goodbye to Kittles as she joined Mom in heaven. I think the dog is missing her as much as I am today!

The Last BFFB to Join the "40 & Over" Club

Jennifer's 40th birthday was December 26th. In honor of her special day and her love of penguins, we BFFBs decorated 40 cardboard penguins, affixed them to stakes and lovingly dotted her front yard with them in the wee hours. Well - Melissa, Lauren and Vicki did the staking as I was attached to an IV in the ER (see previous post).

In addition, we joined Jennifer for a celebratory dinner at Stir Crazy on Monday evening then shopping at Macys.

Christmas 2009

Never uneventful! TJ's Christmas Eve was spent playing family games and pacing in front of the tree wishing away the minutes. After church, TJ put out a little milk and a couple PMS snacks for Santa. He hung the magic key on the front door, headed for bed and pretended to be asleep. Staying up so late backfired on him as I turned off his alarm clock as I went to bed. To his disappointment he slept in (til 7:35 a.m.) He awoke to more gifts that he deserves! Spoiled rotten I would say! His favorite gift which was also on the top of his wish list was found hanging on the tree - Garnet's Celtics Jersey!

After opening presents and breakfast we loaded up and headed to Columbus to spend the afternoon with Todd's family. More presents and good food. I guess I had a bit too much as I ended up in the ER around 2:30 a.m. with my first Gall Bladder attack. I thought it was my kidney stones but No....something new and fun. Waiting for the Doc to call me this morning with a surgeon referral. Gotta end the year the way it started I guess!

I arrived home from the hospital around 7:30 a.m. to get two hours of zzzs before loading up again and heading to Martinsville to spend the day with my brother, dad and grandmother. We picked her up in Greenwood on our way South. It was a good day. Mom was very much missed but we (atleast I) made it through without tears! I think I was just too tired.

To top it off - It snowed. I love snow!

All in all I must say it was a good Christmas!

OT, OT and another OT

The first game of the Nativity Tournament for TJ's basketball team went into triple overtime. Tigers finally won the game. TJ scored three free throw in the last OT! GO TIGERS!

New 4 Legged Cousin

Meet Steve, a 3 month old stray puppy that stole Doug's heart. He brought him over to play with Lea and get to know us on Saturday. Very Cute!

35-0

TJ's basketball team won their 2nd game today. TJ helped the team with 11 points!

Somerset Santa's Mission

Yesterday our firm participated in an afternoon of giving. We closed the office early, dined on pizza, then randomly split into 15 teams. Each team was given a stocking filled with (among other things) funds, a digital camera to document the event, and an information sheet for a family from the Noble Center of Indiana. Each team then purchased, wrapped and delivered the gifts (the camera was also a gift for the family!). Following the successful missions, the teams gathered along with spouses and/or a guest at the Fox and Hound to celebrate. It was a rewarding day and a very fun evening with great participation!

Student of the Month

TJ is Student of the Month for 4th grade. He also earned this honor in 1st grade. Guess he did not behave himself in 2nd & 3rd grade! Today, his Papa Bruce and I attended a lunch at the school in his honor.

First CYO Basketball Game

Last Saturday TJ and his teammates won their first CYO basketball game. There are two 4th grade teams - TJ is on CKS Gold. They played St. Roch. TJ had 13 pts, 9 rebounds, 6 steals and 3 assists. They play again this weekend and start the annual holiday tournament next week. GO TIGERS!

Radio J-O-Y & TWWWJD

Tonight we enjoyed the 2009 Christmas program at school. The 4th grade students lead the program. TJ was the stage manager and although he did not have a speaking part - he certainly added some humor to the show along the way!

2009 Santa

"I want...."

Visit with Santa

Cookies & Milk with Santa Fundraiser

To support the upcoming school fundraiser, Mardi Gras, in February, each grade is asked to assemble a basket for the silent auction. This year, the 4th grade has been assigned an "All Around Town" theme. Michele Dessaurer and I volunteered to gather donations for the basket which include a personalized blanket with smiling faces of our 4th graders! To raise funds to fill the basket and purchase the blanket, we opted to host a Cookies & Milk Open House with Santa. It was a huge success with all cookies consumed, few tears, wishes whispered in Santa's ear, and almost $200 raised! Here are some photos of the event!

Elves earning Community Service Hours!

Kids Big & Small Sat on Santa's Lap!

Santa & Alex

The Annee Boys Posed with Santa!

Todd and Nate

Todd has had the pleasure of working with/mentoring Nate Morgan, an apprentice with the IBEW.

Here they are in the new addition at Northminster. See those lights way up high - they have a story of how they installed them!

5 Years

Last night, Todd was honored at the Miller-Eads Holiday Party for five years of service with the company. The event was held in the ballroom at Union Station. Miller-Eads was also celebrating the company's 40th anniversary!

Todd just finished up an 18 month project for Miller-Eads at Northminster Pres. Church which is conveniently located less than a mile from our home. He gave me a tour earlier this week and I was impressed by the extensive renovations. Todd was concerned that there would be no where for him to go but on Monday he will report to Veolia Water to help out another contractor on an electrical project there! Todd does great work and is a people person so hopefully Miller-Eads will continue to find projects for him. Otherwise, he could be sitting a long time with over 500 electricians out of work in the Indianapolis area!

I'm Hot

On Monday I had lipotripsy completed on my left kidney to break up stones discovered back in January after they zapped my right kidney. They recommend waiting 6 months between procedures to allow your kidney to heal. I waited as long as possible but wanted to complete the procedure in the same calendar year to save the medical deductible! Anyway, the procedure went fine and that evening as I was successfully holding down the couch with TJ. I felt a bit warm so I asked TJ "Am I hot?" Without missing a beat - he looked away and said "This is one of those moments I have to be careful." Looked back and me and announced "Yes, Mom you are Hot!" I stampered and said "I mean, do I feel warm?" I have not laughed that hard in a long time. His dad is teaching him well!

Decorating the Tree

Cousins

Tyler and Ethan stayed over the night of Thanksgiving. The three cousins played well together and we enjoyed having them. In this photo, as Ethan looks on, Tyler challenged TJ to a chess match! Tyler did well once I made TJ promise to not do his "4 move checkmate" on the unsuspecting opponent! Then TJ taught Tyler the moves!

Monster Trucks

Well - they moved the show this year from Lucas Oil to Conseco Fieldhouse. Todd, Bill, Devin and TJ have been attending the Monster Truck Show in Indy since they boys could say "Varoom" but this year they were very disappointed. We seriously wondered HOW monster trucks could fit on the floor of Conseco and have room to manuever. They didn't! The show was "lame" in the words of a ten year old. Bummer! However, they thought the RC cars were cool. Hmmm! Perhaps that is because they are small and fit within the building. Guess the boys will have to brainstorm a new annual outing!

He Cooked It, We Ate It, It Was Good!

Todd fryed the Turkey while other brought sides and whipped together a Thanksgiving Day meal at our home. Todd's Mom, Tina, Danelle, Gary, Tyler & Ethan, My Dad and Doug were able to attend. It was a nice afternoon topped off with pie (no apple), Frappe and wine! Tyler and Ethan stayed the night so Danelle and Gary could be in line at 4 a.m. at Kohls - Crazies!
Jam Session on Oakland Ave!

It was a combo of Led Zepplin, Tim McGraw

& Hark the Hearlds Angels Sing!

Happy Birthday Maya

Jennifer & Eric's daughter, Maya celebrated her 4th birthday last weekend. TJ and I attended the festivities! TJ was a sport since he was the only male under age 20 in attendance. It was all pink and princessy!

Pre-Thanksgiving Prep

Mentally preparing to host Thanksgiving. It is not a large gathering just my dad, brother, both of Todd's sisters, brother-in-law and kiddos. Todd is planning to fry the turkey. Others are bringing side items and a ham (back up for the turkey -just in case). The most difficult task I have it making stuffing and timing things as my oven is the size of microwave. Thus, borrowed a hot plate!

Usually TJ and I sneak off to Florida but this year decided to stick around the Hoosier State. TJ's social calendar is full for the weekend. His friend Jack is here and stayed the night last night. His cousins, Ethan & Tyler are sleeping over Thursday night. On Friday, TJ is headed to his cousin, Devin's house and will return on Saturday to attend the Monster Truck Show that evening. Devin is staying Saturday night and TJ has a play date with Garrett Sunday afternoon. Guess I will get the house decorated for Christmas as Todd will be in the woods - hunting!

Hope everyone has a safe and very Happy Thanksgiving.

PINK

McKayla is one of my favorite girls.

Football Banquet

This evening the 3rd & 4th grade football teams gathered to celebrate the season. The coaches thanked the players, parents and fans. We thanked the coaches! Each player received a "momento" to remember the season.

Pacers vs. Celtics

I attended the Pacer Game tonight and TJ attended the Celtics Game. They both played at Conseco Fieldhouse. TJ wore neutral colors! I had a smile on my face at the end of the game. It was a close game.

Three Trophies for CKS

TJ, winning 4 of his 5 chess matches, helped his team win the CYO tourney! They also won the Division for the season and will take 3 trophies to the case at school! Great Day for the Chess Wizards!

Checkmate

TJ is busy practicing with his new basketball team for school but took some time this afternoon to win his chess matches at the Central Catholic Tourney! Way to go TJ!!!!

Chess Champions

This year TJ is on the 4th, 5th & 6th grade Chess Team. TJ is 2nd chair on his team only losing to a 6th grader who is 1st chair. TJ played in his first tourney today at St. Christopher and won 2 of 3 matches. His team won the tourney! GO TIGERS!

Loose Tooth

TJ has a loose tooth. Here we go again. Now where did I put the Tooth Fairy Pillow?

Happy Halloween!

We ventured to the West Side of Meridian last night for quality Trick-R-Treating. Friend, Allison hosted a pre-party/meal before we loaded the coolers onto the wagon with appropriate fuel for the adults and caravaned up and down Meridian & Pennsylvania Ave. We even stopped at the Governor's Mansion. TJ bebopped his "trick-r-treat" requests for many.

Happy Birthday Jacob

Friday night was spent at the local bowling alley with fried foods, pizza, beer and friends. Jacob's 10th birthday was that day - great way to celebrate!

Amazing Costume Scavenger Hunt 2009

It was all about the BOOTS!

Yep - He is a Garden Gnome!

This year we hosted a Halloween Party with a twist on the Amazing Costume Race. Teams searched for wood tokens along Keystone Ave. and with the assistance of local businesses a few challenges (road blocks) were completed along the way. It was a very fun evening. Here are few attendees:

Chef George & Vicki

Fred (aka John) & Magnificient Sandy

Rock & Roll Larry and Jinger

Three Wittle Pigs: Pat, Mark & Kirstine

Medievel Bill and Diana

Pilot Melissa!

Info-mercial salespeople: Mark & Susan

Sister Jeremy and Beth the Outdoors Woman!

Tourists Jennifer & Eric just returned from China!

Dead Deer Dave and Hunter Heather

And a few Celebrities also were able to attend:

Ellen & Portia made an appearance!

Top Chef Steve & Padma (Heather)

Aztecs Fall 2009

TJ's IBA team finished the Fall session this past weekend with a tough loss. TJ was unable to play in the final game but we heard that the game was physical and close!

Report Card

The first quarter ended last week and TJ received his report card today. We are proud to announce that we (I mean TJ) earned a B+ in science and reading and As in all other subjects! Way to Go!

Bye Bye Football....Hello Basketball

4th grade football hit a wall more commonly known as Immaculate Heart on Saturday. Our Tigers were unable to retain their offense and lost the semifinal game. TJ played despite a fever of 103 which we discovered following that game - BAD PARENTS! He was down for the count the balance of the weekend and Monday. He seems to be on the rebound and attended school today for a couple hours. Long enough to gather up much homework.

Pumpkins are Carved

TJ, and friends, Jack & Alex carved pumpkins this evening.

Ooey, Goey, Good - The seeds have been salted and baked!

Alex, Jack & TJ's Creations

Mom's Creation

TIGERS WIN!

Despite the very cold weather, TJ's football team played an awesome game with some remarkable defense to win the first game of the tourney today. TJ's fan club (Papa, Aunt Diana and Devin) was there to cheer him on. They will play again next Saturday. GO TIGERS!