Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Daughters



Almost 19 months ago, we were blessed with Halle - the little lady who completed our family and instantly stole my heart.  Someone once said something that has always stuck with me, even before kids - that a daughters father is their measure of men throughout their life.  I pray that I'm up to the challenge - she deserves only the best in life. 

  

Life with a second child has taken over, and I quickly learned that while I still take many pictures, it is hard to find the time to actually get them off the camera and share them.  The past 2.5 years have been busier than ever for us, leaving little time to blog.  So it is fitting that this first post after such a long absence is dedicated to my little princess.


As a guy, it is such a unique experience having a daughter.  Cale and I are almost perfectly in-phase at all times - he is the only person in the world who truly gets my sense of humor.  With Halle, I never quite know what she'll think is funny or annoying - and just plain give up if she is either hungry or tired!  She is a lady in every way, but also not above mixing it up by wrestling with the boys or being goofy.  She's already in-love with shoes, and is incredibly empathetic and caring to her baby dolls.  And, in true female form, often times knows - emphatically - what she wants while I am left wondering what it could possibly be.   I absolutely love all the cutesy ribbons and pins for the hair, the dresses and girly clothes - and I often find myself scolding Cale for the same mistreatments and disregard I gave my sister.  





Often, and in this instant, I am left wondering how we could be so lucky to have little Halle Balle join our family.  There is no better feeling in the world than we she nuzzles her head on my shoulder just before bedtime, or when she plops down on my lap to read a book, or when she giggles, or calls out "DaDa!!" to get my attention, or when she raises her hand for my finger so we can walk somewhere together.

So thank you dear Lord for blessing our family with such an angel.  I could have never imagined she'd be so perfect, and I cherish everyday that I get to watch her grow.



Sunday, July 4, 2010

Pelotonia 2010





In memory of Matt and to continue his fight against cancer, we are again participating in Pelotonia - a charity bike ride on August 20th from Columbus, OH to Athens, OH. Last year we participated in the 50 mile ride, raising over $12,000 for cancer research. This year we will be participating in the 100 mile ride, and have pledged to raise at least $6,000.

To assist in reaching this goal, Bud & Vicki are hosting a fundraiser at the Woodhaven Bob Evans on Tuesday, July 27th to celebrate Matt's birthday and raise money for our ride. If you're in the neighborhood, and want to join you must bring the coupon below to Bob Evans to earn the donation for our cause. Donations can also be made online at www.pelotonia.org directly to our team (Amazin' Matt Domestiques, ID # 47399). Remember that 100% of every dollar raised are donated to the James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute.

Please join us as we contribute to the defeat of cancer - thank you for your support!!


Saturday, June 12, 2010

Video Shorts of Cale

We have a bunch of pictures we need to download and process from our camera. Unfortunately we don't have any down time in the evenings to devote to it, and free time during the day is spent with Cale. As an alternative, here are some recent videos of our fun guy (sorry for the poor quality - these are from my blackberry)...


Flying an RC Helicopter - Aerospace Engineer in the Making!



Eating some cereal with milk like a big boy.



Getting up close and personal with his best friend Jillian the Cat.



Reading "Twinkle Star" to daddy.




Puddle jumpin' in the rain with my new "crocs".




Playing at the park w/ my apple.




Enjoying some sunglasses I found at the park (w/ my apple).




Chipmunk Rodeo.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Life in the Fast Lane

"Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once and awhile, you could miss it."

When did life start moving at light speed? When did I go from being seemingly in charge of my life to a mere passenger? I'm certain it was around 18 months ago.

Here's a few instances out of the past few months where we stopped to look around (usually when Cale had something to distract him from his constant urge to RUN EVERYWHERE!)...

From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)

From A New Year (16 - 18 months)



From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)


From A New Year (16 - 18 months)

DST videos of Cale

Here are a couple of videos I took with my blackberry (sorry for lack of quality). The first is from last November when Daylight Saving Time ended, and then another from today when it started. I am convinced whoever invented DST did not have children. So far today has gone smoother than last November...keep your fingers crossed.