Playing the Piano

Steven LOVES playing the piano, and he LOVES being with his grandpa, so when he got to do both on our recent trip to Pennsylvania, he was in his own little heaven. He had no idea that Grandpa was so talented--he could play "Jesus Loves Me" with chords! He even got to "play" with Grandpa by putting his hands on top of Grandpa's.

Playing the piano is serious business!

Looking at the music.

Checking to see if Grandpa is too.

Watching his hands.

I think Grandpa enjoyed it too.

Snow!

When we were in PA for Christmas, Nanny took Steven out to play in the snow for the first time. . .

She tried to get him to follow her around,

but he wouldn't.

Instead, he gave her his special "You want me to do what?!" look.

So she put him on a sled and pulled him around,

but he stayed so stiff that he nearly slid off.


However, Nanny's persistance finally started to pay off when he managed a small wave at the camera.

And she knew it was a complete success when she had to let him bring a sled full of snow in the garage to save for Grandpa Hal in order to get him inside!

Miss Michelle

Happy Birthday Baby Girl!

Yesterday we celebrated Michelle's birthday with both my family and Mark's, and she definitely had fun! Unlike Steven, she enjoyed her birthday cupcake, and she even had some fizzy punch that Grandma gave her.

Despite the look on her face, she really did like it!

Next we opened the presents. Michelle got a tea party set, a stuffed dog, a photo book, pj's, cards, and some puffs. Steven got ahold of the puffs and spilled them, and they both went at them! You'd think we hadn't fed them all week!

Playing Together

Family Picture

On the floor (L-R): Mark's brother Andy,Mark's sister Beth, Beth's fiance Zach.

Sitting: Ron, Mark's sister Rachel (married to Ron), baby Tori, Me, Michelle, Mark's mom Nancy.

Standing: Steven, Mark, Mark's Dad Hal.

(Click on the picture to make it bigger.)

Sad News

Last night at 6:05, my Uncle Gene died. My parents, his wife, and her sisters were there with him, and the kids (ages 5, 7, and 9) had had the opportunity to say goodbye to him earlier in the day. The kids weren't told until this morning, which is why I didn't post this last night.

The funeral is scheduled for the Tuesday after Christmas, and my dad was on the phone today with Marion (his wife), helping her with the obituary and other arrangements.

Thank you for all your prayers, especially for Marion and the children.

Two Great Giveaways!

Check them out here and here!

Please Keep Praying

Please continue to pray for my Uncle Gene. The latest news was not good at all. The tumor is malignant and is the same type as Ted Kennedy had. Uncle Gene is still in a coma, but the doctors have assured my family that he is not in pain, which is a blessing. My parents are still at the hospital in Columbus with him, and his wife, Marion, is driving home today to pick up the three kids so they can see him tomorrow. Their oldest, Joseph, is only nine years old, and the other two, Gracie and Ethan, are both in elementary school as well.

Thank you for praying for him and for his family. We really appreciate it.

Two Years?!

I can't believe it's already been two years since we brought Steven home! Two years seems impossibly long, but at the same time, it's hard to remember life without him.