Ice Storm--Round 1....2009

Well, it's Friday evening and we have actually survived the Ice Storm of 2009--hopefully the only one of the year!! We (thankfully) never lost our electric. We had no cell phone service, internet or cable for a couple days. We still don't have our land line service back.....hopefully soon. Josh, Jayme and the boys have been living here with us since Wednesday morning (well, Josh didn't come until Wednesday evening). They still (as of 11:00 p.m. this evening) don't have electric at their house, so we are still having one big slumber party here!

Here's the way the snow/ice started. Tuesday came with about 6 inches of snow by noon or so. This picture is of the pine tree in our neighbor's yard, with a little snow on it. I took a camera out with me to get the paper that morning. :) By Tuesday evening we started getting a freezing rain/ice mix.....which landed on top of the 6 inches of snow. It was pretty, but not at all fun! Josh and Jayme lost their electric about 3:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning. Papaw had made several runs back and forth from Clarktown to our house, so on one of the runs, he picked up Jayme and the boys. They got here about 9:30 or so.

Here's the snow with a little ice on it. We got about 1/2 inch of ice on top of the snow...then, we got about 4 more inches of snow on top of the ice. Sounds like fun, doesn't it? Jayme, the kids and I haven't seen too much of Josh and Papaw. They have been working very long hours....very hard times. It's been very trying for them and very tiring too. We've kind of just played the days away while the Greenes have been here. Bryce brought some of his Mini Adventure Cars over and I had a couple little things upstairs that were new, so it's been fun for him. Except--their Mater National game for the Wii was in their Wii system and they couldn't get it out to bring it. He wants the electric to come back on so he can watch Mommy and Daddy play that game some more.

Here are some of the pictures from the ice storm. Most of them don't need explanation.....just wanted to post them for all to see. Especially since my parents are in Florida and are missing all this...I want them to be able to share a little bit in the fun.

These two were taken while we were driving to Walmart--along Lucasville/Minford Rd. The pine trees looked like they had their "arms" hanging over the utility lines, huh? It was an eerie feeling driving along there, trees were a lot closer to the road than usual.

Today was actually a beautiful day. The sun was out and the sky was a magnificent blue. You could hear the ice melting and falling outside--crackling on the power lines and the trees. The last few pictures were taken today. I pray that soon all have their electric restored and life can get back to some version of "normal"...whatever that may be. I know I have a husband who is exhausted! I have to admit that the sun glistening on the trees today was really a sight to see! The pictures really don't do the scenes justice....it was so beautiful. God can make something so beautiful out of something so difficult. Kind of like our lives sometimes, huh? God can use us for His good even when we mess up on our own. Does that make sense--with ice storm pictures? :)

Happy Birthday Jayme

Yesterday was Jayme's 28th birthday. I can hardly believe that it has been 28 years since I became a mother for the first time. It seems like only yesterday that she was that tiny little girl born after several days of labor. Becoming a mom has been one of the greatest blessings in my life, second to my salvation and being a wife. I have the greatest kids in the whole world! Each of them unique and special!!

We had a little family party to celebrate Jayme's birthday. I made dinner and had everyone here. The party was a little hectic and a little on the wild side. Bryce had been coughing for a couple days--flare up of his asthma. Apparently he got a little too worked up and threw up a couple times. Mia was just excited to have everyone there and was happy to be there too. She was running around squealing and laughing. Collin was a little intimidated with everyone there and he was crying. :) I know, typical evening, huh?

Anyway, we had a great time. Dinner, cake and pie (thanks Lois) and ice cream. We had present time (of course!). Well, the surprise I eluded to before was the following:

Thursday evening when the boys stayed here with me, Bryce painted his mommy a picture for her birthday. I gave him the idea of the flowers, but he said "Mommy does like flowers", and then helped him pick colors, etc. But, he did the painting himself. Isn't it adorable? He worked very hard on the picture and left it here to dry on Thursday. He came home from church with us on Sunday and spent the afternoon. I had put it in a frame and he wrapped it up for Jayme. He was so excited--he just knew his mommy was going to love his painting.

She opened it and looked very surprised and happy with the picture. Here she is when she opened it. And, then.......here they are together. He was so proud and happy that she liked the picture. Here are a few other pictures from the evening. It seemed like I was really busy, so I didn't get to shoot many pictures.

Mia had so much fun. She loves family get togethers. She loves to say "YoYo" too, and enjoys playing with Uncle YoYo. She did some pretty fun dances for entertainment and was just fun.Collin is sitting in his little chair, keeping an eye on Uncle David. David was making some noises at him and I loved this look on his face. He's a sweet baby! And, for the last picture.....the birthday girl with her favorite (Union Mills) cake, blowing out her candles.........Silly Jayme! Happy Birthday Sweets. I love you so!!

My Guys

Last night, Josh and Jayme had Bible study at their house, so the boys came over to spend the evening with Nana. Papaw was at his water board meeting, so I was on my own. :) But, they were very good. Once Collin got his belly full (2 jars of baby food and 6 oz. of formula!) he was a happy guy. And, Bryce was just happy to be here too.





Collin is getting pretty good at sitting up on his own. And, when he does topple over, he catches himself and falls very gently. He enjoys sitting up too--no more of that baby stuff of laying on a blanket in the floor, or sitting in a baby seat!






We got Bryce a Nintendo DS for Christmas, and he has really enjoyed it. I got him a Wonder Pets game for his that he is "really good at". He was playing with my DS last night and trying out a Mario type game. He was very intent on it, but I'm not sure he ever figured it out. But, he enjoyed trying.





Collin is such a sweet baby. So content, so happy. Jayme made up a little song that she sings to him sometimes. Anytime you sing it, it brings an immediate smile. "Collie Wally Doodle Bug" is the name of it. If you see Jayme, ask her to sing it for you. Be prepared for it to get stuck in your head though--it is one of those songs!





Bryce got very interested in a little gumball machine toy thing that is really kind of a baby toy. However, he was trying to work the little puzzle thing in the ball. As you can see, he was fascinated by it and very determined to get the marbles through those little holes. hehe....he's a funny guy.



We had a fun evening, even if it was really cold! I have some more pictures to share later, but they involve a secret, so I can't show them yet. Shh.....don't tell the secret!!! I have such beautiful, happy grandchildren. I love them all SO much. Can you tell????

Another "do"

Well, she's finally made it! Mia had a "Kiki do". That's right, she had a hair do like her mommy used to have when she was a little girl. Last Friday when I had Mia while Krista and David moved, I decided to try to give her a Kiki do. I got a curling iron out, a comb, rubber bands, hair bow and the whole shabang! I put her in the high chair with some of her favorite fruit snacks on the tray. She happily ate the fruit snacks, and I played. :)

When Uncle Josh and Papaw got home from work, we got ready and went to Portsmouth to meet Mia's mommy and daddy for dinner. Mommy was very surprised to see Mia sporting the "do" she herself made famous in our family. :)

Isn't she adorable with the little side pony? She's such a girly girl and such a blessing to our family. God blessed us with such a sweet, happy little girl. And, one whom I pray will grow up to be as great a young woman as her mommy is.

Looking Forward

Last week, here in the Arrick household, it was just a rough week. It started on Sunday and was completed on Friday. It seemed like there were so many things that happened last week, that I was sure God was testing me somehow.....or maybe us.

I allowed people and what they say to discourage me, steal my joy and just generally make me miserable with grief. I prayed for God to give me the answers--prayed for my attitude--prayed for the attitude of others. I prayed that God would do a work on those who found it necessary to drag others down with criticism.

Our family gathered on Monday evening to watch the OSU game (see previous post) and enjoy some family time together. Well, between dinner and the beginning of the game, we had a phone call from an irate customer.....who chewed my husband out for about 20 minutes. I really wanted to call her house about 3:00 a.m. and ask what made her think it was o.k. to call someone's house about a business problem, etc. But, I held my desire to do that in check. Then came Tuesday--a very stressful day. Wives know that when someone attacks one of your own, you become like a mother lion or bear--seeking to attack back. I think I cried more last week than I have in any one week period in my entire life. Then on Friday, someone broke into our car while we were eating out. I had been allowed to enjoy a wonderful day with Mia, while her mommy and daddy were busy with the activities of moving. We had enjoyed a nice dinner and then came out to find the car window had been shattered and someone had stolen a purse out of my car. I am so thankful that my wallet, check book, etc. were not in the purse. There was, however a nice camera--which had a memory card in it with pictures of my grandbabies! That really bothered me!! We're praying that the person who stole the purse was only looking for money and that the rest of the contents will be found.

So, today is the 2nd day of a new week. Krista was called to jury duty today and got selected to the jury. She called and was pretty upset about it. I've been praying for her off and on all day. After just moving, etc., she is very worn out and emotional. I felt so bad for her when I talked to her.

Anyway, I've said all this to say that there is a new Jeremy Camp song out which really encourages me. I'm going to post the lyrics to the song, called "There Will Be A Day"....it speaks of the day when we will be free from the worries, the lonliness we sometimes feel, the heartache of this life.... we'll see Jesus face-to-face. It should be my focus daily, but I have to admit that after a week like last week, I do look forward to the day when there will be no conflict, no heartache, no crying, no more pain! If you haven't heard this song, it's worth finding it online and listening. It's a great song.

Thanks to all for allowing me to "unload" a little here. I pray that I will be fully relying on God and His help this week. I have given the day to him.....and will do so again tomorrow. I just heard on the radio this morning how so many people get excited about a brand new year, but as Christians, we are awarded a brand new day each and every day. God's mercies are new every morning! Have a great week!

Here's that song:

Jeremy Camp -

There Will Be A Day

From the album Speaking Louder Than Before
I try to hold on to this world with everything I have

But I feel the weight of what it brings, and the hurt that trys to grab

The many trials that seem to never end,

His word declares this truth, that we will enter in this rest with wonders anew

But I hold on to this hope and the promise that He brings

That there will be a place with no more suffering

(Chorus)There will be a day with no more tears, no more pain, and no more fears

There will be a day when the burdens of this place, will be no more, we'll see Jesus face to face But until that day, we'll hold on to you always I know the journey seems so long

You feel you’re walking on your own

But there has never been a step

Where you’ve walked out all alone

(Chorus)

Troubled soul don’t lose your heart

Cause joy and peace he brings

And the beauty that’s in store

Outweighs the hurt of life’s sting

I can’t wait until that day where the very one

I’ve lived for always will wipe away the sorrow that I’ve faced

To touch the scars that rescued me from a life of shame and misery this is why this is why I sing

Go Bucks!!

Last night was the Fiesta Bowl. Josh came home to watch the game with his dad and since his sisters hadn't seen him for a week or so, they all came over. I made homemade pizza and we had dinner and watched the game. Well, some watched the first quarter or so. Bryce had school today and Mia was getting tired. Thought I would share a few pictures for your enjoyment--and so you could get a look at my adorable grandkids. :)




Bryce and his daddy were wrestling and having fun with Josh throwing him up in the air. They did this several times. I snapped this picture--don't you love the look on Bryce's face? It's adorable. I did snap one picture and missed him--it's a good picture of Josh, but just missed Bryce's head. :)









Mia came dressed and ready for the game--as did everyone! She has a Buckeyes cheerleading outfit and was of course wearing an OSU hairbow. She looks pretty serious in this picture, but she was pretty wound up last night! Aunt Jayme said "spazzy"...... but she is so funny. She's started doing this fake laughing thing--she opens her mouth very wide and laughs really loudly! Funny girl.

And, look who is sitting up really well...almost unattended. He does really well catching himself when he starts to tip. Collin is such a great natured baby--so happy and fun. He's almost 6 months old already too--that's so hard to believe!!So, I asked Bryce if I could take a picture of him last night. You know, a posed, cute smile one? Well, he laid on his mom's lap and wiggled and wrestled around....hiding his face, etc. So, here he is with his eyes closed--hoping Nana will go away with the camera. I get to pick him up from school today--his first day back after break. He doesn't know I'm coming, so hopefully he'll be pleasantlly surprised. Here's Mia trying to talk to Collin--she's wearing her pajama top on her head. Does she remind any of my family of a picture of a certain little girl in the movies from her 2nd birthday--with the scarf? :) I do have adorable grandchildren, don't I?

God is good and faithful.....I need to remind myself of this today and everyday. I want to live a life before my kids and grandkids that points to Jesus--because He lives in me, you know....and I'm in Him. That thought does blow my mind!

Well, Happy New Year again. Hope all is well in your world--wherever you are. :) Oh, yeah, and if you watched the game, you know that OSU didn't come out on top. But, it was a good game and they have nothing to be ashamed of!! Go Bucks...better luck next year!!

Ponytail, Ponytail, You Is a Gril

Weird title, I know....but, when Josh was little, he used to stand by his daddy on the couch and he would gather up some of Daddy's hair and say, "Ponytail, ponytail, oo (you) is a gril (girl)". When I saw Mia yesterday, those words came back to me. And, here is why:

Yeah, Mia has enough hair now to put some little piggy tails in her hair. She and Krista came over yesterday evening for awhile. David had some responsibilities at the church and wouldn't be home until after midnight and I hated for the two of them to be alone all evening, so I invited them to come over and visit with us. I love having them come over, so this was a perfect opportunity! I don't like to butt in on their family time, so I was really happy that they had a free evening. We had church, but it didn't start until 9:00 p.m., so we got to visit with little Miss Mia for a couple hours!!

My parents have gone to Florida for the winter, so I promised I would try to update this blog at least once a week with pictures of the kids. So, there may be posts that are really boring to most people, but I know that Granny & Bippy will love seeing pictures of the kids, so some others may have to put up with the randomness of some posts!

We went to church for our Watchnight Service last night. It started at 9:00 and we had prayer time and a small devotional, then played games and ate in the basement. We had a good time, although I've found that I'm too slow for Dutch Blitz!! :) I pray that as the New Year has now begun, that we will all strive to be more like Christ and be ever mindful of those around us. As the Brandon Heath song says, "Give Me Your Eyes"....let's try to see others through the eyes of God--seeing their needs and their hurts. We have the answer to life's problems and hurts--it is Jesus Christ.

Happy New Year!!!! May 2009 be a wonderful, productive year--one dedicated to the cause of Christ!