Snooooooooow Time!!!

Andrew and Savannah had a friend over this afternoon and had a blast playing out in the snow... Perfect day for it. Could have been a little warmer, but... It is winter.


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Knitting Mama

Savannah is going to town on making a hat for Mr Tumnus... She's now
referring to herself as the "knitting mama"

Facebook Game Training

Laurie is teaching Sally (her mom) how to play games on Facebook and how to upload photos to CVS Pharmacy for printing.


I just had a training session with her on using Blogger... I think we'll start charging her

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Nintendo DS Training

Andrew is training Papa Kammin on how to Star Wars Clone Wars on the Nintendo DS...


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Meyer stepping down as Florida football coach

The Associated Press

GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Urban Meyer is stepping down as coach at Florida because of health concerns that came to light when he was admitted to a hospital because of chest pains following the Southeastern Conference championship game.

The 45-year-old Meyer resigned Saturday, calling it quits after five seasons in Gainesville and two national titles. He leaves Florida with a 56-10 record that includes a 32-8 mark in league play and a school-record 22-game winning streak snapped early this month against Alabama.

“I have given my heart and soul to coaching college football and mentoring young men for the last 24-plus years and I have dedicated most of my waking moments the last five years to the Gator football program,” Meyer said in a statement. “I have ignored my health for years, but recent developments have forced me to re-evaluate my priorities of faith and family.”

Meyer said he consulted with his family, his doctors, school president Bernie Machen and athletic director Jeremy Foley before deciding it is in his best interest to focus on his health and family.

Meyer will hold a news conference in New Orleans on Sunday afternoon and will coach his final game in the Sugar Bowl against Cincinnati on New Year’s Day.

“Coach Meyer and I have talked this through and I realize how hard this was for him to reach this decision,” Foley said. “But the bottom line is that coach Meyer needed to make a choice that is in the best interest of his well being and his family. I certainly appreciate what he has meant to the University of Florida, our football program and the Gator Nation. I have never seen anyone more committed to his players, his family and his program. Above all, I appreciate our friendship.”

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Silent Night

The kids are in bed, Laurie will follow soon... A Christmas Story is showing on TBS... Stockings are filled... The last of the presents will soon be wrapped... Writing a return-letter from Santa to the kids... finishing off the peanut butter blossoms and milk left for the big guy... Oh, and the carrots left for the reindeer...

This has kind of become an annual tradition for me... To stay up late by myself doing all of the above.

But also, and most importantly, I use this time for reflection over the past year... The ups and downs, the successes and failures, the laughs and joys, the tears and frustrations.

And my conclusion this year, as always... I'm blessed.

Thank you God for loving me... Providing for me... Protecting me... Guiding me.

Yes, I am blessed.



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Visit my blog at http://strouthion.blogspot.com

Visit my blog at http://strouthion.blogspot.com

COOL Light Display

We went on a drive tonight to view Christmas lights... This was our first stop:

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Workin' For A Livin'

I've been spending the last couple weeks working for a friend that owns a hardwood flooring business. It's been fun to learn the craft, but my oh my... My knees, lower back and ankles (yes ??? my ankles) are killing me.


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Christmas Time... In The Kitchen

Oh Nice...

I'm wondering how SHE would feel if I went into the kitchen and
started drinking out of HER... Ummm... Dish.

Slipper Sleeper

Alexis loves to play with all of my shoes. She has especially gained a love for my work shoes and slippers. She never hurts them (like Tumnus) but just gently plays with them. Although, she does enjoy pulling the insole partially out of my work shoes... Which is quite frustrating to me.

Last night I had seen Alexis playing with my slipper... Which is nothing too out of the ordinary. After a few minutes I realized it had become quiet... I looked over to see Alexis with her face flat down inside my slipper... asleep. As I reached for my phone to take a picture she roused up a little... I waited patiently... But her face never returned as it was.

She can be a pain in the neck (or rather, a pain to my plants), but... I have to admit... She is sweet, for a cat.

Look who's got glasses

Savannah got her new glasses today... A little earlier than we had
expected.

Xmas Wish List

Like Father Like Son

Andrew has had my old Blackberry glued in his hands since I gave it to
him last night. It won't call, it can't go on the internet and it
won't send anyone messages... But, it plays games and takes pictures,
which for a 9 year old is quite enough. And, I'm sure it will be used
as a Star Wars communication device, too. :-)

Sent from my iPhone

Foamy Fun

Savannah has always loved bath time... It cracks me up how long she
and Andrew can stay in the bathtub playing. Oh, to be a child again :-)

Sent from my iPhone

iPhone Happiness

We did it - Laurie and I finally got our iPhones yesterday. And all I can say is ... "WOW!!!" it sure isn't taking me long to be convinced that the iPhone is by far the BEST phone made. My fingers (thumbs, actually) are having to get use to typing on a touch screen rather than little keys, but I don't think it will take me too long to get it under control.

in the mean time - if you get an email or text from me that appears to have some strange spellings... Just know my thumbs are still learning to walk. :-)

Of course, the kids think the best part of us getting our iPhones is that they get our Blackberries. Well, sort of. One has been reduced down basically a toy only. The othe one has been reduced to our home phone. We're eliminating our landline and transferring the number as another cell phone line. We'll be saving money without the landline but the kids will still have access to a phone if needed.

I've been spending quite a bit of time since last night setting up my phone and downloading apps. Love the variety of "stuff" I can get! But, it's time to take a break from it for now to get some work done.

Autumn Clematis in December

Alexis... Quite the Ham for the Cam