Our Life in the Yellow Brick House

Four years ago on Oct. 2, I became an aunt for the very first time. Although I was excited to welcome this little boy into the world, I had no idea then how much joy he would bring to all of our lives. It has been so much fun to snuggle, play and laugh with this little man who is so full of personality and of life. What a wonderful four years it's been! Asher will soon have to share all of us with his new little sister, which may be a bit of an adjustment, but I know he'll be a great big brother. And while we'll all love her just as much, Asher will always hold a special place in our hearts as our first little love. Happy birthday, Asher Severe! Words can't express how much we enjoy being your Aunt and Uncle. Asher and Dad have birthdays that are less than a week apart, so we usually get to celebrate them in the same weekend. And because Asher is the only grandchild, he gets to help everyone open their gifts. He really liked this talking card we got Dad.  Be...

As I write this the theme song from Welcome Back Kotter is playing in my head because it's been way too long since I was a regular around here. Part of that is because the fall at OSU is full of excitement, fun and lots and lots of work. But the other reason for my absence is three pronged: The Hunger Games, Catching Fire and Mockingjay. That's right, I've been reading, which is a little abnormal for me. I don't dislike reading once I start a good book, it's getting around to starting that's so excruciating. I blame it on the third grade when I was in the remedial reading class and had to do eye exercises. Then again, the timed reading portion of the ACT certainly didn't help matters. (I am living proof you can get a 14 on that section and still ace college. Take that timed tests!) But that was about a decade ago, so I guess it's time to let that go. I wasn't sure if I'd like the Hunger Games based on the premise, but I was pleasantly surpris...

It is so much fun hanging out with my nephews because it gives me a new perspective on otherwise ordinary things. Watching them discover and delight in these things is so much fun! Their excitement is contagious even for us old folks. :)  A great example of this occurred in September when we got to take Henry to his very first OSU game. Kyle and Greg had planned to go to OSU's home opener alone, but we got some extra tickets, so us girls and Henry decided to join them. We were a little worried Henry might not like it, considering the heat, loud noises and length of the game. But we were all pleasantly surprised when he seemed to be having the time of his life! It did take him a little bit to adjust to the sounds of the stadium. On the way there, I was holding him when the band walked right by us. When the drums started playing, his face was priceless! He got over that, though, and sat on Greg's lap, clapping and doing his version of the waving wheat through most of the ...