Christmas Letter

Can't wait to view the Christmas Letter? Didn't make the list this year? Don't fret, you can download a .pdf of it here:
http://snipurl.com/jdrchristmas

Christmas Breakfast

Our annual Christmas breakfast was today, what a fun little tradition. The children drew names and the adults swapped gift cards. Pictures of the celebration:

Christmas Breakfast

WAHS 1954- 2008

Check out this great video of WHS!

facebook much more fun than blogger

I know they are two different animals, with almost totally different purposes. But facebook kills blogger. I will probably still always maintain this blog because it is a public site, and I still think picassa is all that for photo sharing (and backup) but as far as quick little updates facebook is where its at. I haven't checked my traffic data lately, but at one point I was getting an average of one hit a day on this blog. This is a far cry from the early days (of course we were having babies a lot more often back then) when were were getting a lot of hits. 

 In a short time on facebook I have connected with people from middle school all the way up to people here in town that I just don't get to see very often. 

I do like the fact that I can write more than a sentence on here. But usually, that is the precise reason I don't make new entries: I just don't have a lot to say. On face book, with a sentence I can update a slew of people quickly. 

--
Jeremy Renner

Lightning Strikes!

Our U10 soccer team had an amazing 2-1 win today! Jillian played goalie for two shut-out quarters and had some terrific stops. She blocked three different one on one situations and anchored a stellar  defense.  My other goalie made some exceptional saves, including a diving one. I couldn't have been more pleased with my team, they played their hearts out after getting beaten badly the last three games.  When I heard one ref tell the other that there were three minutes left, I put two fresh defenders in and told them that if they got in trouble to kick it out of bounds as hard as they could to kill time. They did exactly that and it actually worked. Go Lighting!

--
Jeremy Renner

Jessica's Christmas Play

Jessica is going to be in the NAHS production of "The Christmas Show"  

 

This is a really big deal as we are working with her to overcome her shyness. (ha ha)

 

No, seriously it is going to be a large scale production, she had to audition and will be rehearsing a lot and we would like to invite you to come see her.

 

We will be attending the Friday, December 5 show. It starts at 7:30 p.m. and if you would like to sit together as a group please let me know before Monday as we will be ordering our tickets. 

 

It is $8 for an adult, $7 for a Senior Citizen, and $5 for a student or child.

If this date doesn't work for you, and you would like to go, there will also be a production on Thursday the 4th at the same time, you can get tickets from NAHS between now and then.

 

Please let me know if you would like to join us on Friday, we will be happy to order your tickets and we may even do something after the show at our house such as have hot chocolate and let you all decorate our Christams tree. (again, an attempt at humour before my second cup of coffee)

 

Also, as part of the production, Jessica will be selling candles. I have a Yankee Candle booklet if you are interested in one of these items. It is never to early to get a Christmas gift or two out of the way.  The candle orders will also be turned in Monday. To give you an idea:

 

14.5 oz Jar candle $22 available in  dozens and dozens of flavors. the new ones are: mulling spice, cinnamon and sugar, and orchard pear. The seasonal ones are: Christmas Cookie, Christmas wreath, Jack Frost and Christmas Eve

Fragrance Porcelain Ornament $7

Lots of wrapping paper, gift tags and gift bags  $5-$18

 

Let me know!

--
Jeremy Renner

Look For Me On Facebook

I am undecided on whether I am going to use facebook or not, but I told my sister I would give it a shot. I have already heard from a lot of people that I haven't heard from or seen in a long time.  It does seem a little more far reaching that an 'old fashioned' blog but for me the jury is still out. Anyway, I am on facebook for now so look me up and tell me what you think of it...

--
Jeremy Renner

I Got Cable For THIS?

OK, so the kids enjoy the cartoons and educational programs, especially the ones on demand. They have even started watching Tom and Jerry....

The family has enjoyed shows like John and Kate; we DVR it and Iron Chef America.
Jeanna enjoys certain new cable shows, and enjoys surfing in general.

But let's face it, the main reason we bought a plasma TV and got cable for the first time in our marriage was for U of L football. And this is the thanks I get?

Less than 18 months removed from an Orange Bowl victory, a season in which a called back blocked field goal kept them from the National Championship Game, we look like we really don't even belong on the same field with a mid range team from an overrated conference.

I sure don't know what the rest of the season holds, and I am no fair weather fan. But someone needs to move back to Tulsa, and it isn't my parents...

I appreciate and respect the whole commitment to character, but come on people... let's get it together.

Go Cards! Go Krogering!

Ronnie and the Kids

Guess who got a a new drier...

Two Impressive Accomplishments

Shortly before Michael Phelps had his amazing and historic one one hundreth of a second win, Jeremiah took his very first steps!!! Interestingly enough his first steps were actually about 5 or 6. Of course we were all very excited, I was on the floor playing with him and called everyone over. We sat in a circle and he took turns 'walking' to us. He never got another 5 in a row but did 2 and 3 then he crawl, do sommersaults and generally enjoy all the attention. While we are in no hurry for our little baby to grow up, it is still very sweet and cute to watch this great accomplishment in his young life. Way To Go Phelps!! Way To Go Jeremiah!!

Good Morning

The First Day Of School

She refused to get out of bed... She cried and said 'do I have to go?' She faked like she was sick. She said she wasn't going to go and I couldn't make her. Finally I said, "Jeanna, face it. The summer is over and today is the first day of school. it's going to be a good year.

OK it didn't really go like that. Rather everyone got off to school without a hitch. Kids both seem excited about their teachers. Jessica was slightly dissapointed because her sandals wouldn't let her run very fast during tag and shedidn't get to do any math. Jillian is a real live fourth grader, switching classes and all.

Babies even had a little drama. Afer the day care closed down the other day due to plumbing problems, they were operating at half capacity. We could use the daycare one day and had to find arrangements the other. So they went to daycare today and promptly... got sick. Jeremiah had a fever and I had to coem get him and take him to the doctor. It isn't strp which is good. He will be over it by Friday. He got to have a milkshake for dinner so life wasn't too bad. Jacquline has a stuffy nose, in her words, "It feels like I'm snoring."

I have been back for over a week, and really never left. I taught several inservices, went to some conferences and taught two online classes. The schools I support are now back in session so the type of work shifts a little.

Jeanna is looking forward to a good year and has been back in her class for aver a week getting ready.

Favorite sign we saw the other day while out to breakfast: Good Morning... Let the Stress Begin.

Back Home...

We had a pleasant 4th of July and followed it up with a terrific visit from both of my sisters...

We were out of town this weekend at Natural Bridge State park in KY and enjoyed the hiking, scenery and even went to a real live hoe down.

The girls even walked the half mile trail, straight up hill, to the natural bridge.

Jeremiah's 1st Party

June 2008 Jeremiah's Party

Party couldn't have been more fun... He wasn't overly thrilled about his cake but he sure loved seeing all the friends and family who cared about. He was all smiles all day!

Home Sweet Home

We are home safely after a perfect four days on the beach. I had a little adventure with a lost wallet on the last day of vacation but the drama is starting to subside. The weather, waves and company couldn't have been better and I will get some more beach pictures posted up shortly.

Virginia Beach

We are having a terrific time on vacation. We have had two pleasant days on the beach and loads of fun visiting my sister and her kids. We visited the Cape Henry Lighthouse on Fort Story and enjoyed the climb and the view from up there. Later we swam in the Bay and even got a little red. Today we went to the ocean at Sandbrige Beach and while the water was a little (okay a lot) more cold, we enjoyed waves large enough to body surf and play around in. The girls found multiple crabs and Jillian enjoyed the body surfing greatly. My sister had a team meeting and pool party for her daughter's soccer team so we took the opurtunity to head out as a family and visit the touristy section of Va. Beach. We dined at an overpriced beachfront cafe and took a lot of pictures on the oceanfront. We windowshopped and had ice cream and before we knew it it was time to head back home.
We have two more days at the beach at we will be headed home after that.

Free To A Good Home

We are considering getting rid of one of our computer desks... let me know if you are interested. I will try to get a picture of it uploaded shortly but it is so messy I would be embarrassed to do so at this point...

It has room for a computer, slide out thing for a keyboard, three shelves and a hutch that goes the width of it.

I can even deliver it, but it would be better if you can arrange a truck, that way it wouldn't have to come apart.

It's twelve years old and was inexpensive to begin with, but it would be fine for a kid or for not very heave use...

100th Post

As the family blog creeps towards its second birthday, this is the 100th post.

But who's counting.

If you would like to see some professional portraits of Jeremiah, Jeanna recently took him to CLICK for his one year pictures. They have a very nice online gallery, though I do not know how long his photos will be up there. Jeremiah's Pictures

Hope everyone is having a good summer. I have worked about 9 days, am teaching two online classes, getting ready to head to the beach with the family, will go to a professional conference in Texas shortly after I return, head to my parents the day I get back from there, teach about five PD days in July, go to a PD providers retreat (get to bring the fam) at a state park. In between there we will have company from Tulsa, Jeremiah's party, tons of Netflix and a family weekend at a cabin at another state park.

I love summers off.

Vacation Update From Grandpa

first time in five days tha we has sun and no rain. It was a bit chilly and had a lot of wind.

 

We left the city of Custer and the Black Hills for the last time. Our first stop was Custer State Park and we did an abbreviated volksmarch there. Then the girls were able to get into the tail end of a junior ranger presentation on trees and even did a neat project in connection with it. We then visited the nature lodge and answered many questions. The we left and officially headed- east! We stoped at WAll Drug Store and dd some of the activities that we wee unable to do when we stoped there last week because of rain. We ate lunch, bought a few souveniers (another whole story in itself) then bk on the road again. We then hit the Bad Lands again, and this time with the sun shining and time enough for the girls to complete their third junior ranger program. They really enjoy doing thse programs and can be done in 60-90 minutes- with help! They even got to cimb on some of the geogological formations but no pictures as both camera were empty. Jesica had several pictures left, but took 8 trying t get a picture of  T-Rex roaring with its mouth open, but kept missing so tried again, and again, and....anyway- we al enjoyed the Bad Lands.

 On the road again by about 4:40 and drove to  where we crossed the Missouri River. Found a room with a pool and thus eded another fun day. Some small aches and pains appear and reappear, but some TLC seems to cure most all ills. Believe it or not, we had our first real tears today. Tragedy, in the motel hallway this morning as both girls tried to carry a box of toys, etc. to the car and made it about 4 steps from our room when Jesica fell and took Jillian down with her

  Big day of driving tomorrow--

 

    M7D

--
Jeremy Renner

Day 6

More vacation updates..

Tonight it is Dad's turn to watch the swimmers again and I'm doing laundry.  Had a great day.  Started out early with a hike up Mt. Crazy Horse, us and 10,000 others.  Dad did the whole 10 ks and the girls and I did about 6+-mostly straight up!  The girls did a fantastic job. When Dad got off the mountain we did lunch at Subway, then drove back through Custer State Forest, sharing the road with buffalo, deer, and actually saw donkeys at the side of the road, pulled over and they came right up to the car.  Cute. Went back to the Reptile Gardens to use our "rain check".  Great place.  Saw the shows, Jessica kissed an alligator for some guys filming a commercial, petted snakes, scratched the tortoise's necks, and had a great time.  Dad wouldn't pet the snake.

Ate dinner at a Bavarian Inn (Jess had grilled cheese and Jillian had popcorn shrimp.)  Went to the $$ store to buy more tissue, Jess still has a runny nose, but feels fine.

The girls have been great, Dad bought a 2nd hair brush so now all is just fine.  Heading East tomorrow AM, may do a walk in the state park, then to the Badlands so they can do the Jr. Ranger program there.

 

later, Mom

--
Jeremy Renner

Extreme Yard Sale, Extreme Heat

Day one of a two day yard is in the books... when preparation time is accounted for I think we made about three cents an hour but we did clear out a lot of goodies! We are doing one of those operations where nothing comes back inside.. in fact as soon as the AM rush starts to fizzle on Saturday I am going to start taking carloads to the goodwill. If you are in the area come on down for the bargains you have been searching for. It was about a million degrees out there...

Phone Message

	Voicemail You'll Love Share this ...

The Trip With Grandma and Grandpa

Here are some selections from my dad and mom's emails. They have Jillian and Jessica with them on a trip to South Dakota... enjoy!

Day 1

anyway- we got moving by 10:00 am on Monday and basically drove IS 80 due west. Got to Davenport, IA mid afternoon and did a volksmarch along the Mississippi River. We didn't walk too many kms as the girls haven't quite grasped the idea of walking with grandpa yet.Their idea ia to walk 5 minutes and then play, or sit for 10 minutes. Now you know why I am not filling out their km books. After an hour, we left town and got to Des Moines. Not a real exciting day, but did get in about 450 miles. Hotel last night had a nice indoor pool and we took full advantage of it. Hooked up with 2 other young teenagers and the 6 of us played "marco polo" for a good while. fun, fun- well as long as Jessica rode on my back- as she always wanted to be "it", but then she couldn't catch anybody- so we teamed up and that was fine.

today we leave in real cool weather after it had rained all night.First stop was at old Fort Dodge in central Iowa and they had several reconstructed building that were fun to look at.Jillian said the best one to see was the jail! um... then they also had a reconstructed stockade, or small fort, that also served as a local museum of Indian artifacts, military memorabilia, and furniture, clothing, etc. of 100 years (+/-) years ago.I think the girls enjoyed it, but they certainly have different priorities of what to see or not see. You can only say, "look at this, or that" so many times.. then off again on our way to South Dakota. After a quick 2 hour pass through Minnesota, we got to SD about 6:00 pm. Stopped at the welcome center and they both became temporary "Deputy Sheriffs-- badges and all! got to the hotel with an indoor water slide, etc... around 7:30 in Mitchell; ate a quick burger and all were in the pool by 8:15. We are now cooling down and it soon be "lights off".

tomorrow will be a big day as we will go to the famous "Corn Palace" which is here in town-then drive about 250 miles to the Badlands. Thursday and Friday we will be in Rapid City where Mt. Rushmore is, and a 100 other activities; Saturday we will walk the Crazy Horse volksmarch and then......decide what we want to do next.

will keep you updated. Girls are keeping journals and buying post cards, as well as cutting pictures out of travel magazines. In addition they are taking pictures--no guarantees as to how they will. turn out as Jessica has only dropped hers about 4 or 5 times!

day 3
after our rain and short swim (big slide was closed down) we drove downtown (Mitchell) and visited the "Corn Palace"-- an expo center whose outside pictures are made of corn. Interesting, but the girls found shopping in the gift shop much more attractive. Two more gift shops later, we gut out of town by noon. Drove on to where the interstate crossed the Missouri River and were able to do a volksmarch there-nice walk along the river and out by a Indian School, which took a lot of explaining on why they got their own school, etc., etc....

After the walk we drove out to the Bad Lands--weather was chilly and a few rain drops were mixed in, but saw some deer, prairie dogs and sheep up close. Not sure what they thought of rock formations..but we tried!

We are camping out tonight in Wall, SD, of course made famous by the Wall Drug Store. Will hit it first then on to Rapid City and Mt. Rushmore. Will be in and around the Rapid City area for 4 days, so, at least not a lot of time in the car- finally. Missed the big rain storm but had a little rain on and off--we are now in mountain time zone.

day 4 (or is it 40)

Actually, for as bad as our weather has been, we did a lot today. Started out at the famous Wall Drug Store. Of course, Jessica wanted to spend every cent she had (on wonderful stuff like "the cutest pink plastic pony" made in China.) while big sister Jillian lectured her and didn't spend a bit. Actually neither of them did.

Then we headed to Mt. Rushmore. Had to stop and get Jillian a second camera as she has had a good time taking pictures. Had lunch there in the dining room, the girls did the 'junior ranger' program and got their badges, and we visited all the museums and exhibits in the rain. We even saw the carvings between clouds. Cold, yukky day.

Left there and visited a reptile farm (out of the rain) then drove to Deadwood to check in to a very rustic little place. Ate dinner, then hit the pool and hot tub to warm up. The girls are still swimming, with Grampa watching, they have hooked up with a couple of little girls and are having a ball. Jessica's nose is still running like crazy, but she says she feels ok and believe me she has not slowed down.

If it is decent tomorrow we will do a walk here in town then head towards Devil's Tower and do another. If it is still cold we will find a Kmart or the like and buy the girls some long pants and maybe find an indoor water park.

Jessica wanted to call and tell you she has finished a chapter book. She bought a Junie B Whoever book at the Corn Palace and has finished it. Gee, it was quiet in the car for a while.

Phone connections not very good here. mom

Happy Birthday 2

We will have more photos to come, but here is a start... little Jacqueline's party was a nice one...

Update 5/28: I didn't get to write much about her party, but it really was a pleasant afternoon. I appreciate all the friends and family who showed up and I think everyone had a good time. I just added about 22 more pictures to the photo album, so be sure to see if you made it on there!

In reflecting back over Jacqueline's short life I almost forget sometimes that she has been hospitalized twice, once for heart surgery and once for a respiratory infection. I also almost forgot that I actually started this blog before blogger was owned by Google. I made a JCPS Online discussion forum publicly viewable, assigned a tiny URL to redirect to it and posted up to it. It was clunky but it got the job done...If you want to see the old school pre blogger blog click here.. there are some pictures and announcement's from when Jacqueline was in the hospital. OK that's a little nerdy pice of history but that's the way I roll.

Also, I had a little video from the hospital. I posted it up on You Tube recently, but haven't linked to it here. Check out 'Uncle Steve' cheering up Jacqueline while she was laid up:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wg8SD87gJp8

Anyway our big 3 year old is with her grandparents for a few days and we sure miss her. But we are thankful for the joy she has brought us and for her clean bill of health. She is a blessing.

BDay

Happy Birthday

You KNOW you're from "Louisville" when:

You KNOW you're from "Louisville" when:

Your "International" airport has only one passenger flight
that actually leaves the 48 contiguous U.S. States and is
also the size of an average mall

The in-state sports rivalry is paid more attention to than
the national championship.

You live in an area that occasionally gets considerable
snowfalls, floods, and tornadoes... But has no capacity to
deal with any of the above.

You pronounce the name of your city different than anyone
else you've heard.

You think the rest of the people in Kentucky sound like
hicks.

When you think " Kentucky ' you don't automatically think
horse racing or fried chicken.

You ask your doctor for an allergy cure and he tells you to
"move"

You've shoveled 10 plus inches of snow and worn shorts in the
same week.

When people ask what school you went to, they don't mea n
Vanderbilt, Yale, or Harvard; they mean Ballard, Male,
Manual, Trinity or St. X.

You know what the Bambi Walk is.

Your last ten vacations were in Panama City or Destin.

You make an emergency run to Kroger for bread and milk at
the first sighting of a snowflake.

You've lived here for years, yet somehow you get hopelessly
lost each time you attempt a shortcut through Cherokee Park .

You're convinced turn signals are useless options on a
vehicle.

You hold up traffic to let a motorist you don't know into
your lane.

You give directions based on landmarks that no longer exist
or street names that have changed, but your directions never
confuse any of the other Louisvillians

You have never been to the Derby , but wouldn't miss the
Oaks.

You call in sick to attend the Oaks and spot your boss - who
also called in sick - at the next betting window.

You think all the REAL hicks live in New Albany IN.

You think the only thing Southern Indiana is good for is
buying pumpkins.

When introduced to another life-long Louisvillian, you spend
the first part of the conversation finding out how you are
connected. It's never as many as six degrees of separation -
usually three will do it.

You think a pervert is someone who would rather have sex
than watch basketball.

You've built a shrine to Rick Pitino in your basement.

You can read about Rick Pitino in at least three different
sections of your newspaper.

You think the rest of the world knows what Benedictine
spread is.

You think the rest of the world knows what a Hot Brown is.

You have never eaten fish that wasn't fried.

You think the whole world puts spaghetti in chili.

You want another bridge built over the Ohio River , just so
long as it doesn't cut through YOUR neighborhood.

You've experienced a "salt storm" after a two-inch snowfall.


You're  still bitching that Dillards took over Bacon's

You still refer to Bashford Manor Mall and it has
been gone for 7 Years.


You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other
friends from Louisville .

--
Jeremy Renner

Jacqueline-isms

I thought it'd be fun to record some of the fun things Jacqueline has to say as I begin to spend the week with her..

Ten seconds after we hung up a bird feeder... "Here birdie birdie...It's not working!"

When a fly was interupting her lunch... "Shoo fly don't bother me...Daddy he's not listening!"

And it's only noon on Monday!

Part Two:

Jacqueline had an upset stomach and threw up today. As she was washing up in the bathroom she looked at me cleaning up the carpet and declared, "Now we gotta get a NEW house...."

And finally... the other night when it was warm in her room, she decided she would forgo the PJs while sleeping. She declared, "I'm gonna wear my belly and my legs..."

Throw one of Jessica's in here from today, while eating rice with dinner, "it tastes pretty good with the oil sauce"

Vote For LJ!

My cousin has entered a contest where the winner gets to sing with Rascal Flatts. Her video and song are amazing... click below to check it out! You can vote for her without registering, click 'check it out' and   'vote as a guest'.

Enjoy:

Jeanna Continues to Dominate Brackets

And the Cards continue to dominate the field. Also cheering for WKU due to the semi local factor and Villanova b/c of the name...

It's Madness

For those scoring at home, Jeanna is winning the family basketball pool after the first round. I am proud of Jacqueline who accurately predicted "Diego" to win against UConn. Now if "Oklahoma, Okay" can just keep wining she will be right back in it. Jessica has second place with 23 points and a nearly perfect East regional. Jillian is also doing quite well, and is just one behind me. It's early though and Dad is not giving up this easily. Go Cards...

Snow Much Fun

Hope everyone has been enjoying the snow... we have had a good time even though it is a little cold out. Check out Boomer in the snow

Snow Much Fun...

Hope everyone has enjoyed the snow. We went sledding once in the neighborhood and once at the floodwall... The girls had a snow day Friday. It is still coming down. Check out Boomer stealing Jillian's scarf... pay attn to the background noise, our girls are sort of new to the outside elements....

wii like to blog

just 2 c if its possible...posted via wii

Give Thanks, With A Grateful Heart...

Giving thanks at dinner is an adventure in our house...

Baby Milestone

For those of you interested in baby milestones Jeremiah turned seven months old today and also took a bath in the big tub (no baby tub insert thing)...

Snow Day

We turned on the weather to see if we'd have a snow day and this is what we saw...

Not really but I thought it was pretty funny anyway...

Sisters and Video Games

I have distinct memories of my two sisters playing frogger with one of them closing their eyes and the other one directing them where to jump. They took a game turned it into sort of a trust walk. Well I never mentioned that to my girls, in fact I sort of forgot about it until today when..... Jillian and Jessica were taking turns with the Wii paddle, going into the other room where they couldn't see the TV and tried to tell each other when to release the bowling ball. They got surprisingly good results. It is almost as much fun, to them, as releasing the ball backwards and watching everyone scatter...