Tuesday, March 15, 2022

Cancer, Now What?

 


We interrupt life as previously scheduled to share the news of Carrie's breast cancer diagnosis.  Never in a million years did I think I'd be typing these words.  This seemingly came out of nowhere and has rocked our world.  However, we know that cancer is just a chapter in our family's story, and I hope to resume blog posts documenting brighter days in the future.  In the meantime, I have set up a Caring Bridge site for family and friends to follow my cancer journey:

www.caringbridge.org/visit/carriewinterhoff

We are asking that you pray for our family during this time.  

Monday, January 31, 2022

Snow Much Fun!


This January = snow, snow, snow!  It had been over 3 years since our last measurable snowfall in NC (December 2018), but this month made up for it with 4 separate snow events.  Leah and I returned to Sugar Mountain the Saturday after her birthday for a fun-filled day on the slopes trying out our new skis!    
This little girl is just so much fun.  We have the best time skiing together and it's a special way to enjoy the winter season and make the most of the cold weather!

Our first snowfall at home this month occurred on the last day of winter break.  This meant that Leah had a 2-hour delay on her birthday and it was a great way to kick off the 2022 school year: 


I love this pic of the kids in our neighborhood (and Luke towering over them)!

Back inside, we've been playing lots of games while snowed in.  We've had family Catan marathons, dealt numerous rounds of Five Crowns, and enjoyed lots of the board games that we received for Christmas.  Leah also got out her Twister game, and Millie joined in on the fun:
Right Hand/Paw Green! 

Giant Paper Airplanes for the snow day win!

Leah's world famous waffles are the perfect snow day breakfast.

Just a doodle in her dog bed snuggling with her stuffed animal.

We also made s'mores on the porch with our new City Bonfire Pit, which is a great winter alternative to our back yard (snow covered) fire pit:

Cozy and (somewhat) warm under the blankets.


Our next January storm brought snow and ice, and caused school to be shut down for a week.  Some of the children in our house were happier about the return to remote learning than others, but everyone was pleased that those learning days do not have to be tacked on to the end of the school year.  Millie was excited to play outside with her siblings, and the ice created amazing sledding conditions for days!











There was a third snowfall somewhere in the middle of the month, and all I have is another photo of a kid holding a sled in our front yard.  I run out to snap these photos when it snows and then come back inside to enjoy my quiet, warm house.  

Snow Days mean jigsaw puzzles for Mama!

One of the best things about snow days this year is that the kids are completely independent about donning/doffing their winter gear.  The days of us needing to help to bundle them up in coats/boots/mittens has passed, and this is a beautiful thing!

Last weekend, we continued our snowy fun as Leah & I visited Winterplace Ski Resort, WV for the first time:

We hit the slopes early and had the mountain to ourselves for most of the morning.  The lodge had cute West Virginia signage and we found ourselves humming "Take Me Home, Country Roads":
Mountain Mama's & Almost Heaven. 

Ski Lift Selfie.


Peanut certainly has a lot of personality skiing.  Here she is, racing down the mountain, and doing her "victory" pose.  She cracks me up!



One of the best parts of this winter weather is hot chocolate!  Leah's new travel thermos has been awesome for our ski days as we take our breaks in between runs:

The kids had an early dismissal on Friday in anticipation of yet another winter storm, but this time, we only got about an inch and the roads were clear.  It was mostly melted by the next day, and I confess that this is my favorite type of snow (as a fleeting visitor!):

As you can see, we're embracing the winter weather and have had snow much fun this January!

Wednesday, January 19, 2022

Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Leah!  Eleven years ago, this precious girl was born, and our lives have been immeasurably brighter ever since.  This girl is strong, she is fearless, she is kind and helpful, and everyone loves her.  Leah can be found playing football with the boys at recess, is the only girl in our neighborhood group of kids, and can hold her own in any athletic endeavor or sport.  I never, ever have to worry about her having friends, and she is always the one you want on your team for any competition.  There was a day recently that Leah observed some girl drama on the playground, and she stopped playing kickball to comfort a classmate who was being bullied.  Her teacher noticed this and asked Leah to serve as a mediator to the group of girls.  Leah shared some words of wisdom with the group (because she's always been an old soul) and intuitively solved the girls' problem.  She's well respected by her peers, was chosen by staff to be a school leader for Safety Patrol, and is a Student Council officer.  She's on the Colts Morning Show, participates on the Battle of the Books team, and loving her role of being the Big (Wo)Man on Campus as a 5th grader this year.  

Leah loves soccer, skiing, and reading.  She's tried (and enjoyed) field hockey this year, is always up for a travel adventure or new experience.  Leah's our picky eater, but will happily prepare food for herself.  She's responsible and self sufficient, takes care of Millie, gets herself ready each day, and remembers do her chores and practice piano (with an occasional reminder).  She's quick witted and funny, and is her Daddy's girl and my little sidekick.  Leah continues to be Luke's biggest fan.  She was so proud of him during marching band this year, and was excited to tag along to all of his musical performances.  (Going to Hawaii with your brother's band isn't a bad gig, either!).   

Leah continues to be an easy child (although I know the tween/teen years are coming), and she personifies joy.  She has a knack of making other people feel good, 

Leah will crack you up with a funny joke or sarcastic comment, and a moment later, she'll make you wide eyed in wonder with a thoughtful, perceptive observation.  Right now, Leah says that she wants to work with animals when she grows up, and I can see her being a vet or a teacher.  She adores Millie to pieces, and loves all things dog-related.  

Leah Grace,  I am so incredibly thankful that God chose Daddy and me to be your parents.  We are so excited to see what the future holds for you.  You are going to do BIG things with your life, and we love you so much and are so proud of you.  Happy, happy 11th birthday to our baby girl! 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Leah's birthday happened to fall on the first day back to school after winter break, and after an unseasonably warm week of weather, it snowed.  This meant a 2 hour-delay, which was a great way to start the day!  I took donuts in for Leah's class, and she had a great birthday, filled with presents, phone calls from family, and lots of love and attention.  Here are some pictures from her birthday celebrations:

We rented the Spirit Rock at ORES & painted it as a surprise for our birthday girl!



We went from wearing shorts one day to snowfall the next.  Thankfully, our paint withstood the weather!


Waking up as an 11 year-old!

Just two girls, excited to open presents!

Puppy mug for her hot chocolate!



Birthday Fruit Tart = Perfect dessert for our fruit-loving girl!

Opening birthday presents at Mimi's house.


The sweetest birthday girl!