Monday, December 28

Happy Birthday, Sara!! You should be glad that you and Matt got out of Columbus before the snow and cold weather moved in today. Aunt Judy, my sister from Atlanta is not so sure that she is liking the snow any better. I, on the other hand, really like the snow. Maybe it is that I always enjoyed snow days but it just doesn't seem like winter with out snow. Saturday evening we all went to Montgomery Inn for ribs. It was the last on a list of Cincy favorite restaurants that Matt wanted to visit before heading back to Hawaii.

Today also marks one year after the "accident". I guess it holds a lot more emotion for me as Mr. Bichler has no memory of the accident, a week before and 6 to 8 weeks following the fall. Looking back, the recovery has been nothing short of miraculous. I pray the new year brings even more cognitive improvements and an increase in his confidence.

Friday, December 25

Merry Christmas to everyone. We are so very thankful to have everyone back home for Christmas this year. Sara and Matt aren't real thrilled with the snow and cold but they are getting used to it. We had a house full and it is so exciting to have little ones running around once again! Make the holiday so much more fun!!

Monday, Dec. 21

This morning we were accompanied to practice with a new assistant. Luke came to practice with us and we really enjoyed his company. He played at being shy for the first 30 minutes before he decided to take over practice. What a joy having everyone here for the holidays.

Sunday, December 20

We have had a great ending to the week starting with the basketball team's win against Licking Heights on Thursday. That puts the team at 5-0 at the break. On Friday we picked up the girls and Luke from the airport. Luke and Trish came in at 3 pm and we waited to greet Aunt Sara and Uncle Matt who came in from Honolulu via Phoenix at 4:40. It was just great to see everyone again. The snow was our gift to Sara and Matt but Luke and I enjoyed playing in it while Sara and Matt just admired it from the warmth inside the house. Saturday we went to the zoo for a behind the scenes tour where we saw the bears and the bull moose up close. We had a great time and we also saw the light show before leaving. I was surprised at how many visitors were there despite the snow and rainy conditions. This week the girls will be visiting their husband's families before returning for Christmas. Hopefully Chad can dig himself out of the eastern blizzard and make his flight tomorrow. Delaware got 16 inches of snow, totally uncharacteristic considering their proximity to the ocean which usually turns snow into rain. I would like to wish everyone a most blessed Christmas.

Friday, December 11

Last night was the home opener for the girls basketball teams. We played Liberty Union which is the team that defeated these girls last year in the tournament championship. Call it paybacks, and our girls played the best game so far this season as we won 45-17. Not sure if she was sick or being disciplined but the best player for LU didn't play much so it may be a much closer game when we play at their place but we are enjoying the win none the less. Mr. B says it is because of his coaching but I'm thinking that most of the credit goes to the girls and the fact that we had a super point guard move in this year. She is just what the team needed. Our post player had 19 and many of those points came from our point guards great passes. The team is now 3-0 with 2 more games before Christmas break. It would be nice if we could still be undefeated by then.
We are looking forward to all of our house guests coming in at the end of next week. I am so excited. I talked on the phone with Luke several nights ago. This was a first as he usually only looks at the phone as people are talking to him. He was quite talkative as a matter of fact and rattled off his Christmas list. He wants a Batman Cave, tools, books, guys (action figures, he calls them his "guys") and candy canes. When I asked if he was coming for Christmas he said "presents!" So much for the sermons in church about buying less. I think Grandmas should be given an exemption! Hope to get some good pics up over the holidays! Be safe and stay warm!!

Thursday, December 3

First game back since the accident. The girls really stepped up their game and came out ready to play. Unlike our last scrimmage, we actually made most of our lay ups and didn't make too many bad passes. I don't remember the exact score but I know it was a lot to not many. (something like 37-12) Our "Mad Dog" was working to get us steals and turnovers and it helps when you can finish by making those lay ups. We are away again on Monday at Harvest Prep and then our first home game of the season on Thursday. It sure was good to see Mr. B back doing what he loves to do. Even though the score was lopsided, he never stopped coaching and working on things they need to improve on, such as holding the ball and shot selection. I'd say things are looking good!