Our Winter FUNdraising Efforts!

Its the middle of winter and we're all bundled up, trying to make it through these brutally cold nights and dreary days. So what do BDR and I do? We give back.

Ok, in all fairness, we ask you to give back! We do the work, you reap the reward aka laughing at us when we look rediculous!

I've written before about my fundraising efforts. I'm training for the Rock the Parkway Half Marathon on April 2 and raising money for my local Girls on the Run Chapter. I need to raise a minimum of $262 by that date. I would be so grateful, if you would visit this site, and make a donation. Any amount is wonderful, appreciated and will be put to good use!

Here's the more entertaining portion of this blog.

BDR is growing a moustache.

Need I really say more?!

I'm hoping that he starts to look like Burt Reynolds, Tom Selleck or George Harrison. But who knows how it will turn out. It could end up being a bit more "Rollie Fingers".

His police department has challenged its officers to grow a moustache for the month of February and raise money for its favorite cause, Special Olympics. They do other regular fundraisers including the Torch Run and the Summer Games. But this one is definitely the most fun!

If you are willing to sponsor BDR in his quest to grow the most righteous stache, please contact him at reedy.us (at) gmail. Any amount counts. And really, if I have to see that flavor savor every day for a month, I hope he can really raise some good money for it! Come on, Its for the Kids!!

Here's your sponsor agreement:

"I agree to Sponsor BDR's Stache in the name of charity for the Special Olympics. I understand that my pledge is only due upon successful completion of the event by said Stache growing participant until February 28^th, 2011. Should the participant shave said Stache, I am released from all Sponsoring liability and will mercilessly ridicule them for bailing out on their fellow participants, not to mention the pledge they just lost for Special Olympics."

I hope you feel you can undertake these responsibilities and help me get through the next whiskery 28 days. I promise to document the growth throughout the month, so you can enjoy it too!

And just for reference, here's the starting point after Day 1.



These boys bowl me over

Saturday afternoon was my time to babysit my adorable, all-boy-all-the-time, nephews. They can definitely be a handful, and are great birth control, but man do I love them.  They are so fun!

We hit up Incredabowl in South OP to knock down some pins. They are such goofballs - and so animated!

Sean was pretty serious about his turns. He'd watch the ball roll down the alley until it could roll no more. And he'd be so nervous seeing where it would end up! See nervous stances in the following photos. At one point he was so focused on the pins that he accidentally let the ball roll backwards towards my toes instead!

Ian is Mr. Crazypants. He'd be rolling on the floor after a bad throw, and doing some serious celebrating after he got a spare!

Little Jacob though, man is he a baller! The only one of us to get a strike and ended up winning by 10 pins!!

This is his game face. Grr. Watch out brothers. I'm comin' for ya!

Highlights of the outing at the bowling alley: playing with the balls and the fan in the ball return.

Making the computer screen beep!

Seeing who can hold on to the most balls at once.

 But most importantly, quality time with those we love!!!

After our epic bowling adventure, we went to Petland to see all the animals. Jacob got to hold a one-pound Peagle puppy (pekingese and beagle mix). Ian and Jake held bunny rabbits. They all played with the dwarf hamsters and the hermit crabs. Of course, they wanted to take them all home with them! Luckily, we got an ice cream call from Uncle Timmy that rescued those poor animals from a dubious fate!

O'D Dance Party

At our Family Christmas/New Years Gathering, we enjoyed the boys' Christmas presents immensely. Namely this awesome game they got for the Wii. Yep, its Kidz Bop Dance Party!!

You get to pick the outfits, the stage, accessories and then you dance along with the game. Of course, I had to rock out to Miley's "Party in the USA" and singing and dancing at the same time is hard work. I was breathless before I knew it!

Here's a few photo highlights of the dance party.

IPOD rocked out first, showing us how to play the game.

Then I took at turn...

And then Poppy! Let me tell you, this was classic! Poppy and the Wii is one thing, but Poppy, the Wii and dancing --- it'll go down in history.

Sorry I can't figure out how to turn the photos right side up. Just tilt your head and you'll see what I'm talking about!



Uncle Timmy took a turn and Ryan decided to not just stand there, bust a move!

Good times, I can't wait to go over and play again. I promise, Ian, I'm coming after your high score!!!



Check out the loot!

One of my favorite parts of Christmas is picking out gifts for my loved ones. Its never been a secret that I'm a shopper, and I always try to find that "just right" gift for those I care about. Its just one way that I show them my love. And of course, there are usually gifts in return - here are a few highlights from 2010...

Santa brought BDR a "Police are my Favorite People" air freshener. Scent: Fresh baked doughnut. MMM. Tasty.  On the back it says you can also use it as deodorant or a bowling accessory.

Mr. Nosy the Dokson. When I first opened this I had NO IDEA what it was. I was sure that it served some sort of purpose, but even google couldn't help me. Luckily the giver informed me of its use:

Awesome solid coasters to protect our tables from the sweat of the Blvd Beer.

BDR's new Royals cap. Hopefully he can wear it in spring softball with the boys!

Banana Dan also got "Bananagrams" the game. He's not quite sure of this gift's implications!

Warm and cozy scarf and mittens! (Note, my new hair!)

Hooray a cop nutcracker to add to the collection!

OOH! What could this be???

And of course - my best Christmas gift of all --- Stella!!