Fall Frenzy!

It seems that too easily life can take over, and personal blogging can no longer remain routine. Yet, my love for photography and capturing life through images remains. So what better place to share them, than in this post, which I have titled Fall Frenzy!

It's a true blessing to be able to relive moments through images, some of my favorite fall memories from 2011 are as follows:

A trip to Brown County with Mom, Dad, Grandma White, and Clayton. They say no place is more beautiful than Brown County in the fall--I can attest to that fact.

Back in Goshen, Clayton and I decided to spend a Saturday afternoon carving pumpkins. First step: go the the pumpkin patch at Kercher's Orchard to pick out the prize winning gourds!

The finished products: a spooky ghost due and a chicken (guess whose is whose--It's not very hard when the chicken guy is one of the carvers)!

October 31 can always be celebrated by those who are young at heart (and technically speaking are still young)! We thoroughly enjoyed getting Halloween costumes around this year: a ladybug and lumberjack. We celebrated with a few friends in Goshen.

As the weather gets a bit chillier, nothing is more rejuvenating than a warm cup of coffee with a friend at The Brew (Goshen's local coffee shop). I have been quite blessed that most weekends when I return to Goshen, Bethany and I are able to catch up over a warm beverage.

On November 13, the Colts honored all of those who have served or still serve in the military (a NFL wide event). In light of this occasion, the Cheer Department was placed in charge of putting together a halftime show! With the help of 18 local dance teams, 100 Jr. Cheerleaders, the 42 Colts Cheerleaders, and almost 150 service men and women, we pulled it off. This photo shows how we ended.

This game Dad was also a part of the group accepting a check for IU Simon Cancer Center from the Colts.

And we surprised Mom, with a "Happy Birthday" game-day greeting (see the message board below the big screen)!

I truly enjoy baking and with more free time in the evenings, I find myself testing out new recipes. Just in time for Thanksgiving I found a Rice Krispy Treat recipe, which made these fun turkeys!

As November comes to a close, we see football season winding down as well--sadly because Sundays are never the same without football. Yet, I will never forget the days at the stadium when we are able to open the roof for brisk, fall day game!

Oh the simple joys of fall.

Saying Good-Bye to Grandpa

When an individuals earthly life ends, those who remain must find ways to cope.

It was November 25, when I had to say good-bye to Grandpa (the first of my grandparents to pass).

Grandpa had been living in a nursing home for four years at the time he suffered a mild stroke. Shortly thereafter his health took a turn for the worse. Never before have I sat alongside of an individual as they die. A powerfully draining week.

Yet, through the tough times, it provided a unique opportunity for The White Family to come together. We spent many late nights beside Grandpa's bed, both laughing and crying where some of the greatest memories surfaced.


Here's my absolute favorite photo, which was taken just a few days before his passing:

Dear Grandpa,
I love you! Forever I will cherish the summers I got to spend with you and grandma--our adventures at Lemon Lake and our many attempts at catching squirrels in your backyard. Because of who you were and all that you did, I embrace my love for the Game Show Network, afternoon naps, corduroy recliners, and most of all ice cream (or just my love for sweats in general). You will forever be a part of my life--I am me because of you! I can't wait to see you again soon!
Love Always,
Alicia

May you Rest In Peace, PJ. Until we meet again!

Veterans Day Game

November 13, 2011: a Sunday that was long and highly anticipated.

Every year, during the month of November, the NFL the honors veterans and active duty members of the military. The Colts' home game on the 13th against the Jaguars was the selected military appreciation game.

All games begin with a skit by our very own mascot, BLUE. But this games' skit was unique...we were all peeking out from the tunnel, trying watching it, and admittedly shed a few tears.

Photo Credit: Matt Bowen
Watch Blue's Big Surprise

BLUE rocks! Welcome Home, Army Specialist John Pezan!

After the skit, a pre-game full-field American flag presentation occurred (this happens at every home game during the playing of the National Anthem). Members of the military are invited to hold the edges of the flag, along with players, coaches and staff from both teams. When the words, "O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave," are sung, all those holding the flag begin to wave their arms, and the audience erupts in cheer.

Next in the program, was the Cheer Department's task for the game: a halftime show that paid tribute to the service men and women.

Not a seemingly huge deal, right? Wrong. We decided to invite a dozen local dance studios, over 100 members of the military (with all branches represented), our 100 Jr. Cheerleaders, and 42 Cheerleaders to be involved with the program. Our glorious show had 300+ people on the field for just under 6 minutes. Needless to say we had long Tuesday/Thursday night practices, and additional Saturday practices added in.

Needless to say, we decided to go for the 'WOW' factor"!

Take a look at our Halftime Performance

What made it worth it: upon conclusion of the performance we had almost everyone in the stadium on their feet, clapping and wiping tears from their eyes.

Of course none of this would have been possible without our remarkable choreographer, Michelle Allison.