nevermind me in this picture...

...isn't my husband gorgeous? I love you, pete!

"Please Don't Leave!"

Thank you, Nana and Papa Beach!

Christmas morning PJ-fest

Ready to dine

Pete is pounding his pork (that was for you, Dennis)

Ah...a thing of beauty!

Welcome to Gracie's Salon

Ten speed tutorial

The angel, Joseph, and Mary

That was the plea from two little kids this morning as Nana and Papa packed up to head back to Cape for the arrival (at some point) of the Minnesota crew. Looks like they may wait until the roads in Iowa clear out some more today.

Thanks to ALL of our family for the terrific gifts and cards! We are truly blessed! We attended Christmas Eve service in Little Rock at Trinity Episopal Cathedral with our friends the Meeks. The service was great and the church is beautiful! Christmas morning came at about 7:00 with Gracie reporting that she had a new bike! Jack came next at 7:20, very excited about his new super star theater. And I got exactly what I wanted - for the artichoke and mushroom stuffed pork loin roast to turn out super, and it did! The rest of the day was spent playing Mario Gokarts, Sing It, pedicures, Uno, Christmas pictionary and hangman on Jack's new whiteboard easel, nativity drama, and finally watching "The Nutcracker."

Wishing you all the joy of Christmas, and best wishes for a prosperous new year!...D

Glory to the Newborn King!

Merry Christmas everyone!

Looking forward to...

1.getting a good report on our annual termite inspection today
2.hearing about the great time Jack had with Ashley today
3.Gracie arriving home safe and sound tonight from Memphis for Sarah Grace's birthday at the zoo
4.baking more cookies tonight
5.Mom and Dad arriving in 2 more days!
6.'High Church' Christmas Eve service at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in LR
7.attempting a potential masterpiece on Christmas Day - artichoke and mushroom stuffed pork loin roast
8.drinking my new sweet tea flavored vodka (mixed with lemonade)

Merry merry...D

Thanks...

...to ALL for the warm birthday wishes this weekend! I had a great couple of days, filled with surprises from the man of my dreams. Pete came home Friday night, a little late from work, had me blindfolded, and the kids led me into our bedroom to unwrap a flat screen TV for our room. As well as a DVD and a Jodi Picoult book. Saturday night we had dinner out with our good friends and neighbors Scott and Mandy. We tried a new restaurant in LR called YaYa's - and it was AWESOME! It is touted as Kris Allen's favorite restaurant and I see why. That was the best meal I have had in a long time!
In the middle of all of that, Gracie had a swim meet in LR on Saturday afternoon. She did very well and peeled off a few seconds on all of her times but one. Jack had a play date during the meet to go to the movies, so he was glad!
Pete heads out tomorrow for SC for business, and will be fortunate to squeeze in Thursday and Friday in NC with Mom and Dad Karl. He is bringing a treat with him, N and P!
Counting the days until the birth of our King...D

Pastoral Blessing by Jack

This is what I heard from Jack as the kids were playing church in the living room...

"May the Lord leprechaun you with favor...and give you peace. "

I LOVE how kids'minds work...these are the days to remember...DK

Guest Reader

Jack's kindergarten class had a visit from the first lady of Arkansas, Ginger Beebe. She was a guest reader who read "Flat Stanley." Can you spot our Jacky in the sea of cuteness? And that is the wonderful Mrs. Thone in the back with the dark hair.
Pete is on his way home tonight from Atlanta...made a BIG renewal sale...proud of him...DK

Birthday Celebration

We had our closest friend families to LaHuerta last night to celebrate the big 4-0 for everyone's favorite Pete! Here he is being serenaded by the restaurant staff, and Dad - you will like this - they were beating on 5 gallon white buckets. Thank you to Will, Toni, Madison, Riley, Chad, April, Hannah, Cameron, Mandy, Scott, Sarah Grace, Maddi, Charlie, Gracie, and Jackson for making his day special!

Here is a picture that Gracie took of us while we were talking to Nana Beach after opening the AWESOME coffee maker! Finally one that doesn't leak, and it is BEAUTIFUL!

Polar Express Night tonight at Jack's school...D

Lordy Lordy Look Who's Forty...

Happy birthday to the BEST husband and father in the world!

The Lost Tooth...that now is found!

Two weeks ago during the youth hunt weekend, Gracie lost a molar in the woods. Yesterday, while running through the woods on the four wheeler, she told Pete to stop, because she thought that was the spot that she had dropped her tooth. Sure enough...

Thanksgiving 2009

Holiday Highlights:

1. Pete ordering beef tips at Bonanza on the ride to Cape

2. The magic of Nana's basement apartment.

3. Seeing the Jackson 5's new house!

4. Trees N Trends!!!

5. Cousins in the 'Suzuki jungle'

6. Four wheeler rides around Papa's yard

7. Pete repairing the divets in Papa's yard

8. Visit to the new and beautiful Cape library, where Nana works (pictures above)

9. Pete hearing someone call Papa 'Bobby' at the library

10. Pete almost 'losing' his beef tips in the library parking lot

11. Apples to Apples

12. FAMILY, FOOD and PIES!

Thanks, Mom and Dad, for a great feast! We love you very much..fierce love, right Mom?!

D

You Only Turn 40 Once!

Happy Turkey Week!

So we just came off of a whirlwind weekend! Gracie did very well in the UALR meet this weekend. She swam Saturday and Sunday afternoons and dropped time in all of her events but one. The girls capped off the weekend with a viewing of "New Moon", in which Gracie fanned herself every time Jacob the wolf appeared on the screen! Too much! The boys hits the woods, armed with Jack's first gun! He is a pretty good shot, from what I hear.

I am off work all week (Thanks Acxiom - not exactly by choice), and spent the morning doing paperwork things - Unemployment office to file my first week of unpaid leave, and revenue office to get a new driver's license. The kids are out all week as well, and we will head to Cape on Wednesday. Jack said "Papa better have a big leaf pile when we get there!"

Baking cookies with Jack...D

I am putting this in writing for historical purposes

So...After I find out that Gracie did NOT clean out the wrappers, bags, cups, straws, lids, etc. from my car that get left behind - after I asked her if she cleaned it THREE times, and I got a 'yes' all 3 times - I grounded her. That was this morning before church. A few minutes ago, after she cleaned her room, swept the porch, rearranged the living room furniture, and alphabetized our DVDs, her BFF Kelsey calls and wants to meet her at the track to play catch and ride bikes. We hear her say "sorry, but I am grounded." I was proud of her...Pete, on the other hand, completely disintegrated in front of me. His eyes teared up, he said 'that is my little girl, she worked so hard, it's a beautiful day," yada yada. He ungrounds her! I am putting this in writing.

I love you Pete, you old softy...D

sorry, I HAD to post this...I am still laughing

Due to the climate of political correctness now pervading America , Kentuckians, Tennesseans and West Virginians will no longer be referred to as 'HILLBILLIES. 'You must now refer to them asAPPALACHIAN- AMERICANS.And, furthermore. ..

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT WOMEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1. She is not a 'BABE' or a 'CHICK' - She is a' BREASTED AMERICAN.'
2. She is not 'EASY' - She is'HORIZONTALLY ACCESSIBLE.'
3. She is not a 'DUMB BLONDE' -She is a'LIGHT-HAIRED DETOUR OFF THE INFORMATION SUPERHIGHWAY. '
4. She has not 'BEEN AROUND' -She is a'PREVIOUSLY- ENJOYED COMPANION.'
5. She does not 'NAG' you - She becomes' VERBALLY REPETITIVE.'
6. She is not a 'TWO-BIT HOOKER' She is a' LOW COST PROVIDER.'

HOW TO SPEAK ABOUT MEN AND BE POLITICALLY CORRECT:
1. He does not have a 'BEER GUT'...He has developed a'LIQUID GRAIN STORAGE FACILITY.'
2. He is not a 'BAD DANCER' - He is' OVERLY CAUCASIAN.'
3. He does not 'GET LOST ALL THE TIME' - He'INVESTIGATES ALTERNATIVE DESTINATIONS. '
4. He is not 'BALDING' - He is in'FOLLICLE REGRESSION.'
5. He does not act like a 'TOTAL ASS ' - He developed a case ofRECTAL-CRANIAL INVERSION.'
6. It's not his 'CRACK' you see hanging out of his pants - It's'REAR CLEAVAGE.

heehee...D

Deer Camp Dad

What makes a great dad? A dad who takes an 11 year old and a 6 year old to deer camp, camps with them overnight, lets them sleep in the Yukon on the air bed while he sleeps in the tent, shows them how to scope for deer in a blind, cooks hot dogs and smores over an open fire, and spends some uninterrupted instructional QT with his kids in November while the Hogs are playing.

What makes a great husband? A husband who takes an 11 year old and a 6 year old to deer camp, camps with them overnight, lets them sleep in the Yukon on the air bed while he sleeps in the tent, shows them how to scope for deer in a blind, cooks hot dogs and smores over an open fire, and lets his wife have some uninterrupted napping, shopping and crafting while the Hogs are playing.

I love you Pete...you are the BEST...this family is lucky to have you as its leader...D

Halloween 2009 - Team Karl

Team Karl, in all of our spooky glory! Paulie from 'The Sopranos,' Cruella, Willy Wonka, and a Candy Corn Witch. Krista - if you are reading this, be sure to show Russie this picture and look closely - Flat Russie had a blast at our house for Halloween - see his little mask? We're sending official pics to him at school. Flat Russie should be on his way to Missouri in a few days.

Here is our trick or treating crew on the neighborhood hayride!

Jack is already planning his costume for next year...Cruella

Report Cards and Red Ribbon Week

Lots of excitement this week, as both kids' schools celebrated Red Ribbon Week against drugs. Here was G's lineup:
Monday-Peace Out to Drugs - dress 60s and 70s-she wore a tie-dyed shirt, peace necklace, flare jeans, a vest, and bandanna.
Tuesday-Join the Fight Against Drugs-camo-she won a prize for best outfit, any doubts?!?
Wednesday-Paws-itively Drug Free-Wampus Cat colors-wore her shirt from her bday party.
Thursday-Our School Rocks-dress like a rock star-she went for the skateboard/Fergie look.
Friday-Being Drug Free is No Sweat-wear sweats or PJs-of course, she wore PJs.

All of Gray's teachers had wonderful things to say about her - great student, hard worker, extremely well behaved and polite. Several of them would like to hear her voice in class more. :) She came out with all As and 1 high B in math - so proud! Her language arts teacher shared a story that she wrote in class that was hilarious. The gist of it was...asking her mom for something special, but instead she asked her dad, because once he sees her pretty brown eyes and tiny cute nose, he cannot say no to anything!

Here was J's lineup:
Monday-PJs
Tuesday-favorite hat
Wednesday-wear something from another country
Thursday-jersey or team shirt
Friday-wear RED

Ms. Thone wants to adopt Jack. She loves his sense of humor, is a good friend to all, and is a terrific, engaged student. He is above grade level in reading skills, Advanced in math, and had all Es for Excellent in all other subject matters and behaviors, except for a Good in art. (sorry Nana - we'll work on that one). Ms. Thone said the other day she was having a difficult time with a particular student and was getting frustrated. She stood up to take a break and passed by Jack's table. Jack looked at her and said "I will pray for you." She said she can always count on Jack to bring a smile to her face! I loved that.

Stay tuned for Halloween pictures!
Pete - Paulie Walnuts from The Sopranos
Denise - Cruella De'Vil
Gracie - Candy Corn Witch
Jackson - Willy Wonka

GraceCat does the IM

So...after we finished with the water station at the half marathon, we headed down to Jacksonville for the second swim meet of the season. This was G's first meet getting moved up to the 11/12 year old division. Her goals were to drop time in 3 events, and to swim the 100 yard individual medley for the first time in competition. She was so proud of herself that she reached all of her goals! Swimming the IM was HUGE, as she has never swum the butterfly stroke in ANY meet since she started swimming. This is by far the hardest stroke and takes the most strength and energy, especially when you are tiny little G with your barely 60 pound frame. She has been scared for 3 years that she 'looks stupid' doing this stroke, but you can clearly see in the video that she looks great! (butterfly is the first stroke in the IM).



More rain today...D

Proud of you, Ashton!

Our former babysitter, and 'big sister,' got to spend the night with us last night! And why? Because she got up early this morning and ran the Conway 1/2 marathon through town to benefit the Soaring Wings Ranch. Gracie and I shot some footage of her coming into the AquaKids-sponsored water station at mile 6, right in front of Gray's school. Gray and many of her teammates volunteered to hand out Gatorade, water, and GU (some kind of high-caffeine concentrated gel that runners squeeze into their mouths while they run). It was a beautiful morning and we were so proud of Ashton's accomplishment, and proud to be cheering her on! When you watch the video, you will hear my not-so-words-of-widsom advice on dealing with her blisters. And you will have to endure my yelling. I got a little excited. :)

Love you, Ashtie! You rock!...D

Happy, Happy Birthday, Gray-Gray!

So Saturday afternoon was spent with Pete on his deer lease, trying out their new tent blind. A few does spotted, but no shots fired. At one point, Pete was scouting on the scope and turned around to find Gracie putting the finishing touches on her new press-on fingernails.

And today was her day! It is so hard to believe she is 11 - an official tween! To my precious Grace Renee - you are my sweet and feisty, athletic and intelligent ball of fire! I love you to the moon and back...Love, Mommy

8 Girls = FUN!

We officially survived last night's birthday bash for Miss Grace! We all had a great time with a FANTASTIC group of girls. The 5:00 hour was for pizza, chips, M&Ms, and the handing out of party favors - Wampus Cat tshirts with their names on the back. The 6:00 hour was for nail salon (Gracie set up a salon in our foyer), hair and makeup, and dancing. Then we were off to the game at 7:00. The Wampus Cats lost pretty bad, but no one seemed to care too much. Thanks Madison, Kelsey, Alexa, Natalie, Abbi, Sarah-Grace, and Hannah - you guys are the best!!!!

Showin' Up

A certain 10 year old girl who lives in my house decided to 'show up' for her first 2009 short course swim meet this morning.

We started the morning with 50 yard freestyle - she dropped 4.5 seconds from her fastest time and won the heat. Next up was 50 yard backstroke, taking off a whopping 9 seconds from her fastest time. Third, the fan favorite, was her 50 yard breaststroke, where she dropped 5.5 seconds and again won the heat. This was her best race today - at the end of the first length, she was 4th coming off of the wall on her flip turn. I was very nervous, biting my nails, standing next to Coach Herb, yelling at her to get going. Coach Herb calmly says in my ear, "she's about to turn it on." Her coaching kicked in, and turn it on she did. She ended up winning the heat by two body lengths. It was pretty sweet. Her final heat winner of the day was her 100 yard freestyle, where she went from a 1:40:31 to a 1:29:99. She was pretty pumped up! Way to go Gray Gray!

Catching up

1. Pete on his horse from the big elk trip. He came home with a huge case of 'saddle sore', but had the BEST time!
2. Gracie has her first short course swim meet coming up this weekend. Go AquaKids!
3. Someone also has a birthday coming up! Her celebration this year will be a TailGate pizza party at our house, and then heading over to watch the Wampus Cats football game on Friday, October 16th. She is inviting 7 girls and we got them each a Cats tshirt with their name on the back. Nails and faces will also be painted in school colors!
4. Violin report - Jack has mastered straight Twinkle Twinkle! He will soon be moving onto note reading and a second group class every week.
5. We had a neighborhood yard sale on Saturday morning. Our family goal was to raise enough money to get a two screen DVD player for my Yukon. We met our goal and got rid of some junk as well. Someone offered to buy Daisy...tempting. The kids sold donuts and lemonade.
6. A VERY belated thank you to the entire Dirienzo family for the get well banner! The kids LOVED it, and we had it hanging in our living room by the fireplace until yesterday! You guys are the best!
have a great week everyone...D

Mr. Ambassador

I know, I know, I have totally been slacking lately in the updates department. But Pete is finally back after his 10 day adventure, and boy are we glad he is back! I promise to catch everyone up on the last week's happenings.

However, this post is dedicated to the second of my wonderful, bright, brilliant children - Jackson Frederick Karl. We received word yesterday that Jack was nominated by the 5 kindergarten teachers to serve as 1 of 2 kindergarten ambassadors at the school. This was based on leadership skills, exemplary behavior, excellent communication skills with both peers and adults, and the ability to make friends easily. He will be serving on a school committee of ambassadors from each grade level, and will be called upon to assist when new students enroll, when there are assemblies, and to participate in leadership activities during special school weeks, like Red Ribbon Week, etc. We are so proud of his ability to stand out in the crowd at a school of 500 students and be recognized by his teachers! As predicted by Ms. Cindy, his preschool teacher - "Jack is going into Public Relations, or he will be a Diplomat!" And as Gracie complimented him, "only the smart, outgoing kids get picked for that." So proud of our little man!

Gracie and Jack have a new baby cousin!

Meet Hunter Frederick Karl! Born today, 9 pounds 9 ounces, 21 inches long. Congratulations to Fred, Brie, and newly-appointed Big Sister Eme. Uncle Pete will be there tomorrow!

Life is Good...

All players on the Team Karl roster are back to bringin' their A game! G and J were back to school on Tuesday. Although Jack got very used to staying home and being pampered by mama and refused to get out of the car in the dropoff lane. Through his tears, I walked him in, and luckily we found Mrs. Thone near the office making copies. She ran over, gave him a hug, and told him she was going to take good care of him that day. Why is it that Kindergarten teachers always know just what to say?!

The week flew by with two softball games, 1 win 1 loss. Gray is pitching well. I would call her a relief pitcher at this point. What she lacks in speed she makes up for in accuracy and unexpectedness. It is hilarious - she gets up there and throws it right down the middle with a bit of an arc, and the batters are totally thrown off. They are used to flat and fast and it throws them off of their hitting routine. She has pitched 6 strikeouts on pitches the last two games she pitched. Now if we could just get her to remember to cover home when a runner is on third. I am going to write it in Sharpie on her arm for our games tomorrow. COVER HOME

School is good, although Gracie's $35.00 zipper binder, required by school, came up lame with a broken zipper last night. The binder is all they are allowed to carry, so this is MAJOR. Must be Staples' evil plot to get us to spend more money. Tests, quizzes, and homework are going well. She finished her first reading project on "My Sister's Keeper." She wrote a paper on it and received a 100. Jack's favorite thing so far is math, math, math!

D

G is well, J is still fighting...

Update...thank God that Gracie seems to be all better and is planning to head back to school tomorrow! She has been fever-free for 2 days, just continues to have a nagging little dry cough. Jack's big fever finally broke early this morning of nearly two full days of 104. He was up and around today, but fell asleep about 2 hours ago and has a low 100 fever, so he will stay home tomorrow. Thanks for ALL of your prayers and concerns! Still not sure what Pete and I are supposed to do about going to work, having been exposed. The internet is full of conflicting advice...D

News from Westin Park Memorial Hospital

For those family and friends who have been calling and leaving goodies on our front doorstep, ringing the bell, and running, WE LOVE YOU ALL!

Let me catch you up...Saturday morning, Gracie woke up with Day 3 of constant fever over 102, so off to the Pediatrician we went and were quickly accepted. They made her wear a mask, of which she said she looked like a dork, and they immediately swabbed her nose, which they should have done on Thursday. Of course it came back positive for Swine Flu in about 2 minutes. She was their first positive in two days. Dr. Sutherland stood in the doorway to tell us the news. She is too late (outside of 48 hours of first symptoms) for Tamaflu, so just continue to treat at home. While we were at Sonic getting a well-deserved treat ( the swabbing is a HUGE qtip up both of your nose holes), Pete called that Jack was running 101.3. So we spent yesterday with our barrage of meds - Tylenol/Motrin alternation, vitamin c, B-12, Nyquil for coughing, etc. We watched every movie on TV, 4 hours straight of Disney Channel (for those of you who don't know, I despise Disney Channel...I know, kind of suprising, but Ido), and we decided to buy the Razorbacks first game on Conway Corp pay per view. Pete and I were all set to cheer them on. We saw the first play of the game - Rbacks ran back the kickoff for a 91 yard touchdown. The crowd was going wild, our screen went blue with words that said WE ARE NOT ABLE TO PROCESS YOUR PURCHASE. Really?!?! Pete spent 20 minutes on hold with Conway Corp, the game never came back on. They ended up winning something like 42-10. We watched some documentary on orphans in Iran. What a drag.

Back to the kids as of this morning...Gracie is holding steady at a low 99 since last night with no meds, hopefully she is getting over the hump. Jack, however, woke up about 5:00 am this morning, crying hysterically cuz he couldn’t find me and I was sleeping right next to him. That kid was on fire. His temp was 104.7. Since we already know what is wrong with him, we stripped him down, threw him in a cold shower (not popular), laid him on our concrete floor in the bathroom, and packed him in zip loc baggies full of ice and wet washcloths all over his head. Of course, Pete chose that moment to remind us that this is what he will be doing to field dress the elk he is planning on killing later in the month. You can fill in the blank on the inappropriate words I threw at him at that moment. His fever came down enough for him to fall back asleep and we JUST now woke up. Jack also a very croupy, whoopy cough with his, Gracie's cough is just persistent. Get the vaccine if you can, this is not fun.

G on the mend, J in progress....please continue to pray....Nurse D and Dr. P

Frustrated with the Flu

Gracie has the flu. She felt it coming on last night after swimming and woke up this morning with 101.8, chills, coughing, runny nose, etc. I called the pediatrician and they said she is exhibiting all of the symptoms of the swine flu, but they did not want her in the office. They are short on swabs, and every other kid they swabbed in the last 2 weeks came up negative for the swine flu, so it is a different virus that exhibits the same as swine. So since they did not want to confirm one way or another, can I get a script for Tamaflu to be safe? Well no, they are also short on Tamaflu, and that is being saved for high-risk patients. I am supposed to treat at home with tylenol/motrin alternation, fluids, yadayada. We are pumping her up on Vitamin C, but I just took her temp a few minutes ago and she is back up to 102. So she is still contagious.

Not sure about the weekend in Missouri (sniff sniff). I just told her we might not get to go and she ran to her room crying, saying something about "my nana!"....pray for quick recovery. D

Mr. Fat Lip

So Jack and our concrete floor decided to meet up close and personal, yet again. Remember the concussion earlier in the year? This time he tripped and hit his mouth full on. He ended up with a fat lip the size of Texas and chewed it up pretty good. He also managed to push his 'good' front tooth (not the one that he chipped when he was 2) up into his gum a little bit. This happened on Wednesday, just as G and I were pulling into the driveway from swimming. We could hear him screaming from the street. Pete was doing a great job of blood control/ice pack, but Jack just lost it when he saw me. That little boy cried so hard for a full 20 minutes that he fell asleep on the couch with his brown furry blanket, Ruffy, and an ice pack on his mouth by 7:20, and slept all night. Thursday morning he was bound and determined that he was NOT going to school - it did look pretty bad. But I did not want to start that precedent early on - the rest of him was feeling fine. So, we agreed that Pete and I would both walk him into school and talk to Mrs.Thone and explain why Ruffy was in his backpack. :) He also successfully negotiated a visit from Daddy for kindergarten lunch that day. Of course, Mrs. Thone completely understood. She also told us that she enjoys watching Jack 'teach' in the math corner. Evidently he is conducting free tutoring sessions.

Gracie had a great week - first quizzes in math, reading, and science this week, so anxious to see how those turn out. She confided in me yesterday that she is having trouble seeing the board in math class. Hm...have to keep an eye on that one. I think I got glasses in fifth grade, Mom?? Or was it seventh? Next week we have our first fall ball softball games on Tuesday and Thursday.

Pete is doing great. His flight to San Francisco was cancelled on Thursday, so he was here all week. Upper Michigan next week. He is having fun getting reconnected with old friends on Facebook and got invited to a pheasant hunt in Kansas in November.

Looking forward to moving day next weekend...D

A Picture of Focus

It's Official!

Gracie finally recieved her Arkansas State finalist medal on Monday after practice, presented to her by her team buddy KariAnn. We are so proud of you, Gray!

Hot Rod

Check out this footage of Jack learning to ride his bike without training wheels!

Highlights of the Weekend

1. Pete made Gray a huge peace sign out of foam core for the wall of her room. Dude.

2. Gracie had a sleepover with her longtime BFF Natalie - they are back at the same school this year!

3. Gracie, while chewing a piece of gum, lost half of her upper molar filling. Will be calling Dr. Havard tomorrow.

4. Pete is working on a corner desk in Jack's room.

5. I got all loads of laundry finished on Saturday!

6. Jack is signed up and ready to start back on violin this week.

7. Fall Ball - had practice with G's team. Team name - The Thrillers.

8. Just got back from a Back to School neighborhood pool party. Jack scored an entire large leftover cheese pizza as a parting gift.

9. I made it out of Walmart for under $100.00.

10. Finally got our Wii hooked back up from switching to digital TV. Guitar Hero - game on!

Have a super week everyone!...Love, D

We made it...

...through the first day of school. And I only cried in the drop off line at Gracie's school. I was fine for Jack. Note - the glasses are fashion-statement only.

Gray and her BFF Madison walking in. They were all business.

Approaching Jack's classroom.

Both had a great day, although Gracie came home and went to her room and cried. Madison went in to console her and get the 4-1-1. In a nutshell..."the school is too big, I don't want to grow up, too much to remember." Placed a call to Daddy, who came home early from work. After some TLC and discussion, she is ok, just needed to vent. It IS a big school.

Gotta go get dinner started...chicken spaghetti. Let the rat race begin...D

SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW!

Jack has already posted a box of tissues in the car for me tomorrow morning. He keeps saying "Can you believe your little diaper-baby is going to Kindergarten?" He's a hoot. Gray is trying to keep her cool, but the nerves are right there about to explode. We had her open house last night and she got to walk through her schedule and find her routes to class, and meet her teachers. If we can make it into the car without a hair or clothing meltdown we should be fine. Check back tomorrow for updates and the pictures! Please say a prayer for a great school year for these two! They are my treasures!...D

It's been a while...

Sorry for the lack of updates, we have had one crazy week! Gracie had 5th grade training camp all Tuesday morning, with a section for parents. That school is so big - 400 5th graders and 400 sixth graders in one building. She is a little freaked out, but excited at the same time. We are told she got the BEST math teacher around (Mr. Lowe), so that is goodness. Some changes for this year - riding bus after school to Jack's school to get picked up there, no backpacks allowed, no lockers or cubbies, they keep a set of textbooks at home and turn them in at the end of the school year, AND...(drumroll)...ala carte lunch! Yes, a daily supply of nachos, chicken nuggets, fries, etc in the cafe.

Last night was Jack's Kindergarten Open House at WCE. He met his teacher, Mrs. Thone, and got to see his classroom. He seemed to be more interested in the cookies and punch in the cafeteria. VERY excited about eating lunch on a tray with compartments.

Fun fun...D

Top 10 Finish

Hot day. Good thing we were there setting up her transition area at 6:15 am. But who cares how hot it is and how early it is when it comes to watching your kids do something amazing. Gracie had a top 10 ten finish, ending up 9th in her age group. She swam a 1.51.00 on her 100 yard swim, biked 4 miles in 20.59 minutes, and ran a mile in 9.35 minutes. Her run was the 6th best in her age group.

Like the kitty cat face paint? Jack opted for the free food booths, scoring two bags of cotton candy, 1 hot dog, 1 bag of chips, 1 bag of popcorn, and 2 snow cones. He was in heaven.

Hit the clip below to see Gracie's big sprint finish. Craig O'Neill, the local radio station personality, is offering his assessment of the finish, and the writing on her back!

Sad Day

Today was our last day with the beautiful and wonderful Ashley! She heads back to Arkansas Tech in Russellville tomorrow to get moved in and start training camp for volleyball season. It is always a blessing to find a babysitter who loves and enjoys your kids almost as much as you do as a parent! We will all miss her, but look foward to next summer! Boom Boom Pow

Tomorrow is Daddy Day...Pete is taking them horse back riding...I have to work.

Saturday morning is Gracie's third Conway Kids' Triathlon. She has to race up as an 11 year old this year, so her course is doubled - 100 yd swim, 2 mile bike, and 1 mile run. Please pray for cooler weather, as I am somewhat concerned about her overheating. If it is too hot, we will probably pull her out. Gotta love the Arkansas August...

Jack had kindergarten camp two mornings this week. He blew through everything they asked him on the screening, and charmed all 4 of the teachers. We will find out tomorrow whose class he is in. Gracie is hoping he gets Ms. Berkemeyer just like she did!

Here is a sure fire way to take care of your constipation...Fiber One bars, made by General Mills. One bar contains 35% of daily value of fiber. Talk about clearing you out. Pete is also a believer. In your grocery store near the granola bars and pop tarts. Wow. Denise

No longer 13th in the state...

(this is what Jack thinks of swim meets)

...she is 8th! Gracie Karl has posted quite a day at the 2009 Long Course AR State Swim Meet for the 10U 50 yard breast stroke. She went into the prelim this morning with a seed time of 52.03 seconds. She swam in the final heat in her lucky lane 2, came in 4th, but swiped 4 seconds off her best time to post a 48.44!!!! That was enough to make the finals for the top 8. She swam the final, four and a half hours later, came in 8th, and posted a 49.36. We are so proud of her and she is very proud of herself!

Check out the video below of her prelim, she is in Lane 2, second from the bottom of the screen, orange cap. The footage of her is small, Pete was up on the balcony, but you can see her get on the start block and clap her hands to get herself pumped up. At the end, you can see the score board with her time for lane 2.

WHAT A DAY! Proud momma...D

Jack Graduates from Safety Town

Ms. Vanessa and Ms. Tracy, leaders of the Woodrow Cummins Green Frogs room!

Every summer, the Junior Auxiliary of Conway, in conjuntion with Conway Regional Hospital, puts on a week of Safety Town for upcoming kindergarteners to learn about safety - police, fire, bike, school bus, 911 usage, stranger danger, etc. They assign them to classrooms based on where they will attend school so they can meet some kids that they will see when school starts. Super program, Gracie did it as well. The week ended yesterday with a final program.

This coming week is Kindergarten Roundup - a daily activity at WCE for a couple of hours. The excitement is building!

And yes, if any of you read my Facebook page, I DID spend $130.00 on school supplies for two kids. Either prices are going up, or teachers are getting more picky on what they want their students to have. Plus, times are tough, the kids are being asked to bring paper towels, kleenex, Clorox wipes, baby wipes, and hand sanitizer. Now on to meal tickets, yearbooks, and school Tshirts.

Aunt Krista and Krew - thanks for the bday card and $$ for Jack - he was THRILLED and enjoyed waving his prize in front of his sister's face! You're the best!

GRAY - excitement building here, also. She swims her event tomorrow. Warmups are at 6:30 am. About the 12th event in, 6th and final heat. SO PROUD!

To my Pete - Happy Anniversary!

Correction...

...she is seeded 13 out of 31.

Den and Dee - check your inbox!

Quick Post...

I will try and post some pics later, but we are in swim mode this week. Only two more 7:00 am practices until the big meet. Gracie is swimming her favorite event - the 50 breast - looks like she will swim prelim on Sunday morning. She is seeded 18 out of 31 in the state for 10 year old female breast strokers. We'll see what happens! We are very excited for her, and she is glowing in the attention. The state swimmers are treated very well, with daily treats, goodie bags, notes of encouragement, etc.

Den and Dee - your request is coming via separate email!

Love to all...D

Our Not-So-Plain Train Ride

So this was the look on Jack's face when he realized we were in a real train depot for his big birthday surprise - a ride on a real railroad train! We were signed up for the 3 hour excursion out of Van Buren, AR to Winslow, and back.

We were on the Arkansas & Missouri line, an engine, caboose and two 1928 passenger cars.

About 40 minutes into the ride, we came to an abrupt halt just short of Chester, AR. Smoke was filling the car, and the engineer was outside looking under our passenger car. Evidently, on railroads, every few miles, there are safety sensors that count the number of axles and take a temperature reading. Well, the temperature alarm went off, and sure enough, one of our wheel bearings blew out and was glowing bright red. They said had we traveled 5 more minutes at the speed we were going we could have derailed. Yikes.

So, they squeezed 3/4 of our car onto the other passenger car, and put the last 1/4 of us on the caboose, with no air conditioning. We were on the caboose. They unhooked the bad car and hooked the train back up together at the switchtrack. It turned out to be pretty interesting, but long and hot. We did get to sit up high in the cupolo of the caboose, and we got as many cold drinks and snacks as we wanted. And they comped us another 4 ticket free ride in the future.

The kids passed the time with the video camera, and this was their failed attempt to get Pete to actually smile in a photo. Those are Jack's fingers.

Countdown to state swim meet....D