Quote From Jack...

..."Hey Dad, having kids is a privilege, and you have to take care of us."

This spoken after Pete reviewed the payment plan for Gray's braces.

D

Gracie's posts state time

Gracie has an awesome meet - see updated times to the right. She dropped more time on her state time for 100 breast, and took almost 7 seconds off of her 200 free. So proud of her hard work!

Love to all...D

Wild Weekend

Our crazy weekend actually started yesterday. Jack and Pete were in Little Rock all day at a first grade field trip to 2 museums, Gracie's swam two events at our home swim meet last night, then I swooped her off to a friend's birthday sleepover, while Pete and Jack went to a cub scout event at the local paper. Right now it is 7:36 am on Saturday. I am going to pick up G at 8:00, bring her home to rest up, go to my hair appointment at 9:00, while Pete and Jack head to LR to make Jack's acting class at 9:00. Then we ALL reconvene at the pool at noon for the afternoon session. What does tonight hold in store? LAYING ON THE COUCH.

Enjoying our 60 degree weather...D

Pinewood Derby

Jack and his best friend Elijah before the races.

Showing off their cars.

Proud of car #21. No trophy, but he had fun, and he and Pete had fun building it together.

Gracie and Alexa outside on the playground.

Newspaper Article on Jack's Class

In yesterday's edition of the Log Cabin Democrat, our local paper...
Grade: First-grade
School: Woodrow Cummins Elementary

Teacher: Tracy Lakey

What are the class’ favorite books to read together?
We love reading Junie B. Jones books by Barbara Park and Magic Tree House books by Mary Pope Osborne.

What has been the class’ favorite topic studied so far during the school year?
We did a Christmas Around the World unit and learned how different countries celebrate the Christmas holiday season.

What has been the best class project so far?
We liked learning about static electricity. We really loved it when our teacher rubbed a balloon in her hair and made it stand straight up!

What are the students’ favorite things to do at recess?
We enjoy playing together in a game of tag, playing basketball, football, and a lot of the girls love to teach each other cheers from their cheerleading classes they attend.

What is the class’s favorite thing to eat in the cafeteria?
Our favorites are always pizza and chicken ring things.

Pete has definitely enjoyed his snow day!

Weather Station White!

NO SCHOOL TODAY...D

Got milk? (or Ranch dressing)

Here's a quick snapshot of the recent Team Karl happenings:

1. The kids are hoping the snow starts soon! We'll see...

2. Pete is gearing up for a duck hunt with one of his clients this evening into tomorrow, weather permitting.

3. My client is in from Jersey this week, getting my 'business clothes' lined up.

4. Meeting for rising 7th grade parents tomorrow night about Smart Core curriculum. (college track)

5. Jackson brought home a perfect report card for the second 9 weeks. He is advanced in all subject areas, Excellents in all specials, and got a comment on his reading from Mrs. Lakey. His reading group is on a 2/3 grade level chapter book. We are very proud of him!

6. Gracie has set a goal for herself of all As this nine weeks! SHE CAN DO IT! She only missed it last 9 weeks because of her favorite...math.

7. Jackson started an acting class yesterday in Little Rock at the Arkansas Arts Center. His class is called "Acting is Believing," and is for ages 6-8, an intro to using your imagination and acting. It is every Sat morning for 10 weeks. I have never seen him so excited!

8. Our snowman Christmas tree is finally coming down today.

9. Our outside house decorations are still up.

10. My focus word for 2011 is...COMMIT. This is going to happen on many different levels, but one of which is to commit to spending more time with JUST my husband!!!

Larder...

So....first Pete's mom and dad use the term 'larder' during conversation with us over Christmas break. Both of us asked what exactly it meant.

A few days later, my mom uses the term 'larder' during a phone conversation, as in she and dad needed to go to the grocery store to replenish their larder.

Funny coincidence! D

Gracie's gift to Jack...

My Little Brother Jack: by Gracie Karl

You know when I'm feeling down, or nervous, depressed, embarrassed, annoyed, or tired, guess who's the one to cheer me up? My little brother Jack.

My little 7 year old brother Jack always puts a smile on my face. He could make a hilarious comedian! He makes my frown turn upside down instantly! Whenever we have guests over at our house, the guests always laugh at how hilarious and cute he is. Also when we got to Walmart or any place else, the cashier there ends up having a bad day. Well, Jack's the one who makes their day better. He usually give them a compliment or just says something funny.

My little brother Jack, he's always full of energy, pretty much all of the time! He loves life and enjoys it! He's extremely active and talented. He does all kinds of activities. Jack does cub scouts, he plays the violin, and he also plays baseball, and football all year round. Ohhh, and by the way, he's a demon when it comes to baseball and football.

My little brother Jack is also very giving to our whole entire family and to our close friends. He has a huge amount of joy in his heart. He puts Jesus first, then others, then himself. When we're on vacation trips, he thinks of others and brings home souveniers for his first grade class. He also spends his own money. He gives his loyal, generous heart to everyone.

My little brother Jack is a good and gentle (not really) brother to me. He is someone that will be there for you. He cares for others besides himself. He can make anyone laugh. He'll always be someone I can trust, depend on, encourage, lean on, and of course, pick on!

Gracie