Recap of Day 1

Sorry, these two cuties are sideways, but the war paint was on! Gray did very well yesterday. She took 4 seconds off of her 100 breast and posted a personal best, finishing 11th in the state. She also swam second leg in the 200 free relay and helped her team get 5th in the state. Looking forward to 50 breast on Sunday!

And DJ Jazzy Jacko entertained the crowd in the 104 degree heat with his rapping, singing, and performing his own talk show where he interviewed swimmers and gave the weather report. Better than 2 years ago at this hot meet where he just sat in his chair and cried for 2 hours straight...LOL

Heading to the wedding in one hour...D

All roads lead to Ft. Smith....and back to Conway...and then back to Ft. Smith

Team Karl is getting pumped up to watch our Gray 'do her thang' this weekend. We will head up to Ft. Smith Thursday night after Jack's swim practice (did I mention he made the swim team?). She will swim the 100 breast and third leg in the 200 free relay on Friday. Friday night, after team dinner, we will drive BACK to Conway...because...
our very own ROSE BURKHOLDER will become ROSE DAVIDSON on Saturday at 2:00 in Conway, and we don't want to miss that special event!

After the wedding and reception, we will head BACK to Ft. Smith to stay the night Saturday night and watch Gray swim the 50 breast and breast leg in the 200 medley relay on Sunday.

Prayers for Gray and safe travel...D

Recap of July 23

Birthday tradition...doorway streamers. Check.

Opening family gifts. Golf clubs and bag from mommy and daddy. Thanks Nana and Papa Beach for the chocolate lab head cover (love it!). Check.

Kidnapped to Shipley's Donuts for breakfast. Check.

Thanks Nana and Papa Brown for the fish tank! Check.

On to the Titanic-themed pool party! James and Alyson...

...John and Deana...

... Jack and Noah R., Elijah, and Gray...

...Maddie and Charlie...

Jack's favorites, as requested...Cheeto puffs, red bag Doritos, and Wavy Lays...and white birthday cake in the shape of the Titanic.

Ta da!!...great job, Ed's Bakery!

8 candles!

...Parker, Jackson, Elijah, Noah R., and Noah #2...
...Gray and Lexxa...

Thanks everyone for the thoughtful gifts! Jackson's friends really know him well!

...best buddies...

...Titanic Wii game...

...Star Wars light saber...

...yes Gray, we see you...

...more best buds...

Happy birthday, Jacko!

Love to all...D

Do we have a birthday here?

Yes! we have a birthday here!

Eight years ago today our family was blessed with the arrival of Jackson Frederick Karl! Oh, what a kid! Jacko - you are the bomb.com. I love you T-H-I-S much!

Let the party begin...D

Feeling Better

Thanks to everyone for your well wishes, emails, calls, and Facebook love! I got the stent removed today and went back to work around noon. This is what I had waiting for me on my desk - my team made a replica of my kindey stone. I also received some beautiful flowers from my customer, D&B. I also got flowers from Rose and the kids, and Pete's boss.

I go back for a followup in 3 weeks.

Drink you water...D

Team Karl's #1 Cheerleader is Back in Action

Well, I can't let something like a 6 mm kidney stone keep me down for long, right? What a crazy last couple of days, but I am almost back to 100% this morning, minus the shunt that is still in place. That will be addressed on Monday.

Thanks for all of the prayers and emails and calls. Pete did a great job of keeping everyone in the loop. Thanks to our amazing Rose for coming over to be with the kids at 4:30 in the morning. Talk about going above and beyond. I am not going to lie, this one hurt like none other. All in all, during my stay at the ER, I had 4 morphine pumps, 2 of fentenol, and 2 of demoral, and I could still feel the pain. I was never so glad to head to surgery as I was on Thursday!

D

I ain't scared to kiss no catfish

what a redneck gurl...D

3 State Times!

Our little powerhouse defended 2 state times this weekend, and added a third! She has now qualified to swim the 100 Breast, 50 Breast, and 50 Free at the state meet in Ft. Smith that last weekend in July! The best part for Pete and me was watching Little Miss Bubbly in action on the pool deck, pre-race. She always had a gaggle of teammates around her, making them laugh and dance and just have fun!

Proud of YOU, and your accomplishments, Gray!
D

Happy 4th of July from Conway!!

Dessert, by Jackson and Nana

Happy 4th of July, everyone!...D