Love to you all...Happy Memorial Day! D
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Catching Up
Well, I will be the first to admit that I have slacked off a bit in the updates department. The past two months have been SO hectic with final recitals, long course swim meets, the end of school, etc. I will post a few pictures of what we have been up to.
Gray's final English project was a diorama on her personal choice novel. She chose Between a Rock and Hard Place. This was the autobiography of Aron Ralston, the adventurer who got his arm stuck while caving and eventually cut his own arm off to survive. She knocked this project out of the park, and got a 100% and her teacher asked if she could keep it for next year! Great job, Gray! (with a little help from Dad and Jack's model train scenery stash)
Somewhat graphic, but very true to the story.
Here is Jackson posing next to one of the many painted tigers across the streets of Memphis. This one is actually right next to the pool that Gracie swam in at Memphis State University a couple of weeks ago.
The crew at PJ Chang's in Memphis.
Congratulations to Jackson! He recently graduated to a Bear Scout! Hard work pays off well, Jackson! Time to celebrate at a weekend retreat with Dad.
Jackson and his friend Luke on a hike.
Fresh catch!
On to the bb gun range...
Safety goggles...check.
Nice cluster!
And...trout fishing yesterday on the Little Red River. 3 trout were caught - all by Gracie, the fish-whisperer.
Headed to Greers Ferry Lake tomorrow for a six hour pontoon lazy day in the sun!
Love to you all...Happy Memorial Day! D
Love to you all...Happy Memorial Day! D
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Wow, It's been a while...
I realize I have not updated since March? Life seems to be flying by in a flash. I will try and capture the latest happenings of Team Karl.
Bo - Bo has been at Retriever Camp since February. The kids got to visit him once, and he looked great, and HUGE! His trainer thinks he will be ready for release at the end of May. Needless to say, there is one little boy who will be very excited to get his buddy home!
Gray - Well, she thought she had hung up her bat and cleats to focus on swim. However, God had other plans. A team called and had a girl quit, so they offered her the spot, which she readily accepted! First game was Tuesday night - we won 13-0. She swims in Memphis next weekend. Eighth grade volleyball tryouts are coming up.
Jackson - Jack will begin rehearsals for Oklahoma toward the middle of May and he is very excited. The Arkansas Children's Choir caught wind of him through his voice teacher and they want him to try out at the end of the summer. Violin recital this Sunday - he will be playing Bach's Minuet II, and I will be accompanying him on piano. Hoping to post a video of the performance. He will be swimming in our home meet May 19.
Pete - Busy as ever with work. He continues to swim with the Masters Program at Hendrix.
Denise - Busy as ever with work. Adding a new skill to my resume - I am apprenticing to be an 'official' Arkansas swim official. :)
Erica - Erica was our fall after school babysitter, and she is actually moving in with us for the summer while she interviews for a teaching job in the area. We are excited to have her!
Love to all...D
Bo - Bo has been at Retriever Camp since February. The kids got to visit him once, and he looked great, and HUGE! His trainer thinks he will be ready for release at the end of May. Needless to say, there is one little boy who will be very excited to get his buddy home!
Gray - Well, she thought she had hung up her bat and cleats to focus on swim. However, God had other plans. A team called and had a girl quit, so they offered her the spot, which she readily accepted! First game was Tuesday night - we won 13-0. She swims in Memphis next weekend. Eighth grade volleyball tryouts are coming up.
Jackson - Jack will begin rehearsals for Oklahoma toward the middle of May and he is very excited. The Arkansas Children's Choir caught wind of him through his voice teacher and they want him to try out at the end of the summer. Violin recital this Sunday - he will be playing Bach's Minuet II, and I will be accompanying him on piano. Hoping to post a video of the performance. He will be swimming in our home meet May 19.
Pete - Busy as ever with work. He continues to swim with the Masters Program at Hendrix.
Denise - Busy as ever with work. Adding a new skill to my resume - I am apprenticing to be an 'official' Arkansas swim official. :)
Erica - Erica was our fall after school babysitter, and she is actually moving in with us for the summer while she interviews for a teaching job in the area. We are excited to have her!
Love to all...D
Friday, March 30, 2012
THIS JUST IN!
Jackson Frederick Karl has won a part in the Faulkner County Arts Council summer production of Oklahoma! He is playing a non-speaking role named Sam - singing and dancing required. He is thrilled beyond belief!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Great article on the Drew family and VALPO run for the big tourney!
Parents' cancer battles give Valpo coach heavy dose of perspective
Drew knows there's more to life than winning a game, but a win Tuesday puts Crusaders in NCAA tournament
David Haugh's In the Wake of the News
March 6, 2012
VALPARAISO, Ind. — On a recruiting trip in nearby Merrillville last September, Valparaiso men's basketball coach Bryce Drew received the phone call he dreaded.Instantly the only blue-chip talent Drew was interested in finding involved oncologists. His mother, Janet, had been diagnosed with Stage 3 bladder cancer — three days after Drew's dad, Homer, had prostate cancer detected in its early stages.
David Haugh's In the Wake of the News
E-mail Recent columns
Related
NU has work to do to seal first NCAA tournament bid
Big Ten tournament Illinois' last chance to show some spunk
Who wins the Big Ten tournament?
Race is on to impress NCAA tournament selection committee
Shannon Ryan's Top 25
See more stories »
X
Video: Notre Dame's Atkins on Big East tourney goalsNotre Dame's Cooley wins Big East most improved honor
Ads by Google
Normal Blood Sugar LevelsWorried About Blood Sugar? Find Out Whats Normal Today. Pebble.com
Treat Your Diabetic FootLearn About Diabetic Foot Symptoms & Find Local Foot Specialists Today www.Heal2gether.org
"I got the news before I walked into the gym,'' Bryce recalled Monday from his office. "Immediately, it changes you.''Suddenly, getting to the office early in his first year on the job meant less than surprising his parents with breakfast at their house. Maniacally treating every Valparaiso practice or game like life-or-death would not be a mistake made by a rookie head coach currently reading the book, "Lead … For God's Sake.''"If we lose I'm still upset, but in the grand scheme of things there's more to life than winning or losing a basketball game,'' said Bryce, 37. "Since (September) I've just tried to enjoy every day around my parents and give the best for my team around them. The team has been a bit of a release for me.''Predicted in preseason to finish fifth in the Horizon League, the Crusaders won the regular-season title and will play Detroit on Tuesday night on the court named for Homer Drew with an NCAA berth at stake. Players recruited primarily by Homer, who retired last spring, responded to Bryce's meticulous planning off the floor and positive reinforcement on it."I do raise my voice, but it's encouragement with some valium,'' Bryce joked.Bryce carried over Homer's defensive system and added a few NBA-style designed offensive plays, but overall Valparaiso relies on an eight-man rotation of underclassmen that share the ball and exemplify "tremendous chemistry.'' As Bryce recalled, a preseason chapel session led by assistant coach Roger Powell, a starter on Illinois' 2005 Final Four team, established camaraderie the Crusaders relied on in several comeback wins."It brought everybody great unity,'' Drew said.Beating Detroit would bring Valparaiso its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2004 and, according to players, show the family who has symbolized the program for a quarter-century that they care."To make it back would be our way of saying thank you to Homer and the Drews,'' said junior forward Ryan Broekhoff, the Horizon player of the year. "It's in the back of everybody's mind.''In March 1998, Broekhoff was 7 and at home in Australia watching U.S. highlights of a buzzer-beating shot in the NCAA tournament "by a school I had never heard of.'' On a recruiting trip to Valparaiso 10 years later, Broekhoff recognized a giant mural of Bryce Drew hitting the last-second 3-pointer to beat Mississippi that made him Valpo's most favorite son since Orville Redenbacher."I saw that big picture and thought, 'Oh, so that was them,' '' Broekhoff said.Hitting that famous shot provided Drew the memory of a lifetime. Leading Valparaiso back to the NCAA tournament in his first year as coach, given the season's emotional swings, would produce another just as relevant to his life."That '98 moment stands by itself because it was so unique,'' said Scott Drew, Baylor's coach who would hope to avoid playing his brother's team until the Sweet 16. "But getting in this year definitely would be that type of moment for my family, knowing how tough it's been since that day.''That day of Janet's diagnosis was one of the toughest Homer Drew can remember."You hear cancer — it's like a knife in your back,'' Homer said. "Why? Then you realize there has to be a purpose for it, whatever it is.''Homer will go to the game Tuesday night but leave his wife to rest at home, where she has stayed for every game — except the special night she surprised Bryce by showing up to celebrate the conference clincher over Loyola.Janet Drew, 68, had her bladder replaced with a new one surgeons formed with tissue from her intestines. Two weeks of radiation treatment in Chicago that began Monday followed chemotherapy.Self-deprecating as ever at 67, Homer deflected talk about the couple's daily challenges by complimenting his daughter, Dana, and insisting he never would make anybody's All-Caregiver team. For Homer, laughter beats the alternative when discussing his wife's fight for her life."There's no doubt our faith has gotten us through this,'' Homer said. "Many nights I've said, 'Jesus, you promised you wouldn't give us too much. Well, it's 2 in the morning and this is getting pretty close to the edge for us now.' ''Now, like every March since 1998, the Drews still represent hope against the odds. Now, more than ever, the family still cheerfully believes in long shots.dhaugh@tribune.com
Drew knows there's more to life than winning a game, but a win Tuesday puts Crusaders in NCAA tournament
David Haugh's In the Wake of the News
March 6, 2012
VALPARAISO, Ind. — On a recruiting trip in nearby Merrillville last September, Valparaiso men's basketball coach Bryce Drew received the phone call he dreaded.Instantly the only blue-chip talent Drew was interested in finding involved oncologists. His mother, Janet, had been diagnosed with Stage 3 bladder cancer — three days after Drew's dad, Homer, had prostate cancer detected in its early stages.
David Haugh's In the Wake of the News
E-mail Recent columns
Related
NU has work to do to seal first NCAA tournament bid
Big Ten tournament Illinois' last chance to show some spunk
Who wins the Big Ten tournament?
Race is on to impress NCAA tournament selection committee
Shannon Ryan's Top 25
See more stories »
X
Video: Notre Dame's Atkins on Big East tourney goalsNotre Dame's Cooley wins Big East most improved honor
Ads by Google
Normal Blood Sugar LevelsWorried About Blood Sugar? Find Out Whats Normal Today. Pebble.com
Treat Your Diabetic FootLearn About Diabetic Foot Symptoms & Find Local Foot Specialists Today www.Heal2gether.org
"I got the news before I walked into the gym,'' Bryce recalled Monday from his office. "Immediately, it changes you.''Suddenly, getting to the office early in his first year on the job meant less than surprising his parents with breakfast at their house. Maniacally treating every Valparaiso practice or game like life-or-death would not be a mistake made by a rookie head coach currently reading the book, "Lead … For God's Sake.''"If we lose I'm still upset, but in the grand scheme of things there's more to life than winning or losing a basketball game,'' said Bryce, 37. "Since (September) I've just tried to enjoy every day around my parents and give the best for my team around them. The team has been a bit of a release for me.''Predicted in preseason to finish fifth in the Horizon League, the Crusaders won the regular-season title and will play Detroit on Tuesday night on the court named for Homer Drew with an NCAA berth at stake. Players recruited primarily by Homer, who retired last spring, responded to Bryce's meticulous planning off the floor and positive reinforcement on it."I do raise my voice, but it's encouragement with some valium,'' Bryce joked.Bryce carried over Homer's defensive system and added a few NBA-style designed offensive plays, but overall Valparaiso relies on an eight-man rotation of underclassmen that share the ball and exemplify "tremendous chemistry.'' As Bryce recalled, a preseason chapel session led by assistant coach Roger Powell, a starter on Illinois' 2005 Final Four team, established camaraderie the Crusaders relied on in several comeback wins."It brought everybody great unity,'' Drew said.Beating Detroit would bring Valparaiso its first NCAA tournament appearance since 2004 and, according to players, show the family who has symbolized the program for a quarter-century that they care."To make it back would be our way of saying thank you to Homer and the Drews,'' said junior forward Ryan Broekhoff, the Horizon player of the year. "It's in the back of everybody's mind.''In March 1998, Broekhoff was 7 and at home in Australia watching U.S. highlights of a buzzer-beating shot in the NCAA tournament "by a school I had never heard of.'' On a recruiting trip to Valparaiso 10 years later, Broekhoff recognized a giant mural of Bryce Drew hitting the last-second 3-pointer to beat Mississippi that made him Valpo's most favorite son since Orville Redenbacher."I saw that big picture and thought, 'Oh, so that was them,' '' Broekhoff said.Hitting that famous shot provided Drew the memory of a lifetime. Leading Valparaiso back to the NCAA tournament in his first year as coach, given the season's emotional swings, would produce another just as relevant to his life."That '98 moment stands by itself because it was so unique,'' said Scott Drew, Baylor's coach who would hope to avoid playing his brother's team until the Sweet 16. "But getting in this year definitely would be that type of moment for my family, knowing how tough it's been since that day.''That day of Janet's diagnosis was one of the toughest Homer Drew can remember."You hear cancer — it's like a knife in your back,'' Homer said. "Why? Then you realize there has to be a purpose for it, whatever it is.''Homer will go to the game Tuesday night but leave his wife to rest at home, where she has stayed for every game — except the special night she surprised Bryce by showing up to celebrate the conference clincher over Loyola.Janet Drew, 68, had her bladder replaced with a new one surgeons formed with tissue from her intestines. Two weeks of radiation treatment in Chicago that began Monday followed chemotherapy.Self-deprecating as ever at 67, Homer deflected talk about the couple's daily challenges by complimenting his daughter, Dana, and insisting he never would make anybody's All-Caregiver team. For Homer, laughter beats the alternative when discussing his wife's fight for her life."There's no doubt our faith has gotten us through this,'' Homer said. "Many nights I've said, 'Jesus, you promised you wouldn't give us too much. Well, it's 2 in the morning and this is getting pretty close to the edge for us now.' ''Now, like every March since 1998, the Drews still represent hope against the odds. Now, more than ever, the family still cheerfully believes in long shots.dhaugh@tribune.com
Monday, March 5, 2012
Updates!
Last Chance swim meet on Saturday in Bryant...Gray shaved another 3 seconds off of her seed time for the 100 BR. State meet this weekend in Little Rock. Time to rock the pool - proud of you GrayGray!
"Oh the Places You'll Go" day during Dr. Seuss week. Jackson with friends Kathleen, Mark, Jada, Anna, and Taylor.
More kids from Mrs. Berkemeyer's class! Love to all...D
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
One more thing...
..here was my Facebook post yesterday...
"I just spent the last 10 minutes trying to decipher my eight year old's INSISTANCE that his music teacher was in an accident and her hand is 'constipated.' We finally realized he was searching for the word 'paralyzed.' Now, although her accident is nothing funny and we wish her the best, I do find humor in the fact that both words mean 'no movement.' LOL"
"I just spent the last 10 minutes trying to decipher my eight year old's INSISTANCE that his music teacher was in an accident and her hand is 'constipated.' We finally realized he was searching for the word 'paralyzed.' Now, although her accident is nothing funny and we wish her the best, I do find humor in the fact that both words mean 'no movement.' LOL"
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