Pitures of the Pitcher!

Konnor got try his hand pitching tonight for the first time. He did a nice job. His team one 5-3. K3 even got in on the action tonight. There were no umpires so he and another JV Baseball player umped the game. Kraig had a double header in Homer. K2 said they won both.

1/2 day with kids tomorrow and then we have to stay the other half. YIPPEEEEE!! I can't wait.

You would never guess.....

that this goofball actually recieved numerous awards tonight at DMS Awards night. He received recognition for all year 3.0 grade point, all year 3.5 card of excellence, 7th grade student of the year, and choir student of the year. I am so proud of this boy....but what side of this kid are they possibly seeing at school that we don't see at home. Just kidding! He works hard at school and sports and we are definitely proud to call him our KID!! (most of the time)

I can see the light.....

......at the end of the week that is! This is the post where all of my friends start mumbling obsenities under their breath and throwing things at their computer screens. But here it goes.....I ONLY HAVE 3 1/2 DAYS LEFT OF SCHOOL!!!!!!!! I can't begin to tell you how good it is going to feel this year. It has been a doozy! Yesterday we dodged rain drops to watch Nate, Shawn, and Mikey graduate. What a great feeling that was....remember feeling like you were now going to begin a "new life". Man if I knew then what I know now, I think I would have stayed in HS for life. The scary part of the whole thing was thinking I have 3 more years until K3 will be walking out of that gym to start his "NEW" life. Wow, what a kick in the choppers that was! Glad to hear everyone had a nice relaxing weekend....I can't wait for mine to happen?

Season Opener for Konnor!

I know some of my friends are almost done with their baseball season....but a few of us are just starting tonight. Konnor's team did a great job tonight....winning 14-4 in the 5th. Konnor played first base and catcher. He got hit by a pitch TWICE tonight. Not real happy either because he wanted to hit that ball. All and all a great way to start the season.

PS Could someone please turn down the heat, at least until June 7th....these hot days are gonna KILL ME!!

Double Trouble!

I think that it is really cool that Konnor and Steven are such great cousins and they play excellent when they are together. Steven came down on Sunday moring and is still busy going...going...going with Konnor. So far they have gone hunting, rode dirt bikes, jumped on the trampoline, watched a movie, gone fishing, and who knows what else. But my favorite thing they did this weekend was dig in the "hole". I love the picture of just Steven out of the hole....doesn't it look like he is saying, "Man Konnor, my mom isn't this mean! She would never make us dig a hole this BIG!!"

Minature YAK!

You know that in my heart there is no better breed than a Golden Retriever....but have you ever seen one that looks like a minature YAK?! What's up with that? Just some cute shots of Chloe doing some not so cute things....like eating the second ball of the season. She is at least doing better now that we have the training collar on her (staying in the yard and out of the road that is). Better get started shedding this one out....it might take me until winter to get it done.

HOORAY!!! May is almost over!

I will have to be the first to admit, I will not be sad to see the calendar flip over to June on Friday. May has been a killer around here. I know we aren't the only ones that suffer from the end of the school year crunch.....but HOLY CRUD! Wednesday and Thursday I spent two wonderouly HOT days at Camden-Frontier for the 4th and 5th grade track and field days. The kids were awesome and I think they had a lot of fun. Friday we were supposed to have K3's last baseball game but the weather didn't cooperate very well. Saturday Kraig was in a 3-0n-3 tourney in Pittsford. His team won their age bracket. Konnor and I planted my flower boxes and worked in the beds....then I spent 4 hours finding a dress for a wedding. Thank God Shirley (a.k.a. My Personal Shopper) was available to help me out. I think I probably tried on 30 dresses and have narrowed it down to two choices. I will return the one I decide not to wear. Sunday we opened the pool in the rain. That was fun?! NOT! Actually it wasn't that bad because you get wet and gross anyways. We are waiting for some "scum ring" cleaner before we fill it the rest of the way. Then I did laundry and escorted Konnor and Steven around on the excursions (see other post). Today K3 is in a 3-on-3 tourney....haven't heard how that is going. So my thought is Good-bye May...and HELLO June. I hope this month is a little less hectic.

Best of Times!

I spent a very enjoyable Saturday with these three lovely ladies. I sure wish I lived closer so we could hang out more than we do. There is never a dull moment when we get together to scrap. It's fun to hide out from our families, look through old photos, sing to the music (even the country I had to endure for a few minutes), crack really bad jokes , eat lots of great food, drink way too much pop, show our creative abilities, get "mama" advice from each other, laugh until the tears are flowing or you are snorting, and just be ourselves without worrying about what other people are thinking. A day with these ladies helps me recharge my batteries and forget about the BUSY lives we live! Thanks for being my friends.

What to write....what to write???

Konnor and Steven

Well, we spent an enjoyable 1 1/2 under the awning of the concession stand on Tuesday night at K3's baseball game. It actually was kind of fun. When else would you spend that much time watching for lightning? NEVER! Today was just baseball practice for Konnor. Kraig is done with track now. K3 has a game at Battle Creek tomorrow night and Konnor and I have our last soccer game here. Friday Kraig is going to Greenfield Village for his field trip and Kirk2 is chaperoning the 8th grade Chicago trip. He leaves at 6 AM and gets back at 12AM. Saturday morning I'm heading to Jtown to scrap with the girls. I can't wait to get started again... I don't think I have done anything crafty since the January crop. Ooopps! I'm starting to type my Heat Sheets for Track and Field next Wed and Thurs. Lots and lots of typing. Talk to you soon. K:)

Even the horses took the day off!

**Please don't be alarmed K3 was slouching in this picture.


K2 got this great picture of the horses taking the day off too. I think they were taking advantage of the warm sunshine. It amazes me that they will all follow suit at the same time. We partied hardy at this house today. We celebrated three birthday and 5 mother's days. I decided after having 18 people to feed that I need a bigger house and more dinner dishes. I had forgotten to get the plastic plates and silverware. Needless to say we were definitely packed in like cigars and some of us ate off of little plates. Food was good though, the cake was even better.

After dinner my mom shared with us that her cousin had passed away last night in bed. He was 62. To make a long story short....I will be taking my dad for a out patient procedure on Wednesday so my mom can go to the funeral with my Grandma. I think I got the best deal!

HOPE YOU HAD A HAPPY DAY!!

LET'S CELEBRATE!!

This week is full of celebrations! Grandpa Kirk turned 65 on Wednesday, Shirley turned 36 (I think?) on Thursday, Konnor turned 9 on Thursday, today is prom for Kayla, and of course the ever popular celebration tomorrow, Mother's

Day! Konnor got up on Thursday morning and said, "mom, I don't feel nine!" I said, "but you sure do look 9 now!" Wow, does time fly when your having FUN?! As you can tell by the pathetic candle (yes, it is a tea candle) plopped in the middle of his cake, there wasn't a lot of time for forethought. Kirk had a double header that night and then Konnor picked Subway for his "birthday dinner". Wouldn't have been my first choice, but whatever makes him happy. Kayla had baked 51 cupcakes for him to take to school and I think I finished frosting and sprinkles around 10:00. Whew, the end of the school year sure does make for a busy time of the year. I now have to shift gears to get all of the track and field day stuff done. It was moved to Camden because of some grass issues in the infield - left over damage from the infamous "Mud Bowl" playoff game. Wasn't really excited to hear that change in venue but I might as just roll with the punches. Have a wonderful MOTHER'S DAY!!

TGIF

I can't tell you how excited I was for school to be over on Friday. This week was draining....quick picture of ACES...All Children Exercise Simultaneously. Of course this event falls under that unwritten job description of the PE teacher. Friday morning all 390 plus students walked around the back playground for 20 minutes. It is really cool to watch everyone working out at once. This year we tallied 700.75 miles, just under last year's total.

K3 had a double-header at Home friday night against Harper Creek. The first game was good...but unfortunately we fell short both times.

Saturday Konnor had a soccer game. We lost 5-3, but played really well. Kraig had a baseball tournament in Edon OH. K2 went with him while I stayed home and cleaned the house, did laundry, and took Konnor and Drew fishing.

Sunday- more baseball for Kraig at home today. He will have a double header that starts at 12 and then Konnor will have batting practice at 5 same location. Whew!! tired already.

This week at a glance....Monday K3 baseball at Bronson, Kraig track at Western, Konnor baseball practice at FOD (Field of Dreams)...Tuesday- K3 baseball at home, Konnor soccer practice....Wednesday Konnor make up soccer game....Thursday K3 baseball at home....then who knows. Oh, yeah throw Konnor's 9th birthday into the mix on Thursday....Aunt Shirleys bitrthday on the 10th also...Grandpa Kirk's birthday on the 9th and Mother's day (both sides) at our house on the 13th! HAVE A HAPPY SPRING WEEK!!

My adorable daughter??!!

Have you ever wondered what my daughter would look like? Well, here she is.....Ms. Konny. What a beautiful smile and the ribbon is oh so cute. Just a funny picture that Uncle John sent us from Linda's (The real Mrs. Putnam) 60th birthday party a few weeks back.

Baseball, carwash, and yard work....

What do baseball, carwash, and yard work all have in common? That's how we spent our Saturday. K3 had a double header against Michigan City at 11, Kraig had a carwash for student council from 9-3, and we worked in the yard from 3-8. The weather was gorgeous so the yard work part was definitelythe most enjoyable part. What's on tap for today? Dog baths, car cleanings, homework, grocery shopping, and my all time favorite.....LAUNDRY!!

This week at a glance Konnor starts baseball practice tomorrow, K3 has a baseball game at home on Tuesday, Kraig has a Track meet in Albion on Tuesday, Konnor has soccer practice on Tuesday, Konnor has baseball practice on Wednesday and that is as far in advance as I can remember. I'm getting ready for the big Track and Field Days vs. Camden Frontier at school. We are tie dying t-shirts with the 4th and 5th graders this week. OK, so this week doesn't sound too relaxing, maybe I shouldn't have typed it out?!

Not a very easy week!

Yeah, I know I'm a slacker....haven't posted since April 12th. Sorry. I didn't have a very easy week though. Here is a quick recap that will probably explain the lack of posts. Sunday back went out and we were at Putnam's for Linda's 60th...Monday barely walking upright but went to work with ice pack and ibuprofen...Tuesday not walking (much at all) and taught with ice in my pants from a chair(not the exemplary PE teacher).....Wednesday drug myself to work (no subs available) .....went to Chiropractor M-W and discovered Doan's pills (very effective)

....Thursday took a 1/2 day to lay down because I wasn't very mobile still....Friday had a massage after work that was very helpful. Yada yada yada....to top off the back drama we had double headers on Monday, Tuesday, and Saturday....Soccer practice on Tuesday.... Davis Relays on Friday....Soccer game on Saturday....Kraig's baseball on Saturday. So as you can tell there hasn't been much spare time to do anything besides cook, clean, and do laundry. Konnor and I worked on his science fair project this morning and then K2 and I worked around the house and outside. Now it is homework and more laundry (big surprise there!) This week at a glance....Monday track at home for Kraig....baseball doubleheader on Tuesday at Western for K3....Soccer practice on Tuesday for Konnor....Soccer game and doubleheader on Saturday. Will this madness ever end?!
PS K2 is at his first official Sunday night football meeting tonight. OH JOY!!

Boy do I miss Florida!

Konnor and his yummy oreo/frosting snacks!!

I really miss florida for more than one reason. 1. I loved being able to see and talk to my parents on a daily basis...not just a quickie phone conversation a couple times a week. 2. The weather was beautiful and I am sick and tired of winter! 3. I miss feeling like there is really nothing pressing to get done. 4. No sports schedules to juggle. 5. Reading whenever I felt like it and not just 10 minutes before bed. 6. Wearing shorts and t-shirts....sure cuts down on the laundry. 7. Taking turns with my mom cooking and cleaning the kitchen instead of doing both by myself (most of the time). 8. Going for morning walks in the wonderful sunshine. 9. Going for evening gulf cart rides without children in tow. 10. The smell of freshly mowed grass....yes, there are actually people mowing yards instead of shoveling sidewalks.

K3's game was postponed for a second time tonight. Kraig's baseball practice was cancelled. This weather is crazy. We are supposed to have a tournament at Lumen Christi for K3 @11 this weekend, a tournament in Edon, OH for Kraig @11, and a soccer game for Konnor and I at 11:20. How many things do you think will get cancelled because of the weather?

Never too old to play ball!

I think one of the neatest things about visiting my mom and dad in their "gated community" is watching people of all ages stay active. This is the Softball game K3 and Kraig played in on Saturday morning. There were players of all ages and all shapes and sizes. I have to give some of them a lot of credit for trying.....I know some young people that couldn't do as well as they do. I hope that I will have enough spunk in my step to keep playing later in my life. The announcer had nicknamed Kraig "Showtime" after the first inning. Hmmmm.....I wonder why he would call him that?! NOT!! Konnor chose fishing during the tournament. Can't say that I blame him. This is the Bullhead he caught on bacon of all things. Tune in tomorrow for Sunday's recap.

The way kids should be when traveling....

We're BACK!! Beside from the grueling car rides....we had a GREAT time! I think that I will post a few pictures a day to the blog instead of hitting you with the whole break recap. We were able to be on the road Thursday by about 5:15. We hit an unexpected 1 1/2 hour traffic jam in

Louisville which put us at our hotel at 1 AM. Not a great thing but it was still early in the trip so we just rolled with the punches. The kids did pretty good riding down....these were the times (see above pictures) that K2 and I enjoyed the most. No one was asking if we were GETTING CLOSER! That phrase got old fast. We arrived in Florida Friday night and got situated and settled. Boy could I get used to the 85 degree weather. This snow/winter stuff is crap! Well, tune in tomorrow for last Saturday's recap. Hope everyone had an enjoyable break! Just think, only 9 more weeks before summer break! YEP, I'm counting.

A published ARTIST in our family!

Konnor was very excited when his dad showed him what he had found in the Hillsdale Daily Newspaper Monday night. Konnor's drawing of Walmart was chosen to represent them in the Business Ad section. He had to explain to me that those are the milk and eggs setting on the baggage turnstyles....."they never put your eggs and milk in your cart first." Pretty smart for a boy who hasn't been grocery in a long time.

We had K3's Basketball banquet at 6 tonight. Doesn't really fit into the packing the clothes thingy but I guess I get to start that now. 2 days and counting.....Kraig went to the doctor today for a bad ear infection...better today than Friday. Konnor got his "Florida haircut" today after school. It was the only way I could convince him to get it cut....it's been a very looooong time. We told him he would have too many white places once he was tan. What do ya know, it WORKED!

4 DAYS and counting.....

Oh my GOSH!!! I can't hardly believe that we only have 4 days to get ready to leave. YIKES!! We tried to get the house and laundry under control this weekend. The car is cleaned out and the snacks are packed. Tonight is "start packing the clothes night". We are hoping to set sail on Thursday evening after K3's baseball practice and Kraig's track practice. Hopefully we can knock a few hours of the trip on Thursday night and then finish the rest on Friday. Watch out Florida HERE WE COME!!