Basketball and birthdays

What do basketball and birthdays have in common? You can have a ball with both! I know that was a really bad joke, but I couldn't think of anything else. Monday and Tuesday Kraig had games at home and then Columbia Central. Neither game went very well, but it's still early in the season. We celebrated K2 birthday on Wednesday after school and practices. Kirk and I went to Saucy Dog with the Englishs and then we had cake and presents at home with the boys. The best part of the night was watching 2 1/2 hours of old family movies. Please tell me where those 15 years went????? There were some footage that had us rolling on the ground in tears. Konnor was a little twirked when we watched the tapes before he was born. He doesn't like the fact that we had fun without him. He also commented that we were a lot nicer back then. Hmmmm....could it be that they were a lot better behaved back then?!

WW II book talk

Kraig had to give a book talk last week on a book that took place during WWII. Grandma Linda came to the rescue with authentic WWII uniform and newspapers from Pearl Harbor. Kraig did a great job and the uniform was definitely a plus...Thanks for helping out Grandma.

In case you are wondering....

where in the World we are for the next 14 weeks....here is the basketball schedule for the Putnam family.
PUTNAM BASKETBALL
SCHEDULE 2006-2007
11/20 KRAIG@H 4:30 WESTERN 11/21 KRAIG@CC 4:30

11/27 KRAIG@ 4:30 STOCKBRIDGE 11/28 KRAIG@ H LESLIE

12/4 KRAIG@4:30 COLDWATER 12/5 KIRK@6:00 QUINCY

DMS HOLIDAY CHOIR CONCERT 7 PM 12/7/06

12/11 KRAIG@H ALBION 4:30 12/13KRAIG@ 4:30 WESTERN 12/15 KIRK@5:30 PORTLAND

12/18 KRAIG@H CC 4:30 12/19 KIRK@5:30 TECUMSEH 12/20 KRAIG@4:30 LESLIE
12/27 KIRK @ 5:15 JHS (READING) 12/28 KIRK@H PAT P - TBA

1/3 KIRK @ H 5:45 HARPER CREEK

1/9 KIRK @ H 5:45 DUNDEE 1/10 KRAIG @ H4:30 STOCKBRIDGE 1/12 KIRK @ H 5:45 LESLIE

1/16 KRAIG@4:30 ALBION 1/17 KRAIG@5:00 HUDSON 1/19 KIRK @5:45 ALBION

1/23 KIRK@H 5:30 ONSTED 1/26 KIRK@H 5:45 STOCKBRIDGE

1/30 KIRK@H 5:45 HOMER 2/2 KIRK@ 5:45 WESTERN

2/13 KIRK @5:45 JONESVILLE 2/16 KIRK@5:45 LESLIE

2/20 KIRK@H 5:45 ALBION 2/23 KIRK@4:30 STOCKBRIDGE

2/27 KIRK@H 5:45 WESTERN 3/2 KIRK@5:45 COL. CENTRAL


Hope to see you at some of the games. I can tell by the schedule above that I will definitely need to do something to ward off "bleacher butt" or I will be in trouble my Spring!!

So close....

Hornets were within the grasp of going to Ford Field for the football finals. Unfortunately, the offense could not complete the final pass in the endzone at 3.6 seconds left to play. The defense was amazing...holding Madison Heights to only 20 pts. There is no reason to hang our heads over this incredible season! K3 was disappointed by the loss, but was thrilled to have taken the field twice in the Semi Finals game as a freshman. Way to go K3!!

The tales of MICE and MEN

The bottom picture is a close up of the 2 newspaper articles K3 has made!

Or should that be "tails"?? Had a little mouse problem this week in the kitchen. Let me begin the story by saying "YUCK" "Double YUCK". I know I love all creatures big and small, but when they are somewhere they aren't supposed to be, like my kitchen, I get a little freaked out. I learned some important lessons about having mice in your house that I thought I would share.... 1st just because you have a cat doesn't mean they will actually catch the mouse...2nd the same cat would prefer to go upstairs and bug the hamsters in the cage then do its' job....3rd if you have mice in your kitchen chances are great they have built a large insulation nest in your broiler and insulation will make your house STINK.....and lastly, when you have one mouse you can pretty much figure that he has a friend. (this friend almost ran up k2's arm when he was checking out the fire location) I am happy to report there are 2 less mice in the world.

The other part of today's blog is about the MEN in my life....Kraig made 7th grade basketball (think I might have already mentioned that), K3 made the HHS JV Basketball team and didn't even make it to tryouts because he was practicing with the Varsity Football team, and Konnor has 2 more levels to go in Reading Recovery before we can stop the before school tutoring sessions. YEAh!!

Tonight I have to get everything organized for an early start for Gibraltor. Wish us luck and I'll keep you poste.

On the road to Semi-Finals....

The countdown has begun....2 more days until the Hornets hit the road for Gibraltor to play Madison Heights. It will definitely be a day to remember, even if the outcome isn't favorable. I can't even begin to describe the tension that is in the air around here. I am physically exhausted and mentally drained. I have had to pitch in and keep up all of the household things that K2 usually helps me with. I know this is a good thing and all, but how much longer?

REGIONAL CHAMPIONS!!!

Saturday was another great day for the Hornets. They came back from a 12 point deficit to beat Allendale 32-18. It was a great game. A little chilly, but still great. Kirk3 got to go in for 3 extra point attempts. We are anxiously awaiting the game location for Semi Finals on Saturday. I sure hope we can go all the way!!

Just a bunch of whining......

I haven't posted all week because I was afraid it would come off as a bunch of whining and it probably still will. Tuesday my back went out. I was coming home from the Chiropractor and I slammed my fingers in the garage door trying to keep my runaway mutt in the garage. After a few choice words and crying, I decided that it didn't look broken and I would probably live. I actually forgot about my back hurting for a few minutes. What luck?! Wednesday I wore my back brace and shoved ice down my pants to work and watched my finger continue to swell. Thursday morning I had to go to the Jewelry store before work to have my wedding ring cut off because my finger was now a deep plum, almost black color. Not how I wanted to start my day.....Friday is looking up! Back is feeling better, but I'm still sporting an ice pack. Finger is now just bruised looking....and it's Friday, so that's a plus. Tomorrow is sub sale assembly at 6:30 AM, hair appointment at 9 in Holt, and 1:00 kick off for HHS at the college. Wow, tomorrow will be interesting. GO HORNETS!!!!

My baby is 15 today!!

Kirk and his friends at his campfire birthday party tonight. Yes, I did it alone because K2 was at a coaches meeting. I was feeling a little out numbered, but they are all great kids, so it was absolutely smooth sailing.

Happy Birthday wishes to my oh so special kid. K3 turned 15 years old today. I had to laugh last night when I was looking at the program for the District game. My 9th grader was the second biggest kid on the roster for HHS. Now, this is only funny and amazing to me, because I can remember the day 15 years ago (like it was yesterday) when they told me they were taking my new baby away and shipping him to a bigger hospital. I had to spend 10 grueling days without him. My preemie is now 5'11" and 245 pounds. Not really the picture you have in your mind when you think about a preemie now is it?!

HHS Varsity won Districts last night. Kirk3 got on the field 2 times for the extra point attempt team. It is so thrilling to watch him play with the Varsity. What a great experience for him.

7th graders finish season on a win!

I guess it was a pretty exciting game last night. The 7th graders were able to score in the last 20 seconds to take the lead over Stockbridge. Kraig had some key tackles and did a great job playing. He now has 2 days off before basketball season begins on Monday. Oh, will this ever end?!

I can hardly believe that it is Thursday....this week has definitely been a blur. Monday night was our Hornet Howling walk through. The kids wear their costumes and go from station to station around the decorated HHS hallways. Hillsdale does not allow their students to wear costumes to school. This is their compromise. I will post pictures later of the referee and ghoul.

Tuesday night was mad dash from football practice to trick or treating. K2 and K3 had practice at the college from 5-8PM, so the boys and I did the candy gathering alone. We met up with another family and walked for miles and miles and miles. OK, maybe only a couple, but it felt like more.

Wednesday night I took Konnor to Varsity practice so I could get some running done. There were way too many things accumulating on my TO DO list that weren't happening. He had fun playing with the other coaches sons and I got some things accomplished.

Tonight is another late practice for K2 and K3. I think that Konnor and I will get a movie and try to catch up on housework and laundry. Tomorrow night Kayla is babysitting so Kirk can go scouting with the guys and I am going to Ohio to watch Jen be inducted into her HS Hall of Fame for track. It's a 3 hour drive and we are leaving as soon as work gets done. We have been teasing her that we are bringing signs and cow bells to this "civilized" function. I don't think she feels we are too funny.

That brings us to Saturday and Sunday....Saturday night at 7:30 is the 2nd Playoff game for HHS. The game is being held at the college due to the incredible damage done last week to the field. The coaches party is at our house afterwards. I sure hope we WIN! Sunday is K3 birthday. He will be 15 years old. That is completely amazing since it feels like he was just born yesterday. I haven't quite figured out how we're celebrating, but I'm sure it will come to me.

Happy Birthday Kevin and Kirk!

Today we went to my mom's to celebrate Kevin and Kirk3's birthdays. Shirley made lasgna, which was delicious as usual. She actually uses ricotta cheese instead of cottage. I think that is what makes it sooooo good! Mom, of course, had all the extras that made the meal very tasty. I wish I had the time to make great meals. It was really nice to see everyone....I don't think we have been up since school started. It seemed like the trees had even grown since the last time we were up there. Kevin and Kirk got many nice gifts, and it was nice to just sit and chat. Usually we are in such a hurry, we are just talking about what activity is happening at the moment. Well, I'd better get some lesson plans done....have a good start to the week. Happy Birthday Kevin (NOV. 1) and Kirk 3 (NOV. 5)!!

PS...Fondest little brother birthday story....we had to go back home early during trick or treating because my mom went into labor. I didn't get much candy that year, but I sure did get a "sweetie" of a baby brother. I was so excited when my dad called me from the hospital I accidently dumped orange pop in the shoes next to the table. Ooooppppssss!!!!

Hornets are one step closer to the finals!

Well, last night was probably the sloppiest, muddiest, messiest game I've ever watched. The field looked like a swamp at the beginning of the game and a mud bog by the end of the first quarter. I finally stopped taking pictures at half-time. I thought the camera probably wasn't too safe in the downpour. It wasn't until the last quarter of the game that hillsdale took over the lead. There was no way to get to the outside to run and the passing game was impossible. K3 (#58) did his part for the hornets on 2 extra point attempts. He said he was excited to play but he didn't think he would ever thaw out. We went to buy him thicker underarmour today. THe Hornets will be taking on Onstead at the College Saturday 7:30.

On a much sadder note.....Donna and I took a luncheon to the funeral home for the Clendening/Flowers family. They were having a private showing today at 4. Sunday visitation is from 2-7 and Monday is the funeral @2. I honestly hadn't cried until I looked a Val....I didn't know what to say or do that could possibly help. She said that God puts a protective shield on mothers when they loose a child. She said she was numb and the idea that Tyler wouldn't be coming back from staying with his dad on Sunday, really hadn't sunk in yet. I can't even imagine. She said if there was one piece of advice she could share was "to never give up on your kids and keep believing in them (even if other people give up). She also said to give them more hugs and kisses because it will never be enough. As you can tell, the general feeling of my day was rather glum....I just wish Val and her family all the best as they face these next few months.

Rainy Thursday Recap!

First of all I have to start this post by saying....so many "different" things went on today that I don't want to come of whinny or unapprecitive, but here it goes.

A big thanks to mom AKA Grandma Mary who said "I spent my whole day driving around Hillsdale!" Yes, mom, it does feel like that most days. Kirk and I had Professional Development and Parent-teacher conferences today from 8AM-8PM, so mom came to stay with the boys. She had to drop-off and pick-up from football practice, take Konnor to the dentist (he ended up getting a tooth pulled OOOPPPSSS- Sorry mom; kind of dramatic!), dropping Kraig off at a friends, picking up Bryan to play with Konnor for the day, taking Kirk to an orthodontist appointment, etc. So, yeah, she did drive all day. Good thing we don't have to pay her mileage.

We got word today that one of my former students/girl friend's son was killed in a car accident while driving home from school today. It is really a shame because he had transferred to Pittsford in order to "start new" for his senior year and then this happened. I can't even begin to put into words what I was feeling (shock, disbelief, saddness, confusion). I want to be supportive for Val but I don't even know where to begin?! Tyler was only 2 years older than Kirk....need I say more.
I really tried to be productive after that phone call, but I really couldn't focus very well.

I know that P-T conferences are very important, but noone comes to see the gym teacher. I used to love talking with my students parents....now I sit in my office and WORK! Blick 'em!! I did get a lot done, but I am comotose from the day.
The good NEWS....no school Friday and the 1st big playoff game tomorrow night. I'll keep you posted on the outcome.

Can't win 'em all!

Even though the score showed a complete dominance from Columbia Central, the hornets did play well overall. The defensive line was able to stop them when they came up the gut, but when the went to the outside....it was all wide open space. We definitely need to work on that "speed" thing. Kraig had a good game. The pictures are of him running in the 2 pt conversion. I can't believe that having 5 guys piled around you doesn't sting a little. He also made a solo tackle on the quarterback that was also pretty exciting. This next week will be his last week of football. Can't say that I'm not excited.

The buz around the house is getting louder and louder as Friday quickly approaches. I still am having a hard time believing that little Kirk will be taking the field with those BIG boys. Hopefully he will do fine and have fun. I know that he has been doing a great job at practice this week. It should be fun to watch!

Busy isn't always better!

It seems like I've heard that saying before, "busy is better". I think I would have to vote for NOT being busy for just once. Tonight we have Fall Festival Choir Concert at 7. That means I probably have about 30 minutes to get people home from football practice, feed, and back for rehearsal. Chloe has her yearly shots at 4:20. That should add some excitment into the evening. She is a pen dog right now because she keeps running through the invisible fence zap. You would think that if we turned up the strength, made the field width wider, and put the long prongs on her collar that would help?! NOT even close. I think she is running across the road to chase squirrels. I can't even begin to think about her squashed in the road, so she will have to stay a kennel dog unless she starts staying home.

Wednesday Kraig has a football game at Columbia Central- 4:30. I will have to do some fast driving to get there on time. My last class leaves at 3:35. Watch out MIS!

Friday night is quickly approaching. There is an extra enthusiasm right now. I guess K3 did a great job practicing last night. He was holding his own and doing some great things. His dad is definitely beaming at his accomplishments as a Freshman.

Soccer is DONE!!

I've never been so happy to see a season end! This Fall they decided to play 8 games instead of 6. Way tooooooo long! The weather has pretty much stunk for the last 3 weeks. Last weekend our game was cancelled because there was too much standing water on the field. Konnor had a great season and is already looking forward to Spring soccer. It will be interesting to see if he does soccer or football as a 3rd grader. Our recreation department starts the football program at 3rd grade. I think I will be voting for soccer, even though it is more work for me.

Kirk and I did "Spring" cleaning yesterday around the house. It is much easier when it is a team effort. I even cleaned the bathroom rugs and he did the showers (very yucky jobs). It does feel nice to have it done. Now I just have to finish the laundry and get things around for the week. K3 starts Varsity football this week, Kraig still has football practice and games for the next 2 weeks, both boys have a choir concert on Tuesday evening, parent-teacher conferences and professional development on Thursday, and NO SCHOOL on FRIDAY for teachers!!!! YEAH!! K2 and K3 will still have practice and meetings on Friday, but the rest of us will probably try to get costumes around. No reason to rush into those things.

Varsity player in our midst!

Well, the JV season ended last night with another win over Quincy. (52-13)The boys were excited to have another win under thier belts. Kirk was asked to move up to Varsity for the playoff games. He was doing the Happy Dance all the way to bed last night. It will be interesting to see how he does playing with the BIG Boys. I think his papa is pretty proud too?! Only 2 freshman were asked to move. Pretty big honor if you ask me.

Have a great weekend!

Hornets vs. Yellowjackets

The mascots may have looked similiar, but the football plays did not. Kraig's 7th grade team dominated the game with a winning score of 48-0. Kraig ran for 3 touchdowns, unfortunately 2 were called back for penalties in the backfield. Kind of a bummer when you run so well, and then someone else mistakes affects your great play.

Tomorrow is the JV teams last game. It is at home and we are hoping for another victory. We will have to wait and see. I have to make sloppy joes for 50 football players tonight, so I'd better get a moving before Lost comes on.

Konnor is doing great with his before school tutoring and will be going up another level in Reading tomorrow. It is a little difficult for me to sit there for 30 minutes and then jump right into teaching, but it is well worth my trouble.

A trip to the barn....

Just a quick post about our trip to the barn on Sunday morning. It was fun for Madison to go back and see how "big" (relatively speaking) her friend Tiny Tim was now. The last time she was at our house, he had just been born. Now he's a furry little fat boy.

Kaila liked the Mini's, but preferred Oriele. She thought being in with the Mini's were fun until one of them decided her coat looked mighty tasty. She soon exited that pen to go see her "larger" friend.

Pumpkin Party 2006

The Pumpkin Party was a lot of fun this year, especially since I could share it with two very special girls (oh yeah, Corey too!) After about 5 minutes into the party, I really didn't see much of Kraig and Corey because they were too busy playing football and helping with some of the younger kids on the hay rides. I think they had fun though too?!

I am not too proud to admit, taking on another 3 kids is definitely more time consuming. I don't know how Beth and Kyle do this everyday. WOW!! Hats off to you 2. The girls were great and enjoyed all the "girly" things we got to do. Konnor was suprisingly helpful with the girls and volunteered to watch a movie with them at bedtime. He even slept in the same room on the floor because Kraiwgy and Corey slept downstairs in the "Man" room.

The pictures of the kids in the pumpkin patch are my favorites. Madison thought she had to give each pumpkin a little kick. I think she had watched her dad shop for too many cars or something. Konnor scoped out this huge pumpkin and then never stopped playing long enough to get a pumpkin at all.... he was a little bummed this morning. Kaila had fun looking at all of the different sizes. She too had a "big" one picked out, but settled for a more manageable size when the time came to carry them.

Thanks for letting me borrow the kids! We had a FANTASTIC time!!!!!