February 27, 2010
The Macho Maniacs had their first basketball game today. Yes, the 4th & 5th grade girls decided to call themselves the Macho Maniacs. Huh??
Anyway, they won 12-10! But even better, they all played, had a blast, and surprised all of us with their skills. They have only had two practices. It was so fun to watch them high-five each other after making baskets. As I drove Grace & Courtney home, they were so excited they said they couldn't wait for the next game. After watching Grace never, ever get a pass from the boys she played with in the Village's co-ed league, it was great to watch the girls play and pass to each other. Girls sports rock! (Except girls' football and hockey...those should stay boy sports in my opinion).
Grace made 4 baskets! Go Grace!
I promise pictures next game (March 6th).
Karen
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Olympics at the Halterhome
February 25, 2010
With the Official Olympics winding down, we here at the Halterhome are just revving up our own version of the Olympics...here's the run down of events:
lacrosse (men's)
theater (not a sport, but still an "event" here)
basketball (women's)
baseball
softball
golf (men's)
Only another week of double duty sports for Tommy, but Grace is in for a month of hoops and her other activities. (In my defense I thought the basketball had been cancelled before we took on theater).
All the competitors are gold medalists on my podium.
Karen
P.S. Last night I was up WAY north in Anthem for Tommy's lacrosse game. I had an hour to kill before the game, with no kids and nothing to do. It was torture for me not to head up to the outlet mall just up the road. How much longer until Easter????
With the Official Olympics winding down, we here at the Halterhome are just revving up our own version of the Olympics...here's the run down of events:
lacrosse (men's)
theater (not a sport, but still an "event" here)
basketball (women's)
baseball
softball
golf (men's)
Only another week of double duty sports for Tommy, but Grace is in for a month of hoops and her other activities. (In my defense I thought the basketball had been cancelled before we took on theater).
All the competitors are gold medalists on my podium.
Karen
P.S. Last night I was up WAY north in Anthem for Tommy's lacrosse game. I had an hour to kill before the game, with no kids and nothing to do. It was torture for me not to head up to the outlet mall just up the road. How much longer until Easter????
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Read A Good Book Lately?
February 24, 2010
I woke up this morning (too early for me) and found Grace already up reading a book. I had to pry it out of her hands well after her bedtime last night too. Must be a really good book! It's the 9th in the Lemony Snickett A Series of Unfortunate Events books. I'm willing to bet she's finished it by the time she gets home.
Here are a few I've read recently and couldn't put down:
Columbine by Dave Cullen.
Yes, it's about the school shooting, but it's facinating and well written. I want to re-read it.
Karen
I woke up this morning (too early for me) and found Grace already up reading a book. I had to pry it out of her hands well after her bedtime last night too. Must be a really good book! It's the 9th in the Lemony Snickett A Series of Unfortunate Events books. I'm willing to bet she's finished it by the time she gets home.
Here are a few I've read recently and couldn't put down:
Columbine by Dave Cullen.
Yes, it's about the school shooting, but it's facinating and well written. I want to re-read it.
Half Broke Horses by Jeannette Walls
I wasn't looking forward to reading this because I didn't care for Glass Castles, her memior. It was last month's selection for my book club. I found it surprisingly funny and interesting. And a lot like the books by my next author.
Lit by Mary Karr. I loved her first two memiors, Liar's Club and Cherry. A very good writer she is (except for her tendency to write sentences like that one in Yoda-like language). Now that her memiors have caught up with her actual place in life, I hope she'll try some fiction.
I have just started A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Not one that I can't put down, but maybe it will get better.
What are you reading? What book have you not been able to put down lately??Karen
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Success so far...
February 23, 2010
I had to make another trip to Target for a birthday gift and I DID NOT buy a single other thing. Yea me!
I also made it to church on Sunday. Two for two.
I couldn't get the family to join me. : (
I have also been trying some meditation or contemplative prayer. It is not easy to keep my thoughts from wandering. It is very peaceful once you get to that calm state.
OK I'm going to go focus on the ski races on the Olympics. The exact opposite of calm. Geez they go fast!
Karen
I had to make another trip to Target for a birthday gift and I DID NOT buy a single other thing. Yea me!
I also made it to church on Sunday. Two for two.
I couldn't get the family to join me. : (
I have also been trying some meditation or contemplative prayer. It is not easy to keep my thoughts from wandering. It is very peaceful once you get to that calm state.
OK I'm going to go focus on the ski races on the Olympics. The exact opposite of calm. Geez they go fast!
Karen
Saturday, February 20, 2010
40 Days...
February 20, 2010
Although I am not catholic, I was (notice the past tense there) going to an Episcopal church for a long while and like the Roman Catholics, we were encouraged to give up something or take on something new during Lent.
Well, Lent began on Wednesday and I decided that I would get myself to a church, any church, on Sundays.
With or without the rest of the Halterhome. Because I don't want to hear their arguing, whining, and negativity about having to go to church on Sunday.
That is the act that I will try to add to my life during and hopefully after Lent. I've been to the near-by Lutheran church. I like it OK. Not the same, so I'm still giving it a chance.
(Why am I not still going to the Episcopal church you ask? Long story. Read your newspapers.)
Now for the giving up of a worldy pleasure...I thought long and hard....Usually I give up drinking, but this year I thought I'd try giving up shopping. Do I shop that much? That is the question everyone has asked me. Well, you try going into Target for a birthday gift and ONLY buying the birthday gift without a sweep through the dollar spot. I was able to walk out with just the birthday gift, thank you very much. I will have to stay FAR away from TJ Maxx. And not check out the blog for Domestic Bliss which has just announced a HUGE sidewalk sale. Oh, the torture! When is Easter????
Karen
Although I am not catholic, I was (notice the past tense there) going to an Episcopal church for a long while and like the Roman Catholics, we were encouraged to give up something or take on something new during Lent.
Well, Lent began on Wednesday and I decided that I would get myself to a church, any church, on Sundays.
With or without the rest of the Halterhome. Because I don't want to hear their arguing, whining, and negativity about having to go to church on Sunday.
That is the act that I will try to add to my life during and hopefully after Lent. I've been to the near-by Lutheran church. I like it OK. Not the same, so I'm still giving it a chance.
(Why am I not still going to the Episcopal church you ask? Long story. Read your newspapers.)
Now for the giving up of a worldy pleasure...I thought long and hard....Usually I give up drinking, but this year I thought I'd try giving up shopping. Do I shop that much? That is the question everyone has asked me. Well, you try going into Target for a birthday gift and ONLY buying the birthday gift without a sweep through the dollar spot. I was able to walk out with just the birthday gift, thank you very much. I will have to stay FAR away from TJ Maxx. And not check out the blog for Domestic Bliss which has just announced a HUGE sidewalk sale. Oh, the torture! When is Easter????
Karen
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Eyes Have It
February 19, 2010
Yesterday Grace went back for an eye check up. We have not been as good at making her wear the patch as last time, so Grace and I were expecting a stern talking-to from Dr. C.
As I watched her struggle with the eye exam, I was flooded with guilt. What a bad mom that I don't force that patch on her all hours that she is home! (Insert whiny voice here) But she is SO stubborn and sometimes I just don't feel like engaging in that battle/negotiation.
Too bad it doesn't work while she's sleeping...we'd get 8 hours in for sure! Ha.
By some miracle her vision had improved since last visit. She is now 20/25 up close and 20/70 distance...still not great distance vision, but getting better. Dr. C seemed to motivate her this time rather than scare her so she's gung-ho to patch at home. We'll see how long that enthusiasm lasts.
Karen
P.S. Say a prayer for two people I know, Tami and Jason, who both were recently diagnosed with cancer.
Yesterday Grace went back for an eye check up. We have not been as good at making her wear the patch as last time, so Grace and I were expecting a stern talking-to from Dr. C.
As I watched her struggle with the eye exam, I was flooded with guilt. What a bad mom that I don't force that patch on her all hours that she is home! (Insert whiny voice here) But she is SO stubborn and sometimes I just don't feel like engaging in that battle/negotiation.
Too bad it doesn't work while she's sleeping...we'd get 8 hours in for sure! Ha.
By some miracle her vision had improved since last visit. She is now 20/25 up close and 20/70 distance...still not great distance vision, but getting better. Dr. C seemed to motivate her this time rather than scare her so she's gung-ho to patch at home. We'll see how long that enthusiasm lasts.
Karen
P.S. Say a prayer for two people I know, Tami and Jason, who both were recently diagnosed with cancer.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Happy Valentine's Day!
February 14, 2010
Last night was the annual Couple's Bunco Party. My Bunco group does two couples parties a year: Valentine's and Bars on Bikes (which has traditionally involved someone ending up in the canal). We used to actually play Bunco with our husbands at the Valentine's party. It's been a few years since we've done that though. Now it is just an excuse for a neighborhood party...which in our neighborhood means...PING PONG. This year it was at the Halterhome.
Boy, those ping pongers are competitive. They kept at it all night with a brief pause for two rounds of Left, Right, Center (a fun dice game that involves money). So here are some highlights...and a few photos of my Valentine decor. I don't usually decorate for Valentine's but since I was having a party...
Last night was the annual Couple's Bunco Party. My Bunco group does two couples parties a year: Valentine's and Bars on Bikes (which has traditionally involved someone ending up in the canal). We used to actually play Bunco with our husbands at the Valentine's party. It's been a few years since we've done that though. Now it is just an excuse for a neighborhood party...which in our neighborhood means...PING PONG. This year it was at the Halterhome.
Boy, those ping pongers are competitive. They kept at it all night with a brief pause for two rounds of Left, Right, Center (a fun dice game that involves money). So here are some highlights...and a few photos of my Valentine decor. I don't usually decorate for Valentine's but since I was having a party...
Tom & Keith in a serious battle.
Tuck & Eric.
(ooh yuck, don't look in the background...I need a garage makeover)
Karen & Lori
Cathy & Keith
Look how much fun were we having...you know it's a good party when you finally fall into bed at 1:30 am!! I love my neighbors.
Happy "Birthday" Ollie!
February 14, 2010
Two years ago today, we were lucky enough to adopt Ollie. We got him for Madison from a lab rescue group a few months after Dave the Dog passed away. Madison was lonely and needed a pal. He is just about the best dog ever. He's very mellow and has the softest black coat I've ever seen on a lab.
We treated him to 4 new tennis balls. He will chase a ball until he keels over.
We have no idea how old he is (probably about 7 or 8) so we just celebrate his adoption birthday TODAY.
Grace made him a cute card and sang a song she made up about him. Very Cute!
Happy Birthday Ollie.
Two years ago today, we were lucky enough to adopt Ollie. We got him for Madison from a lab rescue group a few months after Dave the Dog passed away. Madison was lonely and needed a pal. He is just about the best dog ever. He's very mellow and has the softest black coat I've ever seen on a lab.
We treated him to 4 new tennis balls. He will chase a ball until he keels over.
We have no idea how old he is (probably about 7 or 8) so we just celebrate his adoption birthday TODAY.
Grace made him a cute card and sang a song she made up about him. Very Cute!
Happy Birthday Ollie.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Play Ball!
February 10, 2010
I am so excited! We found out which Little League teams Tommy & Grace are on. That means Little League season is just around the corner.
Yea!!
It my absolute favorite spectator sport.
We still have three weeks of lacrosse to finish, which is a close second as far as watching kids' sports goes. It's like hockey without the ice. And we just finished the Variety Show where Grace lit up the stage as a Rockette. Her next theatrical event is a youth theater performance of School House Rock, Jr. in May...you remember...Conjunction Junction and I'm Just A Bill (yes, I'm only a bill and I'm sittin' here on Capitol Hill...).
For now, I am anxiously awaiting March when the ball park officially opens.
I am so excited! We found out which Little League teams Tommy & Grace are on. That means Little League season is just around the corner.
Yea!!
It my absolute favorite spectator sport.
We still have three weeks of lacrosse to finish, which is a close second as far as watching kids' sports goes. It's like hockey without the ice. And we just finished the Variety Show where Grace lit up the stage as a Rockette. Her next theatrical event is a youth theater performance of School House Rock, Jr. in May...you remember...Conjunction Junction and I'm Just A Bill (yes, I'm only a bill and I'm sittin' here on Capitol Hill...).
For now, I am anxiously awaiting March when the ball park officially opens.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Coupon Clipping
February 9, 2010
As you may know, I'm a coupon clipper. That big pile of advertising and coupons is my favorite part of the Sunday paper. I've saved lots of money when I take the time to use the coupons I've clipped. I use them at the grocery store, at the car shop, the dry cleaners, and I've even used the Entertainment Book.
But I would draw the line at the coupon I saw in this past Sunday's paper. I kid you not, there was a coupon for condoms. Seriously. I highly doubt that the target market for Trojans is scanning the Sunday coupon section. And they are even less likely to use a coupon at a grocery store. Especially for that!
But, hey, maybe I am under estimating the thriftiness of these guys.
Karen
As you may know, I'm a coupon clipper. That big pile of advertising and coupons is my favorite part of the Sunday paper. I've saved lots of money when I take the time to use the coupons I've clipped. I use them at the grocery store, at the car shop, the dry cleaners, and I've even used the Entertainment Book.
But I would draw the line at the coupon I saw in this past Sunday's paper. I kid you not, there was a coupon for condoms. Seriously. I highly doubt that the target market for Trojans is scanning the Sunday coupon section. And they are even less likely to use a coupon at a grocery store. Especially for that!
But, hey, maybe I am under estimating the thriftiness of these guys.
Karen
Sunday, February 7, 2010
February 7, 2010
Happy Birthday Kristin & Ashleigh!!
What are the odds of two wonderful ladies I know having the exact same birthday? Tom's middles sister, Kristin, is celebrating a B-I-G one in Ohio. We hope she is bundled up inside, cuz she sent pictures of the bucket loads of snow they got yesterday. Enjoy your day and maybe the Colts will win the Super Bowl for your Super Day!
Auntie A, as we like to call her, is celebrating a not-as-big birthday in Tucson. We send out birthday wishes...if we were there in person, we'd bring you an extra large Eegees! Yum.
Happy Birthday Kristin & Ashleigh!!
What are the odds of two wonderful ladies I know having the exact same birthday? Tom's middles sister, Kristin, is celebrating a B-I-G one in Ohio. We hope she is bundled up inside, cuz she sent pictures of the bucket loads of snow they got yesterday. Enjoy your day and maybe the Colts will win the Super Bowl for your Super Day!
Auntie A, as we like to call her, is celebrating a not-as-big birthday in Tucson. We send out birthday wishes...if we were there in person, we'd bring you an extra large Eegees! Yum.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Kick Lines and Camp
February 6, 2010
Well the 2010 Hopi Variety Show is now history. Thank God! I know the kids love it, but it is such an ordeal for the parents (those of us who are not the stage mom-types). Grace and 19 other 4th grade girls were the Rockettes this year. They danced to "All That Jazz" and looked pretty cute if I do say so myself.
Tommy is away at Wyldlife camp this weekend. He was so excited to go and has a blast. It's supposed to snow today at the camp in Williams. They take the kids' phones away, so I have no contact until Sunday afternoon. I hate sending him off when I can't communicate with him. He's growing up and I am just not ready for that. We were just looking at old photos yesterday. Where did the years go?? I mean, look how cute he was (he still is)...
Only 31 hours till he gets home....
Karen
Well the 2010 Hopi Variety Show is now history. Thank God! I know the kids love it, but it is such an ordeal for the parents (those of us who are not the stage mom-types). Grace and 19 other 4th grade girls were the Rockettes this year. They danced to "All That Jazz" and looked pretty cute if I do say so myself.
Karen
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Happy Birthday Mary!
February 2, 2010
HappyBirthday Groundhog Day Mary (aka Grandma Mary)!
Mary doesn't really like her birthday (which I cannot even fathom) so we celebrate Groundhog Day instead.
Mary is lucky enough to split her time between Arizona and Lopez Island, Washington. We LOVE to visit there when it is so miserably hot here in the summer.
See how beautiful it is there....
We love Grandma Mary and wish her a fabulousbirthday Groundhog Day.
Happy
Mary is lucky enough to split her time between Arizona and Lopez Island, Washington. We LOVE to visit there when it is so miserably hot here in the summer.
See how beautiful it is there....
We love Grandma Mary and wish her a fabulous
Monday, February 1, 2010
Cough, Cough, Sniffle, Sniffle
February 1, 2010
These guys are in high demand at our house.
We have all caught Miss Grace's cold. She still sounds the worst...we keep telling her she needs to quit smoking those cigarettes. Ha ha. She has a hacking deep cough that sounds like an old smoker.
Grace and I stayed home today.
She cranked out her 15 vocabulary flashcards and hand-made Valentines for all 28 kids (+1 teacher) in her class. Very cute and clever ones if I do say so myself.
I slept while she was crafting away.
Grace told me, "You take being sick way too seriously, Mom."
Tom chuckled and agreed with that when he came home (from 2 rounds of golf I might add).
We all need our rest this week..it's Hopi Variety Show week. Two dress rehearsals, three performances, and an auditorium full of screaming, cheering kids. Plus a mid-week lacrosse game (very far away) and a golf lesson. Whew. I better go back to sleep now. Karen
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