Michigan State Won!

TJ is on Spring Break this week. He started his week of vacation with straight As on his report card. Then he was super excited to attend the NCAA Midwest Regional Games today with is dad and even more fired up that his pick, Michigan State won. On Friday, TJ and his Papa Bruce got in the spirit of the games and visited the NCAA Hall of Champions. Sometimes we forget to be tourists in our own city and Indy has much to offer.

Quick Note = Todd's dad, Bill Sr. suffered a mild stroke on Friday. He is in the hospital for tests to determine the extent of the damage to his heart. Luckily the effects to his limbs was mild and he is quickly gaining strength back in his left arm and hand. Definately a wake up call to improve his diet and overall health. We are very relieved he is okay!

Indiana is Basketball Country

TJ and I attended the NCAA Midwest Regional games last night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Our seats were only 13 rows from the floor! TJ's picks (Louisville and Michigan State) won. I asked him following the games,"Now, who do you want to win on Sunday?" He responded, "Michigan State".

Talent Show

TJ played the theme song to Charlie Brown for the 2009 Talent Show. He did great! I love that he is not afraid to perform for his school.

IBA 2009 Champions

We thank Coach House, Coach Cline, Coach Jones and Coach Zoeller for a Great Season!

Following five overtimes (yes, 5)

and a fabulous basket made by teammate - Clay,

the Aztecs won the 4th Grade Championship Basketball Game.

The team went to Chammps following the game to celebrate.

New Pink Additions to the Extended Family

Todd's Cousin, Marc & his wife, Barb are the proud parents of a baby girl.

Mateja Schmidt.

My Cousin, Lisa & her husband, Bennett are the proud parents of a baby girl.

Eleanor Weinstein.

Added Another Sport to TJ's Agenda

TJ started track today. He tried the high jump and long distance running. Not sure how this will impact his baseball schedule but he is really fired up about running around the Butler campus.

Prayer!

'May today there be peace within. May you trust that you are exactly
where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite
possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others. May you
use the gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has
been given to you. May you be content with yourself just the way you
are. Let this knowledge settle into your bones, and allow your soul
the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love. It is there for each and
every one of us.'

Bye Bye Pine

Here are some photos of the leaning Tower of Pine that is no more.

Life is going 110 miles per hour.

Skiles Test Youth Recreational Baseball is in full swing as we just completed player evaluations and the draft is next week. I purchased a zip drive to download all of my files to pass on to the 2010 league President. I really enjoy volunteering at Skiles!
TJ is finishing up basketball. His team is in tournament play. They have another game this Sunday. GO AZTECS!
His travel baseball team began practicing this month and TJ has a private batting coach, Adam Sanders of the White Sox. I do not even want to know what that is costing!
Todd is an Assistant Coach and the unofficial Cobra's team manager so he is busy scheduling practice games, registering the team for tourneys and practice facilities. I opened a Skiles Test Cobras checking account. The team is official!
TJ's math pentathalon team has been practicing weekly. He historically does really well in the day long tournament. However, I am unable to practice with him. The complexity of the games this year have exceeded my mental aptitude. I surrender to the 3rd grade math wizards!
Spring Break is in a week and TJ will be bouncing from one place to the next. Someday, we will be able to do the typical Spring Break trip - when they abolish taxes thus eliminating tax season.
Todd is working - that is great news given the economy and the financial status of many construction companies.
My dad is adjusting to his new life. I still refer to his home as "Mom & Dads". Things like that will take time. I hope he is not sensitive to it.
Sad news - the very large pine tree that occupied the space adjacent to the minibarn has become kindling. Very strong winds and moist ground caused it to uproot and lean drastically towards the house. 10,000 pound rope secured it to a neighbors tree for two nights until the Tree Service Company could safely remove it. (Nope, did not sleep a wink those two nights as it swayed and could be viewed from our bedroom window.)
March Madness is almost upon us. Todd and TJ have tickets to the games in Indy. They are anxious to know who will be playing.
Hope all is well in your circle. Hef

Tax Season is Here

This is the first year that I have actually completed our taxes before April 14th. Why? Refund, baby. We are actually receiving some of our hard earned monies back. Now, I am not a big fan of tax refunds. I would prefer to keep our money all year and pay them a little balance (not a big balance) on April 15th. But this year, we overestimated our taxes! I ordered a new front door and we are painting the bathroom - Bye Bye Blue.