Speed Math Wizard

TJ was the first in his grade to complete the Speed Math Series. For multiplication reveiw, they are to complete 50 problems in 3 minutes beginning with multiplications by one and up to twelve. TJ has completed all 12 sheets!

Life is a Gift

There was a blind girl who hated herself because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She told her boyfriend, 'If I could only see the world, I will marry you.' One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her. When the bandages came off, she was able to see everything, including her boyfriend. He asked her, 'Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?' The girl looked at her boyfriend and saw that he was blind. The sight of his closed eyelids shocked her. She hadn't expected that. The thought of looking at them the rest of her life led her to refuse to marry him. Her boyfriend left in tears and days later wrote a note to her saying: 'Take good care of your eyes, my dear, for before they were yours, they were mine.'

This is how the human brain often works when our status changes. Only a very few remember what life was like before, and who was always by their side in the most painful situations.

Life Is a Gift

Today before you say an unkind word - Think of someone who can't speak. Before you complain about the taste of your food - Think of someone who has nothing to eat. Before you complain about your husband or wife - Think of someone who's crying out to GOD for a companion. Today before you complain about life - Think of someone who went too early to heaven. Before whining about the distance you drive Think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet. And when you are tired and complain about your job - Think of the unemployed, the disabled, and those who wish they had your job. And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down - Put a smile on your face and think: you're alive and still around.

Colts are Going to Miami!

It was a great game. Todd and TJ viewed the game from our season ticket location and I was able to attend the game with friend, Melissa.

GO COLTS

Colts play the Jets today. Todd and TJ are going to the game together and I am going with Melissa. We will all be yelling mighty loud to help advance the Colts to the Superbowl! GO BLUE!

Give me a "W"

Friday night, the Armadillos improved their team record to 1-1 with a win against the Bulldogs 40-29. On Saturday, the Tigers won their 2nd game of the CYO tourney. They play again on Tuesday evening!

Winner of the Week

Each week a student is selected from the 4th grade to do a presentation to both classes about him/herself. This week, TJ brought home the portable bulletin board to load with photos for his presentation. He also completed a form about all his favorites.

His favs are:
Color: Red
Food: Chicken (surprised it is not Ketchup)
Restaurant: Logan's
TV Show: Sports Center
Movie: The Blind Side
Song: Replay
Memory: Going to Nickolodean Hotel

The one word he used to describe himself was Athletic and he stated he wants to be a basketball player when he is grown.

Todd and I were able to attend the presentation and we took Lea along to distract everyone! She was VERY excited to have the attention of 44+ boys and girls. She will sleep for days.

On to the 2nd Game

Tigers advanced in the CYO tourney winning their first game 19-14. TJ scored 15 points with a three-point shot at the buzzer at the end of the 1st half!

Armadillos

Since the CYO league will be ending soon and we have a few months before baseball officially begins, Todd has organized a team from TJ's school to continue playing ball through March. They began with a practice last Friday and their first game on Sunday. The Armadillos, sponsored by Texas Roadhouse lost thier first game 29-19. We hope they improve their record as the season continues.

Give me an "A"

TJ earned all As on his report card for 2nd quarter. He has also been asked to tutor a third grade student in Math! We are very proud of him!

CYO Tourney Begins

Tigers vs. Lions. Tigers win. The bleachers were filled with fans. Todd's best friend, Aaron and his three kids, my friend Mike McGuire, as well as Uncle Doug and Papa were there to cheer on the team. TJ did not disappoint. He scored 15 of the team's 19 points! Way to go TJ.

Tied for 1st in Division

Tigers won today 17-14. I treated TJ and three other players to McDonalds after the game! Tournament play begins Wednesday.

Jiffy's in Town

Each year in January, Jennifer Young visits Indiana. We have lunch (or dinner or sometimes both) and catch up on the past 11 months of our hectic lives. For most of the year, she resides in Wisconsin with her husband and three kids (her oldest, Brian is also 10 years old). Jiffy (her nickname) and I were roommates at Harlaxton College in Grantham, England. We resided in the highest room in the castle - yep, castle. It was a million steps to our room from the cellar pub. No elevators. Anyway, Jiffy now is owner of the All Canada Show and she and her tradeshow exhibitors travel the states through the winter promoting outfitters and encouraging outdoor enthusiasts to vacation in Canada. I think Indianapolis is on the tour because it gives us excuse to see each other and I love it.

Playing in the Snow

First Major Snowfall of 2010! TJ and several buddies gathered at our house this afternoon for

a major snowball fight and sledding behind the ATV. I joined the fun, and took a ride or two and Todd was none to gentle. I will be feeling it tomorrow I fear! There is one spot down the easement that is a perfect ramp

and with the right angle - ya get some airtime! It was great fun for everyone (except one party pooper neighbor!).

We finished off the afternoon with popcorn and hot chocolate!

Tigers Lose

TJ's basketball team lost their first regular season game today in double overtime. Bummer.

Tiger Basketball

TJ and fellow Tiger basketball players were invited to attend the home Chatard High School basketball game last Saturday. They welcomed and introduced the players at halftime.

Jack, TJ, Eli, Alex, Will, Joey & Elijah

Wart B Gone

Discovered a small plantar's wart on the bottom of TJ's foot over Christmas break. Not wanting to hinder his sport's agenda, we immediately scheduled him to have it professionally removed hoping for faster results and healing. Being the smart Mom I am, I scheduled the appt. for 4 p.m. so Todd could take him (plus he is strong enough to hold him down if need be). Report is that TJ was a trooper. Teared up a little with the injection to numb his foot but was very intrigued to watch the "minor surgery" as TJ called it. Really hoping that once the feeling in his foot returns - he is pain free!

Tigers Win

TJ's basketball team played St. Maria in Westfield this morning and won 25-6. We stayed at the gym to cheer on the other Tiger team! Unfortunately, they lost a close game. Tonight, the boys from both teams will be honored at halftime of the Chatard home basketball game. Go Tigers!

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2010!

Last night we were joined by friends for a friendly game of Pokeno, food and drinks! The beer margaritas were flowing, the dimes were being passed from one person to another, and they could hear us laughing miles away. Even the kids seemed to have a good time despite the fact that I hid the darts, basketball goal and most anything that could be made into a sword!

Happy New Year to everyone! We are looking forward to 2010!