The Karate Kid

Last Saturday Hayden tested for his brown belt in karate. He has been taking lessons since he was 4 years old. I love how they teach the kids "stranger danger" and to kick, scream and run away just in case they ever find themselves in a bad situation. He has done very well over these last 4 years and now at 8 1/2 received his brown belt. Its a long road to his black belt, at least another 1 1/2 years, but he loves it and it has given his self confidence, balance, staminia and something to strive for. Congrats to our grandson on his achievements.


Here he was at 4 years old when he was just starting

Here he is now at 8 1/2 with his brown belt.

April cards 2011

April is a very busy month and it seems there are a ton of birthdays and anniversaries. Here are some of the cards I have been busy with this month.

MIA

I have not posted lately because a nastly little virus bug got my computer and printer and killed then both. After the funeral, I had to get the new ones set up and that seemed to take forever. Think all is well again. So, with that said...on to the winter of 2011 will do this all as one post to try to catch up.
Then Snuggles, our 9 year old minature poodle had to have surgery for a torn ligament in his leg and we are still nursing him back to health.

An Afternoon at Grammy and Pa's

Our sick little Snuggles after surgery for a torn ligament in his back leg

Snuggles feeling better

Valentine cards

1st birthday card

Hayden  & Jaxson

Photos taken by our daugther TK Photography

Fun time at Xtreme Trampolines

What a great place for a hour or 2 of fun!

Karate

Hayden has passed another test in karate and is now a brown stripe belt. He has really done well and seems to enjoy the sport. They teach self esteem and confidence as well as self defence. We are really proud of him!

Blizzard of 2011

I have lived long enough to see most of the worst snow storms in the history of Chicago. While this one does not top the list in inches, it sure does in the danger, winds, blizzard conditions and snow piles. I had never heard Thunder snow before nor seen lightning during a snow storm. It sounded like a train coming down the street! I have added a few pictures from our house, our kids house, and from some of our friends.

 This is in Rockford where a friend lives

 This is the kids house....amazing that they were sledding off thier front porch!

Family Photos

For me, the best part of the Holidays is to have the whole family together.That didn't happen this year and it is never quite the same. Here is part of our family on Christmas Eve and then a photo of brother Scott and his wife Autumn from thier New Years Eve in Las Vegas.

Happy New Year - Auld Lang Syne by Sissel (Live).wmv