Soccer Saturday..and everything else from the last two weeks

Both kids played in a soccer tournament this weekend. The results weren't great, but they both played really well. Each scored goals, which is fun to see. This was Beth's first tournament - she finally got to play instead of watching her brother.

We've been busy with life. The kids have a four-day weekend. I think they needed a break. They don't go back to school until Tuesday. Andy has been working hard at school. He's enrolling in 9th grade Math next year. It will good to challenge him.  He also had to register for his 8th grade elective classes. It was fun to see what he picked. 

Beth has been busy at school - they had their Safety Patrol pizza party last week. They are also planning their field trip to the Dells in May.  Both Madison and Dells field trips fall while I'm still working.  Bummer.... I wanted to go. She only had music as an elective to register for 6th grade. She signed up for band and wants to play the flute. Kind of bummed I sold mine now.

My work has been crazy. I was down to Madison last week with some students and we're back again this week. We were down at the Capitol last week showcasing our Marketing Research project. It was fun to spend the day on the rotunda.   I'm going with the Centurgy group this week - it's a central WI group of government and business leaders who are going down to meet with the Lt. Governor, Governor and Legislators. We get to listen in on these meetings. Will be quite the experience. Also, the Wisconsin Manufacturing Council is having their big event and we get to sit in on that is well.  It's an overnight, so Tim will be in charge for a couple of days. Sounds like they are already planning on skipping CCD for that night.

On top of that, my students are working with three different businesses/organizations with projects for class. I have a lot of balls in the air right now. It makes my job interesting, but sometimes a little crazy.

It is also Birthday Party season. It seems like each kid has had two parties in the last month. At least the presents are getting easier - Gift Cards. 

The basement is finally starting to get worked on. We seemed to have stalled with the electricity. The electrician is coming on Wednesday. Once that is done, we can start the drywall. We really need the extra space. It was nice in the old house when the kids had friends over. Now they take over our house - when the basement is done, we can shove them downstairs. Andy wants to move his room downstairs. Tim isn't thrilled about that, but I can see why Andy wants to. His room doesn't have a lot of privacy with the big windows towards the street. Plus, this would give the kids their own bathroom - something to think about when they have to get ready at the same time next year.

Tim's back is getting better. We celebrated our 18th anniversary last week. We went out to eat to the place he took me on our first date. It was sweet.

Tomorrow brings more soccer practise and skating lessons. Beth's costumes are in for the show. She tried one on last week and will get to see the other one tomorrow. It is always fun to see the girls try on their costumes and get excited about the show. The show is March 17 and 18....in case anyone wants to come and needs tickets.........

One Week Down...

Only 16 more weeks until summer. This is why I love the spring semester - the countdown to summer.  Ahh.....Unfortunately it was -12 degrees this morning. We're promised a warmer. 

Tim's back is getting better. He was at work all week. He's walking slow, but it looks like it is on the mend.

I think I need a hobby. While the kids were at CCD I wandered around Wal-Mart. Nothing really appealed. I'll have to keep thinking.

Beth has soccer and ice skating tomorrow. Andy is going to war.  Should be a good day with some snow sprinkled in.

We knew it had to end....

Winter starts tonight. The days of 40 and 50 degree weather have come to an end. Bummer. I sure like this kind of winter.  The kids are excited about the snow. They don't know if we are getting 3 or 8 inches. I guess we'll see.

We have been busy running kids to various places. Tonight is CCD - much to the excitement (sarcasm) of the kids. I also have to get to a soccer meeting for Beth at the same time.  Again - glad for the nice roadways and weather. Beth is annoyed that she can't go to practise but must go to church.  I don't foresee a nun in her.

I am back to work. Students come on Monday. They give us Friday to get ready - otherwise keeping us busy with training. 

I've started the annual diet/exercise program. Day Two going well.  We'll see if I can keep it going this time.

AND here we go again...

I was in Wausau all day yesterday for Andy's first in-door tournament.  Tim was sick so he and Beth stayed home. Andy's team made it to the quarter final and then got knocked out.  They had a good time and played well.  He had a sleepover birthday party afterward. We'll have to get him in a couple of hours.

Beth had her first private skate lesson this morning. She will have another hour of lessons this afternoon. She's currently at her first soccer practise. She'll sleep well tonight.

I'm exhausted.  I need to get my energy level up because this will be my life for the next couple of months.

It helps to have the nice weather. We have mid thirties today. It's supposed to get mid forties by Tuesday.  Who knew we could be above zero in January?

Last Day of Vacation.....

...And Beth is home sick with me. She has some sort of virus and starting throwing up around eleven last night and continued through the night. Bummer for her. She's had a hard winter this year. Poor Andy had to go to school and he was up half the night with us.

I had a nice vacation...slow and stress free. It was nice to be home with the family.  The craziness starts tonight with Andy's soccer practice. The calendar look like a pen exploded all over it. We have very few nights at home from now until April. It will help the winter go fast. Although, it is in the 30s today - we've had a nice winter so far.

Another Round of Darmha Wishes

We started our New Year by making another round of Darmha wishes. This year, we had Beth tape hers to the bottom - she forgot what it was this year.

Kids are back in school. Tim and I were off together yesterday. We had a great day walking around stores, having lunch and watching a movie. I must admit to taking a nap half way through True Grit. Not really liking the movie much. Still not sure why the girl talked like she did.

Ping Pong is still a favorite of ours. The kids are getting good enough to beat us. Makes it fun all around.  In fact, I can hear some cheers from downstairs right now.

The weather is cold, but supposed to be in the 30s tomorrow. So far we've had a great winter. Hope it continues now that we'll be traveling for soccer. 

2011 In Review

I took down our 2011 calendar and took a look through the year. Soccer and Ice Skating took up the majority of our year this year.

We also had birthday parties and fun with friends:

We took a number of trips to Yogi Bear

As well to the Brookfield Zoo, Soldier Field and Toyota Park where Andy made an appearance on the Jumbo Tron (not to mention other numerous cities for soccer tournaments):

School brought awards for leadership and art for Andy as well as a couple of band concerts. 

Beth was in the German Version of the Little Red Riding Hood play as well as the science fair:





And we can't forget the hunting successes this year:

Snow has been little this year, but we did get a chance to do a reprisal of Big Mamma from Christmas Past:

And of course fun with family during holidays:







2011 has been a good year for the Wallner family. We have completed another year in our home. Landscaping and a new deck were added this year. 

Tim and I were married 17 joyful years this year. We have made a wonderful life together and know how lucky we are to have each other.

I started my PhD this year. I have had to stop because of Walker - something for another day. However, I feel successful in knowing that I could complete it and was good at it.

Beth and I had book club this year - and activity with friends that has been fun and rewarding.

Andy turned 13 - which has allowed him to go the the PG-13 movies with friends without a parent. A milestone for him.

Thank you 2011 for a great year.  We hope that 2012 is even better!  Happy New Year Everyone!