Merry Christmas Eve

A little Karen update from the past few days: (5683 things are going on - but here a few highlights)

• Enjoyed Mr. Goff's last luncheon at Stuart. You will be missed!
• A quick trip to Carrollton, GA for a basketball tourney.
• I officially started and ended my Christmas Shopping on Sun. (and some thought it couldn't be done before Christmas Eve.)
• Wrapping is finished
• Several WII tournaments with the family
• Kelly and family here until Saturday. I realize how much I miss them when they are here!

Pictures will come -

and if you are looking for a Christmas card - don't look too hard.... I"m sending out New Year's Cards.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

It is with tremendous sadness that I must report that the "Nasty School" upset us last night in overtime at the dome. There is nothing worse than:

• Getting beat by the nasty school
• at home
• IN OVERTIME
• with a starter not playing due to a MCL issue

The monkey is off our backs as we could feel the 4 year no-loss at home winning streak coming to an end. The last time we lost was in Dec. 2004. Rheagan was not in school. Tripp wasn't even thought about yet. Pres. Bush was still the good guy. The economy was good. etc.....

I guess if the Lady Vols can fall out of the top 10 for the first time in 211 straight weeks, the Lady Raiders are due a loss and fall, too. Just hate it was to the Nasty School.

We go to Atlanta this weekend for a tournament.

Christmas Shots

A few shots of the kids after getting to meet Santa. Tripp couldn't understand why he wasn't bring home his Spider Man Costume he asked for. Hope he can wait until Christmas Morning!

Happy BIrthday Baby J

Happy Birthday to Baby J..... Hope your day was awesome.

Birthday Wishes to Big Mike

Happy Birthday to my dad - my hero, the kindest heart in town, and the best dad anywhere. I hope you enjoyed your day and thanks for letting us join your gourmet birthday dinner!

Picture this!

Here's the latest family shot.

Can anyone do my Christmas shopping for me?

Happy Turkey Day

Wishing you and your family a great day today......with lots of food, a few naps, and good times with family.

Rheagan loves the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Here's what the star looked like last year from the top of the Empire State Building.

I do believe there a few more people surrounding it today. I would love to watch it in person one year.

Lady ____________ Win.... barely

I'm not sure if it's me or just what the deal is.... but..... every team I am supporting is BARELY winning. I think it's me.


The Lady Vols game was exciting last night. They pulled off the win - at UTC. I was excited that I saw 30+ people I knew. The older I get - the better I was. Good to relive the "old" days with a few. Amazing that it takes so many people now to get the Lady Vols from place to place. When I was there - only 2 managers.... now.... 12.



Tonight the Lady Raiders took the floor again against Sequatchie County in another barn burner. Tonight was another victory. Way to go Lady Raiders~ I did ask our AD if I can get my gray hair coloring job paid for by the school..... it's a school related expense!

one down....many more to go!

In a very exciting ending, the Lady Raiders grabbed a win from The Baylor School last night. If there are more games like that one, I'll have LOTS of gray hair soon. Luckily no one gave up hope or thought we would lose. Way to go Lady Raiders!

Game on!

Tonight the CHS Lady Raiders will once again lace up the shoes for another season. We have no seniors. We have no Division 1 signees. We have no depth at the point guard position - or forward position - or post position. What we do have is 11 outstanding girls who are dedicated and inspired about our upcoming year.

I am proud to be a Lady Raider.

Champions!

The Stuart Lady Bulldogs are the Champions of the Cleveland High School Tournament. They all played so well and finished with a score of 14-11. Our regular season will begin on Saturday with 15 regular season games between Sat. and the end of January.

The CHS Lady Raiders will kick off their season on Thursday this week.

This past weekend I was in the 3 different gyms from Cleveland to Knoxville to watch 14 different games. I hope that doesn't happen again for a LONG time. Yes - Big Mike you would have loved it. (For the man who NEVER gets enough bball). For some of us there is too much of a good thing!

It's the MOST wonderful time of the year.....

There are several sweet sounds to my ears...

• the sound of little footsteps on the hardwood floors... trying not to wake us up on Sat. mornings.
• rain on the tin roof
• hearing "I love you, Mom" with a "slamich" hug (Trippism for Sandwich Group hugs)
• listening for Cleveland City Schools on snow days
• listening to the John Ward say "It's Football Time in Tennessee"
• Hearing the kiddos playing and laughing together
• 800 horses under the hood of a NASCAR at Bristol at night

I also love to hear the sound of a gym.... the whistle, the buzzer, the squeak of shoes, the squeals of delight from a 9 year old when she makes her first basket, and the sound of the basketball bouncing. Rheagan's team - the Stuart Bulldogs - season opener is tomorrow.

It is the most wonderful time of the year!

Happy Birthday Whatleys

Happy Birthday to my sister. I hope you enjoy your special day. Thanks for being a role model and friend. Happy Birthday to my bro-in-law. Couldn't ask for a better brother.

If you want to check out Kelly's blog - find the FarmFresh connection on the side. She's an incredible writer and has great kids to keep up with!

Much ado about nothing....

Not much going on in the Hall world. Except hunting. and soccer practice. and basketball practice. and school. and work. and Halloween fun. and soccer games. and spend-the-night parties. and football games. and losing football games. and firing a UT football coach. and basketball scrimmages. and watching the beautiful leaves fall. and laughing at my kids. and wanting the election to be over.

I love this time of year.

Halloween 08

Here are a few shots from our Trunk or Treat at church last Sunday night. Tripp just couldn't keep his eyes off Mattie G. I'm not sure if he was worried about her dressed like a princess or if she has "caught his eye". Rheagan is Annie and Tripp is a field..... A FIELD TRIPP.

Happy Halloween to you!

Tripp is Triple today

Happy Birthday to my little man.

Check out the number on the shirt....

Lazy Sunday... the calm before the storm....

We have had a great - do nothing - fall break. We played with friends, played soccer in Atlanta, watched the Hopkins fight, and just hung out. That's the calm part....

Here's the storm....
Monday - school, 2 dance classes, Kindermusik, soccer practice, basketball try-outs
Tuesday - school, basketball try-outs
Wednesday - school, Disney on Ice
Thursday - school, soccer practice, TRIPPER's BIRTHDAY
Friday - school, birthday celebration, CHS football game

It just might be next weekend before I get back to the computer. Enjoy your week -

Party time!

Happy Birthday to Allie Kate!

Tripp is famous

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1691028022/bclid1699105435/bctid1851168668

Here is Tripp with his Kindermusic Class. He has it on Mondays and loves to sing (and play drums!)

Enjoy!

Champions....again

Rheagan's Lady Flames soccer team won the KFC Adidas Cup this afternoon. They played 2 games with a combined score of 17-2. Rheagan put 2 goals in herself. She played great and enjoyed the weekend in Knoxville with friends and teammates. Next weekend we head to Atlanta for a few games. Anyone want to come along?

Calhouns

It is not very often that Mack ventures out in restaurant world, but we can add Calhouns to our list of possibilities. Thank you Lady Flames! The soccer team went out to eat after their first blow-out tournament game. All 34 of us. At one time. Twelve girls. Together. WOW. Did I mention there was 34 of us. And 12 smelly girls. Wow. Mack was real trooper for even walking in the door, but what a blessing it was because he enjoyed his meal. With the 12 sweaty girls.

It was so good that we've already made plans to eat there tomorrow after the first game. The girls won both games today with an overall score of....24-0. Rheagan didn't get a goal herself, but set up 5 others.

Tomorrow we'll play 2 games. I'll let you know the outcome of the lunch and games.

IPod 101

Ok - Rheagan bought a beautiful blue Ipod with her name, sports #, and favorite teams on the back. After procrastinating 3 days to figure it out, we jumped into ITunes land on Sunday. Oh how easy it really is!



Somewhere between Sara Evans and Jonas Brothers, Rheagan has found her bubble world. That's where the kids go when they are in the room with you but not there. Tripp is not ready to be ignored by bubble-girl but Rheagan is loving it.



I do believe that there might be another IPod around the Hall house when Christmas rolls around. Santa - did you hear that? I'm not sure of the color... or what to say. Would that be for Tripp or the Mom?

*New pictures added**

Rheagan had her "friend" party today at River City Pottery. If anyone needs a fun place to have a party of any kind - baby shower, bridesmaid shower, birthday party and such.... the River City Pottery is the place. We took 7 friends, food, and presents to paint the day away. Rheagan chose a plate with a star and painted it black, yellow and white. After some time, I talked her into adding a few other colors to the plate. All in all - the time was great and everyone will come away with a piece of pottery (I'll pick them up next week after being fired). I want to make a trip back so that I can enjoy a painting adventure. Anyone want to come?

Rheagan's NINE!

Happy Birthday to my girl. Can't believe the chick is really 9 - but the birth certificate says it's true. It seems just yesterday I was nine myself.

Let me tell you the best nine things about my girl...

1. caring

2. lovable

3. sweet natured

4. loves her family

5. athletic

6. strong academically

7. walks with the Lord

8. Enjoys her friends

9. is a girly girl, but loves to get rough and tough.

Here is a picture that was taken outside our school today.

Party People #1

Tonight we got together with Amy Gail and the boys, MH, Big Mike, and Nutney to share a birthday dinner for Rhea. It is so hard to believe that my girl will be 9. That's nine. NINE. That only means 10 is right around the corner. Even though her birthday is Thursday, we have 302,292 things going on Thursday. So tonight was the night. She picked to eat at a GREAT Mexican place and then to the park to work off some energy.

We'll have party #2 with friends next Tuesday at the pottery place. Painting, laughing, and listening to little girls talk is on the agenda.

Happy Fall

Enjoy the cooler days and crisp nights.

Big Mike

As you can see, my little man thinks of safety first. As he was playing outside yesterday he NEEDED his bike helmet even though he was not riding a bike. He was kicking a football, playing Frisbee, and getting out every outside toy imaginable. So, why title this Big Mike you ask....... Well, maybe Big Mike should have thought safety first as he played golf three weeks ago. On our SECOND hole of a golf tournament, he fell and broke his elbow. He didn't find out until today that it was broken.

Our hearts are with you Big Mike! Hope you get back to the golf course soon! When you do get back out - watch out for the cart path on 14th hole. I hear it's a grabber.

We really do exist. honestly we do!

The Hall's have offically returned to the real world. We had a bad internet card that has now been replaced.

We've doing lots of soccer. Watching practices, watching games, watching CHS play..... we've even caught soccer on tv. Last night we went to the CHS football game to see Cleveland beat up on McMinn. I am a member of our chain gang and love the view of the game from the sideline. I have NEVER seen a game where boys quit, give up, want to leave the game like the McMinn players did last night. As a coach, I am interested in how coaches deal with players.

Today after watching Rheagan's team win the opening game of our Ocoee Cup, we went to see Ben and Reed play soccer. After a quick lunch we headed to the river to play. Rheagan is getting the hang of skiing. Maybe next time.

Tomorrow Mack is playing golf and I've got several things to get done at school.

Hope all is well with you.

promised pictures

Here is a summary of this weekend's events in pictures and Rheagan's first day of school....2 weeks late!

Way to go Carl!

We had a great weekend with Kelly and Jon at Bristol. We got up Friday, dropped the kids off at school or Mona's, then joined Mom and Dad at the Barrel for Breakfast. After filling up our bellies, we started the adventure. We just HAD to stop in Knoxville for some shopping before going North.

Once we made it to Bristol, we stopped to fill up on snacks and water then headed to the track. We browsed around buying trinkets for all who ordered things then went in to watch final practice. The Nationwide Race was "only" 250 laps we so we were out of the track early. We stayed in Boone, NC for the night.

After being lazy Saturday morning, we were being typical tourists in Boone. What a great place! VERY little humidity and a nice breeze. We loved the downtown area and ate lunch at the mellow mushroom before heading out.

We made our way back to the track for the best night of racing. What was my favorite part?...
the fly-over, the flag coming in from a sky-diver, Carl Edwards on the pole, Carl Edwards winning the race, Carl Edwards pushing Kyle Busch out of the way to win, Carl Edwards hitting Busch after the race, all the lovely mullets, the 9,310 people without shirts on, or just hanging with my sister and hubby for a weekend? It was an awesome time had by all and look forward for the chance to do it again.

We came home Sunday to play in a golf tournament with Mom and Dad. We all won door prizes and Mom and Dad even won a new microwave.

I'll get pictures on here tomorrow because it will take too long to upload them. Jon, I promise the good ones will be here. We got some really nice shots of Nascar fans.

The Final Countdown...

Does that remind anyone of a song????


There are only 4 more days until my sister and hubby come to Tennessee for the Bristol Race. Yes - the love for NASCAR bleeds to almost every member of my family. If today's race is any indication for what we'll enjoy next weekend, the Halls are set. Rheagan's boy (Carl Edwards #99) won today and Tripp's boy (#6 David Regan) pulled up as the first place loser. Mack's man came in 4th. I'm still in protest over M&M's going Toyota and having a Busch brother as a driver. Love the M&M, detest the driver.

Kelly and Tio - we are looking forward to a fun weekend. It's be best racin' in NASCAR.

weekend results and new beginnings - or continuations....

Rheagan's soccer team DOMINATED this weekend's tournament with the closest victory being 6-2. She got some good playing time and even scored her first official goal. Needless to say - there were a couple of proud parents on the sidelines. She got a lovely medal for being the champions.

New beginnings or continuations - school started today. It's a new year, but her class "looped" from last year. She has 3 new kids in the class but everyone else is the same. She is so excited to be in the same class as her best buddies - Erin, Lauren, Hannah and Brooke. A picture will come when I can download them. Tripp will be with the same babysitter this year. He is already in the groove because he went back last week while I had a week of in-services.

For all of you going back to school... my heart is with you.

Payne - Happy Birthday to you! I hope I'm the first to wish you happiness on your special day! Did you get something in the mail from us? Let me know if it's fun.

On your mark.... Get set.... GO

It's official. Take a deep breath. Are you sitting down?

Rheagan's soccer has officially started. She is "legal". She is of age. She is pumped and ready to go. Her bags are packed. The car is gassed up.

Are Mack and I ready for all of this? - probably not.

Rheagan has been playing soccer since she was 3. (She turned 4 a day after her first game). We've played Upward, Rec League and now select. She practiced with the Lady Flames all of last year, but because she was too young, she could not play in league games. She got a few minutes here and there in "friendly" games, but not a whole lot of playing time. We'll now that her birthday is finally of legal age - she gets to PLAY!!!!! Rhea is on a select soccer team that includes girls from Cleveland, Ooltewah, Chattanooga, Athens and East Ridge. We are traveling to Huntsville this weekend for a tournament.

For most of you - big deal. For a little girl who has practiced for over a year and not gotten to play - it a HUGE deal. She is so pumped for this weekend. Our bags are packed and the car is full of gas...

We are not leaving until tomorrow morning though.

Enjoy the Olympics. We sure will be! GO USA!!!!

pictures from previous post... and a golfing update

Rheagan pulled out a victory today at CCC. She was the Jr. Club Champion for the girls - ( and second overall for her age group). She shot 40 for the 2 days (par was 24). Looking back 3 years ago - she shot 40 on the first day. Rhea has really improved in a short time. She got a glorious trophy to add to her small collection. A picture of the winning putt will be posted.

Finishing the summer with golf and fun!

Rheagan and Mack before the parent/child golf tournament at CCC. It was a couple of HOT, LONG and FUN days for the daddy/daughter duo. They had a good time playing together, for the second year in a row.

Rhea, Tripp and I joined Mattie G, Rachel and Jaci for a fun morning in Chatty. We hit the Chattanooga Zoo, carousel, and the aquarium Wednesday morning. Tripp is looking forward to his daily dates with Mattie next week when school starts.

Rheagan is playing in the junior club championships today and tomorrow. Here she is practicing Wednesday evening.

And here is the first shot of the tournament. She shot a 19 today. We are so proud of her! She'll finish up Friday morning. I'll let you know the outcome.

Jack visits TN

We have been quite busy the last few days with Jackson...

• swimming
• firefly catching
• Lookout game (what a joke)
• Knoxville Zoo
• carousel sp?
• Aquarium
• spend the night party at our house
• Geo caching
• Deer Park
• just playing around

We have had so much fun with Baby J and will soak up as much as possible on his final day here tomorrow. Pictures will come soon.......

a few snapshots....

The first hugs in a week..... one little man missed his big sister!

We are ALL glad Rheagan is home and that she brought Jackson with her. There are 2 things all kids have played with this summer.... a Radio Flyer Rocket and the marble game. The 3rd picture is Big Mike and Jackson playing it. The last picture proves that my kids are just a few years behind on technology - here is Tripper with Jackson's IPOD and loving the features.

We've already been to the pool and played outside until it got too hot. Rheagan has soccer tonight. We are planning on heading to the Knoxville Zoo tomorrow. Aquarium on Thursday? Any other suggestions?

Tripper part 2

Everyone got in on the remodeling action - and every job needs a good supervisor!





































Big Mike can decorate with the best of them~
























As you walk into Tripp's Room

























The new look...... the Tripp frame will be one the wall when Mack can get into dust.




We'll also have Mack's saddle hanging from the ceiling. I can handle a saddle much easier than the 2 deer hanging from the walls

The fabric and quilt for the bedding. Mostly brown (camel color) and blues. Tripp is already tucked in his big boy bed and LOVING it. Maybe we should have done it sooner. I'll get more pictures up as it is a work in progress.