Jam Pail Bonspiel

Every February in MH (for about the past 40 yrs, or so I hear), they have a jam pail bonspiel for kids in the elementary grades. It is a really fun way to get the kids moving and interested in curling. Going in to it, they don't really have to have any special skills - they kind of just learn as they go. They play three half hour games and no matter what, they get a treat and a ribbon at the end.

Jaren and his friends had a blast playing! They one their first, lost the second and just barely lost the third. It was the best game I have even seen though (not that I have seen too many since this is only our 2nd year involved.) The circle was full of rocks, then the other team knocked them out - then that happened again for the our team. It was a tight game, but their 4th grade counterparts beat them out! Argh! Those stinkin fourth graders (Jaren is only in grade 3)!

But, like I said, good times were had by all!

Seven Habits Heroes

For the last few years, the school that our boys go to has been following Stephen Covey's Seven Habits for Highly Effective People. Each month, they pick a few students who have really tried hard to follow the habits. They have an assembly and present the child ren with a certificate while their teacher tells the audience why the recipient is a 7 Habits Hero that month.

Well, we lucked out in January and had two Halladay boys chosen as HEROES!

Carter looking kind of surprised and cute, as always, while his teacher talks about the good choices he has been making as of late!

Jaren and his fellow classmates who received the award. Jaren was pretty excited to get the award. In his class, the students choose who THEY think should get the award. Cool.

I love that they are following the 7 Habits. It has really made them understand a lot more about life, how to treat people and how they can be successful!

February happenings, I guess

I am still alive here in Halladayville. Things have been a little crazy around here and I haven't been snapping too many pics. It's funny, because Linds and I have been spending more time together as a couple and as a family, yet, I have been having so much fun, that I have forgotten about the camera!

For Valentine's Day, we got invited to a party where we played "The Newlywed Game." It was a HOOT! Linds and I arrived late because he had to work, but even with missing a round or two, we still didn't end up in last place! YAY for us. I guess after almost 13 years of marriage, we do know a thing or two about each other!

The boys enjoyed a simple Valentine's dinner with most everything we ate being red and their special Valentines from Mom. They love those silly candy message hearts! Tyler, as crazy as ever, actually licked all the messages off of the hearts, and then wanted to share them with everyone! I politely declined by saying that I didn't really want to share his germs. He said, "But mom, they're all dry now."

We have been really lucky to have Lindsey home more lately - which is good in most ways, but bad in the fact that it means spring break up is almost here (that means no work and no $$). The boys have been having a lot of fun with their dad though and that makes me happy! They have all gotten into playing a game called "Settlers of Catan" and it's pretty cute to have them all play with their dad!

That's about it for now.... Hopefully I will pull out the camera more and capture some of these moments on film!