8K Was Fun!

Mike and Clair ran their first race together on 2-16-08. It was the Richmond Roadrunner's Sweetheart 8K . Mike was ready to push as hard as he could and Clair just didn't want finish dead last. Well, they both accomplished their goals. Mike clocked an impressive 40 min. finish (yes, that's an 8 min. mile!) and Clair finished at 48:52, just under a 10 minute mile. Please see the happy, tired couple in Heather's kitchen after the race. She and Hayes generously watched the children while Clair and Mike blazed trails through their beautiful neigborhood. "The Grove" provided a fun and hilly course. Thank you, Heather, for the nourshing and delicious breakfast you provided our children. And, yes - I am being needled not to buy any more frozen pancakes. (Clair got busted for cheating on breakfast at home!) Lookout Monument Ave. 10K, here we come!

Exciting Upcoming Events:
Reports Pending!

Kathleen makes First Holy Communion AND Theatre Debut in April.

Jane reherses for first Dance Recital in excited anticipation and (gasp) registers for kindergarten.

Clair to turn 40 and looks for freelance work.

First-Year Wrestler Ends Season With a Bang
(or a cradle, or a headlock, or...)

Nicholas' championship wrestling meet was yesterday, 2-10-08. He ended his season in a three-way tie for first place. During the matches, Nicholas' mother franticly searches for a barf-bag each time his name is called. It's nerve-wracking for a mother to watch. But our little (big) guy can hold his own. He won some, lost some, and learned a lot. The season, we think, has seasoned him. We're just proud of him for getting out there and doing something he'd never done before. For you local readers, we highly recommend the Collegiate Wrestling Club. The coaches are dedicated and focused on helping the boys learn, have fun, and push themselves a bit. The head coach wrestled at Oklahoma State and brings his glory days some to share with this generation of little ass-kickers-in-training.

Family Dog Brings Much Joy To Everyone But Cats

Finally! The Norman's have their dog. Jack was brought home on October 28, 2007 and it's been nothing but canine heaven for everyone but the cats. That is if you don't count Clair traipsing through the woods at 3:00 a.m. to retrieve a wondering pup after a satisfying middle of the night poop. (Jack's). Did anyone see the Blair Witch Project? Or if you don't count the after school fights over who's turn it is to take Jack out to deposit his waste. Now that the underground fence zaps away any collar-wearing being if they get too close, life is better. For now, just Jack has a collar. Ruby and George, the feline members of the family, have yet to welcome their brother. Much hissing and squabbling keeps a baby gate at the bottom of the stairs which makes toting laundry up no fun. When the hissing subsides (the cat's), the gate will come down. Oh we just love our dog! Mike has big plans for this smart fella - retrieving ducks and such. Clair jut wants him (Jack) to snuggle and not ask for anything but a kiss and pat between the ears which she would freely also give Mike.