Volunteer Tea

Gabi's school had a "volunteer tea" this morning for all the volunteers who help out at the school or in the classroom. The entire first grade sang about 4-5 songs including "Do, Re, Me, Fa, So, La, Ti, Do" and "I Am A Promise." The fourth graders also came in to do some dances in between the songs the little ones sang. Each volunteer got a coffee mug and there was plenty of refreshments. Gabi was looking too cute! It was a nice time and I thought the school did a good job. I certainly enjoyed listening to Gabi sing! She knew all the words too!

Washington, D.C.

That's where Tyler is as I type! He left at 8 pm on Monday evening with his 8th grade class (approximately 225 students) and chaperones. This is supposedly the best trip that the school system offers. Trenton attended a couple of years ago and he still talks about it to this day and claims it was the most awesome trip ever. Maybe it's the age that they go...I try to think back to 8th grade and it was a great time of life...no worries, you pretty much got along with your parents, lots of friends, had lots of fun (clean fun that is), just starting to fill out and ending the puberty stages. It's only later on that trouble seems to find you...in your high school years...more temptations, more stress, more peer pressure. Eighth grade has to top it all.

Anyways, I am so glad that the boys were able to go...we are very anxious to hear about Tyler's trip...here is a sneak peek of what he is able to see and you can see some of them here:

Gettysburg

Pentagon City

Washington Cathedral

National Archives

Korean and Vietnam War Memorials

Washington Monument

Supreme Court

Mount Vernon

White House

Police Officer's Memorial

Jefferson

Lincoln

Iwo Jima

Air Force

Kennedy Center

Arlington Cemetary

Changing of the Guard

Kennedy Gravesites

Lee Mansion

Capitol Building

Holocaust Museum

FDR Memorial

World War II Memorial

Museum of Natural History

Air & Space Museum

Dinner and Dance Cruise on the Potomac

How exciting and jam packed of awesome sights and memorials!!! He has been communicating via his cell phone and he sent me a pic this morning of him by the Korean War Memorial...

We are thinking of you Tyler and can't wait to hear about your trip when you get back on Saturday morning! Have lots of fun and soak in all the info and history...it will be a trip worth remembering!

Memorial Day Weekend

We had a great time this weekend...yeah, it was a little rainy, but not too bad. We got to the campground about 2 pm on Friday and got everything set up. The boys went to bingo later that evening of course...no winner yet. Saturday morning Dad Reinoehl came to visit...just in time for the flea market. I personally love the weekends they have these, you can really find some great deals sometimes. I picked up a dragonfly garden ornament for the site, Gabi got a couple of books and Trenton got an IPOD holder that you can put around your arm when you run (great deal - regular $30 - he got it for $10!). Ben, Gabi and Dad R. went out in the big boat while Trenton and Tyler went fishing in the john boat after the flea market. Gabi got another big bass and was excited. She enjoyed fishing but was ready to come in and eat lunch after about an hour. I took her to do some ceramics also. The rain didn't come until about 3 pm or so on Saturday - on and off for the evening so we basically just relaxed, played some board games and listened to the boys tell stories about their school days. That is one thing I am certainly enjoying and appreciating more and more...these camping weekends...around the fire. The boys are really starting to open up and talk - we are hearing more about their normal go about your business days. I'm glad and it was fun to connect to our two teenage boys (which is hard to do these days). Sunday morning was rainy also - not a complete wash out but we did some laundry and enjoyed the church service the campground provided. Later in the afternoon my parents and Chad, Amber and their girls came up for dinner. We went on a nice walk and enjoyed the campfire again with some yummy s'mores! It ended up being a nice evening so the boys played some bingo again. The campground was full of kids this weekend...in fact there were no more sites available. It was good to see that there were alot of not only little kids (Gabi's age) but quite a few teenagers that the boys kind of took interest in (mostly girls - go figure)! Yesterday was our really nice day - sunny and warm so we tried to stay as long as we could...swimming and enjoying the outdoor water playground. We had to come home and get Tyler packed for Washington D.C. (he left from his school at 8 pm). Anyways, good weekend (could have been better though - without rain), fun times, great conversations, and enjoyed the company. The boys were in such a good mood I got them to pose for some photos (as you'll see below)! I am really enjoying this seasonal site this year and I hate to say it but I am glad Ben talked me into it! He was right...I am loving it!

Red, White, and Blue

+Jordin-the new American Idol!
+My washing machine fixed...had some trouble with it yesterday and Ben replaced the coupler (He is getting pretty handy with machinery around here).
+Tyler's drinks and snacks bought for his 8th grade Washington DC trip (leaving Monday).
+Lawn done, house almost all the way cleaned.
+Going to the grocery store today for campground food (this weekend).
Moving right along...

Leaving you with pics from this week, all with the greatest of all colors...red, white, and blue
Have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend! I know we will!

Idol Finale

Well, who's it gonna be? Who will be the winner of American Idol...Blake or Jordin? I have to admit Jordin has sure stepped it up the last few weeks that I have seen her! I have liked Blake all along because of his originality and I think Simon hit it on the nail...If you judge by performance it would be Blake...by singing it would be Jordin. I'm gonna go out on a limb though and give my prediction...Although I do think both Blake and Jordin will be signed to a record deal, I think the winner of American Idol will be Jordin this year. Last night I think I was more excited to see Chris Daughtry sing his song, "Home," than to watch the contestants. And I have to say I was not impressed with the song that won for the song writing contest...Oh well, it's been fun watching what I have been able to. Until next season...

Thank a Soldier!

Memorial Day is right around the corner! Have you thanked a soldier lately? I did! If you haven't and you want to, please visit here and do so!

Happy Birthday, Presley!

Two!!! Happy Birthday! We love you!!!Have a fantastic day!

Prince Charming?

Look what Gabi caught! Prince Charming? She loved listening to him in her Big Bad Boomin Bugs catcher! That girl is certainly not leery of anything!












We stayed at home this weekend to get some things done and celebrate some birthdays...The boys helped celebrate a friend's 16th birthday on Friday evening so Ben, Gabi and I ate at Applebee's and then went to her fun fair at school. She had such a great time. One of Gabi's teachers even gave her extra tickets because she is one of his "favorites." She had so many tickets she had leftovers when we left! They had all sorts of games and fun fair foods. I think she really enjoyed mommy and daddy time.

On Saturday I was able to trim up all our bushes and found a mourning dove and her two eggs in our tree beside the garage. I read up on them here. They only lay 2 eggs at a time and we should have babies in about 14 days or so. Gabi was excited to see them. It seems we always have baby birds around here somewhere. Ben was able to go fishing with his dad - caught some keepers - a meal for his dad and brother anyways. They had a good time regardless.

In the afternoon we headed to Chad and Amber's house for Presley's 2nd birthday party. They had yummy cupcakes and the kids had a fun time playing on her new swingset. Amber's sister took some VERY cute pics of the kids - the one of Gabi is gorgeous! Thanks Jenny!










Today was church and we used Ben's gift card from the wrestling team at Outback Steakhouse. Very good prime rib! Gabi wanted to go with grandpa and daddy fishing on Saturday but they left so early...not good. So Ben decided to take her and Tyler for a little ride on the river this afternoon. We'll see what they end up with...I actually think it is starting to rain!

LiveStrong Day

Today I think almost every person living has been affected by cancer...whether it has been themself or someone they know. I have had several family members lose their battle to cancer as well as some that have fought the good fight and are winning. For me personally, cancer took the future of having an older brother from me. Rodney was only 3 years old when he met Jesus face to face. I was not even a year old so I never had the chance to actually know him. He had lymphatic lymphoma. Cancer also robbed my children of having a grandmother and Ben of having his mother. She met Jesus on July 4, 1999. My boys remember her getting them from school and staying at her house till I got home from work. They remember she made awesome peanut butter and jelly sandwiches...the ones like she made for Ben when he was a boy. Sadly, Gabi never had the chance of meeting grandma Reinoehl. She had Colon Cancer.
I can go on and on with relatives and friends who have been diagnosed with cancer. It's time we find a cure so our loved ones will never have to hear the dreadful word...cancer. There are many organizations that are working hard to prevent cancer and you can get involved. Today is LiveStrong Day - an organization started by Lance Armstrong. There is also a letter you can send urging Congress to support the Cancer Screening, Treatment and Survivorship Act of 2007. Another great site is the American Cancer Society. Take time to visit these sites and read some great information. This weekend the Mishawaka High School is participating in the Relay for Life. If you attend, be sure to look for the luminarie that represents Brenda Reinoehl and Rodney Brugh...it's my family's contribution and memorial...Please take time to read over information and join in the fight against Cancer - by donations, letters to Congress, or just wear Yellow today - let people know...you are in this fight to win!

May Flowers

I said in a previous post that I would be making my way up to Varner's Greenhouse in Michigan to get flowers. Trenton and Gabi went with me to pick some beautiful flowers out...I had quite a list also, but they were troopers and helped by picking out certain colors, etc. Every year I make a pot of a variety of flowers - I call it my butterfly flower pot (because I use alot of flowers that attract butterflies). My mom has complimented me every year and this year she asked that I fill up some of her pots with the same thing for Mother's Day. I ended up doing 6 pots for her along with mine. She was very happy with them and I have to say they did turn out really nice. I also got flowers for 3 pots on our deck, and 1 big pot and 2 small pots for porch. Along with flowers for home I got some flowers to plant in 2 pots for the campsite as well. I am pretty happy with the turnout. All I need now are my hanging baskets for the porch also. Gabi helped me do all the planting when we got home from Varner's - she is quite the gardener. Got nice and dirty - but the outcome was beautiful. She certainly enjoyed helping out. We also got rid of our old wicker set we had on our front porch in years passed and decided to get Adirondack chairs instead...turned out really nice. I like it alot! Great place to relax and watch Gabi play outside in the front yard (although I do miss the days of watching the boys use the front as a football field)!

Television and Commercials

I've caught the last few epidodes of American Idol - it's going pretty much the way I thought it would...looking for either Melinda or Jordin to win actually. Although, I would really like Blake to win. Watched the finale of Survivor on Sunday evening...My favorite was Alex but he was voted off and placed like 6th...It was a dead give away that Earl would win considering who was left in the final three. And I was able to watch Little People Big World last night (missed it last week)...how funny...watching Amy (the mom) discipline the little one (Jacob), him questioning her and her reply was, "because I'm the mom." I can't tell you how many times I've used that line!!! Anyways, we've seen two commercials we just can't stop talking about and laughing at - always joking about them at our house...thought I'd share them...

Mother's Day Weekend

I had a nice Mother's Day. We were able to go to the campground on Friday evening. We did have some bad luck though, we ended up getting about 40 minutes up the road and realized we didn't have the camper key...needless to say, we turned around and made it there before dark. We were able to enjoy some s'mores by the fire and unload some things we needed. On Saturday we finished up the landscaping - looks wonderful! If anyone knows about Jellystone Campgrounds they know that there are activities all day long! Well, we figured Gabi would be going from one activity to the next and swimming...nope, she was a fisherman all weekend long. Ben definitely is enjoying this! Trenton and Tyler took her across to the channel and taught her to bait her own hook (with waxworms - the red worms are a little difficult for her because of the size), cast (with an open faced reel!), and take the fish off the hook all by herself! What a trooper she was. She could not wait to show Ben and I what a big girl she is! There was one point when I had walked across to the camper, heard Gabi screaming, turned around and she caught about a 14 inch Bass all by herself!!!! She was so excited!!!
Ben and the kids got me a Cindy Bear shirt and a Yogi mug for coffee for the campground...how cool! We woke on Sunday morning to a pancake and sausage breakfast, courtesy of the campground, and made our way home to have our annual "Mother's Day Cookout" at my parents' house. The whole family comes - that is one thing about my mom's side, we certainly enjoy the get togethers! We enjoyed the corn hole, croquet, the kids enjoyed the pool and hot tub, good conversations and great food! It was wonderful. Later in the day we visited with Ben's dad and we also layed some flowers at mom R's grave, always a bittersweet moment...she is missed...
Beautiful weather, great times, and lots of love - a wonderful weekend...there is no greater thing than being a mother!

Mom - Job Description

Got this in an email from a friend...saw it and had to chuckle...I guess the benefits of hugs and kisses far outweigh the job itself : )

To all the moms and moms to be out there...HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND - YOU DESERVE IT! I'm off to the campground for some R & R!

POSITION :

Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy, Momma, Ma

JOB DESCRIPTION :

Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips to primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities. Travel expenses not reimbursed. Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES :

The rest of your life. Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5. Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly. Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf. Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers. Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and coordinate production of multiple homework projects. Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings for clients of all ages and mental outlooks. Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next. Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys , and battery operated devices. Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst. Must assume final, complete accountability for the quality of the end product. Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT &PROMOTION :

Virtually none. Your job is to remain in the same position for years, without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required unfortunately. On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION :

Get this! You pay them! Offering frequent raises and bonuses. A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent. When you die, you give them whatever is left. The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS :

While no health or dental insurance, no pension, no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth and free hugs for life if you play your cards right.

Big Bad Boomin Bugs

Gabi has put her new bug catcher that she got for Christmas - Big Bad Boomin Bugs - to great use lately! With Spring in full effect, she has found LOTS of bugs to catch and listen to! Her latest catch - a caterpillar! Gabi does such a great job with it. She knows she can only keep her bugs for a day or two and then has to let them go so they can go back to their original home and live. This Big Bad Boomin Bugs gives her the opportunity to look at them (magnified) and listen to them make noise. It's pretty cool! This was definitely a great gift choice for her!

Fireman's Carry

In a previous post with a video of Tyler wrestling, I mentioned how Gabi is learning so much about wrestling and it's funny to watch video and listen for her to yell things that we didn't hear while watching the match. Tonight Ben was outside with Gabi and the neighbor kids and one of the girls piped up and said, "who wants to be a fireman?" Silence... Gabi says, "my dad doesn't know how to be a fireman but he knows how to do a fireman's carry!" {smile}

Team Indiana - Greco

Since Trenton did not place in the top 2 this weekend for freestyle, he will only be participating in the Greco part of Nationals on July 21st. This trip is, of course, expensive but will definitely be worth it since college coaches attend and actually scout out the talent. This trip is to Fargo, North Dakota and Trenton will be taking part in an extensive camp to get him ready for this event also before the actual trip itself. We are sending out letters to small businesses asking them to support Trenton in this endeavor. If you know of any small business who would like to contribute or if you would like to contribute, please send all donations to
Indiana State Wrestling Association, Inc.
c/o J.D. Minch, Team Leader
202 S. Vine Street
Crawfordsville, IN 47933
and please remember to include "Trenton Reinoehl" somewhere in with the donation so they know who it is supporting. Also make all checks payable to ISWA.
Here is some information about the trip. We will keep everyone updated as the trip gets closer.

Freestyle State

We were so excited to watch Tyler this weekend and in my last post I mentioned luck of the draw...well, Trenton got an awful matchup. You can see the matchups here under Cadet 125 if you know how to read vertical pairing (you can even see Tyler's pairings under Cadet 119). Basically, he drew the top two wrestler and lost to them on Saturday (he should have beat the first kid considering he had a 13 year old ref...even the opponent's coaches said the scoring was terrible) but we have been through it all before, and we know we just have to deal with it. We think Trenton should have placed first or second after taking past matches into consideration, but he placed 7th this year. You can see the results here. All in all, though, we had a great weekend...it was fun to get away. Good time and great wrestling. Uncle Dave came down on Saturday and my parents came for the weekend as well. Trenton even got to see a good friend and mentor, Brandon, on his way to Texas for the military. He stopped in and gave Trenton a pair of wrestling shoes with two world champion wrestlers' signatures on them (Kevin Jackson and John Fisher)! How cool! I was with my parents on the way back to the hotel and I wish I could have gotten a pic of them together but missed them. Thanks Brandon! Your support means alot to the family! Here are some pics of Trenton from Saturday.

Welcome Back to Wrestling, Tyler!

Boy, was I ever a nervous wreck right before Tyler's first match! I don't think I've been such a mess for quite some time. I wanted him to do well, I wanted him to win - for him, to prove to himself he can do it...unfortunately, Tyler lost. It would show later that Tyler ended up getting two of the top placers in his first two matches! Luck of the draw, I guess. It didn't help any also, that Tyler is a first year Cadet so he would, more than likely, face some freshman and sophomores! But, that's okay, Tyler did well...he showed so much courage and faith and he made me proud. Sure he was upset that he lost and didn't place this year, but coming back only a week after being released from a broken leg!! What an accomplishment! I love that boy...I have a feeling he is going to bring us some great surprises in the years ahead! I was so excited to see him back on the mat.
PS...Notice in the video - Gabi yells, "Tyler, get that leg, get that leg, yeah!" when Tyler shoots on the kid. I think she actually is learning some real wrestling! How funny!!! She was such a trooper!!!

Happy Birthday To The Love Of My Life!

Happy 34th birthday to my hubby, Ben!!!! We celebrated in Indianapolis in the midst of Freestyle State - we were able to go out to Damon's with my parents last evening after the first half of wrestling. I also made cupcakes to share with everyone at the tournament today. Gabi made a beautiful sign to display and even drew on the wrapping paper we used for his gift...."to the best daddy in the world." How sweet!! I hope you had a great day today, honey!!! I know the boys truly appreciated your time and your efforts in making sure they were able to wrestle and you were there to watch and support...We love you lots!!! Happy Birthday!

A Man's Pride

Yep, that would be their lawns. Amazing how they take such pride in grass but can't seem to pick up their underwear off the floor or put dirty plates in the dishwasher. It's a funny thing...but anyways, I am pretty impressed as well with our yard. We had to get a new weed eater last weekend and Ben wanted an attachment (edger) to go along with it and he has put it to good use. Our yard is looking nice - next week I'll add some potted flowers. I know Gabi is looking forward to our annual trip to Varner's Greenhouse to get them. She loves to look at all the greenery and flowers. Well, off to Indy for the weekend...Tyler is making his big debut back to wrestling and Trenton is going for his second qualification for Team Indiana...not to mention someone is going to celebrate a birthday (Ben)...big weekend ahead! Talk to you after the fact-have a great one!

Fun and Flowers

It has been absolutely beautiful these past few days weatherwise! We have been taking advantage of it by playing outside!!! We have been working on the lawn also, trying to get rid of pesty weeds and dandelions. It is so funny, however, Gabi picks them all the time and wants me to put them in water...they are a gift to me from her - not pesty weeds at all. I keep them in water for a few days - for her...for me as well, to remind me that I am "the best mom ever!" according to Gabi ... that makes me happy!! {smile}