Happy Birthday, Travis

Happy, happy 12th birthday to my nephew in Texas...Travis! He is such a sweet boy and I can't believe he is already 12 years old!!! He is full of love for pretty much everyone he comes into contact with. We hope you had a great day and that your pizza and cake were awesome today!!! We miss you, Travis and we hope to see you real soon! XXOO

Future Pom

Today was Gabi's last day of Pom Pom Camp. They had a performance for the parents and Gabi was so excited that maw maw, paw paw, grandma Jones and daddy all showed up to watch her! The boys are on their way to Iowa Team Nationals (left at 12:30 pm). We're set for some "Gabi" time this weekend!

Summer Sleepover

Gabi started her "Pom Pom Camp" yesterday and she is attending with her best friend, Emma. We decided to have Emma stay over after camp and then they could go back to camp together today. They had a super FUN time last night and this morning. Pizza, popcorn, swings, painting nails, movie (Parent Trap), sleeping bags, giggles, bikes, sprinkler - how fun! They are growing up too fast!

Camping photos, take 2

Sorry about the link to the camping pics in a previous post...here it is if you want to check them out.

HUMONGOUS MOTH

Had to share a photo of a moth that Uncle Dave captured for Gabi. She was kind hearted and decided she wanted it to live, so she let it go. Thanks Uncle Dave, for the moth...Gabi's reaction was priceless!

Tubing and Bears' Birthdays

Ok, so the doctor told us no wrestling for Trenton over the weekend, and with him going to Iowa for team duals next weekend, we decided to go with the doctor's advice. We decided as a family that he could rest just as well at the camper as he could at home, so we headed up to the campground for the weekend. It was Tyler's weekend to take a friend and he brought his friend, Reid. It worked out well, no rain, so they were able to stay in the tent. Ben also went ahead and bought a tube and a rope for the big fishing boat to use for Tyler, Reid and Gabi. It turned out to be a great investment. We got up on Saturday morning and took the boys over to Lake James and Snow Lake. It was great! The boys each went about 3 times (falling off in between at least 2-3 times)! and the fishing boat pulled them about 25-30 mph - faster than what Ben originally had thought. He did, however, make the mistake of pulling the boys first, and trying to throw them off, before he invited Gabi to go. She did eventually, get on and go - only about 8 mph though. The water was warm, almost 75 degrees while the air was nearly that temp, and it wasn't blarring sun...clouds most of the time. After nearly 4 hours on the lake we went back to the camper (just a couple miles down the road) to eat dinner and celebrate Yogi, Cindy and Boo Boo's birthday. It was a big hit. I made a cake for the family to enjoy while the campground supplied the ice cream. YUM! Sunday morning we took a short jog over to Manapogo Campground, where Chad and family camped with some friends, Bob and family. Bob just happened to have a fish and ski boat and wanted to have some play time with our boys (since all their kids are 2 and under). They did have some fun...pulled Tyler 5o mph on a tube and was also able to pull both the boys at the same time as well!!! The boys had a blast. We only stayed a couple of hours and went back to Jellystone for lunch and start packing up. It was really nice that we didn't have to leave at a certain time. Many campers around us were hurrying to get out (2 pm checkout) so by the time we got back, the campground had emptied out quickly. Trenton took a nice long nap again while Reid and Tyler went out fishing. We didn't leave the campground till about 4:30 pm. But, that's how it's supposed to be...when you're camping, their is no such things as time. We eat when we're hungry and sleep when we're tired. No clocks involved. I got some great photos from this weekend...Gabi was the poser most of the weekend-very cute though! You can check them all out here.

Summer Sickness

Trenton got home from work and was literally exhausted. He has been leaving in the mornings at 5:30 am and gets home about 2:20 pm or so. Today he fell on the couch, was complaining of a cough for a few days (I thought it was asthma) and headache. I figured I better get him into the doctor before the next few weeks of nonstop action...this weekend he has Vega Wrestling Camp and next Friday Tyler and Trenton both leaves for Iowa for a team duals meet for the weekend. I was able to get an appointment at 5:00 pm and since I watched Presley and Addison for a couple of hours during that time, Ben went ahead and took him. They tested him for strep throat and that came out negative...Ben said the doctor said he had a mycoplasma infection. I guess with asthma Trenton is just more prone to respiratory viruses. The doctor prescribed a Z-pack for him and suggested no work tomorrow. Hopefully, he will be better and will be able to go to his wrestling camp...we will keep an eye on him just in case.

Maka Maka!

Or "hang loose" in Hawaii! We got our baby last night from Prairie Camp. She sang some songs for us, recited some verses and was one of the kids who got on stage to say what their favorite part of camp was...hers was the pool visit! She was so excited about camp that she talked non stop of her adventures from the time she stepped foot in the car to the time we got home (with a visit to Dairy Queen in between)! Her absolute favorite time was when the girls snuck out of the cabin (mind you, with Trenton being a counselor for two years we secretly know that these are coordinated between counselors and directors for fun)...to eat cake in the cafeteria and play ping pong after "lights out" and they almost got caught by the head director! Gabi had such expression while telling us about this experience. Her mouth open, hand in front of mouth..."make sure you don't tell ANYONE {giggle, giggle}." How adorable and how much she is growing! Can I bottle up time somehow...at least slow it down some?

Explore my blog!

So I guess blogging isn't always about, how should I put this...typing in my journal everyday...It's a chance to show some personality, share things I like and enjoy. So, if you have a chance, check out the sidebar, my links I have put in...other cool blogs to look at, some other sites to check out, and of course, get to know me and my personal faves! I'm going to try and switch it up and add to the "Check these out - fun fun fun" section as I stumble upon some neat sites, so be sure to check back often. Also, leave me a comment, let me know what you think! Have fun!

"I Miss Gabi"

It was a pretty quiet night last night to say the least...Ben and Tyler went to run some errands while Trenton and I sat around the house watching t.v., surfing the internet, walking around, etc. Trenton finally said, "I miss Gabi" out of the blue...I had to laugh because I was feeling the same thing. I said, "yeah, it is pretty quiet around here without here...pretty boring." Trenton went on to say, "you know she'd be all over me wanting to play and wrestle." That's what we miss about our little angel...she keeps things moving around here!

Fun Stuff

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Primetime Wrestling Camp

Just a note to say Tyler made it home safely with Ben last evening. Learned some great things and had a good time. Ben shared that this wrestling dome (New Castle, Indiana) is the largest in the USA. That was pretty interesting. Also, Tyler won the "Mr. Hustle" award (they gave out two). The head coach of the camp talked to Ben a little bit and said that Tyler has been blessed with alot of natural talent in all sports. Coach told Ben that he expects to hear alot about Tyler and wrestling in the years to come and hopes that when it is all said and done, and Tyler is a state champ, that Tyler remembers Coach Dulaney. VERY COOL!

Rookie Camp

Boy, it doesn't seem like it's been 8 years since I dropped the boys off for Rookie Camp! Now it's Gabi's turn...yep, I just dropped her off with her friend, Hailey (from school and church) to Prairie Camp. I remember dropping off little Trenton to Rookie Camp - first time away from home for two nights, I was crying and wondering if he'd be lonely, scared, or sick on my drive home. Then I remember going to get him on that Wednesday evening to watch his program...seeing my little tan, freckled faced little boy running to greet us and anxious to show us his dorm room and share about all the neat things he did. I also remember him saying how cool it would be to be a counselor (in the years to come) and how he followed through with this wish a couple of years ago. Trenton was bummed that he couldn't do prairie camp this year (since he has a full time job at the Parks), but I can tell you, back 8 years ago, Trenton made some wonderful friends...friends he can count on and can turn to when he needs someone. Friends for life! That's what it is all about...learning about Jesus, having fun in the process, and making friends. I am so excited for Gabi and very excited to see how she'll enjoy these two days. So, this time around, I may be a little sad because she is gone, but I know she'll be surrounded by some really great people, in a great place, and having great fun...and you definitely cannot beat that!

Father's Day Weekend 2007

We had a great weekend again (at the campground). Although Trenton was unable to get a friend who was not busy for the weekend, we still had a good time together (minus Tyler because he was at wrestling camp in Indy). It was HOT! We spent all day Saturday in the water and you can definitely tell by the sunburns!!! Gabi was so excited because daddy took her down the waterslide that is right next to the campground and she was able to go by herself for the first time! She had a blast! We also got to play some putt-putt (daddy won) and have ice cream! It was a long but fun day. Sunday we got up and Ben headed to Indy to get Tyler, while Trenton, Gabi, Maizy and I went home to go to my mom's annual Father's Day cookout. What a nice day again...and we spent it in her pool as well. I have to say, I know Ben did not spend Father's Day the way he would have particularly chose, but this just goes to show how unselfish of a father he is. I could not have asked for a better father to my children and I am so thankful I have him as a husband. They say the best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother, well, he does...through thick and thin, he does. Thank you, Ben, for being the father you are...for loving me and loving our children unconditionally! We love you and wish you a very happy father's day!

Belly Button Funny

Last night Gabi was looking at her tummy and she asked me, "mom, where did my belly button come from? It looks like the tie end of a balloon."

We discussed this...

At this point, Gabi believes God blew life into her body before she was born and secured her up at her belly button.

{ SMILE }

Summer break off to a good start!

Busy day today (first week of summer break)...We got Gabi signed up at the local Library for the Summer Reading Program. She has to color in a star for every 10 minutes of reading and when she reaches the goal of 600 minutes she can get a bag of prizes! The theme this year is Launch Into Reading (space theme). We have done this program ever since the boys were little so it is something to look forward to now for Gabi. After getting signed up, Tyler, Gabi and I went to get some Taco Bell for lunch before heading to the dentist office for cleanings. All of us cavity free! Immediately after the dentist appointment, we had to get Tyler home to leave for New Castle (his wrestling camp). He will be gone until Sunday. He was looking forward to this camp - check out all the activities, etc. he will be doing at the webpage. Shew! What a day. Busy, but prosperous. Trenton is enjoying his job at the Parks. So far he has worked basically at the golf course - resetting tee boxes, filling water bottles, and fixing sprinkler heads. His hours are 6 am - 2 pm. Since the weather has been in the upper 80's and sunny he is pretty exhausted by the evening. We are glad, however, that he continues to say he is looking forward to the following day. We are also glad that he enjoys going to bed at night! ha ha. Summer off to a good start!

Mardi Gras with Yogi

We had such a great weekend camping with Chad, Amber, Presley and Addison! We couldn't have asked for better weather!!! Chad has his in laws' camper for the month so he has been using it as much as he can. He tried to go last week but Presley got really sick. I think she had a much better time this weekend. Presley was able to go fishing with Uncle Ben and Gabi - she even held a worm (for only a few seconds, but hey, that counts). On Saturday we did picture time with Yogi, got to ride the Boo Boo Express, Chad went fishing with Ben (free fishing weekend) and Gabi participated in the Mardi Gras parade. My parents came up for dinner on Saturday and we took the kids to the "Mardi Gras" dance. Gabi and Presley really had fun there. We came back and Chad let Gabi and Presley do some sparklers by the fire before bed time for Presley. We especially enjoyed the campfires...being able to talk with Chad and Amber, eat, laugh and throw empty Dasani bottles in the fire...Amber really knows how to do that one!!!!! : )
Sunday we were able to go up to Barton Lake RV and look through the campers - always fun! Then we were able to get some swimming in at the outdoor water park and inside pool (much warmer). We left about 2:30 ish but didn't want to leave! It's like Trenton said, "I like coming here cuz it's a place to escape all your stresses." So true, so true considering he started his job this morning at 6:45 am! Anyways, here are some pics and a video of Gabi, Tyler and I trying to catch a frog - we finally succeeded on the second try! As you can see the huge one they tried to get first jumped right on my leg! Needless to say, you can probably guess my reaction!

Oh, to be 16 again!

Trenton got his license today! Trenton had been able to get his license anytime after February 25th but Ben and I stuck to our guns and wouldn't let him get it until he showed a B average. His hard work payed off so far. Now, that could change after we get his CRT scores and get his averages, but right now Trenton has a B average. It couldn't have been better timing...Trenton also got his first job for the summer! Yep, he is officially an employee of the Mishawaka Parks. He will be working at a golf course and I believe, one of the baseball diamonds. Since Trenton loves to be outdoors, it is the perfect job. Granted, he will be taking some time off for wrestling camps, etc. - we got those all okayed by his employer. So, if all goes well and he maintains a B average, Trenton will be driving to work each day ... 6:45 am - 2:45 pm Monday through Friday! Welcome to the real world, son. I am proud. He is excited and happy. Things are GOOD. Congratulations Trenton! Keep up the good work!

Writing Contest

Way back at the beginning of school (in August last year) Gabi had to write a short story on what she did on her summer vacation. She chose our awesome vacation to Florida (see picture at side of blog with dolphin)! Gabi ended up winning the writing contest in her first grade and her writing was put on display. She also received a pencil pin as an award and she finally brought the story home today (along with alot of other writings through the year). Click on the picture to make larger and read. Isn't she talented...and sweet too!

D.C. Pictures

Tyler's chaperone and teacher sent a few pictures from their Washington, D.C. trip and thought I'd share them. Tyler had a great time...he came home Saturday at 6:30 am, slept till 12:30 pm (woke him because we had a wedding to attend at 2 pm). He was tired! Tyler's favorite part of D.C. was the Washington Monument because they got to go to the top and he really enjoyed the view. Tyler also enjoyed visiting the House of Representatives...he thought it was cool that he was able to be in a spot where the President actually speaks, etc. Tyler also shared that while they were in line to visit the White House there was lots of commotion...a couple of helicopters, a ton of police security and two black Yukons...come to find out that it was the Iraqi President who was being escorted somewhere because he was ill at the time. All in all, a great trip! Educational and fun!

Happy Birthday, Chad!

Wanted to take some time out and wish my one and only brother a very happy birthday. I know it hasn't been the greatest of days...Presley sick, yucky weather, etc. but hopefully you were able to take a little time out for yourself today. When we were younger my brother and I fought often- as most brothers and sisters do, but I have to say, after Chad went off to college and as I got older and my family continued to grow, I learned to appreciate the fact I had family so near, and I missed my brother. I am so glad he decided to come back home to settle his family and that we continue to be a close knit family. Please know that we love you, Chad, and hope you had a great day today! Happy 31st birthday!

Dance Fever!

Oh man, what a night last night! Trenton had his dance recital at school (they had two performances, Thursday and Friday night). I have to say we really enjoyed it! The title was "Dancing Through the Decades" and they did dances from 1900s to 2000s. Trenton performed in the songs "Trickle, Trickle" (more of a tapdance), "Hard to Say I'm Sorry" (more of a ballet type dance), "Stompin to the Beat (another tapdance), 1900s (dancing the Cakewalk), 1970s (excellent dance to "Stayin Alive") and 2000 and Beyond ("Cupid Shuffle" - more of the new dancing). During "Cupid Shuffle" (it was an all guys dance) the guys came down the isle to do their dance and I caught it on video! Trenton was really good!!!! Ben's dad, Dave, and my parents were all able to attend and I think they had a fun time. My dad even made the comment, "I actually enjoyed this event and...my blood pressure didn't rise, I didn't have to yell, and I certainly wasn't nervous" - (much like what he is when the boys wrestle) LOL Ben also said he hates to admit it, but Trenton gets his talent from him....haha - he is probably right. At all the weddings everyone thinks Ben is the drunk guy, when in all actuality he hadn't had a drink all night!
Here is Trenton's dance to "Stayin Alive"

Here is Trenton when he came dancing down the isle...sorry, couldn't figure out how to turn the video I took on my camera...it's funny anyways!

Stayin' Alive!

Chad and Amber went to see Trenton's dance recital last night (date night?) and he was able to get some footage of Trenton's favorite dance..."Stayin' Alive" - check it out here!
We get to go tonight for his second performance...more to come!

Mourning Dove Update

Bad news...yesterday I found the two eggs on the ground and the doves were no where to be found. Ben placed them back in the nest (one was starting to crack) to see if they would survive...checked this morning and they are back on the ground...not sure what happened...sad.... : (
We do have baby sparrows in the box though...I believe they are ready to leave the nest. They are quite noisy now. It seems those are about the only kind of birds that brood in plentiful numbers around here - they can be quite pesty! Oh well, I'll keep my eyes open...it's only the beginning of summer and hopefully there will be many more birds to nest.