Pam

Enjoy your day, Pam!!! Have a wonderful birthday. We love you!!!

Remembering Last Season

This video courtesy of my brother in law, Dave. Great job and thanks for sharing!

Bubbles

"Bubbles" is it's name and it (we haven't figured out the gender yet) is Gabi's new pet hamster. Trenton's friend's (Steven) girlfriend's hamster had babies (did you understand that? ha ha) and Steven asked us if we would want one when they got older. Since I knew Gabi had been wanting a small pet to take care of and I think she is of a responsible age to prove this, I decided to go ahead with it. So far, so good. She has done wonderful with it, although it is only day 3. Anyways, welcome little "Bubbles."

New Family Member

More on this little critter later...let's just say "mommy caved" - but wouldn't you with a face like that!? Welcome to the family!!

Christmas In July 2008

I think we have started a new tradition! We went to our former seasonal campground for the first time this year and camped with my brother and his family, and my parents got a deluxe cottage for Saturday night. Chad came up with the idea of having a $5 gift exchange and draw names for "Christmas in July." I had Reese, Ben had Addy, Trenton had Amber, Tyler had maw maw and Gabi had uncle Chad. On the flip side...Reese had me, mom had Ben, Chad had Trenton, Addy had Tyler and Presley had Gabi. All set up for a fun time!

We were able to leave around 2 pm on Friday and the evening was nice. We basically just set up, went for a walk, let the girls swim a bit, play on the playground and enjoyed the campfire.

Saturday we got up bright and early to visit the bears. We were pleasantly surprised that Ranger Smith had also shown up for pictures with the bears. We decided to try and take a few pictures of all the kids together since we actually had all three of our kids this weekend!! Far and few between anymore. So we got some cute pics of the cousins and headed back to the camper. It was funny because Trenton actually was telling Amber about a garter snake that him and his buddy found in a spot we were walking through, when Amber said, "and there it is!" And right before us was a pretty long garter snake!! We were startled, of course, because Maizy was going after it and the girls were just about walking on top of it. We each grabbed a little one and Ben went for the snake itself to show it to the kids. He ended up getting it too close to Maizy and she got a little too curious and the snake took a snap at Maizy's nose. Startled her to death!! Needless to say, Ben got rid of the snake. Around this time, my parents showed up and unfortunately the weather decided to be uncooperative and it started raining. Pretty much most of the day, but we dealt with it the best we could. Tyler and Trenton invited some friends up for the day so they also showed up right after lunch time. They were able to swim in the lake, play some rock band and get in a game of volleyball before heading off back home.

For dinner we had our favorite meal...bbq chicken, Amber's yummy pasta salad, corn on the cob, mom's great fried potatoes and biscuits. We also arranged for Boo Boo and Yogi to come the campsite around dinner time to bring Addy and my dad a small gift for their birthdays. We knew Addy would absolutely love this and she did! It was certainly worth the money to get a little personal attention! We headed to my parents cottage for the gift exchange. My mom even brought a Christmas tree! Some great gift ideas for everyone and we had fun watching every body open their gifts. I got a cute tote bag, some notecards/envelopes and a gift card to Starbucks (my favorite), Ben got a Nascar stocking cap and his own box of zingers (his favorite), Trenton and Tyler both got a nice collared shirt and Gabi got some super cute HSM things including a notebook, folder and pencils!!! After having cake on the porch, we decided to have a fire. It stopped raining just in time to start a fire, have a little contest (between Tyler and Chad - who could eat the most pudgey pies - Tyler won this with 4 or 5) and it started raining again. BUMMER! Luckily, my parents got a super nice deluxe cottage with 2 bedrooms...one with a bed and one with four bunks. The boys brought rock band and they set it up there on the tv and were able to stay overnight with them so we weren't feeling so crowded and wet.

And this morning we woke to more wetness. It looked like the weather wasn't gonna get any better but we stuck it out and decided to go for a few more golf cart rides, slowly start cleaning up our campsites, went for a couple of walks, ate a "leftover" lunch and by the time we took the kids swimming, the warm sun came out. Our last stop, of course, had to be getting some ice cream on the way out. We were glad it was a half way decent ending (weather wise) to a fun filled weekend-and more importantly, we are so glad we could all be together this year (unlike last year with Trenton gone). We are definitely looking forward to making this an annual event!!! Enjoy pictures here.

Training

Can you guess where I am for today and tomorrow???
Trainings for work...

In other news - Trenton and Tyler are home alone with dad tonight (they got home around 6 pm from Central Michigan camp) and Gabi is staying the night with maw maw and paw paw. Can't wait to get back home...even if it is only one night...

Watching So You Think You Can Dance...really liked Will and Katee's Rockin the Boat routine and their Imagine routine. Also loved loved Comfort and Twitch's hip hop routine tonight!

Thinking Katee will win the show personally (she is just an all around great dancer)...

Flindt Landing, Canada

So Ben has gone to Flindt Landing Camp (look closely at the websites photos...you may spot some of a young Trenton and a young Tyler in there!) in Canada three times now. His aunt Annie, uncle Jay and their son, David usually go along with three other people to make it a group of six. Two years ago (2006) Tyler was able to go and in 2004 Trenton was able to go with the group (along with Ben and Ben's dad). It was the time of their lives. They are allowed to bring 4 walleyes (VERY YUMMY) and 4 northern pike home as a limit. This year grandpa Honeycutt was able to go along with Annie, Jay, David, Ben, and Ben's dad. He had a great time and came home with good stories. They always see lots of animals...moose, loons, bears and bald Eagles. This time they came across a black bear right in the middle of the road on their way there. In fact, they had to honk to get it to move. Ben was also able to take the fish guts one evening to an island where the Eagles are and was able to catch a beautiful sight! Nine bald Eagles eating at the same time. He shared a story of how the alpha male eats first and no one interferes until he gives the go ahead. Pretty cool. Ben's biggest catches were the northern pike at 33 1/2 inches and a walleye at 21 inches. They left on the 4th of July (hit a deer on the way up also) and came home on Saturday. Needless to say, we were very glad to have daddy home with us. Here are pictures from his trip. Definitely a vacation to remember. Ben said it was funny how grandpa Honeycutt kept asking why they were still at the camp when they already had their limits to take home by Sunday! That man never stops. ; )
Gabi had two birthdays yesterday after Ben arrived home. That gave us the opportunity to catch a movie. Great movie! A little bloody and had quite a bit of language but it definitely kept my interest and had lots of twists. This morning the boys were off to team wrestling camp here until Wednesday. Luckily the school got a few of the parents to drive the group there and back so we won't have to worry about transportation.

Great Big God

Prairie Camp 2008

"There is no one like you, there has never ever been anyone like you - There is no one like our God!"

*God is like an emperor penguin. He died on the cross for us and like the emporer penguin who doesn't eat for a long period of time for his child, he still loved his baby...more than anything.
*We are God's most favorite creation. He made us with his hands - he breathed life in us.
*Whenever we need God, He is there.
*God never lets us go. He holds us in His hands.

Such simple yet such important things learned these past couple of days...

To me tonight, after getting her clothes in the washer and singing some prairie camp songs...

"mom, I love God! He is an awesome God!"

Warms my heart! Makes the camp priceless.

North Central Tournament

Just an update on the tournament in Illinois on Monday. I guess our Mishawaka team pretty much destroyed all the other teams at the tournament. The Nationally ranked team (St. Rita) had about half of their starter wrestlers and Trenton said the funny thing was none of them won their matches against Mishawaka. We beat Lowell (the good team in Michigan we will dual with this season) pretty well also. Mishawaka dominated the tournament. Tyler weighed in at 145 lbs. and St. Rita didn't have a 140 lb. wrestler. Mishawaka offered to borrow Tyler for the day so Tyler could get in plenty of matches. Although he went 1-3 he impressively beat a state placer (7th) from Illinois last year in OT 3-1! I heard it was a good match. Trenton pinned two of his opponents, teched another and beat the last one by 2 points. I guess the team and coaches were surprised at how well we beat the other teams. Anyways, anytime you have opportunity to wrestle and compete you should take it and we did. The boys came home tired - which I am always happy about as well. Tyler seems a little beat up...having trouble with his neck and ankle. Trenton got checked out yesterday for a repeat hernia...and so glad to report it was only an inflammed lymph node that should take care of itself.

Eat!

Trenton and Tyler are going to wrestle here at a one day tournament (coach's alumni college). Unfortunately, the weight classes are a little strange and the boys will both be going the same weight...147 lbs. This is the heaviest they have ever wrestled. Trenton cracked me up with a comment this morning...I was sitting in the living room and overheard
As Trenton was looking through refrigerator...
"I have to eat as much as possible."
Tyler replies with a wierd look on his face, "why?"
"Because I'm wrestling 147 lbs. tomorrow. Those guys are huge, dude, you have no idea. Just wait."
I had to chuckle. Poor Trenton. Just got off wrestling the other day...big kids. Trenton went 140 lbs. and his natural weight is about 144 lbs. Some of his opponents were cutting 15-20 lbs. so by the time it was time to wrestle you have Trenton - weighing 144 lbs. against his opponent - weighing about 155 lbs. That's a big difference.
Anyway...this one day tournament is supposed to be a good one. A nationally ranked team from Illinois will be competing. Should be interesting...Illinois actually puts out some great wrestlers, in fact, Illinois won the entire duals tournament in Oklahoma.

Junior Duals Summary

Trenton went 1-7 and team Indiana placed 12th at the National Junior Duals Championships in Oklahoma City. You can see information here under "National Junior Duals Championships."

Fourth of July All Nighter

Tyler and I pulled an all nighter last night. Yes, we had an awesome day visiting Chad, Amber and his kids here with my parents during the day. We dropped Ben off to depart for Canada around 11 am and we were off as well. We had a good time walking, swimming, riding in the golf cart, fishing and taking a pontoon ride. It was definitely a fun filled day. Pictures here. After finding out the team had come to a finish in Oklahoma we figured Trenton would arrive home in the wee hours of the morning. Unfortunately, they had to be picked up so I knew it would be a late one. My parents took Gabi home with them after dropping me off at home for the evening - around 8:30 pm ish, Tyler headed over to a friends house till midnight and I tried to catch some shut eye around 10pm. Tried is the key word. The neighbors were having a good time with fireworks and get togethers...who can blame them. It was just not a good evening to try and catch some zzzz's early. Tyler got home at 12 and I got up around 12:30 am to get around. Tyler swore he was up and ready to go so he would drive. With Garmin in the car, we headed out. Tyler did a great job and we made it to the campus of Purdue in 2 1/2 hours. After almost hitting a deer and a raccoon we were ready to get Trenton and head on home for our beds. Right as we pulled in to Purdue Trenton calls and says the bus is running late...it would be another hour and half. So there in the parking lot, Tyler and I layed back and tried to get some sleep. Tyler was out within seconds but for me...tried is the word again. 5 am was the arrival time, got Trenton, Tyler curled up in the back and we headed on our way home. Trenton helped me drive home and our travel time was shortened by an hour! Yes, we were in a hurry to find our pillows...
haven't pulled an all nighter like that in quite some time but we are home and we made it safely. Waiting to hear from Ben and crew for same report. Happy late Independence Day!
Note - firework pictures from the Summerfest a couple of weekends ago. It was a great display!!!

Consolation Round

Trenton suffered another two losses leaving his record 1-7 for the team duals.
Nick Fisher (California 1) over Trenton 6-0 and 5-3
Indiana defeated California 1 with a score of 32-31

Last match John Gochenour (New York) over Trenton 7-0 and 7-0
New York defeated Indiana 35-26

What an experience for Trenton. I know he feels very beat down and hates that he had a losing record but I have to say, almost every guy he wrestled is committed to a college already or is a 2x state champ or better. It's the best of the best at team duals and Trenton should be very honored that he got to be a part of this. Needless to say, we are very proud that he went to represent us as a family as well as our state of Indiana!

Jenny, Travis and Mackenzy were able to be there to watch and support our Trenton. So glad he was able to have a familiar face there in his corner. Jenny shared that she took video and pictures so I am anxious to see what she has and will share them on the blog when I get them.

Connecticut

Unfortunately Trenton took another loss in the first consolation round to Michael Frick of Connecticut 2-5 and 2-4. The team did well though winning 52-16. This means they will face off against California first thing tomorrow morning. I think Trenton is just beat down and tired at this point. We encouraged him to get rest and get refocused.

4th Place in Pool A

Round 3 against Florida
Trenton defeated Dillon Dennis 7-0 and 3-0
Indiana defeated Florida 51-16

Round 4 against Iowa
Mark Ballweg defeated Trenton 7-0 and 7-0
Iowa defeated Indiana 45-21

Round 5 against Wisconsin
Nick Hucke defeated Trenton 2-1 and pin
Wisconsin defeated Indiana 34-29

Indiana places 4th in pool A.
1. Iowa
2. Pennsylvania
3. Wisconsin
4. Indiana
5. Florida
6. Oklahoma 2

Consolations begin at 7 pm our time. Indiana vs. Connecticut first round.
Talked to Trenton. He sounds tired and a little down. Says the competition is amazing and almost every kid he has wrestled so far is 2x state champ or better! What an experience for him. GO INDIANA!!!!

Mackenzy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mackenzy Robin Lackey! We love you lots and hope you are enjoying your time with Trenton in Oklahoma City! Have a great day!!!
****Another note to Jenny...I need some updated photos of your kids!!! : )

Rounds 1 & 2

An update on Trenton in Oklahoma...
Round 1 against Oklahoma
Trenton lost to Corey Duncan by decision 3-3 and 3-4
Team Indiana beats Oklahoma 64-5

Round 2 against Pennsylvania
Trenton lost to Jordan Oliver by tech fall 0-9 and 0-7
Team Indiana loses to Oklahoma 14-40

On a sidenote...Jordan Oliver of Pennsylvania is a 4x state champ, 2x National champ in Fargo, been featured in Sports Illustrated and has a full ride to Oklahoma! Oh my! Welcome to Junior National Duals!!!!! Googled him and found this.
Trenton is feeling pretty good. Aunt Jenny, Travis and Mackenzy made it there to see his second match and he told Jenny that Oliver was probably the best kid he has ever wrestled to this day. Trenton was upset with himself that he lost his first match and said he should have won it. He said he pooped out...not like him to get tired. He is finished for today so tomorrow brings a new light. Indiana going into tomorrow with a 1-1 record...GO INDIANA!

A Kid Forever

Gabi yesterday to me, "I don't want to grow up, mommy"

I asked, "why not?" "Because I want to stay a kid forever!"