Happy Halloween!

We started off the evening by dropping off some goodies to our nieces...Presley, Addy and Reese. We were a bit early so they weren't in their costumes yet. We then headed over to maw maw and paw paw's house for some treats. They were anxious to see our little ghoul. At grandpa R's house we got to visit with a little pea pod and a rooster!!! It was nice to see Jeff and Pam with the kids. Leigh is such a little cutie pie! Off to Reverewood we went, to trick or treat with Gabi's bff, Emma and visit with the birthday girl (her mom), Lina. Talk about cold. Wow. The sun was very deceiving because the wind made it very very chilly. Lucky for us, Joe and Lina had some space heaters running in the garage so we could warm up a bit before our next stop. Gabi had an overnight/birthday party with a girlfriend over in the neighborhood so we got her there just in time for some hot dogs and chili. Tyler headed off to a Halloween party at a friend's house as well but he will be home at curfew. Shew. Busy day and I am ready to set back the clock for that extra hour of sleep - I could use it!!! Happy Halloween everyone!

Elkhart Memorial

32-26 win over Elkhart Memorial for advancement to the Sectional finals next week against Penn again. Tyler played both sides of the ball tonight - starting cornerback of course, and rotating in at full back. He had 5 carries for 51 yards including 1 touchdown (3yard run)!!! Tyler was also in on a few tackles, almost got a turnover from a fumble and almost got an interception! The weather was awful and I was so disappointed that we were unable to catch much of the game on film :( A big thank you to my brother and Amber for keeping Gabi during the game. We knew she wouldn't have liked the weather either and we are very appreciative. Good game, Cavemen! Let's win Sectionals next week!

Starting Line Up!

Just got word from Trenton last night that he will be starting at 141 for the Cardinals at their first dual meet on November 7th in Wisconsin against Lakeland! He is soooo excited and cannot wait to compete. We are very, very proud of him!!! Prayers though that he gets healthy...he had to visit the wellness center on Wednesday to find out he has bronchitis and a sinus infection. Trenton told us it is pretty much being passed around the team. Good luck to Trenton - get healthy and go get em!

DIII Preseason Team Rankings

National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III
Preseason Team Ranking Ranking - October 29, 2009
1. University of Wisconsin - LaCrosse
2. Augsburg College (MN)
3. Ithaca College (NY)
4. Coe College (IA)
5. Saint John's University (MN)
6. Wartburg College (IA)
7. Delaware Valley College (PA)
8. Concordia-Moorehead College (MN)
9. Cornell College (IA)
10. North Central College (IL)
11. United States Merchant Marine Academy (NY)
12. College of New Jersey
13. Elmhurst College (IL)
14. Williams College (MA)
15. University of Dubuque (IA)
16. Cortland State University of New York
17. University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
18. Wilkes University (PA)
19. University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
20. Luther College (IA)
21. Heidelburg College (OH)
22. Lycoming College (PA)
23. University of Wisconsin - Oshkosh
24. York College (PA)
25. Loras College (PA)
26. Waynesburg College (PA)
27. Rhode Island College
28. Johnson and Wales University (RI)
29. State University of New York at Oneonta
30. Stephens Institute of Technology (NJ)
Here is the link...

Jack O Lanterns

Gabi and I carved pumpkins tonight. Tyler was not in the mood to help so he said I could carve his. I think they turned out nice!

Fall Walk

Since we have been cooped up for a few days in a row because of the rain and cold and the weather decided to warm up a bit today, we decided to go for a walk at a local park to enjoy the colors. Got some great pictures and got to see some very neat pieces of nature along teh way...a Monarch butterfly, deer tracks (spotted by Ben, of course), a garter snake that Gabi was not scared to hold! and a few caterpillars out for a stroll. Beautiful colors and so nice to enjoy the fresh air. Made me stop and appreciate God's gift to us. LOVE these pics I got...

North Central Wrestling Preview

Found this article today and was happy to see Trenton's name in it!!! Definitely looking forward to Trenton's college wrestling season!!! North Central's first dual meet is November 7th!
Go Cards!
North Central Preview
Oct-24-2009 By AV
North Central College Cardinals
Head Coach: Kevin Bratland
Years at School as head coach: 3
Career Record at school: 39-12
Assistant Coaches: Karl Bratland, Adam Johnson, Andy Greenawalt, Derrick Martin, Jim Brophy
2008-2009 Dual Meet Record: 15-2
2008-2009 National Qualifiers and All-Americans: Ben Youel (165/2nd), Gabe Youel (184/4th)
Returning All-American: Gabe Youel
Number of returning wrestlers who competed in 2009 national qualifier: 5
Top returning starters:
125 Joe Norton 3rd Great Lakes
133 Nathan Fitzenreider 13-2 before injury
157 Cowan Brown CCIW Champ
184 Gabe Youel 4th NCAA
197 Vinnie Sapienza 3rd Great Lakes
285 Rodney Knowlton
Top incoming wrestlers:
Jason Bonham (2x MI state placer), Grant Bushby (IL SQ), Danny Deufel, Phil Garbis, Tim Gingerich (2x MI Runner-up), Max Hayden (IL SQ), Jesse Kulger (IL Runner-up), Don McGregor, Ricky Peisker, Trenton Reinoehl (IN state placer), Chris Sellers, Leo Speedy, John Starzyk-Transfer (University of Oklahoma), Mario Sullivan, Taylor Trim (2x MI state placer), Ron Uccardi-Transfer (University of Dubuque), Tyler Wilfley (2x IL state placer)
Despite the loss of NCAA runner-up Ben Youel, North Central brings an experienced team into 2009-2010. Five seniors in the starting lineup bodes well for another successful dual meet season. Two time All-American Gabe Youel returns as the lone national qualifier, and he will challenge for an NCAA championship this March. A full season from the talented Fitzenreider along with the final year of competition for regional placewinners Joe Norton and Vinnie Sapienza will help as well. North Central is also bringing in a fine recruiting class highlighted by Oklahoma transfer John Starzyk. Starzyk was a four time Illinois placewinner and three time champ. He saw some time in the Sooner starting lineup in 2008. North Central will again be taking on a tough schedule including the Desert Duals, National Duals, Midlands, and Pete Willson Invitational as they seek a third straight CCIW title and a 5th straight top 15 NCAA finish.

ND vs. BC

Ben got to watch Notre Dame beat Boston College yesterday. He was invited to go with a friend from work, Duane. Duane's wife works at ND so the fellas were able to mingle with some really cool people and eat good food inside with alumni (lucky for them cuz it was cold and wet). Ben was able to get a picture with Reggie Brooks! I am happy to say that I enjoyed the game at home from the couch in front of the fire nice and warm!

Sectional Game 1-LaPorte

Mishawaka 27 LaPorte 14
The weather wasn't the greatest...cold and wet but at least it wasn't raining. It sort of misted throughout the game but we were under the press box keeping us dry. Everyone came out to support the Cavemen including dad R, Dave, Aunt Annie, my parents, & Abby and her family. Good times!! I think we figured out what happened last week....Travis (#70) didn't get a chance to pick up Tyler like he normally does before the game because of Senior Night. It broke the chain...and I caught it again last night in a pic below.
Tyler had a great game...a handful of solo tackles including a touchdown saving tackle caught by news 22 also (seen below)!
Looking forward to next week Sectional #2 against Elkhart Memorial.

Still Running...

I thought I would post about my running. I have been running for quite some time. I started about 6-7 years ago, actually and there was a lull in there when I had my hysterectomy that I kind of quit, but started up again almost 3 years ago now. It's pretty steady for me and I have a routine going - 3 times per week. Monday, Wednesday and Friday are my running days. I like to run in the morning on an empty stomach and I run anywhere from 2 1/2 - 3 miles each time. I can do this in 30 minutes. People have asked me, do you do 5k s and 10k s or do you run races and the answer is no. I have never done a 5k. Almost every year I make mention to the boys that I want to do sunburst and at least one of them says they would do it with me, but I always back out. Always something else going on. I guess I should just sign up and let life work around it, but I don't. The main reason why I run is because I want to stay healthy. My dad has high blood pressure and there have been times (sporting events and issues with the boys) that I have felt my blood pressure rise and frankly, it scares me. I have to say, also that I probably wouldn't be able to eat the way I do and maintain my body weight if I didn't run. I would balloon up badly because I am not the healthiest eater. Running allows me to splurge a bit and I enjoy it. I also run to release stress. Believe it or not, it does just that. So, anways, yes, I am still running and enjoying it. Yes, I have had several things to tackle here and there...hysterectomy, sickness, shin splints, heel fasciitis, etc but I overcome and keep going. So, here's to running...much like life...you just keep going.

Grandparent's Day

Gabi had Grandparent's Day at her school tonight. Not only a time to show off her school and be proud of her hard work and class room, but a time to reflect on what an AWESOME set of grandparents she has. They support her and our family in EVERYTHING we do. We couldn't be more proud of who they are!!! After walking around the school, showing off her class and work, and eating a couple of cookies, maw maw and paw paw invited everyone to eat...Gabi's choice. And where do you think that was...her favorite, Red Lobster. Thank you mom, dad and dad R. for being a part of her special day - We hope you had fun! :)

Fall Chili

So I found this recipe in one of the magazines I have collected over the years and it is my favorite chili recipe when we get together (pumpking picking, etc) and I even made it for Ben's chili cookoff at work one year. The boss loved it so much he took the recipe home to his wife and they submitted it for Calorie Count (website). Too bad my chili didn't win at his work though!
Serves 6
1 lb. ground beef
1 onion diced
1 green pepper, diced
1/2 c. celery, diced
2 jalapeno peppers diced
1 Tbsp. garlic
6 oz. tomato paste
14 1/2 oz. diced tomatoes
15 oz. tomato sauce
14 1/2 oz. chicken broth
1 1/2 Tbsp. chili powder
1/2 Tbsp. cumin
1/2 Tbsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp. salt
15 oz. pinto beans
15 oz. kidney beans
1/2 Tbsp. brown sugar

Heat 2-3 hours and enjoy!

Heartbreak

At Steele Field tonight when the Cavemen lost to Washington 0-24. I have to say that Washington came to play and shut down our offense pretty well. Our defense just couldn't get a break. I also have to say the officials were not the best either and I have lots of proof on camera, but hey, what can you do....

This game was the deciding factor on the NIC champion team which put us in a three way tie with Washington and Penn...that is depending on the IHSAA's decision on a player on Washington's team (that may have to forfeit his game tonight because he played). That hearing is on Monday...so stay tuned...regardless...the Cavemen are NIC Champions...a bittersweet victory overall for now. The boys had shirts waiting for them in their lockers when the game was over...I am really likin these!!! Hoping they sell them to those who want them!

Wish it could have ended differently but we are hoping for the fire to be lit next week when Sectionals start. First game against LaPorte. Let's put this game behind us and get ready for the next one. Keep your heads high and Let's Go Cavemen!

Improvement

With 1 week left of the 9 week session of gymnastics that Gabi is taking at Michiana Gymnastics I have seen a big improvement. Gabi started the class just barely being able to do a backbend (and would mostly land on her head first) and could do the basics...a cartwheel and a roundoff. Look how far she has come!! She can do a front walkover into a back walkover!

Definitely Fall

With the chilly temps that sprung upon us, it is certainly looking and feeling like fall around here!!! Already have Gabi's Halloween costume...she is counting down the days.

Family Weekend

Had an awesome weekend with Trenton. The only thing I would have changed would have been the temperature and wished the Bookstore would have been open! Ben's dad and brother, my parents and Tyler, Gabi, Ben & I headed to Naperville for Family Weekend at North Central College on Saturday morning. We arrived around 11 am and walked around campus with Trenton for a bit and visited his dorm before eating at Bar Louie. Trenton and Tyler decided to go back to Trenton's dorm room while we checked into our hotel (Fairfield) for the night. Since it was only expected to be about 35 degrees and we had plans to go to the football game we all got dressed appropriately and headed back over to the college. They had a huge tailgate for the families complete with BBQ pork, corn dogs, pasta salad, chips, brownies, rice krispie treats, hot chocolate, coffee, etc. We were also able to get some NCC apparel at that point as well. The game ended up being a blow out...in fact, we haven't laughed that hard in quite some time watching a team just completely go to town! NCC over North Park 83-7. Needless to say, we were freezing at half time and the score was like 55-0 so we decided to skip out on the after game activities and head back to the hotel. Trenton was already scheduled to help with a little kids' wrestling tournament at that time anyways.

We were up this morning by 9 am and decided to go down to the DuPage River walk and I am glad we had that opportunity. Such a beautiful area and downtown has so much to offer. I got some pictures and we decided to head over to Bolingbrook Promenade so the boys could go to Bass Pro Shops and my mom and I went into Ikea. By that time it was about time to feed Trenton so he could get to the wrestling tournament at 1 pm and since I had not been to Chipotle ever, Trenton decided to go there so I could try it out. A nice change of pace. We said our goodbyes and quickly stopped into Sugar Monkey Cupcakes (which I caught glimpse of this morning on our walk) and grabbed some last minute goodies!!!

All in all, a great time with family and Trenton! We are already planning another visit asap :)

Very glad to report that Trenton is doing very well, has made many new friends, has been keeping up with his work and has gotten good grades thus far. We couldn't be more happy about his choice of college or about Trenton, himself! Very proud to be North Central parents!

Clay

48-21 Final Score from Clay's field tonight. Our Cavemen are 8-0 and on a roll. Big game next week (against Washington)...for the NIC title. Tonight's win was a bit personal considering Clay's coach was part of the coaching staff for Mishawaka last year ;)
Tyler was in on a few tackles tonight playing cornerback and gained some yards on a penalty being held on defense. He got to wear his new gloves tonight too!! Cold, cold night...thankful to be in my nice warm bed tonight! Off to North Central tomorrow to see Trenton. Good win for the Cavemen!

Up and Coming Player

So Tyler got his picture taken this week for The Indiana Football Digest as an up and coming football player...a player to watch next year! Along with the photo for some of the players, the team was presented a $2,000 check (toward their new turf for the field for being "Team of the Week") by a representative from the Indianapolis Colts. How exciting, especially for Tyler, who is a big Indianapolis Colts fan!!! The 2010 edition is not yet available for order but keep watching here. Congratulations Tyler!!! So excited that you were picked for this cool honor!

Aunt Margie

Tomorrow we will say goodbye to one of my favorite aunts...Aunt Margie. Such a sweet sweet soul. She is the one who reminded me most of my grandma Brugh with her caring spirit. Always willing to give whatever she had to whoever needed it. She had love like you would not believe. She was one who greeted you with a kiss everytime she saw you. I love you Aunt Margie and I will miss you forever but I know you are with Jesus and with grandma and with Rodney. I know they all greeted you with open arms and you will be watching down on us until it is our day to see you again. My prayer is that your sweet spirit and your love lives on through us.

Marjorie E. Buchmann
Feb. 13, 1948 - Oct. 3, 2009MISHAWAKA - Marjorie E. "Margie" Buchmann, 61, passed away on Saturday, October 3, in Goshen General Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. Margie was born on February 13, 1948, in Mishawaka, to Sidney and Eudora (Williams) Brugh. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Katie Mae Brugh; two brothers, Chris and Carl Brugh; and a nephew, Rodney Brugh. On November 11, 1967, in Mishawaka, as the former Marjorie Brugh, she married Carl J. "Jim" Buchmann. Surviving are her loving husband, Jim; two sons, Jim (Christie) Buchmann Jr. of Mishawaka, Mike (Shannon) Buchmann of Mishawaka; and a stepdaughter, Debra (John) Church-Smith of VanBuren, IN; seven grandchildren; a sister, Mary (Bill) Jarowyi of Ellington, FL; brothers, Joseph (Sandy) Brugh of Mishawaka, Jim (Jeanette) Brugh of Elkhart County and Sidney (Brenda) Brugh Jr. of Mishawaka. Margie worked in sales at Saturn of Michiana but her FAVORITE Job was "Grandma." She was past president of the PTA at Beiger Elementary, a former Tri-Kappa member, and a crossing guard for School City of Mishawaka. Funeral services will be held at noon on Thursday, October 8, with visitation two hours prior to services in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street, Mishawaka, with Rev. Jim Bontrager officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice @ Goshen Cancer Center. To leave the family an online condolence or to share memories with the family, please visit our website at www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

My page has turned

a chapter's closed

a brand new page

for me unfolds

and my new page

will never turn

nor for the old page

will I yearn

for my new page

is Heaven, you see

I'm home with Jesus

for eternity.

Feeling Like Fall

Trenton made it home just in time to congratulate Tyler after his big win on Friday night. He got to the high school just as we were walking out. Watching Tyler jump into his arms was a sight and a feeling I will never forget. Complete excitement.

On Saturday, Trenton ended up going to IU to watch the game against Ohio State with his girlfriend while Tyler went to the ND game with his girlfriend. Gabi had an overnight with a friend, thus leaving Ben and I to eat alone at Das Essenhaus on Saturday evening. It was a nice relaxing bit of time. Today we were all able to meet up with my parents and Chad/Amber and his family for some Fall activities. With the sad news of Aunt Margie going to be with Jesus late last night, it was just what we needed...some family time all together, to relax and to just reflect on being a family.

I made some chili and all the fixins to take over to Chad's house, my mom and dad brought donuts and bread bowls while Chad and Amber made hot apple cider. We headed over to Leininger's Farm on Douglas to pick out some pumpkins since Trenton would have to head back for a class by 5 pm today. Ran into some friends there also. We chose all different kinds of pumpkins...big ones, small ones, gourds, white ones...a nice touch to the Fall season.

Highlights of the Game!

or click here.

History Making Night!

The headlines:
High school football: Mishawaka ends Penn dominance
An estimated crowd of more than 8,000 saw the Kingsmen (6-1, 3-1 NIC) have their 153-game conference winning streak snapped dating back to 1985.
"Our defense came up huge tonight like they have for us all year," Lee said.
Tyler Carrico's fumble recovery set the stage for Lee's third tally with 4:15 remaining, which set the student body to the edge of the track to get ready for a post-game celebration."I really didn't know what to say when I saw that," Lee said. "This is great for the school and our program because a lot of people have been waiting a long time for this to happen."
MISHAWAKA 26, PENN 10
At Steele StadiumPenn 7 3 0 0 — 10
Mishawaka 6 8 6 6 — 26
First downs Penn 11 Mishawaka 19
Rushing yards Penn 122 Mishawaka 322
Passing yards Penn 63 Mishawaka 59
Passing Penn 6-18-1 Mishawaka 2-5-0
Punting Penn 3-31 Mishawaka 2-41
Fumbles lost Penn 2 Mishawaka 1
Penalties Penn 2-20 Mishawaka 1-5




I didn't get alot of photos because I wanted to film as much as I could and plus it was just getting too dark to get good pictures...I did catch the crowd swarming the field to congratulate our players after we won. Love it!!! Love the atmosphere, love the football players, coaches, the kids, the parents...everything about Mishawaka football right now. We are a good sound football team and I am glad we had the chance to prove it. Congratulations Tyler and the #1 Defense in 5A !!!!

White Out!

Seriously, what Mishawaka alumi does NOT like this shirt???????? Big game tonight...Go Cavemen!