Adams

Last night was our first dual meet. The team won as a whole (69-3), while Trenton pinned his opponent in 1:23 and Tyler won by forfeit for the JV team (so unfortunately he was unable to wrestle). The moms get together each year to make "flags" for the boys and hang them in the gym during the wrestling season. They looked very cool!
We had some great support - my parents, Ben's dad and his brother, aunt Annie and her son David, Kristi and Marissa (Tyler's gf and mom) and a good friend, Bill, all showed up to watch our boys last night. It was awesome! It's so good to hear Trenton say, "I am so excited for this season!" A very welcome change in attitude, especially while controlling his weight.













**That's uncle Dave with Gabi standing above Trenton's flag!

Tis' The Season

More on this little cutie girl and her wish list later...

My Wish List

I think it's fun to see what people like and want for Christmas so I thought I would share some things I would love to have (even though I usually do not get alot of these and that's okay, it's just fun to wish).
Been wanting to get one of these for a while now...just waiting till we had extra cash (as you can see, haven't got it yet). My only specification would be a 2 GB - I am not picky.
Have been going on wild goose chases lately for this one. Trying to get the best deal - can't see spending over $50 for one but would really like a 7 inch.
Can't get enough of these. Specifically sugar cookie, clean cotton, lilac blossoms, sweet strawberry, oatmeal cookie and country linen.
My favorite perfume - not expensive and easy to find.
Can always use these - especially around picture taking times.
I need this badly, my stash just recently ran out. I love Pearberry (but it's not available anymore), but I like Black Raspberry Vanilla and Country Apple the best.
I need one of these also for my purse - mine is worn. I have seen some cute ones at the Scrapbooking store.
I am very interested in this book and this one.
Been interested in this for some time (specifically mesa red, classic black, windsor navy or cambridge), just never wanted to pay full price for one.
Love this and cute ones like it. Can never get enough to accessorize with. $30 seems too much though, could probably find something like it for less.
Love this television show - it never could grow old - a show with values and lessons.
Don't laugh when you see this. Fan of the show - like the saying.
Last but not least...gift cards to here, here, or here.
See my whole list here (look up the list by my name). It's fun to create one when you have the time. Enjoy.

Thanksgiving Day

Had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Very different with us not hosting it, but it was fun. The boys started the day by going hunting. Trenton took along his buddy, Caleb, from school. They both ended up getting bucks. Trenton got a 4 point and Caleb a button buck. The boys were ecstatic. Trenton's first buck! Dressed out at 127 lbs.

I made sweet potato casserole and this to go along with my mom's GREAT Thanksgiving dinner. It was nice to visit with Uncle Kenny and Aunt Sharon at my parents' house to start the afternoon off. Ben got nice and cozy after the meal on the couch and took a nap while the rest of us either surfed the internet, looked through ads or watched some football. We were able to visit with Ben's side - Pam, Jeff, Bren, Dave and Dad R. later. We had a good time playing this. To end the day, we met at Chad's house to visit with him, Amber and the girls. Had some desserts and played some Scene It. Beautiful day...the sun stayed out all day and ended with a pretty snowfall. So much to be thankful for. Happy Thanksgiving! Pictures from our day here.

Thankful

* My husband - who is patient with me and always sees the good in everything. His positiveness.
* My children - three beautiful children...one who is passionate about all he does, one who is a total teddy bear, and one who is silly and gorgeous at the same time! What a combo!
* Our parents and siblings - who support us and our children in all we do, we couldn't ask for a better support network. Their love keeps us afloat.
* Our God - a forgiving and loving God.
* Our Country - where we are free to make decisions in all aspects. Freedom. Our troops for keeping that.
* Friends - who listen when I need to vent. Who care.

Have a happy Thanksgiving!

Love these!

Oprah

Some great things on Oprah this week! One I am thoroughly looking forward to is Oprah's Favorite Things show tomorrow! I have always wished I could get tickets for that particular show, ha, yeah, I know, wake up! It's fun to watch and gets you in the Christmas spirit. Wednesday's show is also going to feature Miley Cyrus - Gabi is looking forward to that one. I believe that day they are going to unveil a new American Girl Doll on the show as well on Wednesday. Check out Oprah's schedule here. One particular show I did enjoy was when she featured Randy Pausch, a dying man who gives a lecture meant for his children. Very emotional and had great advice. Gives you a new perspective. One point I liked was the three parts to an authentic apology - 1. I am sorry, 2. It was my fault, and 3. How do I make it right? I enjoyed the lecture so much I put it on the side of my blog. Check it out here or there. Are you a Tigger or an Eeyore?

Build-A-Rudolph

Yesterday Gabi and I had a girls day out. After early service at church, the boys took off hunting since it was the second day of the start of gun season. Gabi and I decided to eat here for lunch (Gabi's choice-she ordered popcorn shrimp and I got my favorite, seafood stuffed flounder) and made a trip to the mall. Gabi had a gift card to Build-A-Bear from her birthday party and she had recently saw a commercial for Rudolph and Clarice there. She mentioned she would love to get one. Immediately she wanted both, but I explained it would cost too much. She opted for Rudolph with a light up nose. VERY CUTE! We saw Santa has made his venture to the mall as well, in fact, Gabi preferred not to sit on his lap at that time. She decided to wait till it got closer, besides, she "already sent her letter to Santa so he already knows what she wants" : ) After visiting the pet store, Gingerbread Cottage, The Disney Store and Bath & Body Works, we headed home. We were both hungry for something sweet so we baked up some yummy chocolate chip cookies (the boys enjoyed them too when they got home). It was a good afternoon, fun filled and exciting to see all the Christmas decorations. Unfortunately, the only deer the boys saw was Gabi's Rudolph she made earlier in the day. Better luck next time, fellas.

Prairie Heights JV Invitational

Today was Tyler's first wrestling tournament of the year. It was individual competition rather than team so Tyler went 130 lbs (one out of 4 that went that weight). He did excellent - he exceeded our expectations of a comeback! He wrestled three times. He teched his first competitor from Northridge (15-0) and pinned the following two (one from Prairie Heights and one from DeKalb County (I think)). We had to wait a round because he had a bye and he was ready for his last match, only to find out (2 hour round and 1/2 hour wait till his bout) that the team had already left the tournament. Tyler won by forfeit. Oh well, we were so proud of him. Coming back from a hard season last year (broken ankle/leg) and working all summer long, he couldn't have given us a better show! Thanks to maw maw, paw paw and uncle Dave who all were able to come watch and support. I was disappointed, however, that the quality of my photos were not the best. I guess it's that switching from football (outside shots) to wrestling (gymnasium shots) that is hard. I'll get the hang of it though. Here are some shots from today...

Holiday Shopping Frustration So Soon!

Yes, it has begun. I saw a digital frame at Meijer in one of their recent ads - regular $59.99 with $30 off coupon on a certain date (Thursday). Well, I thought this would be a good gift for my parents to give me and mentioned it to them. Since my mom is unable to leave the daycare during the day I made my way to Meijer to purchase it. I called about 45 minutes prior to leaving and they had 3 left. So, I get there and all 3 have been sold. Well, the lady at the counter kindly calls the next closest Meijer and they say they are just putting out their last 5. I then make my way out of Meijer (after picking up some groceries - probably not even 30 minutes later) and I decide to call the Meijer just to be sure they are still there so I don't waste my time and fuel. Surprise, surprise, all 5 that were just put out have been sold. I decide to call the other two Meijers (both about 40 minutes away), only because I am on a mission now...they have both sold out as well. FRUSTRATING to say the least. A good deal passed up.

On a good note...picked up two Christmas gifts today (for Gabi) - both 1/2 off. My Christmas shopping has officially begun. Also, Tyler's first wrestling tournament tomorrow. I should have lots of pics to post. Good luck Tyler!

Hear Yoshi Talk!

I finally got a pretty decent film of our talking parakeet, Yoshi. We got him (yes, he is male) right before Gabi was born...I'd say February 0f 2000. He was a baby, my mom and I had to hand feed him for a few days. In this short video Yoshi tweets a bit (admiring himself - haha), says, "PJ" (our daschund who passed on), tweets, says "PJ" again, tweets, says "Yoshi, pretty bird, pretty yoshi," tweets, says "Maizy" (our current lab), tweets, says "Maizy" again and then tweets again. Yoshi also says, "Tyler," "Gabi," "Trenton," and "bless you" - all words he hears quite often. We love having Yoshi - he's such a unique parakeet.

American Girl

Gabi has found a new found love for her American Girl doll that she got for her birthday last year. That following Christmas (last Christmas) I got her a night gown that matched her doll but it was way too big. We decided to get it out a couple of nights ago and lo and behold, it is just a little long, but manageable. She had fun dressing her doll up just like her. They looked very "old timey" - and cute!

OMG Practice

Yesterday the boys came in from practice looking like death warmed over. Trenton had a black eye and the whole other side of his face was red, he had some bumps on the back of his head and to top it, his hand was all swollen up - thinking it was broke (confirmed today it is probably not but we have an x-ray order in case it doesn't get better in next day or so). Tyler had a black eye (from a previous practice) and the other side of his face was black and blue as well. A big knot on the back of his head too. Both boys' hair was drenched, their clothes damp and they looked terrible. We had heard of these dreadful "oh my god" practices but the boys had never experienced one, till now. "Intense" is all they had to say. 60 minutes of non stop wrestling and taking it to one another and then running and drilling. The signature OMG song they go to is "Sandstorm" (played over and over again). Trenton said the minute his coach turned it on, they all knew. It was rough - some may disagree as to the type of practice, but I myself, think it makes them tough and makes their endurance even better. It works for the team...helps them become state champs.
Correction from last post...I didn't make any hot tea...even better option...I drove to Starbucks on my way to get Gabi and got myself a Venti Caramel Macchiato (the best drink ever)!!!!
Yummy!!!
Relaxing evening last night...Tyler spent time with Marissa at her house and Trenton hung out playing guitar hero with his wrestling buddies. Both were in bed, asleep by 11:30 pm. They were tuckered! Today we are just taking it easy again...watching some football and relaxing. Go Irish! ; )

TGIF

We have been busy this week...as you can tell by my blogging...I have fallen behind somewhat.
Monday we had a wrestling meeting and Amber graciously accepted the chance of watching Gabi for us while we did that - thanks, Amber ; )
Tuesday the kids had half a day, so of course, that always makes the day go by quicker than usual. Wednesday I did circle time (as I do each week) for a couple of hours. That evening was the football banquet. Tyler made us proud...got to stand up with the football players who made high honor roll and I was glad to see they acknowledged that. We believe and hope that will continue for him. They gave out some awesome awards to the varsity team, including an MVP award that was the player's actual helmet, all shined up and lacquered...attached to a wooden plaque with little wood letters explaining the award and sporting their name, number and position. It was VERY cool!
In the midst of all the appointments we had, I have been working very hard on my claim for work (always bogs me down the first couple of weeks of the month)...but I can say, I have finally finished the claim (12:15 pm on Friday) and I can take a deep breath and relax...or can I? I know it seldom happens around here...but I think I will...make some hot tea, sit on the couch and read a magazine I got in the mail (I think it's Pottery Barn, not sure, just something to look at). Might even start making some Christmas lists...YIKES! I'll do better at posting next week, hopefully.

Wrestling season begins

Can you believe it is wrestling season again, already? Cuts were made this past week and both boys made the team at school. As far as JV/Varsity...yet to be determined. We are assuming one on JV, one on Varsity - so needless to say and with this being the case, we have a busy schedule ahead of us. Here is the schedule. Looking forward to a fun and exciting wrestling season! Below...new shoes (exact ones) the boys have ordered for the new year...Trenton chose Rulons (gray and orange) and Tyler chose Caels 3.0 (black and silver) - VERY COOL!

A Year Already

Can you believe I have been blogging for a year now?!! I ask myself...why do I do it...well, to keep everyone informed on special things that happen with us, for entertainment, but I think most importantly, for the memories...maybe this blog will be kept in "internet space" for a long while...for the kids to eventually find, as they are surfing the internet or whatever they have in the future...10, 20 years from now. I even find it fun to go back and look at what has happened this past year...to remember. I can only imagine how neat it would be for the kids to find this many years later...it would have been very cool to have the internet when my parents were raising me. Anyways, in honor of my anniversary date blogging...please leave me a comment on what you think of my blog or even what entry this past year is your favorite and why...I'd love to see what you think! Take time to surf through my blog and enjoy!!!

Pen Pals and Buggies

Went to Gabi's fall party this afternoon to celebrate with the class. They also had a party with their pen pals they have been writing to from Orchard View Elementary in Goshen. Gabi's pen pal is Korie and she is in the second grade. When describing the other kids from this school she mentioned some were ones that "go in the buggies." It took me a minute, but said, "oh, you mean, Amish..." How cute! Had lots of fun at her fall party...made foam bookmarks with their names and fall pictures (turkeys, pumpkins, etc.) and had snacks (water bottles, apple slices and cupcakes). Fun!

Idol Funny

How funny was Survivor last night! After that shady challenge a couple of weeks ago where Jaime and PG threw the challenge to get rid of either James or Aaron (ended up being Aaron)...Jaime all smug and laughing as she is doing it. Well, I have been a fan of James since the show began so I was excited when Todd gave James the immunity idol (but James didn't have to use it because Jaime and PG decided not to throw the challenge last week). Well, lo and behold, James found the other immunity idol at his camp this week so now he has two! Jaime ends up taking the one end of the immunity idol (that is no good) and thinks it is the idol! HA HA!!! James was thinking this was hilarious too...how badly I wanted them to vote out Jaime so she'd look like an idiot when she tried to use it - and that's what happened!!! It was GREAT! I have to say I am still rooting for James at this point but the preview shows Todd starting to get antsy, turning, and wanting to get rid of James next week out of fear. I am not a huge fan of Todd - he seems to be too controlling at this point, he thinks he is directing the whole game plan...I think this will be his downfall though. I do not like PG or Jean Robert...I do, however, have a liking for Frosti. At this point, he is voting with the powerhouse alliance and staying under the radar...he may go pretty far. Anxious to see next week.

Happy Halloween!

We took Gabi trick or treating last night and she got so much candy we just don't know what to do with it all! We only took her around our one circle and her bucket was full. We came back at about 6 pm - grabbed some dinner that was in the oven (chili mac), checked out the candy she got and headed out to visit family. We stopped at Chad and Amber's first to see Presley and Addy. Unfortunately, Addy wasn't feeling well so she was in bed. Presley was a very cute Jo Jo. Afterwards, we headed over to maw maw and paw paw's house. They had already given the kids their treats but Gabi wanted to show off her costume. Last stop was over to Ben's dad's house to visit with Uncle Dave, grandpa, Uncle Jeff, Aunt Pam and see Bren. He was an adorable dragon. We got our treats there and visited for a while...nice visits to say the least. Tyler went over to Marissa's house to trick or treat after wrestling practice but I guess it rained in Granger so they only hit one house. I think they just wanted to enjoy each other's company more than anything. Trenton opted for an evening at home relaxing...he has a bit of a virus...cough, sore throat. Took him to the doctor yesterday and she decided no antibiotic would work on this virus. He will have to wait it out. Lots of rest and relaxation for him. He didn't mind. Trenton had some homework anyways. All in all, a nice Halloween...not too cold, not too hot...no rain and it was nice to visit with family, even if it was quick. Thanks for the treats everyone!

Carving

Last night Tyler and Gabi carved their pumpkins (Ben and Trenton went hunting). They both opted to carve faces rather than any fancy template. I like that...shows some personality! Every one of my kids loved cleaning them out and playing in the slop more than making the face anyhow! Also, loving the beautiful sweater maw maw and paw paw got for Gabi from Justice - early Halloween present. She was proud to wear it this morning!

Halloween Party

Gabi enjoyed her overnighter with the children's department from our church. She had lots to share including the games they played. Her favorite was sticking duct tape to their bottoms to pick up candy in a relay race. They also ate walking tacos - a new favorite of hers, talked about Jesus, went on a hayride and did lots of laughing. A good time for her. She is tuckered out today though...she said they didn't get to bed till around 11:30 pm! A first for her (besides New Year's Eve)! Gabi will definitely sleep well tonight. The kids were able to get in alot of activity before the rain. Speaking of rain, it held off till the second half of the big football game last night and delayed it for about 45 minutes. The rain stopped till about 2 minutes left in the game so it wasn't bad at all...besides the score (0-28). Oh well, there is always next year.

Enjoyed a great steak dinner at Outback Steakhouse this evening (Ben, Gabi, Trenton and I) while Tyler is away to an annual Halloween party that one of his friends throws each year. They basically take up their whole cul-de-sac to party. Marissa took charge this year (Tyler gladly obliged) and got their costumes. Sorry about quality of pic...Tyler took it with his phone - what do you think?

Sticks and...leaves

This week Gabi got to "hang out" with Emma because of conferences at school...that means half days and today was a full day off! We had Gabi's conference Wednesday evening and she got all A's!!! The teacher said she is very smart and is a great student. We are enjoying the weather today...the boys went hunting this morning with Ben (each one except Tyler got a shot off...Caleb and Trenton missed, Ben hit his deer but couldn't find it afterwards - he must not have hit it that good). Anyways, back home and ready to mow the yard. Gabi is enjoying the fallen leaves and Maizy always loves the sticks to chew on!









Gabi gets to go out to Prairie Camp again for an overnight with the children's group at church this evening. It is supposed to rain but it sure is beautiful right now. We are supposed to be going to the big game tonight (Penn vs. Mishawaka) for Sectionals as well. Let's hope the weather holds out for Gabi and us both!

Autumn Sights = Changes

God has certainly been busy painting us a beautiful picture with nature lately. It seems just in the past week or so the colors have really been coming out. Last night was a beautiful harvest sunset leaving an orange glow outside - reminiscent of Fall and Halloween. Absolutely gorgeous. These are the times I take time to thank God and really start seeing some of the changes that are taking place...not only to our world outside, but here at home...

**We brought our camper home last weekend - an end to our seasonal but next year looking forward to some mobile camping

**Tyler has finished football and both boys have already started wrestling conditioning. The nice thing is they are finished by 6 pm and we get to eat dinners together again.

**Trenton's wrestling coach has already started writing colleges about Trenton to hopefully spark some interest - very excited about this, but brings to reality that next year is Trenton's senior year already! Where has the time gone!

**Gabi is getting so big! She has certainly become the chatterbox...talking on the phone with best friend, Emma, reading lots and wearing cool jewelry...enjoying being a girl. Growing too fast, I must say.

**A new fiscal year with my work...the food program. I have been so busy with material for meetings, etc - I thank God that I have had the opportunity to work at home.

Maybe that's why Thanksgiving comes so soon after the changes of Fall...I think the colors and changes really seem to spark the thankfulness in us all. It makes us stop, take a deep breath, enjoy the wonder of the outdoors and ourselves, and actually thank God for all he has given us. Happy Autumn! Welcome and embrace the changes!

Yummy Chicken Dinner

Last night I got a new recipe from the latest Kraft Foods magazine that I get. Everyone loved it! To top it off I made a yummy pumpkin bread for the Fall Season. Great dinner and it was nice to eat with everyone home and off of practice (by 5:30 pm).

"Hanging Out"

Gabi is no stranger to the saying, "hanging out" because she hears the boys talk about hanging out with their friends all the time. Well, obviously with her getting older she thinks she gets to "hang out" too. Lately, she has been using the telephone to call her best friend, Emma. They have been talking just about every evening for the past week or so for about 1/2 hour at a time or so. Needless to say, it is cute to hear their conversations, or at least hear Gabi talking to Emma. Well, now she has come to the conclusion they need to hang out. So, apparently through these discussions the girls have been having, they decided they would "hang out" over the weekend. Well, Gabi never said anything to me until Friday. I had to try and explain that she shouldn't make plans with anyone without asking mommy and daddy first. Sunday came along and the boys decided to try their luck at hunting. I had talked with Emma's mom and friend, Lina Friday and we had discussed possibly getting them together on Sunday since her hubby would be working. It worked out. We took the girls to see The Game Plan - VERY CUTE MOVIE. We really enjoyed it and even though it was only a couple of hours...it looks like Gabi and Emma got to "hang out" after all and they certainly had a good time.

Irish Game Day

We were able to witness history yesterday...the second worst defeat at home for the Irish. Sad. I must say we had a very good time until about the second half and then it just got to be boring and actually pretty pitifull. We did have some highlights up to that point...we stopped in at Jimmy Johns for lunch before dropping Gabi off to my parents (thanks mom and dad for keeping her!) and heading to the game at about 12:30. We were invited to hang out at a couple of tailgate parties...the first one being at Pinnacle Software. Their tent was cool...burgers and brats, chips, salad, cookies, doughnuts, and fruit. We talked to our friend from school, Brian, for a while and headed out to meet cousins, Mike, Shannon and their family. We got to play with Briella, visit with Mike & Shannon and family and grabbed a drink. Ben wanted to meet up with Duane (friend from work and got us the tickets for the day's game). His wife works in the athletic department at ND and she was helping out with the Monogram Dinner in the Joyce Center. Duane got us into that dinner complete with wings, pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw and brownies. Very cool to be so "important." By that time we were ready to get into our seats for the game. We only had about 20 minutes to kick off. Our tickets ended up being tickets from the 1977 championship team. Yes, these particular tickets were for a player from that team and family but they were unable to attend. So, needless to say, we found ourselves amongst some legendary football players from Notre Dame. Luckily, Ben had a program and a pen so we got some great autographs. Amongst some of the players we sat by were Ken MacAfee, Ken Dike (Irish defensive lineman and senior in 1977), and Ben sat right next to Steve Dover (halfback on the 1977 championship team). Mr. Dover had fun pointing out all the players that were there to be honored at the beginning of the game and it was interesting listening to stories he told. He even said that Joe Montana was supposed to be there but couldn't make it because his son had a football game. It was cool. All three legends that sat near us (mentioned above) signed our program . Along with the honoring of the 1977 team, a group of military skydivers landed into the stadium before the game. That was neat too...although we saw one that had to be carried off because he landed too hard and broke his leg. Anyways, regardless of the score at the end, we had a pretty good day...beautiful weather for a football game. We were tuckered out by the time we got home (after finishing off the day at Between the Buns for dinner). Here are some pictures from our day.

Undefeated Washington

Except they are not undefeated anymore! Yep, our team beat the 7-0 team with a score of 18-6! What a game! Tyler didn't do too bad...Ben and I both agree that his 35 yard catch was the "game changing play." The team seemed to really take hold of the game and go for it after that. It was an awesome play to say the least. The game was supposed to be at home and I was looking forward to that because of the "feeling" and the announcing. Unfortunately, because of the day's rain, the school didn't want to mess up the field for sectionals this Friday. Washington offered to host the game. It was very muddy but I knew Tyler and probably the rest of the team would just love it. Boys are like that ya know. They live for dirt and mud and tackling! Anyways, great game and it was exciting to see the boys could pull out the stopper for this team. Nice ending to a fun season. I want to say thank you to cousin and "coach" Mike for all his hard work and taking care of Tyler this year. It went by too fast!

Another Season of Little People

Little People, Big World started another season last night! I am absolutely loving it this time...they rented a huge motor home for a vacation to Yosemite (the place Matt proposed to Amy 20 years ago). Ben laughs because I enjoy this show but there is just something about it...I guess seeing there are other families in reality tv that is more "real." The bickering amongst the kids, the struggles in school to get good grades, the nit picking between the parents and then the love that brings them all together. It's fun to watch ... if you haven't checked it out yet...the show is on TLC Monday nights at 8 pm. There are usually two back to back new episodes. And if you do check it out...let me know what you think.

Last weekend...Fall Fest!

Our last weekend at Yogi (our seasonal) was bittersweet. Chad, Amber and kids made reservations for this weekend as well so we were able to camp our last weekend with them. The theme was Fall Fest and it sure felt that way. The setting was perfect for Fall Fest ... leaves starting to come off the trees, cool temps, not many campers and decorations sporting the Fall season. We didn't do much as far as activities this weekend...we put an "all nighter" log on the fire for Saturday and just basically sat around eating, drinking coffee, talking and enjoying each other's company. Friday night Trenton and I enjoyed bingo for the last time this season, hoping to win since not many people were there...but our luck wasn't very good. No winnings for us. Saturday morning we took the kids to see Yogi and Boo Boo for picture time. The campground offered some bean soup and cornbread during the lunch hour and we all had some of that...some had more than others...huh hmm....Chad...Trenton...huh hmm. But it was definitely good and worth the $2.30. They also offered caramel apple making so Amber and I took Gabi and Presley to make a couple. Yummy! Gabi enjoyed it. Chad and Amber brought some popcorn to make on the fire along with some delicious apple cider (with cinnamon candies) that we cooked over the open fire. It tasted good and kept us nice and warm. My parents kept Tyler overnight Friday (because of football practice Sat. morning) and brought him up Saturday afternoon during a visit with us. We enjoyed deer brats, hot dogs and chili for dinner that evening. It felt like all we did was eat and talk...but that's okay. We had a great time. S'mores and pudgy pies were the snack of choice after dark...pizza and fruit/cream cheese. I think Chad and Trenton ate the most that day and payed for it Saturday evening. Trenton was complaining of an upset stomach overnight and when we got up Sunday, Chad mentioned he was up too! Anyways, Sunday we loaded everything up - got lots done...it was very bittersweet (enjoy pics here). I think I am ready for the camping season to be over but we are leaving with so many good memories. It was a great summer and we are looking forward to some mobile camping next year...hopefully, with Chad and Amber (since they have a camper now). I leave now with camper emptied out, lots of stuff we took with us to find places for now at home, camper washed, camper cleaned out, laundry washed and drying, sleeping bags ready to be washed and the boys off hunting.....

Clay

Tyler's team won last night 24-6, which doubled our joy since Tyler had an awesome game as well. Tyler was in on a bunch of tackles including a couple solo tackles. He had an interception while playing corner. The team played some awesome defense and the offense was coming on stronger with the blocking as well. We were excited to see Tyler go in as quarterback for the fourth quarter. He threw a touchdown pass (as seen in the video below) while running a screen but sadly, it was called back because of holding. The video is funny because Tyler backpeddles and all you see is the Clay team coming full force after him as he lobs the football over their heads. Check it out below! Great game Tyler! Pictures here.

Famous?

About a week and a half ago, Trenton's wrestling buddy from out of town called him and said Trenton was in the Wrestling USA magazine! Ben thought we had a subscription to the magazine but come to find out, we don't. We just receive free ones every once in a while as a trial I guess. I called and ordered this particular magazine...the October 1, 2007 issue and sure enough, Trenton is in there - along with lots of other wrestlers from Indiana. I believe the picture was taken at Freestyle State. If you look real close you can see Dave has been made famous too!
Here is the link to get a free trial magazine.

Apple Orchard

Got to go on a field trip today with my baby, Gabi. Their second grade classes went to Kercher's Apple Orchard. The kids made special apple print t-shirts for the occasion and I must say, they looked very cute! The kids were able to pick three golden delicious apples (FYI: only 10% of their apple crop survived the cold spring spell earlier in the year), watch a movie about apples, pick out a small gourd, and enjoyed peanut butter crackers and apple cider before heading back to the school. Great weather for the event. Fun time!

Deceptively Delicious

Watched Oprah yesterday...Jessica Seinfeld was on and she shared that she was absolutely tired of fighting with her kids when it came to eating their vegetables at mealtime. When feeding her infant one day she realized that while pureeing veggies for her infant and preparing a meal for her children - they happened to be the same color and why not combine them just to sneak it in their diet. It worked...the kids didn't even know it. I think this lady's on to something! I enjoyed listening to her story and reading about some of her meals. Granted my boys are older...Tyler doesn't care for too many veggies and Gabi...well, let's just say we practically have to threaten her to get her to eat them. Trenton...he's complete opposite. We call him the garbage disposal-not too worried about him. Anyways...I may try a recipe or two sometime. I mean, hey, when you can sneak cauliflower into a cookie and not even know it...that's big.

"The Olden Days"

Gabi to me Saturday evening, sitting by the fire..."I wish I would have known daddy in the olden days."
I said, "what do you mean?"
Gabi replies, "you know, back when he had hair."

*Second time she's made reference to her poor daddy's head = )

Monster Bash!

What a beautiful weekend! Sunny and in the 80's!!! Talk about an Indian Summer! Wow...we couldn't have asked for better weather for us to go to the campground. Feeling sorry for the boys, we allowed them to each take a friend with us this weekend (Trenton brought Paul and Tyler brought Zach). Not only good for them, but good for us - as we had plans on bringing alot of our "stuff" home this weekend to start clearing out our seasonal. The more the merrier (and stronger). Ben borrowed a small u-haul type trailer to bring back most of our things. Instead of pitching a tent, the boys decided to call it their "mini" camper and sleep in it. It was very clean and Ben had lots of extra blankets inside to cover the flooring for them. Had plenty of room, if not more than the tent we had. It did, however, seem to smell of teenage boys in the mornings after they had closed up the door and kept the air trapped inside during the night. We aired it out during the day though : )

Gabi was able to finish off her ceramics...last one we had and last ceramics for the season I believe, worked out well. She painted a butterfly. The campground had trick or treating again this weekend and I was sure to bring candy this time. Gabi dressed in her old ballet leotard as a ballerina and off we went. Afterwards, was a dance...the Monster Bash. We didn't stay long...just long enough for Gabi to dance a little and watch Yogi, Cindy and Boo Boo get their groove on. Highlights of the weekend included a caterpillar and a snake. Gabi caught the caterpillar, put it in her bug catcher and found it Sunday morning starting to make a cocoon. Very cool. We brought it home. Paul and Trenton caught a garter snake...guess it made them feel like the Crocodile Hunter...needless to say, we did not bring that home. Got lots accomplished with the manpower...busy weekend. One last weekend to go...camper coming home next. Enjoy pictures here.

The Mom Song

Hilarious!

Mishawaka

12-48: Score from last night...another loss, and to our big rival and Trenton's former school...Penn High School. Tyler had a great game personally. He had three solo tackles, had a first down on a quarterback sneak and got to play free safety instead of cornerback, a position Tyler really enjoys. We got to see lots of our friends from Penn, it was fun to watch Penn's boys. Alot of them grew up with Tyler and actually played in the Rocket League with him and Ben coached some of them at Tyler's middle school just in the last couple of years. It was great to see them play and we wish the absolute best for them in the year's to come. It was also good to see our friends just down the road from us...the Hummer family. One of the nicest families you'd meet. Their son, Michael, has grown up with Tyler, played Rocket together, and wrestled together as well. Kathy took some awesome pics of Tyler and has for many years for me. She loves her camera - just like me! I appreciate her generosity when it comes to that. She's always thinking of everyone else's son. Anyways, here are some pics of last night's game...thanks again, Kathy!

Photos (Clockwise): Tyler on ground helping out on a tackle, Tyler running the ball as quarterback sneak for first down, Team talking to coach and Tyler as quarterback.

Special thanks to Bill - a forever friend of our family...we appreciate him coming to watch Tyler play. Aunt Becky also was able to come with Aunt Annie to watch the game, along with the normal Reinoehl/Brugh crowd...we appreciate your support and we are glad you got to see Tyler play this year. Only two more games left and I feel like we just started. What a difference...I honestly don't want the season to end, we are having such a great time!

Second One!

It seems Tyler is hitting the jackpot this year! Look what he got again, well, sort of...instead of a doe...a buck! A ten point buck and weighing 160 lbs! The kids got out of school early Wednesday and decided to hunt again. Seems Trenton has some catching up to do!!! : ) I think Tyler wants to get this one's head mounted...great job, Tyler! I think I may have him pick out some lotto numbers!!!

"Wonderful"

Last night while we were verifying the friends that the boys would bring camping this weekend...
Gabi - "The boys get to bring a friend?"
Me - "Yes, they get to bring someone this weekend, you will get me and daddy all to your self!"
Gabi, with hands on hips, serious look on face, eyes wide open - "So, instead of 2 brothers, I will have 4 brothers...wonderful, just wonderful" and she walks away with a disgusted look and a long sigh.

She is just getting too big for her age!

Shots

Took Trenton to get a flu shot today at the Health Department...$20. Still not sure if I will get Gabi one - it seems every year I get her one, she gets the flu anyways and the Dr. says, "there are many different strands of the flu and perhaps the strand she has, she was not vaccinated for." 'What's the point then?' is my question. Got Trenton his vaccine now so if he has any reaction, it will be before wrestling season. I figured with his illness earlier in the year I should go ahead and get it done. Can't believe October is here already! Happy Fall.