"Monkeying" Around

No, that's not a monkey in our tree...well, technically she isn't. It's Gabi and she's enjoying the beautiful weather by climbing our front tree. She got a little disappointed with me when I told her that was all the higher she could go though.

What beautiful weather we have had lately...sunny in the 70's. I hear that is going to change though (rain for the next couple of days and a little cooler) so we are really taking advantage of playing outside! I also got some cute pics of Maizy in the process...

Ice Cream "Sundays"

It's been a couple of years now, but each summer we have fallen into a routine of having a big breakfast before church, a larger meal for lunch after church and then Sunday evenings we head to Dairy Queen as a family. It's almost tradition around our house and yesterday we started up again for this year...

Got alot accomplished this weekend again. We opted to stay in town (I know - it would have been a perfect weekend to go the campground) and we were able to get our yard groomed (mowed, weedeated, edged, put fertilizer down, put new grass seed down and also put some patch down where needed and enjoyed eating out on our new patio furniture). The yard looks really good now! The boys helped us out alot on Sunday so it didn't take us too long. Gabi played out all day while we worked...the house across the street sold and two girls (ages 6 and 8) moved in, so now she has playmates very close and it keeps her busy and content. Needless to say, because of the sun, everyone ended up with red, rosy cheeks - the boys got some red backs too. It was just a beautiful day. Couldn't have asked for a better weekend!

Columbia City Freestyle Champion

We got back from Columbia City today around 4:00 pm. Trenton had a freestyle tournament and he ended up winning out (4-0)! He even threw his first opponent for a five! I would have gotten a video of that but Tyler was in the way jumping up and down excited...oh well, I did catch a nice throw for three though...check it out below! He got a cool plaque for first place. Next stop, freestyle state in a couple of weeks!

So Long Sanjaya!

Man, I was doing the happy dance last night when Sanjaya was sent home (okay, I did kind of feel bad when I watched him cry, but that soon subsided)! I have to admit though I was nervous at first when two of the best singers were in the bottom three with him! I honestly thought Lakisha was going to go home. Thankfully and rightfully so, Sanjaya was voted off. On with American Idol and the show it is supposed to be!

Crocs - The New Fad for Kids

You have seen the new crocs the kids are all wearing...even adults. Well, I got some for Gabi for Easter because it's the new "in" thing for the kids. I was also informed of these cute little charms you can put on them and is sure to be a hit! Have you seen these??? My mom got some for Gabi (from Michael's - comes in packages of 2 for $1.99). She has a butterfly, a flower, a lizard, a ladybug, a cheerleader, a pom pom and two "g's" for her name! Check em' out! They are really cute!

Country Night on American Idol

I was so excited to watch American Idol last night because I enjoy country music and to top it off, Martina McBride was their coach and that lady can sing! I enjoyed most of it and seemed like the judges were right on with their comments and opinions. Before watching the show I didn't think Lakisha, Melinda and Sanjaya would have a very good night and I thought that Chris, Blake, Jordin and Phil would do well with it being country music. Well, it turns out, after watching, Chris didn't shine as I thought he would...didn't seem as good as usual and Melinda actually did very well with her song choice. I had never heard the song she sang before "Trouble Is" I think it was called, but she did good and it kept me listening. Sanjaya did absolutely horrible (and it's not because I don't care for the guy, he just was bad) and I am just ready for him to be gone...I was talking to my sister in law the other day and she's right...it's gonna get down to the nitty gritty and he just will NOT compare to the others...and that time is coming, sooner than later.
I really liked Phil last night (he hasn't been doing real good lately), Blake (as always) and I really enjoyed Jordin's performance! Anyways, hoping and praying Sanjaya makes his way home tonight, although I have my doubts...it will probably be Phil (because he's been in the bottom three for weeks now). Anxious to see results.

Happy Birthday Dad Reinoehl!

Happy birthday to a very special man today! Dad R...

I believe he'll be taking the day off to enjoy some fishing with Ben later this afternoon. We were able to help him celebrate on Saturday by eating dinner, cake and ice cream with Pam, Bren, and David. Please know that we all love you very much and we are wishing you the best kind of day ever!

Much Accomplished

Wow! What a weekend! We got so much done and it feels great! Saturday Ben worked most of the day while I did some shopping for odds and ends. Trenton had to pick up a 70's outfit so we went to Goodwill where they were having a 50% off sale. I ended up getting a great bargain...I have been wanting to get Gabi the game "Perfection" because that was a game I used to love at around her age. Well, in the stores it is nearly $20.00, at Goodwill there was one in a well used box (so I was a little worried), but for 75 cents - I couldn't beat it. When I got it home I took the game out and it was brand new! What a bargain! I also made it to Walmart to have the boys' wrestling pics printed out and I was able to scrapbook 3 pages! I am officially caught up in that department-and they turned out awesome!! It feels wonderful!!! Saturday evening we had dinner (compliments of David) with Dad R, Pam, Bren and Dave!!! We had cake and ice cream for Dad Rs birthday (Tuesday). Pam loves to break out the board games so we had a fun time playing Scattegories...
Today we got lots done!!! Gabi had a birthday party to attend so my parents offered to take her so we could get an early start on setting up our campsite. It was the best day of the weekend so we thought we better jump on it. Got the camper settled in, got a list of what we'd like to get for the campsite, raked, moved the firepit, had lunch with the boys and headed back. Ben got the beautiful patio furniture up and together - looks great! I was able to sweep out all three cars and shampooed the Yukon and van out (since I'll be using it these next few days).
It feels wonderful being caught up - only have the wrestling videos to get on a DVD and I think I'll get that done this week. Got most of my Spring cleaning done this week (with the kids gone back to school) - shampooed all the furniture and rugs, only have the windows and powerwashing to do. Have to wait on better weather though for that.
I'll leave you with pics of our campsite - we are excited. Beautiful view of the channel and lake, close to the park and met some great neighbors...Looking forward to some nice weather!!!

Bedtime Cheese Ritual

Ever since Maizy was a puppy and started sleeping in our room (when she was just about a year old) I have been giving her a piece of cheese before bedtime. It used to be the time to really have her learn her tricks and she would do them all before getting the cheese...sit, speak, shake, lay down, roll over (well, she never really learned roll over). It's so funny because she just expects the cheese now. As soon as she sees me get in the bed to bunker down she heads over to my side of the bed and lays her head over the side just waiting patiently. She looks so cute, ears perked up and all!!!
Last night Gabi got in on the fun and even got a kiss from Maizy!

No More Boot!

We just got back from the doctor's office and we are very happy to report that Tyler no longer has to wear the black boot! He is so glad!! The doctor said he has great bone growth and he is doing good as far as moving his foot like he should be. The doctor explained how he should be sure to walk heel to toe and not sliding the foot, which will be hard to get used to, and he can even start some physical activity...not necessarily a full blown run but he can start moving. The nurse fit him for a lace up brace to wear for the next two weeks and at that point the doctor is hoping he can set him free without physical therapy (as long as he continues as well as he has been). For it being under 6 weeks Tyler is doing very well!

Braggin' Rights

Tyler got his stat sheet on the wrestling season this year. Granted, he didn't finish the season because of his broken leg, I think he still deserves some braggin' rights! Tyler holds many records for the school. The first being a two year leader (out of 7 categories) for takedowns (61), near falls (46), tech falls (3) and pin falls (30). He was a season leader - for the year 2006 (out of 9 categories) for most takedowns (45), most near falls (33), most tech falls (2), most pin falls (22), most wins (33) and most individual championships (5). His most honorable record is a career record in 3 out of 8 categories: most takedowns (61), most near falls (33), and most tech falls (3). It is sad to think he probably could have beaten MANY more records if he could have finished his season out. But, that's okay, he certainly has left a big standard for those wrestlers coming up behind him. Great job, Tyler!
Here is a picture that a friend, Kathy, caught at the Big 11 Championships...it is touching to hear the story behind it (as told by Ben)...Tyler was watching the championship match for his weight class (115 lbs.) by himself when Ben caught glimpse of him. Ben immediately dismissed himself from the other coaches telling them he wanted to go and be with Tyler. They just stood and watched and Tyler quietly said to Ben, "that should have been me in that championship match, dad." Ben replied, "I know Tyler, it would have been..., but that's okay" and they finished watching the match in silence.
PS- We have a doctor's appointment today for his foot also...looking forward to some good news!

Thoughts...

Something I got in an email that I thought was cool and really made me think and thought I would share...

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person that wasn't supposed to ever let you down probably will. You will have your heart broken probably more than once and it's harder every time. You'll break hearts too, so remember how it felt when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and you'll eventually lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt because every sixty seconds you spend upset is a minute of happiness you'll never get back.
Don't be afraid that your life will end, be afraid that it will never begin."

Little People, Big World

Thought I'd put a plug in for a show (Little People, Big World) that I watched last year and a new season starts up again tonight. I don't even know why or how I started watching it...I think there was a marathon of the season on one Sunday during the Summer and I got caught up watching it. Ben makes fun of me because I enjoy watching it...it follows the Roloff family and it is fun to watch another family (I know - another reality show) with kids close to the ages I have I guess...does that make sense? The family consists of two small people as parents and they have 4 children (two are teenage twins, one is small and the other is normal; and then they have 2 other younger normal children). Anyways, it is on the TLC and premiers tonight at 8 pm, I believe...if you catch it, let me know what you think!! : )

Happy Easter!

We had a great Easter! We got up and had our annual Easter egg hunt (Ben hid the eggs from the kids) inside this year and they found them all. Gabi got a new bathing suit, a pair of Crocs, Charlotte's Web and a Wilbur pig to go along. Tyler got a "Washington DC" themed basket (money for DC and a disposable camera) and Trenton got money also. All the kids got candy (of course). We went to church with my family and later ate a GREAT lunch at my parent's house (prime rib, corn, potatoes, salad, noodles, rolls, jello eggs, and pie to name what I saw) with Chad, Amber, Presley and Addison. The kids also got an Easter basket from them as well. My parent's gave the boys some cash in their eggs and Gabi got some pajamas and the movie Happy Feet. After lunch we went over to Ben's dad's house to look for our Easter baskets. He always supplies us with LOTS of candy as well. We were able to visit with David, Jeff, Pam and Bren also. We got to catch some of our favorite movie about Jesus's life (Ben thinks they couldn't have found a better guy to play the part of Jesus) - The Greatest Story Ever Told on the History Channel and we even played some Taboo (which was fun)! We made it home around 4 ish and we broke out the Charlotte's Web movie - GREAT ONE! We loved it! The animation was awesome - two thumbs up from the Reinoehl clan! Anyways, Happy Easter to all - hope everyone had a great day! Enjoy the pics from our day...

Snowy and Busy Day

I finally got my patio furniture that I wanted this evening. Granted, it is still in the boxes and probably will be for a few more days, because of this dreadful weather we have gotten! What a rotten thing to wake up to - a couple inches of snow and white out conditions! YUCK!!! We did manage to get up out of bed and Ben, Tyler, Gabi and I went to brunch at Cracker Barrel. Trenton decided to stay at home because he was not feeling well (we think he tried to do a little too much yesterday after being at home and in bed all week). After brunch we headed on down the toll road to look at our seasonal site. Believe it or not, there were people camping in this weather!!! We were shocked and kind of amused at the sight of some of them - huddled in winter jackets around a campfire...LOL. We were, however, very pleased with our sight. It is on a corner so we only have one neighbor and it is also settled across from the channel leading into the lake, so we will have a nice view as well. We took down some notes on some things we would like to get for the campsite and looked to see if we will be able to get the camper in position when we bring it. All looks well. We are excited. Took pictures and off we went - Ben thought a little jog (15 minutes up the road) to Coldwater would be nice...to visit Gander Mountain. It was a nice little trip, Ben found some things for fishing. We were home by 4 ish and we decided to go ahead and get our patio furniture. So excited! Now it's off to get ready for the big visit from the Easter Bunny...

Creamy Bow-Tie Pasta

Fixed this recipe on Wednesday night and all the kids loved it! I always feel I have accomplished much and struck it rich when I find something everyone loves!!!! Trenton even ate some for breakfast on Thursday morning! We LOVE it!

Creamy Bow-Tie Pasta with Chicken and Broccoli
prep: 10 min. total: 25 min.
3 c. (8oz) farfalle (bow-tie pasta), uncooked
4 c. broccoli florets
3 Tbsp. Kraft Roasted Red Pepper Italian with Parmesan Dressing
6 small boneless skinless chicken breast halves (1 1/2 lbs)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 c. tomato-basil spaghetti sauce
4 oz. (1/2 of an 8 oz. pkg.) Philadelphia Neufchatel Cheese, cubed
1/4 c. Kraft 100% Grated Parmesan Cheese

Cook pasta as directed on package, adding broccoli to the cooking water for the last 3 min. of the pasta cooking time. Meanwhile, heat dressing in large nonstick skillet on medium heat. Add chicken and garlic; cook 5 min. Turn chicken over; continue cooking 4-5 min or until chicken is cooked through (170 degrees).
Drain pasta mixture in colander; return to pan and set aside. Add pasta sauce and cream cheese to chicken in skillet; cook on medium low heat 2-3 minutes or until cream cheese is completely melted, mixture is well blended and chicken is coated with sauce, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm. Add sauce mixture to pasta mixture; mix well. Transfer to 6 serving bowls.
Cut chicken crosswise into thick slices; fan out chicken over pasta mixture in each bowl. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
Makes 6 servings, about 1 1/2 cups each.

Easter Eggs

I haven't gotten anymore of my spring cleaning done...partly because I am waiting for the kids to go back to school (to do carpets and furniture) and partly because of the weather (can't really do anything outside like windows). Oh well, what I have done is a start. Yesterday we did get groceries, as usual and managed to eat dinner together as a family. We haven't done that in a while - with wrestling, Trenton is gone Monday night, Tuesday night, Wednesday night, and Thursday night! It has been nice with him getting a break so we can all spend some time together. Back to last night...we colored our Easter eggs! Some may think the boys would not be interested but they joined right in with Gabi and had a great time!

Ben is working a little while today (triple time pay!) and then we have some plans. Tonight we are taking the kids and Trenton's friend, Angaleana, to bowl and eat at Hacienda. We think Trenton is well enough to venture out by now and he has cabin fever, so this is a good opportunity. Not looking forward to the 2-4 inches of sn.. they are forcasting (yes, I can't get myself to say it) and we are hoping and wishing it bypasses us. We'll just have to wait and see...have a great "Good Friday." Let us not forget what today is all about.

American Idol Update

As you can see I haven't written much on American Idol...partly because I haven't been able to watch it as much as I had hoped and partly because I am so disappointed that Sanjaya has beaten out so many good singers already and he is STILL on the show! I just vowed to Ben last night, if Sanjaya wins American Idol this year, I will NEVER watch the show again. It's absolutely ridiculous! I was very disappointed that Gina left last night. I do, however, still like Chris and Blake (guys) and of course, Melinda and LaKisha (girls).
I guess I'll just continue to catch bits and pieces of the show when I can and continue to hope Sanjaya leaves every week...but as for now, not sure if that will ever happen. I can certainly say I am disappointed with American Idol this season.

Spring Today, Winter Tomorrow

Yes, you heard right...sunny and 70 degrees today and calling for a high of 39 degrees and snow tomorrow! That is definitely Indiana weather. Thought I would share some photos of Gabi and Maizy enjoying the outdoors while we can...

Started my spring cleaning today (washed all curtains, washed down all blinds, cleaned the ceiling fans)

To do list...clean stove, shampoo rugs, shampoo furniture, powerwash house and clean the windows.

We were hoping to take the camper down to our site this weekend, but with the weather being so yucky we may wait. Trenton is doing well...still has the headaches and is tired; Tyler can't wait till next week when he doesn't have to wear the boot anymore on the broken leg; Gabi is just enjoying her time off - got to spend the night with maw maw and paw paw last night and had a wonderful time; Maizy is happy to have someone home this week to throw the ball to her; and Ben, well, he's just been workin' as usual.

Spring break so far...??? Not much to brag about at this point...wishing we were laying on a beach somewhere in 80 degree weather listening to the waves crashing on the shore...maybe next year : )

Bacterial Pneumonia

Disappointing that there is no April fool here...We had a very big scare on Wednesday evening after I posted last on my blog. Trenton finished wrestling practice so Ben went to go get him and Ben called me on his cell phone. He said he was very worried about Trenton, that he was shaking uncontrollably and was not making sense at all when he would talk. Ben said it was almost seizure like. I told Ben to get him home and Trenton could get cleaned up in the bath tub and relax and we could check him out. I was not expecting Trenton to be acting like he was when he came in the house. He could barely stand up on his own and was indeed shaking uncontrollably. Trenton would tell us he was freezing and he had a bad headache. I told Ben to go ahead and take him to the nearest emergency room and to call me from there. At first the hospital thought he was having an anxiety attack but after taking a blood test, noticed his blood count was 16,000 (normal being 10,000) so they knew something bad was attacking Trenton's body. Ben called me about 11:00 pm and relayed this information and said they would be doing a spinal tap. I knew this was bad so I immediately set out for the hospital, leaving Gabi and Tyler with Uncle Dave. We didn't get the results until 1:30 am when they told us they thought it was meningitis and would not know if it was viral or bacterial for 48 hours and he would need to be admitted. They told us at this point it looked viral, but the tech saw a few bacteria in the spinal fluid and it needed to be confirmed in the morning. Trenton was admitted at 4 am on Thursday morning. This, of course, turned out to be a false alarm...no bacteria causing bacterial meningitis. After a couple of long days and on Friday morning the tests results came back as no meningitis at all, rather it was bacterial pneumonia. This being said, Trenton would continue the IV antibiotics and wait until they grew the bacteria out completely just to be 100% sure it was nothing else. After a spinal tap, many blood tests, a CT scan of the head, chest x-rays, and a TB test, Saturday morning Dr. Jagger confirmed everything...bacterial pneumonia (showing up on the chest x-ray). He took Trenton off the IV and said we would continue with oral antibiotics and he would check on him later in the evening. He got discharged when Dr. Jagger came back. Trenton is surely not 100% but he is feeling better. It will probably take a good week until he has his appetite back and feels normal. He is very tired, has chest pain, headache and is just plain wore out. Needless to say, Trenton is glad to be home now and in his own bed. We are just very thankful that this is the outcome and it wasn't meningitis or anything worse. Thanks to all who have been praying for us and please continue to pray for Trenton as he continues to heal.