Break From Spring Break

Is there such a thing??? We didn't have anything planned so this week has been moving quite slowly...especially with "bored" kids. Luckily, Trenton has a roof to do the next couple of days so he will be busy there and Ben has some work for Tyler at his work. Unfortunately, Gabi has had to "hang out" with her friends earlier this week because alot of them have family coming from out of town or are going away for Easter. I have been able to get quite a bit finished as far as getting things organized for Trenton's graduation party...which is going to be the end of May. I have gotten all our invites stuffed with his senior pictures, printed his party invitations (have to stuff those), started going through his sporting pictures for the party and collected all our printed photos to be used for display for the party. Shew! Alot going on for me! I plan to do some spring cleaning next week when the kids are gone again. Today I took the kids for lunch at Taco Bell and went on a short walk at Battell Park. Got some nice photos of all three of the kids together.

Productive Weekend

We got alot done this weekend...in fact, it was very productive. Ben and the boys went fishing on Saturday morning but caught nothing but grass pike. Must have been too cold...Ben blames it on the cold front coming through. They were home by 3 pm and we got on the yard as a family. Tyler power raked while Trenton and I raked the yard by hand to get piles of dead grass. Ben worked on pulling out 2 large bushes that basically swallowed our front sidewalk to our front door. He also trimmed up many bushes and helped everyone else out where he could. 12 bags of dead grass and trimmings later and exactly 3 hours later, we finished. Sore and tired, we ordered a couple of pizzas from Papa Johns and relaxed all evening (the boys watched some basketball). I must say the yard looks better and the front of our house...wow, opens it up alot with the bushes gone. We enjoyed Sunday church by watching Presley sing for Palm Sunday and grabbed Slumdog Millionaire to watch. Trenton and his girlfriend, Alayna, saw the movie a few weeks ago and came back with rave reviews. I must say, I was impressed. Good movie. I can see why it received many awards. Sad, because if it hadn't have received the awards, I wouldn't have known anything about it. Anyways, if you haven't seen the movie...worth watching. So, now the rain has arrived...snow to come. Not excited about that one.

Cardinal

Gabi was soooo excited to go to school this morning. She was actually looking forward to doing her first oral presentation on Cardinals. She got 100% and did an excellent job! She was so proud!!!
In other news...LOVED LOVED LOVED the series finale of ER last night. Made me cry...touched on death, new life, and teen drinking. Did a great job with most of the original cast members. I haven't watched the show since a couple of years ago and the magic was still there! Loved it.
Also trying out this twitter craze. Saw it on the today show...Kathy Lee Gifford was talking about it so I thought I would see what it is all about. Definitely for texting fanatics but could be fun...I can see where it could get annoying though. Anyways, check it out.
Definitely ready for the weekend...not much planned for Spring Break and not looking forward to the cold weather.

April Fools!

This little stinker has been waiting for this day all week...she had her joke all planned out and it worked on Tyler this morning! She begged me to have cereal in the morning on April Fool's Day with the boys. She took the plastic bags out of the boxes and switched them all around. Sure enough...Tyler poured fruit loops when he thought he was pouring cocoa puffs. Lots of giggles!!! April Fools!!!

Penn Freestyle Tournament

Today we got back into the ISWA scene with the Penn Freestyle Tournament. Trenton went 152 lbs. and got first place. He wrestled a total of 5 times and did AWESO ME! Trenton was extremely happy to get back on the mat but at the end of the day when it was all said and done he was exhausted. In fact, he is in his bed right now (7:45 pm) crashed out...he may even sleep all night. We were so proud of him and I took every moment, every match in because we aren't sure what to expect in the years to come with him going away to college. We are very proud of Trenton today and glad he got the "itch" to get back on the mat. Actually, at the end of the tournament we heard Tyler say, "man, I want to wrestle so bad" but he can't just yet because of his leg. Our boys have definitely found the sports they love.

Opinions

So yes, I still have been on a reality tv kick as of lately. I have also finished the Twilight series...all four books...Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. And I watched the movie on Saturday night. My opinions....
Well, first off Twilight is my absolute favorite book right now. LOVED LOVED LOVED it. I have to admit I kind of scanned through some parts of Eclipse because I was waiting for Edward to return. Eclipse was better. I guess more action. Can't wait to see that one in the theatres. Breaking Dawn was slow for me at first but got much better toward the end. The author ties everything up very nicely. Not sure how a movie would be from that book. I guess it just needs a good director. Anyways, if you haven't read Twilight...get it and read it. Very good book. It leaves you wanting more obviously so be prepared to get the remaining of the series.
The movie itself was okay. It was low budget but the characters were exactly as described in the book and what I pictured. Not bad acting from actors up and coming with little experience. I enjoyed seeing the book come to life. Like I said, anxious to see New Moon but I think Eclipse will be very good.
On to reality tv...two shows I actually watch and they are American Idol and Survivor. My favorite singers on American Idol have to be Allison for the girl...this is a 16 year old young lady who can sing! Love her. I also have grown to like Matt (plays the piano) and and I still enjoy Danny. I think he will be in the finals. Adam surprised me last night and cleaned himself up. He has proven to be an all out edgy rocker and a smooth well dressed crooner who can really sing! I still am a big fan of Scott...the blind singer who also plays piano. Very talented. Check out American Idol here for info on them.
As for this season of Survivor. It is a little slow but I am liking the alliance forming already between four people...two on each tribe. Should get interesting soon. I really like JT...he is a cattle rancher and he is just so fit for this Survivor series. Anyways, enjoying that one.
And besides reading and watching some reality tv we have really been working on the outside of the house...doing some re doing of landscaping, etc. Taking full advantage of the nicer weather lately.
What are your opinions???

Field Trip

Went on a field trip today with Gabi and her third grade classes. Went to the Studebaker Museum and Center for History. We learned about animals from the Ice Age...namely mammoths, etc. We started with some pictures and a lecture on this time period. The kids actually got to try their hands at being a paleontologist. They each got a chocolate chip cookie, a napkin and a toothpick. Their goal was to pick out each individual chip without disturbing the cookie part or breaking it. That was fun! We then got a tour of the Studebaker Museum. Very cool cars and they even take them out and bring new ones in often so they are not the same ones constantly. I thought it was very cool to see the actual buggy that President Abraham Lincoln rode in when he got shot. Very interesting!!! Anyways, a fun day indeed!!

Peace

It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work.
It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
Author Unknown

Twilight

Yes, I am officially addicted to the Twilight series. Trenton had read the three books, Twilight, New Moon and Eclipse all before Christmas and received Breaking Dawn for a gift that day. He is officially finished with the series. I didn't understand the hype and I was particularly wierded out by the fact this kid finished three LOOOONGG books in like a couple weeks time. Well, now I know why. I absolutely loved Twilight and in fact, read New Moon in one day! Yes, one day. I know. I just couldn't put it down, well, except to pick up Gabi from school, make dinner and clean up afterward. I must say I am completely and officially addicted to this series. And I am so glad I decided to read the book, especially since the DVD Twilight is coming out on Saturday. And, yes, I will be purchasing and watching the movie then. Great book!! I hope the movie is just as good! In the meantime, I have started Eclipse. Probaby won't finish as quickly but looking forward to reading the next two books!!!

Slumber Party!

Gabi has been talking about wanting to have a few girls overnight for her birthday for months now. I caved. We had a skating party with 9 of her closest friends and then she invited four girls to stay overnight afterwards. I had heard others say that four girls is like twenty boys and I have had my share of overnights with the boys. I was quite nervous and didn't want to believe it...until last night ;)

Skating was great. We enjoyed pizza, soda, cupckakes and root beer floats at the roller rink. The girls had a good time grooving to the music. We made our way to our house afterward with Emma, Nikki, Lizzy and Maddie. The four Gabi had chosen to stay. The weather was perfect so the girls were able to burn more energy off playing soccer outside. The girls especially enjoyed Maizy. None of them have dogs of their own. Gabi also enjoyed showing off Bubbles (hamster). When it got dark the girls made their way inside for some popcorn and the Hannah Montana DVD game. This kept them busy laughing and talking till around 10:45 pm. I finally was able to get them into their pjs, upstairs in their sleeping bags and settled down to watch High School Musical 3 (thanks Emma)! I believe they talked, sang and laughed through the whole movie and this is the point where I think the four girls equaled twenty boys LOL They were out like the lights by 12:30 am or so. Didn't take them long at all to crash out. Daddy went out to get donuts (Gabi's request) and the girls were up playing and eating by 8 am. Gabi had a blast! This was the first year we were able to skip out on Folkstyle State Wrestling, enabling us to party it up. I am sure Gabi was thrilled! All in all, from Friday to Sunday...it was pretty much a "Gabi" weekend. Fun fair at school on Friday, Party on Saturday and Sunday. I would say she had an excellent weekend!!! Lots of pictures here.

Mom

Happy Birthday to undeniably the best mom in the world. My mom, my best friend, have a great great day. You deserve it!!! We love you and appreciate all you do and all you are to our family. Thank you for loving us! Happy Birthday!

Potholders

Thanks to Uncle Kenny and Aunt Sharon, Gabi has been busy a couple days in a row...making a cute little potholder!!! Thank you so much for the gift for her birthday. She has really enjoyed this one project and is anxious to do more!!!

Metal Free

We made it home from the Surgery Center today with Dr. Graham. Tyler is officially metal and screw free!!! It's hard to believe it has been just over 2 years since he broke his leg and had to have a plate and screws put in to repair it. We discussed the necessary actions down the road and one was to have everything removed. It would just be safer for Tyler. If he were to hurt that leg again with the metal inside, it could potentially damage his leg for a lifetime and beyond repair. We gave it some time and in fact, talked about doing it last year around this time but the time just got away from us. Wrestling season turned into football season and football season turned into wrestling season. We were smart this time around and decided to do it while the boys had a couple of weeks off from wrestling. The x-rays showed that bone had grown over the metal so some of Tyler's bone had to actually be chipped away (I know, it sounds painful) to have everything removed. He did well though and the surgery was done in about an hour. Tyler is resting nicely now for 48 hours with much pampering...something he eats up...every last bit of it. He was also excited to hear that Dr. Graham plans to have the metal pieces for Tyler to take home and keep as a "souvenier" at his 10 day check up. Three weeks of no running/jumping/moving that could cause harm and he will be back to new. I think this has caused somewhat of a mental block for Tyler knowing something foreign was inside his body and could potentially hurt him worse if the unspoken would happen again. It worried him and caused an "off" switch in his head sometimes I fear. Well, no more. It's done and behind him. Glad to be moving on.

Koontz Award

Coach Snyder at awards banquet last night..."Coach Al Smith described this award as basically taking one wrestler and showcasing what Mishawaka Wrestling is all about. I saw these qualities in this person long before he even represented this school. The 2009 recipient of the Koontz Memorial Award goes to Trent Reinoehl."

Congratulations, son!!! We are so proud!!!

Tyler also received a Scholar Athlete award and of course, with him, we would expect none less. So proud of our boys last night.

Gabi's Family Party

Gabi has been wanting to do some real eating as of lately and when I say "real eating" - she prefers the sitting down, eat in style kind of restaraunt. In fact, she has been wanting to go to Red Lobster. We decided that yesterday was the day since it was her birthday. After church, along with my parents, and Chad, Amber and girls we made our way to Red Lobster. Gabi chose her favorite...lobster of course! She certainly enjoyed her gifts from us...Guitar Hero for Nintendo DS, some jeans, sparkly nail polish and some pretty new tennis shoes. Tyler got her a Camp Rock Shirt and a necklace and Trenton got her a cool activity kit to make her own bracelets.That evening we elebrated Gabi's birthday with an impromptu family party with everyone. She got lots of nice things including a very cool Hannah Montana DVD game that she can possibly play at her overnight party this coming weekend with her girlfriends (from Aunt Pam and family). Also included in her list of new toys would be a new soccer ball - very dazzly pink I may say, and a huge poster coloring book with crayons (from grandpa and Uncle Dave) and Barbie Clean Up Pup from maw maw and paw paw. I think I was more excited to see the new summer clothes she got - lots of Hannah Montana and High School Musical shirts, Justice clothes and Old Navy clothes from aunts and uncles, maw maw and paw paw. Gabi has really been growing as of lately and is right at that in between stage. In fact, they don't even have size 9 clothes. It's either 7/8 or 10/12 basically. So now the world is forcing my girl to grow up even FASTERRRRR than what she is! Yikes!!! Gabi also got some extra cash in some of her cards that fits well in her bank account. I told her we are gonna get a head start on her. We weren't so smart with the boys. Anyways, had a nice party...bittersweet as usual. Another sign of how much my children are growing.

Nine

Nine beautiful things about my baby girl...

1. Gabi loves Lobster!!! She will definitely be a high maintenance date!

2. She sleeps with stuffed animals completely surrounding her body and knows when even one is missing.

3. Gabi likes to sing and entertain. She is not shy.

4. She is athletic and will try anything once, twice if she likes it.

5. Gabi LOVES slurpees...any flavor.

6. She loves her daddy.

7. Gabi would prefer to go barefoot all day if she could. Doesn't like shoes, but when she does, it has to be "high heels" or the ones that "make noise" on the floor.

8. She loves to learn about new things, especially animals including her hamster she adores.

9. Gabi "puts up" with the wrestling meets and football games. She rarely complains and her voice is ALWAYS heard on the playbacks yelling, "Come on Tyler/Trenton! You can do it!"

We couldn't imagine what it would be like without that voice. Without our sweet little Gabi girl who God put in our lives 9 years ago already. What an awesome addition to our family she has been. The happy medium we have needed for many years. Happy. Happy Birthday my sweet girl!!!

Bren

Happy Birthday little handsome boy!!! We love you lots!!!

Think Spring!

Shingles

I have kind of been down and out these past two weeks. Busy, but not feeling the greatest. Started about a week before team state when I came down with a nasty cold...headache, sore throat, fever, muscle aches, runny nose. In fact, I thought it was just the flu because it was lasting a while. Come Friday morning I started noticing a pain in my right side of my lower back. It was a piercing pain and would come and go. I thought maybe I might have pulled a muscle. By Friday evening the pain was becoming worse and very uncomfortable. It became somewhat of a tightening or muscle spasmy type pain and would radiate around my side of my stomach to the front. I was worried about a kidney infection or stone but no problems with going to the bathroom, etc. I also figured it wasn't a pulled muscle because I hadn't run on Friday (skipped out because of the pain) and the last time I had run was on Wednesday. I sat through team state with an icy hot patch we had picked up Friday evening at Walmart across from our hotel. It helped a little but like I said, the pain was like spasmy and would literally tense up my whole body when I felt them. It was painful. Saturday's ride home was hard and Sunday morning was the worst. Ben decided to take me to Urgent Care and get checked out. I was amazed at how quickly the doctor diagnosed me with Shingles. All I had to do was describe what I was feeling, moved my body around a bit and he knew. I am now on an antiviral medication, a steroid and pain relievers. Three different pills five times a day. Feeling better, but mornings are rough on me. I had always heard about Shingles and how painful they were but I always envisioned a painful looking blistery patch. Not so with me. I haven't gotten the rash, in fact, the doctor said I may not even get a rash because it was caught fairly early. Just the pain, fatigue and headaches are what is hindering my life at the moment. And I say hindering because it is about to get busy again...in the next week we have a surgery scheduled (Tyler's metal, etc. out of his ankle) and Gabi's birthday parties. I just don't have time to be sick. Anyways, I will ask for prayers...so send some my way if you think of me. Thanks!!!!

American Idol - Group 3

So this group was a little harder. The only real stand out for me was Lil Rounds. Of course, my guy who has overcome his blindness and can sing - Scott, was in the group. Gotta root for him. I am anxious to hear him when he can play his piano also. The last one I hope gets through would be Kendall, only because she sang a country song and did well at it. I think the contest needs some more country in it. Looks like I hit dead on last week, we'll see about tonight though. Could be a little different...