Surgery Awaits

After the Al Smith Invitational today it was back to reality...Tyler's surgery is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Please keep us and him in your prayers. Pray that there will be no tear into the tendon to the bicep, pray for Dr. Grahams' hands to be led by our Heavenly Father and all necessary repair will be made. Pray for a speedy recovery and easy physical therapy to get him back into the swing of things because WE MISS him doing the things he enjoys!

Outdoor Winter Fun

Daddy promised his Gabi that he would take her sledding during break and he delivered yesterday. Feeling like I pulled a muscle in my neck and being pretty sore, I opted out of the sledding this time so I went along to watch. We actually took a neighbor friend of Gabi's along too for some fun. Gabi cannot wait to go again!

Christmas Day

Woke up to an empty plate of cookies and an empty glass of milk that Santa downed on his journey through our house. The kids were up about 7:30 am much to the dismay of the boys, but they grinned and bore it. Checked out the stockings first and headed to the tree to see what Santa had left. Money tied in a pretty bow for the boys and a few things for Gabi...a pogo stick, a book on animals of ALL kinds, an Origami kit and the Crayola Glow Dome.

We handed out gifts and took turns opening. Among Gabi's gifts she received a fashion design kit, Disney Sing It for her wii, some accessories for her wii, and a pretty blue velour outfit from Old Navy. Trenton got a North Face Denali, a sweater from Old Navy and a flannel shirt from Pac Sun. Tyler got sweat pants, a North Face Denali and a year subscription online for X-Box. His big gift from maw maw and paw paw arrived early as well...the X-Box. Trenton chose a long board and he took that back with him to school over Thanksgiving break.

We went to Chad and Amber's house for brunch and I took along hashbrown casserole and oj. We had sausage/egg casserole, donuts, bacon, and fruit as well. Always a fun time to be with everyone. Reese took a quicky nap and the kids were in full force to the tree for presents. Gabi got Madagascar for her Nintendo DS, Trenton got a shirt and gift card to Five Guys and Tyler got dress slacks from U. Chad and A. Amber. I got a Scentsy and Ben got a gift card to Dicks from them also. My parents got the kids some clothes and gift cards, gave us their old big screen tv, got me my typical underwear, etc. goodies I need every year and Ben got his back seat cover for the truck along with a gift card. We all made out well there.

We went over to Dad R's house next to visit with Jeff and Pam and also exchange gifts. Dad R. read us the Christmas story out of the Bible - a nice touch - and we opened our presents. Trenton got a big package of Ramen noodles with a special gift (given to Pam by a friend) of a bowl and chopsticks. Pretty cool! Tyler got a gas card (much needed) and some clothes as well. Gabi got a cute necklace with a "G," some clothes and a very cute ATM machine along with her very own Vera Bradley pocketbook! We also walked off with some cash, gift card to eat out at Cracker Barrel, a pineapple (Tyler's favorite), some firelog starters, some chocolate covered oreos and a big tin of popcorn! We made out very well! It was nice to visit with little Bren and Leigh.

Home for a quicky nap and it was back over to Chad/Amber's for a birthday party for Jesus complete with cake and other goodies! They always invite us back over with Amber's side to celebrate Jesus' birth. Fun time with games on wii and board games...this time Catch Phrase and Apples to Apples. Plenty of laughter! It was a good day for us all and we were left exhausted but feeling great to have spent the day with those we love! Merry Christmas!

Christmas Eve Doings

Christmas was filled with lots to do this year. The day before Christmas Eve we got a call from maw maw saying a special package had arrived early from the North Pole...it was for Gabi...we made our way over for her to open and what do you know...Santa brought a wii for her! She was soooo excited to say the least! Christmas eve day I had to make shrimp dip and crackers and hash brown casserole for our evening at my parents' house in the afternoon but we stayed in our pjs until the afternoon just relaxing. We had our annual evening there with family on my mom's side complete with all the good food...prime rib, ham, hash brown casserole, beans, mac and cheese, crackers and dips, taco dip, pumpkin pie and shrimp to name a few. Pictures and eucre is a must on this evening with family complete with lots of laughter and reminiscing of years past. Lots of FUN. I was especially excited to see Brandon because he played Santa in bringing me a new sweeper he got from work for me and wow - LOVIN that!!! A new Dyson Animal DC25. A great Christmas gift to Ben and I from Ben and I :)After the evening at my parents' house we headed home to exchange our "special gifts." Tyler had me and I got a new digital frame (mine died just days earlier). Trenton had Tyler and he gave Tyler a shirt that he got in Las Vegas when he was there. Ben had Trenton and got him a Big Buck calendar with some money. Gabi had her daddy and got him a new Georgia Dawgs hat. I had Gabi and got her the "Zobmondo: Would You Rather Game" that we ended up playing that night after she opened it. This "special gift" time is a time where we exchange our gifts for the person we drew earlier and also write a note about how special that person is to us, especially in this year. It's a good time to reconnect and reflect on our love for one another as family. It's a tradition we have stuck to for many years.

Trenton headed off to church with his girlfriend while the rest of us played Zobmondo game, got cookies around for Santa and read "The Night Before Christmas" - another tradition. A nice evening getting ready for the jolly old fella himself.

From our house to yours!

I didn't get Christmas cards out this year and I am sad about it...hopefully everyone has had a chance to stop by our blog a time or two throughout the year though...if not, be sure to! I keep it up to date pretty well and I am proud of that. A great memoir for me.

Las Vegas Duals

Trenton didn't fair too well at the Desert Duals in Vegas today. He was pretty down on himself but we continued to encourage him. Very tough competition at a VERY tough weight, especially since he is not cutting anything and actually has to GAIN weight to make 149.

It's okay though. Trenton is very lucky to be starting as a true freshman on the varsity squad and we couldn't be more proud!

North Central went 2-2 as a team...this is how it shakes out...

Round 1: Concordia I vs. North Central 20-14

Justin Berns over Trenton 11-0

Round 2: Coe I vs. North Central 30-7

Mark Carey over Trenton 15-5

Round 3: North Central vs. Pacific 35-6

Kody Kramer over Trenton 10-6

Round 4: North Central vs. Grandview 19-16

Trenton did not wrestle this round

He sent us some awesome pictures of where he was staying and wrestling-The Flamingo. We can't wait to hear how his stay went and we cannot be more excited about him coming home this week! Keep your head high and we will see you tomorrow night, Trenton!

Holiday Happenings

This weekend we were off from wrestling since we wrestled Penn on Thursday and Lowell, Michigan on Friday night. It was nice to have the weekend for some holiday happenings. Saturday we were finally able to take Gabi to sit on Santa's lap. This was the first year I heard "it seems like I am the biggest kid here, mom" - made me feel kind of sad since she is my baby and it may soon be coming that she will no longer want to sit on Santa's lap. Gabi asked him for her big gift...a wii and got some coloring pages from him. It was a quick stop but one we wanted to make.

We then brought back an old tradition that we used to do with the boys...took Gabi, Tyler and Abby (along with my parents, Aunt Carol and Brandy) to the Holy Walk in Bremen. LOVE THIS! Always have, always will and I think it is especially fun when it snows. Brings the whole story of Jesus' birth to the forefront so vividly. This was Abby's first time going and she said she had fun. Tyler said it brought back lots of memories - for us too. We were a family of Jeremiah (our leader) and had 18 in all. We had been traveling for 14 days and were poor farmers of wheat. We had to stress the "poor" because we were on our way to pay taxes to King Herod. Jeremiah named Tyler "Matthew" because he wore a M sweatshirt with a huge M in the center and Abby just happened to be called "Rachel" and she was a hard worker. The soldiers are always fun. One got after my dad for bending his scroll and my mom got in trouble for leaning on a pole in the tent. Loved the marketplace filled with many tasty treats...baked apples, cheese, bread, etc. for sale but couldn't afford to buy any - we were going to pay our taxes first. Gabi and the kids in our group begged for a room at the inn because we were very tired but there was none. Many people were on their way to Bethlehem. The innkeeper, however, directed us to an old stable where a couple about to have child were sent. There was room there he thought. And what would you know, when we got there, a beautiful star over heard just as the angels told the shepherds in the field we saw...and a baby lying in the manger. The Messiah. Gabi really had a good time and didn't remember any of the times we had visited when she was little but is excited to perhaps rekindle this tradition for our family.

Today we had the Reinoehl side Christmas and had a good time visiting with Ben's side of the family. Lots of favorite foods as always, Aunt Becky's taco salad and shrimp dip, and Aunt Donna's oreo dessert. Couldn't help but think of Trenton though, in Vegas. A little down on himself, already competing against some pretty tough kids...his first match against a Concordia kid who is ranked. I will be posting results later. For now we are relaxing. Gabi finally is able to play in the long awaited snowfall we received on Friday evening and has made the first snowman of the season. Now if only she could keep Maizy from taking the poor snowman's arms!

Holiday Prep

Wow...this Christmas just seems to be coming up so quickly. Unfortunately, I did not get Christmas cards sent out so that should tell you that we have been EXTREMELY busy. Holiday preparations have already begun. Most of my shopping is done. Still have some odds and ends to get here and there but should be able to finish by the weekend (hopefully). I was able to attend Gabi's Holiday party at school on yesterday (Thursday). Some fun things in store for the kids...two games and yummy snacks. The first game involved toothpicks and mini marshmallows. Each team of about 5 had to connect them into building blocks if you will, and see who could get the tallest (standing by itself)...this was fun for them. Lots of giggles and team work! The second was a small box (with goodies inside) to be wrapped and tied with a bow by a team of two. The catch...each person could only use one hand. Lots of team work involved there and Gabi and her partner actually won that game! The kids ended their party with yummy snacks and peaking into their goody bags to take home. Another fun filled party for Gabi's class. And how cute is her basketball picture we got today???? Can't believe that is over too. She really had a great time doing it and plans to be involved in a small league with her friends at ICE in January and February. She is awfully excited about that.

This week we were a bit overly busy because of another injury that has come upon us...yes, with Tyler. The match against Roach last weekend forced us to get his shoulder checked out. That meant an MRI on Wednesday. Dr. Graham called us right away with the results - a torn labrum (from 12 o'clock to 8 o'clock-120 degree tear) that needed surgery repair. This surgery would also require a 4-6 month recovery. Tyler was devastated. I could just see the thoughts going through his head when we told him...the team that is supposed to possibly win state again wrestling without him...a possible football team waiting for his release. So many different scenarios and he broke down in tears. Dr. Graham gave us a couple of options...see how Tyler could do with wrestling the remainder of the season and do the surgery at the end of it or go ahead and get it done now. So then the thoughts in my head...watching Tyler get attacked at that shoulder time and time again and watching him go through the pain all season just didn't want to register with me, but I knew this was a decision only Tyler could make. So we wait...we discuss and we weigh all the factors. We meet with Dr. Graham again on Monday to talk it out...surgery tentatively scheduled for the 31st of December. Pray for us that we make the right decision. We need them.

Things to look forward to next week...celebrating Jesus' birth of course! So many traditions to uphold again this year...our special gifts, keeping up to date on Trenton (in Vegas for a tournament) and the team wrestling on this Sunday - a live blog to begin on Sunday morning if you want to keep updated, seeing him on Monday, Christmas Eve at my parents' house, visiting with family and just some R & R. Until then, take time to remember what Christmas is all about. It really seems to quiet the hustle and bustle all around us and gives me a peace of mind always.

Early Christmas Gift

...for Tyler, that is...from his girlfriend, Abby. Yes, she got him tickets to the Colts vs. Broncos (they won 28-16) game today at Lucas Oil Stadium! Merry Christmas to you, Tyler!

Christmas Exchange with BFF

I can't believe it's that time of year again, but each year, Gabi and her best friend, Emma exchange gifts. We started it all out by taking the girls to McDonald's to the play place to play and open their gifts. Well, this year they both decided that they were too old for McDonald's, they chose Olive Garden!! Just a little upgrade (haha). So, we actually had talked about taking the girls to get their nails done and for just $6 you can't beat the fun girliness they get to experience when they get their nails painted, with a pretty design no less! We met at the mall to do just that and then headed off to Olive Garden to open their gifts! While munching on breadsticks and alfredo sauce, salad, soup, spaghetti for Gabi and fettucini alfredo for Emma, the girls opened their gifts. Gabi was very excited to get a Taylor Swift karaoke CD and a gift card to Barnes and Nobles to pick out a gift. She also got a super sweet Christmas ornament! Fun time for some fun girls!!! It just makes me a little sad knowing how fast they are growing....these are the times I savor and want to have last forever!

Triacoff

David and Dad R. decided to go and support Tyler for the day at Calumet High School for the Triacoff Invitational. That one is always rough and is sure to bring LOTS of ranked wrestlers for competition. Tyler did good...he got a bit beat up and burned out by the last two matches but the two that we missed Tyler did very well. The first match Tyler sat out for his back up to wrestle. The next match was against Westfield in which he pinned his opponent. The next match was against Franklin. David said this wrestler was a much better competition and Tyler won a very good match against him 9-4. We arrived at the Triacoff when Mishawaka was going against Portage. I saw Tyler and noticed he had definitely been wrestling that day with the scratches and bumps and bruises he had on his face. Tyler was solid through the first two periods against his Portage opponent but ended up losing in the last few seconds 5-8. The last match was against Crown Point...the 2009 Team State Champs and Mishawaka put a hurtin on them. Unfortunately, Tyler had Eric Roach, a name we are familiar with. Tyler was already disappointed from losing the prior match which he should have won, so I knew he was not mentally focused on this match against Roach. I know from previous experience watching his matches, that Roach is very aggressive and he went after Tyler with a vengeance. Much to our dismay Roach may have done some damage at this point and will probably be making a trip to the doctor very soon. Let's just hope for the best. We pretty much felt like the bad luck considering Tyler had won the matches we were not witness to, but we were glad that we made the Triacoff. Our team looks very solid and I really think a Team State Title is within reach for us again this year.

North Central Tournament

We started yesterday out with an Invitational Tournament at North Central College. Trenton wrestled at 149 lbs. and ended our day with him by watching two old friends go at it once again, bringing back memories from Trenton's high school days.

North Central did a great job of coming away with the win overall as a team for the third season in a row. Trenton placed 6th individually.

My parents followed us to North Central in the morning to arrive by 10 am our time for the start of the tournament. Trenton had a bye the first round but time went by quickly to the second round where he would face Zach Paluch of Knox. I always worry about Trenton's first round of tournaments...he just seems to be slow and it ends up being a "warm up" match for him so I pray for an easier competition for him at that point. Trenton surprised me and came out strong, winning 6-1 over Paluch. The next round would not be so easy for him as we noticed his competition (Jake Narveson from Milwaukee School of Engineering) was placed as the third seed and had also placed 5th at this same tournament last year. What an awesome match that was...Trenton won 7-5 over Narveson and this kid was not happy. We were so proud of Trenton and we were all impressed at how well he does on his feet. Wow. Ben was stunned when he watched Trenton literally go from a position he couldn't move his arm to picking the kid up and getting a takedown. It was impressive. This brought Trenton's next match to an old friend from high school...Johnny Dillon (went to Hobart). Trenton had faced him a few times in the past and had lost each time. We were heartbroken for John when he didn't make it to state last year because of a quirky match leading there. Trenton did well but Johnny's build was so much bigger in comparison. Trenton just couldn't do much. He lost 1-4. This match was the semi finals match and we had already determined if Trenton won, we would stay for the championship round. We just couldn't leave him if that would have been the case. But since he had lost that match and was dropped down to wrestlebacks we knew we had to get on the road to see Tyler wrestle at the Triacoff (a barn burner). Trenton kept us updated throughout. He lost to Bill Wood of Wabash 3-4 putting him in the running for 6th where he then lost to the number 4 seed Steve Mena of Olivet 3-13

RESULTS at 149:

1. #2 Johnny Dillon (Wabash)

2. #1 Virgil Pope (MSOE)

3. #2 Jake Narveson (MSOEWC)

4. Bill Wood (Wabash WC)

5. #4 Steve Mena (Olivet)

6. #6 Trenton Reinoehl (North Central)

We are still VERY proud of Trenton and that he placed 6th in this tournament. I know it disheartened Trenton a bit because the third seed that he beat earlier in the day too third place. It always burns Trenton to know he could have done better. It did my heart so good to see him wrestle yesterday though. I always love to see him and am so sad to leave him...A proud mom I am!

7!

Our biggest baby is 7 years old today! I still remember when we made the decision to get another dog. PJ (our daschund) was getting older and showing signs that he may not last much longer, making it very sad for us. The boys' rocket football coach said his lab was to have babies by Christmas and would always put in that punch line, "you wouldn't be interested in a baby lab, would ya??" Well we gave in. We actually gave Maizy to the kids on Christmas morning since he lived just down the road. We hurried and got her for just a little bit (since she couldn't be away from her momma for long), put her in a little box and gave it to the kids. Their faces lit up with disbelief and love when they opened it! It was only a few days before we were able to actually have her at home with us and what a journey it has been thus far. What an ornery puppy she was. She loved to sleep in Ben's slippers and of course, grab them up to be chased around the house shen she thought she wasn't getting enough attention. That first year was definitely a challenge but we made it and couldn't ask for a more well behaved dog. The unconditional love this dog has for all of us! She loves to go out in the woods with Ben. He has taken her pheasant hunting and bunny hunting and knows exactly where she is going when Ben pulls out the orange vest for her. I have been witness to her going crazy as he gets up into his stands. She jumps and howls till Ben comes down. Maizy loves to play ball too. Tennis balls are her FAVORITE! She has also been a good fetch dog for golf balls as the boys practice short drives in the yard. She brings em right back for the next shot. Maizy loves eggs and knows every weekend morning Ben gives her an egg on top of her food, although Sunday is her big breakfast morning. She also sits beside the bed waiting for a piece of cheese every night before going to sleep...yes, she is a spoiled dog, but we LOVE her and wouldn't have it any other way!!! Happy birthday, Maizy!!! Lots of love and extra bones today!

Holiday Concert

We went to Gabi's Holiday Concert at school last night. For the past few months Gabi has had choir practice at 8am on every Thursday morning. Her efforts payed off last night as she sung her heart out in front of all the parents. The first graders put on a concert first, then the fourth graders and then the choir. Gabi has been bellowing out several songs for a while claiming to be practicing and her favorite one was "Santa Claus Is On His Way" (2nd video). I knew it would be cute just by listening to her "practicing." Dad R. and my parents were gracious enough to come and enjoy the concert also. Pictures below are of Gabi and her classmate and friend, Sloane and Gabi and her friend, Nikki. Adorable!

Basketball Tournament

Hums had to face off with Liberty today to continue on through the tournament. Although Hums lost 10-27, you could most certainly see a HUGE improvement from the first game. What's even more impressive is the fact that Gabi was one of about 6 fourth graders that stayed with the A team to play for Hums! So proud of Gabi to stick it out with the team. I know there have been a few times she was getting a little tired of practice everyday after school, but she kept on keeping on. Friday Gabi will be introduced with her team during the high school girls' basketball game and she is super excited about that. Busy week still ahead...all these early morning choir practices have brought us to her Christmas program this Thursday evening as well. Busy, busy girl.