Black Friday

I did not get up as early as last year (yes, I was one of the shoppers out at 4am) because I really didn't see anything I that stood out for me and the family this year. Instead I took the opportunity to decorate the house for Christmas. Ben and the boys took advantage of the warmer weather and melted snow to get the lights up on the house also. They did a great job. I was afraid we wouldn't get a break from the snow to get the lights up but luckily we did. I did run out to Bed, Bath and Beyond and Old Navy to pick up a few gifts that were on sale all day. Later in the evening we made a run also to WalMart to pick up some extra decorations needed for the house. We picked up a pizza and watched this movie to complete our day. We laugh everytime we see our favorite part of the movie. Definitely in the Christmas spirit now!

Thanksgiving Day Events

We had a great Thanksgiving! We had dinner at our house complete with turkey, homemade dressing, noodles, sweet potatoe casserole, ice box cake, biscuits, green bean casserole with mashed potatoes and gravy (courtesy of Chad/Amber), broccoli/rice/cheese casserole and pumpkin pie (courtesy of mom/dad). Needless to say...we all ate ALOT. It was nice to sit by the fire, let the kids play, nap a little here and there, look at the black friday ads and watch some television throughout the day. Tyler and Ben decided to do some hunting before lunch at noon and lo and behold...Tyler brought home the third deer...a doe...about 120 lbs. dressed out. Now all three boys have gotten one this year. Ben and the boys got that hung up after the activities during the day while I cleaned up a bit. We ended up going over to Chad/Amber's house for some wii games later that evening. A perfect ending to a perfect day of celebrating family. We missed dad R., Pam/Jeff/Bren (they are in NC visiting with family and Jenny/Travis/Mackenzy) but we know they had a great day also. Pictures from our day here.

Tyler's deer below.

Thankful

It's been a tough year for me personally, but it wasn't hard for me to come up with some things I am thankful for...
I am thankful for Trenton's goofy laugh. It always puts a smile on my face. I am thankful for Tyler's lovingness...is that even a word? I absolutely loved it when he told someone just recently that he isn't afraid to say he loves his mom and he is a "momma's boy." I am thankful for Gabi's loyalty. Even though there are fights amongst the kids, she is always there to support them in whatever they do. She sticks up for them. She loves them. No matter what. I am thankful for such a patient husband. One who thinks before he speaks, one who works hard to pay our bills, one who I can count on when I need someone to lean on, one who loves me and our children. Lastly, I am thankful for my family...our parents, our siblings, our nieces and nephews. We have the ABSOLUTE BEST family ever! Their support and love mean the world to us. We couldn't do alot of the things we do without them.
Family.
That's what I am thankful for most this year.
Happy Thanksgiving!

A Wet, Warm and Cozy Weekend

We stayed nice and warm inside this weekend but we were somewhat productive. Friday night Gabi got asked to go here with her best friend, Emma, overnight. She had a BLAST! Got lots of stories of the waterslides and the bunkbeds and playing "spies." Gabi thought it was so cool to be able to go to a waterpark with snow on the ground. While she was away, Ben and I enjoyed a "date" evening. We went here for dinner and did some Christmas shopping afterwards. A productive evening indeed. Saturday Ben worked while the boys coached at the"elementary school wrestling meet." I got lots of cleaning and laundry finished and did a little more shopping later in the day. Gabi got back around 6ish and Trenton asked her to go sledding. Poor girl...she was tuckered but she mustered all her energy to go with him, Elizabeth, Steven and his gf Rachel. They had a great time! Needless to say, Gabi was back home, enjoyed some hot chocolate by the fire, had a warm bath and was in bed by 9 pm. She was out within minutes. Sunday, of course, was church. Enjoyed a "praise and worship" service for Thanksgiving and the boys were off to go hunting. My mom wanted to get some clothes for Gabi and wanted her to pick them out so we opted to go together. Got some GREAT deals here! They had a sale going on (which is basically what they will run over Thanksgiving as well) buy one get one free! And my mom had a 25% off coupon! Gabi got a velour outfit (zip up shirt and pants), two pairs of socks, two camis, two sweaters and four long sleeved shirts for under $100! And yes, Gabi knows they are all for Christmas, but that's okay...she got to pick them out and she had a great time doing it. We picked up a few items here and were back home by 4pm. No luck for the boys as they came home empty handed. Looking forward to this week of Thanksgiving. I want to take time daily to remember all I have to be thankful for. And ps...if you haven't had a sneak peek at the black friday ads...here they are!

A Good Laugh

A friend of mine made me laugh today with this! I definitely needed a good laugh! Thanks Kathy!

Weighing In

Ben and Trenton took Trenton's buck in to get processed at DC Meats on Monday and learned that it dressed out at 153 lbs! Since work has been slow lately, Ben decided to head out this evening to hunt with his brother and kicked up a doe as he was going out to get into his stand! He quickly reacted and lo and behold, brought home another deer to be processed! Last year Ben was the only one who didn't get a deer. He was set on not letting that happen again. This doe is at least 2 years old. We are anxious to see how much she dresses out at, Ben's thinking in the 120's. Good job, Honey!

Let It Snow

We were welcomed with snow starting Sunday night....and so the fun winter activities begin....snowmen, snow angels and snowball fights!

Opening Weekend

For gun season that is...and for deer. The boys went out all day on Saturday, from 5 am till after dark! Trenton and Tyler had a little bit of a break as they came out of the woods at 10 am for wrestling practice and got back in their stands by about 1:30 pm. Sadly, they came home empty handed. The girls (Gabi and I) stayed warm inside the house...mainly getting caught up on laundry and dishes and worked on Christmas list, little did we know that would come in handy later...Gabi got a late invite to come over to a classmates house to help out with her little sister's birthday party so I took her over till about 4 pm. I had gotten a bit of "cabin fever" by this point so we decided to head out to "Build A Bear" with my brother, Amber and their girls. They wanted to get Reese a bear (moose) for Christmas and Gabi needed to get some "boy" clothes for her latest build a bear (dog). Met up with my parents as well, and decided to make it a dinner date at the food court. It had been quite a while since I had been to the mall and I was pleasantly surprised. I was lovin' the Christmas decorations and lights. On our way out, we saw Santa had already landed at the mall for the season. I was somewhat hesitant to visit so soon, but figured I could beat the crowds and wouldn't be rushed as I always seem to be. We went ahead with the photos and visit. Chad's girls also saw Santa (Addy was slightly uneasy). They all actually got nice long visits with Santa. It was nice listening in on Gabi's wish list this year, which includes Flippin Frogs, Nintendo DS games and I almost shed a tear when I heard her say, "and....just to have a nice Christmas, Santa." How sweet!Sunday morning was church and we listened intently to the sermon, "How God Uses Suffering In Our Lives." Good sermon, very good sermon. After lunch the boys had trouble containing their "itch" to get back out in the woods and I think they were just waiting for the "go ahead" from mom. I gave it to them. And Trenton shot one. An 8 point buck. He couldn't have been more excited. Congrats, son! Pics below:

Grandpa Honeycutt

A write up on grandpa Honeycutt's experience in Canada this past summer!

Official Start

I have officially began Christmas shopping! Started here yesterday with a 30% coupon!!! Can't beat that...especially with the economy as unstable as it is. Picked up gifts for 4 people, so that is a good start. I just love to shop for family and friends!!!! I am loving all the Christmas commercials on television and the Christmas music and decorations at some of the stores. It has begun!

Happy Veteran's Day

Thank you to all the Veteran's who have served or are serving now...and to my hubby, who served 4 long years in the Navy! Gabi wanted him to come to her program so bad today to be honored so I went to videotape. Sorry it is kind of blurry, but here is her tribute to her daddy!

North Central College

We were blessed to able to visit North Central College this weekend. We left early on Saturday morning and went as a full family this time. Trenton was asked to stay overnight so we stayed in a hotel while he stayed with some of the wrestlers like he did at Loras. It's a good way to see if he truly connects with the other wrestlers and experience college life as well. I loved the fact it was only 2 hours door to door. Not bad traffic at all. Pretty much a straight shot there. We started our day by meeting with the Admissions department. We were so politely greeted with passes to the cafe for some breakfast foods on them. I LOVED the fact they had Starbucks in their cafe - I was in heaven!! LOL So after drinking my fav...caramel macchiato, we met with our Admissions counselor to discuss the college, its costs and the jists of the college itself. Some interesting facts we learned...the college is broken into trimesters (three periods) rather than the traditional two semesters, thus adding a few weeks onto the school year. This in turn, allows for the students to take a max of 4 classes per trimester. I think I like that, considering Trenton will be wrestling and he really isn't a "great" multitasker. We also liked the fact that the college is blocks from the train station and could be a great transportation tool for Trenton to come home. They also have a "rental car" place on campus for $7 an hour, you can rent a car and not worry about gas. Not bad if he had to get somewhere. Liked also that the college is in the middle of regular family homes. Gave it a homey atmsophere and is only blocks from downtown Naperville. The city is busy and gives plenty to do. We kind of joked about their "red bike" program. I guess they have about 50 red bikes that belong to campus for anyone anytime. Basically if you see one, you can take it wherever and leave it for anyone to use next time. So, if you ride a bike to the stadium to watch a game, you take your chances at finding nothing there when you come out. Pretty funny but I guess it works. We got to walk around campus and see some classrooms, a dorm room, the stadium and then we were off to meet with the wrestling coach. The dorm rooms that freshman have to stay in are pretty much a normal dorm room. Space for two to a room, two beds, a desk and a closet. Pretty standard. The dorms being split up - boys in one building, girls in another. Everyone sharing a bathroom as well. As he progressed to sophomore, etc he would get other options as housing. The college is in the process of building another field house, which we like, but wrestling would stay in the same wrestling room because they are big on tradition. Interesting. It is smaller than I would have liked with not alot of seating but I guess that's where tradition holds it ground. The coaches are young - maybe younger than Ben and me which is something Trenton likes. Their coaching style much like what he has now...work hard, be in shape to go the full 7 minutes. Trenton liked that. He wouldn't have too much transition that way. We were able to see the football field, which Tyler enjoyed. A nice turf field and the college had a big game...against Augustana (another school interested in Trenton) who was undefeated also (NC also undefeated). North Central ended up winning. The wrestling meet was the same time as the football game so we opted to go to the meet obviously. Very intense and interesting, considering it was against Trine (where we had visited earlier). It was kind of odd for Trenton to see the Trine coaches while on the North Central side, but we still have not committed to anything at this point. North Central very handedly beat Trine and it was nice to see them have that victory. Trenton headed out with the wrestlers while Ben, Tyler, Gabi and I left to eat dinner at TGIF. Gabi was very excited to get a hotel with a pool and hot tub so we enjoyed those amenities. Nice to warm up after a cold visit outside! This morning we headed out to get Trenton and got on the road at 10am. He had a good visit and told us he really liked the guys. Fit in well and did compare it to Loras. He said the main difference...North Central is in the city, Loras...not much to do outside the college. The wrestlers welcomed him well at both schools. He has alot of information to look over and experiences to digest...three college visits down. Probably a few more to go. We are hoping to get a visit in to a DII school. Perhaps Findlay or University of Indianapolis. We could get some money for sports that way. Cost for North Central is comparable of course, to Loras because it is a private school. Around $32,000 per year for everything (without any scholarships). Expensive and hard to swallow but we know there are scholarships and opportunities out there to get it much lower. Had a good weekend...now it is back to the old grinding stone for now. Cold and wet outside and I am not liking it!

Leaves

Took a little time out last night to rake up some leaves...and rake up was about all that happened because a certain little someone enjoyed the piles way to much!!!

Election Day

I got my coffee!!! Did YOU?????

Treat For Us!

Bought a new car yesterday. So happy to get our of lease (Yukon) a few months earlier. Originally looking at a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox but left with this (2007 Kia Rondo). More room, better gas mileage, better warranty, newer and overall a better price in the long run. Walked away with a good deal I think - will post pictures soon...after we get the windows tinted (deal made). But we are certainly happy with it - the price was right as far as payments and we are out of that lease! Shew!! So happy about that. Considering we may have to do some road trips in the next 5 years, this was a good choice for us.

Sad Loss

Ben, Trenton and I headed to the big game of rivals...Penn vs. Mishawaka for the second round of sectionals. The Cavemen started off with a big mistake of having a punt blocked and in return allowing the Kingsmen to score a touchdown. We ended up coming back and making up for that mistake by making a touchdown soon after. We were all excited with the score being 7-7 with a couple minutes to half (Trenton and his buddies who dressed up for Halloween actually got to run the Mishawaka flag down the field-see pic below). The first half of the game was not good for us after we had like 9 penalties (5 being false starts) and the Kingsmen having 0. That's right, 0. Needless to say, the Cavemen fans were not happy. The Kingsmen scored another touchdown right before halftime leaving the score 7-14. The Cavemen came out tired during the second half and just couldn't seem to move the ball on offense. We did half way decent as far as defense because the Kingsmen were only allowed a field goal for the remainder of the game. The final score 7-17. Tyler did well and was in on a tackle or two, considering he was only on special teams, kick off return, kick off, and punt team. It was such a heartbreaker for these kids and I have truly NEVER seen the emotion I saw last night. The seniors were just devastated and the tears flowed. Their hearts are truly into this game of football and that is what I love about Mishawaka football. They give it their all - hearts and talents. They really do. Anyways, a very heart wrenching loss, but I know Tyler is looking forward to some time off (a week) to recoup and rest. Tyler did a great job this year and we certainly think he is going to make a strong asset to the team in his remaining years and we are greatly looking forward to that!

Trick or Treating

This year was a little "off" for us as we usually try to see all our family for trick or treating, but Tyler had a football game...a big one nonetheless. It was the second round of sectionals that started at 7 pm so we figured we could trick or treat for a little while anyways, and then head out. Gabi had decided to be Sharpay a long while back and we picked up her costume weeks ago. Needless to say, it has been tried on time after time after time ; ) We had a little bit of time trying to decide if she should wear a shirt underneath the dress but the weather worked with us perfectly so she didn't have to. It worked out great that Gabi's friend, Emma, invited her to come trick or treat with her in their neighborhood (the one we are trying soooo desperately to get into) and then Lina so graciously offered to keep Gabi while we went to the football game. Since it was Lina's birthday also, she had her family over to go trick or treating and we did just that for about an hour. And, just like our neighborhood, that one hour gives plenty of candy...Gabi was excited to stay and hang out with her friend while Ben, Trenton and I headed out to the game. It was a crazy night but we pulled it off...successfully. Thanks, Lina, for your help in keeping Gabi so she didn't have to be bored on Halloween and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Grandparent's Day

Last night was "Grandparent's Day" at Gabi's school. Last year only maw maw and paw paw were able to come because it was during the day. Not only was it held early evening this time, but because Grandpa is retired this year, he got to come too! It was a special time for her to have all her grandparents with her to show and tell! Below are pics of them visiting her school and the last one is of Gabi and her teacher, Mrs. Sparrow.

Successful Pet

I just have to say...isn't this little hamster adorable!!! We clean her cage on Fridays and she loves to get yummy treats with her new food! We tried a guinea pig before and I was very hesitant to try anything remotely similar since the guinea pig died so quickly after we got it...but this hamster has really worked out well. Low maintenance, kid friendly and just all around cute! I don't think she has bitten Gabi once! (knock on wood, I know) I remember having hamsters when I was a kid and they were just fun to have. I am glad we had the opportunity to get Bubbles for Gabi!

Shrunken Heads

I had to post this because my kids really took a liking to this...well, Gabi thought it was cute, the rest of 'em just liked to eat them. Shrunken heads - idea from Martha Stewart! Made this to go with our donuts on Saturday night while watching the Notre Dame game.