Snow

This is my last post for the day, I promise. I had to post these pics after I saw them...they are too cute! Gabi and I went to play outside for a little while after she got home from school. We tried to make a snowman but the snow wasn't very packable. : ( We couldn't stay out too long, it was freezing but we still had fun anyways! Check out Maizy and my little "snow angel"...

Goodbye for now...

We had grandma Brugh's funeral yesterday and it was a beautiful tribute to her life. We were able to see most of our family on the Brugh side (and that is a lot!). It is such a shame that quite a few times we only see them under such bad circumstances. I was so glad to visit with my favorite cousin in the world on my dad's side...Mike and his wife, Shannon. We made a pact to try and get together more often and we really should, especially now that grandma is gone. I also enjoyed seeing Mike, Missy and their family (how the kids have grown!) and all the aunts and uncles I haven't seen in such a long time. I think her funeral opened my eyes wider to the importance of family and how much we really need them. I know grandma would have loved the message our pastor gave and she most definitely would have been proud of her family there with her. Hahn Funeral Home did a great job and I love the fact you can leave condolences and pictures on their website for the family.

"And so grandma, it is only goodbye for now...because I know I will be with you again someday"...and that is what she would be proud of most.

16th Birthday Party

We had a busy weekend. Saturday we spent at Sectionals (see below) and Sunday we celebrated Trenton's 16th birthday with our family. He requested his two favorite cakes...confetti cake with confetti frosting and yellow cake with chocolate frosting. Trenton has already bought a couple of things with his birthday money...a new television for his room and a game he absolutely loves for the PS2 - Guitar Hero II. Ben, Tyler, Gabi and I gave him some PJ's he wanted, the Two a Days Season 1 Set and money. I think the PS2 game is pretty cool myself! He is also looking forward to that great moment in time...the moment he gets his license! Anyways, it was nice to get together with family and spend some together time with them. Happy 16th Trenton, and hope your day was awesome!

Sectionals

Trenton had to wrestle Sectionals today and he did a great job! He only lost to the number 1 seed today (causing him to go to wrestlebacks for third/fourth place). He ended up winning third place today so he will be moving on to Regionals next weekend (they take the top 4 finishers). He had 2 pins, 1 major decision and 1 loss. To top it off, he had lots of people stop by to watch - Maw maw and Paw paw, uncle Chad, uncle Dave, uncle Jeff, Aunt Pam & Bren, Grandpa R, and Great aunt Annie and her son, David! We are so lucky to have such wonderful family that supports our children. Thanks for taking the time to come out and cheer him on! Great job, Trenton. Looking forward to Regionals!

In Loving Memory of Grandma B.

My grandma Brugh went home to be with Jesus yesterday morning, January 26th. Grandma was 90 years old and lived on her own up till the last week of her life! She was an absolute spitfire for God - she loved Him. She shared the gospel with everyone she came into contact with. I have such wonderful memories of grandma...especially when I was younger. She used to live at the 100 Center downtown Mishawaka and my brother and I would love to stay overnight with her because she spoiled us so. Not with money or gifts...it was more, spoiling us with herself more than anything. She listened to us...every little detail and would treat everything, even the minor things as something that mattered. We would usually start our evening with her by shopping at the Calico Garden in the 100 Center. Sometimes she would buy us something small to take home. I remember when we would come back to her apartment she had this laundry basket of toys to play with...I loved her white stuffed kitty. We would camp out on her living room floor and grandma would sleep on the couch beside us. We would stay up for hours just talking. She'd always include Jesus in there somewhere which has still impacted me today. We'd hear stories of when she was little and when her children were little. Memories to last a lifetime. By the end of our visit we'd usually go over to the little ice cream shop at the 100 Center and get an ice cream cone. A nice ending to a fun overnight with grandma. As I helped my dad and mom clean out her apartment last night I was reminded of how simple she lived. I will miss her and her testimonies but I know she is right where she wants to be - with Jesus. Heaven has sure taken a great asset and I know there is a wonderful party upstairs knowing grandma is there. I love you grandma and will never forget you and your smile, your loving hands, your many overnights, your absolute best beef and noodles after church on Sundays, but most importantly, I will never forget your testimony and what you stood for-it is etched in my heart forever and I will share that as often as the Lord puts you on my mind. Thank you for making this world a better place.

In loving memory of grandma...

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,

I'm following the path God has laid you see.

I took His hand when I heard Him call,

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To laugh, to love, to work, to play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

I found that peace at the close of day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joys

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Oh, yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow,

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.

My life's been full, I've savored much,

Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,

Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your hearts and peace to thee,

God wanted me now, He set me free.

~Author Unknown

Fifteen Fun Filled Years

Today I have been married to Ben for 15 years! The other day I was just discussing with Trenton how he should never listen to ridicule from people, never let them underestimate you...Ben and I got alot of it when we first got married (since we were so young-18 years old to be exact!). Many of our peers talked, and of course, it always got back to us...of how "they'll never last." I am not saying we haven't ever had rough patches, but we have taken those rough times and learned from them. We have certainly learned that patience is truly an asset in marriage. We have had ups and downs but it has definitely been a fun filled ride and I wouldn't trade that for the world! All I have to say is..."we sure showed them!"

Thank you, Ben, for these past 15 years by your side! I love you with all my heart and I look forward to the many more years we have together!! Happy Anniversary!

Spectacular "16"

Today Trenton turns 16 years old. Wow...I just can't believe the time that has gone by. I remember the day he was born - I never got an epidural because they were not as common as they are now...I started labor at about 9 pm on Jan. 23rd. Trenton arrived at 4:36 am on January 24th - He cried and cried and cried when he was first born. I named him Trenton Kile (Kile after Ben's middle name) and he was 6 lbs. 4 1/2 oz. and 19 1/2 inches long. He loved a yellow blanket with "silky" all through his first years. I remember cutting all the curls on the top of his head when he was only a year old. When he was just 3 years old belting out "Layla, got me on my knees, Layla" - giving us a concert in the living room. I remember crying like a baby at his Preschool graduation and feeling the ache in my heart as he walked into his 1st grade classroom the first day. I remember the many, many "stick" routines at church and the play where he had the lead...he played a baseball player. I also remember how proud I was the day Pastor Bayer told us Trenton had asked Jesus into his heart in Sunday School. I love the old days of teeball (picking his nose in the outfield and dancing around as the ball landed beside him) Michiana Soccer Association, Rocket Football and of course, him just starting out in wrestling. He even got "Most Valuable Wrestler" at a Mishawaka Wrestling Camp when he was in 4th grade! How the time flies! Although Trenton has had some trials lately, and I know it all comes with age, he is a boy to be proud of. And although he can be stubborn and would rather learn through his own errors, he takes it and betters himself from his lesson learned. I have many memories from these past 16 years but I am looking forward to lots more - to see the man he is becoming. We love you Trenton - HAPPY BIRTHDAY and MANY MANY MORE!

Remembering his first year - at birth, 3 months old, 7 months old and 1 year old












Trenton - now, at 16 years old

Superbowl Showdown!

Wow!!! Talk about some awesome football games yesterday! After arriving home from our wonderful and relaxing weekend, Ben, the kids and I layed around watching the NFC and AFC Championship games. Well, Tyler is a big Colts fan and I am a big Bears fan...we both were on the edge of our seats! BUT, the outcome was what we wanted...a showdown between the Colts and the Bears at the Superbowl - how awesome is that for us locals!!! Anyways...can't wait for the big game - GO BEARS!

Das Essenhaus

Since there was no wrestling tournament this weekend, Ben and I went away last night to celebrate our 15th wedding anniversary (a little early) on Jan. 25th. My parents graciously came over to stay with the kids and dog while we stayed at Das Essenhaus in Middlebury. The mood was quiet, the food was fulfilling, the cookies were soft and yummy as always, and the company was wonderful - just me and my hubby! It was so nice to get away from the hustle and bustle and spend time with each other. We ate the family style dinner (complete with chicken, roast beef, corn, stuffing, noodles, potatoes, salad, and bread) in the "buggy" at the restaraunt. For our dessert - Ben chose custard pie and I chose my norm and the greatest...red raspberry cream. Afterwards, we did some shopping at the little shops, played some checkers (Ben beat me as usual), played some pool and enjoyed the time together. We made it back home in time to settle in and watch the Bears play today - we're hoping for a win to top off this great weekend!

Pinky Swear

Yesterday, Gabi gave me a big hug after school while we were talking about her field trip and she said (as she grabbed my little pinky finger), "mommy, I'll never stop calling you 'mommy'...I pinky swear." I thought it was so cute and so random.

Back In Black

Trenton was back wrestling last night for the first time in a week and half of being sick (walking pneumonia). He came back strong and won his match for the team 14-3. He looked a little tired toward the end of the match but he did well for just getting over pneumonia. He is looking forward to some good hard practices in the next week and half and not so much worrying about his weight. He'll be back and ready to go for Sectionals!

"Sniffles"

Gabi has an imaginary pet...a cat...named "Sniffles." She has been talking about Sniffles for a few days now and always asks if I have seen him. Apparently, only she and I can see him. He stays invisible for everyone else. I think it is cute though...I remember I had an invisible cat and dog when I was young...K-Zo the cat and Ody the dog...I guess a good imagination isn't all that bad!

Gabi, Sniffles and I sat down to watch one of our favorite shows last night...American Idol. The problem is it begins in wrestling season and it is usually two nights a week so it is hard for me to catch sometimes. It seems I have become more and more addicted to it each year and I absolutely LOVE the auditions they run. Some are absolutely hilarious...makes you wonder what people are thinking! Last year I caught most of the shows and my favorite won...Taylor Hicks. I love to call my good friend, Lina, to dish about the show and try to figure out who is going home and so forth. I'll keep you posted on my favorites through the season...

All Nighter

Look closely at this picture...yep, it's Tyler and yep, he's sleeping. What's hilarious is he is sleeping while trying to play Socom 4 online! I went to get Trenton and Tyler this morning at 9 am from Bethel from an all nighter with the youth director from church. Trenton went straight to bed while Tyler decided he wanted to get online to play Socom...well, try to. He was asleep within 10 minutes! They had a great time at Bethel, playing basketball, eating pizza, playing the game Risk, doing some rock climbing in the gym and just hanging out with good people.

Go Bears!

After church we enjoyed the Bears' game by the fire and yes, the Chicago Bears won their game - in overtime, and boy was it too close for my comfort! Dad, you can breathe now! One more win and they are going to the Superbowl! Can we expect another "Superbowl Shuffle?" ha ha...remember that! Game's over and we are still enjoying our fire...the boys are off to church this evening (small groups) and then they are going over with the youth director to Bethel (where he goes to school) to stay overnight! Apparently, the school has allowed for the boys' to "take over" the freshman dorms for a night????? Should be fun! Anyways, I'm happy for my dad...his Bears are still in it! Thumbs up for the Chicago Bears!!!

Yummy Apple Crisp!

I made the best apple crisp out of that Kraft magazine I mentioned in an earlier blog! It was sooo good I thought I'd share the recipe...

8 c. (about 4 apples) thinly sliced apples
1/2 c. brown sugar, divided
2 tsp. cinnamon, divided
1/3 c. quick cooking oats
1/4 c. cold margarine
25 Reduced fat Nilla wafers, crushed

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Toss apples with 1/4 c. brown sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon. Spoon into an 8 inch square baking dish. Combine oats, 1/4 c. brown sugar and 1 tsp. cinnamon in medium bowl. Cut in margarine with pastry blender until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add wafer crumbs and mix well. Spread crumb mixture evenly over apples. Bake 30-35 minutes until apples are tender.

Can you say "YUMMY with ice cream"! We enjoyed our servings in front of a fire watching Tyler's Colts play!!!!!

Speaking of Chad...

Because Trenton was unable to wrestle at this weekend's tournament (because he is just getting over being sick) we were able to go and watch my brother's basketball team. He coaches the boys' B-team for the middle school and it was their Championship game. Chad's team was playing the #1 team in the conference. Unfortunately, Chad's team lost but we really enjoyed being able to watch him coach! The boys seem to like him and enjoy his coaching. Good game, Chad! We enjoyed watching you and your team today!

Chad the Bratz

Gabi pointed something out really funny tonight...she was showing me all her Barbies and Bratz and explaining what shoes, outfits, etc. they came with and she came across a boy Bratz. She said, "this one looks like Uncle Chad." I looked up and laughed. I asked her why she thought that and she said, "because his hair goes up and has highlights and he has hair on his chin." Ha! It's kind of eery...I do see a similarity...how about you?

Favorites

I also added links to some of my favorite things (along the side of this blog) - if you haven't already, check them out! One favorite of mine is the FREE Kraft Magazine-great recipes! If you don't get it-sign up here!

Sickness Strikes Again!

Trenton has had a cough for a few days and because he has asthma we suggested he use his inhalers more aggressively. Well, last night after wrestling practice he was feeling miserable. Ben went ahead and took him to the Urgent Care Center and lo and behold, the doctor diagnosed Trenton with "walking pneumonia." Not a pretty name I know. Unfortunately, he won't be able to wrestle tonight. The doctor prescribed him an antibiotic to take and asked if he had gotten the flu shot this year. The answer...no. You see, both Gabi and Trenton have asthma. I started Gabi and Trenton getting the flu shot when Gabi was 2 up until the year before last. All of the years that Gabi got the flu shot (when she was 2, 3 and 4) she ended up getting the flu anyways (she was actually tested for it and diagnosed with it). Well, this kind of questioned the flu shot in my mind, so last year and this year I didn't bother. Well, both Gabi and Trenton were healthy all through the year! So, what did that tell me in my mind...the flu shot seemed to trigger the flu in Gabi so why bother! Well, to make a long story short, the doctor Trenton saw last night made it sound as if Trenton should (and I know he should since he is asthmatic) have gotten the flu shot and that is probably why he can't kick this lingering sickness he has had (sore throat, headache, cough). I called the kids' physician this morning to see if it was too late in the season for the flu shot and it is not. I will get him in after this bout of sickness (next week) to get the flu shot. I guess I will continue to get Trenton the flu shot each year from now on...lesson learned.

Seasonal Site

Well, we did it! We have committed to a seasonal site at our very favorite place to camp...Jellystone in Fremont, Indiana. We are very excited! We got the call last week (after we had given up hope) and we talked it over and decided this would be the year to try it. We absolutely love this campground! An indoor pool, daily activities, a lake, an outdoor pool, a game room, four playgrounds and a new outside water playground are just a few of the highlights of the place and what makes it such an ideal campground for us...any weather, there is always something to do. We'll be able to take our camper there the first week of April and camp until the third week of October. Camping has been one of our favorite activities of our family - something we can enjoy together so we are looking forward to seeing how this summer goes. I know I am excited about the "family time" we will get!

Hot Cocoa

Well, school is back in session and things are back to the norm, or what I guess would be called "normal." It has been kind of quiet around here lately and I am suprisingly able to get alot of work done in my office as well as around the house. Over the Christmas break I made alot of hot cocoa for Gabi and I have become addicted to it...the good kind...the real kind...we aren't talking the little packets from Swiss Miss...this is the recipe off of the cocoa box and it is sooooo good! In fact, I am enjoying a cup right now!

Warm a cup of milk (either over the stove or in the microwave as I prefer)
Add 2 tsp. cocoa
Add 2 or 2 1/2 Tbsp. sugar
Mix well and enjoy!!! Good with marshmallows too!!!!!!

MMMMmmmm - it will sure warm you up on cold days like today!

Movie Marathon

Today we were able to sleep in a little bit. I was not feeling all that well so we didn't make it to church. In the afternoon we built a nice warm fire and layed around watching movies...The Barnyard, Ant Bully (both very cute for Gabi's age with some humor for adults as well) and then the boys watched Talladega Nights. It was funny because Ben figured out that he is actually in the movie! Yep, he was at Talladega Motor Speedway when they filmed that part of the movie! Pretty cool! Anyways, off to bed early, school tomorrow...

Bellmont Invitational

We spent today at a wrestling tournament in Decatur from 8 am till 8:30 pm. Yes, it is a two hour drive one way so we were on the road for 4 of those hours. Anyways, great competition today. He went 2-2 and only gave up 3 points for the team for both losses (to the state qualifiers/ranked wrestlers). Thanks to Uncle Dave, "Maw maw" and "Paw paw" for going with us to cheer on Trenton today - he really appreciates all your support! And thanks to Uncle Chad for taking care of Maizy while we were gone.

Miss Jokester

Gabi has been cracking jokes all of Christmas break...thought I'd share her favorite one (just in case you haven't heard it - although you probably have, if you seen us at all over the holiday!)...

Question: "Where is a cow's favorite place to go?"

You ready for this...

Answer: "The mooooooo vies!" ha ha ha ha ha

She is quite the jokester!

We have enjoyed this week of sleeping in (till 8:00 am for me, and today it was almost 10 am for Tyler!) but we know it is back to reality on Monday! We have certainly enjoyed this holiday season and we definitely enjoyed spending time with family.

Pictures, pictures, pictures...

I went a little photo happy the past couple of days while the kids have been out of school for Christmas break (I think they are sick of the camera going wherever they go)...thought I'd share some pics of my four babies...enjoying the extra time with them! Go Notre Dame!

Sleepover

I finally got my new running shoes today! I got an updated version of my last Sauconys. I am very excited to start running again - these new shoes are comfy. Gabi is having her best friend, Emma, stay over tonight and they are having a blast! As I am typing this, they have The Cheetah Girls 2 Movie on and they are dancing and singing to it...here are some cute pics I took...

New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve was fun this year! Although it rained all day on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, we still made the best of it. Ben went over to my brother's house to help him work on finishing his basement. I believe they got quite a bit completed. Later on in the evening Chad and Amber invited us over for snacks and games. We weren't intending on staying till midnight because Chad wasn't feeling up to par, but we stayed till about 11:40 pm playing a great game called Scene It. Trenton and Tyler have really enjoyed the games we have been introduced to, in fact, they want to buy Scene It now. We also had a Carrom tournament - an old game, turned new - that the boys absolutely love also. That's the biggest reason they were dying to go to Chad's for New Year's Eve...to play Carrom with them! My theory is if you like pool you'll like Carrom. Unfortunately, I am not a big fan of pool so I am not that good at Carrom. I do, however, enjoy watching them play. They really get into it! Anyways, we had a great time at Chad and Amber's - we should definitely do it more often! Thanks Chad and Amber, for having us over and showing us a good time!