Trenton's Spring Break

Trenton's week and a half home was pretty busy, went by too quickly. He worked with his Uncle Jeff every day finishing a basement for some extra money which he needed. In the evenings, Trenton would spend time with friends and/or family. I was glad he was able to come to Gabi's birthday party with her friends and was also able to come to Gabi's choir concert during the week. The one day Trenton didn't work he was able to get the hemangioma removed that was constantly breaking open when he wrestled. This hemangioma was behind his ear and was getting bigger by the day. We learned that a hemangioma is caused from trauma, so we are assuming wrestling had much to do with its' origin. Needless to say, Trenton was relieved to have it removed. Ben and I headed back to North Central yesterday to drop him off with lots of groceries and extras here and there for him to enjoy. He was able to get back in the dorm by noon so we took him to lunch, checking out a nice little lunch place called Potbelly. I had a YUMMY grilled cheese, tomato and bacon sandwich on wheat and wow! Impressed. Combined with vegetable soup it was a nice lunch to send us back on the road home after making sure Trenton was settled in again. The house seemed alot quieter and his room seemed 20x as big with all of his things gone...another goodbye, and it never gets easier. I know he is looking forward to his spring classes...Philosophy, Leadership, Calculus and Power Volleyball, yes, Power Volleyball. I am hoping he can continue the good grades through the rest of the year. A GPA of 3.5 ... couldn't ask for better!

Spring Choir Concert/Wrestling Dinner

Tonight we had two different activities to attend. Ben went to the Wrestling Recognition Banquet at Riverside Terrace with Tyler. Ben said the dinner was nice and all the boys were recognized. Tyler got his patches for his jacket and also a key to the city again from the Mayor! Tyler will get his state ring in the next few weeks hopefully.

Gabi also had her Spring Choir Concert at the high school. It was an all city concert made up of all the elementary schools. They did a rendition of many television show jingles. I found myself singing along to many! Trenton, grandpa R. and I attended to support her. Gabi was all smiles and knew the songs well. She enjoys choir. It was nice because Ben and Tyler got done with the banquet just in time to catch the last few songs of the evening. Gabi was so glad to have the whole family there!

My fav of the night had to be the Cheers song...check it out below!

Blue Rhinos

Last year Trenton and Tyler put together a volleyball team for a student council fundraiser for a tournament at the school. It was composed of wrestlers who wore singlets as their outfit. Not sure where they came up with the name but it was called "Blue Rhinos." I even made shirts for all of them with a blue rhino on them that they sported the rest of the year after winning last year. This year the only Rhinos left were Tyler, Matt Guerra, Nick Schrader, Al White and they added Ben Simons (who looked hilarious in a singlet!) Tyler convinced me to write "Rhinos" on the back of a singlet that doesn't fit anymore. Unfortunately, these boys didn't win...they didn't even win the first round this year....oh well. It was fun to watch them!

Go Karts and Mini Golf!

We were able to celebrate Gabi's birthday with 9 of her good friends today at Strikes and Spares. She opted for the Mini Golf and Go Karts. Gabi was especially happy cuz her two brothers came to help out. She couldn't have been more proud!!! Gabi, Emma, Lizzy, Nikki, Thi, Ally, Sloane, Kara, Madison C and Madison K. were all in attendance. The only four who were not tall enough to drive the Go Karts were Gabi (rode with Trenton), Sloane (rode with Abby and Kish, Trenton's buddy), Ally (rode with Abby), and Nikki (rode with Tyler). The girls had a BLAST!!! And it was even more great because a bunch of Notre Dame players ended up being there, playing Mini Golf right behind us!! We were pretty awe struck and when Ben told them that Gabi was celebrating her birthday and asked if they would take a picture, Michael Floyd (Wide Receiver) rounded up the bunch and got a photo with Gabi! Check out Manti Te'o (Linebacker) in the pic! How cool! Gabi had a great party with lots of great gifts...New Moon, a notebook that lights up to journal in, jewelry, a cute Justice shirt, a Justice gift card and nail polish!! A great day for her!

High

This girl is high on cloud 9...beautiful run around outside in flip flops weather, daddy put the basketball hoop in the culdesac for her and Tyler to "hoop" it up for the past few days, she has been able to use her pogo stick she got for Christmas and her biggest brother is HOME for her birthday party tomorrow. Doesn't get much better than that, folks!

Scholar Athlete

We had the Winter Banquet last night where the wrestling team was recognized. The Championship rings will not be handed out until the formal banquet which is next week but they did honor the scholar athletes (who have a GPA of 3.25 or higher) and Tyler got his award. Great job, Tyler! A big thank you to maw maw and paw paw for getting Trenton from the South Bend Airport last night while we were at the school. Trenton is very happy to be home for the next week and a half. We are glad to have him home :)

St. Patty's Day

Got my little treasure I ordered just a few days ago from Etsy! lovE loVE LOVE browsing this website and all the handmade crafty things!!!!

So I am back running again. I tried about a month ago and it was too early. My foot just wouldn't let me do it. I layed off for another week and started on my ten week program last week. I am on the second week and doing ok. My foot is a little sore here and there, but I think it will be good with my new shoes...another thing I LOVE. And speaking of things I LOVE...who doesn't LOVE this weather!!?? 60's and sunny as of lately (I just won't talk about the weekend - blah)!! Winter Banquet tonight with Tyler and Trenton will be home...bringing the South Shore home for a week and a half for Spring Break. Let's hope the weekend rebounds and next week is as gorgeous as this one. Let's just "think Spring!" and Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Happy Birthday...

...to my best friend and mom!! I love you!! Hope you have a wonderful day!!! We appreciate your time, your energy, your love that you put into our family!! Happy Birthday!

Fourth Place

Gabi's last basketball game for ICE was today. A tournament between the four teams. The first game was a rough one...I believe this team actually won the tournament all together. This team was very good and every player was tall, which made it even harder on us since we are the smallest team. It was nice, however, that Chad/Amber and kids, maw maw and paw paw, Tyler, Abby, Uncle Dave and grandpa were all able to come and cheer her on.

Gabi was not looking forward to playing two games in a row, but she knew it was on the schedule. We picked up the loser of the other bracket for third place in the second game. This game was more like a football game than a basketball game. The opposite team was very aggressive. Gabi ended up bending her fingernail back which took her out of the game in the last few minutes of the game. She was a trooper though and played well. No baskets for her today, but she played very well defensively. Our team ended up with fourth place. Sad it's over but she has certainly learned alot about basketball and has come a long way in the game! Good job, Gabi! We are soo proud of you!

Double Digits

My sweet baby girl turned 10 today!!! She was so excited to turn "double digits!" Daddy brought a stuffed birthday bear with balloons to the school for his little pumpkin and I was able to take Gabi's favorite lunch sandwich from Subway to eat with her. After a few skype calls...one with Trenty :) and one with Emma, we were off to dinner at her fav seafood place in the world (Red Lobster). After her dinner of choice...salad, baked potato, crablegs and a birthday sundae, we were home for a skype date with Aunt Jenny, Travis and Mackenzy and of course, some Mario Kart! I think Gabi enjoyed her day...she said it was a perfect one. It was nice and sunny, she moved onto her 5th grade pie in Aleks math, her mommy ate lunch with her, she got some awesome gifts and got to talk to some of her favorite people! The number one reason, she said, was because she "had a smile on her face all day!" Now that's a good birthday :) I still can't believe my baby girl is 10 years old today!

Brennie turns 4!

Got to party with our nephew, Bren and family today!! He turned 4 and what a ham he was as he was opening his gifts!! What a cutie! Happy Birthday, Brennie! We love you lots!!!

Family Party

Celebrated Gabi's 10th birthday last night with family. I think it's the first time in a very long time that EVERYONE made it (minus Billy's wife, Bridgett)! Our house almost didn't seem big enough with the whole family but it was nice to see everybody and catch up. Gabi came away with some cash, lots of very cute summer clothes, a constellation theatre to match her moon(thanks uncle Dave!) and a super cute purse from mommy and daddy! Abby and Tyler brought over a gift on Friday before she left for Georgia (for Spring Break). They got her a cool fashion design notebook and a cute shirt to match Gabi's personality perfectly! Gabi also got Mario Cart and Neighborhood Games for her Wii!!! All GREAT gifts!!! She picked out a Jonas Brothers cake along with cookies and cream ice cream!!! YUMMO!

She is looking forward to making this week - yes, around here, birthdays last a week - all about her!!! After all, she IS DOUBLE DIGITS NOW!

Not a bad finish!

In the Brute-Adidas National Wrestling Coaches Association NCAA Division III rankings for the 2009-10 season, the North Central Cardinals finished 8th. Not bad, considering they were ranked 10 on February 9th. A great season for them, in fact, they sent 4 of their wrestlers (Fitzenreider, Starzyck, Brown, and Yeoul) to the Division III Nationals today in Iowa. Trenton, along with alot of the other wrestlers, went to support them. You can follow them at ncaa.com. Wishing them all the best!! Trenton's record ended up being 11-14. Not bad for a freshman. Very proud of him and very proud of the team!!!