Blaze

Gabi's goldfish died last week and we promised her a trip to the store to get her a new one.  She wanted two small goldfish this time and we got them at Walmart on Thursday.  Bad idea.  One died in the bag in route to our house and the other died the next morning.  Needless to say, we won't be getting fish from there again, but they were only sixty cents.  Not out much money wise...but a little girl had a broken heart.  We went to Petsmart on Saturday to look.  With Tyler's advice, Gabi decided to try a Male Fantail Beta Fish.  She named him Blaze and so far so good. 

Trenton's Spring Break

Trenton's Spring Break was last week and he spent most of the time in Naperville while working (Pet Supplies Plus).  He was, however, able to get the weekend off so dad R. and Jeff helped out by getting him on Thursday evening for us.  He spent the entire weekend at home just getting some R & R.  It was nice to see him.  Ben and I took him back yesterday afternoon and were able to bring along a bike and a bed for him since he has been staying in a friend's house where he will be staying for the summer while he works.  He decided to get a head start and move in now (with only one more trimester to go).  Hoping to head his way next week sometime over our Spring Break to do some visiting, shopping, relaxing, etc etc etc.  Sometimes I just can't get over how much these two look alike at times...Gabi sure does love her big brothers!

Spring On The Horizon

Although you wouldn't know it by the weather lately (and I hated waking up to a snow covered ground at the beginning of the week)...all coming activities are pointing to a Spring that is coming in no time.  One being Tyler's Commencement...can't believe it is almost time.  So much to do and such little time...scrapbooking, invitations, planning, etc etc.  Ugh...

And Gabi's Spring All City Choir Concert was last night at the High School singing all "camp songs" including Kukaburra and Baby Bumble Bee to name a few.  Thanks maw maw and paw paw for coming to watch her!  She loves a big audience!

First Official IU Visit

Since we would be in Indianapolis for the Griddy's on Sunday for Tyler and there was a "Red Carpet Day" opportunity on Monday at IU we figured it only made sense to drive to Bloomington from the Griddys Banquet so we would be up and ready at 8:30 am on Monday for our IU visit.  It was for admitted students only and we got MUCH information.  We also were able to eat lunch with cousin, Ryan between sessions.  Some interesting information we learned:
-The Rose Well House is a small gazebo where it is said that any couple who kisses in this gazebo at midnight on Valentine's Day will be together forever.  Every year there is a line to do so.
-Herman B. Wells statue sitting on the bench is holding out his hand for freshman parents to shake.  If you shake his hand, your student will graduate in 4 years.
-There is a tree that the has love initials in it from the founders of IU Bloomington that the Science Building was actually build around.  This was a stipulation from the founders not to cut it down when they gave the land to the school. 
-Two other stipulations that the founders put into place when giving the land to the school was that they could not move any of the cemetaries on the grounds (of the family) and that if they cut a tree down, one had to planted elsewhere.  There are three cemetaries on IU's campus where the founders' families are buried. 
We ate lunch with Ryan at BuffaLouies and enjoyed a quick stroll through campus.  We couldn't have asked for more beautiful weather.  75 and sunny!  Flowers were poking out of the ground and the trees had green buds.  We also were given information on steps we need to take next in Tyler's admission process.  He is truly looking forward to attending IU next year...but still much to get done before then.  Just can't believe it is his turn to leave the nest...

The Griddys

For being named to two all state teams, Tyler was honored at a banquet in Indianapolis...actually held at the Training Center for the Indianapolis Colts.  A ++++ in Tyler's book.  Michael Curtis was another player honored, as well as Coach Adam Reese from the team for Offensive Coordinator of the Year.  We were able to sit together at the same table and met a great young man and his father who actually presented an award named after the son...the Jason Kuntz Badge of Courage Award.  This young man told his story that was very touching and explained how the award came to be.  Jason was diagnosed with a brain tumor as a young boy but had always loved the game of football.  Because of the many surgeries he has had to endure he has never been able to actually play the game.  He continues to be involved, however, with as much as he can when it comes to football.  A touching story and was honored to have met him.  The dinner started with a Presentation of Colors by the United States Marine Corp and singing of the National Anthem.  A short introduction was made by Paul Condry (Publisher of Indiana Football Digest) and dinner was served.  On the menu...chicken, roast beef, salad, mashed potatoes, corn, green beans and rolls.  All very good.  The keynote speaker was Bobby Cox, Commissioner of the IHSAA.  Awards were given to the State Runner Ups and State Champion teams for this year.  Assistant Coaches of the Year received awards.  Lifetime Achievement, Kuntz Badge of Courage and Excellence in Football Media awards were also given.  Next up...the Players of the Year Awards were given...this was Tyler's category.  A true honor.  The Coach who actually spoke about Tyler and presented him the award will be his Defense Coach this year at the North South Game in July.  He told Tyler he was looking forward to coaching him this summer for that game.  It was awesome to see these Players of the Year and how many of them going to D1 schools...Notre Dame, Ohio, IU, North Carolina, Virginia Tech, Penn State...just to name a few.  Impressive.  Last but not least came the introduction of the Prime Time 25...these were players that will be seniors next year...the ones to watch and these guys...impressive to say the least.  One young man from Columbus East (Gunner Kiel) has already received 20 D1 offers as a quarterback.  Definitely one to watch.  All in all, an awesome honor for Tyler. 

Nike Ad

You were born a daughter.

You looked up to your mother.
You looked up to your father.
You looked up at everyone.

You wanted to be a princess.
You thought you were a princess.
You wanted to own a horse.
You wanted to be a horse.
You wanted your brother to be a horse.

You wanted to wear pink.
You never wanted to wear pink.

You wanted to be a Veterinarian.
You wanted to be President.
You wanted to be the President's Veterinarian.

You were picked last for the team.
You were the best one on the team.
You refused to be on the team.

You wanted to be good in algebra.
You hid during algebra.
You wanted the boys to notice you.
You were afraid the boys would notice you.

You started to get acne.
You started to get breasts.
You started to get acne that was bigger than your breasts.

You wouldn't wear a bra.
You couldn't wait to wear a bra.
You couldn't fit into a bra.

You didn't like the way you looked.
You didn't like the way your parents looked.
You didn't want to grow up.

You had your first best friend.
You had your first date.
You had your second best friend.

You had your second first date.
You spent hours on the telephone.
You got kissed.
You got to kiss back.

You went to the prom.
You didn't go to the prom.
You went to the prom with the wrong person.

You spent hours on the telephone.

You fell in love.
You fell in love.
You fell in love.

You lost your best friend.
You lost your other best friend.

You really fell in love.

You became a steady girlfriend.
You became a significant other.

YOU BECAME SIGNIFICANT TO YOURSELF.

Sooner or later, you start taking yourself seriously. You know when you need a break. You know when you need a rest. You know what to get worked up about and what to get rid of. And you know when it's time to take care of yourself, for yourself. To do something that makes you stronger, faster, more complete.

Because you know it's never too late to have a life. And never too late to change one.

JUST DO IT

Heaven

You would think these girls are in heaven today!  73 degrees and sunny.  A bit windy, but we will definitely take it!  The opportunity to catch a ball, eat a stick and pal around with her fave girl just makes her day!

And this girl...I am soaking in watching all this play time she can get.  Why...just looking at the old playset reminds me of the day Ben and my dad put this old thing up.  Barely held together now, I can only imagine it won't be long till none of my childrens' hands will be working their way across the monkey bars or swinging on those swings.  Playing in the sandbox and "Monkey on the Ground" always favorites.  I will miss these days more than anything.

My babies are growing up way too fast so I am loving this time of watching Gabi climb the front tree and practice hoops in our culdesac.  It's heaven.

An Irish Blessing

May you always have work for your hands to do
May your pockets hold always a coin or two
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain
May the hand of a friend always be near you
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you

Influential Educator Dinner

Tyler was honored at a dinner last night for the School City of Mishawaka.  All students that received a 3.5 GPA for 7 semesters were invited and were asked to bring an "influential educator."  Tyler chose Coach and Teacher, Darrick Snyder as his Influential Educator.  I was pretty impressed with the turnout, especially knowing that there are approximately 350 seniors this year...over 50 were invited to this dinner!  That's pretty impressive!  We were able to see many teachers that Ben and I had as students, as well as students (as teachers) that we grew up with - even my brother and cousin were there as "influential educators!  Another impressionable fact!  Very proud of our son.  He has worked hard for this honor.  And a big thank you to Darrick Snyder (as well as many other teachers) that have helped him get to where he is today!

Family Party Night

We celebrated Gabi's birthday with the family last night.  A basketball cake was her choice with lots of great clothes for spring/summer from family!  Always enjoy getting together with family to catch up.  We still had Michael Jackson Experience so Aunt Pam showed off her moves (she has the game at home).  Gabi loves to play with all her cousins too.  Good times.  Unfortunately, though, all good things must come to an end...including celebrating Gabi's birthday...so back to the norm...for now :)

Birthday Sleepover

Gabi had her closest friends over last night for her birthday...Emma Griesinger, Nikki Strohl, Lizzy Ashburn, Sloane Bultinck, Kara Knip and Lisa Fry.  She got some awesome gifts but the best gift was being able to spend some time with her besties...the party included....
Michael Jackson Experience for the wii
Karoake Revolution for the wii
American Idol - karoake machine with three of the girls being judges as the girls sang along to some songs from Gabi's ipod
Beetlejuice the movie
Old fashioned game of Kick the Can outside with glow sticks after dark
Pizza and DQ Ice Cream Cake!
and a tp experience with her big brother (Tyler and gf) - which I am not supposed to know about (but a package of toilet paper is missing and there was lots of whispering going on this morning)...

Skype

Skype has to be the best thing invented for us parents who miss their kids who are on vacation or at school :)
Tyler and Abby were so kind to skype with Gabi for her birthday last night

And Trenton skyped with her tonight. 

Missing them both but love that they care enough to send their love to their sister (and us)...

BirthDAY

Went and had lunch with my birthday girl yesterday.  That is what she wanted...and like I said, I HAVE to enjoy that while I can :)  Look what else came yesterday to her school...from the Schrader family!  Gabi felt sooooo special!  What an awesome idea!

She got MANY phone calls and texts (on her ipod) wishing her a GREAT birthday and she could hardly wait til daddy got home to open her gifts.  I brought her home from school to see the cake and gifts waiting for her.  The gifts were definitely worth waiting for from us (and Trenton and Tyler)...all she had asked for and more!  An Aeropostale shirt and zip up hoodie, an App store gift card, a back for her IPOD that would allow her to "slide" it in her pocket ;) and a step up from what she asked for (Columbia fleece)....she got a North Face fleece and she LOVED LOVED LOVED it! I loved seeing her face when she opened it!

And to top off her day, she got to choose where to eat for dinner - at first she was conflicted...Olive Garden or Red Lobster....she chose Red Lobster for the crablegs.  She was treated EXTRA special!  The waitress even cracked and opened her crablegs and brought a few more waitresses over with an ice cream sundae to sing "Happy Birthday" to her!  She definitely was SPOILED yesterday!  Before bed we talked with Trenton on the phone and got to skype with Tyler and Abby.  Very special.  Happy Birthday special girl!

Eleven

With Tyler out of town with Abby and her family for Abby's and Nick's Spring Break week (in Gatlinburg), it leaves just Ben and I to celebrate our baby's 11th birthday.  Gabi has been gearing up for this day for a little over a week now.  I think she actually started the countdown 11 days ago when she said "I will be 11 in 11 days!"  Gabi was treated to a shopping spree courtesy of my parents on Sunday while Ben and I worked the wrestling tournament at Mishawaka so she has certainly had her eye on several things she wanted.  Mostly clothes.  I remember this transition with the boys...from toys to clothes.  Brand name clothes to be exact.  Abercrombie and Fitch, Justice, Aeropostale, The North Face, etc etc etc.  It's a sign of growing up and frankly it scares me.  My girl growing up...yikes.  Not ready for this one.  Although these signs of her growing up she still has the sweet little girl in her...the one who wanted me to come eat lunch with her today at lunch, the one who still loves me to write notes on her lunch napkin, the one who STILL loves to cuddle...every now and then.  So, I will take that "little girl" inside her as much as I can get her...cuz the signs of her growing up are showing up and it will go by quickly.  Happy Birthday, sweet girl!  Looking forward to having a nice dinner (her choice) and some cake tonight as she opens her gifts from us!

Eleven Special Things About Our Gabi

1.  She loves the color purple.

2.  Has to sleep with a heap of stuffed animals inside her bed with her.

3.  Loves the remote "moon" uncle Dave got her while Tyler had his first shoulder surgery.  A fave at night.

4.  LOVES shoes.  Notably ones with a heel, open toed.

5.  Loves to go bearfoot.  Hates to wear socks, even in the winter.

6.  Gabi loves all animals.  She is contemplating being a veterinarian when she is older.

7.  Loves to read.  Mysteries and Nature books are a plus.

8.  Loves to shop...a recent fave.

9.  Is a daredevil!  Loves rollercoasters and ziplinig.

10.  Says she is going to stay home her first year of college...wants to stay with her mommy and daddy :)

11.  Absolutely adores her daddy and her brothers.  Loves to get love from them in return.

Another HUGE Honor

Just got word that Tyler got chosen to play in this year's 2011 Grange Insurance All Star Football Game to be played on July 15th at 7 pm in Indianapolis.  This is the best of the best and is truly an honor for Tyler to be playing in.  Check out info here and some info here.  So, saying goodbye to this past year's season was hard, but the benefits of Tyler's outstanding season just keep bringing us more and more! 

Save the date!!  July 15th!!  Roadtrip for MORE MEMORIES!

Dr. Seuss' Birthday

Today is Dr. Seuss' birthday and it got me thinking about all the books he has authored that I have read to the kids.  MANY have helped them actually learn to read!  Then I started thinking about the one I have tucked away in Tyler's desk.  One that my brother gave him as a gift graduating from kindergarten.  Then I started thinking about all the time that has gone by and how significant this book REALLY is.  Tyler is set to graduate from high school in June.  He has already been accepted to IU and he has plans to go into business/accounting.  He has his future mapped out already in his mind.  Oh, the places he has gone...and Oh the places he has yet to see!