Out of Retirement

Yep, as I stated earlier, I have started running. Started yesterday. Have to start slowly and I follow a schedule from a Running Book that I love. It helps prevent shin splints...something I had when I had originally started running and I absolutely HATED! They hurt terribly and you actually have to stop running for quite some time to heal. I just remember having to ice my shins after everytime I walked or ran. It stinks. But I have learned.
I actually started at week three from my book though since I am in somewhat good shape...
Here is the schedule
Week 3 Run 6 minutes, Walk 4 minutes, Repeat 2 more times
Week 4 Run 7 minutes, Walk 3 minutes, Repeat 2 more times
Week 5 Run 8 minutes, Walk 2 minutes, Repeat 2 more times
Week 6 Run 9 minutes, Walk 2 minutes, Repeat once more, Run 8 minutes
Week 7 Run 9 minutes, Walk 1 minute, Repeat 2 more times
Week 8 Run 13 minutes, Walk 2 minutes, Repeat once more
Week 9 Run 14 minutes, Walk 1 minute, Repeat once more
Week 10 Run 30 minutes
We'll see how it goes.... : )

"Grandpa's House"

Had a good time over at Dad R's house with the kids last night. Ben was able to take off a few hours early to go fishing with his dad. Something they enjoy doing together on their birthdays. Since it was beautiful outside, yesterday was the perfect opportunity. We met at the house around 7 pm with Dave, Jeff, Pam and Bren. Pam made a DELICIOUS cake and we brought strawberry and cookie dough ice cream (Edy's). It was all yummy! All the kids (Ben, Jenny, Dave and Pam) got together to get dad this for his birthday. He was very excited considering it was the one he liked the best out of the ones he looked at. It will go nice in his new truck he got recently. Had fun watching Bren enjoy the nice weather...he likes to be barefoot like some other little girl I know...huh hmmm....Gabi. He sure is growing fast and his hair with the slight curls is just adorable. What a ham!

Earthquake in Indiana?

That's right...this morning, I was half asleep/half awake because my stomach was feeling a little sour and I just couldn't get comfortable. The time was about 5:35 am and Ben had left for work probably 30 minutes earlier. I heard the dresser drawers rattling, heard some rumbling and Maizy got up and acted like she just couldn't get comfortable at that point. Thoughts in my head were the possibility of a train and at some time I guess I had thought it could have been an earthquake, but then totally dismissed that one. Only lasted a few minutes but I was shocked when I got up for the morning and my mom asked me, "did you feel the earthquake?"
This earthquake measured like 5.2 and originated in Illinois. Trenton seemed to know a little about the origin point...said they had discussed it in school and it has been predicted to happen, except the prediction was more of a disaster type earthquake. Interesting.

I guess with the weather being 80 one day and 30 the next in Indiana...nothing surprises me in this state anymore.

Happy Birthday, Dad R!

Happy birthday to this man!!! A wonderful father and loving grandpa...can't ask for much more. Footloose and fancy free - enjoying his retirement as of lately. We hope he is having a wonderful day! Lots of love from us!

Reality TV

I have to admit I am a junkie to reality tv - Survivor, American Idol and Biggest Loser has been my favorites as of lately. Did you see the finale of Biggest Loser Couples last night and how much these people have lost! It is truly inspiring. Ben laughs because I actually feel for these people and listening to their stories...maybe because I am a woman and I know how hard it is to be accepted weight wise. It's tough being a girl now a days. Ben has a totally different outlook...his feeling - don't let yourself get that way to begin with. I was taken back by Ali this sesason...check out her before and after photos.

Regardless, this show has inspired me to start running again. Yes, I will sadly admit those running shoes I got back in December for my resolution have yet to be used. I will let you know how I hold up this time.

And American Idol...if David Cook doesn't win the show, I can almost guarantee he will be heard on the radio. That man is an amazing song artist. He can take a song and rearrange it to another likeable song. He's good. My favorite one that he did so far...here. I am rooting for him all the way. His favorite bad audition happens to be this one from last season...my all time favorite so far also! Funny!

Survivor...haven't caught the last couple of shows but I am liking the fact that Ozzy and the gravedigger, James are still there. I liked them on the first seasons they aired. Ozzy just seems like a survivor type, one that could live no matter what the circumstances and James because he is just really nice and seems real. I am rooting for both of them.

Spring Break in the Mountains

We were so lucky to be able to travel to Mars Hill, North Carolina to visit Ben's grandparents and other family over spring break. We left Monday morning around 5 am and made it to grandma's house at around 3 pm...What a vacation! We didn't do much of anything but visit, enjoy the sights and relax but it was well worth the trip. Tyler was able to help drive us this year which was a blessing (Trenton forgot his license back at home on accident). This enabled Tyler to get some freeway practice in.

Monday - As soon as we got to grandma's house we visited for a few minutes, ate some homecooked food that grandma always has waiting or us - meatloaf, chicken, corn, mashed potoatoes, applesauce, and her famous biscuits, and headed up into the mountain behind her house. The boys were anxious to find a vine to swing on and they did. A big one. That kept them entertained the rest of the day. Gabi and I had fun watching and trying it out ourselves. Grandpa made his way over to grandma's house and we were greeted with lots of hugs and kisses. That evening we made our way to grandpa's house to see Sharon and see the new addition to his family ... a horse named Cocoa and a couple of dogs, Curly and Mo, two rat terriers (Gabi took a good liking to Mo and Cocoa). Grandpa keeps Curly in the house because that dog adores him so much. It was funny to see them bond the way they do. Also saw some of his chickens, of course. He doesn't have as many as he used to, but the ones he has are gorgeous.

Tuesday - We made our way over to Aunt Betty's house (grandma's sister in law - her brother Aaron passed) and got to visit with cousin Loretta and her 4 year old twin sons. They gave us a show on the guitars. We also visited with Aunt Alma (grandma's sister) and got to see her goats and kitties. The boys had a fun time trying to catch one...Ben eventually did and Gabi just squawked because she thought he was hurting it when it cried. It was a fun time. We made our way up to Buckner Branch - a big piece of land that grandma inherited and loves. Lots of branch lettuce (a southern food they love), compete with beautiful rocks and lots of fresh springs. We chose some pretty rocks to bring home and use as a display at our new house. Grandma also showed us the old cabin that her parents had when she was a kid. Always so neat to see. Old signs still hanging on the wall from when she was a kid, etc. So cool to see how they used to live. Grandma also told us she contacted Nestle about the spring water and they contacted her about 2 weeks after she wrote a letter. They asked her to send a few bottles of the water to be tested and they told her that the water was full of vitamins, etc. It could be an option to get water from there some day. I thought that was a neat story. We stopped in also at Wolf Laurel - an upper class community in the hills to see if the horseback riding was open and unfortunately, it was not. We were able to see the awesome big homes they built in that area and knowing our family had owned some of that land at one time was mind boggling. Such beautiful country.

Wednesday - Tyler was able to try some chocolate gravy, courtesy of grandma and he loved it! In fact, we all tried some and agreed it was not nearly what we thought it would taste like. A good breakfast. We got to visit with Aunt Boots. She had chemotherapy the day before so it wasn't a good time for her but she was able to come over to grandma's house for a short visit on Wednesday. It was so nice to see her and Uncle Bob. They brought a couple of pillows for Gabi to use in her "new" bedroom. How sweet. They both looked well and it was a good visit. We decided to go into town later in the afternoon (after a couple of short naps and walks through the mountain behind grandma's house) to Mars Hill College. I had told Ben I would like a shirt from there. They had some good sales going on and we got some deals (I got myself a shirt). The boys picked up a sweatshirt for their girlfriends, they each got a mechanical pencil and a pen and Gabi also got a sweatshirt. We had a little bit of time so we headed to Burnsville to look at a gift store (Tyler wanted to get a shot glass for his gf because she collects them) so we rode out there - about a 20 minute drive. Picked up a shot glass and started our way back to grandpa's house for dinner. Had a wonderful dinner there with him and Sharon. We had roast, mashed potatoes, "leather britches" (which we tried for the first time), baked beans, biscuits, mac and cheese, broccoli/rice/cheese casserole, beets, onions, a rum cake, etc. A true southern meal and it was delicious. We enjoyed the stay at grandpa's. We got to see Cocoa again...this horse he bought at an auction because he used to ride horses when he was little. Well, this horse won't go near anyone...anyone that is except Gabi. We found out that this horse really took a liking to her and it was sooooo sweet to see this horse follow her around the yard and allow her to pet him and talk to him. Amazing really, knowing this horse wouldn't let us come near him without a sugar cube. If we had a place to keep it, Ben said he would load that horse up and take it home for Gabi.

Thursday - We didn't do much of anything all morning but enjoy the beautiful weather. It was in the upper 60's all week and sunny. We just really soaked in the sights and sounds of spring. The boys made Gabi a barn swing and they enjoyed their vine swing as well. Such simple things that kept them busy. Grandpa made it over by early afternoon for a visit again and we just sat and listened to his stories from when he was a kid. Ben and I vowed to bring a video camera, put it on grandma and grandpa both, and just let them talk about when they were kids. Oh, how I wish I could have lived back then...Times have sure changed. Grandpa shared a story about how he used to play for a local baseball team when he was a teen. He made $20 if he won and $12 if he lost. Grandpa could sure pitch! We visited with Aunt Alma again and was able to see her sons, Owen (his wife breeds dogs - see their website here) and his wife, Joan and son, Zach and Alma's other son, Randall. A nice visit before heading to grandpa's for one last time. Grandpa shared some of his favorite candy when we got there...horehound. Wasn't bad. I found it so interesting - seeing, tasting and learning about all the different foods they like to eat - some from the very earth itself. Branch lettuce - boiled up and served with bacon grease is supposedly the best. Haven't tried it, but I am sure I will sometime I go to NC again. They also talked highly of ramps - similar to garlic and served with potatoes or eggs. Very interesting to say the least. Gabi found it sad to say goodbye to the animals that had really gotten attached to her.

Friday - Grandpa made it over to grandma's house to say goodbye at about 6 am and we headed out of town. We had beautiful weather the whole week...not a lick of rain. Good times, great weather...sad to have to leave.

We made our way up north and began seeing signs for Ripley's Aquarium in Gatlinburg area and on the spur of the moment...decided to take a detour. Purchased tickets to see the aquarium - which was absolutely stunning. Great place to see! We also went to the Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum and the Moving Theatre (Trenton's choice). The latter were okay, probably not worth the money but certainly enjoyed the aquarium and would love to come back to Dollywood and Pigeon Forge when we have more time. It's a neat little town. Got back on the road by 3 pm and back at home today. It was a great spring break! Fun, Family, Food! Couldn't ask for much more.

Enjoy LOTS of pics here.
Video of catching the goat
Video of swinging on the vine

Beautiful Spring Day

While the boys were away at a tournament I was able to get alot together for our trip to NC. Gabi and I did manage to get Maizy out and head for the park though to enjoy the beautiful spring weather (lower 60s today)...Gabi couldn't wait to go without socks - she loves her flip flops!

It's so nice to see the sun! Happy Spring! More pictures here from our visit from the park and the beautiful flowers as a gift from my hubby : )

Yorktown

Trenton and Tyler went to Yorktown High School for an ISWA tournament today with coach, some parents and quite a few other wrestlers from Young and Mishawaka. Ben and I opted to stay back to get ready for our trip to NC and Ben had to work this morning. Both boys went 140 lbs. Trenton was Junior 140 and Tyler was Cadet 140. We kept up to date by corresponding with Lisa Sandefer. Trenton got first place and Tyler got second. From what we heard they did very well. We were excited for them. I know they are tired though, both getting up at 5 am, the 3 hour drive and the long day (finished at around 4 pm). They will be glad to see the bed.

Closed In

Yes, our house, that is. The roof is up and the framing inside is being done. Some of the plumbing and heating has been run as well. Things are moving fast! First pic...bathtub in the kids bathroom, Second pic...deck from the sliding glass door, Third pic...front of house, Fourth pic...shower in master bath, Fifth pic...where the fireplace will go, Sixth pic...deck off back of house.

On the campaign trail

I had the awesome privilege to see Hillary Clinton today at Mishawaka High School. It was a packed house by 10:00 am - just 45 minutes before Sean Astin took the stage to introduce Senator Hillary Clinton. It was cool to listen to the Senator's views, concerns and plans if she becomes President. I really enjoyed the fact she took some questions. Here are a few things she explained that I liked....

* She would get rid of the "No Child Left Behind" program
* She would like to lower percentage rates on college loans and if the student decided to go into a community service job, the loan would be forgiven

* She would bring the troops home from Iraq

* She would redo NAFTA

* She believes in "God Bless America" and endorses that saying

* She would create new jobs in America

* She would allow every American the opportunity to have health care

* She wants to give young people the comforts of knowing social security will be there for them one day

It was definitely worth going to listen. I also came home to look up info on the internet...check it out if you don't know who you are voting for or have any questions when it comes to comparing our candidates. Who knows, I could have been a part of history today...seeing the first female President in person?????? Pictures from her presentation and appearance here.

American Idol...How am I doing with my picks?

For the guys...not so bad. As you can see, this is what I thought originally. Michael, David and Jason are the only two left of my picks and they really aren't even my favorites after watching and listening for the past few weeks. I would have to say my absolute favorite is David Cook. He has taken risks and turned original songs into his own versions and they have worked for him time after time. I really like him. I am still rooting for Michael (who sang well this past week) and Jason (although I think he will go soon) and David (may be too young, but I could be wrong). I am saying though the top two men at this point are the two Davids. They could win. This is what I thought about the girls. Ramiele and Syesha are the only two left. I am absolutely still rooting for them both but I really think Ramiele is the strongest girl at this point. She can sing well. I still like Syesha and I am enjoying Brooke more and more each week as well. She has a different voice and I like it. I am still saying Ramiele has the best chance of becoming the American Idol. If I had to choose one guy and one girl I would choose Ramiele and David Cook. We'll see what happens.

He is Risen!

Happy Easter! We started our Easter morning with egg/sausage casserole and toast/jelly, coffee, orange juice and apple juice. It was yummy. Gabi got up to find her Easter basket filled with all sorts of cool stuff...new crocs, a stuffed Easter bunny, some magnets she can paint herself and a little tiny stuffed dog complete with a trendy little outfit...not to mention lots of yummy treats. Trenton and Tyler also got up to find their baskets with goodies and some cash (something they are always in need of as of late). Gabi also couldn't wait for us to hide some eggs for her to find and that is what daddy did while mommy cleaned up the kitchen from breakfast. She did well and found all the eggs (with a little bit of help). Trenton was feeling a little better...still had a bit of a head ache but was a trooper and made it to church for the Easter service.

Dinner was great! We had turkey, dressing, broccoli/cheese casserole, noodles, corn and biscuits for lunch - compliments of my parents. It was nice to spend some time with Chad, Amber, Presley and Addy. It seems everyone has been so busy lately that we haven't been able to spend any time together. The kids enjoyed their Easter baskets from maw maw and paw paw and we also had some cake for my mom's belated birthday. Great dinner, mom!

Afterwards, we headed to grandpa's for his annual Easter basket hunt that the kids always look forward to. He even hides the "big kids" - aka mom and dad - Easter baskets. The baskets always come complete with lots of chocolate!!! : )

Unfortunately, we missed aunt Pam, uncle Jeff and Bren but aunt Pam left Gabi some nice jewelry that she passed down to her. Gabi really enjoyed them and had to put a necklace on right away. Thanks aunt Pam!

Pics of our day here.

Now, we are just relaxing...enjoying the down time. We need some R & R.

Happy Easter...He is Risen!

Coloring Eggs

After settling in after wrestling today, we decided to go ahead and color our Easter eggs. Gabi had a blast!
Tyler is off to a party at the Summit club with Marissa and Trenton is sleeping after a rough day.

Wawassee Freestyle

Trenton and Tyler both wrestled at Wawassee today...both at 140 lbs. Trenton wrestled as a junior and Tyler as a cadet, of course. Freestyle is so much different than folkstyle so you'll have to bear with me when it comes to explaining matches, etc.
Tyler placed first today! He was so excited. I got to see his first two matches in which he teched both opponents in the first two periods. His third match was a little tougher. In fact, Ben thought he was in trouble after he lost the first period 0-7. Tyler came back and won though...winning the second and third periods. Tyler's next opponent would be his own team mate and this guy decided he wasn't going to wrestle so he actually forfeited his match to Tyler.


**Can you hear Gabi say "you can do it!" - how sweet!
I have to tell you, though, I missed Tyler's third match because of what happened earlier with Trenton...

Trenton's first match he teched his first opponent (won by 6 points) in the first and second periods. In freestyle you only have to win 2 out of 3 periods to win the whole match. His next opponent was a little more aggressive. Trenton, however, did tech him in the first period but the ref did have to stop the match at one point to settle the kid down a bit. The start of the second period was a little "fast forward" to me...Trenton was keeping up with him but ended up getting hit under his jaw by the other kids' head...really hard. Trenton kind of looked "sick" and fell forward onto the mat losing consciousness for a few seconds. The coaches came to the center of the mat and asked him questions. He remembered names and dates, etc. but could not tell you where he was or what he was doing at the time. In other words, short term memory loss. The EMT that was there checked him out again after Trenton forfeited his match and recommended he be taken to the ER immediately. He also recommended he go by ambulance so IV's, etc. could be started. We agreed, only because he was the professional. Ben stuck it out with Tyler while I went with Trenton to the hospital. They immobilized him on a board and neck restraint until an x-ray and CT scan could be done. Trenton did not like this...it hurt and his head was hurting at this point. They gave him morphine for the pain which quieted him down a bit and was able to get the images completed. The doctor then came in to disuss his findings and luckily showed us he did not have any kind of bleeding from the brain and it was a severe concussion. This meant only time and rest could heal him.

Play Easter

Gabi to me yesterday after school...
"Mommy, do you want to play Easter with me?"
I said, "Play Easter? How do you do that?"
Gabi replies, "I hide the eggs and you find them."
She was the bunny first...then I was the bunny.
Had trouble finding the 15th egg I hid for her...till this morning.

Junior 140 Folkstyle State

Trenton placed fourth for Junior Folkstyle State Finals at 140 lbs. We are very proud of him! The best he has done at a state level ever has been fourth, so this is the second time for him. Trenton got a tough draw off the get go with Ryan Stahl from Elkhart. Trenton had a first round bye and then had Stahl. I always hate it when Trenton has a bye first...he is the one who seems to have a slow going at long tournaments and I would rather him have a first round match then a bye. Trenton got beat by Stahl by 2 points putting him in wrestlebacks, which meant alot more wrestling. With 39 kids in his weight class, this made it all the more worse. His second round was agains Hill from Elkhart - the one who gave Tyler his first varsity loss - remember this. Well, Trenton beat him up pretty bad with a major 14-0. A little payback I guess. Next he had King from Bluffton and won by pinfall. The next kid didn't look like a kid...he looked like a 35 year old man! He wore glasses and was very hairy. This kind of distracted Trenton, because he mentioned it to me several times. Trenton took it to him, though, winning by pinfall again. Next would be Spriggs from Thorntown. This match would take place on Sunday morning because it was so late in the evening (8 pm by now). Sunday came and Trenton beat Spriggs by pinfall first round. Trenton then beat Maxwell from Avon and had Whitlow from Crawfordsville. This kid was not happy when Trenton beat him 11-10. He was throwing all kinds of language out there. It was not a pretty sight. This brought Trenton right back around to Stahl for third place. By this time, Trenton was visibly tired. I know he wanted to beat Stahl this time and looked like he was going to when he got caught and was pinned. Trenton took it well and was happy to place fourth. Pictures here of Trenton.

Cadet 135 Folkstyle State

Tyler got second place at Folkstyle State in his weight class (135 cadet)! We are so excited for him considering this is the best he has done at a state level for club wrestling. He did great! Saturday morning wrestling started at 9 am and Tyler had a first round bye. He then beat a kid from Elkhart 8-0 and then a kid from Leo 4-2 (this kid and his dad were quite the pair...the dad got DQ'd from the tourney because of the mouthing off to the ref while the kid cussed Ben out mat side after he lost to Tyler). This ended the day on Saturday putting Tyler against Sokol from Penn in the semi round for Sunday morning first round. Last time these two met was at Jimtown last weekend. Wrestling didn't end till almost 8 pm that evening. We grabbed some McDonalds and headed back to the hotel where Gabi swam a little while and Tyler relaxed in the hot tub. Both Tyler and Trenton were dead asleep by 9:30 pm. Sunday morning came and Tyler took it to Sokol and won 7-4 this time. This led Tyler to the Championship round against Lynde from Delphi (never heard of this kid). Lynde ended up being a great match. The young man was very built and had quite a bit of muscle over Tyler which gave him the upper hand, unfortunately beating Tyler to give him second place. That's okay. Tyler did well - best he's done at a state level, in fact, the best either of the boys have done at state! We are very proud. Pictures of Tyler here.

Happy Birthday, Mom!

We are sorry we couldn't be with you on your special day but we will celebrate with you next weekend. We love you and appreciate you and your love for us. Happy, Happy Birthday! Enjoy your day!

Do you hear what I hear?

Chirping this morning....early....
I have been hearing this lately (there is a little retention pond near our house)
...and I saw this just this very morning!
Spring is coming, I JUST KNOW IT!

First Floor

First floor almost complete...
View from kitchen window
Sliding glass door
View from picture window in living room...Gabi commented after looking out at the lake, "mom, I'm gonna catch a fish every day."
Family room...basement there on bottom left and front door
Fun to watch progress.

Final Prints

As promised, after some tweaks here and there...the final floor plans : )

Picked out lighting today (three hours worth)...

Building has already been started! Photos to come.

Another New Recipe

Made another new recipe last night from the same magazine (Kraft Foods). YUMMY. Everyone enjoyed it but said it could have used a little less spinach...I had to agree.

WHO IS READY FOR SPRING ALREADY???????????

Party Day

Yesterday was one big fun filled party. All day.We had Gabi's birthday party (from 11am - 1 pm) with 7 other friends (all girls) here. Instead of bowling, though, Gabi opted for the black light golfing. The girls were allowed to golf the entire length of the party and it seemed like a waste at first when they were all excited, basically just ran through the course, putting all at once, etc. It took a little convincing, but it worked out when we told them it would take some patience but it would be more fun to actually putt putt, keep score and see who wins. I know Gabi certainly enjoyed hanging out with all her girlfriends for her birthday. Some of her gifts included a Hannah Montana purse, two webkinz, a few craft kits, some other stuffed animals and a talking Bratz doll. We enjoyed cheese and pepperoni pizza, fruit punch and confetti cupcakes with pink icing. In between eating and putt putting the girls got some arcade games in also. We even let Trenton and Tyler invite their girlfriends for some bowling while the party was going on.

After the party, we picked up Gabi's cake for the family party going on later that evening (6:30 pm). The cake...of course, Hannah Montana. We also celebrated Trenton's birthday since we never had the chance to throw a "family party" during wrestling season. Trenton got alot of cash (he is soooo excited about that) and Gabi got lots of spring/summer clothes...something she definitely needed. She has really grown since last year.

Uncle Jeff and Aunt Pam came over for the party a little early to check out and try Rock Band. Pam is quite the singer!!!! : )

All the family showed up and we enjoyed chocolate cake/white icing (Hannah cake) for Gabi and a homemade yellow cake/chocolate frosting for Trenton. Alot of candles for that one!

All in all, a good time with family. It was nice to catch up with everyone. Pics from both parties here.

Crazy Eights

Gabi turns eight today - the eighth of March!! Here are eight fun things I love about my baby girl....

1. The way she buries, literally, herself with stuffed animals in her bed so she only has inches on the side of her bed to sleep at night.
2. How she loves to entertain...whether it be to tell jokes or sing Hannah Montana songs in her microphone.
3. The way she puts the worm on the hook and takes the fish off all by herself!
4. When she runs around the house with Maizy, slightly teasing her to run after her and then Maizy attacks her to the ground to lick her to death.
5. The wrestling moves (single leg takedowns and blast doubles) and the gymnastics (back handsprings)!
6. When she asks me to kiss her hand and she kisses mine every morning before school to keep with her when she needs it.
7. Her big "doe eyes" - as called by daddy - first thing in the morning.
8. The MANY, MANY, MANY stories she has written in several notebooks - some fictional (and she has quite the imagination) and some real events she doesn't want to forget.

HAPPY 8th BIRTHDAY MY SWEET PEA! We love you!!!!!!!

Brennie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this little guy today!!!! He is 2!!!! Had a great time celebrating with the family last Sunday evening. Bren was too cute playing with Gabi...she was wearing some pants with a drawstring that hung down and Bren would grab her by the string and drag her around with him. Apparently he just wanted her to play with him : ) What a sweetie!

Fettucini Alfredo

I tried a recipe that a truck driver gave Ben a few weeks ago. He claimed it was the recipe they use for Fettucini Alfredo here! Well, I fixed it tonight...super easy, added a nice side salad to make it a dinner, and lo and behold...it did taste exactly like it had come from that yummy restaurant. Try it yourself...
Heat up the following in a pan while cooking up a box of fettucini in some salted water:
1 stick of butter
1 clove of garlic, finely chopped
16 oz. heavy cream
When the above is heated well, add the following:
1 cup of mozzarella cheese
1 cup of parmesan cheese
Mix until melted and heated through. By now, the fettucini should be finished. Rinse the pasta and add the alfredo sauce. Mix well.
Next time we may just make 1/2 the recipe and eat it with breadsticks like Tyler enjoys!!
Super easy and yummy too!

Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

Found this in a Krafts Food and Family magazine that I get. Made it tonight and it was soooo good. If you like Mexican food - especially tacos and macaroni and cheese, you'll like this one. Easy to make and tastes great too. I added the extra tortillas for crunch. After dinner, Trenton is off lifting weights, Tyler started Driver's Training, Gabi is enjoying bath time, and Ben is putting in a new garbage disposal. Busy evening again. No rest for the weary, I guess.

Mishawaka Wrestling Day!

Yes, we attended a couple of awesome presentations tonight. The first...an Honor's Dinner at the high school for Tyler. He achieved a 3.0 or higher for the first semester so Ben, Tyler and I were treated to a nice Polish Style Dinner complete with chicken, sausage, mashed potatoes, noodles, cabbage, veggies, rolls, lemonade and cake. It was very yummy and couldn't be more proud of Tyler. He brought home a 4.0 this six weeks as well! Very happy! The Honor's Dinner began at 6:00 pm, we ate and Tyler received his certificate at around 6:50 pm and he quickly told us he wanted to get over to our other presentation going on that evening at 7:00 pm.... The City Council Meeting. The Mishawaka Wrestling Team was being recognized at the City Council Meeting and all of the wrestlers, families, friends and supporters were encouraged to attend. We got over there just in time. All of the wrestlers were there and they started by announcing the Individual State Champs...Josh Harper and Steve Sandefer. They also congratulated the coaches and of course, the team. They called for March 3 being officially "Mishawaka Wrestling Day." Coach spoke on behalf of the team...JV and Varsity. He talked about how the JV has made the Varsity better and did mention Tyler's name (which was cool). He also went on to speak about each individual varsity wrestler. He said if he could say one thing about Trenton Reinoehl, he would say "hard work ethic, didn't matter if he was sick, tired, his g/f broke up with him, whatever, he never has a bad practice, and always ready to bang." How true. The city council members each took time to congratulate the team and say a little something and then the council named March 3rd "Mishawaka Wrestling Day" with each member saying "yes." Very cool! The wrestlers each went up to the bar to shake all of the council members hands and all the parents and fans (standing room only) applauded them on. Great evening of awesome achievements being recognized!

So, Happy Mishawaka Wrestling Day!

Jimtown Folkstyle

Let ISWA begin! Trenton decided to take a week off but Tyler wanted to wrestle since he hasn't had competition in quite some time. Tyler weighed in just as he was...no cutting, no dieting, no nothing. He went Cadet 140. Tyler also ended up wrestling three Penn wrestlers...Dalton Stroupe (beat 5-3), Aaron Hunter (beat 6-1) and then Ben Sokol (the varsity 130 lb. wrestler that Trenton competed against all season) and beat him 2-1! We were so happy for him. His first FIRST place win at Jimtown!!! Great job, Tyler! Pictures here.

Dinosaurs

I got a kick out of Trenton this morning. We decided to stay in bed a little longer than usual considering we didn't have any tournament or practices to get to. It was nice. I made a great breakfast complete with coffee, juice, eggs, bacon, biscuits, gravy and jellies. YUM! While I was in the kitchen preparing the breakfast I noticed Trenton had turned his attention to a television show. I had to smile. You see, ever since Trenton was really little, maybe 2 years old, he has been really interested in dinosaurs. What started it all was The Land Before Time movie. He absolutely loved this movie...Petrie, Ducky and Littlefoot. Loved it. I have to say it is cute, however, because now the kids at mom's daycare home are really into The Land Before Time series now. Funny how things sometimes come back from the past. Then as he got older, this came along. Both boys enjoyed that one. Trenton particularly was interested in the raptor. Seeing Trenton watching this series on television this morning just took me back to when he was little. Kind of sad how the time has flown by. Trenton isn't that cute little blonde toddler who sucked on the end of his blankey while watching The Land Before Time. He is a young man who is setting his sights on going to college soon. Scary. But I am up for the challenge...I think {sigh}.

Still Celebrating

Yesterday MHS held a pep rally in honor of the Wrestling Team Champions - open to the public nontheless! Mayor Rea was there along with some City Council members and of course, the legendary coach Al Smith to congratulate the team. Band playing, crowd cheering, cameras flashing, and television stations filming...still celebrating the victory. Mayor Rea even presented each wrestler with their own "key to the city!" How awesome is that!

More pics here.

Team State Highlight Video

Here is a highlight video from team state. Trenton was the last match shown and you can see Tyler behind Coach Snyder as he is interviewed.

Wrestler's Mom

Yes, I made the newspaper on the morning the boys left (Friday, the 23rd)...front page! Not a good picture...laughing, mouth open and eyes closed. I wasn't impressed with myself! Oh well, it was for good cause and it was a good time! Loving the bus though!
Ready to rumble
Cindy Reinoehl, mother of wrestler Trent Reinoehl, shares a laugh with friends as members of the Mishawaka varsity wrestling team pose for pictures Friday at Mishawaka High School. They were preparing to board the bus for the team state wrestling finals to start at 10 a.m. today at Center Grove High School in Greenwood. Parents of the team decorated the windows to include the entire varsity wrestling team. The Cavemen are ranked third heading into the state team competition.

Team State Champs

Yes, that's right, Mishawaka has claimed the title!!! Mishawaka had three tough matches yesterday at Center Grove in Indy as you can see by the scores!!! It was the most intense meet I have EVER been to. From start to finish the team state tournament was AWESOME! From the introductions...the teams come in and go around the mats and then wrestlers from each weight class would come to middle to shake hands as they were being introduced...to the Championship round.

Mishawaka was definitely ready to conquer Perry Meridian, considering they were our only loss this year. The team accompished their goal. And it was such a sweet victory. Intense is the only word to describe it.

Trenton was unfortunately just not on top of his game yesterday, with three losses - three very tough matches - Cook (PM), Kepchar (Merrillville) and Schweizer (MD). Don't get me wrong, he definitely helped the team win, in fact, every one on the team stepped up and did what they needed to do. I can't tell you how glad I was when Josh Harper sealed the deal for us during the championship round. With Trenton being the last match of the championship round, sick and just not wrestling up to par, I just did not like having all that weight on his shoulders...wondering if his actual match would be the deciding factor of a state title. That's alot to handle. And it worked out, in fact, everyone was so busy celebrating Josh's seal for victory, I don't even think anyone really payed attention to Trenton's actual match. I just wish he would have been able to celebrate too, at the time with the team. That's okay, though, he has helped this team all year and what a year it has been! So many emotional highs and lows...ALOT of hard work. Trenton and Tyler are proud to be part of this team.
Tyler even worked hard all week. He had to cut to 127 (from 140) to weigh in for the team as a back up for Josh. What a meet! Definitely proud to be a cavemen (again)!

Quarterfinals

Match 1: #10 Lawrence North 32, #9 Elkhart Memorial 32 (LN wins on second tiebreaking criteria – most match wins)

Match 2: #1 Evansville Mater Dei 52, #19 Columbus North 9

Match 3: #3 Mishawaka 29, #2 Perry Meridian 24

Match 4: #20 Merrillville 29, #6 Bellmont 27

Semifinals

Match 5: #1 Evansville Mater Dei 43, #10 Lawrence North 19

Match 6: #3 Mishawaka 30, #20 Merrillville 22

ChampionshipMatch 7: #3 Mishawaka 28, #1 Evansville Mater Dei 22

Pictures here.

Broadcasting at Team State

The action starts at 10 am on Saturday!!!!
Round 1
Match 1: Lawrence North (24-3) vs. Elkhart Memorial (16-0).
Match 2: Evansville Mater Dei (21-1) vs. Columbus North (24-3).
Match 3: Perry Meridian (28-1) vs. Mishawaka (28-1).
Match 4: Bellmont (24-3) vs. Merrillville (20-4).
Round 2
Match 5: Winner of Match 1 vs. Winner of Match 2
Match 6: Winner of Match 3 vs. Winner of Match 4
Round 3 Championship Round
Winner of Match 5 vs. Winner of Match 6
Watch it live here!
Should be a fun and exciting weekend!!!!

American Idol - The Girls

Not overly impressed with the gals last night. Again, I thought one of the best girls was one of the youngest...Alaina. She can sing. I oddly enjoyed Amanda - she has a joan jett kind of voice. It's different. She'll be fun to watch. The other two that I enjoyed, more so than others, had to be Ramiele and Syesha. Syesha wasn't afraid to be herself and she didn't seem nervous as some. Ramiele has a pretty voice...and her name is cool too : )
The ones I didn't care for...well, that would be the remaining...but then again, they all acted really nervous, so perhaps they will come out of the their shell and really start to shine. So, I honestly don't care who goes home tonight and do not have any two that stick out in my mind, who should go home, but I did like Alaina, Amanda, Ramiele and Syesha.

American Idol - The Guys

So I was able to watch American Idol tonight. I haven't seen all of the auditions because of wrestling so I wasn't familiar with all of the top 12 guys. It was cool to find out three of the top 24 are from Indiana - two girls and one guy (Luke, and he isn't too bad). My impression of tonight's show...bewildered I guess. I had mixed feelings...a few were good but I wondered where in the world some of them came from. I know the show probably has to be fair as far as different races, etc. I just hope to God the homosexuals are not on the show because they "have to be." The one guy...Danny...was okay voice wise, but who in their right mind would consider him an "American Idol?" I was not impressed at all and I hope he is one that is voted off immediately. In all honesty, I got sick watching him sing. The other I did not like was Colton. In fact, he could be gay also...not sure on that one. Am I biased when it comes to that...probably. Both Danny and Colton sang Elvis songs. Did that have anything to do with it...probably not. I just didn't like either one of them. Colton should go too. As far as the others...I wasn't too impressed with some but a few that did stick out for me was the rocker, Robbie...I think he said he toured with Britney Spears even. He was a good vocalist and different too. I also liked the young David. He can sing and he was probably the one I was most impressed by. He has a very nice voice. I also liked the guitarist, Jason and my favorite one to look at, and can sing : ) is Michael. So there you have it...my favorites right now would be Robbie, David, Jason and Michael.

Individual State Finals

Enjoyed the weekend in Indianapolis...we were hoping to be watching Trenton but our luck just didn't turn up for us. Next year.

We did have fun watching 7 of the wrestlers from our team. Two - Steven and Joshua - both ended up the champions! Steven's first time (140 lbs.) and Joshua's third state title (125 lbs.). Very fun. We reserved our rooms last year at this time to ensure we were within walking distance for Gabi's sake and it was nice. We stayed at the Hilton downtown and we were able to come back for lunch, etc. It was only about 5 blocks from Conseco Fieldhouse. Gabi did really well. She was able to pal around with Kristin - Caleb's little sister - which made it so much nicer. She was a trooper, as always. We were sure to get a hotel with a pool as well, and Gabi enjoyed that. Weather was nice - in the 40's and sunny on Saturday so it wasn't too bad walking to and from our hotel. All in all, a good weekend, and yes, we have already made reservations for next year! Enjoy pictures here.

Happy 30th, Amber!

Wanted to wish my sister in law a VERY happy 30th birthday!!! Talked to her this morning from Indy - sounded like Addy wasn't feeling all that well. Hopefully Amber's weekend was fun filled and she was able to enjoy it with her family and it being a three day weekend for her makes it even better, I'm sure. Happy Birthday from all of us!!! We love you!!

Happy Valentine's Day

Got some beautiful roses - red and white - from Ben today, along with a heartfelt card. It's nice to feel appreciated and loved...Happy Valentine's Day.

Daddy/Daughter Dance

Tonight Ben took Gabi to a "Daddy/Daughter Dance" sponsored by the South Bend Park Department. He is going with a group of guys, mostly firemen I guess, and their daughters. Emma's daddy is a fireman and this group has gone for the past 3 years or so and this year Ben and Gabi got to join in on the fun. Gabi wore a pretty red sparkly dress and I had lots of fun curling her hair and doing her nails. She was so excited to get dolled up and daddy even got her a pretty red wrist corsage to match. Ben cleans up very well wearing a nice black suit and a red and black tie to match Gabi. I must say, they looked so cute! Joe (Emma's daddy) and Emma came by to pick up Ben and Gabi for pictures and then enjoyed dinner here. Fancy! Then off to the dance here. Unfortunately, Ben didn't have a camera during the dance but here are some pre dance photos! After the dance, Joe continued his tradition with Emma and started a new one with Ben and Gabi...they stopped in for ice cream here.

Another Driver

Took Tyler this morning to get his learner's permit to drive. I must say, he did not do too bad. Can't really tell right now if he is a good driver or if my nerves have already been wore down going through one teenage driver??? : )
Needless to say, I have one happy kid!

Individual Semi State

Heartbreak today. Trenton had a bye first round since he won Regionals last weekend. It kind of ended up being a "pick the lesser of two evils" when we figured out that since Trenton won, he would face Roach again from Crown Point (lost by 3 points last time). If Trenton would have gotten second at Regionals, however, he would have had Smith from Munster with a record of 29-10 first round and Jacob Cook from Seeger with a perfect record of 43-0. Watching Daniel Young (who Trenton beat last weekend and got second so he had this route to go), Daniel easily beat Smith and then turned around and almost teched Cook to go on to place and seal his entry to state next weekend. It was kind of a "watch Daniel to see what would have happened with Trenton." Unfortunately, Trenton got Roach - we knew he was good with his only 2 losses to Churchard. Trenton worked soooo hard all week with the coaches to prepare for this match. After the match all of the coaches found me in the hall and told me that Trenton did just as they asked...he didn't let Roach score the whole first period. Roach chose down for the start of the second period and got an escape. Score was 0-1 going into the third. Trenton had opportunity. The score was not out of hand to where he couldn't do it. I wondered, "could our 'cardiac kid' pull it off?" I had faith. I really did. Trenton chose down at the start of the third and got an escape. Roach ended up getting a takedown, Trenton got another escape with the score being 2-3 with 14 seconds left. Trenton had beat opponents before in the last few seconds. Sadly, he just couldn't do it with Roach. The coaches said Trenton hit alot of the moves they worked on, Roach was just the better wrestler during that match. Roach scored the last takedown to seal his win. Trenton lost with dignity. I could tell he was heartbroken. He really wanted to make that walk around Conseco with Coach Snyder this year. It was his goal. I guess I could continue with the "what ifs" - what if Trenton would have gotten second last weekend at Regional and got the easier route to state? But I won't. This was the outcome that was layed out for him long before we ever knew. It's like I told Trenton, "I am still so very proud of you." He fought till the very end and he gave it his all. We could not have asked for anymore than that. Now it's time to refocus...team state in two weeks! Trenton is still a vital part of this team. Go get em' boys!

Team Semi State

The Mishawaka wrestling team won team semi state tonight by beating Delphi 59-9! Trenton tech falled his opponent (McTigue) 17-2 in the third period. We are soooo excited for the team who will be going to Team State at Center Grove two weeks from Saturday. We get to decorate the buses on Friday morning before they leave and fire/police will be escorting the buses to the bypass out of town. Can't wait!!!

Pictures of Trenton's match here.

Also, check out the boys before the meet - calm and collected, having a good time together while warming up. That's what I love about this group of boys. They all get along and they know how to have a good time, even in the midst of pressure.

Man's Best Friend

Gabi has really been having fun with Maizy lately. This dog follows her around until Gabi decides to play in the evenings. Gabi will start by just walking around...Maizy close behind and then she will pick up the pace and Maizy follows suit. They will both run until Maizy decides to close in the gap and jump on Gabi to make her fall. It's funny though, because Maizy really knows to be gentle with her. Maizy will just lick her to death and make a "fake" growling noise that wouldn't scare a mouse. Gabi giggles so hard. It's funny to watch.

Change is good

I finally decided to do hair color with highlights on Friday. I usually just get the highlights but I have been seeing too many light hairs to really have a contrast. After talking to Kristi, I decided to put some red/brown color in along with the regular highlights. Along with that, I got about 2 inches cut off. Not sure if I am happy with the cut, but at least it will grow. I think I may go a little darker with the color part next time, but all in all, not bad. I am very happy with this shampoo and conditioner though. It's the only type that can be bought in the stores (not the salon) that actually helps with my hair dryness. Two thumbs up!!

Regional Champ

That's right, Trenton is the 130 lb. Individual Regional Champ! He beat his first kid from Rochester 6-0 and went on to beat Manbu from Warsaw 7-0. We knew the championship round would be good. Trenton had faced Daniel Young from Culver Military Academy before in ISWA tournaments and has never beat him. Trenton has come close, but has never done it. Today he did. Trenton beat Young in OT by a takedown (5-3)! Talk about a nail biter. I was so glad and overcome with so much emotion! Trenton has come such a long way, even in this year! His hard work is paying off more and more. SOOOO PROUD today! Next stop...Team Semi State on Wednesday and then Individual Semi State next Saturday!

Hannah Montana

Mission accomplished...fun evening with friends last night! Movie was packed, was a good movie, would have been better if a speaker in the theatre wouldn't have been out! Made some parts of the movie inaudible. I don't think the girls minded one bit. They were in Hannah Montana heaven!

Mini me

Gabi, to me, last night, while browsing through Wal Mart's huge ad with all Hannah Montana things...
"I know what your surprise is for me tomorrow...you are taking me to see Hannah Montana, aren't you? You can't keep anything from me!"
Ben overheard this, shook his head and said, "she's just like you, Cindy. You created this monster." LOL