LaPorte

Tyler's football team suffered their first loss last night (7-14). It was sad for the team but we were so excited that Tyler had an awesome game personally. He caught 2 for 2 passes while playing wide receiver. One was brought back by a penalty (elsewhere on the field), but the other Tyler gained 7 yards while the team only needed 3 for a first down. Not to mention, Tyler played good defense...was in on a couple tackles again playing cornerback. Not only did he play wide receiver and corner this game, he got to show off his skills as the long snapper for the point after. It was funny to see him up with the line! Here are some pics I captured.

Little Scrapper

Gabi finally used some of her gift certificates to Pages In Time that maw maw and paw paw, and Trenton got her for Christmas! We went a few weeks ago to get some supplies for me to do the boys' wrestling seasons. Gabi picked out some neat things for a winter theme since I had some extra photos of her playing outside in the snow. I was hoping she would want to scrap some with me but she never wanted to do it the same time I was...she was always doing something else or playing outside. Well, about a week before school started she finally came to me, scrapbook bag in hand, and said, "I'm ready to scrap." Here is the finished product! Not bad, huh????

Pointing Lab?

There is much debate on whether a labrador can be a pointing dog (for hunting). Maizy has gone with Ben several times hunting for rabbits and pheasants. She gets really excited when he gets the guns out. He's even taken Maizy out in the woods just to scope out for deer occasionally (not hunting...just checking things out, moving stands, etc.). Maizy loves the "hunting" atmosphere altogether. Ben says she is a "flusher/pointer" combo...she stalks it and points at it. I do know that we have lots of bunnies at our house under our shed and whenever there is one out and eating the grass she points at it. I caught some pics of her the other day, as a matter of fact...She walks ever so slowly, just barely touching her paws to the ground, one at a time, tail out - pointing, crouched down. Almost "cat-like." Neat to watch.
PS: No bunnies were harmed when taking pics...in fact, Maizy hasn't even been fast enough to actually get one yet. No worries.

Down on the "muddy" farm

Yes, that was the theme for this weekend at Yogi's - and boy, was it muddy. I was sooooo happy to see the sunshine on Sunday morning after about a week of nonstop rain! We were actually going to stay in town Friday night for the football game and go up early on Saturday morning, but we found out Friday afternoon the game was cancelled. We decided with the heavy storms they were predicting and the fact that our awning was out (secure but out), we should just go up Friday night. Needless to say, we had some grumpy boys because they wanted to stick around for the Penn game (which had not been cancelled). They got over it quickly though. Anyways, rain, rain, rain on Friday night, into Saturday up until about noon or so. We let Trenton bring his Guitar Hero game for PS2 for entertainment since we knew it was going to be soggy for a while. So, that's what we did during the rain...watched and played Guitar Hero, PGA Tour, Uno, and Hold 'Em. Saturday morning they were supposed to have farm animals out to pet. We decided to go and see what that was all about in between the rain showers. They had ducks, goats and rabbits...not many, but I really don't think they could bring in many others since they had to move it to the covered pavilion rather than the field. Oh well, Gabi enjoyed seeing them. Chad, Amber and family went also. In fact, Friday when we got there we had to pass up two restaraunts because of power outage and when we came to one that was up and running, it was so packed we didn't want to wait. We opted for Wendy's. We did enjoy Saturday afternoon after it cleared out. My parents brought my grandma and grandpa Jones up for a visit (my mom's parents). They really enjoyed watching Guitar Hero, relaxing and having a yummy dinner (chicken, hot dogs, macaroni salad, cheesy potatoes, corn on the cob and cookies from Das Essenhaus). It was nice to visit with them and I am glad they got to see our site. They were once big seasonal campers as well! Sunday was awesome! Sunny and bright. We stayed late in the afternoon...got home around 5:30 pm or so. Although it was rainy, I think we still enjoyed the time away, as always.

New Car and Dekalb

A HUGE thank you to our cousin, Shannon. She helped us in getting a car for Trenton to use this year since he got his license. Her employer, St. Mary's, had a couple of employee cars for bid. We decided to check out the gold 1999 Chevy Cavalier and it seemed like a very nice car - low mileage, no rust or body damage, clean...decided to go for it. Yesterday they opened the bids and come to find out...we won! We actually got it for a good price too - right where we wanted to be as far as a car for the boys. It worked out...we think maybe our luck is turning. We'll see!

Last night was the first freshmen football game and it was awesome! We played against Dekalb and won 28-0. Tyler played starting cornerback (got in on a few tackles) and rotated in as wide receiver, as well as quarterback! Jack of all trades I guess! It was a great start - Looking forward to this season!
Tyler getting in on a tackle! (#22)

Playing wide receiver

Playing quarterback

What a good lookin' fellow! Thanks to Uncle Dave, as well as Marissa and her mom, Kristi, for driving 1 1/2 hours to watch our boy! We are proud of you Tyler!

New Bird

Yep, I have found a new bird to watch...the hummingbird. It all started at the campground when I noticed a hummingbird trying to eat from my flowers. I decided to get a hummingbird feeder and low and behold, he/she comes back almost everyday we have been there to eat from my feeder. Well, little did I know I would see a hummingbird at home soon after the first time I saw one at the campground. I had forgotten to get a feeder until about a week and half ago. I picked up a feeder to put in our backyard at home. Surprise, surprise, I have seen a few different hummingbirds eating from this feeder and they are really cool birds! They are so small, sometimes I mistake them for a huge bee flying by. I also find it very cool that my grandma Jones enjoys hummingbirds as well. She said she sees hers perched on her clothesline outside her kitchen window, but I have never seen one perch, until today. Check out this picture I caught at home this morning!

Happy Birthday, Jenny!

If I were to describe my sister in law to you, I would include her most outstanding trait - giving...always there to listen and help out. Jenny is the kind of person who would give the clothes off her back for someone in need. She is the most loving mother of two beautiful children, Travis and Mackenzy. Unfortunately, Jenny has been living in the lonestar state of Texas for quite some time and we are only able to visit with her on special occasions...holidays, vacations, etc. She moved there for her job and has been there since. We miss you, Jenny and think of you often! Have a great birthday and we love you!

Speaking of babies...

I caught this short video of momma robin feeding her babies from our front window. It's really cool that we can see them so well.

My Three Babies

After almost a full week of school under their belts we decided to take a break by going to the camper for the weekend. Tyler was able to skip out of football practice (they only worked on special teams anyways) and Trenton brought a friend (finally! He has been trying to bring someone for quite some time and all his buddies always have something going on). The weekend visit started later since we couldn't leave until after school, but Saturday was fun. Ceramics for Gabi in the morning, a few more walks around the campground than usual (just because), cornhole, great food, lots of laughs (as usual), s'mores, euchre and hold em. It was just some R & R - exactly what we needed. Unfortunately, our weekend was cut a little shorter than usual again because of the rain, but we didn't mind since it came late Saturday night and Sunday. The weather was not too warm but not too cold either - kind of fall like - got us all in the mood for some football. We got home around 1 pm, did some shopping at Best Buy and got a pizza from Bruno's (yummy!) Since I MESSED up somehow on our VCR, I didn't get to tape High School Musical 2 for Gabi. She was pretty upset...luckily it's on again tonight - 8pm! I am going to give her a break and let her stay up passed her bedtime to watch it. Looking forward to seeing it - we heard it was good. The campground showed it at the Ranger's Station on Friday night but Gabi was just not interested in sitting down watching a movie at the campground - which is definitely fine with us! We are all about no television in the great outdoors! Another good weekend together as a family!

THE Shirt 2007

Have you seen the new Notre Dame t-shirt! Awesome! GET ONE!

New Start

Many of you already know that we have decided to build a new home in Mishawaka, thus putting the kids in the MHS school system. We are very excited, yet nervousness ran high in our family as the kids started school on Tuesday at a new school. Gabi actually started tearing up as she went in to her new school that morning, making mom upset as well. I was very relieved when I went to pick her up, that she was wearing a huge smile and talked all about her new classroom for nearly an hour afterwards! Needless to say, she was happy and excited to go back the next day. The boys, however, were a different story...Tyler was a bit more nervous about the first day, but then again, that is normal for a freshman going into high school. They were excited to begin a new school, with a new set of friends, a new set of teachers - most of which Ben and I had when we were there or happen to be family or friends, and a new set of values and expectations. I think both the boys were very content with their classes, I heard the normal complaints, a teacher being strict or mean, but they were happy with the way their day went. In summary, we are, for the most part, feeling good about school and our choice thus far!

Favorite Charity

Go here and vote for "Save the Manatee" charity! You have until September 30th!! Thanks!

Crocodile?...no...Turtle Hunters

Trenton and his buddy, Steven, have been catching turtles from our development's pond lately. It all started Saturday when Steve caught one and named him Ronald. He let him go in another pond. He and Trenton got enough entertainment out of it, they decided to try again yesterday afternoon. You should have seen them...up to their necks in the pond with nets, sneaking up on these turtles...HILARIOUS! Reminded me of the crocodile hunter. Anyways, they caught nearly 15 yesterday! They are releasing them in Steven's pond in his new development because they want to be sure they have some in there (according to Steven). I have a feeling it's just pure fun for them. HA HA.
Also, see when I found yesterday afternoon as well! I knew it was time! One more egg to go...

Tyler's Bash

Yesterday we celebrated Tyler's 15th birthday at his girlfriend's (Marissa) lake house. Her family graciously offered to have a big bash for Tyler, Marissa, and Becca (another friend of Marissa and Tyler). Marissa has a lake house on Long Lake and was a beautiful setting for the kids. We had hot dogs, sloppy joes, chips, nachos and cheese, soda, water and ice cream cake from DQ! It was a great day for water activities. We were able to take the kids tubing with their boat and jetskiing on their two jet skis. They also had corn hole set up for them to use. I think all 35-40 kids had a blast! The 4 hours (11 am-3 pm) we set aside for the party sure went fast...in fact, we didn't end up leaving until almost 6 pm! Marissa is a sweet girl and has a wonderful family! In fact, Marissa's mom is the "famous" realtor (Kristi Ryan). She is very good at what she does! You can check out her homes at Remax.

When we got home, since Gabi is at the lake with Emma all weekend (I miss her lots!) Ben and I had planned to go see The Bourne Ultimatum with my parents. GREAT movie! Gotta be one of my favorites right now. I am, however, very excited that Wild Hogs comes out on DVD Tuesday. Another great one. Watching the previews before the movie we saw ALOT of good movies with GREAT actors coming out this fall. One that looks good is We Own The Night. Check it out. Anyways, if you haven't seen The Bourne Ultimatum....go see it! Ben and I set up to see it by rewatching the first two this past week. I personally think they won't stop at 3 Bourne movies!!! So, looking forward to the coming years.

Happy First, Addison!

Happy 1st Birthday to my niece, Addy!!! Her smile just melts your heart!!! We love you very much!!!!

Yogi Olympics

This past weekend we were able to go to the campground again for the Yogi Bear Olympics. Gabi was excited because the boys are always getting awards and medals for wrestling and she wanted to try her hand at winning one! There were several games on Saturday...The Power Throw (who could throw a ping pong ball the farthest), Test of Balance(relay race balancing a marshmallow on a spoon), Kick of Strength (who could kick their shoe off their foot the farthest), and Run for the Distance (relay race). They broke the games up by age groups...ages 4-7, ages 8-10, ages 11-13, ages 14-16, and ages 17 and up (so even the adults could get in on the fun). Gabi placed second in Test of Balance (should have gotten first but the person watching didn't see she won...but that's okay) and Ben got first for Kick of Strength! Gabi was very proud to get a medal and a certificate for her achievement. Unfortunately for us, our weekend was cut short because of the rain. It started downpouring at around 1 am on Sunday morning and didn't quit. We had to get up and leave by 1:00 pm anyways (Gabi had Emma's birthday party to go to later) so we decided to get up, eat breakfast and head home. We were home by 11:00 am. It was still nice to get away and it was fun to watch Gabi get "coached" by her big brother (Trenton). Tyler had stayed with my parents so he could go to practice first thing Saturday. He met up with us at the campground late in the morning and was able to watch some of the Olympics. All in all, it was a good weekend, as always. Check out all the pictures here.

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Happy Birthday to the MOST wonderful father in the world! Not many daughters today, can actually say they are friends with their parents...but I am. My dad is my friend and I am so glad. He has always been there for me, through the easy and difficult times - he has stood beside me. Not only would he do anything for me and my brother, but he would do anything for his grandchildren. He has proven his love and support so many times through them. Thanks, dad, for loving me and my family like you do. We love you and appreciate your support in everything we do. Have a WONDERFUL day today - you deserve it! We are so lucky to have you as a father and "paw paw"!

New Eggs

Look what I found the other day...I actually noticed the robin making the nest last weekend (as I had my window open with the tree right outside the window) and I marvel at how neat of a nest maker they are everytime I spot one. Anyways, I waited to see if there would be eggs and sure enough on Tuesday I saw 3 perfect little blue eggs. I am expecting to see the new little birds by next weekend...we'll keep you posted.

Pig Talk

We went to the Cass County 4H Fair last night. Every year we usually take the kids to either the Elkhart County Fair or the St. Joseph County Fair, but this year we took them to Cass County. The reason...Tyler's girlfriend, Marissa, was showing her horse there. Trenton ended up going with his friend to see Charlie Daniels perform at the St. Joseph County Fair so it was just Ben, Tyler, Gabi and me. We had a great time seeing Redd (Marissa's horse) and granted, it was a smaller fair, the lines were not nearly as long so it was much nicer for us to go on the rides. One of our favorite things to do is see the animals - pigs, horses, cows, chickens and bunnies. FUN! Check out the video I caught of Ben and a pig. I swear they were talking to each other! Also, here are some more pics of our time at the fair.

Summertime Swimming

We were able to go to "maw maw's" house today to swim with the kids. She takes care of several girls just about Gabi's age for the summer in her daycare home, so naturally Gabi LOVES to go and swim in the summer. When I am able to go, I sneak over and take them all out for a swim in the pool and today was the perfect day to do it! In the 90's and sunny! The pool felt wonderful! In between football practices, Tyler comes over as well and he was able to get a rest in, as well as a swim. Thanks maw maw, for the nice get away!! We had a good day!