Last Birthday Party

We celebrate family birthdays up to the ripe old age of 18 years old in our family so tonight we had Trenton's last family party (at least with extended family). We made it home just in time (after the tournament) to frost the cakes and put the coffee on for some birthday fun. Trenton got lots of cash...an eighteen year old's favorite gift and got to socialize with all our family. We also got some exciting news from Ben's sister...she is expecting her second child!!! Bren surprised us with a shirt that read "Big Bro" :)

Congratulations Pam, Jeff and Bren! We are looking forward to another little baby in the family!

To finish off the night, Ben decided to order pay per view of this fight (St. Pierre vs. Penn). Steven, his gf, Rachel, and Elizabeth came over to watch. I am heading up to bed...I am tired. It has been one heck of an evening. We definitely need tomorrow to recover.

Sectionals 2009

Welcome back Trenton! He put on an awesome show for us today...some wrestling moves we have definitely been missing! Trenton won the Sectionals with a large crowd in attendance...

Family...Uncle Dave, Uncle Chad/Presley/Addy, Aunt Pam, Grandpa, Maw maw and Paw paw, Aunt Annie/David, Aunt Becky, Aunt Carol, Brandy/Jeff/Jared/Hailey/Isaac, Mike/Shannon/Briella

Friends...Duane, Tim, Charisse, Hummers, Dentinos, Bill, and Georgia to name a few...and that's not mentioning any of our Mishawaka Family/Friends.

What an awesome comeback for people closest to us! Trenton beat his first kid by tech fall 18-3 (Rayl of SB Adams), then beat Ben Sokol of Penn. The finals was against Zach Nixon 14-5 (SB Clay) and Trenton majored him 12-3. AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME day! Next stop...Team Regionals on Wednesday and then Individual Regionals on Saturday. So exciting!

A BIG THANK YOU to all the friends and family who supported us in one way or another today. We love you and couldn't have made it through without you. Welcome back Trenton! PS...Thank you for the cool signs Aunt Pam!!!!

Spa Factory

Finally got around to using Gabi's Spa Factory Lip Gloss (in her stocking from from Christmas) tonight while we weren't doing much of anything. Fun to do and smells YUMMY! Gabi enjoyed the whole concept and especially enjoyed putting it on her lips :)
I still want to take her with me for a "mommy and me treat" - a pedicure at a salon. I am thinking she would love it.

Seventeen Years...

...Ben and I have been married. And if you add in the years we dated, we would be together for 19 years! That's alot of years. Considering our friends didn't think we would last past one year, I think we have done a pretty dog gone good job!!! We have an awesome family as a cornerstone and support group that we have to thank. Sure, there has been ups and downs, but I can tell you there has been many more ups for us at this point. I fall more in love with Ben everyday. Our marriage is good. Ben is a great dad and I am sooo proud to call him my hubby! I love you honey! Happy 17th!

Winter Dance

Trenton and Tyler both went to the Winter Formal tonight. Went to Caity's house for pictures and pizza first and then off to the dance. Trenton and Elizabeth looked nice in silver and black while Tyler and Abby went with Purple and Black. All of them looking very nice! Lots of pictures here.

Eighteen...No Way!

Yes, my baby boy is 18 years old today! And today we are celebrating. Not only his birth, but who he has become...what he will be. We are also celebrating a victory...a personal triumph for Trenton. We were finally given the opportunity to be heard and eyes were opened to the truths. No assumptions were there. All facts. Our story was heard and we won. Trenton won back his right to wrestle last night and we are celebrating.
A BIG thank you to all who have supported us through this whole mess...to the ones who have known the truth and held tight to that. A HUGE thank you to those who prayed...all day long. THANK YOU. A burden lifted and the best birthday gift Trenton could receive.

And today we are celebrating Trenton. What an awesome guy. Yes, he certainly has had his moments...being a typical teenager and it has taken us down many paths, some gloomy at times, but he has prevailed. His plans...to go to college, wrestle and study to become a Science Teacher...to coach a wrestling team. Give back what he has learned. We are so proud of him and we can only hope and pray that he continues on a good paths in life. I can honestly say that I believe we have set him on those paths and Trenton will do his best to stay there.

So, 18...wow. How time flies my son. We love you SOOOOO much. Happy Birthday, Trenton! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Lowell

We missed Tyler's match tonight against Lowell. He wrestled 140 lbs. JV tonight against a team that is ranked in top 2 in their Region (Michigan). Tyler won 6-3!
First period Tyler was up 2-1.
Started the second period on bottom and got a reversal.
Third period the kid chose down and the score was 4-1. Tyler gave up a reversal making it 4-3 and then ended with a reversal winning the match 6-3!
Thanks to Sue for keeping me posted on this one.
I was busy with Gabi's Spelling Bee and Ben was busy being a "lawyer" today. And for the record...he won his first and hopefully last case! :)
Way to go BEN! SO EXCITED TO SEE TRENTON WRESTLE!
Busy weekend ahead...Somebody special turns 18...an Anniversary to celebrate...a dedication...and a formal dance. Shew! I'm tired already!

Mini Spelling Bee

Gabi made the top 4 in her class for the Spelling Bee. Each school has their own "Spelling Bee" to take the top 2 from 4th grade, 5th grade and 6th grade onto the City Spelling Bee in a week. This year they included 3rd graders so they could have practice and get them used to the whole scenario before next year. Gabi did great! She lasted 4 rounds and ended up misspelling "receive." She put the i before the e...something easily done by youngsters. Even though she was a little hard on herself, I was the proud mommy! Below...a video of her spelling a word. I love the smile after she is told it is correct :)

Senior Night - Wrestling

Last night was Senior Night for Wrestling. It was VERY bittersweet for us. The senior moms did something a little different but I loved it...we each got to set up an 8 foot table for displaying photos, medals, trophies, etc etc etc for our sons. I loved the idea...1. It gave the fans something to look at while coming in and 2. The things we put together we can absolutely use for graduation parties! It was awesome! The moms each got a rose and walked to the middle of the mat while Coach Snyder said a little something about each wrestler. He said Trenton was a very hard worker and he only wishes the absolute best for him. The senior programs were also made by Lisa Sandefer and she did such a great job! Each wrestler filled out a questionnaire and was able to display lots of photos on the page with their answers. They were certainly fun to ready. What thrilled myheart was the number of them that are going on to wrestle in college. So proud. Last night was an emotional night for us all. Thanks to all who came to support us and Trenton. What an awesome set of seniors!

Plantar Fasciitis

So I haven't been diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis by a physician, but I am pretty sure that is what I have had for quite some time now. The symptoms match right on with how I am feeling and it pretty much started toward the end of summer...I am wondering now if going barefoot and wearing flip flops helped accelerate the symptoms??? But if you're wondering if I am still running...yep! Still three times a week. I used to run 3 miles three times a week but ever since this annoying pain in my heel, I have decreased my mileage because I have decreased my speed. Still running about 2 1/2 miles each time I run and I feel very good afterwards. Not only does it make me feel healthier but it has been a stress reliever as well. So, I guess I will continue to read up on Plantar Fasciitis and keep trying to use the information to lessen the pain. Any suggestions???? I know, I know, pretty bad when you won't go see a doctor and depend on the internet as a physician's advice. HAHA
Anyways, I was very moved by President Obama's Inaugural Speech today. I can feel good about my vote!

JV Elkhart Memorial Invitional

Had a JV tournament today that Tyler wrestled in, but it didn't turn out so great...or at least as good as we would have liked. He wrestled his first match against a Penn team (they had 2-Doc Graham's son) and pinned him in 2:21. The next match came against Elkhart Memorial and Tyler's knee got twisted and immediately started to swell and discolor. I was sitting on the edge of the mat and could see it all very well. At one point, Tyler was almost in tears telling his coach it really hurt. Tyler didn't want to injury default because it would give the other team 6 points and instead tried to finish out the match. He was on bottom for the third period and down 4-6. The Elkhart Memorial kid went straight for the knee that was hurt thus making it very hard for Tyler to do anything. He lost after Elkhart rode him out. Tyler literally crawled off the mat and had to be carried to the trainer. She took a look and said there were probably no tears in the ligaments...it was more than likely a bruised tendon. She suggested ice it and no more wrestling for the day. Luckily, Doc Graham was there and came over to Tyler to check it out. Same suggestion. The coaches decided that Tyler was too important to the team and didn't want to chance any more injury since this was a JV tournament. Mishawaka JV team took first in the tournament though. Happy to report that!

Spelling Bee

Gabi shared with us last night that she is one of the two children to represent her class for the school spelling bee! Not sure on details yet, but she was sure proud!!!!

Cold!

We braved the VERY FRIGID TEMPS (expecting high of 5 degrees tomorrow!) and about 7 inches of snow this afternoon after school to get some pics outside. Daddy so graciously plowed a big snow mound right to the side of the driveway for Gabi and her friends to play on. Gabi was not happy, though, when Maizy used the mound as a toilet. Needless to say, Maizy was scolded several times over. Poor thing...the dog loves the snow! And on a side note...I am very excited to drink hot chocolate tonight as the new season of American Idol begins! Love the auditions!!!! I need some laughs.

Bellmont

Tyler went to the Bellmont sick and overweight. He was supposed to weigh in at 137 lbs. but had alot of trouble cutting because he came down with something on Friday...sore throat, headache, stuffy nose. He let us know on Saturday morning before making the 2 hour drive that he probably would not be wrestling. Ben, Gabi and I made our way to IHOP for a big breakfast, made a stop at the Sprint store for Ben and came back home to do really nothing but veg and watch the snow come down. Made a fire in the fireplace and relaxed all day. We ended up being disappointed when Tyler called and told us that his coach was putting him in against Evansville Memorial (145 lbs). A friend kept me up to speed during the entire match but it is still not like being there in person. Tyler won...6-2 so we were very happy, but again, sad because we were not there to cheer him on. The boys didn't get home from the tournament till almost 11 pm! Long day but glad to report that Mishawaka won the tournament and beat Perry Meridian (the one match we were hesitant about). Mishawaka is still #1 on team rankings. Ben, Gabi and I put in Kung Fu Panda by the fireplace and daddy so graciously, finally, after many weeks of begging, decided he would "camp out" with Gabi. And you ask, what is that??? Gabi calls "sleeping in sleeping bags in the living room with her daddy"... camping out. But daddy got cold and Gabi needed her sound machine so their camping out in the living room moved to Gabi's room. Needless to say, daddy didn't get a whole lot of sleep but Gabi had the best time :) Don't you love the Barbie blanket???

Cursive

This little one is learning cursive writing. She was a bit disappointed because from now on everyone in her class MUST use cursive for all answers on all papers. She feels like she is not doing well in this subject and has asked her dad and I for help. I am not sure how to help her advance in cursive besides practice practice practice...any other suggestions????

Spur of the Moment Trip

On Friday, Ben and his dad took Trenton and his friend, Dustin, to North Central College again. We have kept in contact with the coaches there and had asked for opportunity to come and let Trenton showcase his wrestling talents for them. Well, the opportunity arose this weekend. The coaches have been interested in Dustin also, so we took them both there for the weekend. Trenton got to wrestle and practice with their team while getting a feel for the college again. We were going to pick them up on Saturday evening but knew Trenton wanted to stay for another practice (and hang with the guys some more). While Ben and I sat around on Saturday afternoon, preparing to get around to head that way, we just decided why not check into a hotel that night and do some shopping, just take it easy and get away. We could pick up the boys in the morning and head home. So, within a half an hour, we were packed and ready to go to Bolingbrook, Illinois, just 10 minutes from Naperville. We checked into our hotel and headed out to do some shopping at places we really don't have near us at home. It was actually our first time shopping at Ikea and I was impressed. Tyler was even more impressed when we got 6 cinnabons for $4.00! We didn't walk away with much from Ikea...just a few toilet bowl brushes and a plant. We grabbed some dinner at Panda Express and made our way to Bass Pro Shops. We checked out the smaller stores within the Promenade at Bolingbrook, made a quick stop to Walmart (picked up some clearance items) on our way back to the hotel and settled in for the night...actually right before the Colts game that Tyler was so intent on watching. Gabi and I were upset when we figured out that the people who clean the jacuzzi and pool forgot to heat them up before leaving for the day, so the jacuzzi was just plain freezing. Big disappointment for us. Instead we got cleaned up and watched the football game until we all fell asleep. Got up, ate some breakfast and got the boys. They told us about their practices and again, Trenton confirmed that he enjoyed the college and really fit in with the boys. Sounded like he had a good time and his goal of showing off his wrestling abilities was accomplished. A nice short little get away for us all.

Happy New Year!

Ben took Tyler and Maizy hunting for bunnies this morning...along with a new hunter, Gabi. Yes, she wanted to try her hand at hunting and see what it was like on the other side of the fence. Rather than sitting at home with mom while she cleaned, she wanted to see what the boys do when they go. She also got to shoot the little 22 rifle that the boys used when they were little. They only went for a couple of hours and on the way home she called from daddy's cell phone to ask for some hot chocolate for all three of them. Gabi told me all about the bunnies that daddy shot and how Maizy chased them really fast. I think she enjoyed herself and the outdoors with her daddy and brother.

2009...what will it bring??? Not sure, but couldn't wait to start a fresh year. Looking forward to new paths, new beginnings, new futures. A couple of my anticipations for the new year brings a new home, watching a son graduate from high school and discover college life, and watching my children grow another year older. How quickly the time goes by. One resolution of mine would be to take every moment and use it to the best of my ability. I don't want to lose any time I have been given. Didn't do much last night. The boys spent the evening with their girlfriends at a friends house while Ben, Gabi and I layed in bed and watched the ball drop. Kissed each other goodnight and were counting sheep by the time the boys got in a bit later. Goodbye 2008 (and good riddens)...hello 2009!

Crazy Weekend, Lazy Sunday

Friday (day after Christmas), Gabi woke up late with a stomach bug. She was complaining all morning that her tummy hurt and basically layed around. I was looking forward to her helping me take down all the Christmas decorations, but she was not feeling up to it. By late afternoon she had vomited a few times and was not feeling well at all. She stayed in her jammies all day and pretty much was confined to her bed. This kept Ben and I busy, taking care of her and of course, putting away decorations. The milder weather made for a good time to take down the outside lights as well. We felt very accomplished by the evening and we were all ready to go down for the night. Saturday was better for Gabi...she slowly started eating her favorites again and by the afternoon we were able to take her and meet up with my parents to see the movie, Marley and Me (book I got for Christmas). Very good movie, but very sad and takes you on a very emotional roller coaster, especially if you are a dog lover. It made all of us come home and give Maizy a BIG hug, kiss and lots of love..."a dog doesn't care if you're rich or poor, give him your heart, and he'll give you his..." LOVE THAT!

By Sunday, Gabi was lots better and we made it to church. Didn't do much of anything during the day, but promised the little one she could have her best friend overnight if she was feeling good. To make good on that promise, Emma came over last night and had a sleepover. Ice skating, spy missions, Putt Putt return game, Nintendo DS, movies, glitter nails and lots of laughter were just a few of the things we did while she was here. Fun times. So now, it's back to the family and we are all tuckered out...looking forward to a nice bubble bath and a warm bed!

Christmas Celebrations 2008

We started Christmas Eve at my mom's house with my mom's entire side of the family. Got to see everyone, eat LOTS of food, play some cards and just catch up with everyone, after all, it's tradition :) We made it back to our house to read The Night Before Christmas, leave Santa some cookies and milk and let Ben and Tyler watch the ND game while awaiting Santa. Trenton went to Christmas Eve Mass with his girlfriend, Elizabeth. Everyone was snuggled in their beds by around 1 am for Santa to make his appearance. I can tell you that I was very shocked that Gabi wasn't bright eyed and bushy tailed early Christmas morning, but in fact, woke up to our clock reading almost 8 am. This was the absolute latest we have ever woke up on Christmas morning. I knew we were to be at Chad/Amber's house by 10am and I had a casserole to put together so I got up and showered, hoping that my stirring would awaken everyone. I was successful and we all headed downstairs to our stockings first and then to our gifts. Santa left the boys both Mastercard gift cards and Gabi her gifts she had asked for...Flippin Frogs game and Conair Nail Set. She was very excited. Some items Trenton got was the last book to the Twilight series, and some very cool sweaters from Old Navy he had asked for. Among the things Tyler got was a sweater also, some Colts loungepants and World at War Socom. Gabi got her IM Me (to use with her bf Emma) and some very cool Project Runway Fashion Design sets. Ben got some Mishawaka wear, a sweater like the boys and some hunting DVDs he has been wanting. I got a North Face fleece (Bad daddy!), a necklace I had been wanting, some pretty scarves and some sweaters. We quickly put together the casserole, got cleaned up and went to Chad and Amber's house for our annual Christmas day brunch. Egg casserole, french toast bake, hash brown casserole, sausage links, fruit and donuts were just some of the breakfast foods we ate. Chad also made us his famous lattes that I LOVE. We got to watch the kids open and we also exchanged on my side. Got lots of cool items. Gabi got her Havoc Heli Helicopter that ended up being the "cool item" that everyone had to play with. My dad said he just should have bought us each one! We were having so much fun trying to get that thing going. The boys got some clothes and The Dark Knight. Gabi got some very cute clothes also, some body lotion and some Justice perfume. Ben got a nice thermos, some long underwear, thermal socks and a gift card to Dicks. I got my book, Marley and Me, I had been wanting, candles, some Bath and Body lotions and sprays and some pajamas. After relaxing with the lattes and playing with Havoc Heli, we headed to Dad Rs house to visit with him, Dave, Jeff, Pam and Bren. Exchanged some great gifts there as well. The boys got some cool zip up hoodies, gift cards, and other clothes, Gabi got some very pretty clothes as well, a gift card to Target, and her CD, Breakout, by Miley Cyrus she had been wanting. Ben got some nice clothes as well and I got a very pretty sweater from Dad R along with some cute socks and some chocolates! Pam made Gabi and I some matching bracelets that were adorable and I also got some warm pajamas as well. Throw in a few gift cards from Dad R and my parents - to one of our favorite places to eat...Logans and we had a very good Christmas indeed! Made it back home in time to go through my closet and put everyones new items in their rooms and we were off, yet again, to Chad and Amber's house for a new tradition...a birthday party for Jesus. Amber made cake and it was all about desserts and games that evening. Played some tennis on wii and had a GREAT time playing Catch Phrase with Amber's parents, her sister, Hilary, my parents, and Chad & Amber. LOTS OF LAUGHTER!!!! All in all, a very eventful and fun day. A day to relax and unwind. A day to let my mind rest. A good day. Merry Christmas from our house to yours! Pictures here.

Special Gifts

Tonight, on a whim, at the last minute, we decided to exchange special gifts...one of our traditions we have created as a family. This year we decided to not read our letters aloud. I felt like this way, each person could say what they wanted to say without being embarressed by someone else. I think it worked out well. Ben's special person was Tyler and Ben gave him a dri-fit Colts shirt that he absolutely LOVED! My special person was Ben and I got him a pair of the Mishawaka Wrestling sweats...warm, warm, warm and very cool cuz they have a drawstring around the ankle you can use or not use. Very cool. Trenton had Gabi and he got her a cool little book with information on lots of Disney stars (Hannah Montana, Jonas Brothers, etc etc etc) and a microscope. Tyler had Trenton and he gave Trenton another CD he wanted. Last but not least, Gabi had me and what a doll baby. Her letter was beautiful. Just an absolute appreciation for me that I felt was real and came straight from her heart. She got me a Yankee Candle in Clean Cotton and she also picked out a bracelet from her Secret Santa workshop at school. She had been wanting to give me that gift for weeks. She was sooo proud of her decision for me.

What a day...a special day.

Gabi has been a trooper about her four little braces on the bottom. I had to give her Motrin once because she said they were hurting her. Other than that...she has just been great...trying to follow directions exactly the way the orthodontist showed her. Brushing, wax, and flossing. She does NOT want the calcificiation like the picture in the brochure ;)