Who remembers where that Christmas tree was?

Wednesday afternoon Mom and I headed to Minnesota to stay with Sherry and Merlin. Thursday morning we drove to Clarkfield to visit Gramma "C" at the nursing home. I brought along my stack of baby books. We had a wonderful morning reminiscing through old photos. She has a delay in getting her words out but her speech was much improved from the last time I had seen her. I thanked her for giving Tyler and I wonderful childhood memories. I hope I can take care of mom and dad as well as they have taken care of their parents.

Tyler and Chloe playing Candyland

We had a wonderful holiday season. It has been so great to see all our family and friends. We truly are blessed to have all of you in our lives. Thank you for a memorable Christmas season.

Tyler had 8 points. He is improving on driving to the basket and it is so fun to watch him develop as a player. With all the craziness of the holiday Grandma is continuing to keep us well fed with homemade chicken n noodles and Christmas goodies. It was also fun to have my friend, Sherry, who is a teacher at East come to the game. She brought me supper and more goodies. Thank you to you both.

Tyler saw quite a bit of action in the 2nd quarter of the varsity game Friday night. Trey had a hard fall, bruised his tail bone and wouldn't return until the 3rd quarter. Coach called on Tyler to shoot Trey's free throws and said, "I need you to make these 2 free throws." That's just what Tyler did. Coach also drew up a play for Tyler to shoot a 3. He missed it but fortunately, Pel got the rebound and scored the bucket. He also guarded the leading scorer for the E'Hawks and can proudly say that he didn't score when Tyler was on him. After the game Tyler shook Coaches hand and thanked him for putting him in the game. Tyler is a pretty easy kid to coach. Don't yell at him, allow him to trust you, and he will give you a 100% every time. So far, the relationship is blossoming beautifully and it's so exciting to see from the bleachers. We also are continuing to receive wonderful home baked goodies from Grandma. This time she made banana chocolate chip bread which he downed right when we got home. Thank you :)

Tyler was the leading scorer for the JV game. He had 14 points. 6 points were beyond the arch.
As Coach Harnden used to say, "The starters did their job so the kids on the bench could get some playing time." Tyler got in the last minute of the game. He got fouled and made his first free throw. Thank you Grandma for the soup. It was a nice warm meal after a night of basketball.

This is the posters that are hung in businesses and schools (and Grandpa's office) of the Varsity Boys basketball team.
Last night in Estherville the JV won their game! The starters did a good job executing the plays to get a lot of easy buckets in the paint. Tyler had 1 point which came from a crucial free throw at the end of the game. Also, I didn't keep track but he probably had 10 assists. He found the open man down low and Chase, Yach, or Grant scored.
Thank you grandma for the home baked cookies and the wonderful dinner out before the concert. It's such a treat for both of us. Thank you Steve for saving our seats so we are able to enjoy the concert from the front row.
Monday night Tyler had his Holiday concert. The kids did a great job! I love listening and watching the kids perform.

Friday night we traveled to Spirit Lake to watch the boys play ball. Tyler was the JV teams leading scorer with 8 points. He also saw some Varsity action and had a steal. He made sure that Mitchell, who was keeping track of stats, had it marked in the books;)

Tyler saw his first Varsity experience Tuesday night in an awesome game vs #2 ranked in class 2A vs Hull Western Christian. He came in twice for his teammate and friend, Trey. He did just what he was supposed to do and that was to play good defense. Which in turn made the opponent turnover the ball and let us score a bucket. Wednesday before practice, Coach Grant chatted with Tyler and told him he really liked the way he played on the court. Tyler was happy with the talk and will continue to work hard. Even though at the end of the night the boys were on the losing end of the game, 89-95, it brought a lot of confidence to the boys that they can play with some of the best teams.

Tyler is the starting point guard for the JV squad. He did a great job of handling the ball and going to the hoop. He had 14 points in their first game of the season. He suits up for the Varsity squad and said he learns a lot from sitting on the bench and listening to the coaches.

The reserve boys
Tyler is number 24(home jersey) and 25(away jersey) number. Steve also wore those same numbers when he played high school basketball.

Saturday night the Storm Lake Hy Noon Kiwanis held their annual Varsity Boys Basketball Jamboree. Tyler has been working really hard at practice and earned a spot on the Varsity team. He was the 9th man called from the bench. They played the Newell Fonda Mustangs. They played 2 quarters. SL won 33-26. Tyler did a great job taking out the ball and playing defense against his opponents. Which, by the way, are the same boys he used go to camps with and play on a tournament team with a few years back. I'm so proud of him for working hard and keeping a positive attitude. I look forward to the start of the season.

Chloe knows just what to do when the camera comes out. Here she is showing off her bowling shoes and her 6 pound ball that she played with. We had such a special time with Chloe. We can't wait for the next overnight.

Today was the last day of Fall League. It's been a lot of fun watching Tyler play. He is becoming more aggressive on his defense and continuing to have fun in a sport he loves. It was also nice for the kids to end with a win. I'm sure he will continue to play again in this great league.

Saturday evening we celebrated Tyler's confirmation. Our neighbor and very good friend, Donna Holmes, is Tyler's sponsor. We had everyone over for supper beforehand. Then it was off to church. 75 kids were confirmed. What a big group! Thank you everyone for making it to this special day. We truly are blessed.
After mass we got a picture with the Bishop, Walter R. Nickless.
After Confirmation we came back to the house to celebrate Grandpa's 59th Birthday. He'd been making sure I had a home baked jello cake ready for him all week. I did and it was delicious!
Sunday Grandma went to Carroll with us to see Tyler play. He scored 10 points! They only had 5 kids show up so that meant no subs. They ran the floor for the full 50 minutes! They played Carroll and only lost by 5 points, 76-81. They did a great job!

Tyler driving to the bucket.

Last Sunday and today Tyler continues to play in the Top 64 fall basketball league in Carroll. They lost vs the green team last weekend and this weekend vs Keumper. Tyler continues to get a good cardio workout while working on his defense and offensive skills.

Saturday we celebrated Rich's birthday with him at the ISU vs Texas game. Tyler brought his friend, Trey. He had never been to a D1 football game before. I bought the boys tickets so they could watch the game. Fortunately, the company and food was extra good because the game was only good if you were a Longhorns fan. Thank you so much for hosting another wonderful party.
Sunday, I took Tyler to Carroll where he has joined a Top 64 Fall basketball league. It was very good experience for Tyler to be playing with bigger, stronger, and faster kids. He kept up very well, rebounded good, scrambled for balls, and made 3 of his 5 shots. Tyler is on the red team.

This past week was Homecoming. There was a lot of fun activities as we all remember. This picture is of Tyler from Thursday. The day was class color and sophomores were yellow. So, Tyler dug out his 6th grade tournament team basketball uniform and wore it to school. I seem to remember an Uncle of Tyler's that did something similar?! Must be a guy thing:)

We had another fun weekend in Ankeny with the Smith's. Each month we see Chloe she gets so big and continues to make us laugh. We are very fortunate to have them close so we can see each other more often. Tyler definitely enjoys talking sports with Jason and it was fun for me to have Hollie to go shopping with.

Labor Day trivia question: What do Uncle Rich and Tyler now have in common?
Answer: They both got tickets with grandpa. After the car show they were driving home and got pulled over for not displaying a front license plate. Fortunately, Tyler's was just a warning.
Today Grandpa and Grandma came to Storm Lake for the Kiwanis Labor Day car show. Tyler got to be the first driver of the car since Grandpa made it street legal. We didn't win any awards but it caught the eye of the local newspaper writer and lots of spectators. The kids got to sit in the drivers seat and parents took their pictures. "379" will be in many photo scrap books.

Aihlee, Tyler, Pel, Moses, and Moses relaxing on the couch making beats and lyrics for their next CD. They had an opportunity to perform at a showcase night at a bar in Sioux City but some of the kids were unable to go due to football on Friday night. So, whole group decided not to go.
The other half of the room complete with tv, table, and microphone. The room turned out quite well and the boys are really enjoying their new space to hang out.

To listen to songs by Black Express go to Youtube and type in: BeEasyMusicEnt.
They have 23 videos. The one named "the making of party" is filmed at our house.

Before the concert they were rehearsing in the back room in the basement. I've turned the room into a "Man Cave" for the kids to do their music in. It just needs a little more insulation;) It has been neat getting to know the boys and watching them grow from a lyric in a notebook to a song sung in front of a 100 kids. They are not shy and they definitely have a knack for performing.
"Black Express"
front row: Tyler(Flamez), Jaman(Mazar), Pel(P.Y.D)
back row: Yach, Trey(TO3), Moses(Mo), Faheem(Prodigy), Aihlee(Poppe), Tor(T.P.G), Paul(Yak)
Saturday night a dance was held at the Elks lodge. The kids know the guy that puts them on and they asked if they could perform some of their songs. They got a 45 minute time slot and sang 8 songs. They did such an fantastic job. Tyler is the technical producer for the group. They wrote their own music, recorded, and turned it into a CD. Some of their songs can be heard on Youtube. I warn everyone though some lyrics are not suitable for young ears.
Today was Tyler's first day of his Sophomore year of high school. It is also the first day of school that he got to drive himself. I love that he has his school permit. He is becoming such an independent young man.

Tyler and Steve celebrating his birthday. The jello cake I baked. It was delicious.

Tyler and Chloe taking a break from playing outside while tailgating.
Tyler and Rich with his 50/50 tickets at the race. Unfortunately, Rich wasn't the winner of the $32,000 purse.

Saturday morning we headed to Ankeny to hitch a ride with the Smith's to the Nationwide race. We saw an awesome finish which I have yet to see a replay. Afterwards, we spent the night in the RV. Sunday morning we headed back to Rich and Andrea's. Before heading home Rich treated us to Mexican. It is always so fun for Tyler and I to be with all of you. Thank you for a great time!

Part of the fun was decorating Steve's car for the ride down. These are the flags that Steve hand sewn and painted. Pretty sweet Tyler said.
At 6:30am we got to the school parking lot to wait for the bus. The kids were greeted with donations of donuts, Chocolate milk, gatorade and Subway subs for the ride down to Des Moines. The businesses have been so generous. Thank you.
The 2011 Storm Lake State bound baseball team.
Trey giving the bus a warm up rap.
Citizens Bank rented this charter bus for the kids to ride down in. Super comfortable Tyler said.
Tyler warming up the pitcher, Carsen Anderson. He said it was so cool to be on the field.
Rachel and I in our "flashdance" outfits. Only at State can you revert to your childhood and not feel old.
The Reserves for the Varsity baseball team.
After their heartbreaking 0-3 loss to Cedar Rapids Marion the team received their State participant trophy.
It's so neat to see Chloe running to Tyler after the game to give him a hug. They are so precious.
Thank you Steve, Grandma and Hollie for coming to the game and supporting the team.

It's been a great run for the boys. The underclassmen are already talking about making it back next year to Principal Park. Go Tornadoes!!!

Head Coach, Bill McCabe, introducing the team.
After the pep rally a picture on home plate.

It's been such a fun year to follow these young men on their journey to the state tournament. Tomorrow they play at Principal Park, where the I-Cubs play, in Des Moines at noon. They will face Cedar Rapids Marion in the quarter final game.

The team receiving their substate winner medals from Athletic Driector, Rick Anderson. We're going to State!!!!!

This weekend "the girls" headed to Minnesota to attend our cousin, Krista's baby shower. We also went to visit Gramma C. It was so nice to see her. Her stroke has left her having difficulty speaking. She did say "Fun...Good...Times." I know she remembers all our good times together when she smiled at me. Me too. I will never forget them either.
The team receiving their district winner medals from Athletic Director, Rick Anderson.
Tyler and Chloe with his District winner medal. It was so fun to have Gramma, Hollie, and Chloe here to see the game with us tonight.