Yummy!

Mom n Dad gave us their bread machine last week. I've been wanting to make more homemade things so this was perfect timing. Today I made a loaf of banana nut bread. It was easy and delicious. I also made a batch of dough for calzones. It also turned out fantastic. I love feeding my family non processed food...and they love eating it;)

Pottery

After taking 29 college credits at school, Tyler decided he wanted to take a "fun" class. He has always been interested in art so it came to no surprise that he chose to take a pottery class. This is the first piece he's brought home. They have different projects to complete and this one is his students choice project. 

Merry Christmas!

Family photo after opening gifts from Santa. 

Since we inherited a smoker Steve got a tutorial this am. First lesson, how to prepare and smoke ribs. We ate them for dinner and they were delicious!

Christmas Eve at the Kneifl's

The four grand kids. 

Steve and Tyler taking a pre meal nap. 

Grandpa "babysitting" Everlee while we played.....

...TWISTER! Rich, Hollie, Tyler and Steve showing their flexibility. The game brought about many laughs and maybe even a few pulled hamstrings;)

Rich, Andrea, and Everlee were great hosts. We had such a special time spending it together. 

Devos family Christmas

Tonight we had the Devos side over to celebrate Christmas. We always enjoy hosting family get togethers at our home. 

With Grandpa and Grandma Devos

With Aunt Terri

With aunt Victoria, uncle Dan, and cousin Emelia. 

We got Emelia a water table. She loved playing with the paper and I'm sure she'll love splashing at the table come summertime. 

Wedding gifts

Last Thursday we bought our, new to us, motorcycle  from Tanner's. 

Then today we had mom and dad over to watch the Iowa State game and eat supper at halftime. They had already given us a perfect wedding day, an unforgettable bus party, so we weren't expecting a gift but they brought one for us: Luggage for our motorcycle! We are so excited to ride! Now if it was just a tad warmer;)

Saturday night ballgame

 One of the neatest things at the beginning of the boys games is the elementary and middle school kids line up to give the players "5" when they enter the gym.

Last game before break they played at home vs Sioux Center. The Warriors proved to be a bit too much with a win over the Bulldogs, 75-90



Landslide win

Tonight the boys took on the Braves from Cherokee. They won 65-28.

 

 

 



Our first loan together

My mom gave me some marriage advice that I actually used. "Find something you like to do together and you'll stay together." Steve and I took the first step today. We bought a motorcycle! I know its December with snow on the ground but we couldn't pass up the deal. Plus, Lori wanted new appliances for their kitchen remodel so it was a win win for everyone. Steve gets his dream motorcycle and I get my something to do:)

Road game

Tonight we traveled to Spencer to watch the boys take on the Tigers. They won 59-51.

 



Celebration

Saturday night we celebrated our wedding with our close family and friends on a party bus. We had a fantastic time! We shared so many laughs with all of you that these huge grins on our face that started the night are still here on Monday.

On July 14, 1991 I met Steve. Through thick and thin, LOVE finally won in the end and we wed on October 25, 2013. I am so excited to continue on our next adventures as husband and wife.

First loss

Tonight the Wolfpack from Hull Western Christian came to town and beat the Bulldogs 69-64 in OT. 

I married my dad!

Which I mean in a "I'm so lucky" kind of way. I wasn't able to join them for our traditional margarita Wednesday(some of us had to work;) but the resemblance is uncanny. 

First round....

...then round two. See what I mean. Very eerie isn't it?!

Lakes Conference basketball started

Tonight the Bulldogs took on the E'Hawks of Emmetsburg. They beat them 78-52.

Basketball Season started

The boys had their season opener tonight at home, against the Knights from Unity Christian. They won in stellar fashion 72-50. 

Holiday weekend

Our Thanksgiving break started Wednesday morning watching the basketball team scrimmage Gehlen Catholic. Our cousin, Jeremy, is the coach there so it was fun to visit with him also. Afterwards, Grandpa treated us to our traditional Margarita Wednesday. 

Thursday, we went to the Legion for the Devos Thanksgiving. Afterwards, we headed to Sioux City to meet up with all the Kneifl's. 

Chloe took this pic of Grandma. She is quite the photographer and knows her way around a cellphone quite well. 

Friday I had to work but I received this pic from Rich with the caption, "Dad taking care of 3 kids, just like the olden days." 

Friday night our friend, Kent, bought tickets to dueling pianos. Who knew you could have so much fun in Aurelia, IA, at A dive bar The Tap, singing along to Journey. 

Saturday we spent watching football at my parents and Sunday is catch up day at home. We had a blessed time sharing this holiday with our family and friends. We have so much to be thankful for:)

Throwback

In 2006 Tyler was Jamaica's track champion and he received this jacket. Well, it finally fits and he wore it yesterday to his team basketball scrimmage in Hinton. He has a teammate that races motorcycles and Zach thought it was funny he wore it. So did we!

My wonderful husband!

For a month I have been using a safety pin to keep my pants together. This morning Steve told me he could sew a button on for me. Sewing has never been my thing so I took him up on it. The pants turned out great and he did a fantastic job! I guess DeVos woman get everything they want too! Right dad;)

What a win!

This is how Tyler spent most of his time watching ISU beat Michigan this afternoon. Intense!

Cousins

Emelia wasn't too sure of Tyler and his Movember beard;) this is as close as we could them.

Happy 1st Birthday Emelia!

Before Tyler headed to the volleyball game, with a theme of red, they took a cousins pic. I had such a fun time spending the day with my neice and sister in law on her birthday. I feel so fortunate I'm able to work part time and spent the rest of my time with family:)

Family Fun Weekend

Chloe is super excited that Steve is "officially" Uncle Steve now. 

Does anyone see the father/daughter hairline resemblance besides me?

This weekend we spent in Ankeny celebrating Chloe's 5th birthday. We had a great weekend with family and friends. Steve and I also received our first wedding gift from Tim and Janet Smith. Thanks so much! We have it setting on our kitchen table with goodies. 

Happy Halloween...and

Happy Birthday Chloe! Tyler's not dressed up to go trick or treating but is cheering the Lady Bulldogs on in volleyball tonight. 

We got married!

Friday, October 25, 2013, Steve and I became man and wife. It was a simple ceremony with my parents standing up for us. We had a wonderful celebration afterwards with them. Drinks at Bev's on the River, supper at Toyko Staekhouse, and after dinner drinks at Four Brothers. A perfect day! 

Football Friday Night

Tonight's theme: Pink out! Thanks to Tyler's friend, Ellie, for letting him borrow this outfit. Task tomorrow: get the image out of my head of what Tyler looked like before he put the leggings on!

Last Fall Ball Hurrah

Tyler was invited to play in Total Baseball Developments Fall Super Series today.

 First off he was chosen to participate in the Home Run Derby. 2 kids from each team were chosen for a total of 12 kids. 9 of the 12 kids didn't hit any home runs which included Tyler. It was a good batting practice before the games started though.

With 12 pitchers wanting to show their stuff and only 14 innings to pitch in, Tyler got his chance the second inning in the first game. Three up, three down...Tyler struck out all three batters. He was only one of two pitchers to do that all day. He also played second base and was part of a sweet double play. They lost the first game to the Lynx from Brandon Valley 0-1. The second game they played the Iowa Wildcards and won 10-8.  It's been fun watching his extended baseball season but sadly it is over. Another Senior last. I'm not getting used to it quite yet.

Heading to storm lake

Tonight the theme for football was "winter." So Tyler put on his Denver snow skiing gear(thanks Hollie and Jason) and headed to storm lake to cheer on the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs won 58-14. With this win they get into the playoffs. Pictured with him is his friend, Hailey. 

end of season tournament

Today the team started off playing Akron Westfield. They lost 1-2. Tyler was part of a sweet double play. They won the second game vs South O'Brien 2-0. Tyler pitched, and fielded at second and third base. He also had a perfect line drive to center to get on base and with some smart base running with a few errors he reached home for a score. They ended the season in 7th place out of twelve teams. It's been fun spending our Sundays watching fall ball.

Always in my heart...

Today we hit up the BK playground. 

Cooper is sooo busy all the time. This was the best pic I could get of him. The rest of them were blurry. 

Chloe on the other hand will always stop and pose for a blog pic. A true queen with her crown, waving to her fans;)

The kids are both at such a fun age. They  have excellent manners in public, make friends easily, and have such soft hearts. Excellent products of their parents good parenting. Chloe made me this pic of herself with a bunch of hearts. She said, "cuz you are always in my heart, brigett"  You are too Chloe, you are too:)