Last Thursday the 5th graders held a play. Tyler played the part of "old man villager."

On a side note:

Saturday night after mass Tyler bought a crucifix. A gentlemen from the Holyland was here to sell religious artifacts so the people over there can make some money. Due to the war and the safety issues in the Middle East people are not traveling and therefore unable to buy there souvenirs.

Trivia question #1

What's the difference between a cross and a crucifix?

Trivia question #2

What does INRI above Jesus head stand for?

Mrs. Smith announcing the members of Character Council: Tyler, Dimitri, Hannah, Tyler, and Diew
Mr. Smith announcing the Knights of Columbus Spelling Bee winners.
Tyler-1st
Urias-2nd
Dimitri-3rd


Father Bruce Lawler announcing the students who served as Altar servers this year.

Today at school the annual Middle School awards were held. Tyler received awards for the above 3 activities plus was recognized for his participation in Show choir and Honor choir for which he received his awards last week at the concert. Afterwards, Steve and Tyler enjoyed lunch together. I'd also like to add that he was on the Honor roll all 4 quarters for which I am most proud.

For those of you waiting for the results to our 5K run we did last Friday night here they are:

Out of 162 runners:
Tyler finished 91st with a time of 30:29:00.
I finished 139th with a time of 46:03:00.

For Tyler's birthday party Saturday afternoon we rented a 15 passenger van and loaded up Tyler and 9 of his friends. We drove to Sioux City where we stopped at Godfather's to eat pizza and open presents. Then it was off to the Tyson Event Center to watch the Bandits play. With a little time to spare the kids played a football game of their own while "tailgating". After that we headed inside to get all the kids set up with a hat and Tyler a football, where they got to go in the locker room to meet the players and get autographs. The Bandits won 36-29. While driving back to Storm Lake the kids took a vote and it was unanimuous: This was the best birthday party they had ever attended. Me too!!! After dropping off all the kids I finally got to bed at 1a.m. The boys favorite part of the game:

"the cheerleaders"

Friday night Tyler and I (he ran I jogged) in a 5K for ALS (Lou Gerrig's disease). For those of you who don't know the conversion that's 3.2 miles. It was a fun time. I will post our official timed results when I get them.

Yesterday was Tyler's 11th birthday. So Saturday we headed to Sioux City to celebrate. (Like we've been doing all month.) We started the evening with Mass at the Cathedral. Then we went to Applebee's for supper. After that we went to Lewis Bowl where Tyler did some go karting and batting practice in the cage. In true Tyler fashion he passed all the go karts, some even twice. After driving was over we capped the night off with a trip to Cold Stone Creamery. We spent the night at the Clarion to swim but with all the days activites we were tuckered out.
It's not hard to believe Tyler's 11, but that I'm the mother of an 11 year old.

Last evening the St. Mary's 5th through 8th grade middle schoolers held their annual Interest Fair. Tyler chose to do his project on what else...Go Karts. He worked really hard on it. During the day the school kids got to tour the fair and one of the questions on Tyler's board was on the scavenger hunt. What 3 famous Nascar drivers started in go karting? Do you know Grandpa?

The best shot I could get prerace of Zippy talking to Tony. He was probably telling him win the race because Brigett and Tyler are here to see you do something other than lead and crash.

Here we have our Nextel Fan View headsets on. These give you radio, announcer, and spotter talk and they don't bleep out the swear words.

At the Busch race with our ear plugs in. Later to be used to block out the alcohol inhibited gentlemen knocking at my door looking for his padre at 11p.m.

Thank you mom and dad for a wonderful "all expense paid trip" to Phoenix. The race, the food, and most important the company was a great way to celebrate your 35 years of togetherness.

We love you!!!

Josh (aka bloody knee), Arturo, Cole and Tyler

These are the 4 boys from the 5th/6th grade to get picked for the Northwest Honor Choir. They practiced for 4 hours as a big group yesterday and then performed in a concert in the evening. It was awesome. 150 kids singing 7 songs all by memory.

Earlier that morning we attended a mass with the Bishop at the Cathedral in Sioux City. We've attended mass before with him and just like the others this one was spectacular too. Mom attended with me and we even learned a trivia question, Dad?

Why's the church called the "cathedral"?

Sorry to hear of Zella's illness. I'm glad it's not the "other kind". Because shopping yesterday we saw a bright pink dog collar and leash at the "Coach" store that I think she NEEDS.

We're also excited for the race. This will be my 3rd race but my first night one. I hear Storm Lake is predicted to have rain all weekend, YESSS!!!

Joe, Chad, Ryan, Dakota, and Tyler all smiles after a fun day.

Okay so basketball season wasn't quite done. Tyler wanted to play in one more tourney. He got some friends together, had a practice, and ended the season on a win. The boys did an excellent job considering at one point they were guarding a boy with the last name of "KONG". (We think his first name was "KING".)

The team waiting to see who they'll play in the pool. They ended up with a record of 2-1 on the day. This ends the basketball season. They ended with a season record of 9-6.

The team. They finished 2-1 today.
Steve presenting Tyler with his 2nd place tourney metal.

After a long weekend of snow we headed to Cherokee yesterday for the Regional Spelling Bee. The top 13 spellers in Northwest Iowa competed for the top 2 spots to head to Ames for the Statewide bee. Tyler competed very well. Half way through Tyler got the word "carrot".

carrot

My friends call me carrot top because I have orange hair.

carrot

The audience laughed and afterwards Tyler admitted he did too. He got the word right but later on missed a word. He ended up receiving 7th place for his efforts. He did a very good job representing St. Mary's.

After 3 days of no school and being cooped up in the house Tyler went outside to brave the cold temps, wind, and snow to play. I took this picture standing at the kitchen window. Tyler's sitting on a snow drift that had settled right in front of the house. It's no New York but it's enough.

Today at school the Annual K of C Spelling Bee was held. Tyler won for his class. Once again he will be heading to Cherokee on March 4th for the regional spelling meet. Wish him Luck!!!

Two weeks ago Tyler tried out for Honor Choir. Honor Choir is a special group of 5th and 6th graders that travel to Sioux City and perform at Morningside College to an audience. They only take four 5th graders (two boys and two girls) and Tyler was one of them picked. He's very excited to be chosen.

During the halftime of the boys game the team got to play a 5 minute game of 3 on 3.
With Dimitri setting a screen Tyler drives around to the basket.

Tyler playing point guard yelling out play #5.

With ISU on a 5 game losing streak Rich and Tyler (in full ISU gear) headed to Ames. Fortunately, with a little "Tyler magic" and a Wesley Johnson dunk to get the party started, ISU came out on top over Baylor. Afterwards, Rich treated to Chili's for a celebratory dinner. Before we left we had to get in a few rounds of foosball in and playing catch with Rambo and Zella.We left Sunday morning to get back in time for bball practice.

With his finger unwrapped ready to play some ball we headed to Alta for another tourney. The boys won 1 and lost 2. Tyler had a personal best with shooting 55% from the field. Dad you'll be happy to know a lot of them were driving to the basket, in the paint, and layups the old school way (arms straight up using the backboard).

Good job Tyler! Way to go!

After a week of me writing Tyler's homework, classmates carrying his books, and the doctor giving the OK: his wrap is off. Just a yellow green bruise, a good x-ray, and an odor coming from between his fingers to show me he's ready for another basketball tournament this Saturday.

Then to end the day we took a trip to the ER. There we found out he fractured his ring finger and will be wearing this make shift immoblizer for the next week.
During the last game of the day, with an unknown broken finger, Tyler show good defense. The boys ended up 2-1 for the day. They really started picking up the pace and playing together as a team. Good job boys!!!

To start the trip to Pocahontas at 8 a.m. Dimitri, Cole and Tyler sing "100 bottles of gatorade on the wall to loosen up." Their music teacher would be so proud.

With Steve sporting his coaching skills and Tyler his new 'do we headed out in the snowstorm to play in the St. Mary's tourney. The boys played well and worked together as a team to bring their record to 2 wins and 1 loss. Next Saturday we head to Pocahontas for another tourney.

Tyler and Chad participated in the National Elks Hoop Shoot this afternoon at the Middle School. Both boys did a great job representing St. Mary's in the 10 & 11 year old division.

Christmas break has been a fast and adventurous one. First, I had 16 for Christmas dinner. Then Tyler had a wonderful hunting trip with his grandpa and Uncle. Go to "My Uncles Blog" and check out the pictures. The rest of the vacation will entail getting ready for his first basketball tournament which will be on the 13th.

The first annual St. Mary's Icebreaker 3 on 3 tournament was held yesterday. The team was divided into 2 groups: black and white. Each team won 2 games and lost 2 games. This is their first 3 on 3 tournament. The boys did a good job of playing together and Steve did a good job of coaching. They have a month to practice before the tourney season begins. Good luck boys!!!

Thursday night St. Mary's held their Christmas concert. This is the 5th grade with their instruments singing to Child of Peace.
This year Tyler had the oppurtunity to join Show Choir. They practiced every Thursday morning at 7:30a.m. The kids chose the song "Life is a Highway" by Rascal Flatts to move and groove to. They did a good job for their first year.
As if Tyler's room was lacking for plaques he received another one Monday night. This time from 4-H. One year ago he joined the SSSE (Shooting Sports and Safety Education) group. He just completed Air Rifle. Next he will be learning Shotgun.

No new pictures to post just some news to report. We've had a busy last couple of weeks. Thanksgiving weekend brought about a lot of fun for Tyler. We attended a Musketeers hockey game in Sioux City and went hunting with grandpa (no pheasants were brought home). Then on Saturday he spent the night with the Smith's visiting his twin cousins. Then home for another round of Dodgeball.
This week also brought Steve's first practice as coach for Tyler's basketball tournament team. Yesterday Tyler's team in NBA ameteurs lost the championship game. It was a close game and both teams did very well. Today is another day of basketball practice and dodgeball.
It is also Andrea's birthday today so "Happy 32nd Birthday Andrea".
Everyone have a good week and we'll write at you later.

As Rich calls it "Tyler magic". Tyler's never seen the Cyclones lose a football or basketball game. Yesterday was no exception.

What a weekend. Ours started out like this. Saturday morning Tyler played 2 games of basketball at NBA Ameteurs. Their team tied the first one and won the second game. While we were doing that, Steve was in Des Moines accepting Tyler's award for track champion. He received a plaque, coat, and $150 in prizes. After the ball games it was off to Ames to see Coach Mac lead the Cyclones onto the field for one last time. In true Cyclone fashion it came down to the last play of the game but this time ISU prevailed 21-16. Then it was back to Storm Lake where we spent the evening at the Sitzmann's playing games, laughing, and having a good time.
Today is another fun filled day of open gym, dodgeball, and meet the team night at school. Hope everyone had a good weekend. I know all the Cyclone fans did!!!

Here Jasmine Demers is getting beamed with a 7 inch screamin' dodgeball, while Hannah and Tyler look on.

Intramural Dodgeball

As if Tyler wasn't involved in enough activity already, along came Dodgeball. For the next 6 Sunday evenings, teams of at least 4 boys and 2 girls will compete against other 5/6th grade teams to see who is King of the Dodgeball World. Tonight the 5th grade team beat the 6th grade team 4-3.

Steve and Tyler participated in the Annual Turkey Shoot. Each kid and their parent shoots 15 free throws. The pair with the most wins a free turkey from Sara Lee. Tyler and Steve each made 10 baskets to win the 5th grade boys group.

Tyler is participating in NBA Amateurs for 6 Saturdays. The first 3 are practice and drill days. The last 3 are game days. Tyler and his team are in the light blue shirts and they are the Timberwolves. They won their 2 games today. Tyler made the game winning basket in the last game.

Tyler defending his opponent, his good friend Chase, whose birthday party he was at last night.

Cole and Joe

Dakota and Tyler W.

Tyler and his project on Egypt.

Rachel and Hannah

Tyler with his group of Moses and Diew. They did Africa with each kid featuring a different country.
Chad and Dimitri

The 5th grade had World Day today. Each group of students picked a topic that they wanted to report on. Steve got to the classroom for a look and taste at the kids' projects.

NBA Ameteurs started this Saturday morning bright and early at 9A.M. Here Tyler and his 3 St. Mary's classmates Joe, Chad , and Dimitri are practicing a passing drill.

Smile for the camera Hannah!

Hannah and Tyler taking a timeout from the last home football game. SL beat SB-L 28-9. It was a cold night but we made it to the end so the kids could run out on the field with the players. One last football game next weekend in Sioux City against Heelan. We'll see you there!

Pictures taken by Ezra Kies

After the game we headed to Ankeny to see Rich and Andrea's new house and celebrate Rich's 30th birthday. Here Tyler and the guys are playing a game of foosball.

Saturday was Tyler's last football game of the season. They played Central. They lost 21-7. Afterwards they played at the halftime of the BVU game, as pictured above. Hollie and Jason even flew in from Denver to take in the 30 degree temps.

No rest for the weary though...basketball starts this Saturday.

Rehashing the game as they walk off the field.
After the game the team got to ring the victory bell and let everyone know who's #1.

What a game!!! On the second play off the game Tyler got his first interception of the year. It was beautiful!!! What a catch!!! The game was back and forth vs. Newell. Tyler also had 3 good hard fought tackles which allowed our offense to take the field and saved a Newell touchdown. After 4 quarters of hard fought play we won 14-7.

ST. FRANCIS BLESSING

Today the 5th grade class led the St. Francis service at the end of the school day. It is a special service where you as caretakers and your pets are blessed. Since everyone knows our cat, Devo, is not your typical outdoor cat we were unable to get him in his carrier and get him to the service. In Devo's abscence Steve and I attended and said a special prayer for our feline "indoor only" companion. Tyler was once again demonstrating his musical abilities by playing the xylophone to the hymns. He did a very good job.

GRANDPARENTS DAY

Yesterday was grandparents day at St. Mary's School. Steve's parents and mom (dad was truckin') got to see the talented musical abilities of the K-6th graders. After the program was over mom went with Tyler to see his classroom and meet his teacher Mrs. Benz. Thank you club for supporting Tyler and his musical ambitions. You all will be hearing and seeing more of them since Tyler has joined the middle school show choir. Rehearsals will be every Thursday morning at 7:30A.M. The group will be performing at their Christmas and Spring concerts.

Last night was also Tyler's 4-H SSSE (Shooting Sports and Safety Education) Club. He just finished his first year and learned the safety and use of an air rifle. Since the weather was cooperative the leader decided to let the kids have a try at their next lesson, shotgun, shooting clay pigeons. They have a wide range of guns. Tyler tried his luck with a youth 410 and a youth 20 gauge. He was 1 for 10. After he talked to grandpa on the phone he decided he needed a little more practice before their hunting trip.