After a month of taking care of a family friend on Hospice I decided life was too short to just sit idolly by watching TV, texting , and searching the web so I implemented a family fun night for us. 1 night a week we shut all that stuff off and do.....tonight we decided to each pick a game and play it. Tyler picked Indian poker and Steve won. Steve picked poker and I won. I picked 31 and Steve won. We talked, we laughed, and in the end we all smiled!

The nice picture: Grant, Tyler (captain), Cole, Yach, Emily, and Jasmine

The not nice picture. It was Grant's idea to have it look like everyone was beating him up.

This afternoon Steve and Tyler won the annual Community Ed Turkey Shoot. This year Tyler made 13 of 15 and Steve made 12 of 15. There were four kids in Tyler's 7th grade group. Tyler and Steve are pictured with Scott and Aaron Krier. They won the 8th grade group. They received a certificate with their names on it and a turkey donated by Sara Lee.

Here the kids are pictured with Sister Donna who came to enjoy the great musical talent. Also Anthony Krier wanted in the picture.
Hannah Friesen, Amy Schwarz, Holly Keenan
Aaon Krier, Tyler Devos
Missing- Mandy Wolver and Josh Scuffham
Tyler is the only 7th grader. The rest of the kids are in 8th grade.
The kids performed with a bunch of other kids from area towns. Tyler met up with some old friends and got accquainted with some new ones. The director was from Briar Cliff music dept. He said the kids performed high school level songs to push them to the next level. He also said you were looking at the leaders of their respective school classes.

To catch up with everything else Tyler had dodgeball again this past Sunday. His team is now 3-1. Monday was the first day of basketball practice. They do lots of running and drills. Tyler even got his first taste of a 6:00A.M. practice. Steve and I got a taste of getting up at 5:15a.m. I'm sure I got more done before 8a.m. than most. I was done vacuuming the house by 7a.m.
We also want to welcome to the world Chloe Ann Smith. This is Tyler's first cousin. She was born on Halloween. We can't wait to see her on our trip to Denver over Thanksgiving.

For those of you who want to have 38 seconds of laughter go to www.youtube.com and search "Tman taking tailgating up a notch". It's hysterical!!! Thanks Chad and Rich for an awesome video.

Tonight Tyler headed to his first 7th/8th grade dance at the public middle school. He got all dressed up in his new shirt and brace (just to protect his hand).

On a play that Tyler was running the ball he got hit in the hand with another players helmet. His hand immediately swelled and bruised. So we went to the Primgar ER to get an x-ray. It's not broken but is bruised and hurts. It was the last football game of the year so he's going to heal up for the next 2 weeks and get ready for basketball.

Tyler's the kick returner on the right.

Today we headed to Sioux City to celebrate grampa's birthday MONTH. We went out to eat at Tyler's favorite place, Buffalo Wild Wings. He stayed away from the blazin' sauce this trip. After eating we went to the Movie "Express." Then after the movie we all went shopping to pick out a new shirt for Tyler's first dance which will be this next Friday night. This picture was taken at the food court after visiting with Walt Johnson. It's also the sixth picture taken before we got a good one.

Tyler and Chris all decked out for the SL homecoming game.
Friday October 3 the 7th grade football team rode in the homecoming parade.

Tyler's football scores:

September 23 vs. Denison 14-0 loss

October 2 vs. LeMars 22-12 loss

October 7 vs. Cherokee 30-0 loss

After the game the kids walking back to the side. Tyler is #11.
For Tyler's first 7th grade football game he played: QB, tailback, safety, kickreturner,and special teams.

Since I haven't blogged about anything lately I figured I'd post a trivia question for G-pa.


Q. Who is skipping 7th grade math and taking 8th grade math this next school year???

Give up yet...

Mrs. Frank the Math teacher at St. Mary's called me tonight to ask if it would be all right if Tyler skipped a level of math due to his high test scores. This way when he's a Senior he will be eligible to take a college credit math class at BVU free of charge to me. DUH! Yes!

Today Tyler had his last baseball tournament for the season. They played in Spirit Lake. They lost both of their games. First by losing to LeMars 9-1. Then by losing to Estherville-Lincoln Central 12-0. Tyler pitched the first game and did an excellent job. He was throwing some good curve, fast , and changeup balls. He allowed 0 walks. In the second game he was catcher and had the only team hit of the whole day... a bunt toward third base. They were supposed to play Worthington but due to the rain the rest of the tourney was cancelled.

Last night Old Skool treated the baseball team to a season end tailgate pizza party and X's game. The boys got to meet the players, get autographs, and go out onto the field with them. During the game they chased foul balls, danced on the dugout, and at the end ran the bases. What a great way to end a winning season!

Today we had the Corn Belt League tournament in Laurens. The boys finished 2-2 for 4th place. They received medals for their efforts. The team finished with a regular season record of 9-2-1 for 1st place in the regular season. Old Skool's final season record is: 11-4-1. What a great year for first time sponsor "Old Skool baseball."

Tonight Tyler started as pitcher and ended as catcher. To celebrate the victory Steve treated the team to DQ for a blizzard. Next Tuesday, Old Skool is sponsoring a pizza party and Explorers game to celebrate the good season.

This past weekend Tyler's tournament team started off Friday night with a pizza party and giving the boys their new jerseys with name on back. (I think Old Skool started something.) Saturday they played 3 games and went 0-3. Tyler played pitcher, catcher, and shorstop. He pitched a total of 14 innings last week.

Last night we played Lakeshore Cyclery. Tyler pitched and then caught for Yach. With 1 out, bottom of lineup, bases loaded, Jordan at bat, (btw... 1st year of ball, no hits all year) he hits a walk off double to right field to score 2 rbi's and win the game.

Catch up:

Tuesday night scores: Old Skool 6 Laurens 14

Thursday night doubleheader: Old Skool 6 Peterson 5 (5 innings)
Old Skool 9 Rembrandt 9 (5 innings) called due to lightning

Today Tyler ended his week long basketball camp in Newell. He received a trophy for "Top Offensive Player" of the week.

Last night we played in Laurens This week 3 players are gone because of camp. Tyler pitched the first 2 1/3 innings and caught in the 4th.

Tyler's stats for last nights game are as follows: He pitched 3 innings, threw 9 strikeouts, allowed 2 hits, and 1 earned run. The 5th inning he played center field and made a diving "golden glove" catch to get the 3rd out and end the inning and game.

Tyler pitched the first 3 innings. He struck out 7 batters, walked 3, and allowed 1 unearned run.

Tyler started out pitching 3 innings and ended catching 2. When the game was finished it started raining. Perfect timing. We came home to 2 big branches laying on the trampoline and knocking over the basketball hoop. Yippee, I have yard work tomorrow!!!

Last night we had another exciting baseball game. The score was tied at the bottom of the 6th and Tyler had a walk off double to score the winning run. Afterwards we went to DQ for a blizzard. As you can tell by the pic we had some special Old Skool fans cheering us on. My Uncle (Vin) and Aunt (Karen) from Alaska and my Aunt (Sherry) from Minnesota came up to watch the game. Tyler and I were so surprised and happy to have them share the win with us.

With mom winning 5 X's tickets at work and Dad working, Steve, Tyler, Chase and myself headed to Sioux City. We met at Pizza Hut for supper and then bundled up in our coats and blankets to watch in 58 degree weather. They ended up losing 0-4. Tyler and Chase had a good time getting these ballon buddies made for them.

What a nailbiter!!! After 6 regular innings the score was tied at 7. Tyler started out the game pitching and ended at shortstop. "Old Skool" owners were there tonight to watch the game and treat the team to a DQ blizzard. Thank you!!!

For Memorial Day we had Mom, Dad, Sherry, and Merlin over for lunch. After 2 bites of his brat Tyler was ready for grampa to give him a spin on the new turbo Triumph. They headed to the waterpark where Tyler spent the rest of the evening swimming.

Tyler, Brendan and Robbie before they went to the grove to Paintball. Yesterday was Tyler's first time for paintballing. He really loved it. Imagine that!

Tyler afterwards. The first game was with all the kids and adults. The second game was ADULTS ONLY plus Tyler. He got two men out right away. He held his own that's for sure. Some of the adults commented to me afterwards how good he is with a gun. They also got to hear some "hunting stories" about an owl and a black pheasant. I told them Tyler's been shooting since he was 3 and can hang with any adult you put with him.

Tonight was the boys first baseball game. Afterwards, Old Skool treated the team to Blizzards at DQ. Thanks Old Skool for a "cool treat" after the game.

The Storm Lake 6th grade tournament team played in a two day tournament this weekend. They went 1-3. Tyler played pitcher, catcher, short stop, and second. The boys did a good job playing against some good competition.

The studio that Tyler visited for his minicourse at school today. The studio is located in Spencer, Ia. They learned about the history of glassblowing and how to make it. Afterwards they went to McDonald's for lunch.
Tyler under the "Red Goblin".

Tyler and Dakota in front of the stained glass window "The Jungle". It is for sale for $250,000. It usually takes 3 years to sell. If one man was to make it himself it would take him 9 years to complete.

Each kid has their last name on the back of the shirt.
Last night at practice we handed out the jerseys and hats to all the kids. They were all very excited to see their number and name on the shirt.

The highlight of the weekend was when the boys recognized this You tube star, Raphael Miles, from the team "94 ft. of game". He is from Minnesota, an 8th grader, and can dunk the ball.
This is the team of boys that got together to participate in a summer basketball league. This past weekend we traveled to Omaha for their first tournament. The boys record was 2-3. All the boys told us mothers "Happy Mother's Day". As a mom there was no place I'd rather be then watching my son enjoy himself playing the game he loves.

This is of all the kids receiving awards for 3 consecutive quarters of 3.5 gpa and above.

This is of the kids who had perfect attendance for the school year.

Tyler also received an award for participating in show choir. He continues to serve at the weekend Masses. We are very proud of his academic accomplishments and his service to the church.

Tyler and gramma after the spring concert. Tyler is 4'11" now. Gramma is in her heels in this pic.
One of 2 birthday cakes I made for his b-day. Tyler is using his money he received to go to basketball camps this summer. Steve and him are going to the ISU Father/Son camp on Father's day weekend, ISU day camp in Alta, Northwestern week long camp in July. He also got some new ISU apparel from Rich and Andrea for all the summer basketball. He had 14 pairs of ISU shorts now slimmed down to a good 7. All are long, below the knee, and ready to play in. Thank you to everyone for making his 12th birthday special. He said that night when he went to bed that this was the best birthday ever!!!

For Tyler's birthday he wanted to go out to eat at Huhot and to a Bandits game. So that's what we did. We sat in the front row. All 3 kids caught t-shirts and had them signed after the game. We all had a good time. Not pictured was Steve, myself, gramma, and grampa.

For the last 3 weeks we've been "mummifying" a fish in baking soda for Tyler's science experiment. You may also notice the new 'do Tyler's sporting. Yup, that's right a mohawk!!!

Yesterday was the boys last basketball tournament. They went 2-2 for the day. Afterwards we celebrated with lunch at Martini's then it was off to King's Pointe. We all went down the waterslides, enjoyed the lazy river, and Tyler even played a b-ball game in the water.
You're probably wondering why I took a pic of the business card. Well, today is baseball sign up day. This is the business sponsor for Tyler's baseball team this year. Steve is going to be the head coach and I the head mom. By sponsoring a team they get their logo on the shirts, purchase equipment, and update the fields. Thank you to Old Skool Trucking for sponsoring the team.
We love you!!!

"The Perfect NYBA Season"

12-0

First off, Tyler had his district free throw competition this afternoon in Fonda. He got second place with 21 of 25 free throws made. While Tyler was shooting in Fonda his team was playing Sioux Central in a nailbiter. The final score was 39-31 with St. Mary's winning. Tyler made it back in time for the second game against Aurelia. The boys won 63-14. This ends the NYBA season. Their last tournament is March 1st which ends their basketball season. March 2nd sign ups for baseball!!!

Last Sunday Tyler's basketball team played another 2 games in the NYBA. The first game they played against SL (B) team and won. They also won their second game against Aurelia 61-48.

Thursday night at coronation Tyler performed in the Senior boys lip sync. During the song "How far we've come" by matchbox 20 Tyler was the young Evan Smith. Friday night at the basketball game his mom, Julie, came up to me and said that it brought a tear to her eye. She also thought it was neat Tyler played Evan since he loves to tell people they are related.

Today the basketball team played 2 games at Sioux Central. They beat SC 43-17. The second game they beat SL (A) 34-15. Tyler had a season high for the day with 9 rebounds and 7 steals.

No pics just numbers. Yesterday the St. Mary's boys played Sioux Central and won 46-29. Their second game they played the Storm Lake (B) team and won 66-33.

Today the KC's hosted a free throw shoot at St. Mary's for 10 to 14 year olds. Tyler won the 11 year old division. Next he will compete at the district level on Feb. 10th. Here he is pictured with his friend Chris.

Today St. Mary's played their NYBA league games. First game Storm Lake Public B team 21 - St. Mary's 64. Second game Aurelia 25 - St. Mary's 60. They are 4-0 in league play and 6-1 overall on the season.

Saturday St. Mary's held their annual Booster Club 5th/6th grade boys basketball tournament. The team had a tournament record of 2 - 1 to finish 3rd place of 6 teams. First game Manson 43 - St. Mary's 29. Second game Denison 27 - St. Mary's 46. Third game Storm Lake Public 10 - St. Marys 25.

Tyler on defense.

The first season of the NYBA started today with St. Mary's playing Storm Lake Public in a double header. The first game SM won 77-21. The second game SM won 62-18. The boys did an excellent job playing as a "TEAM".

Tyler's 6th grade class getting ready to perform with the bells to "Let there be peace on Earth".
Tyler is in show choir which also performed. A couple of weeks ago they held a party where they ate pizza and tie-dyed t-shirts. Here they are getting ready to perform "Ain't no mountain high enough".

Tyler and Yach showing off their Dodgeball metals.

Saturday Tyler participated in St. Mary's 3 on 3 "Icebreaker" tourney. Tyler's team of himself, Chad, Joe, and Adam won their 3 pool games.

vs. Storm Lake Public 8-6

vs. Galva-Holstein 15-8

vs. Sioux Central 13-4

They made it to the championship game vs. Newell. The boys got up to a quick lead of 4-1, played excellent defense against a team that the shortest player was over 5' and worked hard. The final score was 12-18 Newell.

Sunday Tyler's dodgeball team played and by the gold medals around their necks won the 5/6th grade division. They never lost a match all season long.

Last Saturday Steve and Tyler participated in the Annual Sara Lee Turkey Shoot. Each threw 15 free throws. Tyler made 8 and Steve made 14. That was good for 1st place and a turkey. Once again they will be putting food on the table this Thanksgiving.

As the smiles in the photo shows, with a little "Tyler Magic" ISU was able to pull off a victory against K-State.

Just as great weekends go with Uncle Rich this one was no exception. Tyler, while sporting his new ISU apparel enjoyed a day of good food, friends and fun. All while doing it in style in the new RV. On the way back to Ankeny Tyler even slept on the couch. This means he'll have no problem making the 10 hour drive to Sandusky in the spring.

Last night Tyler and his friends went trick or treating. Trivia question G'pa...which one is Tyler?