Act 5: Bill (Dylan) and Sonny (Tyler) having a heart to heart on the couch.
Act 7: Sonny and Bill confronting their dad, William (Tyler W.), about paying off the bride.

The wedding. Sonny is the Best Man.

Take a bow.

The Madison's

Sonny, William, Bill, and Audrey

Tonight St. Mary's Middle School held their 2nd Annual Dinner Theater. The kids did a wonderful job serving the meal and giving a great performance.

Since Tyler and I have been so busy lately we wanted to give Devo his 30 seconds. This afternoon after we got home from "Paul Blart Mall Cop" we settled down to watch the Super Bowl. Devo was so ecstatic to see us that he didn't leave our sides...not even to eat. That's saying alot.

Today Tyler had another terrific day. We started the morning off early so he could go with some friends from Newell and watch them play basketball in a tournament in Denison. When he got home he tried out his early Valentine's gift from G'ma and G'pa the WII sports pack. He said it was hard but just like anything else I'm sure he'll have it mastered soon enough. Then tonight I took Tyler to the Storm Lake Public Swing Show. It featured middle and high school students in jazz and orchestra ensembles. They also featured a W.A.C. (women's acapella choir) that was our favorite part of the night.

Tonight the Panthers had a sweep. At halftime Tyler took a timeout with the LADIES.

Tomorrow night for the homecoming basketball game it's "white out" night. Here's a preview of Tyler's apparel.
Tyler and Dimitri buying their "white out" clothes.

This afternoon we headed to Ames to watch the #3 Cyclones take on the OK State Cowboys. It was a great day to watch another ISU victory. Tyler's friend, Cole, is a wrestler and commented on them using the basic moves he knows to win a match.

Tyler wanted no pics of himself tonight so you get this. First off, last night we went to the public school and watched a couple of good ball games. This afternoon we watched ISU play Kansas where Tyler heard his funniest quote of the day that he wanted to share with all of you. The announcer was talking about Collins momentum at the beginning of the game and how to stop it. He said, " Find his mom's name, step on his shoes, or scratch his leg because he is hot."

Tonight we went to mass to kick off Catholic School's week. Father recognized all of us parents that send our kids to St. Mary's. I want to thank all of you who support me in sending Tyler to St. Mary's. Whether you buy scrip, save box tops, or help with homework your dedication is greatly appreciated.

After mass we headed to Aurelia to see St. Mary's play basketball. Here is where Tyler heard his second favorite quote of the day. Coach was talking to the kids on the bench and said, "Is it just me or are they jumping on our backs like Superman?"

Good night Tyler.

After 2 intense days of tackling the half pipe and trails Tyler finally unlocked the door to the secret world of snowboarding with Shaun White! Can you believe it? His chest was pumping and his heart was beating so fast from excitement the only thing he could do was call his fellow Christmas co-snowboarder, his Uncle Jason. Tyler can't wait until our trip to Denver and share the excitement with him in person. His next duty on the roster is to master Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009.

Tonight was Tyler's last basketball game of the season. Tyler started a new tradition this year by having her treat us to supper after each game. Tyler and I want to say "thank you" to her for making it to every single game this season. We love you very much.
Tyler's getting an inbound pass from Moses and bringing the ball up the floor.

Kyle taking a timeout with the team. Tyler sunk his 2 free throws at the end of the game. The last 2 points for St. Mary's to keep the lead and win the game!

This afternoon I got off from work to go to Tyler's school mass and I'm so glad I did! The homily was a great one about spreading a smile to everyone around you. We've been so fortunate to have so much to smile about. The 30 point buck story, the prank call from Halie (aka Macy's store clerk), and Tyler's 3.74 gpa (gold honor roll.) Now it is our turn to make someone else smile.

While the rest of the world was watching football, even Chloe was, Tyler thought it was more important to tend to his school work. I, of course, had no problem supporting that decision. Tyler had volunteered to make a questions box for his class D.A.R.E. program. Today we went to Payless and he asked for a shoebox. When we got home he decorated it. This was the finished product.

Tyler playing great defense.
One of the few times during the game that coach took Tyler out to talk to him about the game.

Once again Tyler had a good night. He made some fast, easy layups to start the game. Throughout the game he had good dishes to the inside and played smart. Afterwards, grandma treated us to supper as we hunkered down to watch the BCS game. Tyler was exstatic this morning to learn his team had won. Go Gators!!!

This weekend Tyler and I headed to Ankeny so Tyler could have some "guy" time with Uncle Rich. Tyler got a Wii for Christmas and had purchased a game for it..."Cabela's Dangerous Hunts 2009." Rich bought a zapper so they could "hunt" all weekend.
They also went out to eat at Tyler's favorite restaurant Buffalo Wild Wings before heading to the ISU game to watch Tyler's favorite player, Craig Brackins. Since it was Christmas break Rich got tickets for them to sit in the 10th row of Cyclone Alley. A couple minutes into the game they scooted down to the 2nd row to watch the rest of the game. Tyler got on the Jumbotron 3 times. A feat Rich has yet to complete. They both had such a great time that they are already talking about going next year over break.

ISU's mascot, CY, recently won the 2008 mascot of the year award. Here he's pictured with ISU's #1 fan.

Thank you Rich and Andrea for a great weekend. We always have a great time when we head to Ankeny. Both of you are very special to us. We love you.

If the old wives tale rings true about who you spend New Year's Eve with, you can look forward to a good year ahead with them, then ours was and will be gggreat. Tyler and I headed to Sioux City to try our luck with G'ma and G'pa for a Musketeers hockey win. Unfortunately, the Muskies lost 2-5. Tyler on the other hand had skill and a little luck on his side. After downing a 36 inch pixie stix he "chucked a puck". #595 landed on a $10 gift certificate to the Siouxland Humane Society. It doesn't expire until 08-09 so he's got some time left to convince me to use it towards getting a dog. Like I told him...we'll see.

We'd also like to send birthday wishes to our favorite twin cousins, Madison and Maggie. They turn 3 today.

Trivia Question:

What "New" year is it?

Hint: It's not 1994 like the fashion mogul is sporting.

Tyler and Hollie have been taking "Red" photos since he was born. Now we have a new addition to the "Red" group, Chloe. She's 8 weeks old and doing one of her 3 favorite things.
Dave and Lauren came over to visit Christmas evening.

This year marks the First Annual Fattie Contest. Each person could make a fattie and add their own secret ingredients. Everyone got 2 votes. Taking the runner up spot was myself. I stuffed mine with basil, mozzarella, and tomato. Tyler won the competition with his 3 meat combo fattie. He stuffed it with bacon, ham, and bbq chicken and then smothered the meat all in Deadeye. So a big thanks go out to Deadeye for making this win possible. Tyler gets to take home the traveling trophy...until next competition.

Tyler opening his gifts on Christmas Eve.

We will remember this Christmas forever. We got to eat alot of good food, we got some good "air" sledding, and most important we got to hang out with the most wonderful people in the world... our family.

Tonight for family night we decided it didn't matter what we did just as long as we spent time together. (I'll admit I'm too old for some of his music and he's too young for mine.) These past couple of weeks we have been very blessed to be the recipients from many generous people's giving. Thank you to those who sent kind words by phone, email, and cards. Thank you to those who gave such generous gifts. We are very fortunate to have you in our lives not just at Christmas time but everyday. Our wish for everyone this holiday is to keep in mind "The Reason for the Season" and remember the best gift you can give anyone is the gift of yourself.

We Love You,

Brigett and Tyler

Today is National "Hug a Ginger Day." So take a minute to hug your favorite red head. Of course, Tyler got plenty of hugs today.

Tyler is one of the teams co-captains. Here he's meeting the Newell co-captains and getting some instructions at the beginning of the game from the officials.
Tyler playing some good defense.

Tonight St. Mary's held their PreK- 8th grade Christmas concert. The 7th/8th grade choir started out the evening singing two songs, "Noel, Noel" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". At the end of the concert all the kids gathered in a big circle aound the audience and sang two more songs, "Silent Night" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". It was a great evening of remembering the "Reason for the Season".

Tyler on the rim as Tyler Weber shoots a free throw.
Tyler getting the inbound pass from Moses.

Tyler had another stellar performance this afternoon. He did an excellent job of looking down the floor and making good passes. When his teammates weren't open, Tyler drove to the basket for a well driven layup. He even took a hard foul for an old fashioned 3 point play.

Last night Tyler had a basketball game in Sanborn. Even though the score shows a loss Tyler played phenomenal. He had a great night of good ball handling, good passes to the post, and great drives to the basket.

Tonight, we had game night. We played 2 games of cards, King's Corner and Go Fish, which I won both of. Then as the above picture shows Tyler picked running an obstacle course for the grand finale. He of course won with a time of 11.11 sec.

For Thanksgiving Tyler and I went to Colorado to meet his cousin, Chloe. We had a wonderful time in Denver an enjoyed being with our family.
Before we left for Denver Tyler spent some time shooting clay pigeons with his early Christmas present, a 20 gauge, from Rich and Andrea. Above, he's shooting Grandpa's new present, a 12 gauge Benelli. The video below is of Tyler actually shooting a clay pigeon.

Getting ready at the beginning of the game to jump.
During a timeout with their coach, Kyle Drey.

The boys played a very good game today. Tyler had another excellent game of getting the ball down low to the post. He also stole the ball for some fast break easy layups. Afterwards, we had Grandpa and Grandma over for some homemade beefstew and cheesecake to celebrate.

Tonight we held our weekly fun night. By the picture you can tell who won all three games. The T-man. We played Texas hold 'em, Kings Corner, and Indian Poker.

Sunday evening St. Mary's held their annual "Meet the Team Night." We ate supper at the Booster dinner and watched the teams scrimmage. In the picture I'm holding the check that the Scrip board presented to the school. In the past year more than $47,000 has been rasied to help tuition cost at St. Mary's. Afterwards Grandma and Grandpa treated for DQ. What a great weekend we had with everyone.

After the baseball clinic Grandma, Mom, and I headed to Ankeny to spend the weekend with Rich and Andrea. Tyler received an early Christmas present. He got a 20 gauge pump. The picture is at Okoboji Grill "Boji" where we ate supper Saturday night.

At the end of the session Tyler and Eric took time out for a memorabilia photo.

Wednesday Steve was the first caller to win a free pitching lesson with Eric Wordekemper. He is a St. Marys alumni that now plays for the Tampa Bay Yankees (The minor league team to the New York Yankees). Above Tyler is reviewing his instruction for the day.

Today started the first game of the 7th grade basketball season. Tyler is #11. He is the teams starting point guard. His stats for the first game are quite impressive. He had a double double. 12 points and 10 assists. That means he had a hand in 32 of the teams 40 points. Afterwards, Grandma treated us to pizza for supper. I made cookies for dessert. In Tyler's words we had a feast!!!

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.