Happy Mothers Day!

Grandma meeting Everlee for the first time.

Steve and Cooper having playtime.

Steve did babysitting duty with Chloe so Hollie and I could visit Everlee. Thanks so much!

The Thinker

Andrea and Everlee

Getting to hold little Everlee after a full belly and clean diaper. She was just perfectly content cuddling with Aunt Brigett;)

I've been a mom to my "little boy" for 17 years and I enjoy every Mother's Day with him. I loved sharing the day with my mom, sister, and sister in law, 3 more beautiful mothers that I adore and respect.

Shopping

Yesterday Tyler wanted to spend all his Scheels gift cards he got for Christmas and birthday. I was shocked when he wanted to go to the mall and shop! He got 4 really nice things. Thanks very one for a fun afternoon.

Happy 17th Birthday Tyler!

17 years ago I gave birth to a sweet son who has grown into an amazing young man! Since moving to Lemars one of the things I enjoy the most is being able to see him when he arrives home after school (thanks to my part time work status.) Today when he got home I had his birthday cake waiting for him to eat before he went to baseball practice. After practice grandma and grandpa were here to greet him. They also delivered a birthday card from the Smith's. Thanks everyone for helping make this a special day.

Meaning of Everlee

So today I "googled" her name and this is what I found: Courageous, Strong Willed, and Energetic. She is all three! Perfect name for a perfect baby girl:). It's so neat to see Everlee getting stronger and able to lay on her stomach. She gives you a perfect view of that beautiful head of red hair;)

Lemars leadership conference

This morning Tyler attended and was able to listen to two incredible speakers. The first one was spirit Lakes head football coach who in four years of coaching went from a 1-8 record to a state title this past season. The second speaker was Dan Gable. Tyler learned a lot and was glad that he attended.

Birthday supper

Last night we went to our favorite pizza place, Sfumato, to celebrate Tyler's birthday with aunt Terri, aunt Victoria, uncle Dan and cousin Emelia. Thank you all for the gifts and most importantly spending time with us. That's what is most important:)

Strength,Courage, and Determination

For 8 years I have witnessed Rich and Andrea live by these characteristics in order to pursue their ultimate goal of having a family. They never gave up, stayed together, and found a way. Last Wednesday when little,Everlee Rose, was born she had trouble breathing and needed to be placed in NICU. She is still there improving everyday. She is fighting with the same strength, courage, and determination that her parents have been fighting with for all these years. She is a born warrior because of her parents:)

ISU college visit

After our ISU campus visit today we visited another local hot spot. Tyler has also informed me that most likely he will be attending ISU it is ok for me to live just right down the road in Ankeny. That way I'm (or should I say my washer/dryer) are close but not too close;)

Our newest family member

Last night at 9:47pm our little neice and cousin, 7lb 13oz, 19 3/4", Everlee Rose Kneifl was born. This morning we got to see her. She is so beautiful and strong. She's got gorgeous red hair and a "Kneifl nose." We were so excited to meet her.

Margaritaville

One of my favorite things to do since we moved to Lemars is meet dad on Fridays for happy hour. It's so relaxing to destress after a hard weeks work;) We literally laugh the whole time from Grampas good ol' stories.

Cousins relaxin'

Today we visited Dan, Victoria, and Emelia to celebrate a belated birthday w/ Dan.

Celebrate!

After Tyler's college visit to UNI we met up with the Krier's for supper in Sioux City. Yesterday I received Floyd Valley's CARE award at work. It was fun to celebrate with good friends:)

Easter egg hunt

After church we came home to find that the Easter bunny had left basket and hidden eggs for the kids. The older you are the sneaker he was with hiding the eggs;)

Playground

Chloe and cooper did a great job while mom n dad had a lunch date:)

Dairy Queen

National Honor Society Induction Ceremony

 Tuesday night Tyler was inducted into the Lemars chapter of the National Honor Society.

 He was chosen based on his scholarship, leadership, service and character.

Afterwards, gramma made an angel food cake to celebrate his special honor.

Bulldog Basketball Banquet

Tonight the Lemars boys basketball program held their end of year honors. Tyler received his first academic letter as a Varsity player. Coach commented, "you may notice a new Junior that transferred from Storm Lake. I know he's happier wearing red than green."

What a pair;)

Sooo much fun!!!

Andrea had the perfect idea for a family get together. It was also fun to see the Janasko clan. What a great night!

Incredible Pizza Company

...and the go kart champion is...

District final game

This pic is from Monday nights game. The student section has been the boys biggest fans. I have a feeling we will be seeing these next year;)

Tonights game vs Sioux City Heelan was a nailbiter all night. In the end Lemars lost 53-58. They ended their season 16-7.

District Play Begins...and a slumber party

Tonight the Bulldogs had home court advantage for first round of district play. They beat the Warriors of Sargent Bluff 83-74. After the game we had gramma Kneifl, Victoria, and Emelia spend the night with us due to them having no electricity. We were so excited to have them stay.

On a side note the team did a Harlem Shake video and posted it on YouTube. Type in "lemars boys basketball Harlem shake" and you will get to see a 32sec video that makes you laugh. Tyler is in the Austin Powers costume.

Last regular season game

We traveled to Sioux City North and lost 73-58.

Another 4A night

After a tough loss last night the 'dogs were back at it on the hardwood for their last home game of the regular season vs Sioux City West. They pulled off the victory 66-48.

Good hard fought game

Tonight the Bulldogs took on the Black Raiders from Sioux City East. They lost 55-62.

The name of the game is...

free throws! Tyler made 4 of 4 free throws vs Storm Lake tonight in a Lemars 82-65 win.

Thanks Grandma

Love the goodies Grandma bakes:)

Birthday month started off right!

This past weekend we were in Storm Lake. Saturday night Steve had his work Christmas party and Sunday Kevin Besch hosted a party for the Super Bowl. We had a great time sharing the weekend with all of our friends. My cheeks literally hurt from laughing so hard. This, ironically, is the sign behind Kevin's bar.

Lemars Daily Sentinel

Tyler made it in the paper again. This was the shot from Friday night vs Estherville.

Another good night of ball

Tonight Lemars took on Estherville and came away with a big win, 81-49. Tyler was 4-4 on free throws and added another bucket to total 6 points.

Honor Roll

Tyler made the first semester honor roll. His grades have always been good but this semesters grades include a Precalculus college class.

The second photo is a team poster that the team receives "free" from the photographer. What a bunch of ballers;)

A wins a win...

...the exact words the coach said to the team after the game. Tonight marks Coach Dave Irwin's 200th career win with the Lemars Bulldogs over the last 11 years. They beat Cherokee tonight 70-51.

We beat the Tigers!

There was a lot of hype and smack talk by the teams before the game tonight. Fortunately, the Bulldogs let the score speak for themselves when they came away with a 62-49 win! With this win it gives Lemars sole possession of second place in the Lakes conference and a home court advantage in the first round of district play!

Traveling to Hull

It's always a good game between the wolf pack and the Bulldogs. Unfortunately, the Dogs came up short with a score of 59-62 last night.

Friday Night basketball

Steve shot the halftime 3 pointer and made it. He won $50 in gift cards from Taco John's. Yeah! No cooking lunch for me tomorrow.

Tonight they played the E'Hawks from Emmetsburg. Tyler played the whole 4th quarter. The team won 74-39. Thanks dad for treating us all to lunch today. Thanks mom for working 12 plus hours and making it to the game. I love being close and able to spend time with both of you.

 

 

They pull off the victory!

After a slow first half, behind 25-34, the Bulldogs come back to win the game 65-52 against the Spirit Lake Indians. Thank you mom for coming to watch the game after working a 12 hour shift. It means so much to me.

Ol' stomping grounds

 

 

Last night we traveled to Storm Lake and Tyler got to play against his old teammates. The Bulldogs definitely stomped on the Tornadoes coming home with a 67-45 win. Tyler had 4 points for the night. Right before halftime the fire alarm went off and the whole gym was evacuated. Only in SL! LOL! Thank you mom and dad for making the trip up to watch the team and Tyler.

Call it a win!

After 4OT the Lemars Bulldogs beat the Sargent Bluff Luton Warriors 82-78.

We won!

New Year's Eve we went to Paullina for supper at Timber Grill. They held a drawing for 2 $20 gift certificates. Friday I got a call that Steve AND I had won them both! How exciting! Guess my flair for the exotic and unfamiliar paid off. Then today our washing machine took a dive and we hauled our laundry to mom n dads. I felt like I was back in college. Thank God for parents. No matter how old and independent you are they are always there to help you out.

Friday night in Estherville

The Bulldogs beat the Midgets 77-55 in their first game off of winter break. It was a total team effort in that all 15 Varsity players saw playing time.

 

Happy New Year!

These pics are from Thanksgiving and tailgating that Stephanie took. We look forward to 2013 and all the blessings the year holds.