Birthday month continues with a party

Grandma's 60th birthday party!

 opening cards and gifts

 Annie was super excited to meet the newest member of the Kneifl clan, our precious little Everlee.

 Its been only two weeks since we've seen Cooper and he's changed so much! Can't wait to see him in another two weeks for his first birthday.

 This group is extra special...

To be able to celebrate the start of birthday month with a 5k and continue it with a party with all our family and close friends has been so much fun. Thanks to everyone for making the trip, short or far, to celebrate this milestone.

Things I don't know

-why bad things happen to good people

-all you're feeling right now

-exactly the right words to say

Things I do know:

-you're cared about more than you know

-you will get through this

-we're here for you...no matter what

RIP Dave Hawks 8.22.49-6.5.13

Lauren and Ah'trell riding in Dave's vette.

 The Lemars Daily Sentinel had this picture in the paper this am from last nights game. It was taken as Tyler was turning two...the first time;)

Tonight's game was the last of 3 home games in a row this week vs the Midgets of Estherville. The boys won 5-2. Coach has done some tweaking and Tyler has a permanent position at second.

The Dutch from MOC-FV came to town...

And we showed them what Lemars baseball is all about. The Bulldogs won 14-2 after 5 innings. Tyler was a part of 2 double plays. 

Another shut out

Tonight the boys took on the Braves from Cherokee. The tandem pitching of Hunter and Tyler once again pitched a no hitter. They won 10-0 after 5 innings. Tyler had Caleb DH for him tonight. 

First loss of season is always the roughest

Tonight the Cyclones from Harlan came to town and it was a battle all 7 innings. The Cyclones ended up winning 10-5. Tyler went 0-3 batting. 

Another shut out

Tonight the 'Dogs traveled to Spirit Lake to take on the Indians. Tyler played second base and had many good plays for outs. He went 0-3 batting. The boys won 8-0. 

Taking two for the team last night

This is what taking one for the team looks like the day after. Ouch:(

Shut Out

Tonight Grandma, Steve and I made the long haul to Emmetsburg to watch them take on the E'hawks. They won the game in four innings, 15-0. Tyler pitched the last two innings in which he struck out 3 batters. He batted an RBI double, 2 HBP, and KO.

 The starters during the Pledge of Allegiance

His stellar night of pitching. 

Post race

Afterwards, we spent time at the Smith's. Everlee is getting so much bigger since I seem her last. Rich and Andrea are adjusting to parenthood beautifully. Although, at times, I think Andrea may have 2 kids on her hands;)

Dam to Dam 5k

What a fun way to start off My moms 60th Birthday month but by running her first 5k with her at Des Moines' Dam to Dam. She ran it in 35:30 min, getting 24th in her age group. 

Babysitting

While Hollie and Jason had a movie date Grandma and I took the kids to the park. They loved playing in the sand. 

Another windy night of ball

Tonight the boys played at home vs the Tornadoes from Storm Lake. Tyler played third base. He went 0-3 batting. Although, he is getting good hits on the ball. The game was called at the top of the 6th inning due to lightning. Since they had completed 5 innings the Bulldogs won 6-2.

Honor Roll

I am so proud of Tyler and his academic accomplishment. 

Conference opener

Tonight they played Hull Western Christian at home. The boys pulled it off in the 6th inning with some good calls from Coach to win 4-1. Tyler went 0-2 batting. 

Game time

The team sportin' their new camo jerseys.

Today the boys played the Wolverines from Sioux City West. They won 9-1. Tyler went 0-3 batting. He connected with the ball twice but flew out and grounded out. He also made some good plays in the field playing second base.

Heroics? Alright;)

This was the post on Game Changer this am...

First road game

Tonight the team traveled to Sioux City to play North. They won 5-2. Tyler played third base. His batting was 0-2, walk. 

First game of the season

Tonight was the first game of the Bulldog baseball season. They traveled to Rock Rapids to play the Lions of Central Lyon. Tyler played second base and batted ninth. He went 1-3 hitting. The one he hit was a bomb to the 315 sign in the left field. He scored 2 RBI and also ran in for a run. The team won 18-2 (4th.)

Ankeny visit

It was so fun to be able to spend time with my newest niece, Everlee. I definitely, hogged her today and didn't want to give her back. I so enjoy my visits to Ankeny where I can have my slumber parties with Chloe and play with Cooper. 

Baseball SWAG

Tyler succumbed to peer pressure today. He became the 7th player on the baseball team to get the official Bryce Harper 'do. When the Lemars Bulldogs Baseball Gods speak...you listen;) 

Birthday month continues...

Thanks Uncle Rich, Aunt Andrea, and cousin Everlee for the gift card. I see some more ISU apparel in Tyler's future;)

Graduation

Last night we went to Aaron's graduation. The last time I took the Men's picture the boys were in 7th and 8th grade at the Annual Turkey Shoot. My how they've grown.

I helped Rachel with kitchen details.

I also got to visit with Marj Urban. I took care of her mother back in 1996 when I started Methodist Manor. She also remembered that my sister, Hollie, she taught 3rd grade to. She is 84 and still lives independently! I want to be that alert when I'm her age;)

Farmer's Market

This morning while I was getting new tires for my car we went to farmers market with mom and dad. One of the booths is a company that Steve works with. We man/ woman powered the blender to blend our own smoothies. It was fun and delicious! Notice who didn't get on the bicycle?! 

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:)