Sporting new uniforms again we headed to the ball field last night. Tyler played everywhere shortstop (pictured above), left and center field, and ended with catcher. After 6 regular innings it was tied 3-3. So they went into overtime where the kids rallied and made 3 runs and held the other team to none.

Tyler's first at bat. He walked and eventually made it home on an overthrow while he was stealing second base. It was the teams first run to tie the game 1-1.
Tyler's first position of the night was catcher for Luke. On a missed catch Tyler hustled and threw it to Luke to get the batter stealing home out. He also played first base for an inning. Last inning Tyler pitched. He threw 19 balls total. walked 1 batter and struck 3 out. ERA 0.00. Good job and win on your first night of ball Ace Hardware.

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.