Tyler receiving his certificate of completion from the D.A.R. E. program.

Mike Orlando, Channel 4 news sports anchor, was the guest speaker for the graduation. He wanted a photo of the group to air on the evening news.

After the ceremony a lunch was provided by sponsors of the D.A.R.E. program.

The first Saturday of Spring every year cities around the country hold an annual Hoop A Thon event to raise money for Huntington's Disease. For a $10 donation you receive a t shirt and a chance to win other prizes all while raising money for a good cause. They also hold a silent auction where you can bid on prizes. Tyler put a bid on this Eric Wordekemper signed baseball and hat. After many long minutes of waiting out the bidding war, he won. His bid was $25. Other than the money going to a good cause, I was most happy that Tyler used his own allowance money to support a charity that has personal meaning.

While Tyler was hoopin' it up this weekend I had a project of my own going on. Last week I decided to rip up the living room carpet. After some advice from my brother to help it go smoothly he offered to come up and redo the wood floors for me. Free advice, Free labor, and $93 worth of materials and this is what you get: a fantastic looking living room that still brings a smile to my face everytime I look at it. I can't stop telling him, "THANK YOU."

After track practice today,Tyler, got his second workout in bouncing Chloe. This is her very first picture in full smile mode.

Tonight we attended the awards ceremony for the Panther sports. Tyler received a certificate for participation in basketball. The teams record was 6-2. Coach, Kyle Drey, gave an excellent speech to the kids about keeping and open mind and being willing to learn something new every day. A good motto to live by not only in the game of basketball but in the game of life.

Dimitri and Tyler represented St. Mary's in the Knights of Columbus regional spelling bee. The top 9 kids in the region gathered in Cherokee today. The boys received 5th and 6th place, respectively.

Tyler is trying to baracade.....I mean barricade the sun from his eyes. Can you guess what work he missed?

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.