Tyler scoring the first teams run on an overthrow.

Tyler was 1 for 2 (double,walk) batting last night. He started out as pitcher and had a rough go of it. He walked 10 batters and struck out 1 in 2 1/3 innings. At shortstop he had 3 good plays for outs.

With grandma and grandpa on vacation in the Dells and Steve in Pennsylvania on a business trip I headed to Emmetsburg with only myself and Tyler's baseball shoe. He had only packed one along with his black running shoe. Tyler went 0-2(walk) batting. He played shortstop and had 2 really good plays. One was a catch from Blake at catcher and got the runner out attempting to steal second. The other was a sharp throw to Jay at first. the Varsity kids were sitting in the stands and called out "Jeter" when he made the throw. Sounded like a compliment to me;)

Tyler crossing home plate.
Since the JV schedule was "light" this week (he only had 2 games) Tyler was asked by his friends on the freshman team to come pitch for them. He pitched the whole first game of 5 innings. He went 2 for 3 on batting.
Since it's been a while since Tyler has caught I thought I'd take a pic of him. During the second game of the doubleheader he caught for 2 innings. They won that game 10-6.

I also want to say Happy 39th wedding Anniversarey to my parents. They came up to Storm Lake and took me out for lunch and came to watch Tyler play his ballgames. They are such great parents and grandparents to share their special day with us.

Tyler keeps the stats for the Varsity team. Here he is with the ump making sure the books are correct.

Tyler played short stop in the JV game. He had 3 good plays for outs in the game. In batting he went 1 for 4.

On another note, this morning the baseball and softball teams helped Jim and Salli Nichols try to clean what was left of their house after an arson fire a few weeks ago. They lost everything. I was so touched as I dropped Tyler off this am to see a yard full of kids willing to help out their teachers. They learned a real lesson in the differrence between the value of helping your fellow mankind and the value of possessions...possessions can be replaced...friends and family are priceless.

Tyler was the starting pitcher for todays game. Through 6 1/3 innings the score was tied 1-1. Then came a few walks and errors. Blake came in to relieve. The team didn't have their bats going tonight. Tyler was 0-2. Tyler definitely had his best night of pitching so far.

Tyler started at the short stop position and had some great plays on defense. Tyler's offense was the name of the game last night though. He went 2 for 2 (single, double) and a walk. He says that he's focusing more and keeping his head down. Coach Kevin Cone has been a big help with helping Tyler improve his batting.

Tyler on first after his base hit.

Tyler gets his first "W" for the team as the starting pitcher. He pitched all 4 innings. He also helped the cause by having a sweet hit (single) and making it home by stealing the bases. He allowed 4 hits, gave up 4 walks, and hit no batters. He pitched a very solid game. It was so great to see the team come together tonight on offense and defense. Thank you to Grandma for making the 2 hour drive to support Tyler. You are the best!

The Varstity team lined up for the National Anthem.

Tyler started at short stop in the JV game. He had a couple of good plays for outs. I'm so proud of his hard work, practice, and dedication to the team.

Tyler started pitching 2/3 of the way into the first inning. He pitched a great second inning. His speeds have been right around 75mph with his fastball. In the third he had his first hit of the year. It was a sweet hit on the ground between the third basemen and shortstop. He was stealing second and as he was sliding into second base he got nailed by the ball...you know where. Long story short, with Tyler's history of torsions we made a quick trip to the Spencer ER. He was fine and returned in time to keep stats for the Varsity game. The lessoned learned from the night??? He'll be wearing his cup from now on;)

I missed Tyler's game:( Luckily Tyler still had Grandma and Steve in the stands to cheer him on. (silently of course.) He had a great throw to home plate to get the out. He was 0-2 with a walk on batting.

The Varsity had a tournament in Peterson today. Here is Tyler in the dugout keeping the stats.

The start of a new era happened yesterday. We now have to pay to see Tyler play a sport. It's sort of weird. For 10 years I've been bringing him to games and watching him play. Yesterday, he drove the car to school to catch the team bus and I hopped in with Steve. When we arrived at Carroll I had to pay to get in to watch my own son. He was the starting pitcher for the JV baseball squad. He pitched the first 3 innings. He did a great job getting the corners for strikes. For the last 3 innings he played shortstop. The varsity coach told me he did a great job for the team. He sure did! He also is in the dugout for the Varsity game. He's the official stat keeper. Tyler said its harder than it looks. Thank you Grandma and Grandpa for making the 2 hour trip to see Tyler play his first JV game. We all abided by the "rules." He didn't hear a thing. Good job to us all!

For 93 years, 2 months, and 1 week Lorraine Kneifl, better known as Grandma K, lived on this earth. Today, at her funeral, she brought together 5 generations of family to mourn her death. She brought us together to revisit the old neighborhood. She brought us together to recall the good old days. She brought us together to remember the past. So as I sit here and think of all the old familiar faces I seen today and all the catching up I go to do of days gone by, I'm not mourning for the loss of my grandma, I'm really celebrating her life and what was important to her and that was us family. So here's to you Grandma K...you may have left us from this earth but your relationship with your family will never die. I love you.

Today, at graduation, Mr Tollefson gave his last performance as the director for the SLHS concert choir. He is taking the Assistant Principal job at SLHS. Although, it is bitter sweet to see him leave the choir it will be exciting to see him bring his hardwork, dedication, respectful nature and good work ethic to the entire school. The concert choir performed 2 songs today: Battle Hymn of the Republic and Gaelic Blessing. They sounded beautifully on this most special occasion.

Tonight we celebrated the SLHS tennis program at a banquet. The team received Distinguished Academic Achievement for maintaining a 3.25-4.0 gpa for the season. The kids really did a good job on and off the court. Coach Kuker commented on Tyler's ability as a player and said even though he mostly played doubles matches he is a very strong singles player. He covers the court well and likes to be the one to hit the ball. Good job on your first season as a tennis player. It was fun to watch you grow as a player.

Last night Steve got to the gym early so Grandma, Hollie, Joyce and I could enjoy a front row seat at Tyler's Spring concert. The music was fantastic! It was so special for Tyler to have a row of family and friends there to support him. Thank you for coming. It means alot to both of us.
After the concert Tyler was eating goulash for supper and Chloe wanted some too. She ate onions, tomatoes, and sauce! It was too cute.

Tyler serving

Today was Tyler's last tennis match of the season. He had a different partner, Trey Sliefert, this time. They lost their doubles match 2-6. Tennis has been a new sport for both of us. Tyler to play and me to watch. There are a few "tennis parent rules" I plan on taking with me to other sports: cheer when your son does something good, encourage don't discourage, and remember he has a tennis pro and it's not you;)I have definitely enjoyed watching Tyler learn, enjoy, and grow as a player of the game.

Tyler standing next to Grandma and Grandpa's "Hooter Tree."

Happy Mother's Day! We had a fabulous day celebrating in Sioux City. First, Grandpa treated us to brunch at Bev's on the River. Then we headed to the mall where I got some shopping time. Afterwards, on our drive home, Tyler handed me a gift certificate to our favorite place to eat. I felt like a real "Queen for a day." Then we came home. That's when I saw I have dirty breakfast dishes in the sink, piles of laundry waiting to be washed, and vacuuming to do. That's ok though...for today it's Mother's Day. I'm going to sit back, relax, and count all the blessings I have: my grandmother's, my mother and being a mother.

The Storm Lake Bass Choir, aka all men's group, received a 2 rating on "Prayer of the Children."
The Storm Lake Mixed Choir 1, aka jv choir, received a 2 rating on "A Gaelic Blessing" and "Where Your Bare Foot Walks."

Friday night the Storm Lake Band, Orchestra, and Choir groups competed in the State Large Group Music Contest in LeMars.

Tyler and Darren's doubles match vs. LeMars ended in a tie, 6-6. They did such a good job volleying. They have improved sooo much. I'm so proud of Tyler for trying a new sport, having fun with it, and enjoying it with his teammates.

The tennis team had a home meet today. They lost their doubles match 4-6. One of the players for ELC was a #5 varsity player. The boys got good experience hitting some harder serves. Tyler also played a singles match against the #4 Varsity player and beat him 6-1. Great job!!!
Thanks to the "team moms" for supplying the snacks for the boys after they play. This is Mr. Netten's last year of coaching and teaching at SLHS. He is retiring. Tyler will miss him greatly but is glad he got the oppurtunity to have him as a coach for his Freshman year.

We pulled off the perfect surprise party for Tyler's 15th birthday. We took him out for supper and when we got to Martini's his friends were already there and when we walked in they yelled , "Surprise!" He admitted that we got him good.
Chase, Megan, Brynna, Tyler, Kallie,and Erin with his cake. After supper, the kids came to the house for Tyler's traditional ice cream birthday cake from DQ. After cake we gave the kids tickets to go see the movie, Fast Five. I can't believe Tyler is 15 already! The years have gone so fast.
When Tyler got home from school today a birthday package had been delivered from Rich and Andrea. He loves his ISU shirt and Scheel's gift card. It's been a great birthday month. Thank you all for making his birthday so very special.

Since our family does nothing small we continue to celebrate Tyler's 15th birthday month in a big fashion. This afternoon Grandma and Grandpa came up to share in the fun. They brought gifts of "LeBron" apparel that he absolutely loves! He loves it so much that he changed into an outfit 1 minute after opening the gifts to wear to tennis practice. After practice, they treated us to supper at Legacy. Since we love our desserts we ordered a birthday chimichanga. It was delicious! He also received cards with birthday cash in them from Hollie, Jason and Chloe,Grandma and Grandpa Devos, and Donna.

We absolutely loved our first cruise! The people, the food, the entertainment, the sights! It was all grand. I enjoyed the trip because I got to cross going to another country off my bucket list, read 2 books in 4 days, and have 4 stress free days. Most of all I enjoyed spending time with Tyler. No work, no cell phones, no xbox live, no computer. Just us 2 spending quality time together. There is so many stories that we share from our trip. 1 year ago Tyler asked if we could go on a cruise. I saved, scrimped, and scrounged to be able to afford this vacation for us. It was all worth it. The memories and the time I spent with him will be in my heart forever. I love you very much Tyler. I can't wait for our next cruise;)

Our last night on ship: a heart. We loved our service staff too!
Our table group: Dalton, Christian, Katherine, Brigett, Tyler, Pam, and Nick. They are all from Texas. Sunday night we went to the Punchliner Comedy Club to see the shows. The 2 comedians were very funny.
Yes 2 people with 4 desserts. The desserts were magnificent!!!
Sunday night at our last supper together the wait staff singing their "goodbye" song to us.
Saturday night we came back to our cabin to an elephant.
Every night at supper the wait staff would sing and dance for us.
Saying goodbye to Cozumel.
The shopping district
Outside the Ron Jon surf Shop where we picked up some souvenirs.
The water is up to our knees and we coud see our feet! We literally had fish swimming right next to us. While at the Park we also had outdoor massages, shopped, relaxed in hammocks, and of course ate.
For our excursion we picked going to the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. The first thing Tyler wanted to do was stand in the ocean.
In the shopping district when you get off the pier we went to this tiny shop called, Fiesta Maya. There is where they make these bracelets: all by hand, all in 5 minutes, and all while answering our questions. It is truly amazing to see.
standing on the pier with the ship behind him.
A closer look at the Puerta Maya Pier.
From the 12th floor sports deck looking down. The water is sooo blue.
Our first glimpse of the Puerta Maya Pier in Cozumel, Mexico.
Saturday am we saw land!
Friday night a bunny was left on the bed.
Tyler and I both read the book, "Heaven is for Real." It is a must read!
Everyday the ship offers a "drink of the day" in a souvenir cup. Friday while relaxing and catching some rays we order drinks. It is a monkey carved out of a coconut.

Every morning we would have breakfast on the 10th floor Lido deck over looking the ocean. Our favorite was the omelet station.
This is the grand atrium in the middle of the ship.
Every night the staff came into tear down our bed while we were at supper. They also would leave a towel animal on our bed with chocolates. This is a walrus.
Friday am I got up early to workout on the 12th floor sports deck. From the treadmill this was my view.
Every evening you have the option of eating in the Windstar dining room. We chose the early option of 6:00pm. We sat with 5 other people.
Our vacation started last Thursday am. 2:23 is the time we left the house to head to Omaha to catch our 6:10am flight to Memphis. From there we connected and flew to Houston. At the bag terminal a Carnival associate was waiting for us to transfer us on a 1.5 hour bus ride to the ship off of Galveston Island.