Sweet Sixteen

Kels and Lil' TK turned "Sweet Sixteen" on 12/29. Ang planned a surprise party that actually worked! Friends of the kids helped send out invites via text and everyone was at the WowZone on time...even to the point of the funny uncles text-bombing Ang to find where they were.

Friends and family enjoyed supper in the private conference room and then went off to play games. Laser tag was the popular choice as was bowling.

A way-too-big cake helped to end the celebration on a sugary high note. The next day, Kels and Lil' TK took their driver's license tests and both passed!

What a great way to end 2013.

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Winter Sports 2013

Winter has arrived at the Shack. Brutal cold and winds are reminding us that we live in the land of extremes here in Minnesota. With the cold comes Winter Sports for Kels and Lil' TK - and by association, Ang and Big TK as well.

Kels has become a hockey fan and is looking forward to spending her winter months cheering on the Scarlets at the local ice rink. The team has started the season 2-0 with some big wins and everyone is saying this is the year for them to make a run at State. She was recognized at school as a "Shining Scarlet" with a small awards ceremony and continental breakfast. Shining Scarlets are nominated by the teachers each quarter. Kels was nominated by her Phy Ed teacher for her leadership and positive attitude.

Lil' TK was voted in as one of the Captains of the Wrestling team. He is the youngest of the 4 Captains and is looking forward to good season improving his strength and skill. The team is young but does have someone for every weight class which means they won't be losing points to forfeits. December will be busy with home meets on Thursdays and out of town tournaments on Saturdays in addition to practice on the non-meet week days but the practice is good and the meets are fun.


Having a son voted Captain means Big TK and Ang will be busy planning the food to feed the hungry wrestlers after each home meet, the big youth tournament in January and the end of the season banquet.

With all the sports and awards going on, Ang has not had the time or motivation to decorate for Christmas. This year Christmas Eve will be much different as God-Daughter, Katerbean, will be visiting her Grandmother in Oregon over the holidays. This will be the first Christmas Eve without Katerbean...but the kids are getting older and changes are bound to happen.

Right after Christmas, Kels and Lil' TK turn Sweet 16. The holidays are always such a hectic, but exciting time of the year. You'd think by now Ang would be more organized and ready for the chaos...

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Fall Pictures

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

1st Quarter in the Books

Kels and Lil' TK finished up a busy first quarter as sophomores by heading to Detroit Lakes, MN for long weekend with their YoungLife group. They are both very involved with the positive peer group and enjoy the meetings and activities that it offers.

The last couple months have seen Lil' TK play JV football for Mankato West as a corner back and wide receiver and being asked to the Jobs Dance in January by his girlfriend of 5 months. He left the football team early (roster limitations for playoffs) to start focusing on training for the upcoming wrestling season and is excited to start practices.

Kels got her dress for Jobs (though she has yet to ask her intended date), and was appointed a Court of Appeals Judge in Youth in Government for the upcoming session.

Ang is still working on getting motivated to organize and scrapbook all the thousands of pics she has taken. 

Big TK is busy with MAYBA, YIG, Church Band and analyzing Thursday, Sunday and Monday night Football games as the Man in the Chair. It's a joke with the neighbor boys about Big TK always being in his recliner and "sharing" his wisdom with those around him.

Abby does not dig the colder weather but still loves her walks and chasing the ball in the yard. And wishes the Crew would take her out more to do these things. Hint Hint.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Sophomores

Kels and Lil' TK started their sophomore year at Mankato West High School (www.whs.isd77.org) on 9/3. The weather has not cooperated with the return to school as the temps have been un-Godly high and the school has no A/C. Being the original high school in town, it's never been updated to offer A/C in the whole building. Still the best school in Mankato/North Mankato (Go Scarlets!) though! ;-)

Kels will be attempting what has been called "the toughest class you'll ever take at West" - Advanced Placement U.S. History. It has caused a bit of anxiety but Big TK and Ang aren't worried. Kels has a real knack for government/social studies type classes. Her involvement in Youth In Government testifies to that as she was appointed as an Appeals Court Judge for the upcoming session.

Lil' TK decided to take German as his Foreign Language requirement. Hopefully Ang can pull some of her previous German education to help him out with homework. In addition, he has a Enriched English class he is looking forward to. Lil' TK has a passion for writing poetry and inspirational stories and is hoping this class will help him work on that.

Of course, the theme this year is...cars. Both kids have their permits and are looking forward to getting their licenses as soon as possible. A vehicle is on their Christmas list. That and new phones since they have trashed theirs to the point of almost non-working order. Thank goodness Apple came out with a less expensive version of the iPhone this year!


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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Fall Sports

Lil' TK has just finished up two-a-days for Scarlets football. It's been a long, hot 2 weeks as the boys get ready for the first game of the year on August 29th. He will be dressing for Varsity and supporting the team on the sidelines. He will play on Junior Varsity as a WR and CB wearing #31. Big TK and Ang will be working the concession stand at home games and cheering on the team as much as they can.

Kels was not asked to play on a volleyball team this year for the Scarlets. Everyone was devastated. She had really improved and was looking forward to another season of volleyball. It's been a little less exciting around the Shack without having two sports to attend but we'll make it through. Kels is being a trooper and playing fall softball with the Mankato Peppers on the 18U team. That will take her up to hockey season when she will be able to cheer on the boys from the frozen All Seasons arena.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

YoungLife Camp

This year Kels and Lil' TK were able to attend YoungLife Camp in Colorado. It's a week long camp that builds on the principles built throughout the year at weekly YoungLife get-togethers (http://crookedcreek.younglife.org/Pages/aboutyl.aspx). Both kids really enjoy the club and worked different events through YoungLife and church to raise money to help with camp costs. The kids took off in a coach bus on July 27th for the resort-like camp in Fraser, CO. There the kids rode horses, went hiking, played games, ziplined, danced and made new friends. The group boasts that it will be the "best week of your life"...and both Kels and Lil' TK would agree.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

league volleyball

Kels was asked to manage the summer league volleyball team for her school. It's a great way to keep the girls playing volleyball and get ready for tryouts. Kels and the "Nicollet Dream Team" took 2nd place in their level. Go Scarlets!

 

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love