Seniors!

And ***POOF*** they are Seniors in High School. 1st day of school - 2015. The countdown to Graduation begins...

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Juniors!

Kels and Lil' TK started school this week. As JUNIORS. Crazy how time flies. 

Kels has an Advanced Placement class again this year in the Social Studies field. AP Human Geography. She will also be exploring the Health Services field by joining HOSA and taking a class introducing Health Occupations options. She is considering Dental Hygenist or Radiation Therapist as possible career paths. She still has a couple babysitting jobs she works into her schedule while working at Little Caesar's making those Hot and Ready Pizzas. 

Lil' TK will have an Advanced Placement class as well; Advanced Placement Analytic Literature and Composition. He's chosen not to play football this year and is instead working two jobs (Arby's and Best Western Banquets), working out getting ready for Wrestling season and being active in the Greater Mankato YoungLife group.

What began as a summer which saw Big TK in the hospital with a blood infection and out of work on disability for 6 weeks and Ang losing her job with The Occasions Group due to the position being eliminated ended as a great start to the kids' Junior year of high school. Silver linings and all that...

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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

Fa La La La La...

Lil' TK sang in his school holiday concert this month. He is a member of the "Scarlet Choir" as a baritone. It was nice to see the big tough wrestler in a tie singing holiday music.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Graduation

Kels and Lil' TK officially 'graduated' from 8th grade. Off to high school.

Ang didn't cry. Didn't even tear up. Proud of their maturity. Excited for their new opportunity. And hopeful for their future. Big TK thought the 8th grade "graduation" was silly. But he had that 'proud dad' look on this face the whole time.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Spring Sports have Sprung!

Lil' TK and Kels both began spring sports for their last year at DMMS. Kels once again made the West C-Squad Softball team and began 5 day a week practices in March. Lil' TK made the 8th Grade "A" team and opened the season with a 2-run home run in the first game.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Football and Volleyball

8th Grade and Fall sports have begun for Lil' TK and Kels. 

Lil' TK's first game was derailed by the opponents cranky bus, which broke down about 10 miles outside of North Mankato. So, instead of an actual game, the teams scrimmaged once the Belle Plaine team was able to get picked up by a replacement bus and get to the Dakota Meadows field. Lil' TK is one of the quarterbacks on offense and plays corner back on defense. He threw a couple of touchdowns and intercepted a pass while on defense. The weather was perfect for sitting outdoors, enjoying a little football. 

Kels had to travel to Minnesota Lake to play Maple River for her first match. Kels and her buddy, Lex, were able to make the top squad on the A team for 8th grade and has really found her love for volleyball. Her softball pitching seems to have helped her serving as she went 17 for 17. Her hard work to get healthy has helped her discover her vertical and was surprised to learn she could play the hitter position as well. Ang and Big TK wished they could have been there to watch her but with both kiddos in sports it's easier to stay and watch the home games and let the kids ride with their team to the out of town ones.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

and still MORE basketball...

Kels and the 7th Grade West Red team have been improving and winning tournaments. Click the blog title to watch the Championship game at the Coon Rapids tournament which was played the end of January.

The team got trophies for each player, a bigger trophy for the coach and pink championship shirts with "We're so good, YOUR mom cheers for us!" on the back. It was a great weekend...the girls worked hard.

Lil' TK sprained his ankle at school basketball practice and has been out of commission for the last week. A visit to the Athletic Trainer at West High School helped to get a therapy program in place so that he can rejoin his school and traveling basketball teams as well as get ready for Royals baseball tryouts.

Big TK and Acoustic Inc. have been out and about entertaining bar patrons with their fun and light acoustic show.

Lil' TK and Kels turned 13 at the end of December. The most exciting part? They could put their real age on Facebook! In addition to all the sports programs they are involved in, they are both doing well in school and seem to enjoy participating in FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) with some of their fellow classmates/team-mates.

The winter in Minnesota is reminding us all that it is definitely in charge. Supposedly the Groundhog did not see his shadow and spring is just around the corner....but considering how much snow is out there, it will take until the 4th of July for it all to melt! There is concern that flooding will be an issue when all the white stuff does start melting. Fingers crossed that preparations are in place to keep the damage to as minimal as possible.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Favorite Teacher

Kels' class assignment for English.

Dear Mrs. Brudwick,
In English class we are writing to our favorite teachers, and I instantly thought of you! You were always there for me, and I could not have asked for a better teacher!

I thought of you as a second mom to me. You would come support/watch me play sports, you helped me pull my loose teeth out, you taught me valuable lessons, but more importantly you made 2nd and 3rd grade the best years. You made coming to school so much fun! Though I am now in 7th grade at DMMS, I definitely miss Hoover and everyone there.

I hope you know that you were (and still are) a huge part ofmy life. I will never forget you!

Thanks again!

Sincerely,
Kels
________________________________________________________
Hoping everyone is lucky enough to have an influence on their life like this...

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Basketball and Stuff

Kels played in her first “real” basketball game with her school team (which they won!). Scored a basket on a layup and everything! There’s still a lot to get use to with the pace of the game and understanding all the rules and plays but she looked great on the court and was even helping direct others to where they should be for each play. She also joined a traveling basketball team which has their first tournament November 13th. What started as something to do to get in better shape for softball may be becoming a new sport to pursue. Either way, it’s great to see Kels competing, playing with her friends and having fun.

Lil’ TK made Big TK and Ang very proud with how he worked hard and brought his grades in Algebra and Science up before the end of the quarter. He is finishing the quarter strong and looking forward to whatever the next one brings (and especially PE class – his FAVORITE subject!). His traveling basketball team is practicing and getting ready for their first tournament on November 20th.

Big TK and Ang are guides at church for Club 78 – the name for the confirmation program. Each has 4-5 kids in their confirmation class. They will stick with these kids for the next 3 years as they go through the confirmation process and become adults in the church. It’s been interesting so far and promises to only get more so.

Abby takes all the running around her family does in stride. She has a nice nest made in her big comfy pillow in the living room. Ang is working on getting her out for more walks as she loves them. Say the word, “Walk” around her and she is up and ready to go. Wouldn’t it be nice if we all could have that energy and ambition to exercise?





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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

Start of September...

Lil' TK (#33) and the West Hickorytech Rams are 3-0. The team plays really well together...and hits HARD. They aren't afraid to tackle and they aren't afraid to go for the ball. The team has been fun to watch and cheer for.

School started for Lil' TK and Kels. Both kids love their new school and the new routine they follow as "sevey's". Both are making a ton of new friends and seem to have taken on the additional responsibility of "Jr High" without much anxiety or trepidation.

Kels and the West Scarlets Dakota 1 Volleyball team have played against three school teams - 16 matches total...winning more than they've lost. Kels is the starting server so far and has gotten good at placing her serves in just the right spot. Ang wasn't expecting to get so hyped up to watch and cheer for volleyball, but fans really can get into it and have fun!



Ang and Big TK are just trying to stay on top of things with getting the kids where they need to be and when. Big TK is actively looking for that one job opportunity that will end the unemployment roller coaster ride.

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love

August 2010

August started out with a sigh of relief that baseball and softball had come to an end and the weekends were free. Or so was thought!

8/9 – Ang, Kels and Lil’ TK went to the Vikings Training Camp with the cousins from SD and WI and super-awesome Aunt Sharon. It was way too hot to be comfortable but everyone had fun checking out practice, checking out the *hot* players and watching the younger boys have fun at the activities and autograph sessions. The cousins were able to get some cool Vikings gear so that they can cheer on the purple and gold with pride back home!

8/11 – Abby Lou’s birthday. 6 years old!

Kels has pitching tryouts for the 14U Peppers 2011 teams. First year trying out at that age level…said the older girls (16U and 18U) made her nervous but she did her best and even got to tryout with BFF MM.

8/14 – Andy and Jenny’s wedding in St. Paul. St. Thomas More church – incredible!! Again, too hot to be comfortable but a good time was had by all. Adopted Kopp Crew member, JM, gave an awesome Best Man speech. We laughed; we cried…it became a part of us. Oh – and the Vikings won the first pre-season game!

8/15 – Kels has fielding/batting tryouts for 14U Peppers 2011 teams. Weather was a little nicer, which was good since tryouts took over 2 hours! Gets a call a week later that she made the B team and will have the same coach she had her very first year in Peppers. Very exciting! Will also have her other BFF's from summer softball, KE and AL, on the team again!

8/16 – Lil’ TK starts Football practices. Is placed on the MNMYF West - Hickorytech Rams. Ang cannot wait to start cheering on #33. Pain heals, chicks dig scars…Glory lasts forever!

8/20-8/22 – VACATION at Mound Lake. Truly God’s country. Located by Burtrum/Upsala/Long Prairie/Grey Eagle. Lil’ TK’s adopted family – The Marshes – have a lake home there. Invited the whole Crew up. So blessed to have such great friends. No internet, no cell phone, no plans. Just relaxed riding the waves on the pontoon all weekend. Very sad to have to come home to reality but the Crew did miss Abby Lou - who was overjoyed to see us return. Although a quiet house and Gramma Nita to herself all weekend could not have been bad….

8/25-9/6 – Big TK is working at the Great MN Get-Together…the State Fair for the Vikings Locker Room. Blessed again with a great friend –JM – who offered to let him stay at his place in Bloomington the whole time he is working at the fair.

8/30 – Kels starts school volleyball practices. First match is 9/9.

9/9 – Kels and Lil’ TK start Dakota Meadows Middle School. As 7th graders. Ang is going to need to start buying a lot more hair coloring kits to fend off the gray hairs that will be coming…Holy Cow – 7th graders! Where has the time gone?

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(¸.•´ (¸.•' Peace and Love