Moosepack

Where have we been???

2010-11-13T13:48:00.003-06:00

I know, we haven't posted in quite some time. The reason? We have moved mainly to Facebook. This way we can keep in touch with family and friends better! If you haven't seen our family page on facebook, please visit and join (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=73489391105). This is a GREAT way to stay in tune with us (Jim? Janet??). You can also become friends with us (http://www.facebook.com/moosepack Brian). I can then direct you to Pat and Noah. I will be posting Noah's sports schedules on our family page. See ya there!!!!

1st Game

2010-08-29T07:56:00.004-05:00

Well it was our first game yesterday, and my first game returning as a coach in over 2 years. While we got beat 26-0, there were some bright spots. Both of my lines (offense & defense) rose to the occassion. The offensive line did a fairly good job (we still need just a little work), but our 'D' line was awesome. I had the chain gang commenting to me on what an amazing and outstanding athlete #74 was. Amazing and outstanding were their words, not mine! They commented that he was by far the best athlete on the field today! Check out the pictures to find out who #74 is!

The first week of 6th grade!

2010-08-21T09:28:00.003-05:00

So we have now completed the first week of 6th grade. In this past week Noah has been asked by the head varsity football coach at Daniel J Gross Catholic High School "you are going to Gross, right?", and by the head basketball coach at Creighton Prep "you are going to Prep, right?". The kid just started 6th grade, and is already starting a battle to recruit him! Hhhmmm, I wonder if any of the schools would be willing to help with his tuition? Yes, we are going out today to shop for a new football helmet for him. His squeezes his head to much, and they don't have any helmets any bigger!!! The kid is going to be a dominating factor this year in football. I encourage everyone to check him out! Schedule is posted here on our blog (he will NOT be at the 3rd game at Gretna due to prior commitments).

What time is it?

2010-07-30T06:43:00.003-05:00

Well, take a deep breath! Baseball season is over, and football is just around the corner! Noah finished what was arguably one of his best baseball seasons ever! He hit .473 with 2 home runs (a grand slam, and one that went clear onto right field, of our OTHER field). His ERA was just slightly over 2 (2.13). This is not bad considering that the average score in a game was around 10! Most important though was that he had a GREAT time! He had great coaches this year that really made it a ton of fun for all. Now we are gearing up for football, literally!!! Equipment check out was this past week. Practice starts this coming Monday (pray for cool weather). Noah is going to be quite the crusher this year. He is playing in the 5th-6th grade division as he is now a 6th grader. He is being drooled over by more than 1 team. I have graciously volunteered to step in as a line coach. This was their sore spot last year so hopefully I can help out. It should be a great season, so stay tuned for his schedule!

Baseball's over?!

2010-07-14T06:25:00.003-05:00

It was a very good ending to a great season! After finishing second in the 12 team league, the Crusaders were playing in the Crusader Classic to reward them for a great season of baseball. While playing outfield Noah was hit a line drive. It hit his glove, popped up as he spun 180 degrees, then caught it bare handed! He litterally to "use both hands to catch it" to heart!! It was such a spectacular catch that he was awarded the "game ball" for it! The coaches for our other team were watching, and started the wave to the chant of "Noah, Thomas". Needless to say Noah was a little impressed! Oh yeah, and the won 5-2! GREAT job guys! On a side note, football practice starts on August 2nd!!!

Celebrating!

2010-07-07T07:18:00.005-05:00

We all celebrated this past weekend! Some of us in our own special way! Noah turned 12 this past week! He celebrated with some family and friends. Ashley made a very special cake for him! It was as tasty as it was beautiful! Can't thank you enough Ashley!! You truly are something else. We also took a trip over the 4th of July weekend to help John and Angie celebrate their wedding! It was such a special time to share with family! Angie was such a beautiful bride! We are so happy that she found such a great guy in John. We really did "dance the night away!" We had a blast!!!!!!

Pat & Judy's big 5-0!

2010-07-01T06:33:00.004-05:00

What a GREAT time was had by all! Pat and Judy celebrated their 50th birthdays last weekend with a combined party.Of course there was LOTS of dancing (and goofiness).Pat's brother Joe, and his girls Lauren and Karajo were passing through on their way to Washington D.C., so they were able to attend.

Noah and his beads and Dora shades! You are one cool dude!!!

They both look GREAT for being 50!!!! They sure do not look their age, and they definitely don't act it!! We had a great time visiting with everyone! We just wish that there would have been more time, the evening went so fast! Thanks everyone for sharing with us, and making it one special night to remember!!

Baseball Update

2010-05-23T19:05:00.004-05:00

I have to brag up the boy again! He has wanted to hit one over the fence all year. His first at bat today he was down 0 balls and 2 strikes. The 3rd pitch was absolutely crushed over the right field fence, and oh yeah, bases were loaded!!!! Yes! A grand slam!!! We retrieved the ball for a keep sake! We now have his 1st "no hitter" and his 1st home run!! He pitched 1 2/3 innings also and allowed 0 earned runs. He has now pitched 6 2/3 innings this year and has yet allowed a run! A 0.00 era ain't to bad? I told him that now that he has hit the first home run, and a grand slam at that, the rest will come pretty easy this year!!

Baseball Update

2010-05-16T18:00:00.003-05:00

Noah is slowly but surely progressing in baseball this year. He finally got his chance to pitch for an extended outing today. He had only pitched 1 inning this year prior to today. The situation today? We were down 8-2 when he took the mound to start the 3rd inning. He threw only 10 pitches in that inning! 1 ball, and 9 strikes! He struck out all 3 batters! He got the team so fired up that thier bats finally came alive! He came back in the next inning and allow 1 walk, and struck out 3! The bats continued hot for us, and when all was said and done we rallied and won 14-8!!! We had several of our parents comment on how Noah came in and totally took over the game! He even had one parent tell him as he was leaving that "I have never in my life seen anyone ever pitch like that!" Of course Noah is so humble, he said thank you and continued on. We are so proud of that boy...er....young man! He is such a good person!

School Picture

2010-04-26T18:39:00.003-05:00

Does this look like it could be his senior picture or what? It is such a good picture I just had to post it!!!!

Noah's Day

2010-04-17T21:16:00.004-05:00

Pat and I had plans today to go to the retreat center in Schuyler to listen to Archbishop Lucas talk to us deacons. Our dilema? What would Noah do all day? Noah went over to a friends house. I forgot that his friend's dad used to play for the Huskers! With it being the annual red - white spring game, they made a road trip to Lincoln! The photo and video were taken with Noah's cell phone so they are not the best, but you get the idea of the view he had of the game!

No need to tell you who is favorite team is?????

Noah's New Toy!

2010-03-25T14:35:00.003-05:00

Noah got himself a new toy this past weekend! Mike (family friend) had been promising it to him for a long time, but was unable to get a hold of it (yes, it is legal!). He finally got it last Sunday. When he dropped it off it had some minor problems (flat front tire, broken brake lever, loose handle bars). After a little TLC form dad, some great advice from the master mechanic Noah (he called that it wouldn't start due to a bad spark plug), and about $12.00 from dad, it is really starting to come together! We are waiting on the inner tube and the brake lever and then it should be good to go!! I have done some research and for $16.50 we can ride on the trails down by the river (once the flood waters recede). I am also gonna look into possibly a 3 day road trip with Gary out to Halsey National Forest to ride the bike (and Gary's 4 wheelers?), or maybe just the Jeep and motorcycle. We will have to wait and see. However, this will be a great lesson for Noah in how to drive a manual transmission. He needs some work on WHEN he has to pull the clutch. He will get it quickly I'm sure! Noah will probably only have a year or 2 with the bike as, well, it is only an 80cc and Noah has about a 250cc body! We are already thinking of who will be able to get some use out of it when he is done. Until then "break a leg"????? We hope NOT!!

St. Bernadette March Madness Championship

2010-03-21T18:59:00.006-05:00

What an amazing game!! On paper it should have come down to just a couple points seperating the 2 teams. On the court it was the same. After we trailed by as many as 10 points in the second half, we came STORMING back to squeak out a 28 - 26 victory over our other 5th grade team! We didn't lose a game in the whole St, Bernadette March Madness tournament. The boys never gave up in the championship game. After falling to our other team in the championship game of the CYO tournament, they wanted revenge, and they got it! Noah did a fantastic job of grabbing rebounds, and after suffering the whole first half with having the sleeve of his jersey almost torn off, he finally got wise, and wouldn't let them hang onto him! They proved that they couldn't stop Noah, and he played a better game in the second half. All these boys played their hearts out, and their determination showed. They refused to lose. The other team fell apart after we started to press, and that was all it took! The boys ended the year with a win! Only 1 team can say that every year. Oh yeah, baseball practice starts Thursday! Hear we go again!!!

Another Championship Game!

2010-03-20T14:05:00.002-05:00

Well can we handle one more!? Noah's team has swept into the championship game undefeated. It will be determined tonight who we play tomorrow. It will be our other team (again) or All Saints again. The way the boys looked today, it really doesn't matter. They rolled over All Saints 37 - 15! The boys have only lost 2 this year, both championships! It will be very sweet to end the year with a championship! GO CRUSADERS!!!!

Bummer!

2010-03-08T14:06:00.003-06:00

Well, I guess the old saying goes, "ya can't win 'em all"! Noah's team lost to our other team in the championship 28-14. The other team did well to neutralize Noah, and Nathan, the best ball handler on the team stretched some tendons when he rolled his ankle to start the 3rd quarter, and that was all it took! We can't hang our heads though! 1st place for regular season, and 2nd in thetournament is not to bad! We told Noah that the other parents are gonna start to resent buying all these tropjies for St. Columbkille teams! Now it is on to the St. Bernadette tournament. We are playing this strictly for fun. We won it last year, so this year there is no pressure! And on a side note, baseball teams have been selected! Spring is just around the corner! First weekend for games will be April 8th I believe!

Championship Saturday!!

2010-03-05T15:42:00.003-06:00

OK, so tomorrow is the CYO championship! Noah came home tonight and informed me that they totaled up the season points last night. Noah leads the team with 256 points so far this season (in 25 games). The next closest to him hasn't hit 200 yet. I think we have an MVP??? Oh yeah! Got to brag him up a little bit. We are so proud of him! There has been at least a third of the time he has dished it to another player to score, so if he were a selfish player he could have really run it up!! Plus he has only played about half the time (at most) due to the fact that we didn't want to run up the score. The kid is officially a "jock"???

Rematch!!

2010-02-28T16:38:00.003-06:00

It will be a rematch of last years championship this year when Noah's team (St. Columbkille-white) takes on our other 5th grade team. Last year we came out on top. How will it turn out this year? We advanced by beating St. Matthews-red 17-10, and the blue team beat Jesuit Middle School 35-33. This should be a good one!!!

Update

2010-02-27T15:45:00.003-06:00

The Crusaders beat OLL today 44-25 and advance on to the next round against St. Matthews - red team tomorrow at 3:15 at St. Matthews. St. Matthews have only lost 1 game this year. That game was their first one they played. I believe that this will be the Crusaders toughest game of the tournament. If they win tomorrow they will advance to the championship game next Saturday (March 6) at Daniel J Gross High School at 2:20pm. Keep your eyes on the blog to see how it comes out tomorrow!!! GO CRUSADERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ........and yes, after some feed back I have put our future plans, and Noah's sports schedules back in the left hand column. I will also email out the schedules to grandparents when we get them. Thanks for every one's input on this!

CYO Tournament!

2010-02-27T07:04:00.004-06:00

Today starts the CYO tournament for Noah's basketball team. They are defending champs, and have not lost a CYO game in 2 years now!! They did end up the regular season as champs as they were the only undefeated team in the league. They play today (Feb. 27) at Our Lady of Lourdes at 12:45. If (when) they win this game they will play tomorrow at 3:15 against St. Matthews at St. Matthews. Let's hope the Crusaders can keep rolling!!

CYO Champions!

2010-02-21T16:05:00.003-06:00

Noah's team today finished the CYO regular season undefeated and regular season champions!! This is the 2nd season in a row that they have completed the regular season undefeated. While the other teams have improved quite a bit, I feel Noah's team has improved just as much if not more than the other teams. They are playing the high schools offense and defense, and they have picked it up quite well. The teams that can play a set system seem to be able to adapt to the other teams better. They will be starting the CYO tournament next weekend (Feb. 26-28). After that they will be playing the St. Bernadette's tournament for fun. On a side note, I had put the poll in the left hand column to see if I should keep Noah's sports schedules there. I had 2 people respond (thanks Barb and Jim), so I feel that I will email out the schedule to Barb & Duane, and post articles on how they are doing during the seasons. This will be much easier for me as they seem to update the schedule constantly, and nobody seems to check it anyway? Let's go Crusaders!!!! Win your tournament!!!!!

Updates

2010-02-19T06:19:00.003-06:00

Just a few updates to pass along. For those of you that don't know, I gave my first homily to the parish last Sunday. The link to the podcast can be found here - http://www.saintcolumbkille.org/generalinfo/mp3/201002/default.asp. Also I want to add that I am thinking of NOT putting Noah's schedules on the blog. The reason behind this is that I have posted them, and kept them updated with all scores and game changes and times so that anyone wanting to see him play would have the opportunity. Well, over this last basketball season it has become apparent that even though the schedule is there, no one is looking at it??? For this reason I may just discontinue it as it really becomes a job with all the changes that have gone on with it. I would like feed back on this issue either by email or answer our poll in the left hand column. Thanks!!

PAL Championship Update

2010-02-13T16:16:00.003-06:00

Needless to say, all good things must come to an end. The Crusaders made it through almost 2 full seasons undefeated, but after a great game in today's PAL championship game, they came up just short 20 - 25. It was back and forth, but we came up just short in the end. Above is a picture of the team with their 1st place trophy in the PAL Colt division, and their 2nd place trophy for the tournament. Over all not a bad showing! We still have a couple weeks left in CYO before the tournament starts. Lets bring home 1st place there!!

PAL Championship

2010-02-07T15:40:00.003-06:00

Well the boys did it! They took on another undefeated team to earn the right to play in the PAL league championship next weekend. They hung on and won 28 - 25 in a nail biter! I was more proud of the team after the game as they took on a business approach. There was NO celebrating or taunting! They lined up, congradulated the other team, then went to their team huddle in the corner. The college and pro players could learn a thing or 2 from these kids!!! They are ALL a class act. I have to say that the parents have a small part in this, but the kids are ALL a class act that are so much fun to be around! Oh, and by the way, the other team next weekend could be OUR other 5th grade team!!

PAL Tournament

2010-02-01T09:00:00.003-06:00

Noah's basketball team finished their PAL (Parochial athletic league) yesterday undefeated! They will be starting the PAL tournament this coming Saturday at 11:45am against St. Roberts. St. Roberts gave us some trouble last time we played them. Hopfully we learned from that. I will be posting the games as they are scheduled due to the fact that this tournament is a one-and-done format (meaning you lose 1 and you are done). I have heard that this tournament you face some of the best of the best. I guess this means we are one of the elite teams? We have also been told that we will be playing in the St. Bernadette end of year tournament. This will take place AFTER the CYO tournament. Wish us luck, and keep an eye on the schedule here on the blog site if you want to see them in action!

Bball weekend!

2010-01-19T19:28:00.003-06:00

I just have to post it! Noah's team had 5 games in 5 days this weekend. They outscored their opponents 199 - 75. This included a score of 24 - 0 tonight! That's right, 0!!! Oh, and by the way, this was the worst game of the weekend. I guess that after 5 in 5 they deserved to have a let down tonight!

Basketball Pictures

2010-01-16T11:54:00.003-06:00

We are now hot and heavy into bball season! I just thought that I would post a few pics from his game today. Their unbeaten streak keeps going from last year. They seem to get better every game! We have got more comments from other coaches on Noah's play this year! It is amazing how he controls a game! His coaches just love coaching him and watching him improve! They have told me "he can play at the next level for quite a long time!". They love to coach him because he is so coachable, and he has got quite the passion for the game!! He is truly playing a couple years ahead of his age! Mom and dad are just a wee bit proud of our young man! He is so humble when another coach compliments him too! He is really a great young man!!

SNOW!

2010-01-10T07:23:00.004-06:00

Wow! Have we ever been clobbered with the snow! First storm 2 weeks before Christmas we got 10". Christmas Eve we got another 14". Then 8" more at the end of last week along with 40mph winds! Honestly, we don't have anywhere else to put it! Along side our driveway we have piles of snow between 5' and 6' high! Our poor little snow blower can only throw it 4'. I truly don't think that I have seen this much snow since I was about Noah's age!

We did spend Christmas with just the 3 of us as no one could make it here, and we couldn't make it out anywhere! I am just hoping that the near 30 degree temps this week help to shrink the drifts some!

Basketball

2010-01-02T13:18:00.003-06:00

Basketball season must be in full swing if the high temps are barely getting into the positive numbers!! The team now has 6 games under their belts as they are playing in 2 seperate leagues this year. Building on last year's success, they are undefeated! They have had a couple VERY close calls, but if they keep playing like they played today, there won't be to many more close ones! The offense clicked from the start like it never has before. The boys looked comfortable and at ease the whole game. I told Noah that it was one of the most enjoyable games I have ever seen, at any level!!! It is starting to get funny when the other teams coach walks into our team room and the first words out of his mouth are, "which one is Noah?". He was told that Noah was the kid that they needed to watch out for the most. We had never faced the team before either. The kid has got a reputation!! We are just glad that it is a good reputation!! It has got so funny that we had one of OUR kids moms say she would give Noah a ride to school if he went to high school at Gross. In the same breath, we had a dad say that he would give him a ride home if he goes to Creighton Prep! Let the recruiting wars begin!!

Noah Practicing

2009-12-10T14:01:00.002-06:00

He really is getting better! I enjoy listening to him play his Christmas carols! .

There's One in Every Family!

2009-11-30T08:42:00.004-06:00

OK tell me if I am wrong, but doesn't every family have one? Yes, that is my Uncle Jim in the Liberace vest!

Yes, this is also Uncle Jim as we sat and ate at Nathan's in Brooklyn, NY last summer. Again, every family has one, right?

Another picture of Uncle Jim. He was elected president of the National Association of Fleet Tug Sailors (NAFTS). Yes, he is a retired sailor. Doesn't every family have one? I am talking about the one uncle in the family that we are proud to say is family? Besides me, he is the only other sane one in the family (sane is used VERY loosely here). Yes Jim, we are proud to call you family! We are proud that you are president of NAFTS! Just please don't do your Christmas shopping for us while you are still in Vegas (or while you are still drinking (?) for that matter)! Just kidding ya Jim! We love ya what ever you are wearing??? (Did Janet get her matching one too)

First Mass Pictures

2009-11-11T14:16:00.006-06:00

Eight of the eleven deacons from St. Columbkille

Me and my favorite alter boy Noah!

First Mass

2009-11-01T16:19:00.003-06:00

I assisted in celebrating in my first Mass today. Nobody was injured in the event so I guess it was a success! Now if I could just get that darn microphone to work! It was funny because when I first started formation a friend that I worked with told me to be sure that he knew when my first Mass was because he wanted to be in the front row to heckle me. Marty was diagnosed with cancer about 2 years ago, and passed away 6 months after he found out. No one that was in attendance today but Pat, Noah and I knew about Marty and his story. We saved the whole front row for Marty. Marty my friend, you made it! You put the bug in my mike. It was so comforting to have you there with me today as I was nervous starting out. You comforted me, and got me through the Mass, even without a microphone. You were there for me buddy, and for that I thank you. Marty, you may be gone, but you will never be forgotten by me. Now, every time I go to put that mike on, I will say a prayer that you will be there for me my friend. I miss you buddy! God bless you!

Ordination Photos

2009-10-26T17:59:00.006-05:00

Pat and I between ordination and the reception at the Cathederal Culteral Center. This photo was on our parish blog also!

This was our table in the cultural center.

At the legion hall.

Pat and I!

After the locust hit! We were glad it was eaten! Cake, cake and more cake this coming weekend!

Keri, Big Al and Papa Joe!

Toby and the twins! It was so nice to have some family there for my big day! It was very nice to see the English's again! Glad you guys made the trip. Just wished I had more time to chat!!

Papa Joe & Dort.

My cake, and my sweetie!

The set up crew! THANK YOU!!!!! We really could not have done it with out you!

Pat, Noah, me and Fr. Ralph O'Donnell our formation director. I couldn't have made it with out all these people! God Bless you all!!!!!!

Ordination

2009-10-25T07:09:00.003-05:00

About all I can say is WOW! What an amazing day! The Archbishop is absolutely wonderful, and the out pouring from my family friends and community was absolutely amazing! This was such an important day for me, and by the way most turned out to be a part of it, or celebrate it with me was so special for me! I know as I turn the page on this chapter of my life, that I am supported by so many. Thank you! I wish I could have spent more time with all of you, but rest assured, you are all in my prayers. I am excited to start this new venture of service to all, and I know that with the support that I received from all of you over the years, how could I not be successful at it? Thank you so much everyone! May God bless all of your lives as he has mine!

Ordination Retreat

2009-10-19T07:39:00.003-05:00

I just got back from the ordination retreat for our formation class. We had it at St. Benedict's Retreat Center in Schuyler. Fr. Damian was our retreat master. We had the 2 guys from Norfolk (actually West Point and Central City) with us that will also be ordained with us. The pattern of the retrat was mostly silent. Father would give us a passage and send us away to meditate and pray on it. Then we would come together for reflection. It was a wonderful laid back pace. I believe that all 8 of us had to be moved sometime durring the weekend. It really sent a great tone going into ordination, and Fr. Damian was outstanding! We all shared, laughed and cried together. It is amazing how close knit our group has become, and now with the 2 rural guys joining us, they have become part of group 31. I belive I am now prepared for ordination, and I am really anxious for it. What a blessed time in our families life!! God is good - all the time (our class motto)!

Ordination Dinner

2009-10-10T19:49:00.003-05:00

Last night was the "official" kick off of the ordination festivities. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner at St. Rose that was hosted by the formandi classes. We had Frank & Judy Mascarello, Eric & Kathy Vande Berg, Jacque & Mike Matthews, and of course Noah as our guests. Pat received her master catechist certificate. I am so proud of her! This is the highest honor that can be bestowed on her by the Catholic church (without become a nun or a sister). As it was expressed to us by Archbishop Lucas "you have earned special favors in Heaven by what you have accomplished so far". I know I could not be in the position I am without her! Next weekend we have our ordination retreat for us guys that runs from Thursday night through Sunday afternoon. This should be a wonderful time led by Fr. Damian Zuerlein. It looks like we should have a wonderful turn out by the looks of all who have RSVP'ed so far! Thank you!!!

They Won!!!!

2009-09-26T17:35:00.004-05:00

Noah had a lot to play for today. He had a lot of family there to watch him.They haven't played up to their potential yet this year, but they came out all fired up for this game against the Elkhorn Bears! Dad kept the game clock (best seat in the house!).

They played their hearts out. They had 2 touchdowns called back by penalty.

But they still managed to win 18-9! Great game Jr. Cougars!!!!

OK, so now it's getting real!!

2009-09-21T15:19:00.003-05:00

OK, so this past weekend we welcomed 9 new guys into diaconate formation. We even have one new one from St. Columbkille! With this being said, I have now vested to walk through a Baptism. I have been instructed on funerals and wakes. I have vested and walked through a Mass, and I will be walking through Mass again this weekend. I am trying to get in to see my spiritual advisor one more time before ordination. All the announcements have been sent. What does all this mean? It means that we are sitting at right about 1 month until ordination! YIKES!!! It is not that the ordination itself scares me, it is that this is a life long commitment. I really do feel as though I have been well prepared over the last 4 years. I know that the Lord would not have brought me here if He really didn't want me here, and I know with the help of the Holy Spirit that I am entering the most rewarding and exciting time of my life! I hope everyone can make it to at least my reception on the Saturday night of ordination. I look forward to seeing, and talking with everyone, and maybe even giving a special blessing (as I will be able to officially do that then). God Bless!

Noah's First Football Game

2009-09-12T19:09:00.003-05:00

Well, the bad news is that they lost 48-0, the good news, Noah would get a game ball! After kicking way below average in last Tuesday's scrimmage, he somehow convinced the coaches to let him kick again. He punted on average of about 30-35 yards! Not to bad for an 11 year old. He also did the place kicking to the oohs and aahs of the crowd. I didn't think he did much as I was taping it, but after watching him on tape, he handled the kid across the line from him! The kid was easily 20-30 pounds heavier too. By the second half Noah was playing left guard, nose tackle, and special teams! Let me tell you, he was sore and tired on the ride home! He loved it even though they got beat!

Labor Day Camping

2009-09-07T14:28:00.006-05:00

We got out to Louisville State Park this weekend for possibly the last camping of the 2009 summer. We had some GREAT weather for camping this weekend! We also had some GREAT friends and family join us! We got over to see Judy and Dave's new camper. We missed you guys Sunday night! Wish you could have stayed longer. We also had Hockey grandpa, and Grandma Norma stop by to share some dinner with us. It was great to have them out!!

Noah and I even got away for a while Sunday, and found a little mud puddle!

We went down to the Pioneer Prairie south of Lincoln and did a little "practicing" for the mud drags the first weekend of October. It took a lot of quarters and time today to get it back to clean status!! Oh, but it was worth it!!

Plus the Huskers won their first game!! Life is good! Now we are looking forward to Noah's first football game in Plattsmouth next weekend!! GO COUGARS!!!

We now have a musician in the family!

2009-09-03T20:15:00.003-05:00

Well, it is official. Noah is expanding his horizon even more! He is now officially in the band. He has talked about wanting to try it for a long time now, so he is now a drummer! He has wanted to play the drums for a while, and tonight was the band night for them. He picked up his percussion set which includes the bells, and the practice pad. Within a year he will be up to the snare drum. They do get the privilege of playing at the February 5th Gross basketball game with the Gross high band. What a year of firsts for him! He is playing football and the drums! With all this going on, he is as of now maintaining an early "A" average in school! The homework has more than doubled for him this year, but he has really started to apply himself, and is stepping up to the increased responsibility! The kid continues to amaze us!!

Gross Black Jr. Cougars

2009-08-26T19:34:00.006-05:00

The football schedule is out! If you want to follow him click on the title link (Gross Black Jr. Cougars) then switch from 'Husker" division to 'Bobcat". This website also has the address of all the fields we play on (click on EVW home and it will display all teams on the left). Noah as of now is playing offensive guard. He has really started to catch on to the 'O' line. He will probably be playing some defensive tackle, but as of now they are concentrating on offense. Come out and check out a game or 2, or look for Brad's trailer in the parking lot for the tailgate party ;-) We may not win it all, but we are gonna have fun trying!!!!!

Thunder by the River!

2009-08-23T17:02:00.005-05:00

This is a picture of the driver of the "Turbonator". We got to know him pretty well as he won the Friday night show, and the Saturday show. Both times we got to pull him back down the track to get his trophy! We became somewhat of his good luck charm! We were even invited back to his trailer to have a beer with him Saturday night! Great guy! I am sure the wins put him in a better mood Saturday night! The smoke really kept the bugs away!

See, we really do work!.....OK, at least some of us did!

Good ol' Spud and Moose's Jeep!

Thunder by the River is the 2nd largest truck & tractor pull in the country. It is held annually in Wisner, NE. Noah and I headed up there this past weekend as part of the Just Jeeps of Omaha club. Every year the club gets invited to the pull as hookers! No, this is legal! What we do is we will pull the trucks and tractors out of their trailers, up to the scales, to the staging area, and then back to their trailers. In return we get free admission, and our meals. Noah and I had an awesome time! We had been to the pull a couple years ago as spectators. This year we got a whole new prospective!

Call To Orders!

2009-08-16T10:22:00.002-05:00

Well, as of yesterday it became official! I received my letter in the mail from the Omaha Archdiosesce accepting my Call to Orders from Archbishop George Lucas. What does this mean? Fr. Ralph, the director of deaconate formation has told the Archbishop that I desire to receive the Sacrament of Holy Orders, and the letter said that he has accepted my request. This means that I will be ordained on October 24! This was the last step before I can be ordained! Now the praying starts for the help and guidence of the Holy Spirit!

Can It Be Long Now?

2009-08-05T17:48:00.004-05:00

It can't be that much longer now! Noah went and picked up his uniform tonight. They start practice Monday, and will have 2 straight weeks of practice. This will be his first year of tackle football. He is looking forward to it, but on the other hand he is a little nervous as he has never played tackle before (at least not orginized). I really couldn't believe the size of him with the pads on! The kid is a MONSTER!! I think he will do fine once he gets going.

Big Fish

2009-08-03T14:08:00.005-05:00

In case you didn't see it in the Omaha World Herald this morning, Noah's big fish made the sports page! Follow the link to see it!! http://www.omaha.com/article/20090802/SPORTS07/708029841

St. Columbkille Baseball Tournament

2009-07-12T19:08:00.004-05:00

OK, let me set the stage on this one. We were knocked out of our end of season tournament by St. Pius/St. Leo. Well, St. Pius was entered in our tournament as Roncalli Jr. Pride. We went undefeated in our tournament until we played them again. We were up 7-0 in the 3rd with 2 outs on them when they went ahead and score 11 runs! They went on to beat us 16-9. We knew we would get another chance today in the championship game! We were tied 4-4 going into the 7th inning (we only play 7). Noah was leading off the inning for us. He hit and infield hit, and beat it out to 1st where they overthrew, and he went to second. The next 2 batters got out, but Noah advanced to 3rd in the process. With 2 out the next batter hit a bloop fly that no one could get to, and Noah scored the go ahead run! We then held them to nothing, and Noah, the 4th grader playing on a 5th grade team, scored the winning run to beat a 6th grade team!!!

It was a great game, with a great finish as we ended up in 1st place!!!

CONGRATS ST. COLUMBKILLE CRUSADERS!!!!!!!!

4th of July Happenings

2009-07-06T09:18:00.003-05:00

Noah and I started the day by being part of the annual Ralston 4th of July parade. We represented the Ralston HyVee grocery store. One of our Just Jeeps club members has a wife that is a manger there, and they asked if they could get 5 - 6 Jeeps to be in the parade for them.

Of course it doesn't take much arm twisting on Noah's part to get him in a parade. He just eats that stuff up!

Of course the Ralston parade is usually so brutally hot, but not this year! They had said on the weather report that this was the second coldest July 4th on record!

It only hit a high of 70! As you can see, when we sat out to watch fireworks, it was sweatshirts and blankets. We were going to watch Ralston's fireworks, but with the cloudy, drizzly night, we decided just to stay home.

We did have some great shows in our neighborhood! I think that we may have some armchair pyrotechnics in the neighborhood......?

Baby Got New Shoes!!!

2009-06-12T14:26:00.004-05:00

This is what she looked like way back when I first got her!Then she got lift, both suspension, and body. .

It is really amazing what just a set of tires and rims on a vehicle will do. I received my new 33x12.50 tires to replace my 30x9.50 tires.This is before in the above picture. You must admit that it does still look quite stock.

The after picture sure makes it look like a true rock crawler!

I have to admit, it rides so much nicer now. I had heard that increasing the tire size (increasing the weight also) compounds any alignment/suspension problems that the vehicle may have. It was just the opposite with me. It smoothed out the ride, and they are not as noisy on the road as I thought that they might be. I think that the radial tire has a lot to do with that!

NYC!

2009-06-04T06:40:00.008-05:00

What an amazing vacation! I know we are still here, but if I don't post now, this will go on, and on forever! We started out our trip by a visit to Coney Island, and the world famous Nathan's Hot dogs! Trust me, if you buy them from the grocery store, you still can't cook 'em like Nathan's does!!

Isn't there always one in every family (see picture below). To think, he is the most "normal" one in my whole family!! Gotta love uncle Jim!!!

Below is a picture of "Miss Liberty" as seen on our morning ventures from Staten Island into Manhattan from the Staten Island Ferry. The rumor is that next month they are going to start letting 350 people a day back up into her crown. The locals say don't hold your breath on that one!

This is our 3 most wonderful hosts! Uncle Jim, aunt Janet, and cousin Jonathan (not in that order). We had heard many stories about Jonathan, but had never had the pleasure of meeting him. Of course Noah and Jonathan hit it right off. We can not express what a wonderful time we had just being able to visit with all 3 of them. We really could have spent another week just sitting and visiting!!!!

I even had the pleasure of standing on the stoop of where Jim and my mom grew up in Brooklyn! It was nice to finally put a place to all the stories that I had heard from mom for years.

On Tuesday morning we thought that we would wander down to watch the taping of the Today show. Much to our amazement, we got on camera! We got up close and personal with Al, Matt, and Meridith! Meridith even came by to say "hi" and shook all 3 of our hands!!

We stopped at the ground zero memorial. About all that I can say about that is, what a sobering moment. It is truly hard not to be moved by it all the years later. I guess this is a good thing as "we will always remember". We had a Gray line bus pass for 48 hours. With it we traveled over to the Brooklyn Ice Cream factory, and had a treat under the Brooklyn Bridge.

After our treat we made the walk across the bridge. Hey, had to walk off the ice cream...and the Italian food....and the pizza....and the...well you get the point! I am glad they didn't have to roll me across the bridge! (I really, really, really still love her!!!!!) Yes, Pat is still the apple of my eye (notice I didn't say the "big" apple?).

On Wednesday we took in The Lion King at the Minskoff Theater on Broadway. It was Noah's first ever Broadway show. We had thought that Pat had got us 3rd row seats, but I was wrong. We ended up in the 2nd row center! The costumes, make up, singing, and dancing were all incredible! I am glad I don't live here, or I would truly be a theater junkie!! I always forget how much I enjoy it until I go again. If you have never been, it is a must just once!

Today we head out to the Museum of Natural History. This is where the movie "Night at the Museum" was filmed. I have heard that it is an amazing museum, with plenty of dinosaurs and such for everyone.

I wrenched my knee on Sunday, but I have not let that slow me down! Thanks to uncle Jim, and Advil, I have kept plugging along. I am not fast (have I ever been?), but I am not going to miss anything! Pat even told me that I was really becoming a New Yorker? I really don't know if that is a good thing or not?

Our last full day we spent with Jim, Janet and Jonathan at the Museum of Natural History. This is where Night at the Museum took place. I could have spent days in the indian exhibit!

They are honorary Huskers now!! WooHoo!!! Go Skers.

Dumb dumb have gum gum? (from Night in the Museum) Noah, Jonathan, Pat and Janet all still had some energy for romping in Central Park. Not me!!

Memorial Day Camping

2009-05-25T11:57:00.006-05:00

We had a GREAT time this weekend camping at Louisville State Lakes. We hiked the foot bridge over the Platte River, fished, ate s'mores by the campfire, and just enjoyed each other and the relaxing peace and quiet all weekend!!!

Noah had his friend Joe spent Sunday night with us (you can tell it is the start of summer by the farmer tan). Joe has been a buddy of Noah's since pre-school. Watching the 2 of them you would swear they were brothers!

Noah even hooked him a master angler largemouth bass. He out fished everyone, and amazed us with this monster!! I had heard that there were master anglers in those lakes, but I never believed it until now. It was all followed up by this wonderful breakfast Monday morning! Pat has really got the waffles mastered, and Joe got his first taste of a Thomas family favorite - SPAM!! He even admitted that he really liked it! It is great to be home again!!

A Day at the Game

2009-05-17T21:14:00.003-05:00

Made a trip today to the friendly confines of Wrigley Field. It would have been a perfect day, but alas the mighty Cubs fell to the Houston Astros 6-5.

This is a picture from my seat, and no, I did not have a super zoom telephoto lens. I was in "the front row" as Bob Ueker would say. I actually was very close to sitting in the "Bartman" seat for those of you that are Cub trivia fans. (Bartman was the guy that cost the Cubs a trip to the World Series a few years ago by leaning over the rail to interfere with a fly ball - and he WAS a Cubs fan?) I even got a ball! Here it is with it's new owner, a little guy that was sitting behind me. His mom and dad couldn't thank me enough. It really made the little guys day!!!!

Viper Autocross

2009-05-16T19:18:00.005-05:00

I went with Al, Keri & Alison today to the Illinois Viper Club's autocross at the Caterpillar factory in Pontiac, IL. I had a GREAT time!! I got to ride as Al's co-pilot all day long, and I also got a chance to ride with Keri's dad Tom for 4 runs also. Alison just loves the races!!

She even tried to be as cool as me ;)

I have got to get me one of those hats!!!

The Illinois Viper Club. I must have been good luck! Al won his first trophy!! He finished 2nd in the super stock division. Tom also finished with a second place also! I have to say, if there are any roller coaster junkies out there, this blows that rush out of the water. I had a wonderful time thanks to Al, Keri & Alison! It was so nice to have some time to visit with you guys, and the whole day was quite a rush!! I can't thank you guys enough!!

Baseball Update

2009-05-02T17:57:00.003-05:00

Noah's team finally lost their first game today! They are now 5-1. They lost to a St. Margaret Mary team. It was a great game as both teams were good all the way through their order. This was the first team that didn't drop off talent wise after the 4th hitter! They are a lot like us with the talent. Noah continues to amaze all with his talent! He is one of 4 4th graders playing on the 5th grade team! They have all done great with their talent! You wouldn't be able to tell who the 4 4th graders were if you weren't told. Noah's hitting has really come around this year too. Coach Bob Laney even told me last Thursday how much Noah over achieves with his talent! He told me that he is more talented than almost all the kids in the 5th & 6th grade league! Bob is a great judge of talent, as well as a super coach. He had 8 of his 12 eighth graders from last year starting on high school varsity teams this year! He knows the game inside and out, and knows how to develope that talent! On another baseball note, I will be in Chicago from May 11 - 22 and I have already purchased my Cubbies - Astros tickets for May 17th (nice 23rd anniversary present to me ;)). I am in like row 7 in the left field corner. Watch the game to look for me! Kind of like a "where's Waldo"? GO CUBS!!!!

It's Baseball Season!!

2009-04-19T15:14:00.003-05:00

Today was Noah's first baseball game. He is now playing in the 5th & 6th grade league as a 4th grader! Yes, he is still the biggest kid on the team. His hitting will come around as the year goes on. The team looked pretty good as they beat St. Pius/St. Leo 12-2 in 4 innings on the "mercy rule". They capitalized on the other teams mistakes early, and never trailed!

What a Beautiful Easter

2009-04-12T17:53:00.005-05:00

We haven't had a family picture in a while, so.... After going to do my Communion service this morning at WEL-Life, we set of. Our first stop was to visit Grandma Arlene. Noah had some fun hassleing her (she loves it). After our visit we set out to Judy's for the annual Easter egg hunt. It is always lots of fun (at least for Pat).

Mom and Noah sharing a moment together.

All the kids at the treat table.

It was great fun as always. We love to gather with the Yosten family! We do Easter and Christmas with them, and we treasure both. We can't thank the Yosten's enough (and the Clements & Hildings). I even got to here all about the Masters road trip! Sounds like loads of fun! Thanks for the ball Brad!!!!

It's Baseball Season!!!

2009-04-11T12:11:00.003-05:00

It's that time again!! Noah's baseball schedule has been posted over in the left hand column (<--). Noah is playing 5th & 6th grade baseball as a 4th grader. They moved 4 of the 4th graders up to the 5th & 6th grade league due to the fact that only 6 4th graders signed up. Noah has played many sports including baseball with this group of kids in the past, so he is not struggling at all! It should be a good year as he has a couple of the best coaches around! He is learning by leaps and bounds, and it really shows!

Hockey Grandpa's 75th!

2009-04-01T19:53:00.006-05:00

We all loaded up and headed to the Texas Roadhouse to celebrate Big Al's 75th birthday tonight!

I think we all had a lot of fun, even though some of us had a little more fun than others...

You know I had to post that one!!! We all had a great time, and it was very special for all of us to be able to share in this special birthday with you! We all love you dad!!

New Career Path

2009-04-01T09:59:00.005-05:00

I know a few of you already know, but I wanted to post what has been going on around our house lately. I was told on March 17th that my position at the Creighton Cardiac Center will be eliminated on April 10th due to financial reduction. This was the last thing I wanted to here with the nation's economic struggle. I have to admit, I sent out at least 250 applications and/or resumes. There are jobs out there, but employers seem to be way more selective of who they hire. I think it is because there is so many more applicants out there that they can choose from. I had been on a few interviews, and I had pegged 2 positions that I really wanted. Yesterday, I was offered a position with ARJO-Century out of Conifer, CO. It is a position in Nebraska, and the Dakota's servicing patient lifts in hospitals and nursing homes. I will have a company car, and credit card. I will be way ahead financially also! I will be on the road 60-75% of the time, but I will be home weekends. I will have to adjust some, but I love the travel! I interviewed with the owner, and he is a great guy! The best news is that I will be starting April 13th, the Monday after my last day at the Cardiac Center. Wish me luck!

Wheelin' Trip

2009-03-29T17:26:00.004-05:00

Believe it or not, Noah and I changed our wheelin' destination from Tuttle Creek, to Bessey National Forrest out by Halsey due to snow.....? Actually, yes there was snow on the ground, but the temp got to around 52 by the time we headed home. It was nice enough to....

....have us a little picnic along side the Dismal river. This was at the White Tail campground at the far end of the forest. It is pretty primitive, but if you are out there to ride your dirt bike, or ATV, this is the campground to be at.

We did get into the sand down by the river to have a little fun. Noah had never been in a vehicle spinning cookies.... ....oh yeah, he had never driven a vehicle for an extended period of time either! It was a nice secluded sandy stretch, so I decided that it was time for him to get some windshield time. He did a GREAT job!! He got down how to spin the tires in the mud (to get maximum coverage on the Jeep), and how to 4 wheel up and over a burm (he had the flex, and flex correction down pat!). He did an excellent job down the 3 mile road, and never once made me nervous. The kid is a natural behind the wheel!

Are we perfect?

2009-03-22T15:48:00.007-05:00

First let me explain. This is a double elimination tournament. We were the only undefeated team in the tournament. We had to lose 2 to be out. If we lost the first game (we are the home team).......

.....we would have to play a "5th" period starting at 0 to determine the champions......

.....ssssooooo technically we did lose 1, but we won the championship! Our record will show 16-0 just because this was considered 1 game, and we won. Noah played out of his mind today. He scored all 6 of the 5th period points (I know he had 4, but I think it was all 6). I couldn't be prouder of that whole team! One of our coaches joked when we were 10-0 that we were the worst 10-0 team he had ever seen! When we were 12-0, we were the worst 12-0 team he had ever seen. Well, he would have to say that at 16-0, we are not to bad? This team played as a team!!! Noah only had 1 point last Wednesday, and the rest of the team played out of their minds!! Today Noah was on! All of the other coaches and parents complimented Noah on an amazing game! The kid takes it all in stride. He has been told this year that he is such an amazing player to watch, and that he can go as far in the sport as he wants, he has that much talent. The neat thing about it, is he is one of the most humble people I have ever met. He does not let it swell his head, and that is what we are most proud of. He is always a team player, and never revels in the spot light.

1 more left

2009-03-18T19:39:00.003-05:00

Well, they did it again! This time it was the heart attack game! They beat St. Matthews in OT! They had to rely on St. Matthews missing their last free throw. It has become quite comical as Noah has really started to get to know some of these kids pretty good. We are hoping that our other team beats St. Matts to meet up with us again in the finals. I would hate to lose our final game, but if it was to our other team, it wouldn't be quite so bad. Wish us luck as we go for 16-0!!

.....and they just keep on winnin'

2009-03-15T18:50:00.003-05:00

Noah's team started the St. Bernadette's March Madness Tournament today and, yes, you guessed it! They just keep on winning! One down and 2 to go! If they beat St. Matthews Wednesday evening they advance on to the championship game Sunday, March 22nd. They started out so slow today. It was 3 - 0 after the first quarter. Noah then decided to turn it on and ended with 16 points before the 4th quarter. They had a good enough lead that he was benched the whole 4th quarter! The team is truly winning because of one thing! No not Noah! They are winning because they are playing as a team! They made no look passes today that I haven't even seen some college teams make! They have truly gelled as a team. Win or lose the next 2, this team has become an amazing team. I don't think that I will ever forget the chemistry, and teamwork that they have shown! GO CRUSADERS!!!!

"We are the champions my friend"

2009-03-07T11:59:00.005-06:00

They really had to guard Noah close...

...it didn't help though, Noah score 10 points, including the game winner. The whole team played above their potential, and it showed! They ended up undefeated!

It is so nice to see that all the boys are still friends!

Next up is the St. Bernadette's tournament. Stay tuned for details.

What a Game!

2009-03-01T16:26:00.002-06:00

Noah had set his goals last year when we went to watch the other St. Columkille team play for the championship at Gross High School. Today was the last step to overcome to attain his goal! Our game against St. Matthews started about as bad as it could. We were down by 6 before we even knew what hit us. The boys kept fighting back, but could never quite get closer than 4 points down to St. Matthews. It was looking very grim going into the 4th. I even told Pat that it was over. Was I ever wrong! Noah and his buddy Nathan seemed to take control. St. Matthews seemed to run out of steam! We were down 20 - 19 with only 45 seconds left. That is when Nathan stole the ball and drove for the lay up. You could see the tension mount as he went up to shoot. Nathan must have felt it too. He missed! However, Noah had followed the play, and put it back up to put us up 21 - 20!! They had one last gasp! As they headed down court with a full head of steam, Noah cut off the ball carrier at center court, and stole the ball cleanly! Noah heaved it up as time ran out, and we won 21 -20!!! We now will be playing this coming Saturday in the championship against, you guessed it, our other St. Columbkille team! We ended up 1 -2 in the league, it is only fitting that we would face each other for the title. Both teams really want to win, but friends playing friends is the best way to end the season! We will be happy for either team! We do have a tournament after this, but this is the big one you play all year for. Wish us much luck, and if anyone can make it, the details are in his bball schedule in the left hand column <-

1 down, 2 to go!

2009-02-28T18:06:00.005-06:00

Well, the #1 team in the tournament has one game down, and 2 to go! Noah's team played the Our Lady of Lourdes Panthers this afternoon. OLL had defeated St. Peter & Paul last week 33 - 2! St. Columbkille started this game very strong and jumped on them right away! The strategy paid of as we were up 13 - 5 at halftime!

They continued to pour it on in the 3rd quarter, and were able to get EVERYONE some valuable playing time in the 4th quarter as they cruised to a 21 - 14 win!

They now will be playing tomorrow for the opportunity to play in next Saturday's championship game. Wish him luck!

Tourney time

2009-02-17T06:44:00.002-06:00

Noah's team has made the end of season tournament! They were the only team to go undefeated through the regular season so they are the #1 seeded team. They pulled a first round bye, and only have to win 2 games to make the championship! If they win Saturday, Feb. 28th, they then will play on Sunday, March 1st. They will be playing in another post season tournament, but this first one is a big one. Wish him luck! On a side note, he has already signed up for baseball, so can spring be far off?

Our boy is growing up!!

2009-02-01T13:20:00.003-06:00

Well, it has finally happened. Noah has the recruiters after him! After his last basketball game against St. Matthews, one of the coaches for St. Matthews that coached the Gross Junior Cougars football with one of our basketball coaches, cornered our coach and told him that he REALLY needed to get Noah for the team. This is a tackle football league. We talked with Noah, and with one of the mom's that had the same reservations as us, and as a result, it looks as if Noah may delve into the world of tackle football this fall. After much discussion, he seams very eager to play (as long as it didn't interfere with baseball (per Noah)). We told him that he is to big to carry the ball, as they have weight restrictions, but he will be either offensive of defensive line. He doesn't care which, he just is pumped to play. His only concern was that he didn't want to practice 4-5 nights a week. We were assured that he would be practicing 4 nights a week for the first 2 weeks, then just 2 nights a week after that. So yes, the recruiting battles have started! Gross watches these players as they develop to determine who they will offer sports scholarships to when they reach high school age. Can argue with that! With that said, a couple days later I received an email from Roncalli High School saying that they were looking for baseball players to start a "developmental" baseball league. It sounds like recruiting to me? So it looks like Noah will be partaking in some tackle football for Gross this fall! GO COUGARS!!!!

Noah's Grades

2009-01-18T15:22:00.003-06:00

OK, I have propped Noah's sports long enough, now I need to mention his grades! There is only one word for where he is sitting right now with his grades....AMAZING!!!! The kid was disappointed at the Christmas break that all he had were B's. I know, aaahhhh, poor kid! Well, with a little study advice from mom and dad (especially mom!), he has brought his 3 lowest B's up to A's! That is right, 3 A's, and all the rest are VERY strong B's! The boy has really turned his studying around! I can't stress how proud of him for this that I am. Sports come easy for him, but he really needs to work at his studies. This proves to us that he really cares. He has really grown up and matured in so many ways this school year. Catholic schools tend to be a little tougher than public, and this shows us that he is really willing to try. He has recently purchased a cell phone (with his own money from Christmas, thanks all who helped!), and with this effort, we have told him that he has earned this privilege. Email us for his number (I don't want to publish it on this public blog), I am sure that he would love to here from you! I even pulled him into the den to show him his grades in front of his friend Adrienne that was spending the night last night. He was smiling from ear to ear!

K of C Free Throw Competition

2009-01-17T14:33:00.003-06:00

Last night Noah participated in the Knights of Columbus free throw competition. I was hoping just that he would have fun. Noah hit 8 free throws, and moved into first after his shots. As it turned out he was eventually beat out by 2 fifth graders. The only reason the fifth graders were in the same category is because they are still 10 years old. If you knew the 2 boys that beat him out no one would be disappointed. They are 2 of the best players on the 5th grade teams! Noah is truly in some elite company! If you haven't been following his basketball, they are the only team in their division that is still undefeated! Our other 4th grade team (in the other division) is one of only 2 undefeated there. It could come down to both the 4th grade teams for the championship! The next 2 games for Noah's team are critical. They are good teams, and they will give us a run for our money! If you haven't seen him play yet (and that is everyone but us?), you are missing a rare treat! They are truly an awesome team this year, and could really use all the support that they can get for all of their hard work! Til next time :)

Witte Family Christmas

2008-12-29T17:45:00.006-06:00

Thought that I would download a short video of some of our Christmas in Cambridge.

As always, we had a wonderful time! We reconnected with the Phillips which was nice. We had a great laugh over "spatula". Sorry, you really had to be there! We just love to get out to Cambridge, especially for Christmas. It is so nice to see family! Noah has finally realized that everyone that makes it to big grandma and grandpa's is related to him!

It always amazes me how Noah has the exact mannerisms as Angie! Gee, ya think they could be related?

We also got out and did a little hunting! Noah got to carry a real live loaded shotgun for the first time! He carried his .410, and no, that is not his bird, I just wanted a picture of him with a pheasant. I don't know how well the picture above came out. This is where Pat and I stayed thanks to Barb and Duane. It is a beautiful bed and breakfast in Cambridge. It is on the National Register of Historic Places, and for good reason! It was a wonderful place! We can't thank you guys enough Barb and Duane! It was fantastic!!

Our Christmas

2008-12-25T17:09:00.008-06:00

The Thomas' family had a very wonderful, and blessed Christmas this year. We started out as always, at the Yosten's house on Christmas Eve. Pat was scheduled to work, so she was not able to join us unfortunately :( Noah and I went to partake in Nathan's world famous omelets, and to spend the morning with our Yosten family. It was a wonderful time as always, we just wished that Pat could have been there.After we left the Yosten's, we went to see Grandma Arlene. She commented that this has been the best Christmas of her life. She is so full of life now that we get energized just being around her! She asked me if I would be willing to start a Communion service at the Villa. This is something that I told her that I would have to look into as I already have my 2nd and 4th Sundays at WEL-Life assisted living. After our visit with Grandma, we all 3 met up to attend Christmas Eve Mass together. I was privileged enough to be able to be the Sacristan. Something I wasn't thinking I would be doing, but nice to know that I could help them out! Noah even got to help me usher, and the 3 of us got to bring up the Gifts. It always amazes me how I am always the first one up on Christmas morning. I guess I still haven't grown up?! It was a wonderful morning as we opened presents together. As you can see, Noah made a haul as usual! Pat made her usual wonderful dinner as we had our families over. I was even the usual GREAT husband and helped clean up......hey wait a minute....how come I am the only one in the kitchen cleaning up?Everyone of course crashed out after dinner! We even got Joe to smile for us (almost?)! The day was capped off with a call from my sis in Costa Rica! It was so good to talk to you!

Next up is a trip to Cambridge this weekend to finish off Noah's Christmas week! All of us can't wait as it has been a while since the Phillip's and Thomas' have been able to connect again. Look out Cambridge! Noah and I are looking forward to going hunting with Uncle Tim and Grandpa Duane! Hopefully we will be posting some pheasant pictures come this Monday!!

My first semester

2008-12-20T14:44:00.003-06:00

Well, it is somewhat bittersweet. I have officially finished my first semester at Creighton. I was hoping to get lucky and pull out a B for my finall grade. Guess what I got.............................................................................................................................................................................................a B+! I had said when I started that this was my ultimate goal. Well, after my final, I was dissapointed that I didn't pull off an A. I was oh so close. Now the bad news. I was told by my supervisor that they couldn't afford to have me attending day classes anymore, and computer science is not offered in the evenings (yet?). So it looks as though my college career is on hold for now. I have been tossing around theology, ministry, or spirituality classes this next fall. I have a possibility of a part time position at CU Med. Center, so that would fit in nicely? Now some more good news! For those of you that I haven't talked to, my heart is nice and healthy!! Praise God! I went for the stress echo, and the cardiologist assured me that my heart is healthy, and very strong! That has kept me on my weight los/healthy eating track. As of this morning I have dropped 24 pounds since November 4th. I only have 20 more pounds to lose before ordination on October 24, 2009!

Santa made a visit!

2008-12-14T12:37:00.004-06:00

Santa(?) paid us a visit today! It was to precious not to share. To bad we have already sent Christmas cards, or else this would have been our card.I get to play Santa at work on the 23rd, so I decided to try on the suit. Well, Noah couldn't let me be the only one. It was sssoooo adorable! And as a PS, they won their basketball game yesterday. Score has been posted already <-. Noah only had 9 points! This is nice to know that the team can still survive, even when he is not having a good day!

St. Columbkille Crusaders vs Holy Ghost

2008-12-06T10:51:00.005-06:00

WOW! That is about all I can say. It is amazing how much this team has advanced in one year. The core of this team is just short of phenominal! They looked like a vetran high school team today. They looked to pass, and the other guy was waiting for the pass!

It was funny how we would build the lead, put in the second five, Holy Ghost would pull back within 6, then we would go back to the core 5. They definatly dominated! The coach told Noah before the game that he needed 6 points and 6 rebounds from him. At the end of the 1st quarter, Noah asked coach what else he needed. He ended up with about 12 points, and about 15 rebounds, and he truly only played 1/2 the game at most! Am I braggin'? OF COURSE!!!!

Noah is CU's ballboy for a night!

2008-12-03T08:43:00.007-06:00

Noah got his chance last night to be the ballboy at the Creighton vs Mississippi Valley State game! What is a ballboy you ask? They wipe the free throw lane during time outs.

He even got a high five from P'Allen Stinnet! It was a once in a lifetime chance for him, and he ate it up!! And of course mom and dad couldn't have been prouder when they would flash his "mug" up on the jumbotron! Of course Noah kind of just shrugged it off (we know that he would sneek peeks at himself everytime they would show him!). For those of you that have not noticed yet, Noah's basketball schedule has been posted in the right hand column -> of this page. It is not the complete schedule yet, but it gets us to at least the half way point! For one of the first times I am not one of his coaches. I have retired from coaching to finish up my deaconate formation. It is obvious though that his coaches this year are building the team around him once again! Should be a great year! Try and make a game 2, as games are a blast, and they really do run offensive schemes! The coaches are teaching them an offense that they will be running all the way through high school! Hope to see you all at a game!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T20:17:00.003-06:00

We had a very nice Thanksgiving today. It was relatively quiet. We had Papa Joe over, and beside him, it was just us. I am afraid to report though that Noah and I believe that Pat has started a new trdition, that would be Noah and I helping with clean up, ugh! Noah did contribute this year with a grilled pineapple salad. He did a great job! As you can see by the picture below, Noah participated in the "wrestleing of the Shrek". I hope this doesn't become a ritual! On a sober side note, I went to my doctor on Wednesday to have a stress test due to the fact I have heart problems in my family (dad had a quadruple bypass at about age 65, and stints put in later, and mom has been diagnosed with congestive heart failure). At the end of the stress test the doctor made the statement that "he saw something he didn't like". What this means to me is that I am scheduled for a stress echo test on December 8. Please keep me in your prayers. Worst case would be open heart surgery. Best case would be a false stress (bad lead?). Something in the middle would be a heart cath. On a brighter note, I have started to lose weight! I want to be down to 230 by ordination (yes, that would be 44 lbs.). I am down 13 in the past 2 weeks, and I am really starting to feel the difference. Today's pig out doesn't count right? Brad, you are my inspiration! You look great, and I want to lose like you have!!

Halloween

2008-11-01T10:58:00.005-05:00

Noah this year has truly the face only a mother could love! He had the choice of either going trick-or-treating, or staying home to pass out candy. He said that he wanted to go, but just wanted a mask, and not a whole costume. Hey who would argue? A mask is much easier!

Pat and Noah went down to St. Joe Villa on Halloween afternoon to visit my mom. The Villa had a trick-or-treat thing going on. No, that is not one of the old guys from the home, that is Noah with the cowboy hat and glasses/nose!

Mom has been doing great lately! Her spirits are up, and she seems to be enjoying life again! Our visits with her have been wonderful for all of us!

I had to include the picture of Pat's Halloween shirt. It says "You can't scare me...I have a mother-in-law". My mom just loved it!

Class 30 Ordination

2008-10-26T14:21:00.002-05:00

Well, we got through Ordination for class 30. They are the first 4 year class (it used to be 3 years). It really was kind of bitter sweet as they are the class that we have walked with the whole way so far. This now means that we really are the seniors! Gulp! We can now look forward to October 24, 2009 when it will be our turn to be ordained. They had a wonderful ceremony (2+ hours). This will also more than likely be the last class that Arch Bishop Curtis ordains, as we look to have a replacement in place so that he can retire this year. I was talking to a friend last Monday, and as he reassured me that he felt I would be a wonderful deacon, the knot started growing in my stomach! I have been told though that if I didn't get nervous, I wouldn't be ready. Well, I am nervous, and I know that I am not ready! I feel though that if I waited until I felt ready, I would never do it! I continue to pray this year that this is really what the Lord has called me to, and that the Holy Spirit will endow me with all the tools that I need to do it!

Rakin'

2008-10-19T13:39:00.004-05:00

It was such a beutiful day today that Pat and Noah decided to get the raking done. This is an annual event for them (I am just the photographer). If you look close Noah is in that pile of leafs somewhere. They had fun, but if it were up to me, I would just as soon run the lawn mower over 'em all! (not the family, the leafs!!)

Mud Drags

2008-10-12T16:15:00.006-05:00

Noah and I had the pleasure this weekend of going to the mud drags with the guys from Just Jeeps of Omaha. The jeeps in the pictures are of the club members that competed.

They almost had me talked into it too! I decided that I would wait until next year, as I had to finish wireing my off road lights, and that wouldn't be fun laying on the muddy Jeep to do this!

But, boy did it look fun........maybe next year!!

Did a little wheelin' this weekend

2008-10-04T20:08:00.004-05:00

Noah and I made a quick trip down to Manhattan, Kansas this weekend to do a little wheelin' out at Tuttle Creek ORV park. Noah of course had to give us his "pose". We tested the flex on the Jeep a little bit. I need quick disconnects for the sway bar to get me some more flex (these would have come in handy later in the day). We crawled a few rocks and hills. We actually aquired a little "rock rash". This was the mud hole that we could have used more flex on. It came upon me out of nowhere! We did a sweet nose plant into it! It is amazing how that little 6 cylinder will keep running at such severe angles (nuff said!). We had a great time!

RCR & Camping

2008-09-28T13:44:00.003-05:00

We had quite the busy weekend! We attended the River City Round-up parade on Saturday morning. This is one of our favorite parades of the year as it has lots of horses, marching bands, and balloons, and a minimum of politicians! Who wouldn't love that combination! I even had to get Pat a Husker balloon of her own (it didn't help, they still lost). We also spent the weekend out at Louisville State Park. We figured that we needed to get the camper out one last time this summer. We have vowed that in February, we are going to plan and book at least 1 weekend each month next summer camping! If we don't do this, remind us! I now am doing a Communion service at the assisted living facility every 2nd and 4th Sunday, with being a Sacristan on the 3rd Sunday, so this limits us to long trips on only the 1st or 5th weekends. This is why Louisville is a great option for us, as I can make it back for my Sunday obligations. I need to go take a nap now so that I can go back to work tomorrow! I need the rest as Noah and I will be heading down to Tuttle to do some wheelin' this Friday!

Class 34's Begining Weekend.

2008-09-14T06:49:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful weekend! We welcomed 9 new couples to the diaconate. They are 9 couples that truly seemed to be filled with the Holy Spirit! Pat and I worked on the food crew again this weekend. We always seem to be drawn here. This year we had it running so smoothly it was amazing! We start our weekly sessions in 2 weeks. I don't think that it will really sink in that this is the last year until we start back. Then all of group 30 will not be there on Tuesday nights. They have been there with us since we started, so that will be odd not to have them there! Please keep the prayers going for us as we will need them more this year than ever before! The word is that being this close, satan himself really tries to pull one away now! I know where my focus must stay, and I pray that the golden halo at the end remains in my focus!

English Family Reunion

2008-09-07T06:36:00.003-05:00

We ventured up this weekend to good ol' Walthill, Nebraska for the English family reunion! This would be Pat's mom's side of the family for those of you that are not quite familiar with our families lineage. Of course we all had a GREAT time as we got to catch up with several members of the family that we don't get to see that often. Al, Keri, and Allison would probably have to be the winners of the "farthest traveled" as they drove in from Chicago. Hey, no small feat with a 16 month old on board! Oh yes, we had the fun and games too (see above pic)! Now that is true brotherly love, and teamwork too!

Labor Day Camping

2008-09-01T12:18:00.006-05:00

We made a camping trip this weekend to Louisville State Lakes. It is only about 20 minutes from home which made it very nice this weekend as Noah had a birthday party to go to Saturday afternoon, and Pat lectored at Mass on Sunday morning. It was a beautiful weekend! Temps did climb into the lower 90's, but there was a cool breeze that refreshed us when we sat in the shade. Noah got a little bike riding in as Pat and I strolled along a trail that was adjacent to the Platte river. We got to see some of the air boats running up and down the river also. Noah made friends with a boy at the next campsite over from us. Nick was from LaVista, so we are probably about neighbors anyway!? Noah fit in so well with their family that he spent most of Sunday afternoon and evening over at their campsite. It is such a shame that Noah isn't very outgoing (HA!). Noah also picked up on rummy (the card game). Mom and him were even caught playing an early morning game at the campsite (above)! We are going to have to try for 1 more camping weekend before it gets cold?!

My 1st Day

2008-08-28T19:21:00.002-05:00

Well, all I can say is "I'm gonna hafta study!!!". It has been a while since I have been to school! It won't be a piece of cake, but we were told for the last 2 years, those that had graduated Creighton with a major in computer science have averaged 40-50K right out the door! And this is on top of 100% placement by graduation! Something for me to shoot for!! Wish me luck, I may need it!

Millard Days Parade

2008-08-24T06:08:00.004-05:00

Noah and I attended our first parade with the Jeep. Both the clubs that I belong to participated (Just Jeeps of Omaha, and Pioneer 4 Wheelers). We all combined for the entry for "Ultimate Truck", which is a 4x4 shop there in Millard. Yup, that's Noah and I walking through the middle of the Jeeps. Ours is the white one behind the black one on the left. I couldn't believe the amount of people that attended the parade! As one Jeeper put it "it was awesome to see that "I gotta get one of those" looks on all the dads faces". Noah had a great time handing out candy. He has already told me that he wants to do that again next year, and bring MORE candy.

Happy Birthday to You...

2008-08-17T07:51:00.004-05:00

We let Pat decided today's activities, as it was her birthday after all. She figured since the weather would be so nice, she wanted to spend the day at the airshow. We went out to Offutt at about 11:00, and found out that the Thunderbirds would not be performing until 4:00! We decided to wait it out while we looked at the many exhibits, and watched some of the other air demonstrations. We did finally get to see the Thunderbirds, and they did not dissapoint! What an awesome show they put on! They even had a pilot from Bayard, Nebraska (plane #3).

After the airshow we took mom out to dinner at Red Lobster, then made it home in time to see Michael Phelps win his record 8th gold medal! Pat did say that it had been quite a wonderful birthday!!!

Noah's First Day

2008-08-16T07:23:00.004-05:00

Well, so far 4th grade has gone very smooth! I know, I know it was only the first day, and only half a day at that, but Noah loves his new teacher (Mrs. Meier), and he is very ready, and willing to learn. He told me that they have two field trips planned already. One will be a fishing field trip where the biggest fish caught will win a prize. Actually I think that he meant the angler would win the prize, not the biggest fish! The second trip will be to the capital building in Lincoln. He said that they may even have the chance to meet the governor! Noah seems excited about this year, and we are thankful for that! We just want to make sure that the enthusiasm keeps up all year!

Crash 'em if you got 'em

2008-08-10T19:56:00.004-05:00

We made our annual trip to West Point for the Cuming County Fair. We make the trek every year for the main purpose of seeing the demo derby. Their derby has to be one of the best I have ever seen. Not only is it run professionally, but the drivers are top notch (or as top notch as a derby driver can get). But as always, we end up enjoying the fair also. We have to sample the food (sorry, still no Beemer Burgers), and ride the rides. The derby is always the highlight, and this year the temperature was very accommodating (mid 80's). Our favorite heat has come to be the trucks. This year we even got to cheer the "short bus" on to victory. Somehow this was fitting....hum......just don't know why....? We even ran into some Yostens there! Imagine that, in West Point?!? Nathan filled me in on football, and hopefully we will make the October 4th game at Dana College (Blair).

May Belle moves up...again

2008-08-10T19:49:00.002-05:00

The Jeep moved up another 1.25" this weekend thanks to Noah and I. To go along with the 2" suspension lift, we added a 1.25" body lift this weend. We have gone up a total of 3.75" with tires ands lift kits. Now I need 33" mud tires. Pat says "no", and I have to agree. Those will be in about 3 years when these tires need replaced. This will be our last "boost" for a while as anything else will be major bucks. That will have to wait until I finish school, and May Belle is retired to "toy" status!

Colorado Trip

2008-07-28T18:36:00.009-05:00

Pat and 3 of the girls she works with took a little trip to Copper Mountain, Colorado this past weekend. They just went to relax as you can tell from the pictures! They rented ATV's (Pat is 3rd from the left). Look out world, it's the Wild Hogs!!!!(Pat said that, I didn't) Noah thinks that mom now has the ATV bug. They also took a white water rafting trip (below). Pat is in the 2nd row on the left. I know that I now have the bug to go rafting! This is something along with skydiving that I would do in a minute given the chance. However, I think that rafting would scare me more than skydiving. This even given my fear of heights! Pat looks like she couldn't resist the mud puddles this weekend either.....hum? Just an FYI, if you click on any photos in the blog, you can view them full size.

Wheeling in the Wilderness!

2008-07-28T15:01:00.005-05:00

Noah and I had quite the adventure this weekend! We started by working the National Vetrans wheelchair games Saturday morning. This was the olympics for the disabled veterans. Noah and I both enjoy doing this so much. The athletes are wonderful people, and Noah and I both feel that this is the least that we can do for them. We had a ball! After the wheelchair games Saturday morning, we made the drive out to Grand Island to spend the night before playing in Bessey National Forest on Sunday. The temp was pushing 100, so we thought that the best way to keep cool would be splashing around in a puddle (see above pic). We found a few of them to have fun in as is evident by the bottom picture. The good thing is that the sand washes off much easier than mud does! After wheeling in the forest we made the jaunt back to the hotel in GI for a dip in the pool. It sure did feel great after those scorching temps! Pat is due back tonight from Colorado. I will post again with a few of her pics, and details!

Tom Petty Rocked...

2008-07-21T07:51:00.005-05:00

I know, Noah looks real excited about the Tom Petty concert, but trust me, he had a great time! This was his very first concert, and he was impressed. I don't think that we could have picked a better one for him to see. Steve Winwood was the warm up (not to bad of a warm up?), and then TP & the HB's came out and played for 2 hours! They surely didn't dissapoint! The only drawback was that the show started at 8:00. This means that dad got his 2 hour nap in the afternoon, and was probably one of the most awake of all 3 of us by the end! Go figure? It was truly a great time as he played all of the old faves, and a couple new ones in there too. Noah did get his first concert tee, and as true to form, he will have mine after they are both washed (they run so small it is not funny). Puddin' will probably be wearing his after the first wash!!

May Belle Moves Up In The World!

2008-07-19T18:19:00.004-05:00

May Belle (my Jeep) has moved up in the world! 2" to be exact! The above picture (before) shows the stock suspension and lift, while the below picture (after) shows how much she has gone up. I installed a 2" lift with 4 new Rough Country 5000 shocks. The real test for her will be next weekend as Noah and I will be taking her out to Bessey National Forest (Halsey, Nebraska) to do some 4 wheeling in the sand hills! Stay tuned for the pics and posts from that!

Surprise, Surprise, Surprise!!!!

2008-07-18T14:22:00.003-05:00

What a wonderful week this has turned out to be! My Uncle Jim and Aunt Janet made the trek from New York City to the Big O (that would be Omaha)! They called last week and said that they were making the journey out this way. It turned out to be a wonderful time as we spent each evening this past week talking (and eating) with them. We had some big laughs, and some big shocks (oh Jim, you know what I am talking about). All went about as smooth as it could, and we had a wonderfull time enjoying each others company. I realized that it is nice to be able to talk to someone that truly realizes how much of a dysfunctional family we truly are! However, as I told Pat after they left, it is so wonderfull for me to be able to share the 1 "normal" family member of mine, with my family. I didn't know how else to describe you Jim? If I consider myself "normal", well then, you have to be to! All kidding aside, we all truly enjoyed our visit way more than we could ever put into words. All we can say is thank you so much for all you are to us, and all you have done! God bless you.

What a Weekend!

2008-07-14T07:03:00.005-05:00

It was another busy weekend for the Thomas family. Of course with it being summer, would we want it any other way? I will start by saying that we found out last week that my Uncle Jim and Aunt Janet from New York City will be visiting us this coming week! We can't wait to see them again! The cowboys and indians here in Nebraski must not have scared them off yet? OK, now back to the weekend...Pat & Noah went out to the lake with Jacque Saturday night for their fireworks (dad stayed home for some quiet time). The report was that they were awesome! Sunday afternoon found us at the twins (pictured here) 1st birthday party! They are Cusin Toby & Aunt Sara's girls. They are getting so interactive, and big! We got to touch base with a lot of the English clan, which is always a fun time. We even got to listen to Toby's lame excuses why he didn't catch any fish in Minnesota (just kiddin'!!). Remember, if you want to learn how to catch some pike, Noah is always ready to go back to Canada!?! Hopefully we can all relax, visit with Jim and Janet, and build up our energy again for next weekend (Saturday sees a 2" lift kit going on the Jeep, and Sunday is the Tom Petty concert!). Until then be good to one another! Peace out (Noah's saying)

Noah's Birthday

2008-07-06T06:26:00.004-05:00

Noah has had a great birthday "weekend" so far! We started it on Friday, the 4th of July with a visit from our friends that used to live down the street from us, "the Morrison's". I made some burgers and brats on the grill, and Noah, Zach & Luke lit off fireworks. Noah had a great time visiting with them. They are always a joy to see again! The afternoon of the 4th we went over to Lori's house (Mike's sister). We visited with them for a few hours as Noah and the kids swam in her pool. -Question for Jake, "what is glug, glug?" Answer, me trying to text your cell phone in your swim suit pocket!- After dinner there we took Noah to the Ralston fireworks show. We had forgot that Noah has never seen professional fireworks! He made the comment that "this is the best birthday EVER!". Saturday brought Jack and Joe (pictured below) over for a 4 hour Wii marathon. Noah received the Wii as the birthday present from mom & dad. We had pizza and ice cream cake for the boys. That evening we had Grandpa Joe, Dort, Judy, Hockey grandpa, Grandma Norma, the twins Megan & Arin (pictured above), Jacque & Brenda over for sloppy joes and more cake (yes, I have probably gained a lot more than the 6 pounds that I had lost on the Wii Fit already). Today (Noah's official birthday) will find us at the pool (95 degrees) if it is not raining, then we told Noah that dinner is at the restaurant of his choice. As of now he still can't make up his mind? We have now officially hit the double digits - 10. WOW! Where has the time gone? It brings a tear to my eye to think of how fast this has gone, and that in another 10 he will be gone off to college :-( I guess that is why we must cherish every moment that we share with him!!

Baseball Tournament

2008-06-29T18:26:00.004-05:00

I know, I know, but he is my son, so I must talk him up! Seriously, if you are a TRUE sports fan, you are doing yourself a great disservice if you have never witnessed this kid pitch! We played in the St. Columbkille Tournament this weekend. Noah was allowed to pitch 5 innings per day for the first time (it is only 3 during league play). Boy, what a performance he put on for everyone. We found out that after 3 innings he is truly only warming up! The boy pitched 5 innings of flawless work! By the end of 5 he still could hit the catcher's glove with pin point accuracy, and with a bigger "pop" than when he started. He has drawn praise from every other coach that we have played against. That is even before they know that he is just a 3rd grader. We played this tourney with a split roster from our regular season team, and the other half from St. Peter & Paul. I have to say that I have never had such fun with a group of kids, or parents. The kids fit with ours like they had known each other for years, and the parents had as much fun watching them as we did coaching! I honestly have to say that this was a great way to end the year. A big thank you to all that made it a success!!!!!