Happy Birthday Man!

WOW....15 years ago today my life would change forever. Little did I know what joy would be brought into my life. Yes, 15 years ago today Mr. Maxwell Thomas Surmeier made his appearance into our lives. The last 15 years have been such a joy. Watching him grow from a little boy into a young man has been AWESOME! He has always had the ability to make us laugh with some of his off the wall comments. You just NEVER know what is going to come out of his mouth next...which makes "life with Max" such an adventure. He has such a big heart and cares so much for other people. Looking back at all my scrapbook pages it almost breaks my heart to see how fast he has grown up. I knew he would but sure didn't think it would go this fast. We have so many "Max" stories that we could write a book. Happy Birthday Max....WE LOVE YOU!

Happy Birthday Nana!

Nana and Her cake!

Come on Nana....you can do it!!!!

We celebrated Nana's birthday yesterday! Maddie and I took her to Panera for breakfast before school. Auntie Karen took us all to Roadhouse and Maddie told the waitress that it was her birthday so she got to sit on the saddle and everyone gave her a YeeeHaw! We went back to our house for cake and ice cream and of course PRESENTS!!! We hope she had a good day!

It'S a SmoRgaSBoRd Of NewS!

Ok...when I started this "blog" adventure I thought...yeah no problem keeping it updated. WRONG! I am really disappointed in myself for not keeping on top of it so I am added it to my resolution list! Let’s see how long that one lasts…along with all my others! Since my last post we have had a few things keeping us busy so on with the update!

We got our Xmas tree up and everything is decorated…or as much as I am going to do. I probably shouldn’t tell this little fact about me but…I am ready to take it down and usually it comes down on Xmas day! I know I know! Blame my mother! (Sorry to rat you out Mom!) This year we are planning a cousin get together in Wichita. My dad’s brother and his family are coming down to shop, gamble, eat and drink for a couple of days. I am really excited about them coming. I think it will be non-stop laughter

Max is #30...under the bucket getting another rebound!

Playing some "D"

Right now we are knee deep in Max's basketball games. They are 1-1...should be 2-0...gave the first one away! He is playing mostly freshman but the option still is open to move up. He has started both games and was the Captain for the first game.

CONNER JOHN SURMEIER

We do have a new arrival in the family...Darrell & Erica have a new baby boy....Conner John. He was born December 3rd and is soooo cute! We had to make a one day trip to Hays to meet him. It is so exciting to have a new baby in the family again! D & E are going to make great parents! What is kinda cool is that Joe is 15 years older than Darrell & Darrell is 15 years older than Max and now Max is 15 years older than Conner. Very cool! I am only thinking how sorry I feel for Erica as I am afraid that Max will be teaching little Conner lots of things that he probably shouldn’t be doing! My only comment to that is….well it probably is just payback for what Darrell taught Max! LOL! Honestly…it is going to be so much fun watching another little Surmeier grow up and oh Aunt Missy is ready to SPOIL!!!

JP carving the old bird!

We had a nice Thanksgiving. As usual, Nana cooked a wonderful dinner. We were all stuff as usual! We were very lazy all day and watched the Bronco game that night.

Oh....man....that....was...quite...a....run...!!!!

Mads & her BFF Hannah!

3rd Place Finish...way to go Mads!

Maddie ran in the Turkey Trot the Saturday before Thanksgiving. She ran the 2 mile in a time of 16:34...which is pretty darn good for a 10 year old huh. She placed 3rd overall in her age group and her school won overall participation for like the 6th year! She did AWESOME! Max didn't get to run as he was doing “community service!” Well..not the kind that might first come to mind! The basketball players had a community work day. He cut down trees, tore down a shed, and raked leaves. He was out cold by 8:30 that night! Was really good for him though! I said after the “Trot” I think a lot of our future will be spent on cross country courses and tracks across Wichita! I really don’t have a problem with that!

Max’s birthday is coming up also. I cannot believe that I will be the mother of a 15 year old! Where in the world did time go? Will post more on that later in the month!

Not sure if I am going to get the old Xmas cards out. Probably will have to put out a Valentines letter or something….heck with all the technology now days….think I will be just posting something on Facebook and this blog! Why waste the postage! I hope you all have much success in your holidays shopping. Joe and I are headed out next week to whip it out! Yes, he is taking a day off! We always have fun…we go to lunch and shop all day. He has realized over the last couple of years we have been doing this just how hard work it really is!

Here’s to another post soon!!!!!

Dedicated to Dad....

Coaching the Ellis Railroaders in the 3A State Championship Game.

I post these pictures today in rememberance of my dad...aka as our Superman! One year ago today our lives were completely turned inside out and shaken all around. I really don't think that today is much different than yesterday or tomorrow. Every day is hard without him and I miss him terribly each and every day!

I have so many good memories of our family and all the fun times we have had together. These pictures only reveal a fraction of the fun we had and how much Max and Maddie loved him. This picture of Maddie is one of the two of them sitting on the back of Joe's truck in the garage and GD was cracking the sunflower seeds open and handing Maddie the seed! Now only a grandparent would do something like that right?

The picture of Max is where the "boys" went to Denver to the Bronco/Raider game. Max got his face all painted up and they tailgated. I can remember my dad coming home at 2 in the morning just laughing b/c Max was all that saying "oh I am going to stay awake the whole way home!" They pulled up in the driveway to let Uncle D out and Max jumps up and says "See I told you I would stay awake!" He had fallen asleep just coming out of Denver & slept the rest of the way . I can still remember my dad laughing about that!

I will say...as much joy as they brought him in the oh so ever short time they "hung" with him...he brought them the same amount of joy! He really was our SUPERMAN!

I love the pictures of him coaching because that was so him. He gave it 150% everytime he hit that court and expected nothing less of those boys he was coaching! He also expected that of Shelly and I although he sometimes never got it! I just wonder looking at this picture...where did you get those shoes???? We always did give him grief about his clothing options!

February 2008

The past year has been about as hard as I would expected it and here one year later I am still sitting here with tears streaming down my face writing this. I know this is a pain that will never go away it will just ease with time. I only know this because I have watched Joe the past 17 years. I cannot even begin to know how my mom has held it together...during the illness and over the past year. I think we need to dub her Superwoman! I know she doesn't want us to see her sad but I know each day her heart breaks but she thinks of the good memories and carries on! I will always cherish the above picture. It was taken at my birthday party just 4 days before he got sick. W e were all togehter & we had a great time and of course we were dancing!

I will end this post by writing that the hardest part for me so far is just not having him here to experience all of Max and Maddie's life events. I know he is up there with a front row seat and always on their shoulder but somedays I cannot be but selfish and think...that just isn't good enough! You know they say that a parent should never have to lose a child but as a child I am thinking that it might just work the opposite way also!

February 1967

I am going to leave you with one more picture. I had the best parents (yeah, that is me with my mouth open!) in the whole wide world. I know almost every kid makes that claim but I think that I actually speak the truth! LOL! I had the best of the best childhood filled with love~ laughter ~ a lot of living and isn't that what it is all about? If you are reading this and you knew my dad...today think of a good memory of him.

Also know this....if he knew you...you were considered his friend!

I have to add a side note...how appropiate that we celebrate GD's life by eating enchildias tonight for supper! If you ever got to eat them then you know how good they were...well my mom has nailed the receipe. See dad, she was listening all those years! To top off being together tonight and telling "GD" stories we are also going to CELEBRATE! Maxwell Thomas made the Sophomore team @ Northwest! WOW...see that sun shining today...that is GD smiling! WE are all very proud of Max but not very happy that he has kept us wondering the last two days! So...our winter schedule has been planned! Go Grizzlies!

The girls trying to keep warm!


Roasting their hot dogs!

Aloha! Maddie and her friends!


Nana was teaching the girls her moves and of course Max got in on the action. He should of known that I would have my camera and it would come back to bite him!

Here was the table place settings that we set up for their luau!

Maddie and her "loot"...from her family birthday!

This is her cookie cake she wanted. The store copied her shirt that she is wearing. Most of her clothes this year had the peace symbol on it!

Here she is at school with her "giant" cupcake taking the ritual "1st" bite!

See everyone waiting for her so they can dig in!

Miss Madison as you saw from earlier post turned 10. I cannot believe that this is even possible. She was SO excited to be Double Digits! She is such a beautiful young lady. She had some friends over for a LUAU birthday party! Little did we know back in July when we planned this party that winter would make an early appearance this year! It was fun...the girls all had grass skirts and lays. We roasted hot dogs and made smores. Now don't think I am this Girl Scout trooper...I ended up have to blip the hot dogs and smores!!! The girls didn't care they just had fun. We also took giant cupcakes to school. Nana made them for her and we sprinkled them in GREEN sugar. She is soooo into green right now! We had her family dinner..she requested Taco Salad....she knows I can cook that! She got lots of cute clothes and a digital picture frame. Brandon went and got her a new scooter. Not sure if the scooter was more of a gift for him or her. Not b/c he rides it but b/c her old one had a bad tire and everytime she rode it in the garage it made this horrid sound! It was just making too much noise while they were watching TV in the "man cave"! I hope the next year goes a little slower...I am definately not ready for her to turn 11! Still trying to cope with 10.

UPDATE: Yes...wrote this post last week and didn't get the pictures attached till now! Since then Maddie has completed her VB at the Y. She did great and got a nice big medal! She really loves playing and now we might be trying to get on a club VB team. VB was always my favorite sport..(not so much running!) so she has taken a liking to it also! Her P/T conferences were this week and of course she did GREAT! Her teacher said that she is an outstanding student and very respectable! News I already knew!

The Fan Club!

Max...making his move!

Getting Congratulations from Nana!

OH YEAH...15th Place....17.49! Congrats!

Max has been kicking but in XC. Not sure the last meet that I reported on but this weekend is All City. He is running Varsity and I think as a freshman that is quite and honor. He has yet to break 18 minutes yet but has come soooo close. That is his goal on Saturday! The next weekend is Regionals at Dodge City then if they make it to State it will be in Lawrence at Rim Rock. He also went to Fall Homecoming at NW. Told me that EVERYONE was wearing jeans...Friday night he decides that EVERYONE isn't wearing jeans so we are shopping for slacks, tie, shirts...thank goodness he can wear Joe's shoes. He looked very handsome but unfortuately I have NO pictures. I know you are asking yourself...WTH....I was very disappointed that I didn't get them. You all know I live for that kind of thing. Some miscommunication but luckily some of the girls from the group got some. Not with just he and his dad but a group shot. Now how am I supposed to crop that? I have already informed him that Winter Homecoming I WILL get pictures!! Last Saturday he ran in El Dorado. It was FREEZING and was right by the lake. He ran 18.07 and did a good job. If I were a betting girl...i know i know...I would bet that this Saturday at All City he breaks that 18 minutes. He is determined. I do think he is going thru a growing spurt. Whatever the case we are SUPA proud of him! Good Luck Max!

UPDATE: I wrote the above obivously before the City meet but am VERY proud to report that Max did AWESOME at All City! He not only medaled...as a FRESHMAN....but he BROKE 18 minutes for the 5k. He ran a 17.49 and we are still beaming. He did it in front of a crowd also. My dad's brother and his family made the trip to Wichita to witness it. Of course all of the rest of us were there also! So..this weekend we are off to Dodge to the Regionals. Expect a report next week! WAY TO GO MAXWELL THOMAS!

Mr. & Mrs. Hilliard!

The love of my life!

2/3 of the reason I get out of bed every morning!

WOW...a picture with mom...not something that happens very often!

We are in "ATW"..(after the wedding) state...EVERYTHING was BEAUTIFUL!!! The bride, the day, the food, absolute everything. I have told people that the only thing that would of made it complete was if my dad could of been with us...then I have to pause and remember..Oh was he ever! He actually had the best seat in the house..right next to grandpa/ma B & Joe's mom. We know they were all smiling down on us! Well...on with the details. Shelly was not even nervous which yes kinda shocked me! She even had a suprise for Brandon during the vows...she promised to "never root against Texas unless they are playing KSU..Notre Dame or UNC." It got quite a few laughs and caught EVERYONE off guard! The dinner was FAB...Paula out did herself...the music and dancing were of course a blast! We really cut a rug that is for sure! It was great seeing everyone even though we didn't feel like we had enough time to actually see everyone! Isn't that the way it always goes. Shelly & Brandon had a good week in Florida and got to relax. Wish we could of hitched along also..yes that is what we do! LOL! Hope you enjoy the pictures but they don't really do justice to how beautiful everything was!

She's a Beauty.....

How did we get from this......

.....to this??????

That's right. She is a beauty AND.....she is also 10 years old today! I posted on FB that I sure wish someone could explain to me how this happened so FAST! I remember 10 years ago when Joe and I brought her home from the hospital...it was hot but the heat really didn't matter. She was so precious with her black hair and so much of it! The day was filled with visitors....but what so many of us remember was seeing Max out on the playset in the backyard sitting in the fort all by himself! It really was kinda sad! Although they would never admit they really do love each other and I do on rare occasion catch them having a conversation...a civilized one at that! I hope Mads has the BEST day ever and hope she always knows that he is our favorite daughter!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY MADDIE.....YOUR DOUBLE DIGITS!!!!!

AGAIN....barely!

Maddie getting ready to put it on the other team!!

CHAMPION...AGAIN!

Max getting his 1st place medal!

Max did it again...barely! Last Saturday he won the Southeast JV meet but it was a close one. He led most of the race but as he was coming down the stretch his own teammate almost caught him. In talking to Max after the race he didn't even know the Drake was right on his tail. He ran the 5K in 18.21....some 20+ seconds better than the Emporia meet. He bettered his time which is what he was after but his goal is to get under 18 minutes. If I were a betting person (ok..yes I am) I would put all my money on him. When he puts his mind to something he usually gets the job done! Keep watching for me to report on him meeting his goal. Next XC meet...this Thursday at Ark City! Missing the BIG Rim Rock meet in Lawrence on Saturday to do his duty...he is walking "DEDA" aka...Shelly....down the aisle for her big day! I am sure we will have stories to report of him doing something crazy! Maddie also had a VB game on Saturday on ONCE again she crushed those serves over the net! She didn't try any overhand serves but that isn't because she cannot get them over...she was just taking it easy on the other team! We are all doing good just getting ready for the big day on Saturday! Will post more on that later!

G.D.O. (Girls "Day" Out!)

The "damages" all loaded up!!!

The Girls in front of Nell's House!


This was just the partial line that was formed!

My Mom, Cousin Connie & Mary Carol (owner of the house & store!)

Last Friday we headed to Atchinson to shop. Yes, you are probably asking yourself "Why?". Well there is a little store there that is FABLOUS! The store is Nell Hill's and we started going there some time back when we would go to visit my Grandma. The things at this store (most of them) are very reasonably priced which makes shopping much more fun! As you can see by the back of the van we found lots of things that were "reasonably" priced...well that is the story we are sticking with! My mom, Karen & their cousin Connie & I left Wichita at 6:30 am (yes...this was serious!) and picked up Paula in Topeka. We met Linda from KC there and the shopping was on. We first were able to tour the owner of this little store's home. I was not too impressed with her house but as you can see from the pictures many many people stood in line to tour it! I would not tour agan but will probably venture north again to shop! It was a fun day and our legs were aching when we got back to Wichita. The only thing that would of made the trip complete is if Shelly and Jill could of come with us! (We miss you two!) Thankfully I had my camera (yeah, like I leave home without it!) so enjoy the pictures!